Title: One Month - Chapter Six
Summary: The days following Andy Darden's death and how it was handled. Mostly Kelly Severide, Matthew Casey, but have all.
Disclaimers: The show is property of Dick Wolfe, and NBC. I don't own anything. Just borrowing the characters to practice my writing. Only thing I own is Season 1 DVDs and they are getting well worn. LOL Also don't own any poems in here either.
A/N: Thank you for reading this and liking it. I do hope you like this part. Just please do review. Let me know how I'm doing. Thank you. Let me know what you think. (I'm peeking over the couch just in case.) LOL. Just don't hurt me to bad.
Scenes in bold and Italic are from the show.
Matt opens his eyes and sees three anxious faces staring down at him. His blue eyes are blinking open as he tries to remember what happened. He feels someone slapping him on his cheek and it stings. "Hey, knock it off." Matt says, trying to move the hand from his face. "Matt, you just passed out and we've been trying to wake you for the last several minutes." Kelly says, seeing Matt focus on his face.
"Are you good? Don't tell me you're fine. Obviously you're not." Kelly answers looking at Matt. Matt tries to sit up. Hallie and Leslie help him sit up. "I just need to eat something. I haven't been feeling well today." Matt says, as he attempts to stand up. Kelly keeps his hold on one Matt Casey as they all head back to the firehouse.
The four head into the common room away from the crowd that is sitting at tables in the hanger for the bereavement meal. Kelly makes sure Matt is sitting on the sofa as he hears a meow of Soot. Hallie goes to the table where all the food is and gets Matt a plate of food to eat. Leslie heads out to sit beside Gabby since her seat was saved.
Hallie hands the plate to Matt. Matt takes it. He begins to eat slowly. Kelly heads out to the hanger and gets some food and goes back to the common room to sit at the long table in there. Hallie sits beside Matt holding her own plate. "Matt we need to talk." Hallie says, looking at Matt. "Okay. Go ahead." Matt says, taking a bite of his sandwich. "I won't be in town for awhile. I'll be back in about three weeks. If you need anything just give a call. I need to soon head home to pack." Hallie says, looking at Matt.
"I want to thank you for everything you did for me. I know we aren't together right now. Just be safe. Call me if you need anything." Matt says looking at Hallie. "You're welcome Matt. I still care for you as a friend since we're taking a break." Hallie says. Matt nods his head. Hallie stands up to throw her plate away and to head out. Matt stands up to give her a hug good-bye. "Be safe." Matt says watching Hallie go.
Hallie goes out through the hanger and spots Chief Boden. "Keep and eye on Matt." Hallie whispers in his ear. "I will." Chief Boden says watching Hallie leave and go to her car. Chief Boden goes back his meal.
Kelly watches Matt put his unfinished plate down with his half eaten food on it. He heads over to sit beside Matt. Matt looks over at him and takes a deep breath. Soot jumps up onto the back of the couch and jumps down between the two lieutenants and settles down in the middle purring.
The two men glance at one another as the Darden boys come running into the common room when they saw their Uncles head in that direction. "Hey boys." Matt Casey says, standing up. The boys hugged him and then they hugged Kelly who also stood up. "Can we play some ball?" Griffen asked, looking at Matt and Kelly. "What does your mom say?" Matt asks. "She is to busy doing other stuff. Just to throw a baseball back and fourth. We promise not to get dirty." Griffen says. Yeah we promise." Ben chimes in also.
The four of them head outside and they throw a baseball back and fourth. One Griffen had in the jeep. This goes on for a good long while as people start to leave and head home after the long sad day. The four are having a good time just throwing a baseball back and fourth. The children's laughter sounding good after such a grief filled day.
Heather sees what is going on and comes over. "Boys it's soon time to leave." Heather says, not wanting her boys around Kelly. "But mom we're having fun." Griffen says. "We need to get home. Come with me now." Heather says, as the boys head toward her. Heather goes over to Kelly.
Kelly looks at Heather. "I don't want you around my boys. I blame you for Andy's death. It's your fault." Heather says in a harsh whisper. Matt is looking over at them and can tell what Heather is saying isn't good because Kelly gets a dark look on his face. Matt goes over and steps between the two. "Knock it off Heather. Today is not the day to be doing this. You shouldn't be doing it at all. Leave and go home." Matt says, glaring at Heather.
Heather looks at them both then turns to leave and heads to her jeep as the boys follow her. They all get into the jeep and Heather drives off. "Kelly don't listen to her. She is going through her own thing." Matt says, seeing Kelly rub his shoulder. Kelly looks at Matt shaking his head and walks away.
"Kelly don't listen to her." Matt says, following Kelly. Kelly turns back around and looks at Matt. He stops short so he doesn't run into Kelly. "You know what? How does she get off blaming me when it was your fault for sending him through that window." Kelly says, feeling guilty at Matt's wounded look that is directed his way.
Matt stops, feeling like Kelly just punched him in the stomach. I thought we got passed this? Each time Heather blames him he in turn blames me. Fine whatever. I'm walking away. Matt thought in emotional turmoil. He gives Kelly a look and throws up his hands and turns to walk away from him and heads back to the firehouse to help with the clean up because shift would start tomorrow. Kelly stands in the spot Matt left him in staring after him. I can't deal with this anymore I'm leaving before anyone else walks away from me. Kelly thought heading for his car forgetting to wait for Leslie Shay whom he brought with him this morning.
After everything is cleaned up the Firehouse fifty-one crew start to leave to go home. Leslie wonders where Kelly is. She can't find him anywhere. She sees Matt and goes over to him. She notices his look of despair on his face. "Hey Matt where is Kelly?" Leslie asks. "I don't know. If you need a ride home I'll take you." Matt says. "Yeah I do. You okay?" Leslie asks. "Kelly and I were throwing a baseball with the boys and Heather comes out to get the boys. She said something to Kelly and he was upset. Now he is back to blaming me for Andy's death." Matt says, looking at Leslie.
"I better get home to see if he is okay." Leslie says. Matt and Leslie head for his truck and get in. Matt starts the truck after they're both buckled in and pulls out into traffic after making sure it is all clear to go.
"Thanks Matt." Leslie says getting out of the truck and heading for the apartment. "Sure thing. See you tomorrow." Matt says pulling away and heading home to and empty house. He is now truly alone. Hallie left after helping him through one of the worst times of his life of losing Andy. He was thankful for that but now he must learn to go forward in life and get use to the new normal of his life. Just like he did when his father was killed by his mother.
CF~~~~~~~~~~CF
The next morning Kelly Severide parks his car along the curb near the firehouse since the shift is starting. He and Leslie get out. They both head toward the firehouse and they see Matt park his truck and get out. They all meet in the hanger. "Hey Leslie. Good morning." Matt says smiling. "Good morning Matt." Leslie says smiling back at the lieutenant. Kelly barely looks at Matt. "Severide." Matt says, heading toward the locker room where Kelly and Leslie are going. "What Casey?" Kelly says, looking at Matt.
Matt just shakes his head and opens his locker after unlocking the lock to put his things in. "Kelly quit acting like such a adolescent boy." Leslie says going to her locker. "Quit acting like my mother." Kelly says glaring at Shay. Leslie glares right back. "Fine. Keep acting like and ass. See if I care. I'm going to hang out with some people who know how to act like adults most of the time. Unlike you who never grew up." Leslie says placing her things in her locker and slamming it shut and leaving Kelly behind who guessed that Shay is pissed off with him yet again. Not the first time and it wouldn't be the last time. "Growing up is over rated!." Kelly yells after Shay. "You gotta grow up sometime! I don't want to baby-sit you for the rest of my life!" Leslie yells back.
Kelly turns to look at Matt who was staring at him. "What do you want Casey?" Kelly asks looking at his fellow lieutenant. "The men need some practice with some drills. You better do the same with your crew." Matt says. "First I know what I'm doing and second I didn't kill anyone by sending them through any windows. Don't tell me how to do my job." Kelly huffs out at Matt. "I'm just reminding you. I'm just doing my job making sure the needed things that need done get done. Talk to you later Severide." Matt turns to leave and heads for the common room.
"Okay men get ready we are doing some drills today. We need to be ready and in shape and in practice when calls come in." Matt says. Herrmann looks at Mouch from the corner of his eye. The whole group heads outside. For the next three hours everyone is doing drills and working up a sweat. Kelly is giving his men a work out as well. "What is bugging him?" Mouch asks looking at Herrmann. "Did you notice that our lieutenants are calling each other by their last names? It's one of those shifts. Not good." Herrmann says. Mouch nods his head in understanding.
Gabriela Dawson and Leslie Shay are cleaning out the ambulance and putting it in order and stocking up the supplies that were close to running out. Leslie just shakes her head at the men doing drills. "Hey Shay what is going on?" Dawson asks her friend. "Yesterday after the funeral Heather told Kelly she doesn't want him around her children. She blames him for Andy's death. Now he is back to blaming Matt." Leslie says, glancing at Gabby. "I hope things get better." Gabby says. Finally it seems the drills are over for now as the men head back inside to get cleaned up and to prepare a meal.
The overhead paging system sounds overhead and everyone stops to listen for the action needed. Truck eighty-one, Ambulance sixty-one, Squad three, a multi-car pile up at…Everyone rushes into action and sirens are heard moments later rushing to the scene.
Everybody gets to work doing their thing. Chief Boden giving orders when need be, and the two lieutenants directing the course of action needed. There are five cars involved on the highway. There are two DOA and the rest are send to area hospitals. After the saving and clean up the firefighters head back to the fire station to get something to eat.
Later Mouch is finished eating and sitting in his favorite spot. Soot jumps up onto his lap and meows. Everyone is relaxing after the clean up of the dishes. Then they hear yelling which is not good.
Everybody runs to the hanger and sees Kelly and Matt glaring at one another. "If you need a punching bag use that over there not me. I've had it with your insults of telling me I put Andy through that window. I thought we were good but I guess you have to place blame somewhere. You don't have to keep telling me something I already know. I SAW HIM BURN! I WISH IT WERE ME THAT WENT IN INSTEAD! IT IS MY FAULT THAT HE WENT IN! I COULD HAVE STOPPED HIM IF I TRIED HARDER!" Matt yells turning away from Kelly and pushing past everyone that came out.
Kelly stares after Matt as he leaves and looks around at everyone else. He turns to leave the hanger and goes outside and leans against the squad truck to just have some peace and quiet. He replays Matt's words inside his head. "I saw him burn! I wish it were me that went in instead! It is my fault that he went in! I could have stopped him if I tried harder!" Kelly has a discontented look on his face. I don't wish that it was him that went in instead. He is also my brother. I blame myself and I can't face it. I'm a coward so I blame him. Kelly thought looking out into the distance of the city. Lost in his thoughts.
Leslie Shay goes up to Kelly and stands beside her friend. "I wish Andy were still here but I never wished that it was Matt instead either. Both of them are my brothers. It would kill me to lose Matt. I wouldn't be able to handle it." Kelly says not looking at Shay. "Go tell him that. Don't let Heather win. She doesn't know what she is talking about." Leslie says, looking at Kelly.
Kelly stands fully and goes into the firehouse and goes to look for Matt. He finds Matt sitting on the floor in his office. His legs bent so his wrists rest on his knees. Soot is batting at some string Matt has tangling from his one hand.
Kelly sits down beside Matt. He just watches his friend and the kitten just play. Soot stops playing and goes over to Kelly and sniffs him and meows. Matt shakes the string and Soot pounces on it. Matt turns his head to look at Kelly not saying anything. Kelly looks over at him and notices Matt's red eyes.
"Look I'm sorry. It's nobody's fault. We both know that Andy would have went in anyway. I wish he were still here but it was his time. I just lost a brother. I don't ever wish to lose another brother. I don't wish now or ever that it was you that went in instead of Andy. I don't think I could handle it if I lost you too. It'd kill me to lose another brother." Kelly says, his eyes shining with unshed tears.
Matt nods his head. Unable to speak for the moment. "I'd rather die myself than lose you. I saw one brother die. I don't want to see another one die." Matt whispers. "We good?" Kelly asks. "Yeah." Matt says, as Soot lays down purring. Kelly stands up and helps Matt stand up. Both leave the office as they head to the work out room. Soot follows at a distance and then heads to the common room. Mouch is in his favorite spot and Soot jumps up and lays down to nap and enjoy the warmth of Mouch's lap.
CF~~~~~~~~~CF
Later everyone was coming back from a call. A house fire. It was a complete loss. All but two family members got out alive. Everyone was not in a happy mood. It wasn't anything the firefighters did. It was just one of those bad calls that one doesn't forget for awhile. Everyone went to clean up and head to the common room. All but Matt who after he cleans up, goes outside to lean against the squad truck still parked outside. He rubs his left arm with a burn on it. He remembers how he got it too.
Flashback
"CASEY COME ON THERE IS NOTHING YOU CAN DO! IT'S TO LATE TO SAVE HIM!" Herrmann yells at his lieutenant. "I CAN SEE HIM! I CAN MAKE IT!" Matt yells back. "CHIEF SAID EVACUATE! LOOK OUT CASEY!" Herrmann yells pulling his lieutenant back but not before a beam that was on fire falls toward Matt Casey and hits him in his left arm and knocking him down. Herrmann and Cruz knock the beam off of Matt and they pull him outside. They knock the flame out that was lighting up his sleeve. It did burn through but Matt never told anyone. He was fine. As fine as he could be on a bad call where people die.
End Flashback
Matt stares off into the distance dealing with the call. A little boy and his mother were lost in the fire. The other family members were at the hospital getting treated for burns and smoke inhalation. Kelly Severide sees where Matt went and heads toward him. He pats Matt on his left arm where the burn is and sees Matt wince in pain as he pulls his arm away.
Kelly pulls Matt's sleeve up and sees the burn and gives him a look but stops from saying anything because Matt's expression gives warning. Kelly turns around to leave to get the first aid kit from the firehouse. Matt just watches him go.
Moments later Kelly makes his way back to Matt. He pulls Matt's arm out and puts burn cream on the large burn. He gets a bandage out and puts it on top of the burn and tapes it down onto Matt's arm. He than sets the first aid kit down on the bumper of the squad truck and leans beside Matt. They both just stand lost in their thoughts.
"Hey Matt are you doing anything over the weekend?" Kelly asks rubbing his shoulder when bursts of pain began to shoot from his neck and down his shoulder and arm. "Not really. Why?" Matt asks, looking over at Kelly. "My dad has a cabin a few hours away. I just wanted to go to get away for awhile. There is a lake to fish at. You want to go for old time sake?" Kelly asks, looking at Matt. "When do we go?" Matt asks looking at Kelly. "After shift tomorrow for the weekend. Then Sunday leave to come back for shift Monday." Kelly says. "Okay sure. It sounds fun. Can't wait to go fishing at the lake." Matt says.
"Cool. So after shift tomorrow we can both go home to pack and get ready and catch some shut eye before we go." Kelly says. "Sounds like a plan." Matt says looking forward to tomorrow to get away and see nature and have some solitude and hang out with his brother.
The rest of shift is mostly quiet. There are calls but are the easy to handle calls. Matt Casey doesn't sleep much since when he closes his eyes he either sees Andy or the most recent fire that he was at. In the early morning hours Matt is watching the TV, on low sound. He is trying not to fall asleep watching it.
Without realizing it, his eyes start to close and within moments he is asleep. His breathing even and deep. Soot is running back and forth really fast. Running off his excess energy. Kelly Severide eyes open in the early morning and he sits up. He is thirsty so he gets up to get a drink from the kitchen. He stops when he sees Soot jumping off of the walls. He just shakes his head and keeps going.
He goes to the sink and opens the tap and holds a glass underneath the water. He takes a sip and downs the water. He turns when he hears something. He looks around and sees Matt on the couch having a nightmare. He goes over to Matt and shakes him awake. Matt's eyes snap open and he sits up. He runs his hands over his face. He looks up at Kelly. "You good?" Kelly asks. Matt shakes his head and stays silent.
"Maybe it is a good thing to get away for the weekend. I know I sure need it." Kelly says finishing his water. "Yeah. I'm looking forward to it." Matt says standing up after turning the TV. Off. Yawning Matt heads out to the hanger and goes to check things out. Kelly sees how tired Matt is but doesn't say anything. Hopefully Matt gets some rest over the weekend. He'd make sure he did. He wanted to make sure Matt is fine and taken care of. Matt is his brother.
Matt finishes his check list and gets done what he needs to as he heads to the kitchen to make some breakfast for everybody. He is making a casserole that he was taught a long time ago. He knows how to cook but he has himself to cook for so mostly he doesn't do it. He is chopping vegetables to put in, but with his tiredness he slices his hand open.
Matt grabs a towel and wraps his hand in it. Everyone is just starting to get up. Kelly heads to the kitchen to see what is going on. "Hey Matt what are you making?" Kelly asks coming into the common room. "Kelly…I cut my hand." Matt says, his blood seeping through the towel. Kelly rushes over to Matt to check on his left hand.
Kelly turns on the water and unwraps the towel from Matt's hand and lets the water run over Matt's hand. Matt winces as the cool water hit's the cut and makes it sting. "Keep it there. I'll be back. "Kelly says leaving no room for argument. Kelly heads to the ambulance and Sees Leslie. "Hey Shay Matt sliced his hand open." Kelly says heading back to the common room. Leslie grabs the first aid supplies and goes after Kelly.
The blood is slowing up as Matt holds his hand under the water. Kelly heads back over to Matt to check on his hand. Kelly grabs a clean towel and pats Matt's hand dry. The cut is slowing up but is still bleeding. Leslie comes over to look. "Matt if this still bleeds you need stitches to close it off." Leslie says looking at Matt. Everyone is up and heading to the common room to see what is going on. Gabriela Dawson sees that the food is ready except for the vegetables which are still on the cutting board. Matt glances over at Gabby from where he is sitting at the table as Leslie takes care of his hand and Kelly stands watch.
"Hey Gabby there are more vegetables in the fridge. What I was cutting isn't any good." Matt says. Gabby throws the vegetables away and puts the knife to the side to clean later and the cutting board in the sink. She gets out a clean cutting board and a clean knife and starts again. In moments Gabby is done and puts the vegetables in the casserole. She places the two casseroles in the oven and sets the timer.
"Thanks Gabby." Matt says as Leslie is wrapping up Matt's hand after she cleaned it and put thick bandages on the cut. "You're welcome. I'll just help clean up." Gabriela says filling the sink with hot water and soap and sets about cleaning all the dishes and other things used to make breakfast.
"What a way to get out of cooking breakfast Casey." Herrmann says joking. "Yeah." Matt says shooting a look Herrmann's way. Leslie gathers everything up and puts it back where she got it. Matt's hand is wrapped and taken care of. Matt goes to get up to help with the clean up but Kelly shoots Matt a look and he settles back into his chair.
Kelly goes over to Gabby to help and throws the one towel away and throws one in the washer to be washed. Kelly sees paper plates and sets them out. Matt feels Soot rub against his one leg and walk around his chair. Soot looks up at Matt and meows. The kitten then goes over to Mouch and settles down in his lap.
The timer dings and Gabby gets the food out of the oven and sets the dishes on some hot pads. She finds two big spoons and places them in the two casseroles as everyone lines up to grab some breakfast. Kelly grabs Matt's and his breakfast and sits down beside him. "Thanks." Matt says digging in. Kelly nods his head and starts his breakfast. Everyone is quiet as they begin to eat. "Hey this is good. "Herrmann says as Mouch seconds the comment. "Yeah where did you learn to cook?" "It was either starve or learn and I learned." Matt says finishing his food and getting up to throw his plate away. He puts the silverware in the sink to be cleaned.
Matt looks at the clock and sees and hour and a half to go on shift but he wisely keeps his mouth shut. Usually when someone mentioned that shift was soon over the alarm had a way of going off. "Hey Casey thanks for breakfast." Jose Vargas says to his lieutenant. "You're welcome." Matt says, heading to his office.
The rest of shift is quiet and everyone gathers their things and changes into their clothes as the other shift is coming in. Matt heads to his truck to go home and pack for the weekend with Kelly. Everyone heads home to do whatever for the weekend.
CF~~~~~~~~~~CF
Kelly goes over to Matt's place to pick him up. He parks his car and turns it off and heads toward the house to knock on the door. "Hey Kelly have a seat." Matt says finishing up gathering his things. "Where's Hallie?" Kelly asks looking at Matt. Matt keeps gathering his things not wanting to really answer the question but needing to. "Hallie is away somewhere on a trip for her job and we aren't together anymore. We're taking a break. She heard about Andy and helped me through the hardest days but now I must go it alone." Matt says, finished with gathering his things.
Kelly looks at Matt. "You're not alone. You have me." Kelly says. Matt looks toward Kelly and picks up his bags to take to the car. Kelly grabs the rest. Matt gets into the car. The two of them are ready for their weekend adventure. As Kelly drives Matt looks out the window trying to fight his tiredness but his eyes get heavy. Matt's eyes close and soon he is asleep. Kelly turns on the radio to listen to some music.
CF~~~~~~~~~~CF
Kelly pulls to a stop in front of his father's cabin. He looks at the cabin. It needs a little seasonal cleanup work but other then that it would be in fine shape. Kelly looks over at Matt still sleeping in the passenger seat. He hates to wake him but he shakes him awake. Matt's eyes open and he looks around. He shakes his head and gets out of the car ready to help take the stuff into the cabin.
In no time everything is in the cabin. Kelly checks the refrigerator and it is on. It seems cool to him. He starts putting the stuff from the cooler into the refrigerator for the morning. He puts some cleaning supplies underneath the sink to use for later. Matt is over at the fireplace and is getting it ready to use. In no time there is a fire burning in the fireplace. Matt kicks his boots off by the door and goes over to the fire.
Matt sits down on couch sinking down into the soft cushions and lays down grabbing a pillow and laying his head on it. He grabs the throw blanket from the back of the couch and covers up. He is content to watch the fire and is comfortable. He is soon asleep. Kelly just smiles and shakes his head glad that Matt is making himself feel at home.
Kelly puts his stuff in the one bedroom with twin beds. Everything looks good. He grabs a beer and heads to the front porch and sits down on the porch swing. This is good. Kelly thought as he puts his feet up on the railing and just enjoying the peace and quiet. He sees the moon and the stars through the tops of the trees. He hears the crickets chirping out in the dark. The evening air feels cooler on his skin. It is peaceful for the moment.
Half and hour to forty-five minutes later Kelly has finished his one beer. Kelly is just enjoying the evening and is relaxed. Meanwhile Matt's slumber is not restful anymore. He is being haunted by images of Andy's last moments yet a again. Matt is mumbling words in his sleep. He sees Andy standing looking in horror as the flames race toward him. The flames engulf him fully. Andy reaches out toward Matt and screams. Matt can't move to get to Andy to save him. The dream changes into a nightmare.
In The Dream :
"If you won't stop him I will!" Kelly growls out toward Matt. "No both of you back out now!" Matt yells. Kelly goes for Andy ready to grab him and bring him back. "NO NO NO!" Matt yells out in horror. The hot hungry flames are racing toward Andy and Kelly ready to engulf them both to consume them. Matt is screaming now. Both of them are gone. He can't handle that.
Dream Ending
Kelly is startled by screams coming from the living room of the cabin. He races in to check out what was going on. He sees Matt sitting on the floor staring at the fire in the fireplace that is dying out. It's last embers slowly cooling. Matt is screaming words that Kelly doesn't understand. He goes over to him and grabs Matt by the shoulders. The words are slowly making sense to Kelly as he hears Matt's whispers. "I can't lose them both…I can't lose them both…"Matt keeps whispering.
Slowly the nightmare fades from Matt's mind as he now knows that he is sitting on the floor and Kelly is holding him by the shoulders. He leans his forehead toward Kelly as the sobs come. Kelly just holds him.
CF~~~~~~~~~CF
After Matt calmed down from his nightmare, the two men went to sit out on the front porch. Kelly doesn't ask about the nightmare figuring Matt will talk about it when he is good and ready. The two of them are sitting on the swing just enjoying the evening. Matt is trying to shake the images of the nightmare from his mind but it has a powerful grip. A fear that he doesn't want to face but with the job they have a good possibly.
"Hey Matt you up for a game?" Kelly asks looking over at Matt. "Sure. I could go for a good game." Matt says as Kelly gets up and heads inside. Matt follows him inside. The lights are turned on as Kelly is looking for a good game. "How about Risk?" Kelly says pulling the game out of the closet. "Yeah one of my favorite games." Matt says sitting at the table.
Kelly sets up the game and the two play late into the night. Finally Matt is yawning as he wins the game. "Good game." Kelly says snickering at how competitive they both are in playing the game. Kelly wanted to play just to get Matt's mind off of the nightmare he had. Kelly could see that whatever the nightmare was about it scared Matt.
"Hey Kelly where can I camp out?" Matt asks never having put his things away. "Follow me." Kelly says showing Matt the room with the twin beds. "Thanks." Matt says grabbing his things and heading back to the room.
Both got ready for the night and turned everything off and went to bed for the night. Both tired from the day. They fell asleep as soon as their heads hit the pillows. A dreamless slumber which is a good thing.
CF~~~~~~~~~CF
The next morning Matt awoke the aroma of pancakes cooking on a griddle. He looked over and Kelly was gone from the bed. He was the one cooking. Matt got up and headed to the bathroom. He got a shower and shaved and was dressed in jeans a black turtle-neck with a blue pull over sweater.
Kelly just finished filling one plate with three pancakes and setting it on the table when Matt appeared. "Eat up." Kelly says. Matt grinned. He loved pancakes. He got the butter and syrup for his pancakes and sat down as Kelly finished his pancakes and sat down at the table to enjoy them. The two finished eating and Kelly took Matt's plate and his to the sink and grabbed the first aid kit that was in the bathroom to check on Matt's burn on his left arm and the cut on his left hand.
"I'm checking out your burn and the cut." Kelly says sitting down. Matt winces as Kelly checks his burn and puts on some burn cream and a fresh bandage. Matt pulls his hand away because that cut really hurts a lot. "Ouch!" Matt says shooting a look at Kelly. "If you would hold still." Kelly says unwrapping the bandage from Matt's left hand. The dried blood sticking to Matt's hand causing the pain.
The cut looks angry and red and it did stop bleeding. Kelly put ointment on the cut and wrapped it up in a fresh bandage. "Thank you." Matt got up after Kelly is finished fixing him up. He goes outside to sit on the front porch swing and to enjoy the early morning day.
Kelly goes to get his shower and to shave. He wants to see if Matt would like to go on a hike and to enjoy the day. His reason being that if Matt were to get tired out he wouldn't have any nightmares and maybe Matt would open up and talk to him.
Matt looked up when he saw Kelly come out of the cabin. He was dressed in jeans also a black turtle-neck and blue button down shirt and his leather jacket. "Hey Matt would you like to go on a hike?" Kelly asks. "Yeah that sounds cool." Matt says. "I know of a lake and it is so pretty there. We may see some wildlife." Kelly says. Matt gets up and goes to put on his hiking boots.
After gathering some supplies and putting it in two backpacks the two are off on their hike. Kelly and Matt don't talk as they hike. A comfortable silence. Hours later the two are at the lake. "Oh wow. It is beautiful." Matt says taking in the beauty of the surroundings. "I told you it was gorgeous." Kelly says. Matt finds two good sized boulders and he sits on one and Kelly the other.
The two dig out their lunch and begin to eat. Matt looks over at Kelly. Kelly sees but doesn't say anything. "My nightmare was about losing both you and Andy. You went after Andy and then the fire engulfed you both and I couldn't stop it. All I could do is watch in horror." Matt whispers. Kelly chews his food and swallows. "I'm still here. Nothing is going to happen." Kelly says looking at Matt.
"With the job we have do you believe that?" Matt asks. "We can't dwell on what ifs. Only what is happening in that moment. You have to focus when on the job. When you don't that is when things happen." Kelly says, looking at Matt. Matt nods in understanding admitting that Kelly has made a valid point.
In the distance of the lake two foxes are playing and Kelly and Matt just watch. "It's just that losing Andy is so hard to deal with at times and I know you are taking it harder than even me but it's still hard." Matt says. "I understand." Kelly says.
The two pack up what they took out and they start back to the cabin. By the time the two get back it is mid-afternoon. Matt heads into the cabin and unpacks his backpack and puts the things away. Kelly does the same. "I'm going to clean up a little outside and get it ready for winter." Kelly says. "I'll help." Matt says. Kelly heads out to the shed near the cabin and gets a wheelbarrow to pick up the branches and other things around the cabin.
In no time that work is done. Kelly starts to rake the leaves to dump them further out into the woods. Matt notices a few jobs he can do. He heads to the shed and finds the tools he needs and some spare wood. He finds a ladder and leans it against the cabin and patches up the holes he sees in the roof.
Matt also fixes the loose railings on the porch and fixes the loose steps. He walks around the cabin and he can't find anything else to fix. He puts the things away neatly and Kelly pushes the wheelbarrow back in the shed. The fall cleaning and fixing up is done. The two firefighters head back inside.
The two grab beers and headed out to sit on the porch swing. Enjoying the rest of the late afternoon. Kelly heads inside to make dinner. Matt stays on the porch swing, going back and forth lost in his thoughts. He takes a sip of beer every now and then.
Kelly is making a beef stew casserole that Leslie taught him to make. With her he had to learn to cook because she wasn't doing all the cooking. He wasn't half bad at cooking. He just needed practice. The first meal he made turned Leslie Shay's face green. It was priceless that she didn't have the heart to spit the food out. She just suffered but Kelly saw her look. Leslie made sure to help him and to teach him. So he would get it right the first time.
Kelly put the casserole in the oven and set the timer. He washed up all of the dishes and dried them and headed out to the porch with another beer in hand. He sat beside Matt who fell asleep in the porch swing.
CF~~~~~~~~~~CF
The food is hot and ready to be eaten. Kelly sets the food for dinner on the table. Matt is sitting at the table still half-asleep from his nap. He yawns and stretches and hopes to feel more awake soon. Matt spoons some food onto his plate and waits for Kelly to get some before he digs in. "Hmmm. This is very good." Matt enjoys the beef stew casserole. "Didn't you think it would be good?" Kelly laughs at Matt's reaction.
"I didn't know what to expect. May I have the recipe, so I can make it sometime? I might want to surprise someone with it myself. "Matt laughs back. "I'll make sure to give you a copy. I have gotten better since the old days. Leslie made sure of that!" Kelly snickers. "I'll have to agree. You did improve since we all were candidates." Matt says remembering back.
Kelly remembers back also and laughs. "Yeah. I remember that meal I made and Lieutenant Silverton had to spit it out. He made Andy cook." Matt laughs, remembering that meal. "Yeah Andy wasn't much better!" Both men laugh. "Cooking may not have been your forte but you excelled in others areas." Matt remembers. "Good thing. I might have killed off all the men on truck and squad if I kept on cooking." Kelly laughs.
"Yeah the firehouse dog at the time wouldn't even touch it!" Matt snickers. "I was that bad but thanks to Leslie Shay I am much better." Kelly laughs. Matt shakes his head. "Somehow your cooking was very good even back then." Kelly replied, looking at Matt whose face grew quite serious.
"I had to be. I lived by myself and my mother was just put in jail for killing my father. It was a very hard time back then. Ted Griffen didn't make it any easier back then." Matt says remembering back to a very trying time. "Yeah. I remember. You were so quiet back then. Never saying anything and always ready and willing to help people. You kept to yourself mostly. Until you came to the firehouse that Andy and I were at." Kelly replies looking at Matt.
"Now look at us both. You're squad lieutenant and I'm truck lieutenant." Matt says looking at Kelly. "We came a long way." Kelly says. They both finish eating and Kelly puts the food away and Matt gathers the dirty dishes and puts them in the sink. He wipes off the table and goes to the fireplace to light it.
Kelly washes the dishes. And dries them and puts them away. He sits on the couch beside Matt. "Want to play any games tonight?" Kelly asks. "Nah." Matt says, sitting back to enjoy the fire in the fireplace. "Okay." Kelly says. "I might go to bed early. That hike wore me out." Matt says heading to the bedroom and getting ready for the night and turning in.
Kelly heads out to the porch and sits on the porch swing. Enjoying being away from the city for a time. Loving the solitude and the quietness. Kelly almost didn't want to go back tomorrow. He was enjoying hanging out with Matt and just getting away from the city and the stress. He sure didn't understand Heather and why she was acting the way she was.
Kelly headed in and got ready for the night and turned in. Both men asleep for the night. All is peaceful and quiet.
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The next morning Kelly awoke to the aroma of breakfast being made. He got up and headed for the shower and to shave. He put on jeans and a blue sweatshirt. He headed out to the kitchen to find Matt cooking. "Smells good." Kelly says heading for the coffee pot and grabbing some. He sat down at the table.
"It's French toast. I hope you like it." Matt says setting Kelly's plate in front of him. Matt grabbed his French toast and sat at the table. Kelly grabbed the butter and syrup. The two ate in silence. After they finished Matt grabbed the plates and washed and dried all the dishes and put them away.
"What is the plan for the day?" Matt asks Kelly. "What time do you want to leave?" Kelly asks. "I wish we didn't have to leave and stay up here for a few more days. I know real life beckons. Thank you for the invite up here." Matt says looking at Kelly. "You're welcome. I know what you mean about not wanting to go back. Life needs to be gotten back to." Kelly says.
"Lunch time sounds like a good time to leave." Matt says heading for the shower and to shave. He then puts on jeans and a heavy long sleeve blue shirt on. He gathers his things and starts to head out to the car and put his things in. He is done. Kelly is the only one needing to gather his things together.
Kelly sighs and didn't feel like leaving. It was a fun weekend he didn't want to see end. He gathers his things and puts them out in his car and the only thing left to do is to pack up the cold stuff it in the cooler. Kelly heads out to the porch and sees Matt sitting on the porch swing. Kelly has and idea.
Kelly takes off his necklace which is his St. Florian medallion, patron saint of firefighters. It was a gift to him from a loved one. He goes over to Matt and puts it on his little brother. "Here. You can borrow this. Remember I'll always be here for you. I'll watch out for you . Give it back when you are ready. When you are weak I'll be your strength and when I'm weak you can be my strength. Whatever may happen." Kelly says. Matt just nods his head , having no words for this touching gesture. Matt puts the medallion under his shirt.
The two firefighters sit on the porch swing until it is time to leave. Enjoying the silence and solitude. Matt is touched by what Kelly did. He has no words for it. His big brother does care for him. He smiles and Kelly sees. Kelly doesn't say anything just glad he could do something for Matt.
Kelly sees the time and gets up to start packing up the cooler. That done he takes it out to his car and makes sure everything is locked up. The two men head to the car and get in. Now it is back to life back to reality.
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The next morning everyone is at the firehouse for shift. Soot is meowing as everyone is heading in. The other shift is leaving. Soot is waiting in Kelly's office as he comes in. "Hey fur ball." Kelly says sitting at his desk. Soot jumps up onto Kelly's lap and settles down purring. Kelly pets the kitten as he does his paperwork.
Matt Casey is heading into the firehouse and goes to the locker room and puts his things into his locker. He heads into his office and sits down at his desk. He does his paperwork.
Everything is quiet around the firehouse. Everyone is catching up on getting things done and maintaining the equipment so it runs smoothly. Chief Boden checks on everyone and sees everyone is busy and his two lieutenants are busy doing paperwork. All does seem well for the moment. Chief Boden heads back to his office to get his things done before anything happens.
About mid-morning the alarm tone sounds calling everyone to attention. The call is coming in…Truck 81...Squad 3...Engine 51...Ambulance 61...Battalion 25...School fire at a middle school due to bombing…everybody ran to their trucks quickly and was ready in moments. Sirens wailing, as everyone pulled out of the firehouse.
When they all got on scene in was controlled chaos. There were police already at the school. Most of the children were evacuated. At first it was only considered a threat until some bombs exploded in only one part of the school which still had some children in it. Now everyone has to worry about undetonated bombs going off.
Chief Boden didn't like it at all. He sends Otis and Capp to vent the roof of the school. Every moment counted in getting this finished quickly and safely. The parents of the children were held back until the job was done. For their own safety. Thankfully it was only a small portion of the school that exploded. Search and rescue teams were send in to find what teachers and children didn't make it out. As it turned out only about five to fifteen people unaccounted for.
Everyone worked together in venting and searching and putting water on the fire. Most are found right away except for a few. Severide, Casey, Herrmann, and Vargas are the only ones left searching. "FIRE DEPARTMENT! CALL OUT!" Casey yells to be heard. He hears something. Matt goes toward the sound, and finds a young girl hiding under her desk. "Please help me." The girl says crawling out from under her desk. "Come with me sweetheart." Casey says. The two makes their way out of the room and run into the other three firefighters trying to find their way out. Jose Vargas also has found someone. Where they all are there are no more rooms to search and it looks like everyone is out except for the two children with them.
Kelly Severide is walking in front of the group. Matt Casey is in the middle. Chris Herrmann is after his lieutenant and then Jose Vargas is next with the child he found. Chief Boden's voice is heard over the radio. "UPDATE PLEASE." All three heard. "We're coming out now. No more children left but the two we have." Kelly Severide says into his radio.
Everyone is moving slowly. Kelly is watching where to go. Flames are everywhere it seems. Matt is looking toward Kelly following him. He sees something that to his horror Kelly doesn't see. The ceiling is getting ready to collapse onto the unsuspecting person underneath, which is Kelly, getting ready to bury him underneath the weight of the fiery rubble with no mercy.
Matt Casey has no time to call a warning. No way was he losing another brother. He turns around and hands the young girl to Herrmann whom has a surprised look on his face as he watches his lieutenant push Kelly Severide roughly in his back. Matt has enough time to push Kelly Severide out of the way of the falling rubble but Matt has no time to save himself. The rubble buries Matt Casey underneath the unrelenting weight.
Kelly Severide lands on his hands and knees and turns in time to see Matt get buried underneath the rubble. "CASEY! CASEY NO!" Kelly Severide shouts. Herrmann takes the two children and moves out so someone else can come in to help save Casey. The firefighters go to work and move the rubble burying Matt underneath. It seems like forever but it is only moments and Matt is freed from the rubble. The firefighters get Matt Casey outside and onto a gurney at the ready; and loaded into the ambulance. The sirens blaring. Kelly Severide is with Matt on the ambulance. Leslie Shay is working on Matt. Gabby is driving the ambulance. Kelly has a tormented look of anguish and grief on his face. Please Matt hang on. You got to hang on. I can't lose you too. Please hang on. Kelly thought looking at Matt who has blood, soot, and dirt on his face. Blood seems to be coming from his head.
They make it to the hospital. Shay and Severide unload Matt from the ambulance. The doctors surround Matt and take over as they push him inside to be cared for. Leslie puts her arm around Kelly. He is in shock about the events of the day. "Shay, I can't lose him. I don't know if I could handle it." Kelly replies. Leslie leads Kelly inside the hospital and has him sit down because she can feel him shaking all over.
Gabriela Dawson sits beside Leslie Shay whom is beside Kelly. The three begin the long wait of hearing news about Matthew Casey. Leslie is rubbing Kelly's back giving him comfort in this dark time. The other firefighters start to arrive. They want to see how Matthew Casey is. The news has not come yet. The time seems to go agonizingly slow. Everyone is tired and seems to have a defeated look on their faces.
Chief Boden comes into the waiting room and sits down to wait to hear news about Matt Casey. He takes in how is men look. Tired and worn seems to be his assessment. When he left the scene to come here the bomb squad was on the grounds waiting for the fire to be put out and to find anymore bombs that didn't detonated. Thankfully no one was killed in the blast. Just some injured that probably were at the very same hospital. News media were all over the news of the bombing. Hopefully all is well. The wait is long.
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