Title: Growing Pains
Chapter 20 – Lights…Camera…Family?
Casey awakens early the next morning with his phone buzzing on his hip and tries to get his bleary eyes to focus as he looks around the unfamiliar surroundings before he glances down at Griffin and then over at Severide, who still has Ben tucked into his side. He hears soft shuffling and then looks up to see Jason Cooper walk into his kitchen; his brain finally kicks in and he gives himself a small headshake as to where they all are. Too much fresh air, Casey's mind tries to justify as he gently removes himself from Griffin's warm frame and gets up. After re-covering Griffin, Casey joins Jason in the kitchen to see if he could help with breakfast.
"You boys are good sleepers," Jason comments as Casey slightly yawns and rubs his face.
"It's all the fresh air," Casey admits with a sleepy smiles as he eyes the strong coffee. "I'll start the coffee and that'll get them all up. But…you sure you don't mind making breakfast for us all?"
"Nah trust me, I actually kinda like this," Jason replies as Severide enters the kitchen and gives them both a nod.
"Coffee on?" Severide leans over Casey's shoulder, prompting Casey to hold up the bag and shove it into his open palm, making Severide chuckle and gently push Casey out of the way – Jason watching the playful antics in amusement.
"You two sure you're not actual brothers?" Jason retorts.
"The boys sure had a good time yesterday," Severide mentions as Casey moves on to making the bacon, something he readily volunteered for.
"I think all the boys had a good time," Jason smiles as Casey and Severide look up at the same time and nod in agreement. The three of them talk about the skating rink and Bruce and if Laura would actually follow through in her promise to bring Bruce back to visit; Jason commenting a bit more about the amazing team members at 51. Pretty soon the two younger boys were in the kitchen, washing their hands, setting the table and then sitting down with all the three adult males to a very hearty breakfast.
"I hope you boys come back. I mean that…anytime you just wanna come for a getaway, the four of you or just the two or whatever…you're welcome."
"Thank you," Casey tells Jason in truth as he shakes his hand and then accepts a warm hug from the older man, he now calls friend. Severide takes his turn next and then Ben and Griffin each say thank you and then stand and wait for Casey and Severide to finish.
"I really hope we can go back to Mr. Coopers place so skate on the rink and play in the snow again," Griffin tells Casey as they walk hand in hand to Severide's car.
"We will," Casey replies warmly as he squeezes Griffin's hand. "I promise."
The four of them get into the car and then wave once more to Jason before Severide's car slowly heads down the long driveway, heading back toward the city and reality. On the way to Christie's where the boys would spend their weekend, while the adult males headed back to work until their hectic work/life schedule resumed on Monday. Christie promised to get their homework ready and then practice the play with them, making sure they were ready for their first real school practice the following week.
"Still tired from the fresh air?"
"Just didn't know how to answer Laura when she asked about the boy's mother."
"You said she was in jail. So what's the issue?"
"When Griffin told me how uncomfortable he felt answering questions about his mother…that was me when Laura asked. When I told her that Heather was in jail for another year, she just gave me a tight lipped nod and changed the subject. I felt as I had said something wrong," Casey huffs as he looks out the window as they near the Firehouse.
"Heather's to blame for Heather…not you or the boys," Severide retorts firmly as Casey casts a glance to the left but then nods in resignation.
"Still felt like I was the guilty one," Casey groans as they get out of the car and head toward the large Firehouse doors. "Telling people their father isn't there because he died in the line of duty is a lot less stressing than saying their mother chose to drive drunk, killed her best friend, left them to fend for themselves and is in jail for another year."
"Damn when you put it that way it does sound depressing," Severide slaps Casey on the back as they enter the House.
As soon as they enter Firehouse, its back to business as usual as the two of them head for the lockers, stow their stuff and then quickly spring into action as soon as the overhead paging system goes off.
"Back to reality!"
XXXXXXXX
"Any issues?" Casey asks Christie as they pick them up after dinner a few days later, Tuesday.
"Griffin's been asking about coming to the Fire hall for a visit."
"Really?" Casey asks with a smile as he glances back to see the two boys telling Severide all about their first play rehearsal.
"Would that be okay?"
"Yeah I'll see what I can do," Casey answers her in truth as he goes to join the others in the living room. But it had already been a long day and it was time to head for home; Casey promising his niece and his sister that they would all do another dress rehearsal – one more serious than the last one that was mostly fun and games. Now it was time to get down to business; the next few months would fly by until it was time for the final production.
But on the way back home, Casey's mind thinks about Griffin's mentioning to his sister that he'd like to come and see how things go at the Firehouse….possibly observe a shift. Of course he'd say yes, he had spent too much time now with the young boy to say otherwise. And that was something else he wasn't looking forward to, saying goodbye. He knows it has to happen and his mind tries to hold back a part of his heart to keep from feeling so depressed when Heather is released and finally comes and collects her boys from his care…their care. Then…Kelly would move out and he'd be alone. Snap out of it! His brain commands as they reach home. The four of them head inside, the two little boys hurrying upstairs to get ready for bed and Casey and Severide eager to follow suit. The long day needed to come to a restful close.
"So how was the weekend with Auntie Christie and Violet?" Casey asks Griffin early the next morning as they work on making and packing up school lunches.
"Yeah, fine," Griffin shrugs as Casey smirks. "We did the play twice. It was good, just not as fun as in costume. You and Uncle Kelly make it really cool."
"Ah well glad to hear the money we spent making fools of ourselves was worth it," Casey retorts as Griffin nods and grins. "Was that all?" He gently presses, hoping the young boy would mention to him about wanting to come to the Firehouse to check out a real shift.
"Yeah for the most part. She makes really good roast."
"That she does," Casey agrees wholeheartedly as Griffin turns to leave. Casey watches as the young boy pauses and then turns back with a small frown.
"Uncle Matt?"
"Yeah, what's up?"
"I was wondering if I could maybe come by the Firehouse one day and just...you know see how a real shift works? Like what my dad did?"
"I think that would be a great idea."
"Really? It'd be okay?"
"Sure thing. You just tell me what day you want to come by and we'll make it happen."
"Awesome!" Griffin exclaims as he leaves the room, Casey watching with a contented expression as he finishes off the lunch boxes and then sets about making his own breakfast; Severide joining him a few minutes later. He tells Severide about Griffin's request, Kelly agreeing with him that it would be a great idea to see where any worked and what he did on a daily basis. The four of them eat a rather rushed breakfast before it's time to get off to work and school; another hectic day in the works.
Two weekends later, both Casey and Severide were able to use their free Saturday to take the boys and head up to Jason Cooper's cabin, this time just the four of them. And they came better equipped with skates, warm clothes, sleeping bags and a food contribution for supper and breakfast the following morning, Jason of course only too happy to have the company. The weekend was more than they could have hoped for and both adult males promise they'd return at least once more for another day of fun outside in the snow and fresh air before winter was over.
Of course it wasn't going to be all sunshine and roses as Casey had heard a few times since the boys arrived and Tuesday afternoon was one of those times. It was still one of their day's off and both were working inside Casey's garage on his truck when he gets the call from the school that Griffin had been in a fight and his presence was needed.
"Want me to come?"
"No I got this," Casey tells Severide as he pulls on his coat and exhales heavily. "I thought he had got past all that but…but maybe not. If we both show up…I'll bring him home and we'll talk about it here."
"Good luck man," Severide offers lightly as Casey nods and then takes his head. On the way to the school he tries to anticipate his response. Fighting's not the answer. You knew the kids would tease you about your mother. You can't bring your father back. He wouldn't want this. She wouldn't want this. You need to think things through before…and on it would go until he stops his truck with his mind and heart both racing. As he enters the school he thinks back to the first parent teach meeting he had with Griffin's teacher, Mr. Nelson. He likes acting…school play…needs to work on science…needs help with social skills…
Casey nears the principal's office and enters to see Griffin and another boy sitting very still and wearing very sullen expressions; both of them sporting small black eyes. His heart sinks. Have I gotten through to him at all? Am I making any kind of difference?
"Mr. Casey?"
He turns to see a somewhat familiar face approaching and gives the older man a firm nod before he glances back at Griffin. "Jim Nelson."
"Right of course. So…what's going on?"
"Come with me, we'll talk in private."
Casey walks past Griffin into the principal's office and stops; the door closing behind him and suddenly his anxiety starts to soar. "What's going on?"
"We have a no fighting policy in this school, Mr. Casey and we enforce it very strictly."
"Is he being expelled?" Casey asks in weak shock. "Is that allowed?"
"Hold on a sec…" Mr. Nelson puts his hands up as Casey's frantic glance darts from one professional to the other. "Expulsion's not on the table."
"What happened?" Casey repeats firmly.
"Griffin and Garth were in the playground, heated words were exchanged and punches were thrown."
"Did he throw the first punch?"
"Some say yes and some say no. Unfortunately the teacher arrived when the fight was in progress."
"What was said?" Casey wonders with a heavy frown.
"Something about Griffin's mother. We all know the situation and make a few concessions but we don't tolerate fighting."
"I've talked to him about it….thought it was okay," Casey's mind starts to spiral downward as he listens to the two older men before him recount the tale of his godson outside the room – awaiting punishment.
"Wait…what?" Casey's mind finally jerks back to reality when he hears the punishment. "No…please not the play. It'll kill him. You said it was his first real offense right?"
"He needs to learn a lesson."
"Please not the play. Let me talk to him…ground him…something. Just…not the play. Is there nothing else that can be done?"
It seems like he waits a lifetime before an amicable decision is finally made – one Griffin probably wouldn't like but one Casey was able to agree to. He finally takes his leave from the office, gesturing to Griffin to follow him; wanting to wait to talk to him at home rather than in public.
"Wanna talk about it?" Casey finally asks as they get into the truck and head for home.
"No," Griffin replies with a heavy sigh as he stares miserably out the window. Casey glances over in sympathy but knows he has to be firm.
"The principal said you and another boy were fighting over something that was said at recess. Can you tell me that?"
"It was nothing."
"It wasn't nothing Griffin," Casey replies firmly as griffin looks over with a slightly narrowed gaze. "Come on now I don't like getting these calls telling me this. But I would like to understand what's going on. Come on Griff…you know you can tell me."
Griffin remains rigid for a few minutes before he finally caves – but not by very much. "A kid said something about mom…and I didn't like it."
"Okay. I know that must have hurt but we talked about fighting. Names hurt but they are only names right?"
"Whatever," Griffin states sourly as they reach Casey's home and he gets out, slams the door and hurries for the back door to go in, Severide watching from inside.
"Griffin!" Casey calls out, making the young boy halt in his tracks. "We need to finish our discussion."
"I'm done talking!" Griffin turns around with watery eyes. "You don't know what he said!"
"Well I know it must have hurt," Casey replies in a softer tone. "We've been really great so far with talking and stuff. The principal said this was the second time I was called and he wanted to remove you from the play."
"What? That's not fair!" Griffin shouts as Casey blocks his escape path.
"I know but I need to hear your side of the story."
"There's nothing to tell!"
"Griffin I want to help but I can't help you until I hear your side. Please…just talk to me," Casey tenderly implores.
"He got what he deserved."
"This isn't you Griffin. Come on now. Please talk to me."
"Can I go to my room?"
"Fine. But because of this, I have no choice but to ground you Griffin. I'm sorry bu…"
"YOU'RE NOT MY FATHER!" Griffin yells before he pushes past Casey and runs into the house, Severide watching with a glum expression.
Casey heads inside, closes the door and stops when he sees Severide waiting with a remorseful expression.
"What happened?"
"He won't tell me and I just…they wanted to remove him from the play to set an example but I was able to get it exchanged for some janitorial stuff. I'm sure he'll still hate it and me but…what else could I do? Tell him and Heather he didn't make the play for defending his mother? I get the anger and resentment toward those that want to call your mom names and make fun and just…"
"Well I don't have to ask if you got into fights over it," Severide reminds him carefully. "But you gotta be firm right?"
"Right," Casey sighs as he looks at the time. "Pick up Ben?"
"Sure. I have to ground him Kelly, he has to know we're just as serious and fighting won't be tolerated here either. I think two weeks of no TV and video games? I had thought maybe one but this is his second time."
"Two weeks seems fair. And you're not taking away outings or the play right?"
"He's still gonna hate me."
"Ah he'll get over it but he's gotta learn right? And I got you on this one hundred percent," Severide tells him firmly as Casey nods in agreement. "Ever grounded as a kid?"
"Me? No way…I was perfect," Casey retorts with a small snicker as Severide's eyes roll. "I'll see you soon."
"Good luck."
Casey waits for Severide to leave before he heads upstairs and then knocks on the boy's room door before slowly pushing it open. His heart sinks as Griffin looks up with a teary gaze and then quickly looks away. "Hey…" Casey greets softly, remembering the discipline tips he had gotten from both Christie and Hermann. Kind…reasoning…but firm. You're the parent and it's up to you to maintain the rules. Trust me, he'll respect you more in the long run than hate you.
Casey eases himself down onto the bed beside Griffin, his folded hands resting in his lap.
"Am I out of the play?"
"No," Casey replies in truth as Griffin looks up in surprise. "They really wanted to set an example and make you learn but I told them how much this means not only to you and Ben but also to your mom."
"Really?"
"Yes but you will have to do two weeks of janitorial service at the school."
"What? No way! That's not fair!"
"Garth has to also. Hey it's better than not being able to do the play. And at the same time, there will be no TV or video games on the console or iPod stuff either."
"But…"
"Come on Griffin be fair. This is the second time I've been called for this. What did Garth say?"
Griffin pauses for a few minutes before he actually speaks, his voice starting to quiver. "He called my mom…jail trash that she will be an ex con loser all her life. And then…he laughed…" Griffin's voice starts to heave. "I turned to him and said to stop…I did Uncle Matt I tried…to tell him."
"I know buddy…I know," Casey huffs as his right arm wraps around Griffin's shoulders and pulls the trembling boy close. "What happened next?"
"He laughed and…continued. He said horrible things and I hit him."
"You hit first?" Casey asks softly as Griffin looks up and nods before his eyes flood and Casey's lips purse.
"I'm sorry Uncle Matt. I really miss my mom."
"I know you do," Casey sighs as he cradles griffin in his grasp, holding him close and resting his cheek on the top of the trembling boy's head. "I miss her too. Things would be so much better if she were here. But it won't be too long okay?"
"Can I really do the play?"
"Yes. In fact after supper and all your homework is done, we'll do another practice session okay?" Casey asks as Griffin nods. "Okay. Need any help with your science?" Casey inquires as Griffin nods once more. The two of them start on his homework until Ben comes home and then it's up to both boys to do their homework on their own until they were called to help with dinner.
"You look worn out," Severide mentions as Casey enters the kitchen about twenty minutes later. "How'd it go?"
"He's upset and sad and I can't blame him. But we talked…and I guess he's fine," Casey shrugs as he leans against the fridge. "I get his attitude. I really do. But I can't condone it. Parenting is hard," he concludes as Severide just nods in agreement. "Okay…so supper?"
The two of them talk a bit more about what happened at the school as they work to make dinner; Severide already having explained to Ben what had happened so that he wouldn't make a big deal about it to his brother and make Griffin even angrier or feel guiltier than he already did. After supper they all clean up and then rearrange the living room to get ready for the play rehearsal. Tonight there would be no costumes, just learning the lines and their cues for their parts. Casey's sleep that night is restless and disturbed as he sees himself in Griffin's place, lamenting the death of his father but blaming his mother.
XXXXXXXX
"So what time is Griffin gonna drop by?"
"Apparently right after school," Casey informs Severide as they head into Firehouse 51 to get their shift started. "He was hoping he could miss the last class and come a bit early but after the grounding and school detention stuff, I thought against it and wanted to wait until all that was over. Plus the weather is getting better now."
"Ah he'll still see the full House in action," Severide promises as they part ways; Casey heading for the Chief's office to inform Boden about his plans to let Griffin attend. Griffin of course was a bit put off when he was told he'd have to wait to come into the firehouse to see what his dad did on a daily basis but Casey held his ground and the young boy was forced to learn his boundaries once more. But the peace was kept and in the end they were still friends.
Casey goes about his day, getting things ready for Griffin's arrival; having outlined a few things during the day to make it special, including having an actual sleepover, diner breakfast and then hopefully a ride in the truck if it was possible.
"Alright I'll drop Griffin off," Severide tells Casey as gives him a friendly pat on the back; Severide having the day off but spending most at the Firehouse to get some paperwork tended to. "Ben and I are going to see a movie and then just chill."
"Have fun. See you tomorrow."
Casey gives Severide a friendly wave and then turns back to getting a few things ready. About half hour later, Griffin shows up at the House, ready to do a shift and Casey couldn't be happier. He welcomes him in, putting his arm around the young boys shoulders and then ushering him toward the teams, telling them to ring the bells because they "have a VIP in the House." A statement that of course made Griffin beam from ear to ear. As much as he wants the shift to go by with him able to spend as much time showing Griffin around, the alarm goes off and he's called to action – unable to take Griffin on the call due to liability. So he tells him to look around and he'd be back soon as he could. He wasn't too worried about Griffin getting into trouble as he knows there are people there and he would most likely keep to himself. But when he returns from a rather intense car accident, he can't find the young boy anywhere. Then he goes searching.
"Ah there you are," Casey mentions as he walks up to Griffin in the coat room; the young boy standing in front of Clarkes coat with a perplexed look on his face.
"Is someone else wearing my dad's coat now?"
"No…no one's wearing it. It was…damaged in the fire."
"That's what I figured," Griffin replies rather stonily; Casey pursing his lips as his heart starts to beat a bit faster.
"He's still…a very big part of this House."
"Yeah…everyone keeps saying that," Griffin retorts, his eyes kept fixed on Clarke's name, not looking up at Casey. But before Casey can explain a bit more about his father's role at the Firehouse or how he still impacts their lives, the young boy moves on and Casey's attention is diverted by Boden. He turns back to see Griffin helping Otis with something and then looks at Boden with a frown.
"Sometimes I don't think I'm doing enough," Casey lightly laments.
"Trust me, just being here will do him some good. I need to talk to you about a few things."
After his discussion with Boden, Casey once again goes in search of Griffin, this time finding him standing and staring at a frame on the wall with the badges and crests of fallen firefighters. "Thought only cops have badges?" Griffin asks out of the blue, making Casey look at him in wonder.
"No. We do too. We wear them on our dress uniforms."
"Really? … what happened to my dads?" Griffin asks with a placid expression; his eyes trying desperately to hold back tears, Casey looking at him in surprise.
"You're mom never took you to see it?" Casey asks in wonder; Griffin shaking his head no. Casey's heart sinks when he sees the dejected look on Griffin's face and in that moment makes a pact with himself to take Griffin someplace special after the shift was over. After another call, Casey comes back and ushers Mills out of the kitchen, instead asking Griffin if he wanted to help; something of course the young boy readily agreed to do.
"Come on. I want to take you some place special," Casey tells Griffin as he takes him by the hand and leads him to his truck. The two of them make small talk on the ride to the fire academy, Casey doing most of the talking but hoping that Griffin is at least retaining some of the stuff he's learning about his father.
"Why are we here?"
"I want to show you something special," Casey admits in truth. "Something you should have seen already." Casey ushers Griffin into the somewhat quiet entrance and then down toward the corridor that all of them have walked – a few times over. As Griffin looks at the wall that houses the badges of fallen firefighters, Casey gently repeats the oath they all swear when they join the fire academy
"There is no greater love than to lie down one's life for another. This badge case stands as a memorial to our fallen firefighters and paramedics who gave their lives in service to the citizens of Chicago."
Just as Casey's finishes his words, Griffin's eyes rest on the last badge…#17139 Andy Darden – September 2012. Then it finally hits the young boy and his eyes well and his body starts to quiver. Casey pulls him close, his own eyes welling as he starts to feel the loss of his father…his friend…his brothers. "It's okay to cry here," Casey tells him in truth as he leans in closer, his left arm holding Griffin close to him. "I have…many times." With that Griffin turns around in Casey's grasp and cries…his body finally expelling all its fluid emotion. "Just let it all out Griffin."
"I miss him so much," Griffin whispers as Casey's chin rests atop Griffin's head.
"Me too."
"I wanna go home," Griffin whispers as he looks up sadly.
"Okay," Casey replies with a small smile.
Casey holds Griffin for a bit longer until it's time to take their leave; head home where they'd be able to just relax in comfort. Casey had planned to let Griffin spend the night at the firehouse but after the emotional moment, even he was in the mood for some of Severide's lame attempts at making them laugh when they were down. So they head back to the truck and then for home.
"Matt?" Severide asks as they enter the House earlier than expected. "I thought…" he starts and then stops when he notices Casey's eyes red rimmed and his face slightly flushed. "What…happened?"
"Griffin and I decided to come home and hang. Right buddy?" Casey asks as Griffin looks up and nods. "You guys in the mood for a funny movie?"
"Yeah…sure," Severide replies with a small frown. "Ben's just picking one out. Griff go help him and we'll be right there." He watches Griffin hurry into the living room and then looks at Casey in wonder. "What…happened?"
"He was asking questions about Andy's jacket and then his badge…Heather never showed it to him and so I took him to the academy and showed him first hand. Was just…a bit emotional. I'm okay."
"Matt?"
"Just brought back memories of my dad…and Andy…and…I'm okay," Casey replies with a firm nod.
"Ah damn man sorry," Severide states as his hand rests on Casey's back and gives it a supportive hug.
"So we thought we'd just come home and hang together...cheer him up a bit. Cheer us both up."
"Great plan. Grab a few beers for us and some pop for them and we'll go watch something funny."
"Great plan," Casey retorts as Severide snickers. The two of them head into the living room, all settling on the couch, the two boys squished in the middle, a large blanket draped over them and some chips, candy, popcorn and drinks all around. For the next two hours, the four of them eat and laugh and just bond…the night ahead turning out to be less tense than expected. The inner emotion would remain a bit longer, but at least they'd all be heading to bed with somewhat lighter hearts. Somewhat.
XXXXXXXX
The day following Griffin's emotionally charged visit it was back to business as usual; with a few tense calls and both Casey and Severide trying to make it home after each shift to at least be there for the boys to tuck them in and talk about their day. And if only one could make it, it was better than none. But some nights they would have to stay with Christie and her family as some calls sent into the night and they were of course unavoidable.
"I'm so nervous," Ben whispers as he looks up at Severide with an almost panicked expression; the two of them entering the school a few weeks later.
"You'll be fine, we've been practicing for a few weeks now. You'll just have to get used to another prompter besides me or Uncle Matt. Otherwise you guys know this stuff," Severide assures the young boy.
"You'll both be great. Just remember how we practiced at home," Casey reassures Griffin as well as they draw closer to the waiting group; a few minutes later a loud voice is heard telling them all to take their places. The two adult males pull back into the darkened audience space to watch; enjoying their day off but wishing that Heather was able to see this in person.
"Think we should do one more costume rehearsal with them before the actual play?" Casey asks in a hushed tone as Severide glances over with a frown. "What?"
"Think the tunic will still fit after those ribs Christie dropped off."
"Very funny," Casey deadpans as Severide gently snickers. "Or is that your way of deflecting because you can't fit into yours?"
"Oh bring it on junior," Severide retorts as Casey grins. A few moments later all are told to HUSH and it was time for 'ACTION'. Casey pulls out a small video camera and starts to discretely record, having promised Heather at their last visit two weeks ago that he'd record all the play moments and she could review everything from start to finish with them when she was able.
'I regret all this Matt. I regret so much.' His mind recalls their last discussion.
'Have you talked to Hadley lately?'
'He's still bitter but his resentment toward you and Kelly has somewhat subsided. I think it's more directed at our father now. I can't blame him. I think it'll take a while to let that go. But part of me is also sad they don't know their only grandparent. Matt…I just wish I had done things differently from the start.'
He ponders her words as he watches the boys come onto the stage for their first part, his throat finding a small lump of emotion that was hard to swallow. She should be here….they both should be…even Hadley…seeing his nephews…maybe it would do him some good.
"I want to send a copy to Hadley," Casey suddenly mentions in a whisper as Severide looks over in shock. But as the two of them sit in the darkened auditorium in silence, no words are needed as a firm nod of understanding is exchanged and recording resumes.
"Did you see us?" Ben asks loudly as the first full practice rehearsal comes to an end and the boys rush up to Casey and Severide waiting for them in the auditorium.
"Yeah you guys did awesome!"
"How about we celebrate by going for some pizza!"
"YAY!"
The four of them leave the school, talking about the play and the rehearsal schedule that was to follow for the next few months that would gradually include costumes, props and then of course the big full length feature production. Nothing of course is told to them about their Uncle, both adult males respecting the mother's request and leaving that up to her. Each visit every few weeks, they'd take some new pictures and of course have stories to tell. Heather always sounded so happy to hear about the big skating party and a few other outdoor adventures that followed, Griffin's day at the Firehouse, ongoing school issues and of course the play progression.
Casey and Severide did take a chance to go and see Hadley, but he refused to see them; so they merely left a few pictures of Ben and Griffin in full dress for the play and decided to leave it there. It was his life to ruin further, his second chance to not take – but it was his. They could only lament the fact that he was the one missing out.
XXXXXXXX
"Come on Peter," Severide teases a few weeks later as he enters Casey's bedroom in full captain hook garb; his costume still fitting as it should. "Don't be shy," he chuckles as he arranges his large hat, Casey exiting the bathroom in his green costume. "What?"
"Nothing," Casey replies with a tight lipped smile as Severide blocks his path.
"I've lived with you on a daily basis for over a year now…you can't fool me. I know that tight lipped smile means you're lying."
"Damn I hate that sometimes," Casey replies with a small sigh. "It really is nothing. I guess as this thing draws closer I just wish that Heather and Hadley could be there in person to support them."
"You tried to get Hadley involved," Severide reminds him as Casey nods and then sighs; Severide's hand resting on his shoulder. "He's made his choice. Come on…I want to use my sword," he snickers as Casey arches his brows. "Hey I can't make my team at the House walk the plank."
"Only for a few more weeks can you say that," Casey retorts as he puts on the small green cap.
"No way I'm keeping this, especially the sword. Now move or die!" Severide declares with a loud mocking laugh as Casey merely shakes his head and takes his leave, the two of them heading downstairs and earning a full round of applause from the boys, Christie, Violet and Benny – who this time would be the narrator and Christie would be Tinkerbelle in Shay's working absence.
This time there the only antics are when Severide wraps the thick yellow rope around Casey's chest, forcing him to walk the plank; otherwise the hour passes by without any hitch – the actual date of presentation, looming ever closer. But as the date draws even closer, Casey starts to notice a change in Griffin, especially at night time before bed.
"You've been really quiet this week," Casey tells Griffin in a low tone so that Ben wouldn't hear; the two of them sitting on Casey's bed for a bit more privacy than in the shared room. "What's going on?"
"Just…stuff."
"Stuff huh, what kinda stuff?" Casey asks as Griffin shrugs. "Stuff okay at school?"
"Yeah. I did well on my project."
"You sure did. Nervous about the play in a few weeks?" Casey asks, hitting the nail on the head and making Griffin nod in agreement. "Ah…you know you'll do fine right?"
"I know but…"
"But what?" Casey gently presses.
"But I heard all the other kids talking about having their parents there and…I wish my mom was coming," he huffs sadly. Casey puts his arm on the young boys shoulders and pulls him close, giving him a tender squeeze.
"Yeah I wish she was too bud, especially for you and Ben. But this is just the first one right? You told your teacher early on you had an interest in drama, so I think you'll be trying it again."
"Really?"
"You've had a lot of fun so far. I know you and Ben did this together but there might not always be a role for brothers like this one but that's okay."
"Okay," Griffin sighs as Casey looks at him with a small frown.
"Here come here and we'll read some Batman together."
"Superman!"
"Oh right…well they both wear capes," Casey offers sheepishly as Griffin chuckles. The two of them settle into Casey's bed to read, the young boy falling asleep shortly thereafter but Casey not making any attempt to move him; both slept soundly until morning.
XXXXXXXX
"Okay I think I'm more nervous than them," Casey mentions the night of the big play as he stands in the kitchen looking at the boxes they'd take to the play; wanting to make sure they had everything in order. Despite the fact that it was a working night, both of them had asked Boden for the shift off – wanting to make sure they were they for the boy's big night. Boden of course said yes, but wasn't sure the teams would be able to make it for the whole thing.
'Just do what you can Chief, they'll understand. But we really need to be there.'
"Yeah I keep going over Ben's lines in my head, ready to jump in in case he forgets," Severide mentions lightly as they heard small feet bounding down the stairs. "Just don't tell them that."
"No way," Casey agrees seriously before he pastes on a big smile. "There they are! You guys ready?"
"We're sooooo nervous!" Ben laments with a dramatic face, as the rest of them just laugh.
"Okay…we got everything so…let's go."
The four of them grab the boxes and head for the door, all piling into Severide's car; Casey making sure the digital recorder was fully stocked with enough memory and batteries to capture the whole magical night. Everything was set.
"Is Auntie Shay coming too?" Ben wonders as he walks next to Severide, up to the waiting group of kids.
"She's gonna try okay? Both her and Gabby will try to come if they aren't on a call."
"What about the others?" Griffin wonders.
"If there are no fires or accidents or…they'll try too," Casey replies to Griffin who puts on a brave face. "I asked your mother's guard last time I was there and they said, under supervision that next time we visit she could watch the play not just see pictures."
"Really?"
"Really," Casey smiles as he hugs Griffin. "Okay…let's do this."
"ALRIGHT EVERYONE TIME TO GET READY!"
The play Director shoos Casey and Severide out of the dressing area, wanting to make sure all the participants were not distracted but were fully prepared to go out and help make the production a success. About half hour later, everyone was in place as directed, in costume, feeling nervous but more than ready to see fulfillment for all their hard work.
Casey and Severide had gotten there extra early to ensure they had front row seats, along with Christie, Violet and Christie's husband Jim. When the boys would come out they'd see their biggest supporters in attendance, cheering them on and wanting to make sure they knew they weren't alone – never alone.
But from both Ben and Griffin's vantage point they'd see more than just Casey and Severide supporting them. They'd see Dawson and Shay a few rows behind Casey and Severide; the rest of the Hermann clan a row behind them. To the side was Jason Cooper, Bruce McNeil, his daughter Laura and her family. And then in the back they'd see both truck and squad teams, in full gear, in between calls but showing their solidarity for not only a fallen friend but his family; their family. Always.
And while the Director's voice was calling out … lights, camera, action like they do in the real big productions. In the minds of anyone that mattered – the last word was family.
Family.
The most important word of the night. And no matter what any of them would face in the future – family would always be there.
Always.
A/N: Okay so I changed things a bit in here b/c I really wanted to get the moment with Casey and Griffin and his dad's badge moment but not the rest (Nathan's in my other story and who wants to see McLeod!). And of course a few more school growing pains to keep things somewhat realistic b/c hey all kids gotta be grounded at sometime right? But I also didn't want to drag things out so hope that's okay and it was a good balance. how'd you like the big moment for the boys? And Heather's released next chap…will she stay in Chicago? will she move away to escape her past and try to make a new start? And what happens to Hadley? Okay so you get another chap haha oops hope that's okay that I keep extending it but please do review (b/c this is what keeps us going) and thanks so much! You all rock!