Title: Growing Pains
Chapter 23 – Reshaping the Future

"Move in here?"

"Apparently he tried to tell you but you…"

"Kelly?"

"You…interrupted," Shay concludes dryly as she looks directly at Casey, his face flushing with embarrassing warmth as Benny and his son chuckle.

"He did?" Casey finally manages. "You did?" He turns and asks Severide directly.

"Yes. The other day remember? You were a bit preoccupied with Heather's release so I'll tell you now. I'm moving in," Severide grins as he slaps Casey on the back. "Thanks for not interrupting," he chuckles as Casey nods at the brunt of the joke.

After Casey had finally come to terms with the happy fact that Severide was indeed going to move in; Shay having found another suitable female roommate, his mind was more than delighted in the fact he wouldn't have to be coming home to an empty House every single night. They had established right from the start that neither would be the other's keeper but even still, knowing he wouldn't have to face every single night alone going forward was more than comforting – it was almost emotionally stabilizing after having a house full of company for almost two years. They would clean out the small bedroom downstairs first, then donate the two small beds and get a set of bunks for the downstairs room, Severide claiming the other large upstairs bedroom as his own.

"Hoarder," Shay comments as she looks into a box that Severide hands her, Casey arching his brows in wonder.

"Don't listen to her," he groans as she snickers and carries the box into his the House; Casey walking up to his friend with a wondering expression.

"What was in there?"

"Some…stuff."

"His dolls," Benny chuckles as he too walks past with an arm full, Casey's jaw slightly slackening as Severide narrows his eyes and shakes his head and then looks at Casey with an impish grin.

"Dolls?" Casey retorts.

"They aren't girly…dolls…" he starts in his defense. "They're….star wars figurines."

"Not peter pan?" Casey laughs as he grabs a box, Severide playfully narrowing his eyes as Casey walks past laughing. They had expected Heather and the boys to have a day to themselves after her release and as much as it would have been fun to have the boys there helping with the move and then having them stay for pizza, Casey knew that Heather needed this night to herself and the boys, after over a year and a half some private alone time with her boys was in order.

"Shay…" Casey takes her aside just before they were all to call it a night; a long day of moving furniture out and in having nearly concluded.

"It was his idea," Shay confesses with a small smile as Casey's brows slightly arch and she nods. "I think he liked all the male bonding…stuff."

"Just tell me it wasn't out of pity."

"He did feel a little sorry for you being here all alone after all that's gone on but he actually did want to move in here. Guess he likes it here. Something about nightly pillow fights?" Shay's turn to arch her brows. "Why do I always miss this stuff?" She playfully groans as Casey smiles. "We all care about you, this is his guy way of showing it."

Shay and Benny take their leave; Casey and Severide slumped down on the floor between a myriad of empty boxes finishing the last beers of the night and just reminiscing about the day.

"Heather texted earlier asking if we had discussed with the boys about getting a puppy."

"Out a day and already getting a dog?" Severide looks over as Casey nods and puts his phone away. "A chiwawa?" He chuckles as he finishes his beer.

"Remember Andy's first dog?"

"Remember? Who do you think had to bathe that damn thing when it got into that mud puddle?"

"Shaggy DA," Casey remembers his friend getting more water logged than the dog. "I remember you were picking out bits of dirt for hours."

"Andy just stood there and laughed his fool head off."

"Yeah and then he put his trunks on and jumped in the mud puddle and asked you to wash him also."

"That's when I stopped washing," Severide laughs.

"Come on Kelly use your hose," Casey mimics their fallen friend. "Yeah…those were good times."

"You know if you wanna go jump in a mud puddle," Severide wags his brows as Casey picks up a small piece of packing debris and hurls it toward his slouching friend; the piece hitting Severide on the head prompting him to make a mock hurt expression. The two of them reminisce a bit longer before it's time to get some real sleep; the two of them locking up and turning off the lights and then slowly trudging upstairs and into their respective rooms.

Casey offers Severide a goodnight before he closes his door and starts to change into something to sleep in. He hears Severide's shuffling down the hall but takes comfort in the fact that he's not having to face the night alone. He didn't want to admit it to Shay, not wanting to receive any more pity than he fears he's already garnered, but he was happy that Severide had wanted to move in, it was a plan to ask his friend and then look for a backup if he had said no. The night ahead for both of them was restful.

XXXXXXXX

The next few days that followed, Casey and Severide set up the rest of his house, moved out all unnecessary things or donated whatever household duplicates that Shay didn't want or added her things from her roommate moving in a few days later. It was pretty easy falling back into a work routine but it was comforting for both Casey and Severide to have someone to just talk to after a long tough shift, or someone to vent to or listen or just be there to have a beer with and then be given their space but knowing the house wasn't empty incase a listening ear was needed in the end.

"I'm going to drop by Heather's and see how she made out after the first week," Casey tells Severide as their set finally comes to a close.

"Okay I'll finish up here and see you later."

Neither really had to tell the other their plans or where they were going but they had gotten so used to just doing it that it was now almost habit; Shay always teasing them at the firehouse they were worse than an old married couple.

"Uncle Matt!" Griffin rushes into Casey's waiting arms as Casey slightly bends to his knees and gathers up the young boy in his grasp; Ben quickly surrounding him as Heather stands a few feet away with a smile.

"Where's Uncle Kelly?"

"He had to finish up a report but he'll be here," Casey replies to Ben as he looks up at Heather with a smile. "He's just running a bit late. So how was school this week?"

"Why don't you guys go set up your science project in the kitchen," Heather suggests. "And we'll be right there."

Casey watches both boys rush away and then turns to Heather; her face morphing into a small frown. "You survived the week."

"I forgot what hard work parenting is but it's hard work I like and really missed," she replies in truth as she leans against the wall. "I went to the school and volunteered as lunch attendant," she admits with a small smile. "It's not much but it helps break up the day."

"That's good," Casey agrees with a nod. "And I'm sure the boys like it."

"I worried they wouldn't want their mom there and it was tough at first being the new girl on the block…the few other moms…some I heard whispering and I just have to get used to it right?"

"Heather, I'm sorry."

"I am too but it happened and I can only accept it. A few of them talk to me now so that helps for sure. I wasn't sure it was too much, but I just need to keep busy and this seemed like a good way to get used to working also."

"Speaking of keeping busy. Did you actually get a dog?"

"Oh the dog…come with me," Heather gestures with her head as she turns and heads toward the kitchen, both entering and seeing the boys setting something up on the table. But as Casey looks past the melee of humans he notices a small fenced off area and a little sleeping puppy in the corner. Casey looks down at the little sleeping creature and can't help but smile broadly.

"Damn it's cute," he whispers just as Ben rushes over, poking the small animal in the belly. The warm brown eyes open and the little black lab puppy looks up with an adoring glance. "What's his name?"

"I am not responsible for that."

"It's Chase! Because he likes to Chase his tail," Ben grins as he picks up the yawning puppy and starts to squeeze the flailing animal as he hands him to Casey and then goes back to helping his brother set up – something.

"And the ball!" Griffin proudly announces.

"He also keeps me busy. But the boys also have a routine in the morning, each taking turns taking Chase out to do his business and then for a walk in the yard after school and when he's big enough we can all walk to the park."

"Andy would have liked him."

"I know he would have. Remember the shaggy monster?"

"Kelly and I were just talking about that," Casey replies with a friendly smile. "So…all set for tomorrow?" Casey asks, referring to the thank you barbeque Heather was having for the members of 51.

"I think so. Thank you for your help with this. To know they all even want to come is such a comfort."

"They're all looking forward to it."

"Anybody home?" Severide's voice calls out as he enters the front door; Ben instantly dropping his piece and rushing for his Uncle; Casey all too content to sit in place with the adorable little puppy on his lap. "Did I miss anything?"

"No," Casey replies with a grin as Severide looks at the moving object in his grasp. "Say hi to Chase."

"Who?"

"Our puppy!" Ben rolls his eyes as he snatches the puppy away from Casey and shoves it into Severide's grasp; Casey leaving his chair and going to help Griffin with the rest of the setup. It was a homemade volcano that ended up spewing more pink Pepto Bismal lava onto the floor than down the paper mache mountain. But it didn't matter. All that mattered was the fun times spent assembling it and the laughter and friendship that followed; bonds that would only be strengthened with time.

After supper they all head into the living room where both Casey and Severide are brought up to date on the boys school week and what plans they had for the next few months before schools end and then the summer. Finally it's time for the boys to say their goodnights and head up to bed, the next day would be filled with more fun and excitement as the gang from 51 would invade their home. After she's sure the boys are asleep, Heather tells both Casey and Severide that she's made contact with her father and said that if she had proof he was in a treatment program he could meet his grandsons. He had agreed and was already well into the 12-step program. She said a meeting with him and the boys was arranged.

"Any word from Kevin?" Severide asks, referring to Hadley.

"He emailed me to say he had an appointment with a counsellor. I know it's a small step but I took a few small steps and then the big ones so I'm hoping he can also. I was so against it at first, telling myself I knew what I did and that was it and I didn't need to talk to anyone because I was fine. But after one session I realized it wasn't it and so much from the past had to come out and when it did it helped so much."

"That's great."

"Yeah," Severide agrees with a warm smile.

"I just hope it works for him like it did me. I would like for the boys to know their Uncle."

"I'm sure they'd like that," Casey mentions next.

"Hadley would probably also," Severide adds in agreement as they talk about Hadley a bit more. The talk finally dies down and then it's time to say goodnight; the promise to return early tomorrow to help with the fun festivities.

XXXXXXXX

"You seem nervous," Casey mentions to Heather the following night before the team's from Firehouse 51 start to arrive for the big thank you barbeque.

"Tried to psyche myself up all week for this but suddenly I'm wondering what they'll say about me…think…judge if at all."

"No one's judging Heather. You've done your time and it's over now. It's time to move on."

"We're behind you and they will be too," Severide pipes up as he comes in from the backyard, the two boys playing with Chase and getting ready for the big event. "It's going to be a great night."

Casey heads outside to play with the boys and the new puppy, Severide lingering inside to talk to Heather about how she was coping and find out a bit more about Hadley and what if at all his plans were for when he was out. Heather, in all honesty, didn't know at the moment. She had admitted that they had talked and that was encouraging but as for his solid plans when he was out that she didn't know – she wasn't even sure he knew. That was concerning.

"Anyone home?" Hermann calls out as he opens the door and a stampede of footsteps is heard as the kids race past the adults and hurry toward the back door and outside to play with Griffin and Ben and the new puppy; Cindy and the new baby staying inside with Heather as Hermann heads onto the back deck to talk with Casey and Severide. Over the next half hour, Benny, Christie and her family and all the members of Firehouse 51 arrive; giving Heather friendly hugs and warm words of encouragement, forcing her confidence in hosting the thank you party to grow and her anxiety level to drop.

"Just before we eat I wanted to extend my heartfelt thanks for all your amazing support for Griffin and Ben over the last year and a half," Heather starts in a somewhat shaky tone, her hand holding Cindy Hermann's for a bit of added support; the other arm wrapped around Griffin's shoulders. "I know Matt and Kelly did the bulk of the work but they told me that you all helped them so much and it meant so much to the boys and me and this night is…is for you. Andy would have been proud," she pauses with a small sniffle; offering all of them a tender smile. "I learned so much but I most importantly I learned what real family is. Thank you all. So um…please enjoy tonight."

And with those appreciative words, the charge for the food is made and the evening continues in an enjoyable way. The kids take their plates and hang outside with Chase; some of the adults play with the kids, some of them linger on the deck and some remain inside; Casey and Severide helping out the hostess by making sure there was enough food, drinks and of course not too much junk food for the puppy.

"I would say tonight is a success," Casey mentions to Severide as they head into the garage to get some more ice. "But you've been a bit quiet. What's going on?"

"Andy should be here," Severide replies as he opens the freezer door and then looks at Casey with a small frown. "That's it," he concludes with a small shrug. "Think Heather's having fun?"

Casey looks out the small window at Heather laughing with Shay and Dawson and Mills and smiles as he looks back at Severide and nods. "I think she's going to be okay. I'm just glad she didn't move."

"Yeah…me too."

"Kelly…."

"I guess tonight brought up some tough memories for all of us. I'll be okay."

The two of them exit the garage with two large bags of ice, filling up the outside beer bucket and sharing the silent understanding that their missing friend was gone…but never forgotten. The evening starts to wind to a close, a bit later than expected, the boys half asleep on the couch with Chase between them. Finally everyone takes their leave; Casey and Severide the last to leave, cleaning up and making sure the House was as tidy at the end as at the start of the party; the House empty but the fridge well stocked with very tasty leftovers.

"Are you tired of hearing me say thank you yet?" Heather asks Casey as she pulls back from a friendly hug. "Matt, you've just been such an amazing friend."

"That's what friends are for," he reminds her with a warm smile.

"Okay so the back is all cleaned and locked up, lights off and Chase is in his pen," Severide tells them as he enters the quiet living room. "Time for us kids to get some sleep also," he lightly snickers as Heather gives him a hug also and thanks him just as heartfeltly as she did Casey.

"And we're still on for the doggie date in a few days right?" Casey mentions as Severide nods in agreement.

"The boys are so excited they even bought Chase a special leash," Heather tells them as they all slowly walk toward the front door; Casey and Severide having told the boys they would bring Pouch over to play with Chase and then take both dogs for a small walk and then have a fun dinner. Another outing would see the boys staying over with Casey and Severide the next free weekend Casey and Severide had off at the same time; the two little boys trying out the new bunk bed arrangement. Everything of course the boys were looking forward to with enthusiasm and excitement.

They say their goodnights, the boys already upstairs passed out and happily in the realm of sleep. Heather locks the doors as Severide's car pulls away; the two adult males heading for home.

"She said she got another email from Hadley," Severide informs Casey as they near Casey's home – the home they now shared together.

"And?"

"And apparently he's taking a few more counselling sessions. But no word on what his plans are for when he is out."

"I just hope he's able to let go of all that internal anger," Casey mentions with a small yawn as they enter the quiet home and lock the door. "Keeping it all inside only hurts him," Casey's voice dies out into a soft whisper as the two of them linger in the hallway a few moments. "Tonight was fun."

Severide looks at Casey with a frown and knows there are times when he should press for more details, like when Casey makes a statement that refers to his own family's dark past and he's actually silently begging for that push; but tonight wasn't that time. Casey had said his piece and that was it. Christie and her family were there tonight, blending with everyone and as always showing her support for her brother during his tough time. Now it was time to end the night on a positive note.

"It was fun. Goodnight."

"Goodnight."

The two of them part ways, enter their separate bedrooms; the lights turning off and the House going silent in seconds.

XXXXXXXX

"Pouch no!" Severide lightly scolds the Firehouse 51 resident canine; both boys chuckling as Casey rushes in to help untangle the mild mannered pooch from his current predicament. It was a few weeks after the big thank you barbeque, it was a day off for the boys and a mid-week day off for both Casey and Severide. Time to make good on another promise they had made – a doggie outing.

"Chase is such a good boy," Griffin praises as Severide playfully scowls and both boys laugh once more. They near the part of the park with some picnic tables and stop; Casey leaving Severide to watch the boys and the dogs as he retrieves the picnic basket lunch that Heather had made for them. But just before they can break into their lunch a horn honk is heard and all four heads look up in wonder.

"I heard this is where the party is!" Hermann calls out as he heads toward them with a few of his own brood in tow; one of them trying to wrangle their dog toward the other two were playing. He sends his boys on a head and then slides down onto the bench beside Casey.

"Any beer in there?" Severide snickers as he helps Hermann unpack the well-stocked picnic basket that Cindy had sent along for them all.

"Doctor Pepper," Hermann retorts with a smirk. "What do you have?"

"Water," Casey looks at Severide with a small scowl as Severide shrugs and Hermann laughs.

"What? I thought you packed them."

"Hermann to the rescue," Casey states as he unpacks a few more things. "At least the rest looks good."

They call the boys to the table; a few minutes later all of them are seated on the wooden benches enjoying the food that was packed while the three dogs enjoy a few treats of their own while secured to the picnic table legs. After the food was consumed all of them head back to the patch of grass to play catch with a football; the younger boys tiring about half hour later, all too happy to play with the dogs while the three grown men enjoyed the last of the game of catch. Two hours after that it was time for them all to go their separate ways; Hermann telling Casey and Severide he'd see them at work in a few day's time.

"Wow you got bunk beds in here?" Ben states with a happy shout as he races for the ladder to go up, Griffin not minding in the least to take the bottom bunk.

"Yup just for you two," Severide replies with a happy smile of his own as he tosses a pillow at Ben and laughs. Ben picks up his pillow and tosses it back as Griffin grabs his pillow and strikes Casey in the stomach.

"PILLOW FIGHT!" Ben shouts as Casey and Severide look at each other, realizing that they don't have any pillow to defend themselves with. Casey quickly remedies that by grabbing a few from the living room and then returning to help Severide defend himself. All of them take turns hitting the other, laughing, and of course trying to see if they could gang up on one specifically.

"Okay…I give…I give…" Casey calls out with a weak laugh from his fallen vantage point on the floor.

"Yeah poor Uncle Casey," Severide snickers as he grabs Casey by the forearm and helps him stand up and then rest against the wall with a flushed face and slightly heaving chest.

"Yeah poor Uncle Casey," Casey mimics as Severide hits him in the side of the head with a pillow. Casey responds by hitting Severide with a pillow and the playful fight continues a bit longer; both younger boys of course naturally delighted. About twenty minutes later all four of them were sprawled out on the floor, breathing hard but with expressions of happy content.

"Now…it's time for…bed," Severide states as Casey looks over and nods in agreement.

"Can we have hot dogs for supper tomorrow?"

"Yeah mom only cooks healthy stuff all the time," Griffin groans as Casey smiles but helps him into his bunk bed, Severide scooping Ben up into his arms and putting Ben into the top bunk.

"Your mom wants you to grow up to be healthy and strong but she already said we could have a few less than nutritional things and she'd be okay with it."

"That's awesome," Griffin replies with sleepy smile as he gives Casey a hug. Casey kisses the top of his head and then pulls the blanket up to his shoulders and turns off the small light beside his bed; Severide doing the same with Ben and then leaving the boys to try out their new bunks – which they do by falling asleep within minutes.

"I think we'll all sleep well tonight," Casey admits with a very visible yawn as they head up the stairs, Severide giving him a friendly pat on the back as they reach the top of the stairs. And Casey's words would be proved very true as they both collapse into their beds and fall asleep within minutes.

The next morning the four of them all meet up in the kitchen to have a hearty breakfast consisting of pancakes, bacon, fruit and lots of maple syrup. Heather dropped Chase off for the afternoon and the four of them played with the puppy all afternoon in the back yard after enjoying a very nutritional hot dog lunch. Dinner was a bit more sensible as it was voted for Casey to make his pot roast – the boys favorite from when they were staying there. After homemade ice cream sundaes for dessert, it was time for a game of Risk and one more pillow fight to bring the eventful weekend to a close.

"Best weekend ever!" Ben declares until Severide a few seconds later mentions a camping trip over the summer holidays and soon he's singing a different tune. "Camping will be the best ever!" He shouts with glee as the other three just laugh in unison. Soon the boys and the puppy are packed into the car and all heading to Heather's; school the next day. Heather invites Casey and Severide to stay for dinner, an invitation they readily accept and the three adult friends end the evening with some friendly banter and good memories; talking about plans that they would be making with the boys in the coming months, especially during summer holidays.

XXXXXXXX

"You got the text?" Casey asks Severide about a month later; the boys just about to end the school year and the past few weeks having been fun but filled with their regular routine.

"Yeah. What do you think is up?"

"I hope it's not news she's telling us she's moving after all," Casey replies with a small swallow as Severide's expression turns a bit glum.

"Thought things were going well at the school? Maybe for the summer?"

"Let's just go."

The two of them finish up their small project in the back yard and get ready to head to Heather's; both minds racing as to what the news could be and if it was bad enough for them to be panicking prematurely. The talk is kept to a minimum, mostly talk about the guys at work and what antics Otis and Cruz were going to get up to now that they decided they want to be roomies.

"Everything looks okay," Casey mentions under his breath as they head up the sidewalk; his hand knocking on the front door a few seconds later.

"Hope my message wasn't too cryptic," Heather comments as she greets them with a friendly smile; both Casey and Severide stepping into the front entranceway and looking at her in wonder.

"Are you moving?" Severide asks in haste.

"No," Heather assures them straight away. "But a few things are going to change around here and I just wanted you two to be the first to know and…and I wanted you to hear it from me…from someone."

"Wha…" is all Casey mentions before his speech instantly halts and both he and Severide turn and stare in surprise as a male figure enters the area.

"Uh…surprise," Hadley states quietly as both Casey and Severide look at him in shock.

"Hey," Severide offers first, Casey adding a just as surprised "hi," a few seconds later; both of them standing fixed in place in the entranceway to Heather's home. Hadley's face still had the scar on its right side, a very visible reminder to them all of the mistakes he made and his penance as a reward. He was the one responsible for driving them apart but now was given the chance to try to mend a few fences. It would be slow but in the long run it would mean peace of mind and restored friendships and that was worth the few growing pains through the current tension and angst.

"I actually told Heather to arrange this. Wasn't sure how you'd feel about a meeting if it was just me asking."

"Actually we probably would have shown up to hear what you have to say," Casey admits in a soft tone, Severide's eyes still fixed firmly on his former squad member.

"I will say I'm sorry for everything I've done but I'm not sure that will even matter anymore."

"Matters to us," Severide replies with a small nod as Hadley nods in return. "When did you get out?"

"A few days ago. Heather's been letting me stay here."

"So the boys know?" Casey inquires.

"They know their Uncle was away and injured and has made a few mistakes but is back and trying to make a new start with us…as a family," Heather interjects. "They don't need to know the other details right now. They wouldn't understand all the hatred that went along with it."

"I don't want them to know. I got some help in the joint and now…now I just gotta try to rebuild some kind of life and get to know those that matter," Hadley admits with a heavy sigh. "I blamed you for all the wrong reasons. Still can't quite bring myself to stay anything to my father yet without wanting to drop him on his ass but I'm working on it."

"I'm glad you got some help," Casey states as he steps up and offers his hand. "You have a great family, would be a shame to throw it all away."

"I agree," Hadley replies as he grasps Casey's hand and gives it a firm shake. He looks at Severide next who pauses before he extends his hand. But much to Hadley's surprise, Severide's free hand also grips his forearm and squeezes. It wasn't quite a full on hug but it was more than the former 51 Squad member expected. "I will also go to 51 and apologize. Just working up the nerve to do it."

"If you need some backup, we'll be there," Casey volunteers in haste as Severide looks sideways in haste.

"We'll be there," Severide adds in agreement as Hadley looks at them in surprise.

"Really?"

"Better late than never."

"I wanted to move…it was Heather who talked me into staying here with her and the boys, rebuilding. Having a real family for the first time in my life and I uh…I want that."

"Running's not the answer," she admits with a tender smile as she pats her half-brother on the shoulder. "We're done running. We will face our father together and then…maybe the boys will get to know their only surviving grandparent yet."

"I'm sure they'd like that," Casey offers with a friendly smile.

"So…you guys rushing away or…do you wanna stay for a beer or something?" Hadley offers with a strained tone.

Casey and Severide look at each other and offer the other a small shrug. In reality there really wasn't a good excuse they could offer to take their leave after the heartfelt apology and small attempt at restoring something they once had that was worth fighting for – friendship. Much like Heather, Kevin Hadley had paid the emotional and mental price by learning of the betrayal from his father but allowing it to fester until he now had to bear the physical scars for a mistake that could have been averted. But now wasn't the time to dwell on the past – it was time to move forward, to restart the future and try to get back a little of what was lost before things literally went to hell in a hand basket – peace of mind and self-respect. Neither Casey nor Severide had any easy answers for Hadley in his attempt to reenter the workforce or reestablish his life; that would come from professional counsellors. And in reality, Hadley wasn't asking them for that. He needed their forgiveness and wanted their friendship – the former already given and the latter now being developed. A slow start but it was a start. And that's all any of them could have hoped for.

XXXXXXXX

~1 week later~

"Ready?" Severide asks Hadley as they prepare to go into Firehouse 51 at the start of their next set of shifts. The three of them stand outside the back door to Firehouse 51; Hadley having met them early that morning. They knew most of the guys would be just arriving for shift and it wasn't that they wanted to start anyone's day off on a tense note but they figured it was best to get it over with early and then allow the healing process to fully start.

Casey goes in first, calling the teams together at the entranceway; Boden nearing him with an expression of wonder. "Chief there's someone here with us this morning that would like to say something to you all. And this was his doing, not ours. But we do back him."

"What's this about Casey?" Boden asks in wonder as the others move in closer behind Boden.

"It's about asking forgiveness," Hadley's voice is heard, prompting all to turn and look at him and Severide in shock. At first nobody moves…breathes or even blinks; time holding them all captive in place a few moments longer. Asking forgiveness isn't easy, especially when you purposely harmed those standing before you for a reason that wasn't worthy of being written on a piece of paper much less in stone. But it was necessary. It was necessary for his very existence.

"I know I wronged you all and um…I wanted to say I'm sorry. I don't expect open arms and uh…I know I don't deserve it but I wanted to say I got help for a few things and realized what I did was wrong. Sorry."

For another few moments no one dares to speak, their eyes looking to the man in charge…the one who was the principal caretaker of Firehouse 51; the man who's lead they'd follow. Finally…Boden breaks the silence.

"Apology accepted," Boden replies in a firm but kind tone as he steps up and extends his hand. Hadley looks at Boden's expression, a bit unsure at first…maybe feeling unworthy at being forgiven so easily but it was only seconds before he steps forward and clasps Boden's hand and grasps it firmly; a small lump of emotion welling in his throat.

"Thank you," Hadley mentions quietly as the rest of the teams step up to welcome back their former Squad member. Hadley makes a special point of apologizing to Mills, telling him he would readily help his mother rebuild her diner if and when she was ready and wanted to rebuild. The tension was still high and none of them had expected it to be happy smiles and old times that easily – with forgiveness comes the outward demonstration of that repentance and that was now what Hadley had to offer them – he was changed and was going to prove it to him. Inner resentment would still take time to dissipate completely.

Casey steps back to observe, looking at the scar on Hadley's face and how it seemed to have aged him – the whole experience having added a few extra years of worry and self-guilt to the one so carefree and jovial redhead. They had all learned so much over the past almost two years; from the day that Heather had taken that fateful drink to this very moment. Something inside tells him that that night she wanted to remember more than just her husband's death, she also wanted to forget all the inner pain that went along with it; her life having been ruined from an early age by a poor excuse for a father. That same man managed to ruin both his children's lives but in their darkest hour they managed to come together, forge a new blood alliance and fight back – determined to win back their family rights and start something new – together.

Having the boys suddenly thrust into his life and having been forced to be a parent without any warning had thrown him for more than an emotional loop; it had forced him to reevaluate what was important and what life priorities now came first – friends and family before career any day. He had already thanked Boden and the rest of Firehouse 51 for being there for him during the nearly two years he was entrusted with the care of two young and very precious lives; they helped keep him steady and had his back every step of the way.

His sister had also come to his aide, offering her time, parenting experience, resources and of course loving support to him and the boys and all those involved in the care of Griffin and Ben Darden. It was a big sacrifice for her at times but she never complained; merely told him that she was there and sometimes even took over when he was at a loss as what to do or how to make a tough parenting situation work. Hermann also was invaluable in helping in the parenting department; relying on solid families made sense and helped him foster his desire for his own family but also showed that it was more hard work than expected and to wait on the right time. That time wasn't now.

But the biggest thanks would be to his best friend Kelly Severide; who had surprised him in more ways than one. He had known about the tension between him and Heather but when it came to watching the boys and needing his support, Severide never balked at it, in fact he stepped up to the plate with a show of force that made everyone, especially his own father take notice and smile with pride and even reevaluate their life situation.

There were numerous ups and downs, good times and tough moments, surprises, disappointments, heartaches, growing pains, laughter, sorrow, anger, happiness and a few near misses. But through it all they weathered the growing pains with a show of brotherly loyalty and deep inner concern for each other and those in their care. He had…they both…had learned a lot about themselves and others and who they could rely on when the going got rough and who would be there no matter what.

Family wasn't forged by blood it was bonded by loyalty and those bonds now would never be broken, they would only strengthen as time would pass. And there was lots a head for them and in Casey's mind he was excited to embrace everything.

"Hey…" Severide's voice breaks into his thoughts and pulls his contented gaze toward his friend. "Everything okay?"

Casey looks over at Hadley talking with the teams, his mind picturing Heather and her boys with proud smiling faces and then nods and offers a small contented smile of his own.

"It's going to be."

THE END!

A/N: Ah the ending *Sigh* Endings are always so bittersweet to me but I hope you liked all that was put into this chapter. I am always wondering if I included just the right amount...not enough...something more I could have added or to leave it there. So I hope you all liked this conclusion. But I did leave it a bit open ended b/c I might come back to this storyline with our boys and the Darden boys and of course some more danger and adventure and lots of sevasey broments! Hope you liked the boys weekend with them. And yes for those that knew I was going to get a puppy sorry it took so long to arrive in the story! (runs and hides). And I wanted a bit of resolution with Hadley but also left it a bit open and hope you liked that also. So would love your thoughts on this final chapter and if you'd be excited for a sequel in the future please also let me know in your review. Thank you so much and #TEAMSEVASEY FOREVER!

PS: Hope you are all caught up with Never Give Up. What did Casey's physical altercation produce? And can he hide it from Severide?