Thank you again for the reviews, faves, and follows! This one has another couple of chapters before it's a wrap. Hope you enjoy. It was fun to write.
Working on another tag team fic with mom2jlg called A Deal with the Devil - be on the lookout for that one soon.
Kelly didn't think twice about Erin and Shay being in the same car. He was focused on his sister and making damn sure nothing happened to her. Otis, uh, Brian was heading over. Big brother wasn't thrilled with that but Katie insisted. He'd never been Severide's favorite, but the young man loved his sister. That was obvious, so it raised him a little in Kelly's mind. They had their nerd thing going on and the lieutenant was cool with that. Whatever made her happy.
It was eerily quiet the first five minutes on the drive to Erin's. Shay was thinking about what to say for once and not just spewing the first thing that came to mind.
"I'm not sayin this to scare you or anything...but if you hurt Kelly again I will kill you." Yes, she settled on THAT as the best way to start a conversation.
It took everything in Erin not to burst out laughing. That skinny little blonde thinks she can hurt me? Do anything to me? She didn't laugh seeing the serious look on Shay's face. She also knew the motivation for the threat. Love. Something the roommates shared...plain for anyone to see. Something she wanted but had such a hard time with.
"It's never gonna come to that," started Erin smiling. "I care a lot about Kelly. I know I am shitty at showin it, but I do."
"Yeah, you are," replied Shay. "He doesn't seem like it, but he's got a huge heart. He'd do anything for someone he loves."
"I knew that the first time I met him," interrupted Erin. "The very first time I talked to him."
"One word from me and you're out. Because in case you haven't figured it out, Kelly and me...we're solid." Shay knew on some level she sounded like a jealous 8th grade girlfriend, but the words kept flowing out like some volcano violently erupting. Did I just say "solid," she asked herself. But just like that volcano, there was no stopping now.
"Kel deserves someone who will love him... and to be honest, I don't think you're that person. He's had his share of, um..." Shay struggled for the right word.
"Disappointment?" offered Erin.
"Yes, disappointment. No, more than disappointment." Shay thought of the latest Renee baby fiasco. How thrilled Kelly was at thinking he would be a daddy. Only to find out that it wasn't even his. She never thought he'd be ready for something serious so soon.
They stopped in front of Erin's place, but the conversation was nowhere near finished.
"Come up," said the detective. "I'll make coffee."
"Kay," agreed Shay shuffling out of the car.
Shay's eyes surveyed the place taking in the cleanliness, the soft feel...the pillows on the couch, the throws. Everything looked feminine but not prissy, beautiful but not showy. Looks like...what? Looks like Erin, thought Shay. One thing missing, pictures. The photos of family and friends that Severide and Shay had littered throughout their place...not here. She walked to a small bookcase in the back seeing one small, framed picture in it.
Erin was searching for another pack of filters for her old fashioned coffee pot. Loved the smell of the coffee brewing. She'd taken back the Keurig Hank got her at Christmas time. Jay constantly gave her crap about it. "Come into the 21st century babe," he had teased waiting impatiently leaning over the counter staring at the gurgling pot. Deep down he liked the taste of her coffee, but would never admit it.
Shay pressed in closer inspecting the picture. It was a really young looking Erin, smiling but not much joy behind those eyes. She was sitting on a bench in some park and sitting next to her, arm around her shoulders was Detective Voight, also looking much younger. Shay guessed ten years ago, maybe more.
"Coffee will just take a few. Can I get you water? Juice?" asked Erin coming from the kitchen smoothing her hair in a loose pony tail pointing at the couch for Shay to sit down.
"No. I'm good." Shay sat tucking her legs up under her.
Erin plopped on the leather chair next to Shay pulling a throw over her legs.
Erin looked at the blonde waiting for her to continue.
Shay was nervous now, being in someone else's territory. Erin's territory.
"I don't know how much Kelly told you, but it's been a hell of a year for him. Personally that is."
"He told me about Renee and the baby... Uh, mix up."
"Wasn't really a mix up, Erin. Renee lied to him. I don't want him to EVER go through that again. Ever."
"Shay, I don't know what I can say to convince you. I don't want to hurt Kelly. Ever." She sighed knowing that if she was to have any shot with the fireman, she'd have to get this woman on her side...or at least not against her.
"I screwed up. I know I did. I'm not good at all this, dating, relationships. I don't have a clue how to be a girlfriend. But I wanna try. Kelly makes me wanna try," Erin said honestly. She didn't want to get into her crappy childhood, not much love in that. Voight and Justin really the only men in her life who didn't run off, didn't leave.
"I believe you. I do," said Shay slowly. She could feel that this woman was telling the truth. Maybe even loved Kelly on some level. "I'm worried. I worry about him. That's what I do. I don't know if you have what he deserves inside you."
Erin didn't know what to say. She had the same doubts about herself.
"I'm asking for a shot here. A chance. I'm gonna put everything into it. I am. Believe me when I say I want Kelly in my life, permanently."
Shay didn't know what to say.
"Hopefully, we'll both make it out alive," joked Erin trying to get some response from Kelly's best friend.
Shay laughed lightly watching Erin get up to pour two cups of coffee.
"Sugar? Cream?"
"Both, please."
She handed Shay her cup ready for round two. It didn't come. Shay decided that she'd let Kelly and Erin take their shot. She wouldn't interfere. Kelly'd seen her through how many episodes with Clarice...never any judgment, not even one discouraging word. She was gonna do the same. Try to do the same.
"Don't you need to call Voight? Find out about that Keeler asshole?" asked Shay thinking about the thug who hurt her friend, worry starting to resonate in her gut.
"Yeah. But don't worry. Nothin's happening to him this time...or Katie." Erin listened to Voight's phone go to voicemail. "Hank, call me. I need to know what's happening with Keeler."
Erin proceeded to tell Shay about how they'll most likely go after the criminal, form a sort of net around the city, reassuring the paramedic that Keeler was slippery, but not that slippery.
Shay was convinced that this detective would get her man, Keeler that is. She had to admit she liked the way Erin was so passionate about her job, good at it.
"I better head back," said Shay after her second cup of coffee.
"Oh, yeah. Sure," said Erin rising to walk the blonde to the door. "Thanks, Shay." What she was thanking her for she didn't quite know...maybe the quiet understanding that Kelly's best friend wasn't going to put a stop to this new relationship.
"You'll call me when you hear anything about Keeler?"
"Of course. Give Kelly a hug for me," she added not believing she said that. Give him a hug for me? Who am I and what have you done with the real Erin? Next, I'm gonna be asking for her to tell him to call me.
Shay got in the car and figured she better call the fireman back...he'd left five texts.
Kelly did eventually get around to thinking about the two women, one he loved, the other he...what? Loved? Already?
It had been a couple of hours, too long for a quick drop off. The conversation with Otis and Katie had officially entered the land of nerdville with no return. They were getting into the intricacies of Star Trek Next Generation versus Deep Space Nine versus Generations. Kelly's head was spinning with all the scifi talk. Perfect time to call Shay, send for a rescue.
Shay called him first.
"Everyone okay?" he asked.
"Yes, I didn't have to kick her ass. You should be proud of me. I did play nice and we reached an understanding."
"Oh hell, Shay. That doesn't sound good," he laughed. "You headin back? Maybe you should stay at Dawson's tonight. Just in case."
"Nah. I'm comin home. One thing's for sure, you're girlfriend's kind of a bad ass. I think she'll get Keeler."
"Yeah, why do you think I like her. That bad ass..." Kelly laughed.
"You're disgusting. I'll be there in a few," snorted Shay wondering how men never really grew up. Boys will be boys...forever, she decided smiling.
"Hey, drive safe. And thanks for not killin anyone."
Shay walked through the door and knew she was saving the day. Kelly launched at her, big hug, normal kiss on the forehead. Then a glance and nod toward the cute couple in a heated argument about the merits or lunacy of making Starbuck a female in the newer Battlestar Galactica. Kelly made a "slit his wrists" motion causing Shay to laugh and roll her eyes. They moved to the couch...Katie and Otis not taking the slightest notice of the roommates.
"You gonna tell me what happened?"
"Don't wanna talk about it," teased Shay using Kelly's own words. It took a while for her best friend to stop laughing. When he did, Shay told him every detail of her visit with Erin.
"I'm going to be the supportive friend that I am and hope for the best." To which Kelly laughed even louder.
"What? What?" demanded Shay.
"Just pick a movie. I'm not gettin off this couch tonight." His face was a little sore...it seemed like the fight took place days ago, not just last night. His side was another story. It burned as if a hot poker was shoved in deep, getting worse throughout the day. He was pretty sure that asshole cop sucker punched him a broken rib. Felt the same as when Keeler worked him over but to a lesser degree...just one, maybe two this time.
Kelly also knew there was nothing he could do other than ice and ibuprofen. No point in worrying Shay.
She popped in The Transporter. "How bout a little classic Jason Statham?" Shay said excitedly jumping on the couch next to Kelly. His grimace as she shook the cushions told her enough. She jumped back up.
"Where ya goin'?" he asked pausing the movie. He watched her as she got an ice pack out of the freezer and ran back to the fireman. She put it over his shirt right where he hurt. How the hell does she know where to place the damn thing, he thought.
"Better?" Shay asked.
"Better."
Erin strolled into PD the next day ready to help Voight bring in Vince Keeler once and for all.
"Linds, Halstead filled me in on what happened last night. In my office." he looked pissed which only made Erin pissed. What the hell did she do? How was she responsible for the fight?
"What the hell went down at that restaurant? How does one of my detectives, on the damn intelligence unit, my unit, end up in a fist fight with your play thing of the month?" Voight was yelling, making Erin even more furious.
"And this is my fault, exactly how? Halstead grabbed Kelly, Kelly pushed him and Jay unloaded. How is this on me?!" She could definitely hold her own in the yelling department.
"You're touchy feely with him all day! It's no wonder he thinks he's gettin some at the end of shift! Partners do not make good partners, if ya know what I mean?"
"Mind your own business!" screamed Erin. "Good talk!" She stormed out of Voight's office ready to start her own fist fight.
"That seemed to have gone well," muttered Jay as Lindsay stormed past.
"Don't start with me."
"Halstead! In here now!" screamed Voight ready to lay down the law with his young team member. He knew this one would listen better than Linds. He needed to feel like someone was payin attention. Jay would do.
The day was spent canvassing the city, following up on Keeler leads to no avail. It did leave plenty of time for talk. Erin did most of it. She made sure Jay knew that she considered him one of her best friends, really only friends. She knew he had her back always, and she loved that.
"And I have yours, always," she told him. And with that, Jay Halstead was moved straight into the friend zone, no more ambiguity. He couldn't deny the pull on his heart, but he also knew he could live with this. For now.
Kelly went back on shift the next day and made it through with no serious rescues. He spent most of the day in his office, doing paperwork and texting Erin. She still hadn't tracked down Keeler, but Voight said he had a feeling today was the day.
Best part of his shift was when the beautiful detective strolled in around noon.
"Hey, what are you doin here?" asked Kelly strolling to the front, huge grin spreading across his face.
"Wanted to see my handsome fireman. I knew you'd cheer me up," she said giving him a big hug, loving that warm, strong feel of his arms around her. She looked up at his face, caressing his cheek, glad he didn't look too bruised. Jay's face got the worse of it for sure. Voight took Halstead with him to follow up on a lead, telling Erin to get outta that bitchy mood. This should do the trick, she thought looking into those blue eyes.
"Eat lunch with us," said Kelly grabbing her hand and leading her to the kitchen like a little boy. "Guys, say hello to Erin."
"Hello, Erin," said Hermann, Mouch, and Cruz at the same time, cracking themselves up.
"So you heard I was cookin and couldn't stay away?" asked Mills stirring something in a huge pot. Whatever it was had to be delicious thought Erin trying to figure out what that delectable smell was.
"You could have this every night," he continued admiring the gorgeous brunette.
"And you could end up back on truck," replied Kelly giving him his death stare.
The next few weeks rolled by, each one adding a new level to the Erin/Kelly relationship. She had become a fixture at 51, the guys growing to love her sense of humor, and the easy way she busted Severide's balls. She went places they didn't dare.
It didn't go unnoticed the way she cared for her fireman either...giving him a massage when it looked like he was hurting, little kisses snuck in here or there, the ice packs discreetly administered to any aching areas. Shay saw all this and could let out a sort of apprehensive breath she'd been unconsciously holding.
Kelly was tough on the outside, but soft on the inside. Only those who knew him best would ever see that part of Severide. He was a naturally a caring person and had no problems letting Erin know exactly how he felt.
She'd let it slip that her birthday was right around the corner, not looking forward to it, getting old, she told him laughing. That was when he decided to throw her the mother of all parties. It was going to be all Erin. He invited her cop friends only, no firemen...Otis, Gabby, and Hermann his only buddies in attendance working the bar. He ordered a huge red velvet cake, her favorite and had Mrs. Mills cater the event. She was getting her new business up and running and was thrilled to help out.
Kelly even made nice with Jay Halstead before the party. He met the cop for coffee early one Saturday morning unbeknownst to Erin. He apologized for the fight; Jay apologized for the fight and the two shared an awkward handshake. He didn't need this guy's blessing, honestly didn't care what the detective thought about him. He did care that his girlfriend wanted them to get along. So he would.
When Erin walked into Molly's that night she was overwhelmed. The cake, her cake...all her friends from the station, everyone she cared about there. Brought together by one fireman. Tears overflowed immediately with thoughts of the one person missing...Jules. Her work sister, surrogate mom, confidante...oh, Jules. She missed those sparkling blue eyes, the conversations about family. Damn, you would sure come in handy helping me navigate this relationship thing, she thought with a small smile. She pushed the sad thoughts away, and took in more of the happy scene.
No one had ever done this for her...a party so huge, so beautiful, so perfect. Just for her. Hank always kept things low key, quiet birthday dinners at nice restaurants usually on the owner for some shady favor Voight had performed. They were nice, but this was unbelievable.
"God, Severide. What are you trying to do? Make me fall in love with you or something?" Erin whispered in his ear taking his arm, pulling him in tight for a kiss.
Erin hadn't said the L word since the night of their blow out to get him to stop and listen to her.
Kelly smiled at her wet face knowing this was perfect. The worry, the planning, the second guessing, all worth it.
"I love you too, Erin," he whispered in her ear.
Hmmm, so is Erin really in love? Do you think Kelly will get his happily ever after? Two more and this one's done. Been so much fun writing about two cut from the same cloth.