Title: Growing Pains
Chapter 18 – Making Memories that Last Forever

"That pout isn't working," Severide chuckles. "Come on, this will be fun."

"Remind me again why I'm doing this?" Casey groans as he feels a small shove on his back from Severide as they enter the musty smelling costume shop.

"Because you love the boys," Severide grins as Casey's head gently shakes. "Oh come on Peter, it'll be fun."

"Don't call me…."

"Can I hope you two?" A male voice is heard to their left, pulling their gaze instantly away from each other and looking at the store clerk who was maybe only a few years older than them.

"Yes we need an adult male Hook and Pan costume," Severide replies in haste as Casey's lips purse.

"Halloween's over."

"School play," Casey retorts as the man nods in acknowledgement.

"And do you have any in boys sizes? For Michael and John?" Severide adds.

"Yeah I have a whole bunch of Peter Pan stuff on sale right now. Come with me."

"This will be fun."

"Your camera better stay hidden," Casey argues back as Severide snickers. They follow the clerk and reach a part of the store with a descent selection of costumes for all members of the Peter Pan cast.

"Just the four? I have some great Wendy stuff on sale too."

"Hey would Violet like to help out?" Severide suggests as Casey actually ponders the idea. "She could be Wendy. Might be fun to have her in there."

"I don't see why not but let me text Christie and ask," he replies as he pulls his phone, pulling back but watching Severide near the adult male costume selection. Casey offers a heavy sigh as Severide dangles a complete Peter Pan costume before him.

"I'm not trying it on here."

"Oh come on," Severide grins as he finds a few things for Captain Hook, putting the large plumed hat on his head and holding up a glove with a fake hook on it. "Well?"

"Actually…I think the boys will love it," Casey can't help but smile at Severide's clowning antics. "Christie texted back and said Violet would be thrilled and to get a girls size 4. Do you have that?" Casey's attention shifts from Severide to the store clerk.

"I do. I'll get a Wendy outfit put together and put it aside in it's box. Just the five?"

"Think we could get Boden into a Smee costume?" Severide laughs; Casey this time also joining in. Severide hands Casey his costume as he heads for one of the dressing rooms to change; Casey taking the other.

"So uh…what do you guys do for work that you have the day off?" The clerk asks as he works at getting the Michael and John costumes ready next.

"Fire fighters!" Casey calls out before he gently grumbles, Severide snickering in the other changing room a few feet away. "You'll pay for this Kelly," Casey huffs as he exits the dressing room in the costume. He looks it the mirror and laughs. "Oh damn. Let's see yours."

"Hold on let me…damn this thing itches," Severide lightly curses as Casey snickers; watching his friend exit the dressing room and trying to adjust the pants and belt.

The clerk offers Casey the small green cap that he puts on his head; the rest of his costume consisting of the very fitting green tunic, green tights, brown belt and booties and the small sword. On the other hand, Severide's was the long red coat, red pants, white buccaneer shirt, large black belt, big black boots with the boot tops, large plumed had and sword.

"Alright Peter…time to walk the plank," Severide grins as he pulls his fake sword.

"Your sword is bigger," Casey offers a teasing pout as he pulls his.

"Hey size matters," Severide shoots back as Casey's eyes roll and the store clerk laughs.

"We do have a fake plank and some rope," the clerk suggests as Severide looks at Casey in haste; Casey shaking his head no.

"Forget it. I'm already dreading the boys seeing me in this," he grumbles as Severide laughs and slaps him on the back.

"Come on Peter…"

"I'm gonna regret this," Casey tosses back as the clerk watches the two grown men in amusement. The two of them draw their swords and start to play fight with them until the clerk finally reminds them they aren't alone and both offer somewhat sheepish chuckles and stop.

"Are you two related?"

"Yes I'm older," Severide boasts as Casey tries to fix his tunic.

"This damn thing does itch," Casey grumbles as he looks up and can't help but laugh at his silly appearance; Severide holding up the hook and Casey offering a mock face of dread.

"It shows."

"Time to make little brother walk the plank!" Severide declares as Casey shakes his head.

"I'll toss in some thick yellow play rope," the clerk volunteers as Casey mumbles under his breath and Severide nods in approval.

"Anything else?"

"No I think we're done embarrassing ourselves for today," Casey states firmly as he looks over at Severide who offers his mirrored reflection goofy faces as he fixes his hat and belt.

"I need a patch eye," he comments as Casey snatches his large plumed hat off his head and tosses it to the clerk. "Or a parrot?"

"Maybe I'll make you walk the plank. Hey didn't a crocodile get Hook in the end?" Casey suggests with an eyebrow wag. "Maybe the clerk has one of those."

"Yeah I can get dad to dress up as that," Severide laughs as Casey nods in agreement. "I think we need…"

"We still need to pick up groceries and get a few other things done before we pick them up," Casey reminds Severide as he looks at his watch, realizing they had allowed themselves to get carried away in their fun and were now in danger of falling behind their own schedule.

"Okay…okay," he finally takes the hint; both of them heading back into the dressing room to change and finally head for home. "We'll take all of this!" Severide calls out to the delighted clerk.

The clerk carefully packs each costume and accessories in their own box as the three of them make small talk about school plays and such. The day had started out with much tension and angst but as the boys pack the costume boxes away in the trunk and then head for the grocery store to get a few things, the mood was light and the banter upbeat; the morning's tension all but dissipated.

They finally reach home and while Severide puts away the groceries, Casey calls Christie and telling her that when the boys would find out in a few days if they got the parts, they'd have them over for supper and get them all into costume, including Violet and do a first run. Excitement was already starting to build.

"Did you and Uncle Kelly really get your own costumes?" Griffin asks later that night as Casey lingers by his bedside just before he turns off the light.

"Complete with stupid hats and fake swords for us and a few things for you."

"That's really great," Griffin answers with a smile. "Think mom will be happy?"

"Actually Uncle Kelly and I went and stopped by and talked to your mom today."

"Really? How is she? What'd she say?"

"That she always misses you but is so excited for you both and can't wait to see you."

"I wish she could see us be in the play," Griffin states glumly.

"Yeah I wish that also. But you know we will record it for her and if you both like it you can always try out next year right?"

"Will she be there to see it next time?"

"She will," Casey affirms as he kisses the top of Griffin's head. "Get some sleep now. Tomorrow we're back at work and Auntie Christie will be picking you up after school."

"Okay."

Casey says his goodnight to Griffin and then turns off the light and heads into the hallway, Severide still in talking with Ben a bit longer. He heads to his bedroom and closes the door. As much as he had earlier lamented the fact he allowed Severide to convince him to get into a Peter Pan costume, after seeing Griffin's enthusiasm his mind had been changed and he was now looking forward to seeing it all play out in the months to come.

He eases himself down into his covers and thinks about the verbal showdowns with Hadley and Heather. Both had been slighted by life but had allowed bitterness to cloud out sound judgment and the fact they still didn't have it as bad as some. That is until they decided to take certain aspects of the law into their own hands and now were paying the price. I just hope they can reconcile – for the boys sake, Casey's mind ponders as he finally turns off the light and sinks into darkness, his mind offering images of himself as a young boy dressed as Peter Pan for the school play and then as an adult – his lips groaning as he's forced to walk the plank while Kelly laughs.

XXXXXXXX

"How'd it go with Hadley?" Boden asks Severide the following morning; the boys already dropped off at Christie's to be taken to school and him and Casey in the House and ready to get their shifts started.

"Tense," Severide offers in truth as he looks up at Boden from his seated position before him. "I didn't expect it to be happy or us of all to hug and become fast friends but we had to just go and make sure he knew he was in there for a reason," Severide somewhat rambles; Boden not knowing the full truth behind Hadley's actions, only Benny and some members of the AI team having the full background picture. The rest – it wasn't their business. "And for closure. Casey wanted Hadley to know he failed but that he was now given a second chance."

"You were on board with that?" Boden inquires wanting to make sure that there was no building strife between his two lieutenant's.

"Yeah we talked about going to see both of them together and although it was tense it was good closure for all of us. Now we can try to move past this and get back to looking after the boys."

"How are they after all of this?"

"They were scared that when Matt was kidnapped they'd lose him, but they bounced back pretty fast. We spent the rest of the weekend just hanging out and they were okay with that. They've both applied for the school play and if they get it, we all hoping the House can come and show their support."

"Which play?" Boden asks in interest.

"Peter Pan," Severide smiles. "In fact…" his voice trails off as he starts to tell Boden about his and Casey's plan for the costumes and practice time.

"How did the boys survive?" Hermann asks Casey as they sit side by side at the lunch table.

"Good. In fact they both applied for the school play. Peter Pan and they're hoping to get the parts of Michael and John. They're small roles but the school is giving first preference to natural brothers a few years apart and this actually works. If they get it, I told them we'd all be there for support."

"You can count on the Hermann clan!" Hermann gives Casey a hearty slap on the back. "Anything else?"

"Actually…there is one other thing."

"When someone says anything else usually it's rhetorical," Hermann gently teases as Casey's lips twist upward. "Does it involve costume?"

"Not this time," Casey replies with a smile.

"Then ask away," Hermann retorts heartily.

"This is also for the boys…and Nathan and your boys and….some work."

"Casey, just ask."

"Do you like the outdoors?"

The friendly banter for all of them continues until the overhead system is heard sending all of them hurrying to their respective trucks, grabbing their gear on the way and then exiting the Firehouse in orderly fashion. This time the stress of knowing that Severide was a target and the rest of them could be in danger because of it, especially Casey, was now gone; with Hadley in jail to contemplate the consequences of his actions, it afforded all of them to concentrate on the job at hand and then deal with regular job stress.

"Good work," Boden praises as he heads toward them, the ambulance already on its way to the hospital with two tenants to be treated for mild smoke inhalation; the rest of the teams busy putting their gear away.

"Hey…you okay?" Casey asks Severide as he joins him at the front of the squad truck, Severide's gaze staring absently ahead.

"Yeah," Severide nods as Casey looks down the street with him. "I remember looking for his car and wondering when he'd strike again and if I had to watch someone I care about pay the price of his anger."

"But not today. Today was just business as usual," Casey reminds him with a friendly slap on the back.

"Felt damn good too," Severide comments as he gives Casey a firm nod. "How's your side?"

"Good. Neck's still a bit sore from where the jacket rubbed it, but the thick padding is holding," Casey replies in truth. "A few days and back to normal."

"Normal?" Severide snickers as Casey's lips purse. "Let's go," Severide states as they both turn and slowly wander back to their respective rigs and get in; the large trucks pulling away from the scene and heading back to home base. That evening their last call runs well into the night and they were unable to get away as planned, prompting Casey to quickly text Christie, mid-call and tell her to keep the boys overnight and they'd be more than grateful. It was about midnight when the trucks finally rolled into the large bay doors; the occupants tugging off their well-worn gear and then finding the nearest bed and getting a few hours solid rest until it was time to do it all again.

"We missed you guys last night," Griffin comments the following night when they were able to get away and get the boys around dinner time.

"We missed you too," Casey replies warmly. "So…what happened yesterday?"

The boys tell them how they applied for the roles and were so far the only natural brothers so the prospect of them actually getting the roles was looking more and more positive. But Casey did remind them not to get their hopes up too high incase it was given to someone else. That night they are once again able to bond over a friendly game of RISK before it's time for all of them to get some sleep; the men actually falling asleep before the young boys due to their exhausting tour.

XXXXXXXX

"Well?" Casey asks as he and Severide pick them up from Christie's the following Tuesday after their final shift for that set; the boys having spent the previous weekend and most of the week with Christie and her family.

"WE GOT THE PARTS!" Ben shouts as cheering ensues as they near Severide's car.

"YAY!" Severide shouts as he hoists Ben into the air and Casey holds onto Griffin, giving him a heartfelt embrace.

"WOO HOO!" Casey joins in the happy celebrating as he high fives both boys. "Let's see the role slips," Casey asks in haste as Griffin pulls out the two slips that confirm their participation and the part in the school play. "Griffin Darden to play Michael in Peter Pan," Casey reads as Ben shoves him his confirmation slip to read next. "Benjamin Darden to play John. Wow you guys that's amazing!"

"Yeah, we're so happy for you!"

"Can we go and tell mom now?" Griffin asks suddenly as Casey looks down with happy surprise.

"She'd love that," Casey nods in agreement. "How about we go after school tomorrow? Would that be okay?"

"Sure," Griffin shrugs in reply.

"When are you gonna put on the green pants?" Ben asks Casey with a giggle as Casey looks at Severide with arched brows as Severide grins in return.

"When do you guys get your play scripts?"

"This week sometime," Griffin answers for both.

"Okay when you get those books, we'll all put on our costumes and get busy."

"I can't wait to see my costume!" Ben grins.

"You only wear pajamas!"

"So do you!" Ben retorts back to his brother as Casey and Severide just laugh in amusement.

But the excitement doesn't die down when they reach home, if anything it continues to gain momentum so that after supper the four of them were settled on the couch, Casey and Severide on each end with the boys happily sandwiched in the middle watching, first of all the Disney version of Peter Pan. After that, Casey had promised he get them a few version's of the children's classic movie and all watch together and get some pointers on making their roles more authentic and believable.

Just before he turns in that night, Casey pulls out the small scrapbook that he had been making for the boys; something he would give to Heather upon her release from jail the following summer as a keepsake. He carefully puts both slips into the sheets of a fresh page and then smoothes out the edges, looking down with a proud smile. But at the same time he feels some remorse for Heather that she's not there to share all this with them. She could have been there…both her and their Uncle…bad choices led to all this, his brain reminds him correctly.

"Hey…" Severide's voice pulls Casey's gaze upward, looking at his friend standing in the doorway.

"Just putting another keepsake into their scrapbook album," Casey shows Severide the page with the two confirmation slips as he hands him the book; Severide flipping through casually. "I thought it might make her feel a bit guilty and she already has enough to deal with but then I thought she'd like it because it shows things the boys might not tell her."

"This is really good idea," Severide mumbles as he pauses on the picture of the four of them at the pier; all smiles and holding their ice cream cones while a passerby took the picture. "Can't believe Hadley was there watching," Severide states as his eyes fixate on the page and refuse to look away.

"He just wanted to be near them I think," Casey sighs as Severide looks up with a frown. "I'm not making excuses."

"You're being you."

"Meaning?"

"You've always been the peacemaker. It's not a bad thing," Severide quickly qualifies when Casey's tone rises. "It's good. I went in looking to grab Hadley by the neck and tell him he got what he deserved and they should keep him in there for good. Your way was better. Glad I didn't go alone," he concludes as he finally turns the page. The two of them sit and quietly reminisce a bit longer before its time to bring the day to a close and within twenty minutes the house is dark.

"So we'll go and see your mom tonight and then Saturday we'll do our first practice session," Casey directs Griffin who writes in the items on their large activity calendar on the fridge. It was something he hadn't even thought about, of course being a fill-in parent for the first time he never had to. But Hermann suggested to have a large activity calendar on the fridge for the boys to fill out as things came up and that would keep them engaged and looking forward to things coming in the future they were involved in. So far it was working – for all of them.

"A practice session with costumes?"

"Full dress rehearsal," Casey replies with a smile as he packs the two lunch boxes. "You have that special card for your mom already to go?"

"Yeah I got it right here," Griffin pats the front of his knapsack as Ben sits down at the kitchen table. "Okay let's have breakfast and get going."

The four of them sit down as per their routine; this time Severide taking them to school while Casey stays behind to survey the damage to the back shed from the fire that Hadley's accomplice Graham had started. It wasn't too bad but the wire box for the single inside light had to be replaced and that he would do without the boys being in the way.

The day passes by without much fuss, Casey and Severide heading out to the hardware store to pick up a few items to fix the small electrical box on the shed. While Casey works the box, Severide works on the outer structure wanting to at least get it all fixed before the bad weather comes; the painting having to wait until the weather gets warmer – like spring. The repairs don't take them very long and soon they are on their way to pick up the boys and then head to the jail to see Heather.

Since they still weren't sure what Heather had decided to tell her boys about Hadley and that whole mess, both of them agreed before they reached the school to keep all the talk focused on the boys and their school work – the past was now laid to rest and it was up to her about fixing hers and their futures.

"I got an A in math!" Ben holds up his paper with a beaming smile as he climbs in the back of Severide's car.

"Way to go buddy! For that you get to make dinner," Severide teases as Ben looks up at Casey in wonder, Casey shaking his head and then looking at Severide with a small scolding expression. "What?" Severide chuckles as they pull away from the school. Casey asks Griffin about his day and soon the chatter turns to the buzz around the school and the play; the boys telling them they got their scripts and also met some new friends in the process.

Casey's anxiety jumps somewhat as they near the prison, his mind wondering what Heather might say if anything in front of her boys or if she'll just leave it for in private. He remembers the last time he and Severide were there and how they left with tense stomachs and inner agitation. Hopefully today would be better.

"Mom!" Ben is the first to shout as he pulls away from Severide's side and rushes into the open arms of his loving mother.

"Oh I've missed you so much," Heather whispers as she kisses Ben and then pulls Griffin into her arms. "I've missed you both so much," she states as she looks at them with smiles. "I think you both have grown," she slightly sniffles as she looks up and offers a tender gaze to both adult men. "I'm glad you guys could come."

"The boys have something very important to tell you."

"We both got parts in the school play!" Griffin states in haste as Heather looks at him and then at Ben, whose smile widens practically from ear to ear.

"I want you both to tell me all about it," Heather tells them as the three of them sit down at a nearby table, Casey and Severide hanging back and allowing the boys some special alone time with their mother. They talk to her for about twenty minutes, filling her in on all the happenings at school; Heather never once mentioning Hadley or referring to anything about a stranger setting the small shed on fire – and for that they were thankful.

"Thank you for this Matt," Heather whispers sometime later as she gives him a warm hug. "I emailed Kevin."

That's all she said and then pulled back; Casey not pressing the issue. It wasn't his place to ask what was the mood or tone or even context of the words, the first step had been made; his mind taking comfort in the fact she was actually seeking closure and could only hope for Hadley's sake he was too. With the promise to return again in a few weeks time, the four of them finally take their leave and head for home; the play being the main topic of the day.

XXXXXXXX

"So are you guys okay with this?" Casey asks as they all sit around the table at lunch on Saturday. The few days that had followed the prison visit to Heather was spent with every day things; school, homework, chores and preparing for the play.

"Did you really get Violet a Wendy costume?"

"Sure did," Severide answers in truth as both boys exchange amused expressions.

"Cool," Griffin replies with a smile.

"When are they coming over to do the play with us?" Ben inquires.

"Well after lunch we're going to spend some time rearranging the living room so that when they come over in a few hours we can all get into costume and go through it for the first time."

"What if we suck?" Ben asks somewhat dejectedly.

"No one's going to suck," Casey quickly reminds them.

"Hey this is for fun okay?" Severide adds in haste. "It's all for fun and no one is going to suck okay? And by the time the real play comes you guys will be ready and will be amazing."

"Okay so let's clean up the kitchen and head into the living room," Casey announces as he stands up after lunch was done. Another helpful tidbit he had picked up from the Hermann clan, this time from a very experienced mother – Cindy, was to also give the boys specific responsibilities in the kitchen that they would do on a daily basis; dishes, garbage, sweeping the floor, setting the table and the like when they were all together. This way the bulk of the daily burdens wouldn't only fall on the two older men and would teach the younger boys practical responsibilities and make them feel engaged and part of the group. The cooking at this time still the main responsibility of Casey and Severide.

Christie and Violet come over early, Christie going to act as the narrator and make sure everyone says what they should be and on cue.

"Okay so everyone has a box and let's get changed," Severide suggests as he looks at Casey, whose face slightly blushes.

"No pictures are allowed," Casey insists as Christie giggles. "From anyone."

"Oh come on Matt, I'm sure everyone would love to see you in green tights," Christie grins.

"They itch," Casey moans as he takes his box and goes to get changed. About twenty minutes later the two little boys return, followed by Violet; Christie having to take a few pictures as Casey did promise Heather he would for her sake; and a few of course going into their scrapbook – the fitting title? First dress rehearsal!

"Don't be shy Matt!" Christie exclaims as Severide rounds the corner in full dress to a hearty applause from the kids; Casey not in sight. When he finally does step into view all the kids clap and Severide just grins. But he does pose for a few pictures for the boy's sake; especially one of the four of them before the cameras are put away – for now, not for good.

"Alright…time to get started on…" Severide's words are cut short by a knock on the door.

"Kelly?"

"I didn't…I don't know…who," his voice trails off as he removes his large hat and heads for the door, pulling it open and staring at his father and Shay in utter shock.

"Oh my god where's my camera!" Shay exclaims as Severide's face warms instantly. "Is Casey in full dress also?"

"What are you two doing here?"

"Auntie Shay!" The boys exclaim as they rush toward her, Severide being pushed backwards into the opening as Benny closes the door.

"I came here to give you an update and Shay arrived at the same time," Benny explains as Shay hurries to find Casey and take a picture of him in his costume.

"Okay I so have to get you both together like this," Shay gins as Severide growls under his breath. "Oh come on."

"Oh Peter," Severide calls out as Shay snickers and Casey nears them with a less than amused expression.

"This better be for your own private collection."

"Are you two going to fight with those swords later?" Shay asks as the boys cheer.

"No but I do have rope to make him walk the plank," Severide grins as he holds up his hook and Casey's face offering a mock horrified expression just as Shay snaps a picture.

"Oh that one was perfect! So can I play a part?" Shay asks after she takes a few more of the boys playing around and acting silly, and then finally puts her camera down.

"How about Tinkerbell?" Christie suggests as Shay nods in agreement.

"Don't encourage her," Severide groans as he looks over at his father who had both Ben and Griffin on his back, laughing as he tries to shrug them off.

"I'll be the leader of the lost boys!" Benny offers as both boys once again shout for joy.

"Where are his tights?" Casey moans as he fixes his tunic.

"Isn't it time for you to walk the plank yet?" Severide grins as he dangles the wide play rope in front of Casey.

"So much for never growing up," Casey retorts, earning himself a few laughs.

"Okay everyone ready?" Christie asks loudly about ten minutes later. She is rewarded with a chorus of YES's and laughter as everyone takes their position for the start of the play.

Casey looks over at Severide who gives him a friendly wink as he gets into place and awaits Christie's cue; Violet in place with her knitting bag ready to go. Soon everyone gets involved and the lines are barely heard over the laughter and cheers. But that didn't matter as this was a first run and everyone was having a great time; the two young boys surrounded by guardians that loved them and wanted only the best and were willing to make sacrifices no matter how silly they looked.

"Okay Peter, time to walk the plank!" Severide laughs heartily as he wraps some of the thick yellow rope around Casey's chest, pinning his arms at his sides.

"Help?" Casey calls out weakly as Shay growls.

"That's not what it says."

"Hey isn't Tinkerbell supposed to be in a glass jar?" Ben pipes up as he looks at Shay.

"Yeah, she'll just mime her concern for poor old Peter," Severide chuckles as he draws his fake sword.

"The plank is going to break Uncle Matt," Griffin declares in horror.

"Gee thanks," Casey deadpans as more laughter erupts.

"Too many twinkies," Benny interjects as the kids look up in wonder.

Two hours later, the happy group is changed out of their costumes, the pieces carefully folded up and put away into their respective keepsake boxes and piled neatly in the living room along with the rest of the props. Jim, Christie's husband joins them about half hour later and all of them congregate in the kitchen, eating, drinking, laughing, going over lines and bringing the day to a close with lots of excited chatter.

On the mantel place in the living room, Shay's camera sits with a group picture still displayed on the face – all of them in costume and smiling, standing close and working together to make a memory that would last a lifetime.

But...a few more were yet to come - some happy and some...surprising.

A/N: Wow okay I honestly didn't intend to take the story this route and actually had more fun writing about the school play than I thought I would and quickly reworded the title and managed to extend the story a bit longer! I had planned to be a bit further ahead but I hope this is okay and you're not bored with all this fun stuff! Hehe but I would love your thoughts on this fun chapter and our boys in their costumes and really showing their involvement in the boys lives. Please do review before you go and thanks so much!