Title: Bonded by Fire
Chapter 1 – Opposite Ends of the Same Spectrum
Summary: AU For Casey and Severide putting their lives on the line for their jobs is a daily occurrence. But when an enemy arises from within the ranks to take one of them down, will they be able to put aside differences and work together or will both be destroyed? Danger. Whump. Bromance. And lots of Angsty Drama.
Disclaimer: Chicago Fire and its characters are the property of Dick Wolfe, NBC and….well sadly not me
A/N: Okay so I must confess that this idea has been with me for a bit, but due to time, real life and the new seasons lol it had to wait (big thank you to those that I discussed this with for your patience!). So since this is AU so I've taken a few liberties such as Shay's alive! Yay and I hope you are all okay with that. Most other stuff will be the same (I won't give away everything right now – you'll just hafta wait and see when you read on whats in store for our boys!). So let's get started and please do enjoy. Thanks!
His actions pause as he looks up at himself in the mirror and frowns at the small bruise underneath his right eye; his mind recalling the surprise attack the night before by two men dressed in black jumping out of the shadows. His jaw tightens as he recalls their message; it tightens a bit harder as he looks back down at his cell phone and the waiting warning.
'Throw the match or there will be another accident at the House.'
His fingers curl around the phone so hard that his knuckles whiten in seconds and he has to loosen his grasp or else he'll break the phone and end up spending needless money on another broken device. But inside, his mind races as he remembers the morning after the last time he went into a boxing match and won – a few weeks back.
'Chief Ryerson. What happened? Where's Winston?'
'He was in an accident last night.'
'What? What happened? Is he okay?'
But his fellow truck team member wasn't okay and his determined but as of yet unseen nemesis made sure that that man felt the wrath of his anger and that he paid the price for his wanting to play fair and by the rules – his rules. He hadn't officially confirmed who was pulling the deadly strings as they had used interlopers to do their dirty work for them. He had an idea and he wasn't about to be bullied away from the job he loved so much. However, he wasn't against the idea of looking at another House. The only thing that had kept him from putting in for an official transfer was he hadn't quite found a House that would be willing to back him, sight unseen. Or take someone else with him. It was all or nothing. Would he ever find that House?
"I won't bend," he states with a small hiss as he reaches for his boxing gloves. He pulls one on and then pauses as he hears some shuffling and looks up as a familiar face approaches. "You shouldn't be back here."
"To hell with…your rules. Figured you needed a friendly face tonight," the other male voice starts to hisses as he picks up the other glove and then starts to wrap the already clenched fist. "Talked to your opponent yet?"
"Nope only heard things. Lieutenant from 51. Things I heard were all good."
"51's a good House."
"And they have no openings. We talked about this."
"They're down a lieutenant!"
"That they'll fill in House. Come on, we gotta think about the match tonight."
"Did you get a text?"
"I said…"
"Did you?"
"Yes and I'm not playing their game."
"Matt…"
"I'm not one of their stooges. I'll take my chances in the ring."
"And if you win? Will it be my ass in that hospital bed tomorrow?"
"I can't play their game!" His voice growls before softens. "I'll take my chances. Maybe…maybe by the end of 12 rounds we'll both be winners."
"Just hold still while I tighten this up. Hope you know what you're doing because your opponent from 51 is going to come out swinging and you need to be thinking about round 1 not 12!"
"I know. Wish me luck."
"You'll need more than that."
Christopher Hermann watches his lieutenant leave the room and offers an angry curse as he waits a few seconds and then slowly follows behind. "But we can at least submit applications to 51!" He mutters under his breath.
XXXXXXXX
"You see more nervous than usual," the female voice talks to the male as he slowly laces up his gloves in the dressing room opposite the one that his equally nervous opponent was getting ready in as well. "Is it the match or something else?"
"I'm fine."
"Which means…you're not. So spill it already," she demands with a small huff as he looks at her with slightly arched brows. "What?"
"One of the truck guys wants to come to squad and truck's already down one…that'd make two and…and we still need to fill Andy's Lieutenant spot on truck and…ah it's nothing."
"You don't want to go out there with all this hostility inside you. You'll probably end up killing your poor opponent."
"Yeah."
"Do you know who it is?"
"Matt Casey from House 47."
He looks at himself in the mirror and frowns, his mind wondering if he should even go out there when his mind is so agitated about work and life in general. There had been some tension at work to fill the position but for some reason each potential replacement they brought in on a one shift trial basis, just didn't seem to gel with the guys. We're a family…a brotherhood…everyone has to get along. Plus the sudden death of his childhood best friend meant the Truck's Lieutenant still needed to be filled and he just couldn't see anyone else in it. Boden had told him only a few more weeks with a sub and the he'd start to look for a permanent replacement and that would be it – no questions asked. That also adds to his inner anxiety.
"I know you're worried about filling the empty seats but you gotta get your head back in this game. You know 51 is undefeated."
"And that record will stand. Stop worrying Shay," he replies with a small huff as her lips purse and she pulls back.
"Well someone has to!" She sighs as she watches her best friend and current roommate Lieutenant Kelly Severide leave the room and disappear into the narrow hallway that leads into the noisy and very packed boxing arena. She follows behind him, worrying that Andy Darden's death was still weighing too heavily on his mind and he'd probably be out in the first round.
Severide enters the room, his ears picking up the sound of applause and his eyes darting around to hunt for a familiar face. Andy's gone! His mind reminds him as he looks at a few other familiar faces from his House 51, there to cheer him on. He spies some of the guys from 47, Matt Casey's House and offers them a nod. He hadn't really interacted much with them as their House was on the other side of the City and unless it was a major 5 alarm fire, all hands on deck, it was usually only at annual functions or the occasional memorial or graduation celebration. The same would be said of Casey in return.
He watches Matt Casey approach the ring and instantly he's struck by a curious vulnerability in the aquamarine orbs as his opponent approaches. His frame was taut and ready but his eyes held another story. Unsure? Afraid? Bitter? It wasn't the outright anger that he had seen in other opponents so he's not sure now what to expect from the man about to get into the ring before him. As soon as they both enter and Casey steps into the bright lights, Severide instantly notices the faint bruise that already decorates part of his face. What's going on?
With each step closer to the center ring, Casey's heart starts to race faster and faster. He tries not to look around but he can't help it; his mind wants to know which face in the sea of onlookers would be the one to report back that he didn't follow their rules. He was determined to play by the fair rules, his personal rules – no matter the cost. The trouble was, the last time he didn't give in, it nearly cost a friend and fellow firefighter his life. Who was next Hermann? He's a father…of six…devoted husband…loyal friend and team member…if he doesn't throw the fight would Hermann be the next to feel the wrath? His family? Could he take that risk?
He wasn't quite sure why 47 was under attack but can only assume that it had something to do with the deal he witnessed a few weeks back; one of his men and a CPD Officer exchanging money for drugs. He had told his superior and after that there was nothing but problems. Was his Chief the one behind the threats? Was it someone in the CPD? Or someone else? Who had his Chief told? The only thing that was keeping him alive is the fact that he had taken pictures and locked them away – somewhere no one knew, even Hermann.
Casey watches Severide get into the ring and feels his enthusiasm starting to wane. Strong and confident – Severide has all the assurance and has come to win. In fact as he gets closer, he can't help but notice the fierce determination in Severide's eyes and tells himself to come out swinging or just walk away now. If he knew and could trust his opponent he might dare take the chance to confide that if he let him take it all the way to 12 rounds, to a draw, his life and possibly others would be spared the wrath of someone out to seek revenge on his House possibly others. Or worse, use his House as an intermediary for something nefarious. But then if he did give in, he would always have to right? Stop it! Get your head back in the game! NOW!
They come to the center, touch gloves and then each back away; Hermann in Casey's corner and Boden in Severide's. Casey knows of Boden's character and for a split second finds himself wishing he and Hermann were a part of 51 and their troubles would be over. They could come to work each day, work with a team they liked and felt at home with, under a man they respected and know at the end of the day they could walk to their personal vehicles without the fear of having their kneecaps broken!
But the bell dings and it's time for inner misery to pass and time to get his mind in the game. It was win or literally lose – everything. Even if you win you still lose! Casey charges toward Severide, swinging his right and using his left to shield his vulnerable chest. He catches Severide in the left side and then braces for his own hit. Which he gets.
Severide pushes past the odd pleading in Casey's eyes, a strangely instant connection that made the inner brother in him want to take the other firefighter aside and ask him who had hit him and what he could do to help. He's not my friend…or my 51 brother…I don't know him. Just kick his ass and go home!
Severide's left fist pounds in to Casey's right side, his lips offering a muffled grunt as he quickly backs up. On Severide's side he had strength of size; Casey, agility and speed. Together they'd be an unbeatable match – but opposite? It would be who could outlast the other.
Casey's right fist strikes Severide in the chest; Severide's right countering and striking Casey in the ribs once more. Casey's frame slightly falters with two more quick jabs to the ribs, causing his body to dip and Severide's gloved hand to zoom upward and clip him in the side of the face, adding some fresh color to his already blackened eye.
As soon as Casey looks up with a soft frown, his inner protection surges and he pulls back with a remorseful expression, something Casey just shrugs off and tries to rebound from. The first round comes to an end with both of them at equal footing, heading back to their corners with ragged breaths and elevated heart rates.
"You purposely trying to let him beat you?" Boden asks Severide in a low tone.
"Something's…off," Severide mentions. "Did you notice…him looking around…like looking…for someone?"
"You're reading too much into nothing," Boden reminds him as he hands him his water bottle. "51 is undefeated. Put your mind on that!"
"Right."
Casey's weary frame slumps down onto the small stool as Hermann's fingers pull out the mouth guard and offers him a drink to rinse his mouth.
"Any…of them here?"
"You need to focus on this. Let me worry about the trained monkey's," Hermann whispers in Casey's slightly ringing ear.
"What if…you told Boden…tell Severide…"
"Tell them what? Matt…come on, you can't trust anyone. You know that. Get your head back in the game."
"Okay…okay," Casey huffs as Hermann fixes the mouth guard back in place. He gives Casey a hearty slap on the back, sending him back into the middle of the ring just as he snatches the little stool and places it back on the floor.
Just as Severide gets up and approaches Casey, he notices Hermann looking, once again in the direction of the special guest seating and wonders what's going on. Most guys from other House's coming in here were doing it to prove something; but these two were off and that worries him. Boden didn't get it. It was instinctive. Something he couldn't change.
They touch gloves once more and the second round starts. Once again, Casey comes out swinging first, his right fist finding the sweet spot underneath Severide's rib cage and driving home two direct punches. But Severide is able to counter with two stiff punches to Casey's mid-section once again sending the blond Lieutenant slightly faltering backwards.
Severide once again notices that Casey's eyes divert in the same direction that Hermann's had looked earlier and can't help but think now that something is going on. Damn this is driving me to distraction! What is going on? He could take advantage of Casey's distraction and send a blow to his jaw, but figures that would be dirty play and so hits him in his left, forcing his body to jerk and his eyes to widen and his concentration to snap back to attention – instantly.
Pay attention! Casey's mind growls as he sends out a blow. This one misses and he inwardly yells to pay attention or else he'd really end up lying flat on his back. The next blow meets its mark and his mind basks in a few brief moments of confidence as his opponents lips grunt and Severide steps backward.
The bell dings and round two comes to an end; once again sending both of them back to their respective corners.
"Are…they here?" Casey asks with a mild pant as he looks up as Hermann tends to a small cut under his eye.
"No! Just think about lasting the last 10 rounds and then quit this damn game for good! If you don't come here they have nothing more to threaten you with."
"They'll…find something."
"Work with me. Now keep your head up! He's got your soft spot down pat."
"I've…got his," Casey grunts before the mouth guard is put back in and he pushes himself back up.
Once again Severide had been watching Casey's eyes during the sixty second time out and they once again darted over a few times to a certain area.
"Shay find out what's….going on over there?"
"Kelly," Boden had started.
"Something's off Chief. They both seem…nervous. This is…a straight fight."
"Then focus on that."
"Shay?" Severide looks at her with arched brows.
"Fine, I'll go see who's pestering little brother for you," she offers in sarcasm as she pulled away. Now with Shay going to just casually check things out, he accepts the mouth guard and steps back into the ring for round three. He nods to Casey but wishes they could have just a few minutes alone so he could ask why he was so distracted if he came here to fight and try to take down the defending House's title.
'Throw the match or else!'
The next blow clips Casey in the jaw, jarring his head to the right and forcing his eyes to squeeze shut. He falters. Another hit to the side and his knees start to buckle! Hermann wonders if Casey's finally giving in and about to throw the match. As much as he wants to live in peace tonight he knows he can't help Casey give in to their rules; his life would be forever ruined. They'd both regret it. So…he helps out as he always has.
"Casey!" Hermann shouts, jolting Casey's mind out of his painful stupor and directing his next hit – to Severide's left. He knows he can't aim for the groin or face a possible disqualification so next blow catches Severide right in the belly. It's not hard enough to get him to lose his fighting stance, but it's enough to make him step back so Casey can regain his balance and stand upright, fists raised and ready for another bout.
The next several rounds are the same, the two of them equal – trading blow for blow and punch for punch; sweat building and hearts racing at top speed. Both of their bodies wanting to give up but neither egos wanting to give in. It would come down to the final round. Right down to the wire.
"Can you take much more?" Hermann asks in concern as Casey's aching frame slumps back down on the stool at the end of the eight round.
"Yes…I can…I…have to," Casey gasps with a labored breath, his ribs still sore from the surprise attack the night before. He looks up at Severide, his mind wishing that his Chief was there to instill some confidence in him as was Boden from 51. But in this case, he's almost glad that he only sees a few other team members from 47 in attendance.
"What'd…you learn?" Severide asks Shay, his lungs sounding just as ragged.
"Gosh Kelly you sound like you're about to drop!" Shay scolds as he narrows his eyes.
"What?" He presses.
"From what I heard? Casey keeps asking his buddy there…if they're here? That's it. They didn't seem like they wanted to all join hands and share their darkest secrets with me."
"Okay," Severide replies as he looks back at Casey. Was it family? Friends? Boss? Loan shark? … Someone else? Both Casey and his friend were distracted and that was unusual for what should be a friendly fight. Plus if the other fighter's whole mind, body and soul wasn't into the fight then he felt it was a waste of time. But as he looks at Casey's tense frame and the man behind him (Hermann)'s worried expression he confirms in his mind that he'd ask Casey if everything was okay. He had heard a few rumors about House 47 but they were only that and most came from who he thought were jilted ex-employees.
"You're head in the game?"
Boden's voice pulls Severide back to reality and he nods and accepts the mouth guard, his jaw starting to hurt as the last opponent he had was out in 5 rounds. Now it appears there's a good possibility that they'll be going the full 12 rounds.
As much as his body is burning and begging for him to just sit out the rest of the rounds and concede defeat, he knows that he can't just give in or he'd be giving in all the time. But if it were to end in a draw, no winners or losers, 51 would still be undefeated and he wouldn't have to contend with himself for not taking a dive.
Severide nods and Casey looks at him with a small frown but nods and both of them once again fist bump gloves and then back up a few feet and get ready for round 9. The hits this time are lighter and don't pack as much punch as they did when the match first started. They slowly circle each other, trading blow for blow and both of them starting to show signs of slowing down.
Just give in! Casey's mind begs as his lungs and chest start to burn. I can't…if I see this through….to a draw…it'll be okay.
Severide notices the conflict in Casey's eyes and wonders just what's going on. No other opponent had come into the ring seemingly so conflicted and yet ready to give his all; silently begging to go all 12 rounds as if is very life depended on it. Damn now you're just being melodramatic because he kind of reminds you of Andy and you're missing your dead best friend!
The bell dings once more and both of them slowly wander back to their respective corners.
"No one showed up!" Hermann whispers in Casey's ear as he wipes the sweat from his brow and then offers some Gatorade. "You need…"
"One…more round," Casey gasps as he looks up weakly. "One more…and it's…over."
"I'll remind you again tomorrow that this was stupid!"
"Day off…tomorrow," Casey reminds him as he swishes another gulp in his mouth and spits it out. "One…more round…Hermann."
"Yeah," he sighs as he puts the mouth guard back into Casey's mouth and gives him a hearty pat on the back. "I worry about when we go back to work," he whispers as he watches Casey push his hurting frame upright and head into the middle of the ring.
The two of them bump gloves once more and then step back. Severide delivers a resounding blow to Casey's already throbbing ribs, not knowing that they were already bearing the brunt of an attack the night before. Casey's face heavily winces and Severide's mind races to know if he actually broke a rib. I didn't hit him that hard!
Casey once again catches Severide on his left side, his sweet spot and watches Severide's body falter and his stance waver. But the two of them are determined to be the last man standing and so push themselves to just keep going.
A few more blows. A few more grunts. A few more whispered curses. In the end…it's declared…
"We have a draw!"
The referee holds up both their hands, one red glove and one blue glove in the air and all the spectators in the small building continue to cheer loudly. 51 would remain undefeated and Casey didn't have to worry about his conscience being seared at giving in and making himself lose the fight in a cowardly way. Of course the truth would come out at a later time and a very concerned opponent would start to wonder. But for now they'd have to contend with meeting in the ring and then going their separate ways. Or would it end there?
Severide quickly spits out the mouth guard and then hurries after Casey.
"Hey!" He calls out, prompting Casey to stop and turn around in wonder; his mouth also spitting out the guard. "Kelly Severide, 51."
"Matt Casey, 47. Good…fight."
"Yeah but you seem distracted. If you really concentrated I think the title would have gone to 47."
"I was just trying…to keep up," Casey replies with a small but sharp intake of air.
"Did I do…I didn't break ribs did it?" Severide asks in concern. But in the moment that Casey flinches upon hearing the question his uneasiness instantly surges and he looks around and then back at Casey. "What's going on?"
"Huh? Nothing. Good fight. Heard good things about 51. Lucky."
Then before he could say another word, Severide watches Casey turn around and hurry back toward a waiting Hermann. Lucky? That's odd.
"Hey Rocky. Good job," Shay pats Severide on the back as she and Boden near him in the middle of the ring.
"Yeah…thanks," he replies as he looks at her with a tight lipped expression.
"You asked him what's up?"
"Yeah nothing."
"Good. Then let it go. I'm hungry," Shay states as she pushes past Boden and heads for her things gathered at the bottom of corner of the boxing ring.
"What's going on Kelly? You were distracted this entire fight and I don't think Matt Casey had that pretty a face," Boden replies with a hint of sarcasm but in all seriousness.
"I don't know. Something's off. What have you heard about 47?"
"47? Kelly…"
"Chief?" Severide pushes. "Something right?"
"Nothing worth you worrying about. Get dressed and go home. Good fight. 51 is still undefeated thanks to you," Boden praises as he pats Severide on the back.
But Boden's somewhat cryptic reply only fuels his curiosity and that prompts him to drop his gloves by Shay and go in search of Matt Casey in the back room. The grumblings that he had heard he didn't have time to qualify with Boden and to be honest, until tonight…this moment never had a reason to even want to ask. But the silent pleading in the blue eyes that locked with his for a few brief seconds during the match was too troubling to just let slide for good.
"Let's just get dressed and get the hell outta here," Hermann hisses as Casey pulls off his sweat soaked tank, showing off the bruises that he had sustained the night before. "Damn boss, those look worse," Hermann growls as he reaches for the large tensor bandage.
"These will heal but this will be the last fight," Casey manages with a wince as lifts his weary arms and lets Hermann bandage the ribs.
"Last fight?"
Both of them look up to see a strange but familiar face looking at him in shock.
"Did I do that tonight?" Severide asks in instant concern.
"Get lost!" Hermann snaps, always protective of the younger man he's trying to bandage up; trying to shoo a protesting Severide away.
"It's okay Christopher," Casey states in a low tone as Severide steps into the room and starts to close the door. But just as he does, Casey looks up just in time to see two figures in black appear in the hallway; the door closing a few seconds later and taking them away from view.
"I'm fine. This was work related. But good fight."
Severide looks at Casey and frowns. Once again something in his eyes was saying that he wasn't being honest but he couldn't say more. What is going on?
"So uh…you two wanna join some of us from 51 for a couple of beers? We go to Molly's. You two in? First round is on the winner," he proudly announces; his broad smile making Casey slightly smirk.
But as Hermann opens the door to put out the towels, he notices the dark figures and then quickly ducks back inside. "Or…maybe not."
"Is…something going on?" Severide asks in haste.
"No," Casey replies with a tight lipped smile. "Thanks for your offer but we have to get going."
"Well I hope it's not your last fight. You have one hell of a right hook."
"Thanks," Casey nods as Hermann pushes the door open, the two men in dark nowhere in sight. Casey watches Severide leave the room and then looks at Hermann with a heavy groan. "I saw them," he remarks as he pulls his sweater over his bandaged ribs. "We need to end this Hermann. For good."
"Tell me how we can do that without asking for outside help or ending up dead?"
Casey hears the question and looks at his friend in concern. Of course they were both worried and they had good reason. They were both serving at a House that was a magnet for trouble but thanks to someone on the inside it was still open for operation. Who could they trust? He thinks about 51 and it's good, fair and honest reputation and wonders if he might take a chance in telling a surprisingly friendly and very curious fighting opponent what he knows? But then if he did could he live with himself if he caused harm to come to Severide, Boden or any of the others at 51? Would they blame him for dumping his problems on them when unasked? All those unanswerable questions race through his mind.
However, they'd all be moot if the next question came up negative. Would they even survive the night? He hadn't played by their rules – again. Now who would pay the ultimate price? Was his time up? Hermann's? Was it all really over?
With a deep breath, Casey opens the door and prepares to face destiny.
A/N: So how'd you like the start to this new angsty AU multi-chapter adventure? Interested to know what's really going on at 47? Hmm spots opening at 51….any takers? (of course our two truckers will end up there but at what cost hehe?) Will Severide continue to press for the truth? Will Casey and Hermann face more trouble after they leave the arena? And who will see? I would love to know what you think so please do review to let me know what you thought about this new start and if you'd like more. Thank you!