Title: One Last Breath
Chapter 1 – Chaos Unleashed
Summary: AU First responders and their families live in fear of that one call, the one with multiple injuries and multiple loss of life every day. What happens when that call finally comes for 51? Lindseride / Callie pairings with sevasey of course!
Disclaimer: Chicago Fire and its characters are the property of Dick Wolfe, NBC and….well you know the rest…if not go read more stories lol I do however, own my muse (Alice) and any OC's
A/N: Hope you all like this angsty little ficlet (just a couple of chapters) with my two fave pairings as well as some Milson. Ah I still miss Mills and liked him with Dawson best but this story will focus around Kelly/Erin and Matt/Hallie as married couples with lots of Sevasey bromance and them all coping with a big call that will affect them all with tension and injuries. Danger/hurt/comfort/whump and…maybe some sorrow. I hope you all enjoy!
"Ah damn…turn it off," Kelly groans as he opens his sleepy eyes and looks the clock with an angry glare, his wife stirring in the bed beside him.
"Closer…to you," Erin mumbles as she rolls toward him, brown hair with golden glints spilling all around her bare shoulders; her arm draping across her husband's bare chest as the thick palm of his fist slams down onto the vulnerable inanimate object. "You…broke it."
"Good. Then we'll have…a good excuse to be late," he replies with a small huff as he kisses the top of her head and pulls her close.
She slowly opens her eyes and looks up with a loving smile, her fingers playfully teasing his bare chest before they move up to the overnight growth of stubble adorning his tight jaw. "Can we…skip work today?"
"Sure," he smiles as he lifts her jaw to his and plants a warm kiss on her lips. "Your boss is as understanding as mine."
"Not fair," she groans as she playfully tugs on his bottom lip. "Speaking of angry bosses…"
"Yeah?" Kelly's brows arch as she props herself up on her elbows and looks up with a small frown. "What's going on?"
"Might have to be in court on Friday."
"Frida…oh…damn really?" Kelly tosses back with a slight frown. "Jenkins?"
"Hearing is set for Friday. I know we were going to go on the boat with your dad and…"
"Cheryl. Okay….we'll reschedule."
"No you go."
"I don't even know her," Kelly groans as he rubs his face, his wife slowly sitting up and letting his hand slowly trail down her bare back, making small circles on her naked flesh. "I don't want to alone. Besides…Benny likes you better."
A small giggle escapes her lips as she turns around and kisses him once more before she tries to turn to leave. "Can you blame him?" She wags her brows.
"Not at all," Kelly smiles broadly as he pulls her back, keeping her captive against his chest; his hand wrapping behind her head and crushing her lips with a hungry kiss. And despite the fact that they know they'll be running on a tight schedule, there is always time for them to enjoy an intimate union.
XXXXXXXX
"I'm so glad last night was my last late night for a few days," Hallie states with a small sigh as her fingers brush against her husband's jaw, leaning in and giving him a kiss before pulling back with a loving smile.
"How was it?"
"Mr. Ryder lost a toe…lost the fight with the lawnmower."
"After how many warnings?" Matt replies with a heavy sigh.
"Enough. That's one of the most common accidents our interns see in the summer," she explains as his fingers push some stray dark locks behind her ear.
"But…it's fall. Maybe he needs a calendar," Matt retorts as she offers him a dead panned expression. "And the interns? Driving my wife crazy yet?"
"Very much," she answers with a slight giggle. "I'm always amazed that some still make TV references…but at least they make the shift go by faster."
"Are you able to get away a bit early on Friday? Thought we'd go away for the weekend," Matt suggests as he moves in a bit closer.
"I might be able to get Adam to cover for me."
"Adam?" Matt retorts with a frown. "You're on a first name basis with Dr. Michaels?"
"Is my husband jealous?" She looks at him in wonder as he nods and grins. "Matt Casey…I like when you're jealous."
"Oh really?" He counters with a playful growl as he starts to attack her neck, his lips nipping at her fragrant skin and her lips uttering a happy shriek as they too engage in a romantic union before they head off to work.
XXXXXXXX
"So was he disappointed?" Erin asks Kelly as she rushes into the kitchen that same morning; Kelly hanging up and handing his wife a breakfast bar as she passes by on the way to the coffee maker.
"Think he was actually relieved," Kelly answers in amusement as he takes a sip of his coffee. "But he still wants to do it."
"I told you I could bring Voight or maybe we could bring Otis and Cruz…trust me with Crotis on board, we wouldn't have to do any talking."
"That's true," he agrees with a small snicker as he fills up the rest of his coffee mug. "I'll just make sure to bring lots of gas."
"Why?"
"Because if it was just you and me, I wouldn't mind being lost at sea. With Benny and possibly wife number…twenty-five, no way," he tosses back in sarcasm as she laughs and pats him on the back.
"Come on let's go. So Matt has a new candidate starting today?"
"Yup…Riley something…"
XXXXXXXX
"Don't scare the new guy," Hallie warns her husband who looks at her with a mock horrified expression. "Nice try…I know you can be scary if you want to be."
"Is that so Dr. Blood?"
"Oh what? I'd never scare my interns," Hallie tosses back with a smile as she hands Matt his lunch box from the fridge.
"I remember what you did on their first day."
"Some of them thought the blood was real," Hallie deadpans and then laughs. "Just go easy on…what's his name again?"
"Riley Cumberland," Matt answers as they leave their home, Matt locking the door behind them; the two of them heading toward his truck. "I'll stop by the hospital later if I can. Otherwise I'll see you tomorrow. Dress warm. First fall storm's coming."
"I will. I love you," she whispers as she gives him a kiss; the truck stopped just outside the hospital.
"Love you too."
XXXXXXXX
"I'll invite the Hermann clan…that'll make for some interesting conversation," Kelly snickers as the elevator stops in the parking lot.
"Until one of their kids falls overboard," Erin deadpans as Kelly laughs.
"Perfect…then we'd have an excuse to go back to shore. See you later…or tomorrow," he pauses as he pulls her in for a kiss. "Love you. Careful out there today."
"Don't like the windblown look?" Erin retorts as he grins and nods. "I love you too. You be careful too."
"Always."
Kelly gets into his car and heads toward Firehouse 51, his mind thinking about his father's offer to get to know the new woman in his life and happy that he and Erin came together without having to go through a million wrong women. Matt always told him when he first met Hallie he knew…and that was it. Shay of course told him that Erin was the one but he would always laugh and tell his ex-roommate that any woman she thought was hot was discounted on that one item alone. But Erin was it and he couldn't be happier for the past few years of marriage.
He enters the parking lot of Firehouse 51 and sees Mills and Dawson walking hand in hand toward the entrance, dropping their hands but stealing a kiss before the enter and he can't help but laugh – it was the non-secret secret that everyone knew but didn't talk about – at least openly in front of Boden; although they all know that he knows.
"Hey…" Kelly greets Matt as he watches his friend's truck pull up and him get out. "New guy starting today huh."
"You gotta stop stealing my guys," Matt retorts with a smirk.
"Ah Mills has been wanting squad since day one," Kelly tosses back with a chuckle as they slowly walk toward the large open truck doors of Firehouse 51; playfully slapping his friend on the back. "But I do appreciate you training my guys ahead of time."
"Now that's taking it too far," Matt tosses back in sarcasm. "Or maybe I should charge a finder's fee."
"Do that and I'll be broke," Kelly deadpans as they near the busy Firehouse. But just before they enter, Matt looks up toward the darkening horizon and then at his friend with a nervous frown. "They forecasted wind and rain today."
"Should be a rule…no bad weather in the fall. Only winter," Matt quips as they finally enter the busy Firehouse.
"Is that…" Kelly starts as Matt nods.
"Yup…he's here already. That's a good sign," Matt looks at Kelly with a serious glance. "Well…I better give him something to do."
"Maybe break up the two love birds," Kelly nudges Matt, both of them looking at Dawson and Mills laughing over something in the kitchen. "We getting breakfast today?" Kelly calls out; him and Matt laughing as Dawson and Mills look at him with two scowls.
"I'll see you later."
Matt pulls away and heads toward the new face waiting anxiously for a welcome and some instructions while Kelly heads into the locker area to put his things away and then head for his office to finish off the notes from the fire they tended to the day before.
He leans back in his chair and looks at the calendar, his eyes zeroing in on Friday and wondering if they really will reschedule and if it wouldn't be a good idea to invite a few others…just to keep the social awkwardness at bay.
"Yeah right…" he huffs as he hears some shuffling and looks up to see Shay watching him with a wondering glance. "Benny's sailboat adventure."
"Friday right?"
"Saved by Erin's court date. What's new with…Charlotte right? You and Benny should trade notes."
"Not funny," she lightly growls as he snickers.
"So…think this one will be "the…one"?" Kelly asks in a more serious tone.
"So…you and Erin have that baby talk yet?"
"Hey I worry okay?"
"And I love you for it," she tosses back dryly. "I'm gonna be okay. And for the record…I'm one up on Benny…mine'll last longer."
"Probably," Kelly chuckles.
Kelly can only shake his head and laugh as he watches her walk away and then turns back to his notes, muttering under his breath but laughing at the same time. He finishes up and then goes in search of Matt to see how his new hire's first day was shaping up.
"Alright and from the top," Matt instructs as he looks up to see Kelly slowly sauntering in his direction.
"Well?"
"Still has some things to learn but I think he'll be a good addition to 51," Matt replies as he feels a small shiver run down his spine. "Can it get any windier though?"
"Just be happy you're not working on a roof today. Heights and high winds don't work well together."
"That…I am thankful for. Hallie hates when we do calls in storms," Matt looks at his friend with a knowing grin; Mills calling them all for breakfast a few minutes later. "Come on candidate. You can learn a few things from our two MasterChef's."
"I…can't cook," Riley stammers nervously.
Matt pats his newest member on the back, as all of 51 starts to slowly meander toward the kitchen counter to take their food and then disperse toward the waiting tables accordingly.
"How long will she be in court?" Matt asks Kelly as the two of them sit at the table eating their breakfast.
"I think just the morning. We still might do dinner…but at least an the House if we don't like it we don't have to jump ship or risk drowning…maybe that would be a good diversion," Kelly pauses with a brief smirk before he continues.
The two of them pause in their conversation to listen to Hermann offering his latest idea for how to make some extra money. The rest of the guys jump in and soon laughter ensues. The conversation is friendly and upbuilding, dotted with laughter and jokes – none of them suspecting that the day starting out so normally…just like every other day, was about to change their lives forever.
That moment was about to come.
"Engine 51…truck 81…squad 3…ambulance 61…Battalion 25…365 Railway Avenue…high rise fire…possible gas leak and…trapped workers…"
"Here we go…" Kelly mutters as he pushes himself up from his seat and rushes toward his waiting gear; Matt giving instructions to his candidate as they both rush toward Truck 81. He hops into the front of squad truck 3 just as his phone buzzes.
'Why not invite Matt and Hallie for dinner Saturday? A rare weekend off for all of us. Love you. Erin.'
Kelly smiles at his wife's invitation and then sends a message to Matt, who promptly responds with a chuckle.
'Hallie just texted and asked if I wouldn't mind going to your place for a BBQ. Matt.'
'It's a conspiracy right? Kelly.'
'Sure is. We just show up, don't you know that? Matt.'
'Yeah and bring beer. Or so Erin tells me. Kelly.'
'Lucky last time Hallie made me buy the expensive scotch. Matt.'
Kelly puts his phone away as they near the structure and hears himself cursing under his breath. "Hate these high rise gigs."
"This one ain't even completed yet," Tony grumbles from the driver's seat.
"And the weather doesn't look like it'll be helping," Mills pipes up as Kelly looks at Matt's truck in his rear view mirror. "Storms getting worse."
"These things have any finished elevators in them?" Hermann grumbles as Matt smirks in the front seat.
"I won't mind if it rains…just hope the lightning holds off," Matt mentions somewhat fatefully.
"Well rookie…gonna earn your merit today," Hermann slaps Riley on the back as they approach.
"And then some," Cruz utters under his breath as Matt casts a nervous glance in his direction.
The large rigs come to a halt outside the front of the building, Boden walking up to his two lieutenants and telling them they'd be getting some help.
"Gas has just been shut off," Boden informs them as he nears. "However, the contractor says there might still be some fresh pockets lingering so watch every spark."
"Wind's picking up Chief," Matt notes as they watch some upper floor tarping pull free and blow into the air a few feet before starting to fall to the ground.
"Tell Engine to watch those hoses!" Kelly retorts as Boden nods and then turns back to his Engine Lieutenant.
"Alright this should be pretty routine. Two workers trapped in the elevator on the fourth and two workers trapped in a small office but on the same floor as the fire. The fifth."
"Could be worse…this building's supposed to fifteen stories…at least it's only getting started," Cruz interjects with a small snicker.
"Great," Hermann huffs as he looks at Matt and then at the newest member of their team. "Candidate's with me."
"Squad! Elevator first! Let's move!" Kelly calls out as he looks at Matt with a serious frown. "This place gives me a nervous feeling."
"Just watch your back," Matt tells his friend as the two of them touch helmets and then head for the front door to the building still under construction.
The rain starts to pelt at the small band of first responders as they slowly head for the entrance; each of them chatting excitedly about what they'll do once inside; which floors they'll take and how much time not to waste.
"Gas still smells strong in here," Kelly notes as all of them stop in the main entrance. "Chief. You're sure the gas is shut off right?" He questions as Matt pulls out a small device that measures the CO emissions; looking up at his friend and fellow 51 Lieutenant with a grim expression. "Levels are high in here. Masks on!"
"Severide…building's owner is on his way here. Gas company is here. Gas is shut off," Boden tells them in truth; or at least relaying what he's been told.
"Okay everyone…let's move!" Matt calls out as each of them is given their clear instructions – ready to listen and carry out. "The workers were working with a cutting torch when one of them fell or…or something and the spark caught the flammable painting rags, a small explosion was ignited and the door closed…sealing them inside; the fire outside. The owner lost contact about ten minutes ago," Matt explains to the candidate and his team as they head up to the fifth; Kelly and his team exiting on the fourth.
"See you soon," Kelly tells Matt as he watches his friend and the rest of the truck team carrying on up the stairs; Shay and Dawson following Matt's team as they were told the two trapped in the office could be the most seriously injured.
"Get that elevator cleared stat!" Matt calls down as Kelly offers his friend a small smirk but then looks at his team in seriousness.
"The medics will need the elevator to transport the injured and they can only turn the auxiliary power back on when the two workers are freed. So let's move!"
Squad reaches the fourth floor and exits the stairwell, entering the eerily quiet area. However, that silence is quickly broken by the calls from the two men inside the stuck elevator.
"HELP US!"
"Alright guys…keep your masks on. CO readings are still at an unsafe level. Once we get them out, Mills and Newhouse, take them outside to fresh air. Even if they lose consciousness do not take your masks off!"
"Copy that!"
Truck reaches the fifth floor and exits the stairwell, entering the area that is already decorated by soot stains and little bursts of fire.
"Okay that fire before us is our first priority! Clear it stat! Need that hose! Otis! Cruz! Work the hose!"
"Almost there!" Boden's voice is heard through Matt's radio.
"Alright, Hermann! Mouch! let's clear this doorway. Masks on and careful of any sparks! Gas and CO readings are still high."
"Copy that!"
Matt positions himself in front of the doorway while the rest of the team works to clear the area and put out the small pockets of fire.
"FIRE DEPARTMENT! CAN ANYONE HEAR ME?" Matt calls out as he nears the doorway as best he can. If there wasn't so much commotion he would have seen the small breath of air duck out at his boots and then be sucked back under. A deadly backdraft waiting for the door to open…for oxygen to feed it…waiting.
It wouldn't have to wait too long.
XXXXXXXX
On the ground Boden watches anxiously…listening to the chatter from inside and offering a small prayer as he does with every call – that each of his team exits the building safely and they all go home – alive.
Today, that prayer would not be answered.
A few minutes later…Boden slowly starts to head for the front door of the building, the lead contractor at his side.
A few minutes after that his world caves in around him – literally.
"WHAT THE…"
"LOOK OUT…"
"OH MY GOD!"
"WH…."
BOOM!
XXXXXXXX
"What have we got?" Hallie calls out anxiously as a team of medics, flanked by a few outfitted CPD officers' rushes toward her waiting ER area.
"GSW to the right side of the chest. He took in…" one of the medics rattles off as Hallie starts to direct her team; looking up to see Erin and Jay hanging back with worried expressions. After she's done directing her team to get the man into emergency surgery Stat, the ER surgeon already prepped and ready, she pulls back and heads for Erin.
"Hey," Erin greets weakly. "One of our CI's…caught in the crossfire," she explains with a heavy sigh. "We need this guy."
"Dr. Harvey is the best…you okay?" She nods to the small amount of blood splatter on Erin's cheek.
"I'm fine," she replies as she takes the wipe and quickly wipes her skin. "Getting nasty out there. Wind is really picking up and I've seen a few lightning strikes around the top of the tower."
"I always worry about Matt on stormy days; especially when the heat is tossed into the mix. Damn electrical calls."
"I agree. I hate when Kelly has to do water rescues or anything…above curb level," Erin huffs as she hears some anxious chatter in the background and then both women turn to see what's going on. "What's…going on?"
"Erin…" Hallie whispers as her voice catches in her throat. "Mitch…" Hallie calls out to the desk nurse. "Turn that up."
"We've just arrived on scene!" The reporter's anxious voice is heard trying to keep a few decibels above the sound of the raging storm. "From what we can discern there has been an explosion at this building on Railway way and as you can see…oh god the building has literally caved in on itself…but while it appears under construction we're told that there was a report of a fire and…oh god we have word that we have first responders trapped inside…"
"Hallie…" Erin dares to breathe as the camera pans to the trucks in the distance, two distinct numbers coming into view.
81
3
"WHAT?"
If anyone could see inside all they'd see is…building darkness…silent chaos…ensuing stillness…oncoming death…someone taking…one last breath.
A/N: eeks! Not giving too much away but how did our teams fare? Will help arrive in time? Will anyone not make it home? And how will our two anxious wives cope with having to wait and treat others while waiting on the fate of their husbands? Will our boys make it out? Please do review before you go and thanks so much!
PS: To all my dear Lindseride shippers Plan C will resume regular updates starting this coming week. Hope you're all caught up!