"Gabi!" Mallory exclaimed when her friend walked into the bar along with a few other firefighters, "Any news on whether Louie will be yours soon?"
Gabi smiled as she walked toward Mallory along with Stella, who looked upset, "I just applied for an apartment so as long as I get it and the inspection goes well, he's all mine," she was beaming as she spoke.
Mallory smiled back as she saw Severide walk up looking concerned at Stella, "Is everything ok, you guys?" she asked.
Stella shook her head, "It's my ex. He's a junkie and he needs help but instead of trying anything, he just keeps lashing out. Is Dr. Charles going to be here tonight? I think he could really help."
Mallory nodded, "Yeah, Daniel said he'd meet me here once he got done with a patient. Should we get a booth?"
The group nodded as they each ordered a drink and walked over to a rounded booth in the corner and took a seat, catching up since the last time they'd gotten together. After a second round of drinks was delivered to the table, Mallory saw Dr. Charles coming in from the far end of the bar.
"Over here!" she yelled as she stood in her seat to get his attention.
Daniel's lips curled into a smile as he saw her and he began walking toward the group. Once he'd reached the table, Stella looked up at him, "Could I talk to you for a moment before you join the group?" she asked.
Daniel looked at Mallory who nodded, "What should I order for you? I'll have it waiting when you get back."
"Just a beer would be great," he replied as Stella got up and walked away with him.
Gabi turned to Mallory, "How are things going between you two? Has he let you in at all yet?"
Mallory shook her head, "He's ok in public but the moment it's time for the night to come to an end, he freezes up and won't let it go any further."
"What do you think that's about?" she asked, curious.
"I think he is worried that I'm not really into him because he doesn't have a great track record in the love department and he thinks he's too old for me. I haven't been able to find a way to convince him otherwise yet, but I will," she explained causing Gabi to nod.
"Maybe you need to force him to make the next step," Severide suggested, "Sometimes fear can really hold a guy back and if things don't usually work out then he's probably doing it to protect himself. You know, if he doesn't get to involved then it won't hurt as bad if you leave."
"If only he understood how unlikely that is," Mallory began, "The first time I saw him, I lost my breath. He has captivated me to the most complete sense and the risk to my heart is so great at this point that I'm more likely to get it broken because it never seems like he's as into me as I am. I don't know if that makes any sense but he's holding back if he does share even half of the feelings I have."
They stopped talking as Stella and Daniel made their way back to the table. Mallory was in the back of the rounded booth so Severide and Gabi stepped out briefly so he could scoot in next to her.
"How was the rest of your day?" she asked as his beer was placed on the table.
"Good," he replied, "My patient is doing really well so in my book that is a win. How about you guys? How is the firefighting business?"
"Busy as always," Severide replied, "But I can't think of anything I'd rather be doing. Stella has been a great edition to the team and Gabi left for a minute to work with Arson Investigation but she came back."
"Paper work and desks are not for me," Gabi replied with a smile.
Mallory quietly nodded as she slid her hand off of the table and rested it on Daniel's upper thigh, slowly inching her way further and further over his lap causing him to pause his sentence and look to her.
"Personally, desk work is just my thing," she said, avoiding his gaze as she began rubbing him through his pants, "Some days it gets monotonous but I like the control I have over what I do."
"How often do you guys get to see each other throughout the day?" Gabi asked.
Daniel took a shallow breath before he spoke, "Not enough to be honest. She gets lost in her work and sometimes can't be pulled away even for a lunch date with me, if you can believe it?" he replied, amazing Mallory with his focus.
Gabi looked over at Mallory as if she'd gotten her the answer she'd needed to hear in regards to his feelings for her. Mallory grinned back at her friend as she moved her hand and went to stand, climbing over the table so she wouldn't bother anyone.
"I'll be right back," she smiled as she looked back at Daniel, locking eye contact letting him know she expected him to follow.
Daniel waited a few minutes before he moved to follow her but he was stopped by Stella, "Do you know how much she likes you?" she asked, surprising him with her blatant question.
Daniel nodded, "Unfortunately, I do. I wish she'd heed my warnings and run the other way before I get a chance to break her heart," he replied as he stood to walk toward the direction Mallory had gone.
Gabi looked up at him as she moved so he could get up and smiled softly, "She is not one to be easily deterred and if you must know, she cares for you deeply and she's worried you don't feel the same way."
Daniel laughed softly at her words, "My heart is already in too deep which is why I'm so worried. I'll be right back, guys."
They nodded as he walked toward the back of the bar toward the extra office Mallory was waiting in. He pushed the door open and was greeted by the sight of her, clad only in a bra and her skirt, sitting on the table waiting.
"What took you so long?" she asked as she spread her legs, revealing a lack of underwear.
Daniel inched closed between her legs as he replied, "Your friends were warning me not to break your heart," he replied as he leaned forward and wrapped his arms around her body.
"What did you tell them?" she asked as she ran her hands up his chest and began undoing his buttons.
"That you're more likely to break mine," he answered in a whisper as he put his lips onto hers.