Fandom: One Chicago
Title: First Dates
Chapter 1: Mistkes
P O V: Matt Casey
A/N: Boy, I am getting sick of these things. But, I'm too paranoid not to write it down. So here's the usual disclaimers, I do not own any of the One Chicago characters that glory all goes to Dick Wolf and NBC.
"Shay stop pacing you look absolutely gorgeous." Leslie Shay turns nervously towards me as she pushes down the ruffles of her dress on her sides. I can see even from the six feet apart I am standing that she is very nervous; her hands are shaking. "Are you sure, Matt?" Turning back away from me she looks at herself in the mirror, the mirror is floor length and sits in the back of her room in the left hand corner.
Eyeing her body I take in her sheer radiance before I comment again, Shay's five-feet and seven inched body is picketed in a silver sequined wrap dress heightening every curve, and toned body part perfectly before stopping above her knees in a ruffled twirl. For the life of me I can never understand how a woman as beautiful and confident as Shay can't ever see how gorgeous she is even having been told countless times by all of her friends and family members.
"Yes. Leslie Shay I am 100% sure you are gorgeous, and any woman will be lucky to have you as her date tonight, now come here so I can put those earnings in your ears, or we will be late tonight." Taking the diamond earnings out of her shaking hands. "Thank you for agreeing to come with me on this double date tonight Shay, I know you were a little uncomfortable being set up, and I know you feel like you are betraying Brett. I really appreciate this I need to move on from Brett, but I am a little nervous."
"Matt, I think you are crazy as hell Sylvie is an amazing woman she's smart, funny, bold and she is crazy in love with you and here you are throwing it all away."
"I'm not throwing it all away Shay, I made my feelings clear to Sylvie. I told her she's on my mind all the time." Pushing Shay's long golden waist length hair out of her face I swab the holes in each ear with a cotton ball soaked in alcohol before placing the earnings inside. "Yeah than you also couldn't commit to her Matt, all she wanted was a simple answer of commitment to her not Gabby, and what was your answer oh, yeah it's complicated. Except it's not Matt, either you love Sylvie or you are in love with Gabby"
Placing the backs against the earnings a little harder than necessary she squeaks out "Ow, Damn Matt okay I get butt out of your love life, ouch all I am saying it ain't wrong for a woman to want commitment from her man or woman, but I'll let it go before you pierce another hole in each ear."
"Good because I would have stabbed you harder."
"You have anger issues Matt." Looking at herself in the mirror I hear her grumble something about bleeding and kicking nuts in. "I swear I will tell Brett you called Gabby and confessed your drunk love to her last night, if you stab me harder."
Rolling my eyes I head into Shay's private bathroom and unzipper so I can pee before we leave. "You wouldn't Shay you are so full of shit, you wouldn't hurt Brett that way she's your partner and best friend and Gabby is your main one who would kick your ass for putting her in the middle. So again I don't believe you." I watch as she comes in to adjust her hair which of course I messed up laughs softly. "Fine you got me there you know I am afraid of Gabby, that bitch is hot headed as heck, and Sylvie's too sweet to do that too, but I will get you Matt, rest assured if you hurt me, I strike back."
"So where are we meeting these ladies you said they are twin sisters correct? Hurry up already I have to pee too."
"A restaurant I've never been to before. Ever hear of Julianne's on Gold?"
"Yeah it's suppose to be high class Matt, who booked the reservation?"
"I did at the suggestion of our dates."
Driving there takes extra time because I have zero clue as to where I am going. "I thank you again Shay you are the only one who I know who would do this for me."
"Translation I am your only single female lesbian friend who you could rope into this double date."
"Call it what you will Shay."
"The truth Matt."
"Okay so yeah will go with that either way I am nervous it's been years since I've had to go on an actual date, I mean I've been with women since Gabby but it's usually a meet them in the bar, take them home call it a one-night type of thing."
"In other words a one night stand."
"Yeah that would work."
"Damn, and you bitches all say I have commitment issues, oh I see the restaurant on the left Matt, and a few spaces on the next block. Relax Matt, you got this you'll be fine and if it all goes bad I have a bottle of tequila at home waiting for us to drown our misery into." Helping Shay out of the car I take in the beauty of the city a star coated night clear and beautiful a half shaped moon, buildings with shimmering lights every club, restaurant, cafe and venue have their doors open music pours out from all of them, their patio's are streamed with little beaded lights and neon strobes. "I love Chicago at night Matt, it's so beautiful."
"No arguments from me Shay."
"Do you know what these ladies look like Matt?"
"Yeah, black or blond hair one of them Caucasian tallish...blue eyes I think no wait they may be green." Shay rolls her eyes at me grunting. "So you have no clue Matt." "Okay truthfully no none at all."
"Who set you up on this date anyway?"
"Halstead gave me dating site online."
"Great Halstead gave you an online dating site, one that you never went to before, from someone who is a known player in the game, cool this should be awesome." We enter the beautiful decorated restaurant it is one of the most romantic places; I have ever dined atthe atmosphere, is so laid back, the high beaming ceilings and the eclectic décor work wonders for the ambiance. The inside area is warm and inviting whereas the outside on the tenth flooris surrounded by a wonderful skyline view, and the moonlight reflecting its occasional twinkle on the sky-high buildings. Mesmerizing!
Operating at half captivity because of COVID the tables are all spread at least eight feet apart form each other reducing the number of tables able to be fit on the grid, I count twenty-two tables currently inside and an additional ten outside. "May I help you?" "Yes, hi we have reservations for four under the name Casey."
"Oh yes your dates have already arrived follow me please mask on till we sit down."
Placing my hand on Shay's shoulder I lead the way through the expensive dining area trying not to picture what our bill will look like when Shay is done ordering the entire bar supply. "Oh, my God, Matt they are gorgeous." Shay's breath is light and airy in awe her eyes are locked straight ahead at the table where two women stand ready to greet us. Shay's checks have filled with a light punch color the women have sculpted figures which are twine-thin. Their waist ware tapered and they have a snowy-white blushing crimson complexion. Two pairs of arched eyebrows look down on sweeping eyelashes. Delicate ears frame button noses dazzling, angel-white teeth gleam as they grin waving towards us. It is a pleasure to see them flowing, moon shadow-blond hair. Enticing, constellation-green eyes gaze at us over puffy, heart shaped lips.
One sister has her hair twisted into a french style bun sitting on top of her head, while the other one who is gazing at Shay has her hair sweeping down in a twirl across her left shoulder both women are wearing black body suits with leopard print pants and large sparkling diamond earnings that hang down to their shoulders.
"Hey Shay wanna introduce yourself?" I mumble into her ear as she stares open mouthed at our dates.
"Uh, yeah hi my name is Leslie Shay."
"Very good Shay, so now hold your hand out." I hip bump her laughing as our dates flash us wide toothed pearly grins. "Nice to meet you Leslie, I am Tamsin Mag Raith, this is my sister Slania."
Slania it sounds so much like Sylvie is this a trick from God? Is he teasing me? I try to open my mouth to speak but I am caught off guard by a voice which calls out softly, a very familiar voice. "Shay?" Turning my eyes towards the voice I feel my mouth hang open as I see a woman rise from her seat right across from where our dates are seated she's wearing a long flowing white Marilyn Monroe style dress which stops just below her knees, her blond hair sweeps to her neckline. "Sylvie?" I call out in shock seeing her smile. "Yeah, hey Matt what are you guys doing here?"
"Same as you Brett." Shay answers laughing evilly as she slams her hand into my side. "Hey, dumb-ass wanna introduce yourself? Excuse my friend he's had one too many concussions between childhood and his career. His name is Matthew Casey." Shaking my head I glare at Shay but stick my hand out wondering how I am suppose to relax and enjoy this date when tonight was all about forgetting about Sylvie Brett and starting to move on, how am I suppose to do that now when she is sitting right here across from me, no next to me. Looking drop dead gorgeous. "Matt are you okay? You look a little ashen are you having any headaches or blackouts? You took a nasty fall on that call this morning."
Sylvie is suddenly right here in front of me her hands on my checks God, she smells amazing those ocean blue cyan eyes staring into my eyes so breathtaking so damn beautiful. A mixture of cinnamon and cotton candy scented magnificence. "Oh, he's having a blackout alright." Shay snickers I step on her foot to silence her. "Ow! Bastard." she hisses back towards me glaring as Sylvie looks between the two of us. "I'm fine Sylvie a little shocked to see you here with.."
"Hey, Matt."
"Kevin uh hey man how are you?" Kevin Atwater rises from his seat across from Sylvie and holds out his hand and offers it to me coming out of my blackout I step forward and take his hand. "I'm good Kevin thank you, how are you?"
"Hanging in there bro, you know that's all any of us can do, thanks for checking in. So you're here with Shay?" "Uh, yeah a double date with these beautiful ladies." Sylvie's hands drop from my checks suddenly she steps back clearing her throat. I miss her warmth within seconds. "Yeah well I should get back to Kevin, uh have fun you um you look great Matt."
I hear a catch in Sylvie's voice as she nods towards Shay quickly turning away hurrying back towards Kevin who stands and pulls her seat out for her. "Hey why don't we all sit together? I mean we're all friends it'll save our waiter from rushing back and forth between tables, we're waiting on Hailey and Jay but we can fit two more in plenty of room."
Kevin's suggestion leaves me startled can I sit through an entire date with Sylvie sitting so close? I never get a chance to answer though because Shay and Kevin, and the twins are already moving the tables together leaving Sylvie and I staring in stunned silence.
"Sorry I seem to be coming off as a tool, I really am not, I mean I like working with tools but I am not a tool, I am actually really smart, and I don't always sound as stupid as I must sound right now. Ow, Shay stop kicking me."
"Than shut-your mouth you tool."
"Right, sorry."
"No apologize we're all a little on the edge it's been awhile since I dated myself."
"I'm very shocked a beautiful woman as yourself, I am surprised the guys aren't begging to date you." I purposely look over to see Sylvie blushing and holding the glass tightly it looks as if she's ready to break the damn glass her fingers have gone stalk white. "First off any guy that has to beg to date me can take his tail and shove it between his legs and go on home with it between his legs, I like men with confidence who are daring."
"Oh no worries about Mr. Dare devil here he has so much confidence his body thinks he's superman and can leap tall buildings and fly between aerial ladders no harness needed."
"Hey Shay?"
"Yeah?"
"Here's the drink menu order a damn drink your lips are begging for some alcohol."
"Aw, your so sweet and your paying right?" I open my mouth to deflect that statement but shut it quickly as she arches an eyebrow daring me to say something so she can spill some deep twisted lie to Sylvie who looks ready to vomit or shoot daggers at me. "Hey everyone." I look up as Hailey Upton and Jay Halstead come inside looking amazing. Hailey is wearing a black jumpsuit with an open blazer revealing a pink mesh bra her blond hair swept high into a ponytail to showcase her neon multi-colored hoop earnings which touch down to her shoulders.
"Hey, Matt, Shay didn't know you would be joining us tonight awesome to see you all out of uniform." I rise along with Shay to hug Hailey and fist bump Jay the next few minutes we spend ordering drinks and looking over the menu or at least everyone else dose I can't keep my eyes off Sylvie. She is radiant my palms are sweating my heart racing. How am I such an idiot? Her words ring loud and clear inside my head we need space Casey, we can't do this again. So why dose her face look heartbroken seeing me with another woman? I can see the pain in her eyes as clear as the pain inside my heart which is screaming at me it hurts worse than I ever thought any pain could ever hurt. I want to be with her so damn much.
No one can tell me Brett isn't in love with me, I can see it in her eyes, even she can't convince me she doesn't love me, no matter how loud she tells me she needs space I know she doesn't want it, so why is she fighting me so hard? I feel as if I am a character in some damn TV drama that the writers keep playing with, uh I want to scream. There aren't enough spaces in Chicago for me to overcome my feelings for Brett, why am I even trying? Who the hell am I trying to fool?
"So Matt how long have you lived in Chicago?" Slania's voice pulls me from my downward spiral deep breath Matt, focus on the beautiful woman in front of you. Stop focusing on the woman pushing you away. "Born and raised how about you? I hear a very strong accent."
"Irish, yes." Slaina laughs which is a magical sound light and filled with melody. "I'm from Castlebar, in county Mayo Ireland, I live in Galway now when I am not here with my sister in Chicago."
"Have you ever wanted to travel Matt?"
"Yeah, I have a few countries I would like to see, sure. Haven't had much time since I started in the CFD, I love my job taking time off hasn't felt needed yet, but sure one day I will travel, I hear Ireland is beautiful."
"Yes it is Matt I highly recommend traveling to Ireland one day. So your a firefighter?"
"Yes, I am Sylvie and Shay are paramedics. Hailey, Jay, are Detectives and Kevin is an officer in the CPD."
"Oh, wow thank you all for your services it must be an awful time with this pandemic?" Both twins say the same thing at the same time and turn to each other groaning. "I hate when she dose that!" pointing at each other they roll their eyes all of us laugh.
"It hasn't been fun that's for sure."
"Let's play a game." Hailey raises her glass which we all join her in raising ours and clicking. "What type of game Hails? Somehow I don't trust you." "Aw, Kevin are you still salty over losing to me in gin last year? Give it up brother, you lost fair and square."
"I'll start by asking a question each of us answer, We can go counterclockwise, So Jay you'll be answering after I do."
"Alright what makes you unique? No cheesy answers either let's get to know each other especially for those of us meeting for the first time."
Taking a sip of my beer I try to calm my racing heart as Jay groans. "I hate these first date questions."
"Oh, this is your first date as well?" Tamsin lets out a deep sigh "at least it's not only us sis, been forever since we've dated as well, hell this is my first date with a female period." I see Shay's face twist in agony she has the worst luck in dating either they are mental, married, in the closet or experimenting. I reach under the table and grab her hand to squeeze it my way of saying have faith these women seem sweet.
"No worries Tamsin we're all nervous for one reason or another, right Brett?"
Brett stumbles and almost knocks her glass over which Kevin quickly snatches covering his hand over hers, she smiles at him which makes my heart twist in pain. I have been doing so well this year compared to the last few years since my ex-wife Gabby left me, now I feel as if I am sliding back into my old ways of depression, and self-hated. Verschlimmbessern yup that sums my entire week up every time I try to move forward the word literally means trying to improve something but making it actually worse. I try to keep my eyes off Sylvie's because I know if she looks into mine she will see my feelings and she's made it clear this is what he needs, what she wants to move on, move away from me, forget about that kiss. The damn kiss she ignited!
I want her to look in my eyes though I want her to see the flames inside of my eyes, they burn so damn bright, I want her to feel my love. I feel bad for embarrassing her though so I offer her a smile she doesn't return one. Instead she looks down her checks flushing in a deep scarlet rose color a gorgeous color on Sylvie Brett, wow I am such a dickhead, she's trying to move on to protect her heart, and here I am rubbing her nerves in her face after I am the one who broke her heart not intended of course but the end is the same no matter the path it took to get there.
"Alright so what makes me unique besides my killer biceps." Jay lifts his arms up and kisses his guns all the ladies roll their eyes as Hailey groans. "Oh, please lover boy your guns are average at best."
"Average? What the hell Hailey? Ain't nothing average about these babies, but haters gonna hate so keep hating it only shows your jealous. Back to the point of this story though what makes me unique is that I while I was serving in the rangers I took a year between tours to volunteer in Africa and build schools for the villages most stricken by poverty."
"Aw really Jay I never knew that you are so sweet." Hailey reaches over and squeezes Jay's hand smiling a beautiful wide smile which makes Jay blush and grin like a ten-year-old boy. "You're up Slaina, no pressure though."
"Gee thanks Hailey so okay I once high-fived and danced with a kangaroo when we were in Australia."
"Wait?"
"What?"
"Whoa!"
"So Cool!"
"Kicking it to you sis. Beat that one."
"Thanks, pressure's on damn what am I suppose to say to beat that? Can anyone beat that?"
"Well you can tell them about the time you were a complete Muppet and ran away from the kangaroo screaming I don't want to die! And than ran straight into a lake and almost got ate by a crocodile."
"Bite me Tamsin. No I think I will tell everyone how I won the UK Spelling bee three times as a kid. I love animals but not everyone is a dare-devil like you sis." Or Sylvie I think she loves animals as well I spot Slaina smiling as she looks at her sister, all I can see is Sylvie though how her face is animated watching the twins talk about animals I know she would want to be the one dancing with that kangaroo and I can't stop picturing her shaking her hips next to an adorable Joey.
"Damn that's impressive I hated spelling as a kid was horrible at it not too mention standing in front of a room of my peers was my worst fear, God I hated talking in front of my classmates." Shay's remark makes us all laugh I can't image Shay being shy ever not even as a kid. I glance past her to see Sylvie paying attention to Kevin who is telling his story about what makes him unique, I missed whatever he has said all I can focus on is Sylvie and how adorable she is looking.
I wonder for the hundredth time what made Sylvie decide to cut her hair? She use to have the longest hair which she always braided I remember sitting in back of her and playing with my fingers through her hair, I loved the feel of her hair in between my fingers. She looks amazing with short hair beautiful in all honesty but I miss running my fingers through her length. I wonder why she cut it was she tired of braiding it? Did it get frayed or was she too hot while on the job?
Sylvie turns laughing as she looks up catching me staring at her.
Crap. Pull it together Matt pull it together reach over and take her hand. Glancing to my date I smile at her. "Um, you gt a little wine on your check." I reach over with a napkin to wipe it off our faces are so close I can smell her scent it's sweet reminding me of Sylvie. Damn it Matt, Severide is right I have it bad for her. Push her out of my mind that's what I have to do staring into Slaina's eyes I decide to go for it and try to forget Sylvie once and for all I lean in and kiss Slaina shocking us both our lips slide together perfectly as if we have been kissing a million times before and not this being the first time. My eyes slide close as we kiss creating a perfect suspended moment.
"Damn, Matt that was…
"Perfect Sylvie?"
My eyes fly open seeing Slaina's shocked face her eyed wide in surprise and moist with tears. The shock of what came out of my mouth hits me as hard as her hand right across my face. "I'm not Sylvie."
