AN: The muses are flowing for this story so here you go. Enjoy!
3 Months Later
Tired limbs outstretched languidly on the cold surface of the cotton material, searching for its other occupant but came up empty. It'd been two days since they were enveloped around them. She sighed, feeling lightheaded and queasy, wondering whether it was symptoms of missing her husband or she was coming down with something. She hoped that it wasn't the latter as she was due to start her shift in an hour and half. Thinking silently, she gave herself another five minutes before actually dragging her despondent body out of bed. She missed her husband terribly, and reminiscing that time like now he would've already gotten her out of bed and preparing for their work day. But he wasn't there. He was yet again, recruited for the annual Firefighter's Convention that was held in March. He was highly recommended from his last year's performance. Apparently, the academy loved him so he begrudgingly accepted their four-day trip to North Carolina, this year's destination.
With a growing smile on her face she was reminded that he was due back that night and she couldn't wait to come home at the end of her shift, the following morning to greet him. It was hard being apart when they were always together. Clambering off the bed, she was immediately greeted by Bubba's soft coat on her legs and bent down to greet him with an affectionate back rub.
"Good morning, boy," Olivia spoke softly and Bubba let out a soft, sad growl. Olivia jutted out her bottom lip and asked, "You miss him too?" On cue, Bubba let out another sad growl. "Me too, Bubs. So… much… But, he'll be back home, really, really soon." Bubba's eyes widen as though he understood what she said and Olivia laughed in response. In the space of laughing a nauseous feeling came over her and she had the most intense urge to vomit, so she got up and rushed to their en suite bathroom. She barely made it in time before hurling up the remnants of last night's taco dinner.
When she felt the nausea had subsided, she slowly got up and flushed the toilet before making her way to the sink. As the clear water fell from the tap, she stared at her clammy skin in the giant wall mirror and sighed. It was going to be a long twenty-four hours, especially if she felt the way she looked.
On her way to the firehouse Fitz called and they talked for about five minutes before disconnecting, promising to communicate via text throughout the day. Olivia told him everything about her morning minus throwing up because she didn't want him worrying about her from miles away.
When she arrived at the fire station, Harrison immediately greeted her in a warm friendly hug. He was still the same fun-loving and charismatic young man. After greeting her other colleagues with warm hellos she made her way to the locker room to get ready for her shift. It may've almost been a year since the Eric Ward thing happened, but she still cringed every time she was in the room. The place had so many bad memories brewing underneath the surface. However, she shook it off and tried to not let it get to her.
A few minutes later, she was fully dressed and was signed onto work. She was making her way down the corridor from the locker room when Chief Beene stopped her and asked to see her in his office. That was never a good thing and it made her heart rhythm grow faster.
"Have a seat, Pope or should I say Grant?" he teased lightly, a running joke ever since he learnt of her and Fitz' nuptial. Olivia smiled tightly at what he presumed was his way of putting her at ease but he didn't.
Cutting straight to the point, she asked, "What's up, Chief?"
He gave her another affable smile and dove in with a straightforward answer. "It was brought to my attention that a new opening is on truck and we're looking to fill it soon."
Olivia's face broke into a wide beam. She was thinking how awesome it would be to finally make truck after being a candidate for close to eight months. She was ready for more permanency and for her dream to come true, in addition to better pay.
But before she could sanction, Cyrus continued, "We want you on truck, but there's a small detail that you might want to consider
"What's that?" Olivia asked eagerly, already making up her mind to say yes. An opportunity like this takes a long time to come around.
"You're going to be working on a different shift."
"Oh," Olivia said dejectedly. If she take the job then it would conflict with her and Fitz' routine. They were used to working the same long hours together and having the same day offs to spend time with each other. Now, it would be hard if she was starting her shift when he was getting off his. But, they could probably make it work, right? She asked herself. She just couldn't throwaway the opportunity to be on truck for a slight schedule interruption, she thought. Honestly, she didn't want to have to work a different shift than Fitz. It was already hard working as a firefighter with each other much less when they were apart. She was confused as to what to say.
Cyrus saw the uncertainty on her face and quickly said, "You'll get 24 hours to give me an answer. After that I'll have to pass it on to another candidate." His tone was even, giving nothing away.
"I understand. Thank you. It's not that I'm not grateful for the offer; I just need to think about it for a minute and discuss it with my husband," she countered.
"Completely understand. Alright, Olivia, let me know by tomorrow."
"I will, Chief, thank you." She stood to her feet and left his office.
The day was going by somewhat quickly and pleasantly, at least for Olivia who hadn't feel queasy since leaving home. On top of that, most of the emergency calls were small domestic fires that hadn't spread further than the room of origin. So for the most part they stayed in the warmth of firehouse 51, combatting the cold weather.
They were all relaxing in the communal area when Olivia felt her phone vibrating longer than it would with an incoming text message. She looked down at the screen and saw that it was Fitz calling her. She quickly excused herself and walked towards the backdoor of the firehouse where it was free of other occupants.
"Hi," she greeted a bit anxiously, It'd been almost six hours since they last spoke.
"Hi," she heard his deep baritone voice croon back.
"You're calling me," she sang playfully.
"I am." She smiled. She missed him and the sound of his voice always made her day better. Standing at the back of the building with her back resting against the wall, her heart grew fonder.
"I miss you," she whimpered, knowing that she was sounding a bit pathetic but she didn't care. She missed her best friend. No one was capable of replacing him in her life.
"I miss you too, baby. I can't wait to come home to you," he sighed into the phone.
"M too." Inhaling deeply, she revealed, "I've got somewhat good news." Her voice returned to playfully teasing.
"Is that so? You won the lottery so we won't have to work another day in our lives?" Fitz quipped and Olivia laughed heartily.
"No…" she trailed exaggeratedly.
"Then what is it then?" She could hear the curiosity in his voice.
Just when she was going to answer the operator's voice came blaring through the firehouse's PA system.
"I gotta go, babe," she quickly expressed, reentering the main building.
"Ok. You be safe, I'll see you soon. Love you, beautiful."
Olivia closed her eyes for a brief second and replied, "I love you too. See you when you get home."
Cyrus' POV
The entire crew: truck, squad and ambulance of firehouse 51 arrived ten minutes later at the burning warehouse on the waterfront. They were already fireboats on the water top trying to extinguish the fire from the north side when they got there.
"Chief Weiss, where are we?" Cyrus asked the onsite chief, standing near the fire truck with the number 65 marked on the sides.
"Beene, I had men in there doing search and rescue on civilians, but we lost control of the fire," he answered.
"You evacuate?" Cyrus asked, surveying the burning building.
"Yes, but two from Truck 65 haven't made it out. Two civilians unaccounted for too, Chief." Chief Weiss filled in.
"Right," Cyrus sighed, already feeling the tension from the call.
"Finch, breach the south door. See if you can reach the two from Truck got two minutes, tops," Chief Beene instructed Stephen who was standing beside him.
"All right." Stephen then turned to Jason and said, "Let's grab a line and head in."
Jason nodded his admission and quickly went to retrieve one of the water lines from the truck.
Before they entered the building. Stephen shouted to Harrison, "Wright, stay on truck."
"Copy," Harrison called back just in time before Stephen disappeared into the burning building.
Everyone else on the outside were trying to contain the fire and recon the perimeter. Then out of nowhere they heard a loud male voice screaming, "Help! Help!" There was a small opening in the wall that the man couldn't fit though that was reaching out for help.
Cyrus moved quickly to the opening in the wall and shouted for a ladder. "Hang tight," he said to the man. "We're coming in."
"This opening's too small," he frantically returned.
"I'll go," Olivia said, stepping up to the plate. She could use her petite form, after all. Cyrus cast her a concern glance before relenting.
A couple seconds later and Olivia was climbing the ladder and entering through the small opening in the building to rescue the civilian. When she was in and saw the man she radioed in.
Meanwhile, on the outside Cyrus and the other chief were actively working with the other firefighters to help the rescued civilians and to control the growing fire, it was a hard feat.
Cyrus was just walking from his truck and back to the front of the building when he heard Olivia's breathy voice over his radio, "Chief?"
"Olivia, where are you?"
"Chief, the room is lighting up. I can't get back to the window." Her voice was beginning to panic and he could hear the cackling of flames from her end of the radio. The hair on the back of his neck immediately stood to attention. He needed to get her out of there ASAP.
Pressing down tightly on the talk button of his walkie-talkie, he shouted, Jason, where's Stephen?"
"He went for the civilian," Jason voice quickly piped.
Olivia's voice cut in, "It's too late, Chief. Chief, I'm out of air."
Cyrus felt cold to the bone and didn't say another word. He briefly looked around and saw everyone wearing the same despondent look. They all heard what she said on their connected radios.
"Chief," Olivia coughed. "My tank is empty."
When she began cough his mind went into overdrive. He couldn't send anymore of his people in there, least they ended up dead. The fire was already destroying the building from the inside out. If they couldn't go then he would, he concluded.
But by the time he was thinking this, Harrison and some of the other firefighters began suiting up with oxygen tanks and mask to enter into the building and rescue Olivia.
"Everybody stop! Stop!" Cyrus shouted, taking full advantage of his authority. And when he got all of their attentions, he walked over to them and in a clear authoritative voice said, "No matter what happens, no one from House 51 may go into that building. This is not a democracy." He stated when challenging gazes were cast his way. "I am in charge! Do you understand?" His tone left no room for arguments or dispute.
Although he could see the struggle in their eyes, they all relented, "We hear you."
"Good." Cyrus picked up two of the oxygen tanks from the ground and ran towards the burning building.
"Chief!" they shouted after him but it was too late.
Stephen's POV
After Stephen had surveyed the upper floor and was certain that no other civilian was inside, he was heading out when through the smokey haze he saw a panting Olivia pulling a man twice her size. He immediately rushed towards them.
"Hey, what the hell are you doing?"
Gasping, she answered, "This guy is unconscious."
"Here!" Stephen quickly took off his oxygen mask and handed it to her after realizing that she was out of air. The fire continued to roar around them, running along the walls and ceiling.
Stephen bent down to check the man's pulse. "He's not unconscious, Olivia. He's dead."
Olivia shook her head, disagreeing, "No. No. He was breathing."
"He's gone, Olivia," Stephen said a bit impatiently.
In defeat she let go of the rope that was wrapped around the man's midsection, a futile attempt that would've later lower him down the ladder.
Stephen sensing the defeat in her body language, said, "Come on. You tried your best. Let's go."
At the same time a gush of fire came down from the ceiling and Stephen jumped to the floor with Liv pinned underneath his arm. They stayed down for a few seconds until some of the flames had abated.
"Get up! Come on." Stephen got up and was in a crouch position. "Stay low!" He urged.
The fire was getting more out of control as they made their way out of the room and towards a window where they could try breaking out.
"Hey! In here!" Olivia coughed, pointing to a room with a window on the right. She coughed again and panted, "You're out of air, too," pulling the mask from her face. She was beginning to feel lightheaded again.
They tried to break through the window but it was grilled from the inside.
"Fuck!" Stephen muttered. What were they going to do? They were doomed. But then a small flicker of hope blossomed when they saw the hose line that Jason had left behind. Giving each other hopeful nods, they turned on the hose and began breathing the air coming through with the water.
Harrison's POV
On the outside, Harrison wasn't having it with Chief Weiss. He was ready to deem all of them as dead, since it had been a few minutes and no one had come out of the building. There were no Stephen, Olivia and Cyrus.
"I'm calling it," Chief Weiss said again, despite of Harrison being in his face. Ignoring the young man, he turned to one of his men and said, "Roger, get ready to hit the building from the river. Tower ladders on my signal."
"That'll cook anyone in there," Harrison panicked, knowing the deadly impact of blasting a burning building from the outside while there was occupants.
"There's no way they have any air left, and that hose line isn't big enough to get them out," referring to the line Jason carried with him earlier.
"You can't do that," Harrison reasoned.
Completely ignoring him, Chief Weiss began instructing his men. "Cut off the water supply for that hose."
"Chief, they could be alive and breathing off that hose for all we know," Harrison butted in, desperately trying to keep his friends alive.
"I'm not looking for opinions, son," Chief Weiss snarled belligerent.
Not deterred, Harrison walked up to him an inch away from his face and said, "Well then, you take my badge, Chief. You take my uniform; you take my pension, whatever you want. But you are not shutting down that line!" Harrison was beyond upset and wasn't taking no for an answer.
Chief Weiss didn't heed his threats but proceeded with his plan. "All right, let's go, men!"
"Chief, give them two more minutes, please," Harrison begged.
"Can't do it."
Picking up a crowbar he pushed it against the Chief's chest and said, "then you're gonna have to go through me."
One of the firefighters from firehouse 51, then rushed to Harrison and pulled him back before he assaulted the man, knowing that the next tactic he would use wasn't words.
All members of firehouse 51 watched as Chief Weiss made the wrong call, or at least to them he did. "Cut the water going inside. All engine companies, hit the building," he said.
Harrison began frantically shouting as he was restrained by two of them, "No! No! You can't do that! - You'll roast them!"
Olivia's POV
Meanwhile, Olivia and Stephen were both feeling extremely weak as they lay on the floor. Their water supply had been shut off and the heavy smoke from the room was consuming their lungs.
"I can't die, I can't die," was Olivia's mantra. All she could think about was Fitz coming home to the news that she'd been burned to ashes. He wouldn't be able to survive it; she knew that. So she started crying and praying. She didn't want to die.
"Liv, you have to stay calm. If you don't, you're going to run out of oxygen really soon." Stephen assured her with a steady palm on her back. "We're not going to die." He said, almost believing his statement.
"Fitz… Fitz…" she coughed, wanting her baby by her side. She couldn't fathom never being able to see him again.
Stephen's heart broke for her. Although, he and Tina's relationship wasn't as strong and seasoned as Olivia's and Fitz' he was thinking about her in that moment.
Olivia on the other hand was having flashes of her life with Fitz. Every thing they've been through: the good, bad and ugly were replaying in her mind.
Then in the midst of smoke and hot, hot heat they heard, "Olivia and Stephen!" It was Cyrus' voice. Stephen quickly shouted, "Over here," and seconds later they saw the valiant frame of their fire chief holding two tanks of oxygen in his hands. They silently thanked God.
Olivia was being transported to the hospital, because as soon as she came out of the building and had taken off her oxygen mask, she began throwing up incessantly and coughing. She felt sick to her stomach while Stephen seemed to have recuperated with a few deep breaths.
When she got to the hospital, they gave her something for the nausea and began running general tests. By then, Olivia was feeling better lying in the hospital bed, breathing humidified oxygen and cloaked in one of their gowns. Today was the worst working day of her life and she wanted to do nothing more than to talk to her husband. However, she had no clue as to where her phone was. It was probably left on the truck, she thought.
She was momentarily staring at the wall when Harrison came into the room.
"How you feeling?" He asked, coming to her side.
"Better," she gave him a small smile.
Sighing, he ran his fingers through his short hair. "For a second there today, I thought we lost you guys."
"Never," Olivia countered weakly.
"Good, because you're still my sister from another mister," He teased and she laughed lightly.
They fell silent for a few seconds; each taking in the other's presence, grateful for life. "Can I borrow your phone?" Olivia asked after a beat.
"Sure." Harrison immediately reached for his phone in his front pocket and handed it to her. "I'll be outside if you need me." He quickly excused himself to give her privacy.
In which, she was grateful for as she dialed Fitz' phone number.
"Hello?" Fitz answered, a bit off guarded.
"It's me, Olivia," she returned as greeting.
"Hi. Why are you calling me from Harrison's phone?" He immediately asked, confused.
"I don't know where mine is."
"Oh."
She sighed before saying, "what I'm about to tell you, I need you to remain calm."
"Ok…" Fitz said uncertain.
"I'm in the hospital. I should be discharged soon," she added the last bit quickly.
"What! Why? What happened?" Fitz started rattling off questions.
Olivia sighed again. "We had a call and things got out of hand. Stephen and I got stuck on the third floor without any oxygen. When we came out I wasn't feeling well and they brought me here. However, I'm feeling much better now. I'm just waiting for my test results and then if everything is good I can leave."
"Jesus Christ! How did this happen? Why the hell everything wrong always happens when I'm not there?"
Olivia took a deep breath while listening to him rant and become upset like she knew he would. He was going to blame himself for not being there again. Rest assured, if he was there while she ran out of oxygen he would've made away to rescue her.
After letting him curse and fret over her safety for about a minute, she interrupted, "Fitz, calm down." The irony of telling him to do so when she was the one hospitalized. He relented some.
Bringing it down a notch, he queried, "Are you sure you're ok, Livvie, and not telling me this to make me feel less anxious?"
She smiled. "I promise you, I'm ok. I'm not keeping anything from you."
"I just want you to be safe and the thought of you almost dying today is making me sick," he admitted.
"I know. But, I'm alive and I'll be ok,' she tried to cheer him up. "Are you on your way to the airport as yet?" she changed the topic.
"No, but I'll be on my way in the next five minutes. I'm not staying a minute longer away from you than what's necessary."
"Ok, baby, you stay safe. I'll see you when you get home later."
"Yes. Please look for your phone so I'll be able to check in on you and know that you're ok."
Olivia nodded her head as though he could see her. "Will do." At that moment, from the corner of her eyes, she saw the ER doctor reentering the room. "I have to go, Fitz, the doctor is here. I love you." She barely waited for him to return her sentiments before ending the call.
"Hi Olivia," the friendly doctor greeted with a smile. Dr. Michelle was a tall African American doctor with caramel complexion and warm brown eyes. "Still feeling ok?"
Olivia nodded. "Yes."
"Good, good. I have your test results here and may've found a new reason for your nausea," the doctor smiled.
Olivia gave her a befuddled look but before she could ask what, Dr. Michelle exclaimed, "Congratulations, you're pregnant!"
Olivia's entire body jolted forward. "What?" She was officially confused.
"Around four weeks," Dr. Michelle answered simply.
Stupefied, Olivia stated, "but I'm on birth control."
"You know contraceptives aren't 100% effective, right?" Dr. Michelle stated in a light manner.
"Uh…umm…yea…wow." She was pregnant; she couldn't believe it. Three months after her and Fitz' talk about waiting another six months, the time frame wasn't up and she was pregnant. Wow…talk about timing.
Dr. Michelle gave her room to process her emotions as she stood silently waiting.
In a voice filled with a mixture of wonder and fear, she asked, "Is the baby alright? I mean with all the smoke I inhaled today."
Understanding her concern, Dr. Michelle suggested, "I can do a transvaginal ultrasound if you would like. But, I'm confident that the baby will be ok. Your airways are reopen and your oxygen level has returned to normal."
Olivia smiled a little in relief to hear that and debated whether she wanted the ultrasound done or not. She chose to have it done. "I'll take the ultrasound please, and can we do it discreetly? I know my coworkers are out in the waiting room but I don't need them to know I'm pregnant."
"Don't worry. Just the two of us," Dr. Michelle gave her a wink and wide smile before exiting the room to grab the portable ultrasound machine.
Olivia was glad to be home in bed, finally... After answering mandatory questions about the civilian they couldn't save in the fire, in which she was sad about but understood that not everyone they can save, she was released of her duties as a firefighter. Declining all accommodating offers to accompany her home when returning to the firehouse for her belongings and car, she headed home in a daze. She had too much on her mind and the fact that she was PREGNANT was consuming her thoughts. She was elated and scared at the same time. Incredibly happy that her and Fitz created life out of their love, and fearful of his reaction. Was he going to be happy? Would he think that I purposely did this? She hoped that he didn't think the latter because she truly didn't try to manipulate him this time. She'd learned her lesson and was never going to do that again. But, wow… she was pregnant. In one day she almost lost her life and learned that she was with child. It was seriously mindboggling.
In just undies, Olivia lay in the middle of their bed holding onto her flat stomach while stroking it absentmindedly with her fingertips. Something was inside her tummy; she had the test results and ultrasounds to prove it.
Her phone buzzed and she thought it was Fitz again, as he'd been contacting her every few minutes to make sure that she was all right as he traveled thousands of feet in the air. But it was Tina texting to find out if she was ok because she'd heard from Stephen what happened. The two were texting back and forth when Olivia heard the front door opening and closing with a loud bang, followed by quick footsteps up the stairs. No doubt Fitz was running. Bubba who was lying by the foot side of the bed quickly became alert by the raucous movements and started growling. Seconds later, Fitz burst through the bedroom door and rushed to the bed where throw dim lights, saw Olivia's body lying underneath the covers.
Olivia threw her arms around his neck as he scooped her up to his chest. He hugged her tightly as though she would disappear if he loosened his grip.
"Oh, thank God, you're ok." Fitz whispered into her neck. "I love you so much and I couldn't bear the thought I almost lost you today."
Olivia said nothing, only soaking up his affections because she was all too consumed and overwhelmed about what happens next.
AN: This was a classic Chicago Fire chapter, the warehouse fire actually happened in their season 3 finale. I know that this chapter was Fitz-light and that's because I wanted it to be so. LOL. Not really, next chapter will be mostly from his POV.
Let's recap, shall we? In order: Olivia woke up sick, went to work, Cyrus has an opening for her but it's on a different shift, there was a warehouse fire, Olivia and Stephen almost died, Cyrus was their hero, Harrison was also waging war against the other Chief on the outside and Olivia found out she's pregnant. Meanwhile, Fitz is forever away. Not true. Truth of the matter was, I didn't write him in the scene while she was stranded because he would've lost all sense of rationality because it's his wife.
So, what happens from here people? Please leave your review with your highlight and whatnots for the chapter. I sure do appreciate them. Thank you.
Until next time,
XOXO
