I woke up and it was five in the morning, I tried to get back to sleep by counting sheep and many other ways but nothing was working. I didn't want to wake dad so I just got up and walked downstairs as quietly as possible. Our kitchen was a mess so I started cleaning it. I put all the rubbish in the bin before putting all the plates, bowls, forks and things like that back into the cupboards. By the time I looked at the clock, it was 6:30 meaning dad would be up soon so I put his coffee on before pouring myself a glass of orange juice.
"Hey princess, what are you doing awake so early?" Dad asked appearing at the bottom of the stairs
"Couldn't sleep" Dad pulled me into a tight embrace kissing my head
"You can wake me you know" I nodded into his chest with a small sigh
"But you need to sleep because if you're tired you lose focus then get shot" I always worried about him to matter what time of day it was
"I know you love soccer but do you want to take the day off? You'd have to come to the district but I'm sure Voight has something you could do and if you're up to it I'll drop you off at soccer" He suggested and I smiled weakly
"Can I?" I asked but it was muffled by his shirt
"Yeah come on" Dad and I walked through to the living room where I lay my head down on his lap. He started rubbing his hand up and down my arm gently. I slowly started falling back to sleep again. I woke up still on dad's lap.
"Hey princess" I sat up, slowly cuddling into his side.
"I've got to get to work, grab some other clothes and your school bag and you can get changed there" I nodded and walked upstairs to my bedroom.
I threw a burgundy turtleneck, black jeans and my black timberlands into my soccer duffel bag. I pulled my hair up into a messy bun making sure I had other hair stuff in case I went to soccer. I grabbed my school bag checking I had my computer in it and my football boot bag. I put my football boot bag into my soccer bag. I walked back down the stairs as dad took my bags from me. I grabbed the cover from the back of the couch and wrapped it around me after putting my trainers on.
"What is in here?" Dad asked lifting my soccer bag up and down as if it was a set of weights
"My soccer stuff and another change of clothes" I shrugged looking up to him
"Come on then kid" I smiled and we walked out of the house. I climbed into the car placing the cover over my legs before pulling my seatbelt on. I leaned my head against the window as dad handed me my phone
"I spoke to her mom last night and I've blocked her number for you" I nodded putting my phone into the pocket of my hoodie.
I leaned my head against the window watching Chicago go past the window. We pulled up at the district and I threw my soccer bag over my shoulder and pulled my school bag over my back leaving the cover in the car. I followed dad into the district and upstairs.
"What's up shorty?" Uncle Kev hugged me before taking my soccer bag. "What is in this?" I let out a small laugh
"Soccer uniform, soccer boots, change of clothes and another pair of shoes oh and my hair stuff" I shrugged with a smile. Something about being around him makes me happy.
"I'll put this in my locker for you" He said messing with my hair on his way past
"Thanks" I thanked him with a smile
"Go do some work in the breakroom" Dad said and I nodded and walked into the break room and pulled my computer out and started filling in the workbooks we had been sent in case we were off. Dad walked in and sat down next to me
"What are we doing Tay?" I turned my computer around to see him
"Oh law I know a few people who are good at that" I let out a small laugh at his antics.
"It's interrogation cards but it's harder than it looks" I let out a small sigh
"Right let me help" Dad helped me with the work but I soon got frustrated and closed my computer. Dad started rubbing circles on my back as I rested my head in my hands
"You'll get there, it just takes time" I nodded as my phone vibrated. It was James asking if I was still going to soccer.
"Can I still go to soccer?" I asked looking up at him with a hopeful smile
"I said you can if you're feeling up to it" He shrugged getting up
"Thanks" I smiled answering James back
"Are you gonna sit in those clothes all day Shorty?" Uncle Kev asked walking into the breakroom
"Hmm Nah don't think playing soccer in these is a good idea" I joked
"Oh so you're still playing" I shook my head with a sigh
"I'm not allowed to play any games but I'm still allowed to train so that's the main thing" I said trying to stay positive about the whole thing
"Come with me shorty. You can get ready in the locker room" I followed uncle Kev into the locker room. Uncle Kev handed me my soccer bag and I pulled out my hair stuff.
"Thanks, Uncle Kev" He walked out the room as I walked over to the mirror. I took my hair out of the messy bun and braided it into a single Dutch braid before pulling it up into a ponytail. I grabbed my soccer uniform and got changed into it. I pulled my bright red socks on and pushed them down to my ankles. I grabbed my trainers and pulled them on along with my hoodie. I pushed everything into my soccer bag before jumping on the spot a few times.
"Hey" I smiled as Autumn's dad walked in just as I picked my bag up
"Hey" I walked back out of the locker room.
"Ok go grab your school bag as a warm-up" I laughed, shaking my head placing my soccer bag down. I walked through to the breakroom and packed up my school bag. I walked back out before quickly checking I had my shin guards.
"Got everything you need?" I nodded as dad picked up my soccer bag. I pulled my phone out and checked where we were training
"Do good out there Shorty don't fight the ref" I smiled a sickly smile
"Depending on who the ref is" I hated one of the referee's we had. He was sexist and didn't like the fact he was watching girls play a 'Mens' game
"You're banned from playing games remember" I sighed wishing people wouldn't bring it up anymore
"Coach might put me on because it's a training game" I said thinking of the positives.
"Put your boots on for a minute," Uncle Kev said as I quickly swapped my trainers for my boots.
"So why do you wear your kit for training?" He asked looking at me with his head tilted to the side slightly
"It's Friday which means it's game training so we split the team in half and play games to give us extra practice for tomorrow which is game day but I'm banned" Dad held his phone out to me with an email from Mr Walker
'Dear Mr Ruzek,
Yesterday I banned your daughter from soccer but following a recent injury to a member of the soccer team I have decided it would be a good idea to bring Taylor back into the game tomorrow. She will be under close observation so one wrong move or speaking back to the referee we will be forced to bench her.
Yours Sincerely Mr S Walker'
I turned to look at dad who nodded. I hugged him tightly
"Hey I didn't do anything I just got the email and showed it to you" I turned to look at Uncle Kev
"Coming to the game tomorrow?" I asked with a wide smile not being able to hide it
"You just said you were banned" I shrugged trying not to run about the place
"Someone got injured and they need their best player there" I smiled getting over excited about the whole thing.
"Alright number 8 let's get you going before Coach Jas has my head for you being late," Dad said as I swapped my soccer boots for my trainers. I pulled both bags over my shoulders and started walking down the stairs
"Hey Mini Ruzek" I turned around "You better win this game tomorrow" I fake saluted to Uncle Kev
"Plan on it," I said as dad started pushing me down the stairs. I laughed and jogged down the last few stairs. We got to his car and I threw my bags in the back before climbing in the front. When we got to the training grounds I kissed dad's cheek.
"I'll see you shortly" I got out and grabbed my soccer bag before walking over to Autumn, James and Melissa. I smiled before sitting down on the seats
"Rough night?" I nodded
"I was up at 5 then ended up cleaning the kitchen," I said pulling my shin pads on
"Ohh" I nodded, changing my trainers for my soccer boots.
"OK EVERYONE LET'S GET YOU ON THE FIELD. TEAMS ARE NORMAL THAT MEANS TAYLOR IS THE CAPTAIN FOR ALPHA AND JO IS THE CAPTAIN FOR DELTA" I nodded jogging onto the pitch while pulling my hoodie off. I threw my hoodie onto my seat because we were sitting in the first row. I took my spot quickly warming up. We started playing the game and I was soon in open space
"AUTUMN I'M OPEN" I shouted as Autumn kicked the ball to me. I ran forward shooting and scoring the first goal of our game. I ran over to my team giving them a high five. Before noticing Uncle Kev and intelligence without dad.
"LET'S GO AGAIN DELTA START" I got back into place before tackling Jo and kicking the ball over to Mellisa. I ran over up the pitch as Amy kicked the ball to me and I scored once more. I ran back over to them high-fiving them once more.
"THIS IS YOUR TWO MINUTE WARNING FOR HALF TIME" Delta started with the ball and Coach Jas blew the whistle as I went to tackle Joanna. "FIVE MINUTE HALF TIME" We jogged over to the side grabbing our water bottles from our bag. I jogged over to intelligence.
"Hey" I smiled weakly knowing this was gonna be bad news
"He was hit by a drunk driver" Uncle Kev said knowing that keeping me waiting just stresses me out
"How bad?" He shrugged
"I've got to finish this game I'm the captain and a captain doesn't just leave their team a day before game day"
"Go do him good" I nodded
"ALPHA OVER HERE" I shouted running back into the middle of the pitch.
"What's our plan?" Autumn asked
"Our plan is to work the way we have been working using all our tactics. Our main people to defend are Jo, Joanna and Ellie. Hands in Alpha'' We all put our hands into the middle
"D...C...B...A…ALPHA" We cheered before running back into our positions. We won our game and Coach Jas called us all over.
"We all know where we are playing tomorrow but because we are playing somewhere else we are wearing our pink kits. Go home and get some rest." We all jogged off and I jogged up to intelligence where Uncle Kev pulled me into a tight hug.
"He's ok a fractured leg and a concussion he'll survive with help" I nodded letting out a sigh
"Erm I need to grab my bag and swap my boots" I said with a slight nod
"Ok go" I ran over to my bag where James and Autumn looked at me with worry in their eyes
"Dad was hit by a drunk driver. He has a broken leg and a concussion." I said swapping my boots for trainers once again. I pushed everything into my soccer bag before pulling my hoodie on. I checked my phone to see a text from dad
From Dad
'I'm ok don't worry about me you're ok to tell anyone who asks'
I smiled and threw my phone into my hoodie pocket. James hugged me and I took in his scent.
"Dad and I are here if you need anything and I mean anything even if it's another Squad hoodie" I laughed. I had an obsession with anything Squad related
"Is your dad expecting you home right away?" I asked looking up at him
"He's on shift today. Sylvie was covering the first watch yesterday but the second watch is on today why?"
"Could you come with me? I don't wanna be alone" I said looking up at him kind of just wanting him there
"Of course I'll come with you Tay don't want you doing anything stupid," He said as I grabbed my bag and threw it over my shoulder
"Hey I'm not that bad when there are others about" I defended with a laugh
"Hmm whatever." He wrapped his arm around my shoulder and pulled me into his side. I smiled up at him as we reached intelligence
"Can James come with us? Uncle Kelly's on shift today?" I asked Uncle Kev who nodded
"Save me looking after you. Right come on you two let's let you to Tay's hundredth home" Uncle Kevin said messing with my hair
"Where are my other ninety-nine homes?" I asked with a slight laugh
"Well you've got your actual house, the gym, the gymnasium, school, here and who knows where else" James answered and I laughed. We got to Uncle Kev's car and I climbed into the back with James as his partner climbed into the front. James grabbed my hand with both of his and held it.
"James, Tay this is my partner Kim Burgess, Kim this is James Severide and Taylor Ruzek" I smiled weakly as James placed a hand onto my knee
"You were bouncing it again" He whispered and I leaned my head on his shoulder. I gave his hand a little squeeze as he kissed my hair. We arrived at Med and James grabbed my bag for me.
"I'm gonna go park the car I'll be in in a minute James don't let her stress" He kept a hold of my hand the whole time knowing that if I stress out about this I'll stress out about the soccer game tomorrow then I'll find myself in a hospital bed.
"Oh no, what have you done now?" Dr Rhodes asked when he saw me
"Nothing at the moment" I said with a smile
"Ah you're here to see your dad" I nodded letting the smile drop
"Upstairs 3rd floor room 183" I hugged him before walking up to the 3rd floor. We found dad's room and intelligence was standing in there.
"Hey it's ok see I'll come in with you," James said walking in with me. I smiled weakly at dad who gave me his goofy grin which made tears well up in my eyes.
"Hey come here Tay" I let go of James' hand and walked over to dad and hugged him as he placed a hand on the back of my head holding me close.
"I'm ok see you've had worse than I've ever had and you're younger than me" I laughed a small bit
"I was worried though" I said
"Taylor Mae Ruzek look at me" I lifted my head to look at him.
"I promise you I'm ok and you're not getting rid of me that easy" I smiled
"Come on then Alpha or Delta"
"Us of course," I said as dad pulled me down to sit next to him
"Scored like three goals she did," Uncle Kev said walking into the room
"What did I say I'm the best player on the team and they need me" I smiled joking
"Oh shush," James said and I gave him the signature Ruzek goofy grin.
"What did Dr Rhodes say?" I asked dad knowing that's what he'd say to me
"That you're lucky you have me" I shook my head,
"He said exactly what I told Kev he said I'm gonna get out tonight so I can come to your game tomorrow"
"Never miss a game" I recited his words from when I started soccer.
"Or a competition" He finished kissing my cheek
"Unless you tear your ACL again" I laughed at James' words.
"You better not do that again Miss Ruzek," Dr Rhodes said walking into the room
"Do not plan on it, Dr Rhodes" I said raising my hands
"Alright, Adam, sign these, you are good to go. Tay you're gonna have to help him for a while until he can walk by himself but that doesn't mean you go skipping school, cheer or soccer isn't that right Mr Severide" Dr Rhodes said and James nodded
"I need my partner in crime for my stunts" I smiled as Dr Rhodes handed me the pile of paperwork and I held it up to read
"It's gibberish you know that right" I said scrunching up my face
"You were meant to give it to-" His pager cut him off
"Fill those out, I'll get Halstead in here to collect them and then you can go" He turned around and walked out. I handed the forms to dad
"You two go to the firehouse you're no good here at the moment," Dad said and I turned to look at him
"I'm good I promise you" I kissed his cheek
"Shall I take my bag?" I asked looking over at it
"Do you want to get changed?" I shook my head
"We're in pink tomorrow and I don't wanna get my jeans covered in green" I said with a shrug
"I'll take it home for you shorty" Uncle Kevin spoke up
"Keep your phone on just in case we go to the district" I nodded and hugged him resting my head in the crook of his neck.
"I love you baby girl" Dad whispered into my ear
"I love you too dad" I whispered back
"Go get outta here before you cry then make me cry" I kissed his cheek once again before standing back up to see everyone looking at us. I turned back around quickly
"Oh, can I borrow $10? I promise I'll give you it back it's just that my money is in my jacket pocket" I asked trying to be vague
"What do you need $10 for?" He asked with a frown
"I just need some stuff" I sent him a look and he stopped asking questions. He handed me a $10 bill and I smiled
"Thank you"
"Go and don't do anything stupid" I smiled with a laugh
"I'll try not to" James and I walked out and he wrapped his arm around my shoulders
"Are you ok?" I nodded as we started walking to the firehouse
"Can we go in here?" I asked as we reached Target
"Yeah, why?"
"Just need some stuff" I replied as we walked in. We walked down to the toiletries section and I grabbed some pads.
"Need anything else?"
"Think I'm good," I smiled. I paid for my stuff and we walked to the firehouse. James let me put my stuff in his bag because Uncle Kev still had mine. We got to the firehouse and only Squad was there
"Why are you two late?" Uncle Kelly asked
"Dad was in a car crash" I replied in a whisper
"Oh, Tay come here" I walked over to Uncle Kelly and we wrapped me into a hug as the tears filled my eyes
"How is he?" The thing about Uncle Kelly is that he has giant muscles and well they give great hugs
"Fractured leg and a concussion" James replied. I pulled away from Uncle Kelly, wiping the tears away just as my phone went. I pulled it out my pocket to see a text from Uncle Kev saying they were coming to get me and James if he wanted to come
"Everything ok Tay?" Uncle Kelly asked and I nodded
"Dad and Uncle Kev are coming to get me and James if he wants to come" I said looking between the pair
"It's up to you we've got a lot of eyes on us at the moment so you wouldn't be able to come on calls" Uncle Kelly said looking at James
"I'll go with Tay" He said looking over at me
"OK perfect timing" Uncle Kelly pointed down the driveway and I hugged him
"Bye Uncle Kelly" I said pulling away
"Bye Tay" James and I walked down the driveway and we climbed into the back of Uncle Kev's car where his partner was. We were all sat in the back and it was awkward
"So Taylor" Dad started
"Huh" I said trying to catch on
"How was soccer?" He asked looking back at me
"Oh you know we won but apart from that, it was boring. We need our pink strips tomorrow" I said with a shrug
"I got an email about a cheerleading event tomorrow night" I furrowed my brows
"Basically it's a party Coach Michelle is having"
"I'm not going," I said instantly
"Yes you are. There are a few conditions though" He said changing my mind
"Ok?" I asked curiously
"One text me every hour" Dad started
"Two text me every hour," Uncle Kev said and I kept back a laugh
"Ok we'll add that on," Dad said
"Three don't go with anyone you don't know"
"Four phone me when you want to be picked up" Uncle Kevin said and I nodded along with their words
"Not, what I was gonna say but yeah that works. Erm definitely no drugs and we'll talk about alcohol later" I nodded
"I don't mind staying home" I said looking between them
"Take yes for an answer," Uncle Kev said and I laughed
"I'll think about it" I replied checking my phone to see a text from Autumn. I texted her back
"Here is your stop. I'll stop by later" Uncle Kev said, pulling up at our place. I climbed out as James opened the trunk and handed me all my bags. I threw them over my shoulder before going to help dad out
"I'll come back and help out after I've dropped Burgess off" Uncle Kev said to dad. I helped dad up and into the house after James unlocked the door. Dad sat down on the couch
"I'm gonna run and get changed" I smiled jogging up the stairs.
I got changed into one of dad's University Of Chicago hoodies and a pair of Nike shorts. I jogged downstairs
"Hey dad, want a coffee?" I said jogging down the last few steps. I stopped at the bottom when I saw intelligence there.
"Why don't you and James go for a run quickly?" He suggested
"Ok" I nodded to James before running upstairs and grabbing my phone armband and AirPods.
I connected my AirPods while running downstairs. I kissed dad's cheek before placing my phone in my armband, pulling my trainers on and walking out with James. I nodded to him and we stretched before starting to run. James and I both like to run in silence and we just run where our minds take us.
"Let's take a break we're at the firehouse we can grab some drinks before running back" I nodded and we walked up the driveway as I pulled my airpods out
"Think you're dad will give me a t-shirt this hoodie is a little warm" I said with a smile
"Don't you have enough squad shirts?" He joked with me
"Yeah maybe I'll get a truck shirt" James just laughed as we reached the apparatus floor.
"What are you two doing back here?" Cruz asked looking up at us
"Intelligence was at mine and I may have said 'dad' in front of them so we took a run" I said with a shrug
"We'll Severide is in the common room" We smiled and walked into the common room
"Hey you two. Tay your dad text me" I laughed slightly
"Erm, can I steal a shirt?"
"Yep you know where they are" I smiled and walked through to the turnout room. I grabbed a squad shirt and got changed into it wrapping the jumper around my waist. I walked back to the common room and Uncle Matt threw me a bottle of water and I took a sip of it.
"Tay your dad said you can go back now" I nodded
"Let's head back then," James said, wrapping an arm around my shoulders. We waved bye as I put my airpods in and started running back to mine. We ran in silence once again. We got back to mine and I pulled my airpods out leaning against the wall before stretching. We walked inside
"Just us," I said as we walked into the kitchen. I grabbed some water and handed a bottle to James and leaned up against the counter closing my eyes
"Let's get you something to eat before you fall asleep here without anything" I nodded, opening my eyes before opening the cupboard. I grabbed a packet of chips and opened them
"That's not gonna fill you"
"I know but I'm not in the mood"
"Ok then throw me a bag" I smiled and threw him a bag of chips. We walked into the living room and intelligence was still there. I sat down next to dad as James stood behind me.
"You two stink, go shower" I nodded, kissing his cheek and walking upstairs.
"There's towels in there already" I said pointing to the main bathroom.
"Thanks" He said kissing my temple with a laugh as I pushed him away
"No problem you know where the guest bedroom is" I walked through to my bedroom and into my ensuite.
I turned my shower on waiting for it to heat up. I removed my clothing before taking my hair out. Once the water was hot enough I climbed in and got washed with my coconut body wash, lime shampoo and conditioner. I climbed out wrapping the towel around my body and hair. I dried off before pulling on some underwear and shorts before pulling on another squad shirt. I walked out and downstairs to see Autumn there. I hugged her
"I came to say I'm going to bed" I said looking between them all
"Ok night. James can stay the night I've texted his dad" I smiled
"Night I'll tell James" I kissed his cheek and walked upstairs just as James was walking out the guest bedroom
"Hey" I smiled
"Hey, dad said you can stay the night and he's text your dad" I said to him with a smile
"Thanks. Are you going to bed?" I nodded
"Yeah I'm gonna watch Netflix till I fall asleep if you want to join me" I suggested
"What are you watching?" He asked with a questionable look
"Brooklyn Nine-Nine" I said with a smile knowing he'd say yes
"I'll join you then" We walked into my bedroom and I plugged my phone in before climbing into bed. I rested my head on his chest and he started running his hands through my hair as I turned the tv on.
"If I fall asleep will you switch this off?" I asked looking up at him
"Of course" We lay watching Brooklyn 99 until I fell asleep halfway through it.
