Kelly had slept maybe a total of an hour, two tops that night. Maybe it was the constant pain in his hip and side or maybe it was Shay snuggled up close, leg draping over his, hands reaching to his chest and other places. Her snoring didn't help either. Oh he couldn't wait till he felt better to give her hell about that one. Maybe it wouldn't wait until he felt better. Yeah, so much for being at his beck and call all night with ice packs and pain relief. He'd made the long trek down the stairs twice before he finally decided to stay on the couch...closer to the freezer. She hadn't woken up once. About 8:30 she finally came down the stairs, hair a mess, still in her T-shirt and shorts she came to bed in.
"God, Kel, I'm so sorry. I didn't get up once. I must have been wiped I'm so sorry. Could you sleep at all?" asked Shay plopping down next to him.
"Yes, slept great except for someone's snoring right next to me. I thought Casey moved in or something," said Kelly with that devilish look on his face.
"I do not snore!" protested Shay while she lifted up his shirt to look at his side.
"Jesus Shay! It hasn't changed in one night. It's fine, you said so yourself. I have three days off and I'll be all good by then." said Kelly pulling down his shirt.
"I did not say it's fine. I said I would take care of you and you didn't need to go to the hospital. As a matter of fact, Boden gave me the same shift, so I'll be off those days too," Shay replied with a smug smile on her face.
"God help me. I could be dead by the end of the three days," laughed Kelly holding his side and hip. The joke was worth the pain.
"That is totally not fair," pouted Shay. "I will do better tonight. I promise. You know I was a wreck with all the baby talk, your total rejection."
"Okay, now who's not being fair? Come here," said Kelly wrapping an arm around his friend. "Seriously though, I think it is smart you're holding off on having a baby for a while. You will be the best mother one day. I am sure of that."
"Yeah, yeah. Let me get you a fresh ice pack. And have I got a surprise for you. A whole movie marathon of zombie apocalypse for your viewing pleasure," said Shay as she fanned out five DVDs in her hands. "The best part...a pirated copy of World War Z! It's not even out yet!"
"No way! How? Who? Wait, I don't even want to know. You know me so well," said Kelly kissing the top of Shay's head. Shay looked up and the kiss sort of landed awkwardly on her nose. The friends laughed nervously with Shay putting both hands on Kelly's face and kissing his forehead. She kept her hands softly on his face looking directly into his eyes now. What a unbelievable blue...she had seen them crinkle almost closed with happiness and fill with tears of emotional pain. And those lips, those full lips. She wanted to kiss those lips, she REALLY wanted to feel those lips on hers. What was going on? She knew he was physically beautiful, God everyone knew that. You only had to go to the bar after shift with him one time to see that. Every woman in the place ended up staring at him. The braver ones approached, married or not. He usually shot them down with a kind smile and some excuse of celebrating something special that night with his friend. They had been roommates for how long and nothing remotely sexual had ever happened. Ever. Now she was doing this. She really was. She pulled his face in slightly, slowly, while moving hers in just as slow. Their lips barely touched, Kelly tried to pull away but Shay would not let him. She pulled his mouth firmer to hers, this time kissing him with full force, months of attraction unleashing with one movement. Kelly became a willing participant and found his hands in her hair caressing her neck, moving down her back. The kissing was getting more intense, deeper, Shay's hands ventured to down the side of his neck moving quickly now down his back. God, the curve of his back was unreal, his entire body was unbelievable. She had seen enough of it. He walked around half naked most of the time thinking it had no effect on her. She knew she had been no better, most times braless, a t-shirt, and panties. Her hands quickly lifted his shirt over his head and before he could do the same to her she slipped out of her t-shirt. They were staring at each other neither one moving. Shay slipped off her shorts and carefully got on top of Kelly.
Stop, stop, stop kept going through Kelly's mind but his body was not obeying. He had loved Shay for a long time and of course he had been attracted to her. She was beautiful, those big blue eyes that betrayed exactly what she was feeling. Some people wore their hearts on their sleeves, Shay's heart was in her eyes. He loved that about her. Well, it was just one thing he loved about her. Right now her body was coming in a close second. He had seen it before without being too obvious, but God she did walk around the apartment half naked. He knew his shirtless frame did nothing for her, but he was a man and couldn't help being attracted to her. The night of the Firemen's Banquet he thought he was going to lose it...her in that dress, hair and makeup. She cleaned up well. Mmmm, she was perfection. He was finally seeing, feeling every inch that he had previously imagined.
They were fully intertwined in each others limbs instinctively knowing what the other wanted before a hand had to be led or a word spoken. Completely overtaken, the no's in Kelly's mind dissipated into one clear YES. Shay rolled off of Kelly when they both had been more than satisfied. Breathless and panting the friends stared at each other knowing they had moved from friends to something much more.
Kelly was the first to break the silence, "Shay, please tell me I didn't just screw everything up, that I didn't ruin everything we have. Tell me I didn't force you to do something you didn't want to..."
Shay burst out in a hysterical laugh, "Kelly! You are serious? I practically took advantage of you! You can be so dense...and THAT is why I haven't been with a man for two years." Shay continued laughing unable to get herself under control.
Kelly couldn't help but feel he was at the losing end of a joke. "I just always screw things up so to speak when I end up in the sack. Wait a minute...you were with a guy before? What the..."
"First off, I jumped you. And yes I was with a guy. I've been with several guys. I made a conscious decision about two years ago to be exclusive, to pick a side so to speak. I picked lesbian. I had just gotten out of a bad relationship with a real tool and decided to only date women. I spent most of my life bisexual, dating men and women. Why are you looking at me like that?" Shay asked while absentmindedly stroking Kelly's hair.
"You don't think that little detail was necessary information? I cannot believe this. I feel lied to or betrayed or something," said Kelly noticing the pain in his hip for the first time in over an hour.
"Hey, calm down. There is NO way we would have become best friends or even stayed roommates if you had known. Admit it. You would have spent every waking moment trying to get me in bed. Admit it!" Shay replied a smile spreading across her face.
"Yes, alright, I admit it and it would have been worth it. Leslie Shay, you are unbelievable. Now just tell me everything with us is going to be great and nothing will change." pleaded Kelly feeling like they had just reached the edge of a cliff and were about to jump.
"Everything will be great. I promise. But everything has changed," answered Shay getting up to get an ice pack. "I have a feeling you are really going to need this," laughed Shay as she opened the freezer.
They watched World War Z, well sort of watched the movie. They laid together on the couch legs draping over one another kissing, exploring their new territory, enjoying every inch of each other. They had the familiarity of an old, married couple so the awkwardness of new sex didn't come into play... only the excitement. Near the end of the movie, Kelly couldn't hold back any longer. He picked up Shay and carried her up to her room. He gently placed her on the bed and softly stroked her face, kissing each place he touched. She tried to reciprocate, but he said no, don't move. This was all for her. He wanted to do everything for her and he did. When he finished, she was completely spent, eyes closed, not moving, and silent for once. She had a huge smile on her face. She opened her eyes and felt her energy quickly returning when she saw the grin on Kelly's face. He looked like a little boy who had just secretly eaten the last cookie. She flipped over and pushed him onto his back.
He stroked her hair out of her eyes, but she said, "No. You don't move or talk...my turn."
They slept in Shay's bed that night and Kelly actually slept a little more. Shay kept her word and got up a couple of times to retrieve fresh ice packs and ibuprofen. She looked so out of it and sleep drunk those first few times that Kelly chose not to wake her after that. Reminds me of when Wesley was here and she wouldn't hear him at night, Kelly chuckled to himself. He hadn't minded though. The baby had been a welcome distraction to all their drama of the past few months.
"Hey gorgeous," said Kelly as Shay opened her eyes.
"Hey gorgeous," answered Shay. "Oh my God! Did I even get up once to help you last night?"
"Yes, you did. Thank you. Actually, thank you for everything that you did for me," said Kelly with that wide grin on his face. It was a smile Shay loved...it said so many things to her. It said much more than I'm happy. It was an unapologetic grin that showed his playful, carefree side. It showed a true joy. She had seen it many times in the past but not as frequently the past two months. She saw it now and it made her laugh.
"What is that for, knucklehead?" asked Kelly keeping that grin intact.
"Nothing. Okay, I'm lying. It is something. I love you Kelly Severide. No, wait, I am IN love with you Kelly Severide," shouted Shay way too loud for this early in the morning.
"I am in love with you Leslie Shay. I think I have always been in love with you Leslie," said Kelly much softer before planting a kiss on her forehead.
Dawson, Chief Boden and Casey had all left numerous texts on Shay's phone. "Crap, everyone has been texting me. I'm sure to check on you."
"Ignore them," said Kelly. "We've been busy," he said with a laugh.
"Ignore Chief, really? No way, I'm calling him back right after I talk to Dawson," said Shay while dialing her friend's number. "Hey, sorry. We've been busy. Yes, he's resting and doing much better. Tonight? Well, I don't know if he feels up to it. Yes, I could go by myself. Uh, it's Boden on the other line. I'll text you later and let you know. No, everything is fine. I'm sure and no, I'm not acting weird." Shay hung up the phone and Kelly broke up laughing.
"Resting? Hahaha! You are such a bad liar! But seriously, you go tonight. It's Otis' birthday and I know you are getting stir crazy. My hip can't take any more excitement. I really gotta rest it tonight if I'm going back day after tomorrow," said Kelly.
"First off, how did you know it's Otis' birthday and secondly, I want to stay with you," said Shay leaning in for a kiss.
"Like I just said, you are a terrible liar. Go have fun, talk to your friend, tell her any of it, all of it, I don't care. I want to shout it from the fire truck, so I don't care who knows. Oh, and Otis' birthday popped up on my calendar. Now, what are we going to do all day before you leave tonight?" asked Kelly sheepishly.
"Hmmm..." replied Shay before roughly grabbing her fireman and bringing him in for a kiss.
Later that night...
"Now go, get dressed, leave, have fun, buy Otis a drink from me, and I'll see you later," commanded Kelly.
Shay was out the door in fifteen minutes. She didn't know what she was going to say to Dawson but she kind of felt like Kelly did and wanted to shout it from the top of the bar. Seeing her friend's face answered her question.
"Hey, girl," said Dawson from down at the far end of the bar. "We're missing you these past couple of days. How is he really?"
"He's perfect," said Shay before she quickly told her friend the details of the past two days.
"Who is the skank now?" laughed Dawson. "But seriously, are you sure about this? I mean you kind of like the ladies and not the guys so much."
Shay told her friend the truth about her sexuality and how the last guy she dated had led her in the exclusively female direction,
"I knew you were checking out Severide's ass in the shower area! I called you on it and you totally lied! I knew it!" laughed Gabby so hard the other bar patrons turned to see what was happening. "And how did that girls only thing work out for you. You really are so good at picking out the winners," continued Dawson wiping tears from her eyes.
"Clarice!" they both shouted at the same time laughing like they hadn't laughed in months. "Seriously, Shay, I am happy for you. I've seen that side to Severide that I thought only existed in your mind. I've seen how he adores you, how caring he is. He IS a great guy. I just wish he'd let more people in," said Dawson only to be interrupted by a
Neanderthal who decided this would be the opportune time to hit on the blonde sitting by Dawson.
"Hey beautiful," slurred the large, burly, obviously drunk man.
From across the bar Kelly had made his way in. He was going to surprise his girl and making an appearance would do wonders in getting the chief to let him return to work soon. He had hugged Otis, reassured the chief he was good as gold, all the while watching Shay laughing with her friend. He had seen the offending loser before the ladies had. His happiness at seeing his girl laugh so hard disappeared in an instant. He moved as quickly as he could which was really kind of slow. Damn hip he thought pushing the pain away. Shay needed him. Before he took another two steps, Mr Drunk Guy looked like he had just been punched in the stomach. The caveman looked down at his crotch area and slipped back to his corner of the bar without another word. Kelly smiled broadly. He had forgotten for a second just what his girl was made of. He had experienced the wrath of Leslie Shay a few days earlier.
"Glad to see you ladies have things under control," laughed Kelly as he grabbed the stool next to Dawson. Shay came over and planted a kiss directly on Kelly's lips. It did not go unnoticed. Casey and the chief looked at each other not really sure what they had just seen.
"Congratulations my friends," said Dawson loudly holding up her beer tapping Shay's first then Kelly's.
"I am really glad you are okay with this Gabby," said Kelly the worry in his face gone.
"Hell, yeah. You wormed your way into my heart a long time ago Severide," laughed Dawson her face brightening up as she saw Mills walking toward the friends.
Just one hour in and Kelly was done. The beers weren't really helping the pain and he grudgingly thought he was going to have to ask Boden for a couple more days off. Ugh, he hated being laid up. He lived for squad...and now for one more thing - that beautiful girl sitting next to Dawson.
"Let's get out of here," said Shay standing up heading for Kelly. She knew he was in pain but would gladly stay for hours more if she wanted. I love this man she thought as she gave him a kiss full on the mouth this time for all to see.
As the beautiful couple made their way to the front of the bar a loud voice could be heard from the corner where Neanderthal had landed. "I guess blondie likes 'em gimpy. Have a ni-nice night hop a long," slurred the man who was even drunker now and had set his sights on Shay.
"Ignore him," commanded Shay her steely blue eyes daring Kelly to disagree. They kept walking just a few steps from the front door.
"Hey, blonde! I'm a talkin' to you! Slut, do you hear me?" screamed the man again.
Oh, hell no thought Kelly. "I suggest you apologize right now!" yelled Severide losing control fast. That was the only thing fast about him on this night. He tried to book it to the man but again, he was just slow. Shay grabbed for Kelly's hand but he tore it free easily. She looked back at Dawson, communicating with her glance toward Kelly. Dawson nodded her head and said something to Mills but there was a lingering crowd of people blocking them from getting close to Kelly.
The drunk guy, sensing injured prey dove straight for Kelly's midsection. The pain was excruciating. Kelly lay on the floor for a couple of seconds trying to breathe. He caught his breath and began pummeling drunk guy's face. It wouldn't have been a fair fight if Kelly wasn't injured, but the drunk sensed weakness and started hitting Kelly in the side, hard. He was drunk but that didn't make his muscles any less large. "Ahhh!" Kelly called out unable to land any more punches. Shay was on the man before Severide could yell out one protest. She had one arm around the guy's neck in a serious WWF move while the other held something. Kelly couldn't really make it out until he saw the beer bottle smash into Neanderthal's head rendering him unconscious.
"Great," thought Severide as he still lay flat on his back near the entrance of the bar. "I have officially turned into the girl in this relationship." He closed his eyes and passed out like any respectable girl would do.