"You'll Be Okay. I Promise."

Severide was sitting on the back bumper of the Squad truck, an instant ice pack held to the side of his head. His head did hurt, thanks in large part to the knucklehead they just rescued, but he was certain it wasn't anything more than just a bump and a headache. Unfortunately, Boden had seen and heard the hit and told him, in no uncertain terms, to sit down, shut up and wait to be checked out by the medics.

All around him there was noise and activity and while he was positive he didn't have a concussion, the hustle and bustle around him did nothing to ease the ache that had taken up residence in his head.

Trying to ignore the pounding in his head, Kelly focused on the people around him. Squad was loading their tools and ropes back into their truck, the members of Truck are clearing up the scene and Sylvie and Stella, who was filling in for Gabby for a bit, were checking out the last two accident victims.

Both paramedics looked to be finishing up with their patients and, as luck would have it, Stella finished first and made her way over to him.

"What happened to you?" she asked, quirking an eyebrow.

"Hit my head on the frame when the driver freaked out." Severide answered, moving the ice pack away so Stella could probe his head. "I'm fine, but Boden saw it happen and told me to get checked out."

"And you listened? I'm shocked." Stella commented. Happy with her examination of his head, she moved on to continue her concussion check.

Severide scoffed playfully. "I listen."

"Mhm."

Stella continued her examination, going above and beyond and checking more than just Kelly's head. Afterall, everyone at 51 knew his habit for hiding and playing down injuries and ailments. Satisfied with her exam, Stella took a step back and gave Severide some space.

Before she could say anything, Chief Boden walked over. "How's he doing, Kidd?"

"Well, he's probably going to have one hell of a headache for a day or two but no concussion. He'll be okay." Stella turned her attention back to Severide. "Keep the ice pack on until we get back to the station, then you should be good. Take some Tylenol if the pain gets to be too bad and if anything changes or your symptoms worsen, tell me or Brett immediately."

Boden turned to look at his Lieutenant. "Did you get that Severide? I will gladly send you to Med to be poked and prodded. "

"Yeah Chief, I got it."

Boden nodded once, then moved away, once again leaving Stella and Severide alone. Severide rolled his eyes at the Chief's retreat and looked at Stella with a smirk. He sobered when he saw the serious look on her face.

"I'm serious Kelly," Stella urged, arms crossed over her chest. "Head injuries are serious."

"I know, and I meant what I said. I heard you and the Chief loud and clear." Severide said seriously, standing up from where he'd been sitting. "I will tell you or Brett the second something feels off."

"You better."

Severide nodded and starred at her for a moment before breaking eye contact. "Squad 3, let's finish up!"

... ... ...

Hours later, after dinner had been cleaned up and everyone had dispersed throughout the station, Severide was in his dimly lit office lying across his bed with an arm thrown over his eyes. He had long since given up on completing the paperwork currently strown across his desk, the pounding in his head too distracting to focus. He hadn't planned on turning in for the night, but once he laid down he didn't want to get up again.

When he heard a knock at the door, he was ready to yell at whoever was there but when Severide moved his arm and saw Stella he sat up. "Hey."

"I brought you another ice pack, and some more Tylenol because I know you haven't taken any more since we got back to the station," Stella said as she entered his office and sat next to him on the bed. "How's your head?"

"It hurts," Severide said. He looked at Stella with a small smirk. "but a very nice paramedic checked me out and told me I'd be OK."

Stella snorted. "Sounds like you had a great paramedic checking you out."

"Yeah, she's pretty great."

Stella smirked and handed Severide the Tylenol and a bottle of water. When he didn't take them immediately, she quirked an eyebrow at him. Severide huffed out a chuckle and took the pills Stella had given him, setting the water bottle on the floor beside his bed.

Stella cracked the instant ice pack in her hands to get it cold then tossed it to Severide, who lifted it up to his head. When he immediately complied, Stella knew he hurt more than he let on. Kelly Severide liked to play the tough guy but Stella could see through his act.
Severide groaned dramatically at the cold. Stella rolled her eyes and stood up.

"Get some sleep," Stella murmured as she gently pushed his shoulder to get him to lay down. "You'll be okay."

"Promise?" Severide asked teasingly.

Stella glares at him, but there was no fire behind her glare. "I promise."