Joe Cruz and Sylvie Brett – an unexpected couple to everyone except themselves. What happens in the aftermath of the kidnapping of Sylvie and her partner, Peter Mills. Will this make their relationship stronger or not?
Brett & Mills exited the warehouse, uninjured and walking under their own power. Their firehouse family welcomed them with smiles, pats on the back and reassuring comments. Without hesitation Dawson enveloped Mills in her arms with Casey following suit. Their relief was readily apparent that one of their own had emerged unscathed from a life and death situation. Joe Cruz pushed his way forward and hugged Sylvie gently. He was finally able to breath, seeing that she was safe. Sylvie only pulled him closer, no longer able to hold back the sobs she had been keeping in.
"I was so scared...so scared that no one would find us in time. I didn't think I'd ever see you again." Her voice shook, the aftermath of the ordeal they had been through taking it's toll. She was just beginning to appreciate Joe Cruz, his gentle caring, his crazy sense of humor, the way he always put her first. She felt safe in arms and that's just what she needed right now.
"Shh" Joe soothed her with quiet murmurs, smoothing strands of hair away from her face. He didn't voice that his deepest fears had been the same. Sylvie had just come into his life – he didn't want to lose her. It was then he noticed the gash on her forehead. "Hey, let's get that cut looked at...come on." He kept one arm around her as he led them toward the ambo on site.
Sylvie was beginning to calm the emotions that were running rampant through her mind and body. The adrenalin was easing but as a result she began to shiver. Chout, the paramedic at the scene, quickly threw a blanket over her shoulders as he began to cleanse her wound. For once he was subdued and only commented on the task at hand.
"Good to see you Sylvie. This cut doesn't look too bad but you're going to have a headache. I'm just going to clean it up for you, get some antiseptic on it and give you a nice bandage." He proceeded from there to check her out for a possible concussion and reported that there were no apparent symptoms.
"OK, you're good to go Sylvie. Just make sure if you get dizzy, you get to your doctor or to the ER. You really shouldn't be alone either, just in case that happens."
Joe quickly replied. "She won't be alone."
Jay Halstead approached, a half smile on his face, relieved that the outcome was favorable with no serious injuries to the paramedics. "Sylvie, really good to see you. Are you up to coming to the precinct and giving a statement?"
"Not really but I'd just as soon get it over with. So yeah, let's do this."
She felt Joe squeeze her hand gently, his touch more welcome than she cared to admit. However, when she looked up at him, his forehead was furrowed with concern.
"I have to go back to the station and get things squared away but it shouldn't take me more than an hour. I'll come to the station to pick you up when I'm done. So you wait for me, okay?"
"Joe, I'm fine. You don't have to do that."
"Yes - I – do." His voice was soft, his words insistent, brooking no argument. Looking at Halstead he continued... "You look out for her and don't let her leave."
"Don't worry, I promise to take care of Sylvie...she'll be waiting for you."
XXXXX
Sylvie was back at her apartment sitting on her sofa, tucked up against Joe...comfortable, drowsy and content to stay there for as long as she could. Joe had made her toast and tea, gave her meds for her headache and tucked an afghan around her before pressing a soft kiss to her forehead.
"Thanks for taking such good care of me." She had never had someone have her back like this. Oh sure, Harrison took care of her but he made her feel ineffective and stupid, incapable of making her own decisions. He would be blaming her for the entire incident if he were here and forbidding her to return to her paramedic career. As worried as he was about her, Joe was proud of how she handled the kidnapping. He kept telling her how smart was in leading them the warehouse. That made her feel accomplished and important.
"Hey, I have a vested interest here. You promised to cook me a dinner so taking care of you is purely selfish." The look in his eyes belied his casual words. Of this Sylvie was totally aware.
She tossed off the afghan and turned so she was facing him, gently tracing his jaw with her fingertips. "In case there's any doubt in your mind, I like you...a lot. I like your strength and gentleness, I like your smile, I like that you teach Zumba, I like how you say my name – like no one ever has. I know there are depths to you, Joe Cruz, that I haven't begun to discover...and I'm so looking forward to exploring."
Joe could not have said word had his life depended on it. He could only marvel at her words, still feeling that she would any minute figure out that he was only Joe Cruz and would be out of his life. When she straddled him to sit on his lap, he stifled the groan that threatened to escape. Sylvie leaned in to press kisses to each corner of his mouth before her parted lips pressed full against his. She bit his lower lip gently, then slowly traced that spot with her tongue. She felt his arms tighten, pulling her closer, deepening their kiss. Rampant desire coursed through his veins and it was all he could do not to sweep her off to bed. But this wasn't some tough girl from the hood who expected rough and tumble sex...this was Sylvie, his Sylvie. He hoped and prayed that someday she would be his. So he would follow her lead...he would always play by her rules.
Leaning away slightly, Sylvie murmured against his lips. "I forgot to tell you what else I like about you." Punctuating each word with a tender caress to his mouth, she continued... "I...really...really...like...your...kisses."
"Sylvie..." his voice was part whisper, part groan but filled with so much caring that her heart stuttered and her breath caught. "Sylvie..." He repeated her name, struggling for control. "I would like nothing more than to keep kissing you and see where that leads." Seeing the desire in her eyes he almost groaned out loud but continued resolutely. "But...we're expected at Molly's in about 45 minutes."
"We have time..." Sylvie began but Joe only pressed his lips gently to her forehead. "Not nearly enough time, not even close."
XXXX
Molly's was packed. Firehouse 51was there along with intelligence, patrol and those few civilians who discovered the bar .by accident and decided they liked the friendly atmosphere. Joe & Sylvie sat side by side at the bar, occasionally exchanging smiles and small touches when smiles weren't enough. That they were a couple was clearly unmistakable.
Sylvie noticed Gabby Dawson sitting at the other end of the bar, looking a bit forlorn. She moved off the bar stool with a "be right back" and moved to join her friend.
"Hey Gabby, everything OK?"
"No, it's not. Matt and I broke up." Try as she might, tears tracked down her cheeks which she angrily swiped away. "It's for the best. We need to be lieutenant and candidate, not boyfriend/girlfriend and absolutely not engaged."
Sylvie put her arm around Gabby's shoulders sympathetically. "I'm so sorry Gabby. If there's anything I can do, please tell me...anything!"
"Well I do need a place to live. How do you feel about me as a roommate?"
"Absolutely! Yes! I have a really big spare bedroom and it would be great to have you there."
Suddenly Gabby's eyes clouded with uncertainty. "Wait...are you and Joe together now? I'll be in the way, won't I. I can find someplace else...forget I asked."
"Don't worry about it Gabby. We'll figure it out. Meet me at my place and you can move in tonight. I insist."
"Thank you." Gabby smiled and pulled Sylvie in for a hug. "You have no idea how much this means to me. I'll see you in a half hour or so. OK?"
"Absolutely."
Moving back to her place next to Joe, she quickly told him of her conversation with Gabby. While his words were supportive, she couldn't help but notice that his demeanor seemed to change, become reserved and a bit sad.
"So I'll drop you off at your place and see you tomorrow."
Sylvie laughed as she pressed closer to whisper in his ear softly. "Not a chance big guy." Noticing that Otis was quite interested in her words, she lowered her voice even further. Her murmurs were indecipherable but the grin on Joe's face was undeniably telling.
"Are you sure?"
"Wait and see. I'll be outside...don't keep me waiting." She brushed her lips against his cheek and slid off the bar stool, trailing her fingertips in the wake of her kiss.
"I'll be out as soon as I can." His grin was a bit rueful as he whispered softly. "You make me lose control, sweet Sylvie."
He watched her walk away, unable to keep from smiling. Otis had been observing them all evening and had been waiting impatiently to be able to comment. "So, you & Sylvie? Lucky you."
"Yeah, no kidding. She's amazing and I still can't believe she wants me around."
XXXX
Sylvie walked out to see that Gabby was leaning against the building, apparently waiting for her. She wondered if Gabby was having second thoughts and walked over to join her.
"Hey." Gabby said in way of a greeting. "I thought I'd wait for you because in the midst of our conversation, I forgot to ask for directions."
Sylvie laughed as she replied. "Too funny! It's really not hard to find. You just have to take..." The words died in her throat as she glanced up to notice who was walking toward them.
"Harrison! What are you doing here?"
Her former fiance was not smiling or looking friendly in the least as he reached forward to grasp her arm. "I'm here to take you home...home to Fowlerton. I have had enough of your nonsense."
A/N Hope you like this chapter. Thank you everyone for your awesome reviews, follows and favorites. I do hope the show continues to give us more of Sylvie and Joe's growing relationship but if they don't, there's always Fan Fiction!