Reviews make me write.

About three months later...

»Oh Capp, again with the coloring book? What are you? Five?« Severide says amused as he approaches his fellow firefighters outside.

They were all enjoying mocking Capp because every time they saw him, he would get another hobby. And somehow they got weirder and weirder each time.

»Yeah, yeah keep making fun of me. But you all should get one because it's actually good for you. It has this therapeutic potential to make you more focused and it also reduces anxiety. So there you go... Instead of lowering myself on your level, I'm helping you, you bunch of bullies.«

Everyone bursts out laughing.

»Well I have to say, the man has a point but I was never good at staying inside the lines anyways so I'm not getting it.« Casey adds knowingly, at least trying to understand Capp's obsession because the poor guy looked so serious about it.

Even when Ambo 61 parks near them in the garage with Dawson and Brett hopping off of it, they are still holding themselves around the stomachs laughing about the comical situation.

»What's so funny?« Dawson is quick to ask.

»Nothing, we're just laughing because Capp has his own coloring book. And it's for kids.« says Otis unable to contain himself even when explaining it to the two paramedics who are not so keen on joining them in their shenanigans.

»For the hundredth time. It is not for kids.« Capp is already beyond annoyed.

»It literally says for age 5+. Right there on the front.«

»YES, you said it yourself. 5+. Which means 5 and older. I'm pretty sure I fall under this category, you moron.«

Dawson looks at Brett and they both roll their eyes in disbelief at how much more impossible their colleagues can get.

Gabby then walks to Casey to give him a quick peck on the lips before retreating inside as Sylvie yanks still incredibly amused Severide from his seat.

»Can I talk to you for a second?« she asks him, surprisingly excited.

»Yeah, sure.«

And while they slowly walk to the side for more privacy, Sylvie suddenly turns her head back to Capp.

»Don't worry, I have one at home too and there is nothing to be ashamed of. They are just jealous and because of that, my dearest friend, they'll burn in hell.« she smiles and winks at him. Capp clearly satisfied with the newly gained ally, just smiles back broadly with appreciation.

Kelly looks down at her with even more mischief in his eyes than before. »Hey! Don't encourage him! Next time we'll see him eating play doh...« and that's how he earns a big smack at the back of his head from his best friend.

»Ouch! What was that for? You know I'm not the only one who was making jokes at his expense, right?«

»Yeah, I know-« Sylvie responds. Now sign of mischief present in her eyes. Oh, how quickly have tables turned. »-the smacking was just for my own personal satisfaction.«

Kelly rolled his eyes running his hand at the back of his head, pain still present. Man, the girl has some heavy arm. »Anyway... What did you want to talk about?«

»So how was it?« asks Brett crossing her arms in front of her chest and wiggling vividly.

»How was what?«

»Don't act stupid, because you are not.« she fires back visibly annoyed. »Actually no, I take that back. You are, but that's a topic for another conversation. I mean what happened yesterday with the hot librarian lady? How did the date go? Did you take her to your place? Tell me everything!«

»Whoa, whoa slow down tiger. First of all thank you for your kind words, as always appreciate it. Second, it was fine and I didn't take her back to my place. Or hers for that matter. Well I did, I just dropped her off and nothing else-« explains Kelly while scratching his always present scruff.

»That's it? You have to give me more... Did she tell you why she doesn't want you to at least come in for a cup of tea or something?« disappointment now visible on Brett's face.

»She... She kinda has this curfew.« he mumbles and Sylvie looks at him like he's an idiot.

»What? I didn't hear you.«

»She has this curfew she follows.« replied Severide specifically punctuating each word, because he had to make sure Sylvie heard him right this time so he wouldn't have to repeat it, each time more embarrassing for him.

This was enough for her to start cracking up. »Oh my god... I... I can't breathe. SHE'S A NERD!« was all she managed to spit out between her laugh attacks.

»Stop speaking so loud. She's not a nerd... She's just consistent.«

»Yeah, with her neardness.«

A smirk finally appeared on Kelly's face. He had to give her this one. »And that's not even a word!« he added, trying so hard to stay serious.

»Well it is now.« Sylvie replied, composed at last. He just raised his eyebrows while looking around if someone might have heard their weird conversation.

»You just make sure she doesn't drag you to one of these conventions Otis talks about... And makes you wear silly costumes. You hate those.« she explains mockingly while patting him on the shoulder.

Pleased with herself, she retreats.

At Molly's...

»I brought us beers because I thought we don't feel snob enough today for those fancy cocktails. Is that cool?« Gabby informed Sylvie and put the drinks on the table before them.

»Yeah It's fine.«

They sat in silence for a while and Gabby was staring at her as if she was eager to ask her something but didn't know how to approach the subject that seemed so delicate.

»What?« Sylvie asked her now completely aware of her intense staring, while bringing beer to her mouth.

»Nothing it's just... I wanted to ask how is your dad doing?«

This was in fact a very difficult subject to talk about, but Brett knew her friend is just worried and has nothing but good intentions when bringing it up. She was dealing with it day by day and that's exactly what it felt like.

Her father was a very strong man and after all those months of uncertainty, he was still holding up better than anyone expected and even doctors (that's right, plural) predicted wrong. Maybe it was selfish from her to be grateful for having him longer but that's how she felt. Also, because she started working overtime, he was able to get better treatment. Of course, he opposed but Sylvie Brett wouldn't take no for an answer.

»He's doing really good. I just don't want to get my hopes up and get them crushed all over again. And my mom... I'm worried about her too. We kinda made our peaces with it you know? What needs to happen will happen.« she tried her best to explain her situation to Gabby without getting her depressed too.

»As far as my medical knowledge goes I think he has 50/50 chances and you know it yourself that is a lot in his condition. But somehow I'm trying really hard to be realistic and just be there for him. We still talk over the phone every other day and you know I travel home on the weekends when I can. So that's it... dealing with it the best I know.«

Dawson nodded slowly. »That's good. If you need anything I'm here for you, you know we're all here for you.«

»Yes, I know that and I appreciate it very much. I wanted to apologize to you for some time now... because I didn't tell you what was going on and you were worried too. My head was all over the place and it's not an excuse I swear, it's just...«

Gabby cut her off and took her hand in hers. »I get it, don't worry. You really don't have to apologize. On the other hand, I'm glad that you at least weren't completely alone. I could see Kelly was by your side always.«

»That he was. And I couldn't be more grateful for him really... He was just there when I needed to talk and his persistence to make me trust him was unreal. He's my best friend.« Sylvie said with tear slowly forming in her eye.

»I can see that. Your relationship almost reminds me of...« Gabby drifted of in her thoughts.

»Of what?«

»Him and Shay. Well, it's totally different but he seems as happy as he was back then. But the reason why you two are so close is completely different, I suppose. Kelly and Shay were best friends because they were similar in so many aspects but you two... you two are so unlike it's a miracle you still haven't killed each other but at the same time it makes so much sense.«

»You think we're close because I resemble Shay so much?« Sylvie asked her friend carefully.

»No, no don't get me wrong. You two look a bit a like, not so much really, but by character not even a little. I'll just say that you're good for him.« Gabby stated with a little spark of insinuation that made Sylvie roll her eyes. She felt like she was doing it 24/7. Rolling her eyes. She couldn't help it because her colleagues would get the strangest ideas.

»Oh stop it you! It's not like that. There is nothing else beyond friendship between us and there'll never be. We'd be stupid and careless to ruin it. Even if we felt it, which we obviously don't, it's too late now that we've reached the point worth of preserving.« Brett educated her friend with too much enthusiasm.

»I didn't say anything. Besides, Matt and I were friends first before it grew into something more...« Gabby added knowingly which earned her a side smirk and a slight tilt of head from her colleague.

»Ok, I see your point. We weren't THAT close.«

Their rather interesting conversation was now interrupted by none other than the topic of it. Kelly Severide.

»Hey ladies. What are we taking about?«

Sylvie rolled her eyes. Again. For the fiftieth time today. »Global warming. Wanna join?«

Gabby snorted out loud. It's a shame she was just drinking out of her bottle right in that moment because she almost choked. She sent a death glare to Sylvie because this was all her fault.

Severide just smirked. »No, thank you. It's a little too advanced matter for me so I'll pass. What else you got?«

»Just because you arrived, from your date with the nerd I suppose, we have to change our subject?« Sylvie fired back.

Some people would put the hand over the other persons mouth if they wanted to prevent them from further talking or I don't know, just act civilized and tell them to shut up. But not him. Not with her. He just stuck his finger up her nose. As disgusting and preposterous as it sounds.

And while doing that he simply replied. »Yes.«

Gabby, still in state of disbelief starts laughing at the scene in front of her. »You two are seriously the weirdest people in the world. And that world has Otis in it.«

Brett quickly removed his hand, sending a wave of pain through it in the process. »What did I do? HE STUCK HIS FINGER IN MY NOSE!« She was offended.

»Well you said he's dating a nerd... I'm sure he wouldn't-«

She was about to reveal all about his secret gal pal when she stopped herself from doing so. No matter how obnoxious he was sometimes, she couldn't do that to him so she just changed the subject.

»Ok... But wait until you hear this. We went to the supermarket the other day you know, to buy groceries for dinner I was making when y'all came over. And we were about to go to cash register when I remembered that I needed some candy too. So we went to the candy aisle. Everything was ok and fine but then Kelly started arguing with me about how much candy I eat so he decided that it would be »educational« to drag an older lady into our discussion too. She was nearby and he approached her like »Do you care to explain to this young lady how unhealthy and potentially dangerous can candy be for her health? She just doesn't want to listen to me.«

I am beyond furious at this point and I seriously want to leave but she starts talking to me and explaining me that all my teeth are gonna fall out eventually and some other nutritional stuff. And you know what he does? HE JUST LEAVES ME THERE BY MYSELF WITH THIS LADY STILL TALKING. He wasn't waiting for me outside or anything. He went home. Home. And he was my ride! That's why I was late!« she pokes Kelly's chest wanting to erase the smug on his face.

Gabby is amused by their interaction. »Why didn't you just say to her that you had to go?«

»I couldn't... She seemed so enthusiastic and happy.«

Kelly places his arms on his hips trying to hide how proud he actually is of her for being what she is. »Look it's not fair you're still mad about that. It's not my fault you are too nice and polite for your own good.«

Sylvie tilts her head as if thinking about his point but then simply replies »I'm always mad at you. You make me mad all the time.«