Thanks again for all the reviews! Glad you have strong feelings about this one. Here's a little happy Severide. Enjoy! You know things can't stay all unicorns and rainbows for long. Haha!
Erin knew she was the lucky one. Deep within her she had the feeling that she was the one who got the better end of the deal. Being with a man who always put her first…caring, almost to a fault. He didn't know how to be selfish. Plain and simple, Kelly put Erin, Katie, Shay, Casey, Benny, really everyone above himself. It was just the way he was built. Probably what made him such a good firefighter.
That's what motivated her to do something special for his birthday. She knew he was expecting nothing, never really did. Yes, this would be the birthday to show him and the world how much she loved him. He always said it was just another day, really more excited for hers. That would make it more surprising and special. She considered the birthday party he threw for her one of the best birthdays ever, THE best birthday…a highlight in her life. With a druggie mom and no dad in the picture, birthdays had never been "special." Hell, they weren't even remembered in her apartment. Mom too busy trying to score. They were days to forget along with the countless other days of her childhood.
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"So, Molly's or no Molly's?" Erin was not good at asking for help, but she also knew she'd need some to pull this off.
"Mmmm, I say yes to Molly's." Shay was more than willing to help spring a surprise party on her best friend. She'd been thinking about doing the same. He was so hurt, so close to never making it back. Shay wanted to do something to celebrate him coming out on the other side, to celebrate his recovery, to celebrate him.
She was also thrilled with Erin's dedication and…what was it? Devotion to Kelly? Seemed like such a strong word, but it fit. Shay had never seen the woman so attentive to him, so touchy feely. She was always a little stand offish, a little selfish…not so anymore. Maybe all the trials had a payoff. Whatever it was, it was a good thing. Kel, deserves this, she thought.
They decided on a combo plan of having Mills' mom cater with Dawson adding some of his favorite dishes and desserts.
The best part of all was that he didn't have a clue. He had even scheduled himself to be on shift. Boden was let in and had it all worked out. He got a little glimmer in his eye thinking about how he'd put on his Boden grump and tell his lieutenant he looked like crap, "go home." Casey would be conveniently getting off shift right then and suggest Molly's. Kelly would go because Erin would conveniently be on a stake out. Yes, the pieces were falling perfectly into place. He wouldn't suspect one damn thing.
The girls laughed at how easy it was to pull one over on him. Kelly would've thought this was the best part…two women he loved coming together. That would be the real birthday surprise for him.
Now, they just had to wait for the day to arrive. It was drivin' both of 'em crazy. Patience not running strong in these two.
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Monty had switched up Kelly's PT in an effort to alleviate some of the pain. It seemed to be somewhat working. Severide was allowed to join the guys on some of the easier runs. He was thrilled to be back in flames and smoke and hoses shooting out water. Erin said he was crazy, but it felt like home to him. And who doesn't want to be home?
Kelly had wrangled an extra packet of pain pills from Monty after his reunion night with Erin. That week he'd taken an extra pill here or there, telling himself it wasn't too much.
It wasn't like he was stealin' from his best friend, trading sex for drugs…those weren't his finest hours. These were prescribed…he just needed a little more once in a while.
When he called Monty the second time for an early refill, he was surprised there was no questioning, just a "sure, no problem."
At the pharmacy, he understood why. In his car, he greedily ripped the paper bag holding what was inside. What the hell? It was a little container, not the blister, pop out packet. Squinting to read the tiny print, Kelly said aloud "Tylenol 3." He read more of the information pamphlet that was tucked inside the bag and discovered it was acetaminophen with a little codeine. Stay calm, he told himself. He knew Tylenol and Ibuprofen didn't touch the pain, but maybe with the codeine, it would be okay. He took two and drove home, waiting for the familiar relief to flush over his hip and leg.
An hour later he was still waiting. An hour after that he was on the phone to Monty's office speaking to the answering service. Or rather yelling.
"What do you mean he's on a three day weekend?"
"I'm sorry. Yes, I'd appreciate it if you could call him. Thank you."
Kelly picked up on the first ring. He listened to Monty tell him it was time to get off the hard stuff. That he'd said he would cut him off, and he was doin' it now.
Time to come clean. The pain was pretty bad. How often? Often enough.
Monty said he was coming in on Monday for a full work up, MRI, blood work, everything he had scheduled for the appointment three weeks away.
"We'll get this thing figured out. You can alternate between the Tylenol 3 and Ibuprofen, but don't double up on the Tylenol. Hurts your liver, okay?"
That was it. Had to wait till Monday. I can do this. On shift, but not doing any real heavy lifting.
More than the shift was waiting for Kelly. The party at Molly's was a go.
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"You look like shit, lieutenant," Boden said not having to conjure up any real acting abilities. "Go home, rest. Come back in three days."
Kelly left chief's office, no mistaking that pissed off stride.
"Hey, how 'bout we go to Molly's and forget this place," said Casey smiling broadly, heading to the showers to quickly wash away the last run, a messy restaurant fire.
"Nah, gonna take Chief's suggestion and head home." Kelly had no grime to wash off. He grabbed his bag to head out.
"Wait up," said Casey feeling the pressure of getting his friend over to Molly's. He did not want to face the wrath of three women if he failed.
"I need more than a beer. It's Dawson. I need to get your read on something."
"You're askin' me for relationship advice? Since when?" Kelly was smiling now.
"Don't be a dick. Give me five, and we'll head out? I need this, buddy."
"Sure, any words of wisdom I can impart."
"Ass," Casey muttered just loud enough for Kelly to hear.
He texted Dawson, "Part one of Severide bday – a go."
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Molly's was full, everyone who loved Kelly Severide was there. All the guys from 51, Boden heading over as soon as his lieutenants left, Benny, with Beth in tow, and Katie who Shay picked up at the airport in the early morning. She wanted in on the cooking, so now there was enough food for an army.
Nathan came with his mom, the connection he had with the fireman would remain for the rest of Kelly's life. They'd shared something not many could claim, a night of hell where they both came out alive.
Georgie was there with a platter of cookies in hand. Kelly tried to keep a dinner date once a month with Peter's widow. He hadn't known the elderly gentleman long, but the conversation they had and the words of wisdom the man imparted would never be forgotten.
There was Cindy Hermann, the entire Mills clan, Clarke with Manny and his wife, along with a slew of other "wounded warriors," now friends, from the rec center. Kelly couldn't think of one other soul he wanted to see. They were all there.
The second he walked in, he knew he'd been set up. He immediately knew who to thank or blame. The two women with huge smiles across their faces. One blonde and one brunette, positioned at the bar right where they could see his every reaction.
Overwhelmed. And a little overtaken with emotion. I'm not cryin' at my damn birthday party, he thought, gaining control of that touch of wetness gathering at his eyes. He laughed at the loud "Surprise" that came out at different times, not in unison as he was sure they practiced.
He made his way through the crowd, more pats on the back than a celebrity, finally reaching his destination. Erin and Shay had the most satisfied, smug looks on their faces.
He reached out and pulled both in, one caught in each arm, pressing them to his chest. That damn emotion threatening again, so he buried his head in Erin's hair.
"You like?" she asked looking up into those blue eyes she loved.
"I love," he said knowing that he was the luckiest guy in the world.
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Kelly figured he could have a few drinks with the new meds. Monty would've disagreed, but he wasn't there, so…
"Having fun?" asked Shay, getting her roommate alone.
"Yeah. It's too much, but yeah." Kelly knew this was one of the best nights of his life.
"You know it was all Erin's idea," said Shay taking another big swig from her bottle of beer.
"I know she couldn't o' done all this without you." He had an arm around her shoulders. "I'm sure I don't say it enough, but you are the best, Shay."
"I know," she answered taking another gulp and nodding her head.
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After Kelly's accident, the terrorist attack…Katie had decided she needed a break from Chicago. Adding to all that, the Keeler incident and what could've happened, was a memory she wanted to forget. She was staying with relatives in Colorado, hoping to eventually move to New York. But she had to come back for this…her big bro's birthday. Her brother she loved more than anything.
"How's it goin' kid?" Kelly asked his sister who was sharing a table with Otis.
"Good, 'cept I've missed you like crazy." Katie hugged her brother. "How's your leg? Really, how is it?"
"Pretty good. Hurts like hell sometimes, but feels good tonight," he answered honestly raising his beer and smiling.
Otis got up to get another round.
"He's trained pretty well."
"Be nice," said Katie watching her boyfriend with stars in her eyes as he made his way to the bar.
"Sorry. I missed your early years. I didn't get to slam the door on your boyfriends, so I'm makin' up for it now."
That mischievous grin spread across his face making it impossible for Katie not to laugh.
"Be nice," she repeated.
"Always," Kelly answered, the grin getting one degree more devilish.
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He made his way to Clarke and Manny who looked like they were up to no good, conspiratorial whispers shared between the two.
"Alright, what's goin' on over here?" asked Kelly plopping down in the empty seat, Manny's wife saying her goodbyes a few minutes earlier.
"Nuthin, nuthin." Clarke's eyebrows rose up trying for an innocence he hadn't possessed since maybe twelve. Manny just laughed.
"Bullshit. Spill it." Kelly motioned for another beer.
"I didn't want to say anything tonight...it's your night."
"Because I'm into my birthday so much. Bullshit. Spill it."
"Hermann wasn't the only one to take the lieutenant's exam."
"Never mind. I don't wanna hear it." Kelly took a huge gulp of beer, smile on his face, knowing what was comin' next.
"I got 29."
"Damn. Congratulations," Kelly gave his friend a hug. "But I think you shoulda held out for 51, the rate I'm going she coulda been yours in a ..."
"Whoa, hold up," interrupted Manny. "Do you still have all your shit?"
"Whaddya mean 'have all my shit'?" asked Kelly confused.
"Did somethin get cut off we don't know about? Your legs, whatever?" Manny continued.
"You know I've got all my shit," answered Kelly still not getting it, but getting a little mad.
"Well, if you still have everything then why are you talkin' such total bullshit?" Point made.
"Just gettin frustrated. But we're not goin' into that tonight," said Kelly feeling no pain at the moment.
"Yeah, we are talkin' about it. You got both your legs, both your arms. I'd give my left nut for that, to get back with my unit. Not happenin. I've made the best of it. You don't have to." Manny was the one getting pissed now.
"You're right." Kelly thought of the appointment on Monday. Time to let Monty in in on everything, the pain.
"Damn straight I am."
"And I'm hanging out at 51 till they get their lieutenant back. Heard he's a real ass, but they need someone when I leave," said Clarke lightening the mood.
"But the new one's such an ass they can't wait till they get their old ass back," countered Kelly.
"It's a tie, so both of you shut up. Who's payin' for next round?"
Kelly and Clarke remained silent. Just following orders.
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They closed the bar down that night, past the 2:00 city mandate, with Hermann declaring, "Hell, we've already violated every fire code in the damn city with all the people crammed in here."
One big birthday present was given to Kelly at the end of the party. It was Clarke's idea and everyone agreed it was pure genius.
"Yeah, every once in a while, even this idiot comes up with one," commented Hermann with Cindy slugging him in the arm.
Kelly and Erin were saying their goodbyes.
"Lieutenant! I need you over here," called Chief Boden standing by the remnants of the huge birthday cake Katie had baked.
Severide positioned himself next to Boden waiting for whatever was to come. He figured it had something to do with busting his balls.
"You're a hard man to buy for. Instead of buying something, we settled on this." Boden handed Kelly a check.
"We're giving $2,750 in your name to the Chicago Wounded Warrior Fund."
A roar erupted from this group of friends, family, with all cheering loudly. Those emotions he'd kept in check all night came through.
When the whoops and hollers died down, Kelly held his hand up to say something.
"Thank you, all of you. This has been perfect," he wiped his hand across his face. "I couldn't have asked for a better group of crazies as my friends, my family. I love ya all."
The hollering began again. "I love you," Kelly whispered in Erin's ear as they made their way out of the bar.
Erin stopped and held his face in both her hands. "I love you so much," she said bringing him in for a long kiss.
More cheers started up with Hermann calling out, "Get a room, already."
Hope you liked all the family celebrating Severide in this one. So sad to see Clarke go, I had to put some more of him in this chapter.