"Kelly," Grissom opened Severide's quarter door without knocking, and went inside. Severide sighed. "Tell me what happened on the call."
"What call?" asked Severide.
"Don't play dumb. The call this morning. You saved the mother first even though there's a minor inside the car?" asked Grissom. "We received a complaint this morning… a lawsuit is pending."
"We couldn't reach the kid without extracting the mother first," said Severide.
"You could go from the window or open the top," said Grissom.
"She could be hurt worse if we broke the window. We need to get the mother out, then lay the kid flat and get her out. Opening the top would take more time," said Severide.
"Who made the call?" asked Grissom.
"What?"
"You or Casey? Who made the call?" asked Grissom.
"It was agreed," said Severide, refused to sell Casey's name.
"Who suggested it?" asked Grissom.
"What do you want?" asked Severide.
"I just think since he's a Captain, things would be done his way. And you need to be careful, Kelly. You keep taking the heat for him, he'll be a chief even before you make a captain," said Grissom. Severide sighed. It's not the first time he heard this talk. Since Casey made captain to the moment Benny Severide died, Benny campaigned for his son to climb the rank. Severide thought it would go into the grave with Benny, instead, Grissom never failed to mention it every time they met.
"And what makes you think I want to be one?" asked Severide. "I'd like it if you can stop putting conflict between us."
"You'll be sorry one day for the loyalty you have for Captain Casey," spat Grissom.
"Ah, yeah, I should have one for you, Commissioner. Thanks for reminding me," Severide said cynically.
"You'll be thanking me when you're the youngest Battalion Chief in CFD. Of course, it seems unlikely now, seeing that someone younger than you is already a Captain," said Grissom. After hurling insult, he left the quarter without saying a word. Severide sighed. He was still ticked at Casey for what happened on the scene, and Grissom wasn't helping.
"Severide, a word?" asked Casey as he knocked on Severide's door. Severide nodded. Casey looked like he wanted to battle him out on the rooftop, but he entered and closed the door. "I understand you're not happy with the call. That we should do it your way. But I thought we agreed we'd talk, not going to the Commissioner behind my back," said Casey.
"Wait, that's not what happened," said Severide.
"Then why was I called to Boden's office, and Grissom said that I—only I—made a decision that harmed the victim? He was here before, I saw him here. Guess who ratted me out?" said Casey.
"You think I went behind your back?" Severide's mouth gaped. "Oh, go to hell, Casey. Be as arrogant as you need to be. Just because you're a Captain, not everything has to go according to your way!"
"Where did this come from?" asked Casey.
"I think you need to leave before we start yelling," said Severide calmly. Casey left.
"There are some left," said Gallo after everyone had their dinner. There are three plates of pulled pork sandwich left.
"Kidd, are you on diet again?" asked Mouch. Stella glanced at him and laughed dryly.
"If everyone's eaten, I'd like a second helping," said Sullivan from Engine. Gallo and Ritter took a headcount of everyone in the common room. They groaned when they realised who were missing. Gallo took two plates and put it in front of Violet.
"I'm good, thanks. Sullivan can have it," said Violet.
"For Ubereats, dummy," said Gallo. Violet glared.
"I think what you should have said is 'please help delivering this, your majesty'. And the answer is no. Go deliver them yourself," said Violet.
"Please," Gallo's face fell and he used his puppy dog eyes.
"Your eyes do nothing to me," said Violet.
"Kidd," said Gallo.
"Don't even think about it," said Stella.
"Good luck, Gallo," said Cruz. "If you don't return in five minutes, we're gonna send a rescue squad."
"What do I have to say?" asked Gallo to Violet.
"Just like Ubereats, nothing," said Violet. Gallo walked out of the common room with the plates, his tail was between his legs. Ritter and Mouch followed him, and Violet, Brett, Cruz, and Herrmann trailed behind them. Gallo hesitated in front of Severide's door, glancing behind him to see everyone was peeking from the door. After casting a quick prayer, he knocked on Severide's quarter.
"Ah, here," Gallo handed the plate once Severide opened the door.
"Thanks," Severide frowned, but accepted the plate. Gallo glanced to the door before walking to Casey's quarter, feeling even more nervous. He knocked on Casey's quarter.
"Come in."
"Ah, Captain, here," Gallo handed the plate.
"Thanks," said Casey. "I didn't realise that ambo is on call." He referred to the fact that it was usually Violet who delivered meals to the cold war officers.
"There's no call, um… I did something, Violet was ticked," admitted Gallo.
"Huh. Good luck with that," chuckled Casey. "Thanks for this, though."
"Yeah," Gallo retracted and chased the others back to the common room.
"Hey," Casey said as Stella and Severide walked into the apartment. He was in the kitchen, cooking.
"You're home early," commented Stella.
"Finished the job early," said Casey. Severide walked straight to his room and walked back out to the front door.
"Where are you going?" asked Stella.
"OFI. Van Meter needed an eye," said Severide. "See you later," he pecked Stella's cheek and rushed out the door. Casey looked disappointed.
"He didn't say anything about OFI," frowned Stella. "Anyway, what's the occasion?" asked Stella.
"Aside that I always cook?" asked Casey.
"This is not ordinary food," said Stella, peeking to the oven to see a pan of shepherd's pie.
"Yeah, supposed to be a peace offering," said Casey. Stella couldn't help but feel sorry for him, who was looking down with hunched shoulders. At that moment, she felt like catching up after Severide and dragging him back to the apartment, forcing him to eat and talk with Casey. After all, the situation in the firehouse had been weird. The two officers didn't outright fight like they used to, but there was tension between them, however hard they tried to hide it.
"Aww, do I have to fight with you first to eat the peace offering?" asked Stella.
"No, just eat. Hope you're not too hungry, it will be done in 30 minutes," said Casey.
"Enough time to study," said Stella. "EMT recertification, I'm taking the advance level," she explained.
"Good for you," said Casey. Stella sat on the sofa to study. When the oven timer dinged, she walked to the table, grinning widely.
"Sorry it's only me. If it helps, I can eat two servings," said Stella.
"Help yourself," said Casey, placing the shepherd's pie on the table.
"What happened this time?" asked Stella. "Kelly didn't say anything, and I don't want to ruin his mood, so…" she explained.
"Aside from we disagreed on call? Grissom happened," said Casey. "Seems that Severide went behind my back to Grissom about that call. There's pending lawsuit from the victim's family."
"What? Why? We saved them both," said Stella.
"We extracted the mum first, and her ambo left three minutes before the kid's ambo. They said because we delayed extracting the kid, she's in a coma," said Casey.
"But she's already in a coma. It's not like we can extract the kid first, given the car's position and condition," said Stella.
"We could, through the window of the car. But I was worried about spine injury," said Casey. "Anyway, Kelly suggested cutting the car, pull the kid out from the top. I think I delayed a minute max from if we cut the car. Cutting the car would compromise the balance, that was my concern."
"And you think he went complaining to Grissom?" asked Stella.
"Grissom only called me about the rescue, saying that it was because of my decision. While he knew that both Truck and Squad were on call," said Casey.
"Without sounding like I'm taking side here, I think that's unlikely that he snitched about you," said Stella.
"I didn't say snitching voluntary. Maybe when Grissom asked, he threw me under the bus. Which, technically, it's my decision, but he eventually agreed on it," said Casey.
"Still, unlikely," said Stella. "Grissom came here two weeks ago. Talked about a rescue we did, you know the one in the lake? He said the method employed was dangerous and unorthodox, and that he would take a shift in 51 to hover over your shoulder. Kelly defended you, saying he shouldn't be bitter about you made Captain younger than he was."
"Is this still about that?" asked Casey. Grissom is not his biggest fan, treating him like Severide's rival about commendations and ranks.
"I don't know, but that doesn't sound like him to rattle you off to Grissom. Even to Boden," said Stella. Casey smirked weakly.
"You think I should add brownies on top of this?"
"I won't say no to brownies, but I think, just wait for his tension to simmer. You know him," said Stella. Casey nodded sullenly.
"What did Van Meter want?" asked Stella when Severide opened the bedroom door nearly at midnight.
"He didn't. I just… I don't want to," Severide glanced to the common area. "You're not at Molly's."
"My shift is tomorrow, I studied for test today," said Stella. "Go talk to Casey."
"Why?"
"Because you ran away when he tried to make peace," said Stella. "He cooked shepherd's pie."
"Damn, how was it?" Severide couldn't help but salivate when Stella mentioned his favourite food. His mum used to make it when he was a kid, and turned out, Casey made one just as good. Stella gave a chef's kiss.
"Although, it would've been better if he didn't look like a kicked puppy while eating," said Stella.
"I'll talk to him tomorrow. It's late," said Severide while changing his clothes. Stella smiled and showered him with kisses as he joined her in bed.
The next day, Casey left early in the morning, they didn't get to catch him before he left. It doesn't look like he had breakfast, either, but the coffee machine was filled with freshly brewed coffee. At night, Severide didn't get to meet him as Stella had a shift in Molly's.
"Hey!" Stella happily greeted Violet and Lucas, her boyfriend, who walked into Molly's. "It's rare date night, huh?"
"Yeah, our schedules have been nice this week," said Violet. Stella put two bottles of beer in front of them. "Huh, still?" Violet glanced at Severide who sat alone.
"Still what?" asked Lucas.
"No sidekick," said Violet.
"Yeah, they haven't talked," said Stella. "Hey, how's the victim from yesterday?"
"Do you know? A woman, in her 30s, car accident, broken rib, deflated lung, she should be in your radar," said Violet to Lucas.
"Martina Petta? Black hair, pale skin, fractured knee?" asked Lucas.
"That's the one. She and her kid, around 8," said Violet.
"You got Martina there in the nick of time. One or two minutes delay and she might lose a lung. As for the kid… spinal injury," said Lucas. "I wasn't in her case, but the doctors talked about it, because they're related."
"Really? The family is suing the CFD," said Stella.
"For what?" asked Violet.
"Negligence. They said, it should be the kid first. But you know, given the position of the car, we had to open the top to get to her first," said Stella.
"I never like open top kind of rescue, although I understand it's sometimes necessary. The victim would be yanked like a ragdoll, you couldn't slide them gently onto the backboard," said Violet. "Which is crucial, especially in spinal injury case."
"Good call, then. She could be paralysed," said Lucas. "And the family is suing? What a slap in the face for saving them."
"I know, right?" said Stella. Violet was deep in thought.
"You think we can go to Med?" asked Violet.
"Now? I just got back from Med this morning, going to go in tomorrow morning," said Lucas. "Okay, let's go." They finished their drinks, paid, and left Molly's.
"Casey's not here?" asked Stella when they walked out of their room in the morning.
"He left super early," said Severide, pointing at the coffee maker. When they got back from Molly's last night, Casey was already asleep. Severide poked at Casey's shepherd's pie and took a bite without warming it up.
"Let's go," said Stella after pouring them both coffee to go.
"Kidd!" Violet jumped out of the ambulance when they walked into the apparatus floor. "Come here!" she pulled Stella to the ambulance. Not even five minutes later, they knocked on Severide's quarter.
"So, Violet has something to show you," said Stella. Violet put a folder on his desk, explaining to him about how the rescue prevented the mother from losing a lung and the daughter from being paralysed, and what would happen if they pulled the daughter from the top of the car and delayed the rescue of the mother.
"Okay, so, technical terms aside, we did the best course of action?" asked Severide.
"Yes, the doctors are positive. Dr. Chen—you remember him—agreed regarding the mother. Dr. Abrams too regarding the daughter," said Violet. "This file is, however, restricted until the lawsuit is actually served, so I cannot hand it over to you."
"It's alright, let's talk to Boden. I'll call Casey," said Severide. They were barely out the door when they heard a call.
"Truck 81, civilian trapped."
"Alright, see you," Stella ran to the apparatus floor. Violet and Severide continued walking to Boden's office.
"Squad 3, Ambulance 61, Battalion 25, collapsing structure."
Severide, Violet, and Boden ran from Boden's office to the apparatus floor. On the way to the scene, they saw Truck 81 joining them, apparently they finished their previous call already.
"There are two workers trapped inside, we were there when the scaffolding collapsed because the floor sunk!" a worker ran to them.
"They're in that corner!" another worker pointed out, he was limping. "I got out on time."
"How stable is the structure now?" asked Boden.
"The floor had sunk, aside from that, the walls are thick," said the worker. Boden looked to his officers.
"We're all too heavy for the floor," said Casey. "Cruz, Gallo, bring backboard. Rest of you, wait here for signal."
"Test the floor. Five minutes, gentlemen," said Boden.
"Alright, be careful stepping, do not be within a metre from each other, that's the size of each piece of the flooring," Casey pointed to the floor the moment they stepped in. "Gallo, no taking unnecessary risk, don't climb too high."
"Copy, Captain," said Gallo. They started walking to the direction of the victim.
"Found a victim!" Cruz called. Gallo walked to him and put on c-collar before helping Cruz secure the victim on to the board.
"Chief, Cruz and Gallo are bringing one victim out!" said Casey to the radio.
"Copy that. We have two ambos here," said Boden. After Cruz and Gallo went out of the building. Casey looked around to find Severide. He was about to signal him to get closer when the ground shook. He ran to Severide and tackle him when the floor collapsed, sending them both to the basement.
Severide realised too late when he was being tackled, but instead of falling to the floor, they fell freely a couple metres. When he stopped falling, he opened his eyes to realise that darkness surrounded him. His face was against a turnout coat, and someone cradled his head. Casey groaned painfully.
"Casey," he was shocked to see Casey below him, cushioning their fall with his body. Casey had a pained expression, and although his hand was still restraining Severide's movement, with one hand he flipped them so Severide was nestled below him. The brain injury. Severide's eyes widened in horror as he tried to pull his hand from under Casey. "Case, your head? Casey!" he coughed because of the dust.
"Kelly," Casey breathed out. "It's okay. You're safe." One of his hands was holding Severide's head, the other one was holding Severide's back.
"Yeah, you're not, dummy," Severide was perplexed as to how Casey, half-conscious and in pain, could restrain him so he couldn't move. "Cover your head."
"It's okay," whispered Casey as more rubble fell on them. Most are small rubbles, and for a moment Severide was relieved that there was no big concrete piece or sharp object fell to them, especially with Casey's history of brain injury. "Sorry, Kelly," Casey whispered as his head fell beside Severide's helmet, and with that, he passed out.
"Casey," Severide kicked Casey's leg softly, more because he couldn't move. "Hey, Matt, wake up. Please… wake up. They're gonna find us." Severide felt like living his worst nightmare when he felt Casey's deadweight on him, only holding on to the hope that is Casey's heartbeat thumping against his body. As soon as their PASS alarms started blaring, Severide relaxed a bit. They would be found.
"I found Casey!"
"Hey, over here! Bring the board here… he's alive!" Cruz pressed his fingers to Casey's neck. Carefully, they pulled Casey and turned him. They gasped when they saw his hands were around Severide, protecting him from the rubble.
"Wow, that's…" said Mouch.
"Adorable, despite the circumstance," said Stella, squatting down to check Severide's pulse. "I got pulse too," said Stella.
"Bring the other board!"
"One, two, three!"
"Be careful, his head!"
They carried the two fallen firefighters outside and into the ambulances. Casey rode with Violet and Brett while Severide rode with Ambulance 93. The two ambulances blared through the streets of Chicago.
"Well, how?" Boden asked when Violet and Brett walked out of the ER.
"Both are still unconscious," said Brett. "Which is a problem in itself, because…"
"They're each other's emergency contact," said Boden.
"I'll call Christie, Casey's sister," said Stella.
It didn't take long for the older Casey to run into the waiting room, and upon seeing a room full of firefighters, her face fell.
"Christie," Stella gave her a seat. "We haven't heard anything."
"Why didn't Kelly call me?" asked Christie.
"Because he's being treated as well, both were unconscious," said Stella. Christie pulled Stella into a hug. "We're in a structure. The floor fell… they fell two floors down."
"Both?" asked Christie.
"Hugging," said Mouch. "Looks like Casey protected Severide from the impact."
"Of course," said Christie. "How are you holding up?"
"Me? I'm okay," said Stella. Half an hour later, Lucas walked out of the ER.
"Violet," Lucas handed Violet a volunteer vest on hand. "I saw the trucks from above, snooped into the ER."
"How are they?" asked Violet.
"I wasn't called for consult. You can find out yourself, while clearing the rubbish bin," Lucas smirked.
"Right, I'll take one for the team," said Violet, then shrugging the volunteer vest on. The others looked at her with hopeful look.
"Maggie said you can leave at any time," added Lucas. Violet nodded, then walked to the ER. She slipped into Casey's room and cleaned the rubbish bin, watching the situation carefully. Casey looked unconscious, but she saw the irregular breathing pattern and walked closer to the bed after the last nurse left the room.
"Captain," she whispered. Casey opened one eye and glanced at her.
"Sev'ride," he whispered back.
"I'll get back to you on that, how are you feeling?" asked Violet.
"Okay," said Casey.
"No you're not, you have a concussion…at least. And a dislocated shoulder, from the looks of it. I'll be back with the info," said Violet. She went to the next room and collected the rubbish. Severide was on the bed, arguing with April. Violet tried to slip out unnoticed, but Severide saw her.
"Mikami, how's Casey doing?" asked Severide. April looked at her.
"Smart," chuckled April, commenting on her volunteer vest. "I believe this is a short-duty volunteering session."
"The shortest ever. He was asking for you," said Violet.
"Tell Casey that Severide is fine aside from some persistent coughing, but if he doesn't cooperate and put on the mask, it will change," said April. Severide glared at her.
"Will do, thanks," said Violet. "And he will cooperate if you say he can see Casey if his breathing improved," she said, grinning innocently. She, along with the rest of 51, knows the officers' soft spot for each other. After throwing the rubbish away and refilling the glove box in one room, she slipped back to Casey's room and cleared her throat.
"He is fine, already causing trouble next door asking for you," said Violet. "Your sister is in the waiting room."
"Mikami," dr. Bekker called from the door. Violet grinned like a deer caught in the headlight. "Nice vest."
"I took one for the team, the others are waiting outside," said Violet.
"Alright, your test result is in. You want me to read it in front of Mikami?" asked dr. Bekker.
"I believe that's why she's here," said Casey.
"You have two fractured ribs, a dislocated shoulder, which we fixed when you were unconscious, and a concussion. In a hindsight you look in the clear, but we need to run a test for brain injury given your history. You're cleared from internal and spinal injuries, which is damn lucky for an eight-metre free fall. We're keeping you a night for observation," said dr. Bekker. "Dr. Abrams will do your MRI."
"Thanks, doc," said Casey. Dr. Bekker gave her tablet to Violet to read. Violet read the chart and returned it before dr. Bekker left.
"You need anything, Captain? Want me to send your sister in?" asked Violet. Casey nodded. Violet left the ER.
"Aside from some coughing, Severide is fine, already giving April a handful. Casey… he has fractured ribs, dislocated shoulder, and concussion. He's being admitted overnight for observation, and will undergo a test for brain injury," she announced to the room. "He asked for you." She said to Christie. Christie followed Violet who pointed her the room. She stopped when she passed Severide's room. Severide was sitting on the bed and had an oxygen mask on after losing a battle with April.
"Hey, Kelly," said Christie.
"Christie, how's Matt?" asked Severide.
"On the way to see him," said Christie. Severide took off his mask and went to a coughing fit. Christie walked to him and rubbed his back, gently putting the mask over his mouth and nose. "Any injury?"
"No. Sorry I didn't keep him safe, Christie," said Severide.
"It's okay, he kept you safe this time," said Christie. "He has broken rib, concussion, dislocated shoulder. Will stay overnight for ovservation."
"I'm so sorry," said Severide. "I didn't realise what was happening until we fell… and I was cushioned. He kept me safe, sacrificed himself."
"That's what I expected," said Christie. "It's okay, Kelly. You're his brother, he'd put himself in firing range in front of you." Her voice wavered as it hit a little too close for home, but she knew that it is true.
"I'd do too," said Severide.
"I know," said Christie, giving Severide a quick hug. "Now, I'll take a look at him."
"Thanks, Christie," said Severide. "And sorry, really."
"Hey, Kelly, you're my brother's brother. It's okay, and I bet he'll do it again," said Christie. She patted Severide's back before leaving the room, moving to the room with worse casualty. She gingerly walked closer to his brother's bed, touching his arm.
"Hey," said Christie. Casey looked at him and smirked.
"What took you so long?" asked Casey.
"I went to see Kelly in the next room," said Christie.
"I'm your brother," Casey feigned hurt.
"I know," said Christie. "How are you doing, huh?" she held Casey's hand.
"Like I fell two floors down," said Casey. "Christie, my head… my brain injury." His mask fell.
"When is the brain injury test?" asked Christie.
"I don't know," said Casey. "My head hurts… headache," he grimaced. Christie ran her hand through his hair lightly. "Not sure if… concussion or brain injury. What if it's brain injury…"
"Whatever it is… we'll face it, okay?" said Christie. Casey nodded weakly.
"For panicking every time I forgot to text you during shift, you're surprisingly calm," teased Casey.
"Oh, what do you want? Should I come here crying?" Christie poked Casey's arm, the only place she knew for sure was not hurt. His face was filled with small scratches and his shoulder was bandaged. "Happy to see you alive and relatively well, though, aside from the pending test." She planted a kiss on Casey's head.
"Sorry to make you worried," said Casey.
"It's alright, I'm always worried," said Christie. They turned to the door when Maggie walked in.
"Matt, time for the MRI scan. Sorry, only family member is allowed," said Maggie.
"Oh, I'm his sister," said Christie.
"You don't have to come," said Casey. Christie silenced him with a stare.
"Right. We'll push your bed," said Maggie.
"I can walk," said Casey. "Okay, wheelchair," he compromised after Christie and Maggie looked at her sharply.
"I thought I'm the patient here?" asked Casey as he was being wheeled to the hospital room, where he'd stay for a night. Severide was there, on a matching wheelchair.
"He's grumpy, paced in the waiting room until he was worn out, nearly passed out. We readmitted him to the ER," explained Stella. "How are you doing?"
"Like I fell two floors down," said Casey.
"You two look cute with the matching wheelchairs," giggled Stella. She pushed Casey's to align Severide's and snapped a picture. Both glared at her, but Christie joined her in and snapped a picture.
"Okay enough, you need to hop on the bed, stay there flat. You have a concussion. I'll come in for periodical check, and the doctor will be in too later, but you need to rest. Don't leave the bed at all," said a nurse. She helped Casey climb on the bed, then Christie pulled the blanket.
"When will I know the MRI result?" asked Casey.
"Shouldn't take more than 3 hours," said the nurse. "This is the call button. Remember, no leaving the bed. You shouldn't have too many visitors, and don't make too much noise. He's sensitive to sound because of the concussion."
"We'll make sure he rests," said Christie.
"Don't you have work to do?" asked Casey to Christie.
"Nah, it can wait," said Christie. She perched herself on the foot of the bed. "So, you're admitted too, Kelly?"
"Nope, he made a deal with Maggie that if he rode a wheelchair, he could venture here. Otherwise, he'd be held captive in ER," said Stella. "So, he swallowed his pride, and here we are," Stella ruffled Severide's hair.
"Why did you pass out?" asked Casey. Severide just shrugged, waving a granola bar.
"Exhaustion, adrenaline," said Stella. "Brett and Violet were just discussing a module in firefighter manual about heart attack. They almost thought he had a heart attack when he collapsed in the waiting room."
"You're okay now?" asked Casey. Severide nodded.
"I told Violet you're here, she wanted to come. I'm gonna pick her up and come back here," said Christie. "You want anything? Any food, or anything to help you rest?"
"Anything but hospital food," said Casey, suddenly remembered that he hadn't had any lunch, and according to the clock on the wall, it's almost 4 pm. However, he wasn't hungry, even he was feeling a bit nauseous, which was understandable due to the concussion.
"I'll bring food for you too," Christie glanced to Stella and Severide. Casey grabbed Christie's hand, grateful that she's there. Christie patted his good shoulder before leaving, waving to Stella and Severide. Severide stood from the wheelchair and took Christie's place on the foot of the bed.
"You're intact? No scratch?" asked Casey, looking at Severide up and down.
"A hundred percent," said Severide. "How are you doing, buddy?"
"Hurt, stiff," Casey let his guard down, then winced.
"Need compress or anything?" asked Stella. Casey gave her a look that sent her out the door and to the nurse station. She came back with ice packs and helped placing them around Casey's shoulder.
"Cindy's picking me up to go back to the loft. You need to grab anything? Clothes, or anything else?" teased Stella.
"Clothes," said Casey. "You… no shift?"
"No, Mouch has a union thing in the afternoon, remember? Chief sent Gallo to join squad, and said I'm on duty to keep an eye on you two. He pulled 81 out of service," said Stella. "Headache?" she turned off the light and moved an ice pack to Casey's forehead.
"Just sleep, Case," said Severide. He patted Casey's leg lightly.
"Gallo… squad?" asked Casey.
"Don't worry, that kid adores you, he's not going anywhere," said Severide. "Not even after I took him to the academy and brought him rappelling out of 6th floor window."
"Why would you do that?" asked Stella.
"Before he jumps on his own accord… Casey okayed it," said Severide. He sat beside the bed. Stella hugged him from behind before leaving the room.
When Stella got back to the hospital room, the room was dark because it was already dark outside. Severide sat beside Casey's bed, sleeping with his head resting on the bed. Casey glanced at her when she closed the door.
"Can you…" Casey pointed at the melted ice packs. Stella took them and changed them at the nurse station, then placed the new ones on Casey's shoulder. She smiled when she noticed that Casey had his hand on Severide's back.
"It only took a fall for you two to make up, huh?" teased Stella.
"Ah, you know, brothers," Casey smirked. "Did Cruz and Gallo make it out okay?"
"They were already outside when the floor fell," said Stella.
"How long?" asked Casey.
"From the floor fell to we made it down, nearly half an hour. A couple more minutes until we found you… and it took total of ten minutes to lift you both up," said Stella. "It was horrifying."
"Sorry," said Casey. Severide went restless, and his breathing became irregular. Casey patted his back softly, calming him down. He glanced at Stella.
"Go ahead, I'm enjoying the peaceful sight," said Stella.
"He's gonna have one hell of a backpain," said Casey, keep running his hand on Severide's back absentmindedly until Severide stopped stirring. Christie knocked on the door softly and walked in with Violet, her daughter. Stella put her finger in front of her lips and pointed at Severide.
"Uncle Matt," Violet slipped in beside Severide and hugged Casey carefully. "Mum said you fell at work."
"You made it sound like I slipped on the ground," protested Casey.
"That's what Stella told me at first," said Christie.
"Well, I didn't want her to panic if I said you plunged two floors down," said Stella.
"Glad you're still in one piece," said Violet.
"Your dinner," Christie put three trays of food on the table.
"Thank you," said Casey. "Oh, the doctor came with the result earlier… clear from brain injury. Only concussion."
"Thank God. You two will stay here tonight?" asked Christie.
"Yeah," said Stella. She touched Severide's shoulder. "Kelly, wake up." She pulled Severide, who was half-asleep, to the sofa and deposited him there. Violet climbed on the bed and held Casey's arm.
"So, how long will you be out of work? You'll stay at our place, right?" asked Violet excitedly. The adults smiled at her excitement.
"It sounds like you're happy I'm injured," said Casey.
"Well, your legs are fine, you can drive. We can hang out after school," said Violet.
"Fractured ribs, and I can't drive with one hand," said Casey. Violet looked disappointed. The door is opened and Lucas peeked inside.
"Hey," said Stella.
"Hey, Kidd. Captain, Lieutenant. Violet said you drink coffee even at this hour, so I took these from ICU…" he handed two cups of coffee and a bag of doughnuts to Stella. "None for you, Captain, you're still on medication."
"Thanks," said Stella.
"I'm on night shift, so if you need anything… drink, extra pillow, just text me, I believe Violet texted you my number," he said to Stella.
"It's okay, doc, thank you," said Stella.
"It's Lucas, I told you," said Lucas. He looked at the board under Casey's bed before smiling and left.
"Wait, since when did a doctor brings coffee for patient?" asked Christie. "And what about Violet?"
"His girlfriend, Violet, is our paramedic, so we know him quite well," said Stella, already munching on the doughnut.
"Shall we leave, honey?" asked Christie. Violet hopped off from the bed and gave Casey a ginger hug, avoiding his shoulder and head. "Tell me when you're released," Christie said before planting a kiss on Casey's head.
"Thanks," said Casey. Christie went to the sofa and patted Severide's shoulder before leaving because he didn't look like he listened to the conversation.
"Careful," said Severide when he guided Casey walking to his room. Stella followed behind them carrying a bag and locking the door. After a night in the hospital, Casey was released into their care, with strict instruction to stay on bed for at least three days, except that he was allowed to walk around a bit.
"I can walk, Kelly," protested Casey, but let Severide fussed over him and helped him got into bed. Severide tucked him in, and darkened the room.
"Sleep," said Severide.
"I did, all night long," said Casey. Stella peeked and placed a glass of water on his bedside table, then left. When Casey got sick a couple months ago, he refused to have them both hovering over him at once, so naturally, Stella stayed away from his room and helped in the background. Severide left his room and poked his head back in a minute later.
"You want ice pack for your shoulder?"
"Yes please," said Casey. His shoulder had been throbbing since the painkiller lost its effect. The only reason he managed to sleep in the hospital was because Severide and Stella changed the ice packs every time it melted.
"Hey, I need to run to the academy, grab some evaluation form. But Stella's gonna be here, just call her if you need anything," said Severide as he put an ice pack on Casey's shoulder. "You have dinner from Christie, which you will have here in bed, not out there."
"If Kidd has shift at Molly's, she doesn't need to be my babysitter," said Casey.
"She's off today, tomorrow she has shift, I'll be your babysitter," said Severide.
About an hour after Severide left, Casey was in and out of sleep when Stella knocked on his door.
"Can I come in?" asked Stella. Casey waved his hand. Stella checked the ice pack. After she went to change the ice pack, she asked, "how drowsy are you?"
"Not on painkiller, just mild headache," said Casey. "Why?"
"Boden asked Cruz and Gallo to write Severide's and your reports. Gallo needed a complete account because he said you guys separated inside." Stella showed a piece of paper on a wooden tray she used as writing surface.
"Not much to write. He was in the B corner with Cruz, found one victim. Severide and I went to C corner… and when Gallo and Cruz were out, or at least I thought so, the ground started shaking. And…" Casey's voice trailed off.
"Sorry. Then?" asked Stella.
"Then… I ran and grabbed Kelly. After that… I don't know. It hurts," said Casey. Stella held his arm with empathy.
"Your helmet was dented on the back. But when we found you, you were on top of him, facing down," said Stella. She didn't think she would forget the sinking feeling when she first saw them, unmoving, buried under rubble.
"I vaguely remember… but I think, I turned so I covered him. Because the debris were still falling, so…"
"You were protecting him," said Stella.
"What else was I supposed to do?" asked Casey. "I remember thinking Gallo and Cruz must be somewhere near, I wanted to look for them. But then I slipped away."
"You didn't know you were buried?" asked Stella. "Thankfully there was no big pieces, we could dig you out by hands."
"Maybe I passed out before that, I don't remember," said Casey. Stella wrote on her paper. "Next thing I knew, I was in Med, Mikami sneaked into my room with vest and read my charts."
"Yeah, Lucas' idea, since we couldn't go into the ER. She's a real volunteer anyway, she volunteered on her days off, that's why Maggie was lenient with her," said Stella. "Well, sorry you had to recall that. I'll send the information to Gallo. I'll leave you to rest. Just call when you want to have dinner."
"Hey, how's the other victim we didn't find?" asked Casey.
"He must be somewhere near you because he was found nearby. He had broken leg and arm, fractured spine, and a bad concussion," said Stella.
"I see," said Casey. Stella patted his arm before leaving him once again.
Casey's head was still heavy and he got mild migraine throughout the night that he refused dinner and went straight to sleep. Severide and Stella took turns changing ice packs for his shoulder and head. When he woke up in the morning, he needed a full hour to convince himself that his headache had passed. He tried his luck by leaving his room to go to the bathroom. When he got out of the bathroom, he saw both his roommates on the sofa, watching TV with low volume.
"You're not supposed to get out of bed yet," said Stella.
"And how am I suppose to do my business?" Casey gestured to the bathroom. "Besides, I'm feeling better already. Headache is gone."
"Breakfast?" offered Stella.
"I guess," said Casey. He felt surprisingly hungry now that his headache had disappeared. Stella made him a simple bread with jam, and he realised that with his arm in a splint, he would need assistance in the simplest of chores. Stella wordlessly put a coffee mug on the table before walking back to the sofa, stretching her legs on top of Severide's.
"Aren't you guys supposed to be on shift?" asked Casey.
"Tomorrow. Today is first shift," Stella frowned. Severide looked at him, trying to determine whether it was miscalculation or brain injury that caused Casey to get the day wrong. "When we stayed in the hospital, that was a shift night," she explained.
"I forgot about that," said Casey.
"How's the shoulder and ribs?" asked Stella.
"Ribs…sore. Shoulder is no longer throbbing, but still… not gonna be back on shift for another…what, six weeks?"
"Ask for help if you need anything. If you use it, the longer the recovery time will be," said Stella.
"Copy that," Casey smirked. In the firehouse, he is the boss, but at home, Stella has no problem telling him what to do. He saw Severide's head lulled to the side. "Kelly."
"Huh?" Severide looked at Stella, then Casey. "I'm gonna rest my head for a while," he mumbled before going to the bedroom. Stella walked to the kitchen table and poured herself coffee to-go.
"I have class at the academy, Kelly's your sitter for the day. Remember, no use of the left hand. If you need to do anything, borrow Kelly's hand," said Stella.
"I know," said Casey. "Hey, can you go to the academy's office and tell them I need substitute for six weeks?"
"Already did," said Stella. "Called them yesterday. Captain Keller is your sub."
"Wow," said Casey. "Thanks. Tracy Keller? The kids are gonna be begging for me to come back."
"Yeah, I know. She was my instructor… three boys cried on the first day. I'm gonna get going," said Stella before walking to the bedroom, giving Severide a kiss, and waving to Casey as she left the loft.
Casey dutifully went back to bed after breakfast, and by the time he walked out for lunch, a bowl filled with Christie's chicken soup was already served. He didn't hear Severide reheating food in the kitchen, but he was grateful nonetheless. It was weird that Severide didn't join him for lunch, not even meeting him. At around four pm, he dragged his feet to Severide's bedroom and knocked. He peeked after not hearing confirmation, and Severide was lying with his eyes open. He sat on the side of the bed and pressed his hand on Severide's forehead.
"What?" asked Severide.
"Are you sick?" asked Casey concerned. "You don't look well, and… have you had lunch?"
"Not hungry," said Severide. Casey checked his pulse. "It's okay," he swatted Casey's hand weakly.
"Don't," Casey pulled his hand. "This is my only hand for the moment, be gentle," he joked. "What's wrong?" he asked when Severide didn't even smirk at his joke.
"Nothing. Everything's perfect," said Severide. "You need anything?"
"No, all good," said Casey.
"Good. Don't even think of doing anything by yourself," said Severide.
"Alright, I'll call you when I need to shower," joked Casey. Severide groaned. "Well, it's you or Kidd, and… you think?" Casey cringed imagining the alternative.
"Don't you dare," Severide rolled his eyes. "Alright, just call."
"Kelly," Casey entered without knocking. It was nearly 8 pm. "Aren't you supposed to be my babysitter?" Severide was sitting on his bed reading.
"Never used that word," said Severide.
"How is it that I am the one who need to remind you to eat?" asked Casey. "At this rate, Kidd will be a full-time caretaker tomorrow."
"Not hungry," said Severide.
"Eat anyway. You barely ate for lunch," said Casey.
"Alright, in a bit," said Severide. "You had dinner already?"
"I was waiting for you, then I got too hungry I ate already. It's gotten cold, you want it warmed up?" asked Casey. Stella had prepared their dinner when she had early dinner before she left for shift at Molly's.
"No, it's alright. I'll do it," said Severide. Casey left the room.
"Aren't you supposed to be on your bed?" asked Stella when she walked in the apartment and saw Casey lying on the sofa.
"What's the difference?" asked Casey.
"Better for your ribs?" guessed Stella. She looked into the fridge and grabbed Casey's shepherd's pie from a couple days ago and heated it in the microwave. "Molly was packed, all Med doctors and nurses and Intelligence Unit suddenly needed to grab beers," she sat on the floor next to the sofa, sighed when she started eating. "And… Grissom came, looking for Kelly."
"Really?" asked Casey.
"He didn't come here?" asked Stella.
"Maybe he figured I would be here," said Casey. "Bet he's about to talk shit about me again."
"No. Ah, you didn't know," said Stella.
"Know what?"
"The potential lawsuit. It's gone," said Stella. "The other day, I told Violet and Lucas about it. One of the victims was in Lucas' care, he said that if you opened the top of the car, which would cause a couple minutes delay overall, and saved the kid first, she might be paralysed because she has a spinal injury. Not that it would make her better, coma-wise. She was already in a coma in the car. As for the mum… she had to be extracted first because one or two minutes late, she might lose a lung. Violet told Kelly, and before we got the chance to tell you, we got called to the scene," said Stella.
"So, I was right," said Casey.
"Yeah, Grissom probably just wanted to find a black sheep. Anyway, dr. Chen told the family that, and first shift said the family sent a bunch of cookies to the station. I'll grab some for you tomorrow," said Stella. "Now, don't boast," she pointed to the room. She saw Severide's car downstairs so she knew he was home.
"Not gonna, just relieved," said Casey. "Elephant is still in the room though, he barely said a word," he whispered.
"Still? After all this?" Stella gestured to Casey's arm, referring to his injury. "Maybe it's not about you. He hadn't slept since in the hospital."
"Really?" asked Casey. "He looked horrible, I first thought he was sick… then I thought he's still pissed at me."
"We took turn keeping watch in the hospital… he was always awake on my turn," said Stella. "Last night too, he didn't sleep."
"Anything wrong?" asked Casey. Stella shrugged her shoulders. "Alright, I'm going to bed. Keller is my replacement tomorrow."
"Wow. Okay," Stella whistled. "She's tough, but I like her."
"Do you know her dad was Mouch's Chief when Mouch was a candidate? She adores Mouch. She's tough to the youngsters. Tell Gallo to behave," said Casey.
"I'll make sure he cleaned the rig," said Stella. She helped him standing. After Casey entered his room, Stella cleaned up and went to her room. Severide was on the bed, reading.
"Hey, you haven't slept," said Stella. She changed her clothes and slipped on the bed, beside Severide.
"No," said Severide.
"Anything interesting happened?" asked Stella. "Did you sleep today?" Severide shook his head, putting his book on the nightstand. Severide looked at her. "You're gonna go on shift without sleep?"
"No," said Severide.
"Anything's bothering you, Kelly? Is it the fight with Casey? Because all you need to do is go down the hall and make up." Stella pointed outside the room.
"No, it's alright. We'll have cigar tomorrow, maybe," said Severide.
"Casey's not on shift. Captain Keller is subbing tomorrow, you'll have cigar with her?" asked Stella.
"Eh, no, don't want to make you jealous," Severide smirked. Stella was about to deny when Severide continued, "or should I take Seager up on the beer offer?"
"I hate you," Stella's voice was muffled by the pillow she put over her face to hide her blushing cheeks.
"I'll have one with you. Molly's night after shift?" Severide pulled Stella to be on top of him. Stella yelped.
It was nearly two in the morning when Stella woke up from a slight movement. At first, she thought it was the wind, but the more she became aware of her surrounding, she realised that the movement came from her bedmate. She gingerly touched Severide's back and realised that he was shaking, panting, and when she turned on the bedside lamp, she saw streak of tears on his face.
"Kelly," she shook Severide's shoulder. "Wake up, Kelly. What is it?"
Severide started crying as he came around. He barely acknowledged her and mumbled something incoherent in between his sobs. Stella could hear Casey's name being spoken as well as some hitched apologies.
"Casey? Did you do something to Casey, Kelly?" Stella shook Severide's shoulder.
"I… killed him," said Severide. So it was a nightmare.
"No, you didn't," said Stella.
"I killed him… died because… me," stuttered Severide. Stella pulled Severide to her and hugged him as he continued crying.
"You didn't kill Casey, he's down the hall. In fact, he might wake up because of you," said Stella. She kissed Severide's head multiple times until he calmed down.
"Casey's alive?" asked Severide. He looked aghast and his body was still trembling. Stella wiped sweat from his forehead.
"Very much alive," said Stella.
"He… we fell," cried Severide.
"You did."
"He died."
"No, he didn't. He got injured, but he's fine. You just spent the whole day with him," said Stella. She rubbed Severide's back. "You want to go down the hall to see him?"
"Yeah…" Severide pulled back and got out of the bed. His legs felt like jelly and he stumbled on his first few steps. Stella walked beside him, guiding him to Casey's room. She opened the door slowly, hoping Casey didn't wake up to see them spying on him sleeping.
"See, that's him," whispered Stella. The room was dark, but they could see a lump on the bed. Casey was sleeping on his back; his shoulder and arm were propped up by a pillow. Stella left Severide on the door. If Casey woke up, as strange as it might be to have Severide there, it would be a hundred times more awkward with her being there. Severide walked closer and pressed his fingers to Casey's neck, feeling comforted when he felt pulse. Now he knew, why Casey did that ever so often since he got injured in the explosion at Med. After that, he backed up against the door and watched his best friend sleeping. After a while, he started getting anxious. Casey is still alive, but he couldn't shake the feeling that he was responsible for all the pain Casey had been feeling since the call, and the risk Casey endured with cushioning his fall two floors down and protecting him when the debris fell on them. Add the risk of brain injury… he was very relieved when Casey was declared fine, otherwise he wouldn't be able to forgive himself. Not another one of his best friend, not after Andy died. Severide sat on the floor and stifled a sob.
Casey thought it was their upstairs neighbour again, crying in the middle of the night. Then he realised that the sound actually came from their floor, which means… Stella? He shuffled out of bed to get out of the room. Not that he wanted to get involved in his roommates' business, but if it was Stella, whom he nearly considers as a sister, then he wouldn't just sit still. He nearly shrieked when he realised that the source of sobs was in his room, sitting on the floor.
"Kelly!" he crouched in front of Severide, ignoring the pain in his ribs. "What's going on?" he grabbed Severide's shoulder, shaking him lightly. When Severide looked at him, he felt his heart breaking from the amount of pain in Severide's eyes. He lightly tugged Severide's arm. "Come on, stand up. Hey, you need to do this on your own… I'm in no shape to carry you," he said when Severide remained unmoving. After what felt like forever, Severide finally accepted his outstretched hand. He pulled Severide standing and guided him to the bed, pushing him to sit down. After turning on the bedside lamp, he sat beside Severide and rubbed his back.
"Breathe, Kelly," he said. This reminded him of Severide after Benny died, only this time, he had a girlfriend and was supposed to be in bed with her. What was Severide doing in his room? "It's alright, Kelly. Just breathe," he whispered. Severide latched on to him and he tightened his hand around Severide, rubbing his back. His ribs hurt from the contact but he ignored it. Right now, the most important thing was to take care of his best friend.
Casey lost track of time. It felt a long time had passed when Severide's sobs finally died down. "Bad dream?" asked Casey softly. Severide didn't answer. "Okay, let's just go to sleep. You're bunking with me?"
This time, Severide gave a slight nod. Casey pushed them both laying on the bed. He covered them both with the duvet, and reached over to turn off the bedside lamp. He positioned his injured shoulder carefully before glancing at Severide who was clearly not sleeping. "Care to talk, Kelly?" he tried his luck once again. "Okay, whenever you're ready. Wake me up." He was surprised when Severide snuggled deeper into the pillow and shuffled so that his head was touching Casey's shoulder. "Alright, there you go. Breathe normally, Kelly. You're alright."
In the morning, Casey woke up to the smell of food. He saw that his door was slightly opened. His phone said it's 7.30, which means Severide should be getting ready for shift. One glance at the man sleeping soundly beside him and he texted Boden, informing him that Severide was sick and would be missing shift. If Stella was telling the truth about him not sleeping for two nights, then it's not safe for him to be on shift. His door opened slightly and Stella peeked inside.
"Looks like a cute Christmas card," commented Stella cheerfully. Casey glared at her.
"What happened?" whispered Casey, glancing at Severide.
"Nightmare. He woke up convinced you were dead after the fall, so I took him here to prove that you're alive," said Stella. "He slept okay?"
"Finally," said Casey. "I texted Boden, saying Kelly is sick. You're free to make up the sickness if he asks," said Casey. Stella nodded.
"There's breakfast on the table, as for lunch and dinner, they're in the fridge, ready to be heated up," said Stella.
"Thanks. Thanks for everything too, Kidd," said Casey. Stella had been a great help since he was injured.
"Eh, it's alright," said Stella. She straightened the duvet and tuck them in, then bent down and kissed their heads. Casey patted her arm, appreciating the little sister figure he never asked for.
"Have a good shift," said Casey when she pulled away and walked to the door.
"You're awake now?" asked Casey when Severide stirred. Severide laid on his back, stared at the ceiling.
"My head hurts," said Severide. His voice was hoarse and he rubbed his eyes, which were swollen. Casey held his forehead and patted it.
"It'll pass," said Casey. "Why are you here?" Severide didn't answer. "Kelly, you're not ignoring me again. What is it? Is this still about Grissom? I'm sorry I accused you of snitching. And thank you for defending me to Grissom… Kidd told me what happened."
"Why did you save me?" asked Severide.
"What?"
"You cushioned my fall, you covered me from being buried… you're badly injured," said Severide.
"And you asked why did I do that? What was I supposed to do? Two floors drop… you fall on your legs, that's guaranteed shattered legs," said Casey. "I'd do it again if needed."
"When you passed out… I thought you were dead," whispered Severide. "You were a dead weight, and I thought your head was knocked out…"
"It was the pain from the shoulder… I fell on my shoulder. I tried to protect my head too, though I still got a concussion," said Casey. "Sorry I made you scared. You should tell me."
"Stop apologising," Severide finally pushed himself sitting and facing Casey. "I can't have you getting hurt, dying, especially not because you saved me. Hell, how would I answer to Christie?"
"Did she say anything to you? I know she saw you. Hell, she went to see you before she saw me. Did she blame you?" Casey was ready to jump on Christie's throat if that was the case.
"No, no. She was being very generous. I thought she was mad, I apologised… and she, I don't know. If that's what having a sister, an older sister was like, I wish I wasn't an only child. It's as if she understood. She even comforted me for feeling guilty," said Severide. "And you have a niece, what do I need to say to Violet if something happened to her uncle?"
"They understand the risk of what I'm doing. And they're scared for me, especially Christie, she's worried every shift. I'm responsible for that. They know that if someday I get hurt… yesterday… it was part of the job. Regardless of who I'm saving. You don't have to feel guilty. You didn't push me down, it was me who throw myself to cover you," said Casey. "Christie knows how much you mean to me, Kelly. Unless you purposely harm me, she'll never be mad at you," he admitted quietly.
"Thank you. You saved my life again, after the chimney incident. I'd do the opposite any time, you know that right?" asked Severide.
"I know," Casey nodded. He pushed himself sitting, wincing while doing so, and pulled Severide in a hug. Their position was a bit awkward, both sitting on the bed, but they didn't care. Severide gingerly hugged Casey, being mindful of his injuries, and cupped the back of his head, pressing it against his shoulder.
"You know… it was said that there is no greater love than someone who lays down his life for his friends. I really feel that," whispered Severide, choking a sob.
"Huh, Kelly Severide quoting the Bible? I didn't realise it was that big of an action," laughed Casey, but he tightened his hug on Severide. "You can stop having nightmare about me dying now, and actually catch up on sleep." Severide gasped.
"What time is this?" he let go of the hug and grabbed Casey's phone. "Damn!" He just realised that he was late for shift.
"I told Boden you're sick, you can't function with little to no sleep," said Casey.
"You just want company at home," accused Severide. Casey shrugged his good shoulder.
"Just go back to sleep, Kelly. I'll be here, so if you get a nightmare, I'll slap my living presence into your head. You're not getting rid of me that easily," said Casey.
"You don't have a plan for the day?" asked Severide.
"What plan with this shoulder, ribs, and head? Actually, Christie is coming for dinner, since I can't exactly go there. Violet is camping with her school," said Casey. "If you're being good, I will probably ask her to cook lasagna."
"Interesting," Severide chuckled.
"Alright, breakfast or sleep first?" asked Casey. Severide thought for a while.
"Sleep. Wake me up for lunch?"
"Got it," Casey shuffled out of bed. "You don't have to help, Kidd left three meals for a handicap," said Casey. Severide was already laying on the bed, ignoring the fact that it was not his bed. Casey tucked the duvet around him and darkened the room. "Anything you need? Bedtime story?"
"A lullaby never hurts," Severide chuckled. "Alright, no, that'll be a new theme of my nightmare."
"Night, Kelly."
"Night, Case."
After breakfast, Casey crawled back to bed, since technically he's still required to rest full time. He slipped below the duvet and position a pillow below his injured shoulder. He could feel Severide's even breathing on his arm, and he glanced at Severide who was sleeping with a peaceful face. Severide gave him headache at times, they argued like kids frequently and made the whole firehouse rolled their eyes, but he couldn't be more grateful of their bond. There was no doubt in his mind that if needed, knock on wood, Severide would also lay down his life for him.
"Love you, brother," he brushed his hand on Severide's head.