Chapter Text
"Okay...so other than clowns is there any other fears I should know about?" Grainger asked with a cheeky smile.
Their date was going surprisingly well. Sylvie had only thought about Matt a dozen times which was an improvement compared to every waking second. Greg was a great distraction. He was kind and funny and charming. He also had the most adorable smile which didn't hurt to look at. She was glad Stella encouraged her to do this.
"Mirrored bathroom cabinets" Sylvie answered, shuddering slightly.
She giggled at Greg's confused face and elaborated. "You know in horror movies when someone looks in the mirror, opens the cabinet and when they close it again the killer or a ghost or whatever appears behind them in the glass? I REALLY need to change the cabinet in my bathroom 'cos everyday I have to prepare myself in case something is standing behind me" Sylvie gushed.
Greg just blinked at her.
"Aaaaaand you think I'm crazy."
Greg laughed, "Not at all, and I'd be more than happy to replace your bathroom cabinet for you to one without a mirror?" he offered genuinely.
"Thank you, that's really sweet" Sylvie blushed. She was going to ask a certain part-time contractor that she knew to do it for her but that was before. And that's now 13 times that she's thought of him. Sylvie shook her head to rid Matt from her mind and regain her composure.
"You know, if you have any fears or strange quirks that you'd like to share to make me feel less of a weirdo please feel free."
Greg thought for a moment. "Ok I've got one. Whenever I have a can of baked beans, I have to leave a few at the bottom of the can so that they can escape."
It was Sylvie's turn to just blink. Greg chuckled and she couldn't help but do the same. It was infectious.
"Seriously? she asked. "You're not just saying that to make me feel better?"
"I swear I'm being serious!"
"Yeah, okay. Out of the two of us, you're definitely the crazy one" Sylvie surmised. Greg grinned widely and Sylvie's tinkling laugh drifted down to the other end of the bar where a certain Captain was struggling to keep his eyes off of her.
***
Casey was glaring. He slammed his beer on the table, the contents spilling out the top. Severide turned round to see what had his friend in such a mood.
Brett. Of course. She was at the bar with Grainger and he had his hand on her shoulder. She was leaning into him and they were both laughing heartily.
Casey mumbled "I'm going back to the loft, I've had enough for tonight."
"Cas-" Severide began but he'd already started walking away.
Severide sighed. He hated seeing his friend like this. It reminded him of him of when Gabby left him. Even though him and Brett never got together properly, somehow this time around it was affecting him so much worse.
Kidd returned to the table with re-fills and looked around.
"Where'd Casey go?" she asked.
"He's gone home before he commits murder." Severide nodded subtly over his shoulder.
"Ah" Stella said, clocking Sylvie and Greg. "Well. He's only got himself to blame" she shrugged unsympathetically.
"Stella, be nice. The guy's a mess. I haven't seen him like this - ever."
"Like I said. He's only got himself to blame" she repeated. "He blew it."
"Casey said that it couldn't work with him and Brett because Dawson would always be an issue for her."
"Okay look, Sylvie struggled for ages denying how she felt about Casey and when she finally gets the courage and puts herself out there, our dumbass Captain tells her that he doesn't know who he would choose if Gabby came back. Of course she's not going to be with him if he's not sure."
"Well he told me that he hasn't thought about Dawson in months and that Brett's been the only one on his mind" Severide said defending his friend.
"Brett's not been the only one on his mind. Poor Sylvie walked past as that woman from the kitten claws crash was giving him back his shirt. No prizes for guessing what happened there."
"Okay, I know how that looks but Brett told him that they couldn't be together. He was trying to forget about her but he told me being with someone else just made it worse. He ended things with that woman because he can't get over Brett. I'm telling you Stella, I've never seen him like this. Not even with Dawson. He's miserable. Shouldn't we do something to help them?"
Stella looked at Kelly with a twinkle in her eye.
"I know that look Stella Kidd. What have you done."
"Stage 1 is complete."
"What do you mean, what's going on."
"I've known how those two idiots feel about each other before even they did okay. But Casey broke her heart and it knocked all the confidence out of her. She didn't even realise that Grainger was hitting on her. She needed a reminder that any man would be lucky to have her. Plus Sylvie with another guy seems to be driving Casey crazy. Maybe this will give him the kick up the butt he needs to figure out what it is that he wants. Sylvie's been hurt enough so until Casey makes up his mind it is my mission to make Sylvie happy again and to help her remember how to smile."
Severide glanced over his shoulder at the laughing blonde. "Mission accomplished."
***
"Good morning" Chief Boden boomed as Casey and Severide made their way into his office.
"Morning Chief", they replied in unison.
"FYI, it is Lee Henry's graduation today."
"Seriously? Man, that makes me feel old" Casey grumbled.
"Tell me about it. Anyway, we've got a relief Lieutenant covering Engine. He comes highly recommended."
"Who is it Chief?" Severide asked.
"A Lieutenant Grainger from Engine 40" Boden replied.
Severide looked over at Casey, wishing he had his camera. Casey's face was a picture.
This was going to be an interesting shift...