Severide found himself going to Taylor's apartment daily. They weren't dating or anything, but they had become really close friends. It was nice to have someone to talk to and hang out with. It kept him from drinking. It kept him from drowning in the darkness that still threatened to envelop him. It kept him sane. The best part was that once they got to work, it was back to business as usual. To the others, it looked as if their relationship had improved some, but that was all.

As Severide was leaving his office and heading for the bay, Casey caught him in the hallway.

"You seem better." Casey said.

He couldn't help but grin a little, "I am. I've been talking to someone."

"Good." Casey crossed his arms over his chest, "Who'd you talk to?"

Words were chosen very carefully now. "A friend. From out of town."

"Oh?"

"Yeah. My friend's spouse was killed in the line of duty."

Casey searched his friend's face quickly, looking for any signs of deceit. Severide's eyes were clearer than he'd seen them in a long time. "Well, I hate that your friend lost someone, but I'm glad that whoever it is was willing to help you out."

"Yeah, me too. I didn't like where I was headed." Severide started for the bay again and Casey fell into step with him. As they reached the door, they found a small group clustered around Taylor, who was tuning her guitar.

"You don't have to sing the whole thing." Taylor was saying to Brett, "Just do the backup vocals."

Brett, whose face was bright red, reluctantly agreed, "Okay, but I suck."

"We'll see." Taylor smiled, finding the chord she wanted. She began playing, looking down at her guitar as soon as she realized that both Lieutenants and Chief Boden were in the bay. She took a deep breath and they began:

"You've got someone here
Wants to make it all right
Someone that loves you more
Than life right here
You've got willing arms that'll hold you tight
A hand to lead you on through the night right here
I know your heart can get
All tangled up inside
But don't you keep it to yourself

When your long day is over
And you can barely drag your feet
The weight of the world
Is on your shoulders
I know what you need
Bring it on home to me

You know I know you
Like the back of my hand
And you know I'm gonna do
All that I can right here
I'm gonna lie with you
Till you fall asleep
When the morning comes
I'm still gonna be right here
Oh yes, I am

Take your worries and
Just drop them at the door
Baby, leave it all behind
When your long day is over
And you can barely drag your feet
The weight of the world
Is on your shoulders
I know what you need
Bring it on home to me

Baby, let me be your safe harbor
Don't let the water come
And carry you away

When your long day is over
And you can barely drag your feet
The weight of the world
Is on your shoulders
I know what you need
Bring it on home to me
Oh bring it on home
Yeah, bring it on home to me
Home to me
Oh, bring it on, bring it on home to me

You've got someone here wants
To make it all right
Someone that loves you more
Than life…right here."

The entire house exploded into applause. Both Taylor and Brett blushed as they smiled.

"Okay, you two have to perform at Molly's!" Dawson said.

"Oh, I couldn't -" Brett started.

"Please?" Cruz pleaded, working his magic on the blonde medic.

Brett looked to Taylor, who shrugged, "We could do it once."

"Live music." Herrmann smiled, "I like that idea."

Taylor looked up and met Severide's gaze. He winked at her and shot her a quick smile. He would be texting her shortly.

Herrmann didn't get a chance to say anything else, though – the tones dropped, sending the entire house scrambling.

Author's Note: I don't own the song I just used. I wish I did, 'cause it's one of my favorites. It's called "Bring it on Home" by Little Big Town. And – you guessed it – it's the inspiration for this fic. If you've never heard the song, here's the YouTube link: /8l4AC5rUSUo. Even if you don't like country music, at least listen to it so you'll get the gist of Taylor and Brett's "performance".

Thanks to AstroStarr and goldistic for the favorite! Thanks to Sarrabr4 and RBCFCPD7410 for the reviews! And thanks to Naleyfan-2215, lilangel120, and GloryDays1984 for the favorites and follows!