Disclaimer: NBC owns Chicago fire. I'm just playing with the characters
A/N- My mom is in the Hospital with two broken legs. My writing drive is next to dead from the stress of it. I'm trying, but right now it's hard.
It was another night to cut loose. Ali kept the drinks coming, and conversations were had.
Somehow, relationships gone wrong became the topic. Leslie spoke of Clarice, Kelly of his ex-fiancé Renee.
It turned to Aidan. She swallowed hard.
"Ok. You want me to talk about Robbie?"
As was her habit, she was drinking non-alcoholic things.
"Ali? I need booze."
"First off, sad as it is. I didn't get to anything close to a serious relationship until I was in my early twenties. He was charming, kind. He said he was willing to wait for me, and he did.
"When he… got what he wanted. Soon after that, he decided that I needed to change to fit his view of a perfect woman. The new clothes, the appointment with a beautician, it was nice, to be looked after. He loved me, was just looking after me."
"Then the diet. I thought he was right about that too. I didn't need that job, he earned enough. It was slow and steady, two years of molding, to make what he wanted. He Justified it all. "
Then I looked, really looked. It wasn't my life I was living."
"Your alcohol thing- is that because of him? Shay asked haltingly, not wanting it to be true.
"Yeah. It was one of his tricks. I'd say I didn't want sex enough, he'd get me drunk. I could always feel it when it happened, even if I could not remember the act its self. "
"He liked loosening me up."
Kelly's face while hearing this had slowly turned dark with rage. Leslie was one of those people who teared up when angry, and it showed.
Alison interjected then:
"The fucking bastard tried to separate us. I was taking art courses then and wasn't as close. But anyone else was anyone else, and he wanted rid of me.
"That was too far. For me, though he crossed too far way back.
She did not talk about it until it was over- or else I would acted sooner- I did not know how far he went until it was over.
I got Sarai and Sean involved."
"That last day. He got sick of waiting for me to cut Ali off."
"We were in the upstairs hallway, he reached for me- it was another one of his tricks, pull me close, all whispery and vicious, it worked on me.
I knew this and pulled away. I remember three things. The pain of him backhanding me- the first and only time he hit me.
Stepping back, and falling backward down the stairs.
Then the sound of the door being broken open by our station Chief, Michael Bray. Then nothing until I woke up in the hospital.
Alison spoke up again.
"They made me stay in the car- Sean saw her fall through the glass panels in the door. He made Sarai call 911.
Aidan smacked her head hard enough to concuss her and broke her wrist badly enough to need pins placed. "
Aidan concluded:
"Mark, Sean, Sarai and Chief Bray got my things- I moved in with Alison. Then I started healing.
I was diagnosed with anxiety and depression, both of which I take medication for.
I've rebuilt the best I can, took a job at Lightningstrike Publications with Alison. I've moved on.
That's the end of it.
….Boy, I just ruined everyone's night, didn't I." Aidan spoke to the silence that followed.
"No. No, We all needed to vent, and we asked. I'm glad you felt safe enough to tell us, Aiden. You matter to us, you know?" Shay said.
"I know." Aidan sighed.
"This is crazy, but I'm so glad I locked myself out that night. I got two of the best friends I've ever had. Besides you, Ali."
Aidan made them all do the hangover checklist she had, they all gladly complied, the last time she had done so had worked.
Kelly and Leslie slipped back into their apartment at 1:00 in the morning.
The next morning, the two of them woke to a delicious smelling apartment.
Grinning at them, Aidan pointed to the barstools at the island
"Sit. I'm almost done with brunch."
Alison hummed as she stirred together a pitcher of mocktails, a skill she'd perfected for Aidan.
She plucked another pitcher from the counter and headed for the island.
"Peach fizz and cherry limeade. Ai's just finishing the omelets."
Aidan pulled a few things out of the oven. A moment later, a plate was slid in from of the two of them.
"Southwest omelet, Loaded potatoes, annd- Strawberry Cheesecake French Toast."
"You know, just one of Ai's spur of the moment culinary miracles." Alison quipped, spearing a potato cube and popping it into her mouth.
Kelly sliced a bit off the omelet. It was good. Spinach, tomato, onion, ham and monetary jack cheese. Avocado on top. The mix of flavors was nice.
Shay took a bite of French toast. She groaned in delight, then said:
"Y'know, Dawson is the only one I know who matches you in cooking. This time I think she might be jealous."
Kelly spoke up.
"Andy's been asking me to ask you to bring in more food. He went crazy for that pineapple cake. Everyone had to fight him for the leftovers."
"If you clear it with your Chief, I can cook for you guys anytime. If Dawson wants my secrets, she's welcome to cook with me. I don't mind sharing." Aiden said cheerfully
It's how it was at 26. We shared the kitchen. Some better than others- Sean sucked at it. Thank god Sarai kept me fed until I learned how to cook well from her, Chief, and Mark."
They talked and ate but kept it lighthearted. Just friends sharing a meal.
A/N- In the up coming chapters: The anniversary of Zack's death. Andy Darden's birthday party. And we move into season one of the show.