This is a random story of Casey and Severide disagreed on a call (miss their annual fights), and Severide had communication issue with Stella, happened around season 8 or 9 when Casey, Severide, and Stella are living together. Also with current personnel (Gallo instead of Otis, Violet instead of Foster). And… I like how flustered Gallo around Violet is as well as how sweet Violet is. I'm including them a lot here.
This story turned out very long so I divide it into two (even this one is too long already)… hence the abrupt end.
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"You all are gonna be late!" Casey hollered after pouring coffee into his tumbler. He knocked on Severide and Stella's door.
"Ah, yeah," Stella answered and opened the door. She looked worse to wear, rubbing her eyes since she just woke up. "Three minutes, wait for me." Stella walked to the bathroom.
"Where's Severide?" Casey asked when Stella got out of the bathroom, more put together, but bags under her eyes were still visible. If Casey had to take a wild guess, he'd say she had been crying.
"Don't know. I thought he's sleeping out here," Stella shrugged.
"Everything okay?" Casey inquired.
"I don't know… I think. No, I don't know. He stormed out on me. I thought you heard. We weren't exactly quiet," said Stella.
"Nope. I was knocked out dead," said Casey. He passed Stella an apple after Stella poured herself coffee.
"Thanks," said Stella.
"You're okay though?" asked Casey. Hearing Stella's hoarse voice only affirmed his guess that she had been crying. Stella nodded. "Good. Let's go." Casey opened the door for her and locked behind her.
"His car isn't here," Casey pointed at the spot Severide always parked his car.
"And his car isn't here as well," Stella commented as Casey parked his car in front of the firehouse.
"Maybe he took a detour," said Casey. They walked into the firehouse, bumping into Ritter and Tuesday on the way in.
Boden just started morning briefing when Severide slipped in and stand beside Casey. His hair was unruly and his clothes were wrinkled. Casey elbowed him lightly.
"Where were you this morning?" asked Casey.
"Out," said Severide. The alarm rang for all companies except Battalion 25. They rushed to the rigs and drove to the scene.
It was a car accident gone bad, with a car hitting a bus which in turn smashed into 3 more cars, one of them flipped upside down. Casey jumped out of the rig, surveying the scene.
"There's a baby in there!" yelled an onlooker. There was an unconscious woman in the front seat and a baby in the back seat of the upside down car. In the second car there was a hysterical woman who looked okay.
"What do you think?" Casey called to Severide.
"We went and grab the baby, and pry the door open. Then, the other car," said Severide.
"The fuel is leaking. If the sparks get to the leak it would explode," said Casey. "Can we grab the baby through the window?"
"Yeah. We bust the window opposite from the baby. Grab her without opening the door," said Severide.
"51, prepare estinguisher and a line. This car is leaking," said Casey.
"Copy, Captain! Ritter!" yelled Herrmann.
"Kidd, can you pull the other car from that side to separate it from this car?" asked Casey.
"Copy, Captain. Mouch, I'm gonna move the rig," Stella ran to the truck. Meanwhile, Brett and Violet were treating victims from the other cars.
"No, if you pull that car, the balance of this one is compromised," said Severide.
"We can manually balance it using cribbings, and contain the leak before pulling her out," said Casey. "We cannot use jaw to open the other car unless they're separated. It will spark."
"There's no time to use cribbing," said Severide.
"I'm not lighting two cars at once," said Casey. "Cribbing, separate, rescue separately. Gallo, Cruz, cribbing. We'll stabilise this car, Kidd will pull that car, we'll separate them and rescue each separately!" yelled Casey. Gallo, Cruz, and Mouch ran to the truck to grab cribbings.
"Yes, Captain," Severide answered snidely. Casey ignored him.
"Cribbings are secured, Captain," said Cruz.
"Alright. Kidd, slow and steady. Pull!" Casey gave a cue with his hand. "Good, keep going. Brett, get ready to extricate," said Casey.
"Copy," said Brett. Tony and Capp started to work on the car, while Stella joined Truck in stabilising the upside down car.
"Breaking the window," said Gallo, and carefully broke the glass far from the baby. He crouched in and slit the carseat, pulling the baby that had been upside down. He pulled the baby close to him and crouched back until he was safe outside the car, passing the baby to Casey. Casey gave the baby to Violet who gave him c-collar for the driver.
"Careful," said Casey when the car tipped a bit. He joined in to keep the balance of the car.
"Herrmann, get ready for sparks," said Severide when Gallo and Stella used halligan to make gap between the car door. After it had a gap, Cruz used jaw to open the door. A spark fell to the ground, which Herrmann immediately sprayed with extinguisher.
"Door's open!" yelled Cruz. Gallo attached c-collar and he and Stella carefully took the victim from the car. She had been upside down for long, her face was flushed from all the blood flow. She was unresponsive. Violet had the stretcher, but she had the baby on her arms. Brett was still busy with the victim from the other car.
"Give me the baby," Casey said to her. She passed the baby to Casey.
"Her temperature Is still below normal," said Violet. She took the stretcher and went closer to the car, accepting the victim from Gallo, Stella, and Mouch. They rolled to a safe distance and Violet checked the victim.
"She's not breathing. Weak pulse. I'm intubating," she opened her kit and started intubation. Gallo pulled the bag valve from her kit and got ready behind her. Brett went running to her after passing the other victim to another ambulance.
"Got it?" asked Brett.
"Yup. I'm in," said Violet. Gallo passing her the bag valve and she connected it to the victim. "Thanks." They pushed the stretcher to the ambulance. "Uh, the baby.."
"Gallo, go," Casey nodded to the ambulance. Gallo climbed to the ambulance behind Violet and accepted the baby from Casey. Casey thumped on the door to give signal to Brett to drive.
"There's a blanket. The baby is below normal temperature," said Violet. Gallo pulled the blanket and covered the baby.
"Brett, step on it! I don't get a heartbeat," called Violet. "Hold this for me, one pump every twenty counts," she gave the bag valve to Gallo, climbed over the victim, and started CPR. "Starting CPR."
"Hold on tight," Brett sped up the ambulance. "Turning right ahead!" Violet swayed dangerously to the left of the ambulance. Gallo put the baby on his lap and kept hold on Violet's belt to keep her upright.
"You wanna switch?" asked Gallo after a couple minutes. Violet shook her head, sweat dripped down her face.
"Left turn ahead and we're there. I've called ahead!" Brett yelled from the driver seat. When Violet swayed to the right, Gallo propped her by the waist to prevent her from falling on him.
"Careful, a baby's here. And you don't want to hurt this pretty face," Gallo joked. Violet snorted.
"We're pulling up!" Brett stopped the ambulance and ran to the back door with a nurse. She took over holding the baby from Gallo.
"Car accident victim female, unconscious, intubated on scene, lost heartbeat around seven minutes ago," Violet gasped as she got rolled along with the victim into the ER.
"Treatment 3," said Maggie. They rolled into Treatment 3.
"We got it from here," Will said as he strolled from the door. "Violet, let go," said Will. He pulled Violet away, and a nurse took over. "Charge to 150. Clear," said Will. He used the paddle to shock the victim. No change. "Charge to 200. Clear," he said again before shocking the victim. This time they managed to get a heartbeat. "Good job," Will winked. Brett and Gallo who watched from the door exhaled with relief.
"You kick ass!" Brett clasped her arm around Violet and they walked to the nurse station. "Wow, you're soaking wet."
"I felt like I just did a killer workout," said Violet. She took off her paramedic jacket which was soaked with sweat. Brett filled out the forms. Violet wiped her face with her jacket, still panting.
"Not bad," commented Gallo. Violet shot him a look. Gallo took off his gear and jacket, and gave the jacket to Violet. "Here. At least I don't sweat."
"Aww see Brett, what a gentleman," teased Violet. She took the jacket and slipped into it. Brett smirked.
"Gentleman sit in the back," Brett opened the ambulance door for Gallo. Violet laughed.
"How's the victim?" asked Stella when the three of them walked into the common room, Violet still in Gallo's jacket and Gallo in t-shirt.
"Lost heartbeat on the way, Violet gave 7-minute CPR on the way. She came around in Med," said Brett.
"Seven minutes? Damn, my personal record is four," said Stella.
"How's the baby?" asked Casey.
"The baby is fine," said Gallo. Brett took cold water bottle from the fridge and set it in front of Violet.
"Finish it," she said. "Ice cream after you're done."
"What kind of parenting is that?" Stella protested.
"Hah, you're just jealous," smiled Violet. Stella and Gallo looked at Casey expectantly. Casey's expression changed from laughter to frown when he realised that. He rolled his eyes.
"I don't have ice cream. I have tools which won't clean themselves," Casey pointed to the apparatus floor. The others laughed silently.
"Copy that. And then ice cream," joked Gallo.
"Don't push your luck, Gallo. Just start cleaning," said Herrmann. "And Brett, that is not how you parent when you have kids."
"She's not my kid. And she just did CPR for 7 minutes in the back of a speeding ambulance and bring someone back from death," said Brett. "Either of us do something good, we both have ice cream. That's our deal."
"Include me on that. You do something good, I eat ice cream," said Mouch.
"Alright, what's our menu again?" asked Violet, walked to the fridge. Gallo caught up with her.
"I'll cook. You change your clothes, and rest," said Gallo.
"You're saying I stink?" asked Violet.
"If the 7-minute CPR is breaking you into sweat, probably you should train harder," said Gallo. "Really, I got this," he pulled the meat package from Violet.
"Alright, since you offered so kindly," said Violet. She finished her water and walked towards the locker room, bumping into Severide on the way. "Sorry, Lieutenant."
"It's alright," murmured Severide, then turned back on his heels when he peeked at the common room. Casey saw him and caught on with him.
"You alright?" asked Casey.
"Why?" Severide challenged.
"Is there any problem?" asked Casey.
"What do you think? You have any?" asked Severide.
"Is it about the call or is it about something else?" asked Casey. He glanced at the common room. Everyone pretended they were not listening. Casey tried to move to the apparatus floor or the tower, but Severide didn't budge.
"No, the call was perfect," Severide said cynicly before turning away from Casey. Casey shook his head disbelievingly. It's like a periodical thing that would never end. They disagreed, they made truce, just to wait until another call in which they disagree again. Deep down he knew it would be just fine in the end, but he hated when things escalated between them.
"Everything okay?" Boden asked from behind him.
"Yes chief," said Casey, then went to his quarter. He could see Severide's quarter was closed, with the blinds pulled down. He decided not to try his luck again, at least for a couple hours.
-o-o-
"Hey, you seem on edge," said Stella after knocking and opening Severide's door.
"I'm good," said Severide.
"Where did you stay last night?" asked Stella.
"What do you mean?"
"After you walked out on me. You weren't in the apartment in the morning. Where did you go?" Stella asked, starting to get angry at Severide's blank expression.
"Nowhere," said Severide. Stella shook her head.
"People don't go nowhere, Kelly. You weren't at the apartment, you went somewhere. Are we even gonna talk about last night?" asked Stella. Severide looked anywhere but at her. "Fine. Have it your way," said Stella, closed the door and walked to the locker room, banged her locker on the way. She sat on the bench in an attempt to clear her head. Violet walked behind her and handed her a sour candy.
"What? Candy?"
"Every time I was angry, I eat it. Then I become upset because the candy is very sour and I feel better," said Violet. Stella chuckled, but took it. Violet brushed her hair and pulled it back, before putting on a new paramedic jacket and taking Gallo's with her to return.
"Ah, God sake! What the hell is this!" Stella cringed. Violet giggled. "I can't believe you eat that purposely!" She stuck her tongue out. "Wait, actually yeah. I'm upset at the candy more than I'm upset at Lieutenant Dumb over there. Sorry, you're not Brett. You're still innocent, you're not supposed to hear that."
"Hear what?" asked Violet innocently. "Or maybe you should help with cooking."
"Nice try," said Stella. "I'll clean the tools to earn my ice cream." She walked in the direction of the apparatus floor. "Thanks for the poison!"
Severide didn't come out from his quarter for lunch. Stella refused to do anything about him, and no one dared to ask Casey to do so since they argued at the scene. At the end, Violet volunteered to offer him lunch, which he refused.
To Stella and Casey's relief, they were called separately to scenes in the afternoon. 81 was called to assist in a winter fair rescue, when one of its rides won't stop spinning. Gallo and Casey pulled four kids to safety from a moving ride using aerial. Squad 3 was called to help another firehouse in a basement rescue. When Squad 3 rolled back to the firehouse, Severide went back to shut himself in his quarter. Ambulance 61 rolled out of the firehouse as Squad 3 came back. Casey walked back from the apparatus floor after running a drill. Seeing the deserted bunk room and relatively empty firehouse, he decided to talk to Severide. He peeked through the door and saw Severide sleeping. It was unusual for him, but then again, who knows where and if he slept last night.
Approaching dinner, it was Ritter's turn to cook, but Violet helped because she lost a bet to him.
"It looks like you're on Lieutenant duty again," whispered Ritter as he carried the pan to the table.
"I cook. You're on that duty," said Violet. "Hey, Gallo, you're on Lieutenant duty."
"I'd rather eat a slipper," squeaked Gallo.
"Cruz, where's Severide?" asked Casey after they all took their food. Cruz shook his head. Casey looked at Stella, who gestured with lifting her open palm and shrugging. Stella pointed at Violet.
"Mikami," said Casey. Violet looked at Casey.
"Ask for ice cream," teased Brett. Gallo snickered. Violet raised her eyebrows, waiting for the command.
"If you're successful feeding the lion," said Casey, gestured to the bunk room. Gallo, Ritter, Cruz, and Stella gaped.
"I'll try," said Violet then left the common room. Everyone looked at Casey questioningly.
"Any better idea?" asked Casey. "I owe you one, Brett."
"I prefer doing 10 minutes CPR," said Mouch, which was met by murmur of agreement from around the room. Violet marched to Severide's quarter and knocked on the door, peeking after hearing Severide's voice.
"Lieutenant. You're not having dinner again?" asked Violet.
"I'm good," said Severide.
"You should eat something," pushed Violet. Severide shook his head slowly. Violet frowned. "Put your arms to the front," said Violet.
"Why?" asked Severide. Violet took a piece of paper and put it on Severide's palm. The paper trembled, following his hand.
"You're trembling. Starving yourself is just gonna make it worse. I'll bring your food here if you don't feel like socialising, but you have to eat," said Violet. "Well, that or an IV," Violet smiled. Severide knew this is a battle he wouldn't win. Innocent and sweet as she looks, she was just as persistent as any paramedics who ever step foot in 51, including one very stubborn Gabby Dawson.
"Alright," Severide finally relented.
"Yay! I'll also refill this," Violet took Severide's water bottle. "Be right back." She walked back to the common room with a victory smile, saying nothing to the others while refilling the water bottle and piling up food on the plate, and walked back to Severide's quarter.
"Gallo cooked?" asked Severide.
"Ritter and I," said Violet. "I made the stir fry, Ritter did the rest."
"You're not gonna make sure I eat, do you?" asked Severide.
"If needed," said Violet. "No, of course not," said Violet before retreating outside.
"Hey, thanks. Again," said Severide. Violet just smiled and walked back to the common room, plopped back on her seat and continued eating, ignoring the amazed looks around her. Casey took out a cup of ice cream from the fridge and set it in front of Violet.
"Thank you Captain," said Violet.
"I'm on 81 for years now, and haven't gotten mine, Casey," Stella pouted.
"You haven't earned yours," said Casey.
After Casey was sure Severide had finished eating so he wouldn't be eaten alive, he knocked on Severide's quarter. He considered offering cigar, but finally decided against it. Severide didn't comment when he opened the door and walked in. He closed the door, this is a conversation he wouldn't want anyone to hear.
"Okay, talk to me," said Casey. "What are you upset about, and what should we do?"
"Nothing," said Severide.
"Severide. We disagree on calls, I wanna talk about it. What are you so upset about?" asked Casey. "You want to get the victim first, I want to separate the cars first. It happened."
"I shouldn't bother saying anything since it's obvious we'll do things your way," said Severide. He stood up and walked to the apparatus floor, leaving Casey inside.
"Truck 81, Ambulance 61, person down."
The call was to a house in which a man attempted suicide in a bathtub. After Gallo and Casey lifted him out of the bathtub, Brett and Violet took turns doing CPR, even Stella pitched in. On lap eight, Violet was doing CPR, when the victim suddenly gasped. He let out a high-pitched cry, probably because he was still alive. Casey and Stella jumped to restrain him. Violet and Brett took the stretcher and strapped him in.
"You did a lot of CPR today, huh?" said Brett to Violet.
"Just another day," smirked Violet.
"Hey Casey," Stella called when Gallo, Brett, and Violet was loading the victim into ambulance. "Have you talked to Kelly?"
"Yeah. Didn't end well," said Casey. "You?"
"Same," Stella shook her head. "Okay. At least it wasn't just me."
"Tell me if you guys need the loft to yourselves tomorrow. I won't be home," offered Casey. Stella and Severide were usually good at keeping their problems to themselves without putting him in the middle, but who knows.
"Who knows if he will go home," said Stella.
"What happened? You guys aren't usually this…" Casey struggled to find the right word. "Explosive."
"I don't know. It started with teasing, I forgot what about, then became a confrontation, and he ran out on me," said Stella. "Wow, can't believe I just poured out my heart out to the Captain on the scene."
"You'll be fine. Just let him cool off for a while. Both of us," Casey put his arm around Stella's shoulder. It was out of character for him to show affection, especially on the job. Stella nodded, feeling somewhat comforted.
"Thanks for… this," said Stella. Casey nodded, patted her back, then they climbed into the truck.
The next morning, which was quiet except for two ambulance calls, Stella woke up very early and peeked into Severide's quarter. He was already awake, sitting in front of his desk, contemplating on some reports. She knocked on Severide's quarter.
"Hey, you wanna go check the rig?" asked Stella. Severide looked at her, then shook his head. "Kelly, what is it? You ran out on me, you don't want to talk," Stella asked exasperated.
"Talking is not my strong virtue," said Severide.
"I know that… but at least try?" asked Stella. "How about I quiz you, and you just say yes or no?" she asked playfully.
"I don't have time for that," said Severide, motioning at his paperwork.
"Fine," said Stella. She left the room and went to the apparatus floor, taking out tools from the back of Truck 81. It was still early, so she took her time being alone and polishing each of the tools carefully.
"Wow, you're really aiming for the ice cream, huh?" asked Gallo who passed her after doing exercise outside the firehouse.
"What?" asked Stella.
"No, never mind," said Gallo.
"Hey, whose turn is it to do breakfast?" asked Stella.
"Mine," said Gallo.
"I'll do it," said Stella.
"Okay," Gallo cheered, then ran back outside the firehouse. Stella stored all the tools and went to the common room.
"You're up early," commented Brett when she walked in from the apparatus floor and saw Stella cooking. Violet turned into the bunk room, eager to catch some more sleep.
"Yeah," said Stella.
"Severide problem?" asked Brett. Stella shrugged.
"I don't know what's going on with him. I thought it was me, but Casey and him aren't talking too," said Stella.
"Probably just a bad day. And they say woman is the more emotional gender," Brett poured some coffee and pondered while watching Stella scrambling eggs.
"He ran out on me the night before. Disappeared, then walked into shift with a dark cloud on his head," Stella rolled her eyes. "I tried to talk twice, nada."
"Maybe third time's the charm," said Brett. The alarm blasted. "Ambulance 61, accidental poisoning." Brett gulped her coffee and ran to the apparatus floor.
"Trouble in paradise?" Herrmann asked while walking into the common room. Stella shot him a look.
"Since when did my love life become topic here?" asked Stella. "At least, gossip behind my back."
"Kidd, he locks himself in his quarter. And you only cook when you are troubled," said Herrmann. Stella pouted. "No, continue. I'd like some of that bacon."
"As long as you change the topic," said Stella.
"Copy that," Herrmann winked his eyes. "Oh, while we are on the topic. Anytime you need space, I'm not suggesting it, but just in case, there's always a place in my loft for you."
"Appreciate that," said Stella.
"Truck 81, Squad 3, Engine 51, Battalion 25. Structure fire."
"An hour before shift ends? No joke," Herrmann grabbed some bacon and they ran to the rigs after turning off the stove.
"81, primary search. Squad 3, back door. Engine, two lines. Ambo 148, set up triage," barked Boden when they arrived.
"Copy. Mouch, Gallo, find victims. Kidd, with me. Herrmann, cover us?" said Casey.
"Copy, Captain! We'll follow you with one line," said Herrmann.
The fire was a big one, with three more companies were called from other houses. Ambulance 61 joined them straight from Med. It was a paint warehouse, so there were many flammable liquids. When Squad found the first victim, Capp pulled him out and sent him to the triage.
"How many victims are unaccounted for, Chief?" asked Casey after a while.
"Four," said Boden.
"I got two!" yelled Gallo. "Mouch and I are bringing them out now!"
"Smoke is turning black. One more minute and pull out," Boden yelled into the radio.
"Found one, Kidd is coming with one," said Casey.
"I see one, back corner," said Cruz. "Going out with one." Just as he dragged a victim out the front door, something exploded.
"Casey, Severide, Herrmann, status!"
"Me and Herrmann are good, chief!" said Casey.
"Severide is down, repeat, Severide is down!" yelled Tony. "Last room on north end!"
"Copy that, we're coming your way!"
"This is inventory room, filled with paint and thinner! Air is compromised! I have one victim here!"
"We're coming!" yelled Casey, charged forward to find the room. Tony was crouching over Severide, helping him stand up. "What happened?"
"That shelf exploded!" said Tony. Herrmann and Ritter tried to extinguish the fire with the line. Casey pulled Severide standing. They just realised Severide's mask got knocked off and broken. Casey guided Severide to the exit door. Tony lifted the victim since the floor was filled with paint spills. Severide panted on the way. Casey pulled his own mask off and pushed it to Severide's face. The place was filled with fumes from the paint, and Casey started to feel lightheaded. Severide shoved the mask away, and Casey inhaled from the mask before pushing it back to Severide's face. They made a break to the door. A paramedic ushered them to the triage, where Brett was treating a victim. Severide was down on his hands and knees and gagged before spitting on the ground. His head and eyes hurt and his lungs screamed for air.
"Sev," Casey panted beside him, clearly concerned that Severide got poisoned from the fumes.
"Let me check you out," a paramedic came beside him and touched his back. Severide shrugged her off.
"I got him," Severide heard a voice, and soon after someone crouched beside him. "What happened?" Violet asked Casey, giving two water bottles.
"Paint fumes. Smoke. His mask broke," said Casey.
"Lieutenant, it's Mikami. Try to breathe through your nose slowly," Violet rubbed Severide's back comfortingly and held his forehead to prevent him from falling forward. Severide tried to stop the heaving, but it was uncontrollable. "It's okay, don't fight it. Your body is getting rid of the toxins," Violet said in a soothing voice which usually is reserved for victims. Severide coughed and vomited again before taking the water bottle Casey shoved in his hand and rinsing his mouth. He gargled the water and spitted it up, followed by another mouthful of vomit. He panted heavily and attempted to sit. He fell on his back, Violet's hand cushioned his fall.
"You done?" asked Casey. Severide didn't answer, he shut his eyes and attempted to rub them. Violet restrained his hands.
"Don't rub your eyes. We'll treat them shortly, just keep it shut for now. I'll have you sitting up, just in case you throw up again." Violet gently propped Severide up into a sitting position and kept rubbing his back. Severide didn't have the energy to object when she fussed around him, checked his heart rate and blood pressure. "I'm putting oxymeter on your finger. Heart rate is slightly elevated, BP is normal… I'm gonna clean your face and fix oxygen mask on you to help you breathe. Now I'm gonna check your lung sound," she narrated what she was about to do, which Severide appreciated since he was practically blind. She wiped his face, being extra careful around the eyes, and put an oxygen mask on him since he was still struggling to breathe. Severide felt something cold touched his chest. "Take a deep breathe, slowly," she instructed. Severide coughed in the middle of the deep breathe he was attempting to pull. "Lung sounds alright. Oxygen is at 96. If you need to be sick, take off the mask. Now keep your eyes closed, I'm gonna give you some eye drops. Can you tip your head back a bit?" She gently tipped Severide's head back and poured water over Severide's eyes area and dabbed them with clean towel. "I'm almost done. Now eye drops, this might sting," she and dripped eye drops into both his eyes. Severide winced and nearly vomited, pulling his mask and gagged to the side. He felt Violet rubbing his back and murmured "it's okay" continuously, in an attempt to calm him down. Mucus dripped from his mouth, and Violet gently wiped it and fixed the oxygen mask once Severide was done. "Close your eyes again, I'm gonna put wet towel over your eyes. It should heal the redness." She held the towel on Severide's eyes.
"Did you inhale the fumes too, Captain?"
"Eh, just for a second, no side effect," said Casey, who already rinsed his eyes and face. "You should get checked out at Med, Sev."
"Let me check you out for a little bit?" asked Violet, turning to face Casey. Casey held out his hand and Violet put him on blood pressure monitor. She performed a check on his pupils and lung sound. "Everything's good."
"Thanks," said Casey as Violet moved back to Severide. "You can lean back a bit, Lieutenant, I'll prop you up. Just lean into my hand." She pulled Severide to lean back on her arm.
"Mikami, status on Severide?" Chief walked to them.
"Paint fumes and smoke inhalation, Chief. Trouble breathing, he's on oxygen until he breathes right. Lung sound is good, there's no risk of secondary burning," said Violet, looking around. Brett was still checking the other victim who got burn on his skin.
"Keep an eye on him, Mikami. All the victims have been transported. You and Brett drop him to Med or firehouse, your call," said Boden.
"Will do Chief," said Violet. Severide let out a hacking cough. "Try to breathe normally. Lean back a bit to my hand. There it is, it's okay. I got you." She kept a hand on Severide's back to prop him up, and rubbed his chest in attempt to get a reaction. "Any headache?" Severide nodded. "Try to open your eyes, see if it itches." Severide obeyed and shook his head.
"I'll help with overhaul," said Casey and stood up.
"Kelly, what happened?" asked Stella who walked to them. She looked to Violet.
"His mask broke, he inhaled paint fumes and smoke," said Violet.
"Is he gonna be okay?" asked Stella.
"If his breathing improves, and no more side effect, he might be able to skip Med," said Violet. Severide removed the mask and coughed heavily. Violet helped him turn to the side to spit. Stella rushed forward, knelt beside him opposite Violet and tried to hold him, which he shrugged off. When he went back to his sitting position, Stella held his shoulder. He swatted Stella's hand away. Violet and Stella exchanged looks.
"You got him?" asked Stella to Violet.
"Of course," said Violet, reaching out to squeeze Stella's arm. Hurt flashed on Stella's face before he joined Casey near the building. "What happened to him?" asked Stella.
"His mask got knocked off and broken. Inhaled paint fumes and smoke. Disoriented, threw up, short of breath," said Casey. "You can sit with him, I'll do this one." He referred to the overhaul.
"He didn't want me there, literally pushed me away," said Stella. "Why did he let her fuss over him so easily?" They looked over at Violet whose hand was kept behind Severide, propping him up.
"She's Katie's age. Maybe he saw Katie in her?" suggested Casey. "As you said, no one can really say no."
"Including you," teased Stella.
"You're just jealous and want some ice cream," Casey ribbed Stella, eliciting a smile from her.
"Well, at least someone can fuss over him and make sure he's okay," said Stella. They went to do overhaul.
"Severide! Can't you get out of trouble at least one fire?" scolded Brett jokingly as she came over to them. "What's the verdict on him, Violet?"
"Paint fumes and smoke inhalation. Vomiting, breathing trouble, headache. Put him on oxygen mask a couple minutes ago, breathing sounds better now. Lung sound is good, I'll check again in a minute," said Violet as she listened to Severide's lung sound using stethoscope.
Brett took off the mask. "Try to breathe on your own. Can you breathe easily? Any lingering dizziness? Nausea?"
"Yes, mild, yes," said Severide.
"Let's sit in the ambo. Come on, you can come with us. Two victims insisted on being transported together, so you'll have the whole ambo for yourself." Brett lent a hand to help him stand. Using Brett's arm as a support, Severide slowly stood. They walked to the ambulance. Severide sat on the steps of the ambulance. Violet attached an oxymeter to his finger. "We have a journey upon us, you shall not vomit in the ambulance," offered Brett.
"I thought that's what an ambulance is for," joked Severide.
"For patient. Not for a stubborn firefighter," said Brett. She pulled out a vomit bag and held it out. "Make sure you use this if needed. If not, you're cleaning it."
"Oxy at 98, you're good. Try taking a deep breathe," said Violet, already holding a stethoscope to his chest. "Lung sounds good. Looks like you just avoided Chicago Med, Lieutenant. You can sit in front seat, I'll sit in the back," offered Violet. Severide climbed into the back of the ambulance. Violet followed suit.
"I can sit by myself," said Severide.
"I know," Violet closed the ambulance door. She was grateful she sat in the back, though, since a couple minutes into bad traffic in Chicago on 9 am, Severide started sweating and breathed through his mouth. "You need oxygen again?"
"No, just… sick," said Severide.
"Brett, slower," said Violet. Severide pulled the vomit bag. Violet moved to his side and started rubbing his back. Severide retched into the bag unsuccessfully.
"Can you stomach some water?" asked Violet.
"Probably later," said Severide. Violet grabbed a towel and wet it.
"To freshen up. It should make you less nauseous," she explained. Severide wiped his face using the towel. Violet put another wet towel on the back of his neck and kept her hand there, which oddly felt comforting to Severide. He felt really miserable as he rested his forehead on the stretcher and closed his eyes, the vomit bag still on his hands as a precaution, and Violet's arm rested on his back lightly, holding the wet towel on the back of his neck. Violet hummed an unknown song to herself and tapped her finger against his back, and Severide found himself concentrating on the melody to keep his mind off his nausea. He managed not to vomit until they arrived at the firehouse and the girls safely took him to his bunk with water and rubbish bin on his side. It was the end of shift, but Severide didn't feel ready to drive home. He drank a lot of water in an attempt to rehydrate as he could feel dehydration forming. Minutes after he pounded back a litre of water, he stumbled into the joint bathroom and spewed the water in the sink.
"Hey, you okay?" asked Brett who walked in when he gargled water in an attempt to get rid of the taste.
"Drank too fast," said Severide. She stood beside him and patted his back when he spat into the sink. "Need anything?" Severide shook his head. "You got it bad, Tony said you breathed in the fumes probably more than a minute," commented Brett.
"How's the victim?" asked Severide.
"Unconscious. Her airway was severely burned, we couldn't intubate on scene," said Brett. "You sure you're okay?"
"Getting there," Severide answered reluctantly. Brett checked on his pupils. She pinched Severide's arm to check for dehydration.
"You're dehydrated. You don't want IV, do you? Drink water, slowly. Like real slow, sip on it. And rest today, take it easy," said Brett. She gently guided him back to his quarter by holding his back. "Get into recovery position, just in case you get sick again. Third shift took a big fire, don't think they will come back in few hours. Take rest before you go home," she brushed her hand on his forehead. She disappeared for a moment, and when she came back, she held an ice cube to Severide's mouth, forcing it open and slipped the ice cube inside.
"What…"
"It'll help with your nausea and get some water in you. I got a couple here," Brett rocked the mug she put beside Severide's pillow. "Call me or Violet if you need anything, okay? We're gonna hang around for a bit to eat and do inventory on cabinet."
Slowly, second shift gathered in the common room for their impending breakfast, except Severide who locked himself up in his office. Stella and Gallo continued cooking what they left in the morning. Violet walked to them, taking a cup of pudding from the fridge.
"Hey, how's Severide doing?" asked Stella.
"He got sick again in the ambulance. We didn't take him to Med, he's resting in his quarter. All in all, considered okay, just need rest and a lot of fluid," said Violet.
"Okay, thanks," said Stella.
"You're taking food to him? He should drink a lot," asked Violet.
"No, no, you go ahead," said Stella. Gallo snickered. Violet made some ginger tea and took toast from Gallo's pile, and pulled out Gatorade from the fridge, then walked to Severide's quarter and knocked the door. Severide was lying on the bunk, hadn't moved since Brett ushered him there.
"Room service," joked Violet, putting the mug, Gatorade, and plate on the bedside table.
"Who sent you?" asked Severide.
"No one," said Violet. "We have normal breakfast, but you might not be up for those. Toast and Gatorade should go down easier. And this is ginger tea, to relieve your nausea."
"Thanks, Mikami," said Severide.
"How's the head and nausea?"
"Head's okay. Nausea's better," said Severide
"But?"
"But I still don't feel good," said Severide. "If there's a fire now I wouldn't be able to do anything."
"You are not cleared to do anything now. I promise, you'll feel better after you eat and drink. And rest," Violet smiled.
"Okay," said Severide. "Thanks. For the food, and for your help today."
"No problem. Take a rest, Lieutenant. See you next shift."
"Yeah, you too," Severide muttered, then sat and grabbed the mug.
A couple minutes later, Casey knocked and poked his head inside. "How are you doing?"
"Okay," said Severide, still sipping on his ginger tea.
"Room service?" asked Casey. "I see you got a special menu."
"Won't be able to stomach anything you guys eat," Severide murmured. He was feeling considerably better, after sipping both ginger tea and Gatorade.
"You wanna carpool with me home?"
"Nope," said Severide.
"Alright. See you at the loft?" Upon hearing barely a whisper from Severide, he walked to his car. Stella had informed him that she's not carpooling back to the loft. He assumed Stella would get home with Severide, after cornering him to talk.
Casey spent the day at a construction job and went home quite late. The light was out, and there were no sound from Severide and Stella's room. He quickly weighed his options. If he knocks and wakes them up, he would face two pissed off firefighters, one had been on a bitter note with him since the previous day. If he doesn't, he won't be able to keep an eye on Severide's condition. His symptoms at the scene worried him, especially after Brett informed him that Severide vomited in the ambulance and firehouse, but insisted that he didn't need a trip to Med. It's been a while since Severide looked so helpless. If he peeked…. no, if it was just Severide, he would. But it's Stella's room too, and he won't do that.
An hour later, just before he went to bed, he couldn't shrug off his curiousity and decided to bite the bullet. He knocked on their room.
"Hey guys," he called softly. No answer. "Hey, I'm coming in, is that okay?" He slowly turned the door knob and tried to look in the darkness. Only one lump on the bed, it means Stella wasn't there. Casey walked to the bed and felt Severide's pulse, a habit he unconsciously built since Severide was hurt in the Med explosion. At first Severide hated when he did that, only letting it slide after hearing the others offhandedly commented about how he looked dead and was nearly black tagged after the explosion. Casey was taken aback with how clammy and warm Severide's skin was.
"Severide," he poked his friend's shoulder. "Kelly, wake up!" he patted his cheek. Severide slowly came to and groaned. "You're burning up. Where's Stella?"
"Brett's," said Severide.
"Is this because of the fire?" asked Casey, resting his palm on Severide's forehead. He felt Severide's back and found that the sheet was soaked.
"Don't think so. Already perfect, then tired," Severide answered. "Normal cold."
"This is not normal," grumbled Casey, then walked to the bathroom and took out a thermometre and stuck it in Severide's armpit. "Nausea? Vomiting? Headache?"
"No, no, had my fair share of puking today. Headache yes, not bad. Chills. Tired," said Severide. Casey brought a big bottle of water and gave it to Severide.
"102.5," said Casey. "Come on, change your clothes. They are soaked. I'll change your sheet, you sit outside," said Casey.
"You don't need to," said Severide.
"Me or I call Brett. You know Stella is there," threatened Casey. Severide rolled his eyes, then winced since it worsen his headache. "Or you me to call Mikami?"
"Dirty play, Matt," Severide held up his hands and walked to his dresser and changed his t-shirt and pajama pants. He stretched out on the sofa. Casey followed him and gave him the water bottle and blanket, then he changed the sheet in Severide's bed. When he was done, he walked to the sofa. Severide had fell asleep after apparently sipping a quarter bottle of water. Casey felt his forehead, and took some wet towel from the bathroom and put one on Severide's forehead, soaking the rest on a bowl. He contemplated on telling Stella about her boyfriend's condition, but remembering their previous unknown argument, and that she slept at Brett's, presumably to avoid Severide, he held back. Even he didn't know if he and Severide were okay. On one side, he knew that it was part of the job. They argued, they smoked cigars and talk about it, they made up. At the end of the day, they are brothers and brothers fight. On the other hand, it was a repeated argument. He was tired of it, hell, the whole house was tired of it. Casey suspected if they weren't too uncomfortable, they would've bet on it already. But even the newer kids like Gallo and Violet could pick up when to avoid them both, or in Violet's case, when to do room service for either or both of them. He decided to talk to Severide after his condition improved. Right now, being there and helped him back to health was his priority.
Casey didn't have a heart to tell Severide to move to his bed, instead, he squeezed himself to the little space left on the sofa to change the wet towel periodically. He fell in and out of sleep, changing the towel every time he woke up. Curiously, he sent a text to Will Halstead, hoping the other man was on night shift, asking about Severide's condition, telling him about the fumes and smoke inhalation earlier. Will sided with Violet and Brett's decision to clear him, and that his symptoms were of flu that was going around. After receiving advises about how not to get infected, Casey finally went to his room, dragged his blanket, and settled to sleep on the sofa, stretching his legs on the coffee table.
When Severide woke up, it was barely 4 am. His throat was sore and his body ached. He had a killer of a headache, too. He looked around and realised that he was on the sofa, a drying wet towel on his forehead. Casey slept near his feet, bundled up in his own blanket. He poked Casey with his toe. Casey glanced at him.
"How are you feeling?" asked Casey, taking the wet towel and dumping it in the bowl on the table. He felt Severide's neck for temperature, and was relieved to find that the temperature was nearing normal now. "Next time tell me if you are sick. I was worried."
"Thought I'd sleep it off," said Severide. He coughed and stretched his body. "Go back to bed. I don't want to infect you. Boden would be pissed if we were both out of commission."
"We need to talk," said Casey.
"Yeah we do. Sleep on your own bed for a few more hours, Matt. We'll talk," said Severide. Casey yawned.
"Right," muttered Casey then stood up and pulled his blanket with him. Severide curled back into the sofa. Casey tucked him in and ruffled his hair before walking to his room.
"You know, I'm tired fighting with you," said Casey when he poured himself coffee and joined Severide on the sofa.
"Huh?"
"This, Kelly. I know it's our nature to disagree on calls. But trust me, I take in your consideration. I always do. I don't play god and overrule you all the time. If I came across like that, I'm sorry. It was and will never be my intention."
Severide didn't answer for a few moments, contemplating what to say. He could say the most hurtful thing here, like when they argued over Darden's death, or he could offer an olive branch to his oldest friend. "It's because it's you."
"Come again?"
"I think if it would've been any other captain, I would accept whatever his decision, whether I agreed or disagreed with him. He could undermine me because he didn't trust me. But you, I know you trust me. You should've trusted me. I'm having a hard time thinking otherwise," said Severide.
"I trust you with my life, you know that," Casey couldn't help but raising his voice.
"I know. I know, and that's what bothers me. Any other captain didn't accept my two cents, he might not trust me enough or think I'm not good enough. You didn't accept my two cents, I started thinking the same, started doubting myself, because I know you," said Severide.
"Is this because I overrank you?" asked Casey uncomfortable.
"I don't know. Maybe, probably. I don't know," Severide looked anywhere but at Casey, ashamed to admit that, but had promised himself to communicate better. His toddler communication skill got himself in a tight spot with Casey and Stella, two most important people for him.
"I don't know what to say," said Casey.
"No, it's totally my shortcoming. I should do better. You are my superior officer. That's that," said Severide.
"Okay, listen, Severide. I trust you, with all calls, with my life. By now you should know that. I've literally put my life in your hands a couple times. Right?" Upon Severide's nod, Casey continued. "I think you are one of the best firefighters I've ever worked with, regardless of rank. You didn't deserve the demotion back then, you deserve every promotion and commendation that comes your way. Maybe I didn't say it enough to you, cause this is not our thing, but I'll gladly sing it to everyone who asks. That working with you throughout my career is an absolute honour and I am glad Darden dragged me to meet his cocky childhood best friend."
Severide was speechless. Casey wasn't far from him in preference about this kind of conversation. They don't have a heart-to-heart, they act upon their brotherhood rather than say it. It must have bugged Casey that much to finally say it all, and he wondered how long did Casey spend thinking about what he would say. Hell, Casey spent a week practising the speech for his graduation from fire academy, being the best in his batch.
"That means a lot, thanks. And they all work both ways," said Severide.
"This, me overranking you, this is not a consideration in me asking about your opinion. I'll always want your opinion, Kelly. At the end, I go with what I can live with. Because it would be me on the chopping block, you knew that with Otis. You give valuable inputs which I always weigh in, but in a split second, I see another way to do it. If I knew this would be an issue, I would think twice about the promotion. I don't want it to come between us."
"I am happy for your promotion, Matt," defended Severide.
"I know. But it is just a rank. You're my brother. You come first," said Casey.
"Like I said, I know I should work on it better. Fact is the scene was yours, and it's your authority. I guess I need to drill into my mind that I know you trust me, that you're not undermining me by not taking my point," said Severide.
"If you need to be reminded, I'll gladly do so. I don't think I've ever said this out loud, but there's no one I trust more in the CFD than you. Working a fire with you isn't something I take lightly," Casey reached over and squeezed Severide's arm.
"And vice versa," said Severide. "And we become softies."
"Which comes to my second point. When we argue, we both know that we'll be alright in the end. That maybe part of why we fight hard, because we know we're stronger than a petty argument, then a stupid ego. Hell, the whole house know we'll resolve it. But it affects the mood of the house. Not only we avoid each other, but also they tiptoe around us, we don't set a good example. Gallo might be thinking that it is okay for him and Ritter down the road to act like that."
"What do you suggest?" asked Severide.
"That we don't yell at each other in front of anyone. Not in the scene, not in the firehouse, not in front of Boden. If we need to inquiry about each other's decision, we talk in the quarter. Or the roof, or outside. Or here. I think Stella won't care. But in the firehouse, no hiding in quarter, no turning back from each other," said Casey.
"I'll try. We need to spare Mikami from becoming my personal UberEats," said Severide.
"Deal," Casey held out his hand which Severide shook.
"You'll remind me if I start provoking you? You know me and my butthole mouth," said Severide.
"Gladly," Casey grinned, and surprising both of them, he leaped and reached for Severide's head, giving a loud kiss on his hairline just like he used to give his niece when she was younger.
"Ugh!" Severide swatted Casey away. Casey walked to the fridge and pulled a beer and a can of ginger ale. He gave the ginger ale to Severide.
"Cheers to adult, grown-up officers at 51," said Casey.
"What about Herrmann?" asked Severide, clinking their drinks together. Casey laughed. "Beer at 8 am. Do I even know you?"
"Must be the bad influence of my roommate," shrugged Casey. "I'm drained after this kind of talk. This is harder than working a high rise fire."
"Copy that," said Severide. "While we are on the topic, proud of you for giving such a speech. Remember your speech at academy graduation?"
"Don't remind me of it," Casey rolled his eyes. "Now, what happened with you and Stella?"
"I know. Idiot. We were talking about something on TV, I think a comedy TV. Then somehow I talked about Benny, and she said something…. And I freaked out and ran. I don't want her to think I'm like Benny, but even I don't believe I won't turn into Benny," said Severide.
"Benny as in one of the greatest fire investigator Chicago has ever had?" asked Casey.
"Benny as in the womanizer who got married more times than he could count," said Severide. "And if I want to fix that with her, I might have to say things I'm not ready to say, like talking about the future and all that, and we're not there yet. So yeah, it's screwed up. She told you?"
"We were looking for you in the morning. She was worried. And pissed, when you brushed her off. Especially at the scene. Not everyday the great Kelly Severide barfed after a fire, everyone was concerned. Her especially."
"It was all a blur. Last thing I remembered was the explosion, and suddenly I was outside on my knees puking, Mikami fussed over me. I did make a scene, didn't I?"
"You sure did. Boden had to usher everyone away to stop glancing on you. And you didn't respond when we talked to you, so…"
"I was concentrating not to pass out. And couldn't really use my senses… I couldn't see, my ears were buzzing, I couldn't talk. And being sick wasn't helping either. I didn't like Stella hovering over me at that state," said Severide.
"She might think you were safe to hover upon since Mikami was fussing over you. And Kidd came over, and you shrugged her off. If Mikami was 10 years older, Kidd might get jealous."
"You think I can't get a 20 something years old?" Severide smirked.
"Come on, she's nearly your sister's age. You are in no league with kids like Gallo. You're a grandpa," said Casey. "So, Kidd?"
"I don't want her to see me like that," said Severide.
"Everybody saw you, duh," Casey said, confused.
"I don't like being hovered, fussed about. You know that," said Severide. "One paramedic was enough, I don't need a girlfriend to hover around me."
"A very concerned girlfriend, and a brother," said Casey.
"Were you there?" asked Severide.
"Yeah, I was. I didn't 'hover' though. I maintained safe distance," Casey made a quote sign with his fingers. "And why is she staying at Brett's?"
"We came home, she insisted on checking me over, and asked questions. Why did I avoid her, where did I go, how was I feeling, if I saw clearly... Told her I'm not ready to talk, we need space. Boom. Off she went to Brett's. And I was already feeling not hot, so… yeah. Next thing I knew, you woke me up," said Severide.
"I don't like to meddle, but is there anything I can help? With Kidd?"
"No, we'll sort it out," said Severide.
Severide spent the day either sleeping or watching TV. Casey went to a construction job after leaving food for his lunch and dinner. As he inhaled Casey's chicken noodle soup, which is secretly a comfort food for him since they shared apartment after academy graduation, his finger hovered above Stella's name on his phone. Deciding that one heart-to-heart conversation was already too much for a day, and he haven't decided what to tell her, he decided against calling her.
When he woke up, it was almost dark. He heard noises from behind him so he looked over the sofa and saw Casey sitting there with a pint of ice cream Casey bought for him in the morning. His throat was still sore, from the incident yesterday, and also from the vomiting he did yesterday as well as getting a mild flu, that Casey spoiled him. Usually he didn't like being coddled, but he justifiably felt miserable with the incident and the sickness, and touched by their deep conversation, that he let Casey did. He held back his comment when Casey came back from groceries run with ingredients for chicken noodle soup and tomato soup, both his favourite, and containers of ice cream. He wisely stayed in his room when he heard Casey cooking, well Casey tried to keep the noise down, but it smelled good that he actually looked forward to eating.
"I thought you bought it because I was sick," said Severide.
"Yeah, so?" asked Casey. "You want?"
"What time is it?" asked Severide.
"Nearly six. You want soup or you up for something else? I'm making steak for myself," said Casey. Severide winced when he imagined swallowing a piece of meat.
"I'll have the soup," said Severide. A couple minutes later, he heard the sizzle of steak, which made him drool. A bowl was handed to him, and Casey shoved his legs away, squeezing himself at the end of the sofa with his plate of steak.
"I feel gross, I need to take a shower," said Severide. He shoved his bowl into the dishwasher and walked to the bathroom. As if on cue, the front door opened and Stella peeked in.
"Hey," said Casey.
"Kelly's here?" asked Stella.
"Bathroom," said Casey.
"I'm just here to grab some clothes, and… probably whatever's simmering there. It smells good," said Stella.
"I'll pack it for you and Brett," said Casey. He poured some of the tomato soup into container and packed the garlic bread. When he was done, Stella walked out with a bag.
"Thanks. A girls' night with tomato soup and red wine… can't get better than that," said Stella when Casey handed her the food container.
"Have fun," said Casey.
"There's ice cream too, since you were so keen on having ice cream on me yesterday," said Casey.
"And what do I have to do to earn it?" asked Stella. Casey pointed to the bathroom. "Okay, not today. How is he?" asked Stella.
"Resting," Casey decided not to tell her yet about Severide being sick in the past 24 hours.
"You made up with him?" asked Stella. Casey nodded. "Good. See you tomorrow on shift. Thanks for the food." She patted Casey's arm when she walked past him. "Tell him I won't be home?" Casey nodded and Stella left.
"Stella was here?" Severide walked out of the bathroom.
"Yeah, she's still staying at Brett's," said Casey.
"Figured," said Severide. He went to the kitchen and poured himself another bowl of soup. Casey started cleaning the kitchen.
"Carpooling tomorrow?" asked Casey.
"Yeah, why not," Severide shrugged, inhaling the soup. "Hey, don't judge, I'm eating for two days."
"Suit yourself," Casey raised his hands in defense. As he retreated to his room, Severide looked around the place. A couple nights ago, they cooked dinner and ate together, the three of them. They always have the best of times, Casey never felt out of place with the couple, Stella doesn't feel like he's intruding the brothers, and he doesn't feen he has to choose between Stella and Casey to talk to. Sighing, he knew that he had to fix the situation with Stella. One down, one to go.
.
Is this too much of a whump in an episode? I'm not into too much, but sometimes I got carried away… anyway this is part one, there's a part two coming which includes an actual injury. PS: pardon for inaccuracies in medical terms!