Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

When Sylvie Brett arrived at Firehouse 51 for her first shift, she was nervous walking in. Or rather, she was terrified.

When she was in the floater pool 51 was one of those houses that everyone had talked about - the people who worked there were too close, they spent time together off shift, there was a couple working there together, the Chief even got married there - but she didn’t mind that. The way they talked about it kind of reminded her of home, of living in a town with less than 300 inhabitants. Plus, she’d learned her lesson. Don’t crap where you eat. Or, rather, don’t date someone who you spend a huge amount of time with because it’ll make your life utter hell when he leaves you at the altar and you run away with his car.

At least, that’s what she thought she knew. But as Sylvie walked across the app floor her eyes met a pair of blue ones that were filled with so much pain, and all Sylvie could think was she was a goner.

“Hey, I’m Capp. Welcome to 51.” A tall man came over to her, and she held out her hand for a shake.

“Sylvie Brett, I’m the new paramedic on 61. I need to meet Chief Boden?”

“Yeah, of course. C’mon this way.” He led her through the double doors into the common room, then out the side door. There were people turning to look at her as she walked through, but she just followed Capp straight to the office. He knocked on the door, motioning for Sylvie to go on in with a smile.

“Come in!”

“Chief Boden? I’m—“

“Sylvie Brett, originally trained as a paramedic in Fowlerton, Indiana. You moved to Chicago two months ago and joined the floater pool, but any firehouse I’ve asked have spoken about you very highly. I’m just the house that had an open position first.” The tall Black man held out his hand, Sylvie taking it and shaking firmly.

“I’m glad I have a good reputation already. Is there anything I need to know about the house?”

“I’ll get your partner in here. Are you aware of the reasons we needed a new paramedic to join second shift?”

Sylvie nodded. She’d just arrived to Chicago and had joined CFD when the news of the paramedic killed in a bombing had reverberated through the fire department and the city as a whole, everyone feeling it. Paramedics were supposed to be the safe ones.

“Leslie Shay, right?”

“Yes. It’s still hard for everyone, she had a lot of friends here. I’d appreciate your patience while people are dealing with everything that’s going on.”

“I understand Chief. Thanks for the warning.” There was a knock on the door, a dark haired woman appearing in the doorway.

“Chief?”

“Dawson. Meet Sylvie Brett who’ll be riding on 61 with you. She’s been a floater, but we’ve high hopes for her.”

“It’s good to meet you, I’ll show you around the firehouse.”

Sylvie took the roll of painters tape and sharpie from Dawson when they were in the locker room, writing her name and sticking it up. Her bag was pushed into the locker and her radio belt thrown around her neck as the bells went for the ambulance and they were off.

The day flew by for her, going from being introduced to people at her firehouse to meeting people at the hospitals they went to. They were kept busy, but she and Dawson - Gabby as she was informed on their second run with a patient - seemed to get along well. The woman was quiet, an engagement ring on her finger and a smile for her fiancé, the Lieutenant on the truck crew, but having someone in her corner made Sylvie feel at ease.

But she saw the double takes that some people did when she walked into the common room, the head shakes and darkened faces that cleared quickly. So she pulled out her phone to do some googling of her own. When she searched for Leslie Shay she saw the woman’s official academy portrait, blonde hair and similar features to Sylvie. She could have been her big sister. Suddenly the awkwardness made sense, and Sylvie was determined to just be herself and get through the rest of the day without any weirdness.

After one more run they made it back to the house for food, Mills serving up dinner for everyone with a smile. He was the newest member of Squad 3, and an excellent cook to boot.

“Welcome to 51, Sylvie Brett,” he said as he handed over a plate of spaghetti, Sylvie smiling back at him.

“Glad to meet you, Peter Mills,” she replied, sitting down with Gabby and the guys from Truck. There were introductions and handshakes, Sylvie trying to keep the names straight in her head. Cruz, Otis, Mouch, Herrmann, and Casey. Gabby and Casey were engaged, Mouch was dating a cop from what people had said about him, Herrmann was a father of five and co-owned a bar with Gabby and Otis, and Otis and Cruz were roommates. There was so much to remember about everyone on her shift.

But finally the first 24 hour shift in her new firehouse was over and Sylvie walked out to her car with Gabby and Casey, the man she’d first seen when she arrived at 51 walking out beside Casey.

“Sylvie. Have you talked to Severide yet? He’s the Squad Lieutenant, he lives with us.” Matt gestured between the two of them as he spoke. “I didn’t see the two of you talk on shift.”

“We didn’t have the pleasure. Sylvie Brett, it’s nice to meet you.” She nodded at Severide, getting a grunt in response before he spoke properly.

“Kelly Severide. Welcome to 51.”

Before she could ask him anything else they were at the silver Hyundai, so Sylvie waved goodbye and drove home. Or at least what counted as home now. It was a one bedroom apartment that was beautiful, even if it wasn’t in a great part of Pilsen. But the rent was cheap, the architecture was original to the building, and it had come mostly furnished. When you were running away from everything you’d ever known and loved accepting those pieces of help was important.

Once she made sure that her front door was locked, the chain was on, and she’d pushed a chair against the door Sylvie got into bed. It was her first shift in her permanent firehouse and she hadn’t disgraced herself. Maybe moving to Chicago was a good thing for her after all.

The next week went by in a daze, constantly busy but enjoying every single moment of it. The nights after her shifts she went to Mollys. It was owned by the members of 51 and seemed to always have first responders there so it was a good night. She’d sit at the bar and order a glass of wine while talking to her new coworkers. It didn’t pass her notice that Severide basically ignored her when he didn’t have to talk to her on shift, and others had begun to realise it too. But Sylvie wasn’t letting his bad manners bring her down, it just wasn’t worth it.

She’d met the other members of Squad Three properly apart from Mills and Severide. Tony was a sweetheart, welcoming her to Chicago and offering to help her if there was anything she needed to get used to the city. Capp was like a giant golden retriever, and when he saw her in Molly’s for the second time he wrapped his arms around her to give her a hug. Most of the time if a tall man had swept her off her feet into a hug she’d have freaked out, but Capp was lovely and a genuinely nice guy. 51 was a good house to be in with good people, and she was acutely aware of how lucky she was to have gotten her spot.

On shift they were called to an accident a few blocks away from her apartment, and when she mentioned that she was near home she didn’t miss the look that passed between Gabby and Casey at her words. She was from Indiana, not an idiot - no matter how much people from Illinois liked saying it was the same thing - and she had a sudden sickening feeling that an intervention for her living space was in her future. Gabby even let her drive the rig back to the firehouse, just cementing Sylvie’s worry.

But nothing was said and she waved goodbye to everyone before getting into her car to drive home. When she pulled up outside her apartment Casey’s truck pulled in behind her, and Sylvie just glared at them as she got out of the car.

“I’m a grown adult, folks, I can do what I want and live where I want. I’m fine, seriously,” she said as she watched the couple step out of the truck and look at her.

“You can live where you want, Brett, but we care about you. 51 is a family, and you’re part of it now. If you want to live here that’s fine, but can you please let Matt take a look? He’s a contractor, he can add some locks or something for your door to make sure you’re secure. Please?” She looked at Gabby’s serious eyes, at Casey’s posture standing behind his fiancee and relented, spreading her arms to welcome them into her home.

“Come on in. Do either of you want some coffee?”

She could see the moment the beauty of her apartment hit them as they took in the features, Matt nodding at the original crown moulding and decor. Casey took a look at her front and back doors, nodding at the lock and going out to his truck while Sylvie brewed and poured coffee. She put one of the mugs in front of Gabby who pushed it away from her.

“I shouldn’t be telling anyone yet, but you’re my partner so you need to know. Matt and I are having a baby. I found out the day you joined 51, so I can’t drink coffee. I’m just trying to get through the day without nausea.”

“Congratulations!” Sylvie really was thrilled, she and Gabby had become fast friends since she’d moved to Chicago, and she felt lucky to have her in her life.

“Thanks.” Before she could say anything else Matt came into the kitchen, smiling and taking the mug of coffee that Sylvie offered him.

“I’ve added a dual action bolt lock to the front and back doors. It’s super easy for you to use, but it means you don’t need to worry about your security. I’d recommend getting a full security system put in. There’s some designed for renters that would work pretty well for you. But you’re as safe as you’re going to be here. It’d still be a good idea for you to move, but I know better than to suggest that to you.”

“Ha, thanks. Maybe in a few months when I’ve saved up some money. Thanks for this Matt, you didn’t have to do it.”

“Any time at all. We should probably get home, I’m exhausted. See you tonight?”

“Sure.”

As the weeks passed she felt more sure about what she was doing, that she’d made the right decision when she moved to Chicago. She’d shown off some of her skills from working in an underfunded and overtaxed EMS unit, improvising with tubing to intubate a child and getting Gabby’s seal of approval. Her partner had announced her pregnancy, confirming that she’d stay on ambo until she hit twenty weeks. It was a disappointment for Sylvie that she’d lose such a good partner so soon, but every single time Gabby mentioned being excited to be a mom she just grinned and enjoyed the joy on the soon to be parents face.

But things were nearly going too well, and when they arrived back from a run one day there was a dark haired man standing on the app floor, talking to Matt and Severide.

“My fiancee, Sylvie, works here apparently. We’ve all been so worried about her, it took me time to find out where she is.” It was Harrison standing there and he was the last person Sylvie ever wanted to see. She could hear him talking as she walked up, straightening her spine and preparing for whatever was about to happen.

“Ex fiancee, Harrison. Ex for a reason, or do you remember why things ended?”

“The briefing room is free if you want to talk in there,” Severide offered. Sylvie gave him a nod in response, indicating for Harrison to follow her through the building. Her strides were quick down the hallway and she didn’t bother looking behind her to make sure he was following her. If he wanted to talk, he could follow her lead. And that he did, coming into the briefing room and shutting the door behind them, looking closely at Sylvie as she crossed her arms,

“You need to come home, Sylvie. We’ve been worried sick about you, you’ve done enough damage with your games. Think about what this is doing to your Mom.”

“I talked to her last week, she knows exactly where I am and has my address to send me stuff. She just didn’t tell you because I told her not to tell anyone else. We’re not in a relationship anymore, Harrison, you don’t get to know anything about my life anymore. We’re done. You ended it when you said “I don’t” and left the church halfway through our wedding ceremony.” She kept her face still, watching as he took her words in.

“We need to make it work. C’mon, Sylvie. You don’t belong here at all. What happens when you get hurt? You won’t be able to make it in a city, come home. I can forget about you taking my car, about all of it. Just come home and we can have our life like we should.” His words were soothing, and Sylvie nearly agreed with him. She so very nearly decided to go with him. Because yes Chicago was scary and she’d realised she lived in an awful part of town.

But she’d built a life here. She had friends. She was crocheting a baby blanket set for Gabby and Matt, and she’d created a routine for herself. Herrmann had invited her to dinner with his family so she didn’t spend every night alone, and she’d already been told she was going there for Thanksgiving and Christmas. She and Peter were becoming good friends. Fowlerton may have been her hometown, but it wasn’t home anymore. And his words ran through her head. Those words of how she couldn’t do it, how she couldn’t make her way in the world without him.

And he was wrong because she had. She was Sylvie Brett and she’d been living in Chicago for more than three months. She’d floated between multiple firehouses and saved lives every single day. She’d saved a baby the week before. She could do it and she was thriving. She couldn’t let the nerves and distrust that her ex made her feel win. She deserved so much more than that.

“I forgot what it was like. That pit in my stomach that made me feel like I didn’t deserve anything. That feeling’s been completely gone since I left.” He looked surprised at her words, and Sylvie dug through her pants for her car keys. “Take it. Take the car and get out of here. I never want to see you again as long as I live.”

“You don’t mean that. You know I love you, Sylvie.”

“You didn’t love me when you shoved your tongue down my Maid of Honour’s throat before we were supposed to get married. Hope told me everything after you left the church. I’m done.” Sylvie walked away, opening the door as he yelled at her.

“Get back here!” Before she could even think about turning around to him Severide was there, waiting in the hallway.

“She told you to leave, so you should leave. This is a workplace, not a social club. Brett has a job to do.” He was his usual gruff self, but Sylvie nodded as she turned around and watched Harrison shake his head.

“Fine.”

She watched him leave, taking a deep breath when he went out the doors by the tower to the app floor. Sylvie leaned against the wall to support herself, taking a moment.

“Are you ok?” Severide asked, Sylvie nodding in response.

“Yeah. My ex telling me I can’t live my life or do my job? It’s totally fine.”

“I know I don’t say it, but you’re a good paramedic. Seriously. I’m glad you’re at 51, Brett.”

Sylvie smiled in response, but before she could answer they were interrupted by the bells calling them out to a car crash. The rest of the shift passed, and she was exhausted. But even with how tired she was she had to work out how to get home because she no longer had a car. The money that was in her “move somewhere better” fund would be going to get a vehicle she could use instead of moving, but it was an essential purchase. At least she could walk home from work, it was bright and it wouldn’t be too bad.

As Sylvie walked across the app floor she heard her name being called, turning around to see Severide jog across the floor to her. She was immediately confused. He’d always been standoffish so seeking her out twice in one shift? That was unusual to put it mildly.

“Look, I know this is weird. I booked a trip to Vegas leaving in a couple of hours and Capp was supposed to come with me. He’s had to pull out from going, do you want to come? I’ll lose the money on the flight and hotel if you don’t want to, so you may as well come and enjoy some sun.

Sylvie thought for a moment. Would it work? Was this even a good idea to get on a plane and travel halfway across the country with a guy who seemed he could barely stand her? The idea to get away from Chicago and forget about what had happened with Harrison. Some sun, a few drinks, time away? It seemed idyllic.

“Sure. Can you give me a ride to my place so I can pack a bag?”

And less than two hours later Sylvie was sitting in the passenger seat of Kelly Severide’s car as he pulled into a parking spot at Midway. Sylvie was fully packed and ready for two days and a night in the sun, away from Chicago entirely.

Chapter Text

As she walked down the air bridge to get to the plane, Sylvie figured she probably should have warned Severide that she’d never actually been on a flight before. She knew the basics - she’d seen enough TV to know what to do when they went through security - but the closest she’d been to actual air travel was the small Cessnas she saw at the Fowlerton air strip, men who bought a small plane instead of a car to commute once a week to Indianapolis.

But she kept her nerve for the journey through the airport as they made it through, stopping at the bar for a get to know each other drink. She filled him in on growing up in Fowlerton, just how small her hometown was, how Harrison had left her at the altar and finding out about her best friend kissing him. He let her know about his dad, being the kid of a well known firefighter, how Leslie Shay had been his best friend before her death, and his pride in being the youngest to ever make Squad until Peter Mills had come around. He was a lot of fun to be around, Sylvie laughing at the stupid jokes he told her. 

But all too soon they had to get on the plane. They had two of the three seats together, and Severide gave her the window seat so she could watch outside as they took off. Seeing the wing felt like magic, something she’d never even thought about doing until now. Flying to Vegas with a coworker on a whim? The Old Sylvie never would have done it.

“First time flying?” He asked, watching her expressions, and Sylvie decided to be honest with him. That was the key to these two days for her, be honest and have some fun. A few days of drinking, relaxing, sun and fun seemed perfect for her.

“Yeah. I’ve seen planes and people go flying, but I’ve never actually been in the air before.”

“I’m more comfortable on a boat really, but we’re safe.”

She gritted her teeth as they pushed back, staring out the window as they were brought to the runway. Her fingers gripped the arms of the seat as the engines roared, Severide putting his hand over hers to relax her as they lifted up into the sky. She smiled appreciatively, watching as Chicago faded away beneath them, below now filled with fields and plains as they headed southwest.

The first thing Sylvie registered when they arrived in Las Vegas was that it was hot. There was a wall of heat as they stepped off the plane, carry on bags in hands as they made it to the cab line. Severide gave the name of their hotel to the driver, one of the ones on the Strip with bright neon lights outside and dark windowless rooms as soon as you made it in. He checked them in at reception, handing Sylvie over her key before they made it up to the room.

It was two queen beds, a view out the window of the pool, and what looked like a very nice rain shower in the bathroom as Sylvie looked around. She kicked him out of the bathroom and got changed into a halter top and skirt, fixing her hair and makeup before checking he was decent and going back into the main room. Severide had changed into jeans and a shirt, looking her up and down before letting out a low whistle.

“Looking good, Brett,” he said appreciatively, Sylvie doing a slow spin for him as he spoke.

“Not too bad yourself. What are you in the mood for?”

“Wanna check out the casino and see what’s going on?”

They went downstairs side by side, and as they faced the crowd at the casino Severide slipped his arm through Sylvie’s to keep them from separating. It was getting drinks for each other, Severide laughing at her fruity drinks with little multicoloured umbrellas, but taking sips of them when offered even as he was annoyed by them. She just watched him with his scotch, the two getting drunker as the evening went on and they laughed at their middling luck at the tables.

They’d made it to the roulette table, Severide’s arm around her waist now as she curled into him, watching him choose his next colour.

“What colour?” He asked her, Sylvie looking at the table carefully before glancing up at him.

“Red. What do I get if I’m right?”

It was heated between them for a moment, Severide’s blue eyes shining as he stared at her with that crooked smile.

“A kiss?”

“Then red.”

She watched the wheel spin as the ball was released, spinning rapidly around the dial before it settled on red 28, Kelly announced a winner. He turned to Sylvie when he was handed the chips, pulling her into him for a kiss. Sylvie melted against him, the two of them grinning as they separated and he linked their hands together. Kelly pulled her to the cash out booth, thumb rubbing against the back of his hand as the teller counted out the winnings and passed over his cash for the chips. They laughed at his winnings, several thousand dollars in Kelly’s hands.

“Marry me.” Sylvie stared at Kelly, her jaw agape at his words. “I know it’s quick and I know it’s probably a silly idea. But marry me. You make me happy. Sylvie Brett, will you please marry me?”

“Yes.” It felt ridiculous, like the best and worst idea possible all at once. But she reached in to kiss him, her hands at the back of his neck as he kissed her back, their foreheads against each other when they separated. She didn’t know if this could even be considered a good idea, but with the alcohol flowing it was right. And Kelly was fun. They’d had a good time now they’d actually spoken and gotten to know each other. He’d been so sweet to her and kind, and refused to make fun of her fear of flying on the plane even though he definitely could have. So Sylvie reached up to kiss him hard, all clashing tongues and lips as she thought it through.

“I’ll marry you, Kelly Severide.”

It took far less time than she expected for them to organise the marriage license and the wedding chapel. Kelly had half jokingly suggested using an Elvis impersonator, but if Sylvie Brett was getting married it wasn’t with Elvis pronouncing them “Man and wife, uh-huh.”. 

They separated for an hour to get ready individually, Sylvie going to the boutiques in the hotel. There was a white sundress that worked perfectly for a wedding dress and she picked it up immediately. It was completely different to the satin and lace monstrosity she’d worn her original should have been wedding day, but it set off the light tan she’d already gotten from the little bit of time in the Nevada sun and set her blonde hair shining. The next store was a lingerie boutique, and she wanted something special for her wedding night to throw caution to the wind. A white basque and lace panties, flesh coloured thigh highs and a garter belt to complete the ensemble. Filling her with confidence. Her soon to be husband deserved a wedding present of his own, really.

Kelly was walking out of their hotel room as she arrived up in the elevator, telling her to turn around before she saw him and that he’d meet her in the lobby in thirty minutes. She just grinned, going inside and dressing. Once she was in her wedding dress - the realisation sending an excited thrill through her - she did her makeup of a smokey eye and pink lipstick. Staring at herself in the mirror Sylvie decided to leave her wavy hair long and loose, Kelly had enjoyed putting his hand through it as they’d kissed earlier. It was time to get married, and she could hardly wait.

When she made it to the lobby Kelly was already standing there, a bouquet of peonies and carnations in his hands for her wedding flowers. She took the bouquet and slipped her small hand into his large calloused one, feeling him squeeze it once as they stepped out into the desert heat. Even at ten at night, with the sun set and the sky dark apart from the neon glow from the casinos, it was still stickily warm. Kelly was in actual slacks and a dark shirt, hailing a cab and sliding into it with her to get to the chapel.

There were professional witnesses there to sign their marriage license and certificate, so she and Kelly filled out their information. He frowned as she wrote her address down but she shook her head, realising they’d be moving in together soon and just curled into his touch. They paid the fee and were shown the tray of wedding bands to pick from, something Sylvie didn’t think she’d be so interested in. She knew for work they’d have to have silicone ones, but she and Kelly poured over the tray of rings in front of them.

“That’s the one for you.” Kelly pointed at a slim band, Sylvie nodding when she spotted it. It was a platinum ring, a rose gold channel running through the middle of it. “You can get a pink silicone one for work to match it and keep the real one safe? She’s a paramedic.”

The last sentence was directed to the attendant watching them, smiling at their interactions. Sylvie found the one for Kelly, pointing out a silver band. It was thick and heavy, small grooves on it and she knew it’d fit him perfectly.

“That one. And you can get a silver one when you’re in work, we’ll match that way when we’re in 51. He’s a firefighter.”

“We offer a first responders discount, I can take ten percent off the cost of the rings for you both.” Kelly nodded and handed over his card to pay, waving off Sylvie’s offers to put money towards it. Once the payment went through they were shown to the waiting room, sitting beside each other holding hands.

“Are you ready?” Sylvie asked as she fidgeted with one of the steps from her bouquet. She didn’t know what to say if he wasn’t actually ready, and that cold doubt was infesting her stomach. She was actually insane for marrying a man she barely knew, in the literal sense of the word.

But it was Kelly Severide, and he was a Good Guy. He’d been grieving Shay when Sylvie had been sent to 51, and now that she knew what she did it made sene why he’d stayed away from her. But his behaviour around Harrison, helping her make him leave the house and making her feel better about how he’d acted? This was worth it. It was crazy and ridiculous and completely out of character for her, but it felt totally right.

“As long as you are. Plus, it’ll be fun seeing everyone’s face when we’re in work and announce that we got married.

“Definitely.” She smiled, his hand taking hers and his thumb rubbing a soothing circle on her hand.

“The Severide-Brett wedding?”

They stood still holding hands, walking into the garishly decorated chapel together. The room was filled with pink and red heart decorations, reminding Sylvie of an elementary school Valentine’s party. They’d chosen the standard wedding service, the two standing opposite each other to say their vows and exchange rings.

“I, Kelly Severide, take you, Sylvie Brett, to be my lawfully wedded wife. To have and to hold, in sickness and in health. With this ring, I thee wed.” He slid the cool metal onto Sylvie’s hand, a broad grin on both their faces as it fit exactly on her finger.

“I, Sylvie Brett, take you, Kelly Severide, to be my lawfully wedded husband. To have and to hold, in sickness and in health. With this ring, I thee wed.” Sylvie did the same motion, Kelly’s shaking hand making it slightly awkward to get the ring over his knuckle but she settled it at the base of his finger. Once it was on they held hands, looking at the officiant.

“By the power vested in me by the City of Las Vegas and the State of Nevada, I now pronounce you man and wife. You may kiss the bride.” Sylvie really should have expected it, but Kelly swept her into a dipped kiss. When he lifted her up and they separated they were both laughing, being brought out to sign their marriage certificate. Once they and the witnesses signed they were promised it’d be filed in the courthouse the following morning as soon as it opened. Sylvie took the copy they were given as the two left the chapel, hands linked as they stared at their rings.

When they made it back into the cab to the hotel Kelly couldn’t keep his hands off her, fingers running up and down Sylvie’s waist. Every few moments he’d splay his hand over her thigh, the lights shining off his ring as he pulled her closer. It took longer than Sylvie wanted for them to make it to the hotel, paying the driver and heading straight through the lobby to the elevators to their room.

Once the doors to the small box were closed, Kelly pulled her in for a searing kiss. He pressed more along her jaw as she gasped lightly.

“Kelly. Room. Now.” Sylvie could barely get the words out thanks to his constant actions, but her husband stopped and moved his lips away from her as the bell chimed and the doors opened. He kept his arm around her to mark that she was his as they half ran down the hallway, unlocking the door and getting to their hotel room. As soon as they were inside Kelly kicked the door closed behind them, trailing his lips down Sylvie’s jaw and neck. When he pulled her wedding dress over her head he stared at her lingerie, eyes out on stalks.

“My wife is so fucking hot.”

That was the last coherent sentence either of them were able to say for the next few hours.

When Sylvie woke up the next morning her back was curled into Kelly’s chest, his arms wrapped around her and clutching her close, She could see their rings shining in the sun, a smile beginning on her face. It was the first truly impulsive thing she’d ever done in her life, but it just felt like the right thing. Yes, she and Kelly didn’t really know each other that well, she didn’t exactly love him like she thought she’d love her husband. But she could love him. She knew she would love him. It would take time and they’d need to build their relationship on more than just really good sex and alcohol, but it would be worth it.

She felt him shift around her, the smile on her face growing as she remembered their sex the night before. The dull ache of a memory between her legs telling her just how well he’d treated her, how he’d made sure that her pleasure was the main thing he cared about. He was the first man to ever go down on her, and when she’d revealed that with embarrassment on her face he’d made sure she would never be embarrassed about her wants ever again.

“Shay, you’re so warm,” he murmured, and Sylvie froze in his arms, her face changing. She could tell the exact moment he realised what he’d said, his arms loosening around her. She slipped out from between them and sat on the edge of the bed, the sheet protecting her modesty.

“Sylvie, I didn’t mean…”

“Did you just call me your best friend’s name?” She was impressed at how steady her voice was as she turned her head to look at him, Kelly’s face clear. He didn’t even look apologetic.

“I didn’t mean it like that. I just saw your hair and thought—“

“You thought I was the woman I’m very aware I replaced? The woman who I always hear “that’s not how Shay did it” about anything I do in work?” A sickening feeling came over her stomach as Sylvie stood, grabbing a change of clothes and pulling her underwear on as quickly as she could. “Did you marry me because I remind you of her?”

It was silent in the room, and she stared at her husband’s frozen face in shock. He didn’t deny it. She wanted him to, wanted a man to have actually chosen Sylvie Brett for being who she was. But instead it was the memory of a dead woman she was competing with. It was a step down from competing with her best friend, she supposed.

“Did you marry me because I remind you of Leslie Shay? Answer me, Kelly.” His eyes were staring at her chest as she pulled a bra on, and that essentially answered the question for her. But she waited for him to speak, his hand running down his face as she stood and stared at him.

“That wasn’t my main intention.”

“But it was one of them?”

“…Yes.”

How stupid could she possibly be? Getting pulled in by a pair of pretty blue eyes, thinking that he wanted her. She should have known better. Sylvie stared at the beautiful ring on her left hand, the one that Kelly had picked out for her. That he’d mentioned the ring he wanted to get her for work about. Or did he pick the ring because a woman she had never and would never meet would have liked a ring like that? She knew Shay was gay but why would he have even said anything like this, her thoughts running wild. It felt too much, like the ring was so wrong on her hand even as it fit perfectly. 

Sylvie stared at her hand for a moment, feeling her husband’s eyes on her. The marriage couldn’t be annulled, but they could divorce in Illinois. They could pretend it had never happened, she’d just fill out her census form as a divorcee instead of single. If she hadn’t slept with him she could have annulled, but what was done was done. She held out her hand, pulling the ring off and setting it down on the nightstand beside the pillow she’d slept on, in the bed Kelly Severide had brought her to the greatest heights she’d ever known.

“Sylvie…”

“We made a mistake. A big one. We never should have gotten married last night. When we get back home we can file for divorce, it’s the right thing to do.” She swallowed, tears pricking her eyes. Married for less than twelve hours, even for her that was an impressive record. At least she’d said I do this time. “I’m packing my bag and going for breakfast. I’ll leave it in the lobby. I’ll see you around the hotel or at the airport.”

It took little time to get packed, pulling her bikini out to go sit by the pool. But when Sylvie went to the bathroom to grab her cosmetics she saw the love bites Kelly had left along her cleavage, the marks on her hips from his fingertips. But she put it on anyway, going downstairs and leaving her luggage in the storage before going to the breakfast buffet and to the pool.

She didn’t see Kelly for the rest of the day until she was in the airport, an iced latte in her hand. Her ring had been off her hand for as long as it had been on, but she missed it for some strange reason. She wanted it to be a fairytale, that they’d be married and it’d work out. But instead she was facing a divorce at 23, and having to hide her relationship status from her friends, it was fine.

The flight home still made her nervous, but this time when she gripped the armrest Kelly didn’t comfort her. As soon as they landed in Chicago he was gone, and she got a cab from the airport to her apartment, stepping in and closing the door behind her. Once her bag was ready for the morning and she was about to sleep she pulled up Severide’s phone number, opening a text to her soon to be ex husband.

I don’t want people to know what happened. After shift we can start on the divorce paperwork?

It was a few moments before a text appeared, the dots from a text being written lasting too long.

That’s fine for me. I can print the forms and we’ll file them, no lawyers needed.

Sylvie curled up in her bed after that text once her alarm was set, trying to stop the tears from flooding her eyes. If she’d just listened to her gut, if she hadn’t agreed to marry him. It was a mistake of the highest order, and she had to live with it.

Chapter Text

If you’d told Sylvie it would take five weeks to get divorced, she’d have been surprised. But she and Kelly were leaving the marriage with everything they’d brought in themselves, so it was just the legal official parts. The day the divorce decree came in the mail she was able to relax and pretend it had never happened.

The shift after they’d come back from Vegas Kelly brought her ring with him, handing it to her when nobody else was around the locker room. She didn’t want it and tried to get him to keep it, but he insisted she kept it.

“Sell it, keep it, throw it in the river. Whatever you want to do with it. But it’s your ring, so you make that choice, not me.” She nodded, pocketing it and leaving him behind.

Since then they’d refused to talk in work. If they had to they would, especially if they were on a scene, but otherwise they steered clear of each other. In Molly’s it was a nod, but nothing else. The only ones who knew they went to Vegas together were Gabby and Matt, and the soon to be parents were too busy getting used to their own impending life change to ask any questions. Instead Sylvie nodded and smiled at Gabby’s comments about finding out what she was having. They were finding out at a scan in a couple of weeks, and when that happened she’d come off ambo for the rest of her pregnancy. Sylvie had already met the paramedic who’d take over, Violet, and they got along. She’d also been handed the PIC bars that she’d wear while Gabby was gone, Boden smiling as he did. It had been four months at 51, and she couldn’t imagine it being better. 

Apart from the wall between her and Severide. It hadn’t been commented on, but that was mostly because they sat in the same groups, but didn’t talk together. Her ring sat on her jewellery stand, mocking her every time she stared at it. What a stupid mess. 

But she made it through, taking up slack because she didn’t want Gabby doing too much. Her partners bump had appeared, and instead of them spending time at Molly’s, Sylvie would go over to the condo or Gabby would come to her apartment. The awkwardness between her and Kelly was visible whenever they were in a small group, so the two avoided those interactions. 

But it was sitting in Gabby’s living room, Matt and Kelly gone out of the condo when Gabby turned and stared. 

“What happened with you and Severide? It’s like the Cold War between the two of you.”

Sylvie took a gulp of her wine, curling her leg under her on the sectional. 

“Vegas was a bust. It was a bad decision to go, and we made a mistake. So now it’s just awkward.”

“That’s a lie.” Her friend glared, a hand on her bump. “What happened? Seriously. I need to know how much I need to yell at him.”

“Don’t yell at him. We slept together while we were there, and we realised we shouldn’t have. And now we can barely look at each other. It’s fine. Honestly.” Sylvie nearly convinced herself, but Gabby raised an eyebrow. 

“If I need to kill him tell me. I can blame hormones.” They both laughed, settling down to watch the movie Gabby queued up on Netflix for them with popcorn between them.

The week before Gabby was coming off full duty was one that felt oh too long for Sylvie. They were called out to three calls just with Squad in one day, and Kelly as the Lieutenant just set her teeth on edge. They were both consummate professionals but she hated spending time with him without the buffer of everyone else around them.

This call was out to the lake, a capsized boat needing a scuba rescue. Usually Gabby would have been the one to go out and assist as PIC, but thanks to her pregnancy that wasn’t an option. So Sylvie found herself in a life vest on the CFD rescue boat, holding onto a handrail as they raced to the middle of the boat. From what they knew there were two on board when it happened, and they’d gotten out there quickly. She was left as the four men dived in, their red suits quickly disappearing under the water.

Sylvie laid out her equipment quickly, grabbing the hypothermia blankets and her IV setup ready to go. She didn’t know what they’d come out with, or even if they’d come out with anyone she could help. Her stomach was in her throat as she and the boat pilot watched the water, staring for anyone to emerge.

“61 to CFD boat, any sign?” Gabby asked over the radio, Sylvie grabbing it from her shoulder.

“Nothing yet. They’ve been under for eight minutes.”

“Keep me in the loop.”

The choking taste of fear was first in Sylvie’s mind, the image of their joined hands and rings flashing in front of her eyes. She was over him. She knew she was. But that tiny taste of what if would never leave her brain, would never let her think of anything else. So instead she waited for three of her friends and her ex husband to emerge from the boat, nerves on fire at even the smallest disturbance in the water signalling that they could be emerging. But after twelve agonising minutes, Peter emerged from the depths with a child in his arms.

“SYLVIE!” He yelled, lifting the boy up to her. She grabbed and pulled him on board, immediately running her survey. He was so small, the life vest around him tiny and he’d stopped breathing. She started CPR, Peter climbing aboard and grabbing the ambubag to blow air around his nose and mouth as Sylvie did the compressions.

It was a terrifying two minutes, but finally he started coughing up water, the two sitting him up and helping him get it up. When he’d regained consciousness fully and Sylvie strapped him into one of the seats with an IV going she stared in the water, waiting for the other three. It didn’t take long, and the boy’s dad was conscious and hadn’t inhaled water. It was foil blankets around both of them as they made their way back to shore, worry finally leaving Sylvie’s body as they did.

The run to Med was standard, Peter helping her load the boy - Bobby - into the rig. Sylvie smiled as she helped him onto the gurney, Pete standing just outside the doors still in his wetsuit.

“Don’t worry about a thing, Sylvie’s the best paramedic I know. She’ll help you feel better. Bye!” He closed the door and gave the knock for them to drive away, Gabby pulling out with the lights and sirens going.

“We get the sirens?” Bobby asked, his eyes wide as his dad held his hand just slightly too tight.

“All the VIPs get sirens. It’s important to happen.” Sylvie nodded seriously, checking his temperature and frowning at the still too cold reading. Med would heat him fully, but she wanted him to get warmer as quickly as possible.

“What’s a I-V-P?”

“A VIP?” He nodded frantically. “A Very Important Person. It only happens for the fanciest people, and people who are friends with Peter are important to me, so you get the sirens. Plus it lets everyone know to get out of the way, we’ve someone with somewhere very important to go.”

Before he could ask another question Gabby had them at Med, the doors opening and Maggie waiting for them. 

“We’ve got Bobby, five, and David, thirty four. Bobby had two rounds of epi and resus, vitals stable at 102 and 21, temp 93. David needs a check over, their boat capsized in the lake.” She kept her voice neutral, and Maggie caught onto the signs she was giving.

“Sounds good, lets make sure you didn’t end up with a fish somewhere! Come on in here with me and Sylvie can do the paperwork.” She followed them in and did the paperwork required, watching as Bobby waved to her from a trauma room as he was checked out. It didn’t take long for Gabby to grab supplies and they were back on the road, Gabby swinging them into traffic easily.

“What’s up with you and Mills? He seemed pretty friendly when you were loading up,” Gabby remarked, Sylvie shaking her head in return.

“We’re friends. He’s a nice guy, but I haven’t spent much time with him. He was good with the kid, kept him calm when he woke up. That was terrifying, I’ve never done CPR on someone so tiny before.”

“But you got him back. You’re ready for the PIC role when I’m off. Plus…Matt and I are talking about me taking a job at the academy when I’m back from maternity leave. We’re not sure about leaving her alone for so long.”

Sylvie’s eyes lit up. “Her? Did you find out already?”

“Not yet, but I think they’re a girl. I just have that feeling. But then tomorrow I might think I’m having a boy until I find out. I’ve started feeling flutters, it’s weird. Motherhood is strange already.”

“Ha, good luck?”

“Thanks.”

The rest of the shift passed without too much incident, Sylvie sitting with the rest of Truck for dinner. Otis had asked her out once and she let him down easily, but now he was silent around her. The jokes passed among them, relaxing and taking the break they so desperately needed between calls. But finally they were finished and Sylvie walked out of the firehouse with her bag on her shoulder, looking forward to getting into bed and napping before a HGTV marathon.

“Sylvie! Hold up a minute!” She turned and saw Peter jogging over, so she waited for him to catch up. It was maybe ten seconds, and he had a bright grin as he got to her.

“Pete. What’s up?”

“Look, you can tell me to back off and I won’t be offended. But I wanted to know if you wanted to get dinner tonight? Go to Molly’s and get a drink? It can be just as friends if you want.”

“And if I want it to see if we want to be more than friends?” His eyes brightened, arm reaching out to squeeze her hand.

“Then we can see where we go from here? I’ll pick you up at seven?”

“Sounds like a plan.”

Sylvie didn’t think she’d sleep with the butterflies in her stomach thanks to the date, but she managed to get a few hours. Once she was awake she did the few chores she had to do before picking out what to wear for their date. Even though she knew they wouldn’t go to bed together she picked out lingerie to wear for the confidence boost before putting on a little black dress. As she sat in front of her dresser she stared at her wedding ring on its holder, the metal shining in the light.

Peter was sweet and kind and decent, but Sylvie knew already it wasn’t going to be a good date. Realistically she wasn’t ready to date someone again, her feelings were still bruised from Vegas and they would remain that way for so much longer. But the first date after her failed marriage would be the hardest, and she knew that Peter would make it easy to go on at the very least.

When her makeup was done and she slipped her heels on Sylvie was ready to go, her purse on her arm when Peter knocked at the door. He was in a shirt and slacks, holding out his arm for her to take once the door had been locked behind them. He brought her to a Thai restaurant, where the conversation flowed easily between the two of them. But when they left he turned and looked at her, his smile dimmer than before.

“This isn’t really a date, is it?” He asked, Sylvie shaking her head.

“I wanted it to be. I just don’t think I’m ready for anything romantic right now.” He shook his head, still smiling and holding his hand out for a shake.

“Well, friends then Sylvie Brett?”

“Definitely friends, Peter Mills.”

They went to Molly’s together, Herrmann waving as they got in. Peter ordered her a drink and sat opposite her, their coworkers and friends stopping by the table to chat. But once Sylvie was done her wine she decided to leave, tired and slightly disappointed. But at least they had their friendship, that would keep her happy. Maybe in the future it’d work out between them, but right now she wanted her couch and a pint of chunky monkey ice cream.

It was cool outside and she pulled her jacket around her, stopping the wind from chilling her further. But before she was too cold waiting for her cab an arm went around her and pulled her close. Sylvie almost shrieked, but familiar hands spun her around.

“Going for a date with someone on my team? Low blow, Brett.” Kelly was staring into her eyes, and Sylvie held his gaze carefully.

“A low blow is calling your wife the wrong name less than twelve hours after your wedding. You don’t own me, Severide. I can date whoever I want.” It felt wrong to be cruel to him, but the subdued anger that she’d felt for so long was bubbling up.

“What, trying to humiliate me in front of everyone?”

“If the shoe fits.”

At her mocking words she could see anger flare, and his hand went to her head to pull her to him. As soon as his lips touched hers it felt familiar and she melted against him, kissing until her cab appeared.

“Come home with me.” He didn’t need to be asked twice, sliding into the back seat holding her hand, kissing Sylvie up the stairs to her front door and into her bedroom. When he pulled her dress off she watched him smile appreciatively at her lingerie, eyes staring up and down.

“Don’t get me wrong the white was nice. But black is definitely your colour.”

The next morning Sylvie woke to Kelly getting out of her bed and dressing. She kept her eyes closed, pretending to be asleep. She never should have asked him to come home with her, never should have slept with him. But she let him leave the apartment before she moved from the bed, putting the coffee on and staring at the liquid brewing. Stupid, stupid, stupid.

But the sex was great, sharp barbs and deep thrusts, Kelly playing her body like a piano. She just had to forget it had ever happened.

But that night she went over to Matt and Gabby’s, waiting to hear about the scan that day. They’d been quiet since it had happened, a text confirming everything was healthy and on track for a perfect baby but they’d tell the gender that evening. So Sylvie got herself ready, washing off the smell of sex and staring at the fingertip bruises Kelly had left on her hips that night. But she was ready to head over, picking up pizza to see them through whatever announcement the couple had.

When she got to the apartment Gabby welcomed her by taking the pizzas and giving Sylvie a hug. The bump was more pronounced already, firm against Sylvie when she got the hug. Kelly was on the couch and Sylvie sat across from him, watching as Matt and Gabby set out the food and passed beers over.

“We wanted to let you know that before the appointment today we had another one at City Hall, and we got married.” Gabby held out her hand, Sylvie cooing over the wedding ring that matched her engagement ring perfectly. Matt had a silver silicone one on his hand, Kelly standing and hugging his best friend.

“I thought I was going to be best man?” He asked, Matt nodding.

“We’re having a big party after the baby’s here, a full wedding then. But we wanted the legalities sorted out first to keep everything above board.”

“And? What’s the news about Baby Dawson-Casey?” Sylvie asked, watching as the newlyweds glanced at each other before Matt spoke.

“Well, our baby will be Andrew Ramon Casey. Andy.” The gender registered with Sylvie that they were having a boy, but Kelly dropped back into his seat, staring at the two of them.

“Matt…he’d have been so proud of you getting this chance. Andy always knew how much you wanted to be a dad. And you were great with Griffin and Ben when you had them. The two of you are going to be amazing parents.”

Sylvie stood to hug them, a grin on everyone’s faces as they did. Once they had eaten Gabby sat forward, Matt’s arm around her as she did.

“The other thing we wanted to ask is a bit more intense. We all know what our jobs are like, what can happen. Matt’s sister isn’t in a place to look after another kid, and Antonio is too busy to. I’m moving to work in the academy after I come back from maternity leave so this is unlikely, but we want you to be the people we can trust if anything happens to us. We trust you, and we trust you with our son. Will you be his godparents?”

“Yes.”

“Of course.”

Sylvie and Kelly spoke at the same time, their instant agreement surprising the other. But even with everything that had happened between them, there was no way she could refuse something like that. She and Gabby had become such close friends so quickly, she trusted the woman with her life.

As Sylvie went to leave Kelly offered to walk her to the door, Matt and Gabby going to their room. He stopped beside the door and looked at her.

“About last night…” He trailed off, and Sylvie nodded.

“It’s fine, don’t worry about it.”

“I knew you’d know it was a mistake. Fun mistake, but a mistake.”

“Yeah, completely.” Sylvie swallowed down the bitterness that she felt, instead just nodding and opening the door. “See you on shift.”

When she made it home her wedding ring was still staring at her, a mockery of how she felt. So Sylvie picked it up and put it in her jewellery box, hiding the box in her drawer. She didn’t want to look at it again knowing Kelly thought it was just a mistake.

Chapter Text

Sylvie had sworn that she wasn’t going to sleep with Kelly again. It was a one time thing, just borne from stress from work and everything that had been going on. At least she told herself that much.

But at least once a week they ended up in her apartment, sleeping together and Kelly sneaking out a few hours later after they’d fallen asleep on opposite sides of the bed, refusing to touch. Except this time it was Sylvie sneaking out. Kelly had left Molly’s first, Sylvie following ten minutes later half hoping he’d gone home already. But he was still there, and a few moments later they were in the cab to the condo.

This was probably the most embarrassing thing she’d ever done. She’d sworn they wouldn’t do this, that she wouldn’t come to the condo with him. But here she was, her heels in her hand as she tried to creep out of the living room to the hallway where she could make her escape. She’d just about made it to the door when there were steps behind her, Sylvie twirling around to see Gabby standing there, her hand on her bump as her mouth was wide open.

“Sylvie? Why are you…”

“Please. Later, ask me later. Just not right now.”

“Did you actually-“

“Gabby, later. I need grease and sugar and I need to forget about bad decisions. Come over in a few hours, ok?” She didn’t wait for a response, just walked out the front door of the apartment and slipping her shoes on before closing it behind her. Sylvie desperately needed a shower, a change of clothes, and to try forget about the really, really good sex she’d had the night before.

Once her hair was washed and she put pjs on, Sylvie crawled into bed and slept for a few hours. She needed the sleep, not that Kelly had let her get much. How had she let this happen again? 

She could blame it on the alcohol, she could blame it on adrenaline, she could even blame it on finally having regular good sex. But instead she was thinking about all the mistakes they’d made.

She’d noticed his ring on his nightstand when they entered the room, Kelly pushing open mouthed kisses down her shoulder as he pulled her shirt off. It was sitting there on his sparse stand and her eyes kept getting drawn to it. He kept it out. It wasn’t hidden away like hers was, and that made her feel something terrifying.

When she’d slept and changed and turned Taylor Swift up loud to clean she pushed it out of her mind. Sylvie couldn’t cope with the drama, couldn’t cope with the constant wondering about Kelly, about if they’d sleep together again. She had to ignore him, for her own sanity and peace of mind.

A couple of hours later there was a knock on her door, Gabby standing there. Sylvie welcomed her friend in and made them both tea, Gabby settling in on the couch.

“Thanks, Andy’s kicking like crazy today. It’s the weirdest feeling.”

“I can tell. You’re what, twenty seven weeks?”

“Yeah. Officially in my last trimester, Matt’s getting even more protective than normal. I’m not the one going into fires every third day! Plus, how’s Violet working out?”

“I like her. She’s a talented medic, the new Paramedic field chief was out last week with us. It’s been good working with her. Not the same as when you’re riding shotgun.”

“Can she work as your new partner? The academy confirmed I’ve got the teaching position when I finish maternity leave. We can put Andy in daycare but we don’t need to search for someone to take him for a full shift.”

She’d expected this was coming, had worried about it since Violet had joined 51. But the new paramedic fit in well, and riding with her was easier than Sylvie would have expected. And it wasn’t like Gabby was going anywhere. But the melancholy still hit her chest.

“If it’s the right move for you, I’m happy for you.”

“Thanks, Sylvie.” Gabby reached out, squeezing her hand firmly. They sat like that for a few moments until Gabby’s curiosity got the best of her. “So…you and Severide? That didn’t look like the first time you’d slept together.”

Sylvie threw her head back and took a deep breath, wondering how to explain. But after a moment she let the full story pour out of her. Kelly inviting her to Vegas, the hotel, gambling, drinking. The way he’d asked her to marry him and she’d said yes. The wedding chapel and picking rings and getting married. And then how it’d fallen apart less than twelve hours after it happened when her husband thought she was his dead best friend. Their separation and divorce, and that nobody else knew what had happened. And now they kept sleeping together. She watched Gabby’s face when she finished speaking, her best friend just in shock.

“You need to talk to each other. But this is…are you doing ok?”

“I have to be. We work together and neither of us want anyone knowing. I’ve decided I’m not sleeping with him again. I can’t do it.”

“I’ll help.”

When Gabby left Sylvie felt better, and walking into shift the next morning she knew she could do this. She deserved  better than someone she slept with once a week, who ran from her bed or whose bed she ran from. She could be strong and not want to drool over his perfect arms.

Until she was on a call with Squad, and they watched him pull a woman out from the gears of an elevator, grabbing her and putting her on the gurney for the paramedics to take. When Sylvie had the gurney secured he closed the doors of the ambulance, hitting it twice for Violet to pull away.

The rest of the shift passed with calls and inventory, the weight of the PIC bars falling heavily on Sylvie as she filled out the paperwork. Matt offered to let her into his office to do it instead of the common room, Sylvie gladly taking him up on the offer.

“Hey Case, do you have...Brett. Sorry, thought Casey would be here. Cause it’s his office.” He sounded sarcastic, and she just stared up at him.

“I’m using it so I can get my paperwork done. I think he’s down in the common room or the tower.”

“Ok.” He turned to leave, but came back and looked at Sylvie. “Are you gonna be at Molly’s tomorrow night?”

“No, I’ve got plans.” She thought he looked disappointed at her response, but put it out of her head. Her ex husband didn’t have any reason to know what they were, and if her plans involved being home and watching TV while baking he didn’t need to know.

“Oh. Well I’ll be there. If you decide to change them.”

“I won’t.”

She stared at the doorway as he walked away, his shoulders slightly slumped. Sylvie hated the way she felt, the cruelty wasn’t something that came naturally to her. But she knew what was going on, she knew how her emotions would get if she didn’t cut it off now. So she had no other choice, really.

Finally she was about to leave, but before she could escape to her car Boden called her into his office, sitting behind his desk.

“Chief. What can I do for you?” Her hair was pulled back in a plait, and the last thing she really wanted was to have a conversation.

“How are things working out with Mikami? Can she stay on 61 full time?”

“Gabby told me, you don’t have to beat around the bush. Can we keep Violet as my partner? We work well together, she’s talented. I’d prefer her instead of nearly anyone else.” He nodded, pulling a form from his paperwork.

“You can go tell her the good news. This means you’ll remain as PIC full time, I filled this out for you. Just sign and we’ll get it filed.”

“Thanks, Chief. For believing in me and trusting me.”

“You proved yourself, Brett. We’re happy to have you here.”

Sylvie managed to find Violet still in the locker room, walking out with her partner. They chatted before Sylvie stopped and turned.

“The paramedic you’re covering for isn’t coming back to paramedic work after her maternity leave. Boden asked me, and I agreed, we want you to take over for her on 61. If you’re happy to stay here, we would love to have you here.”

“Definitely.” They were the same age, and Violet reached for a hug that Sylvie gave willingly, smiles on both faces. “Meet me at Molly’s tonight? I feel like celebrating.”

“Sure.”

It wasn’t until Sylvie got into her car that she realised what she’d agreed to, leaning her head against the headrest and hitting it softly. Why had she said yes? Maybe if he thought she wouldn’t be there Kelly wouldn’t appear. It was a futile thought, but Sylvie let herself hope.

Getting ready that night she stared at her wardrobe for what to wear. It was the week before Christmas, snow on the ground and most of her outfits that she’d wear to make someone jealous were summer clothes. So instead she put her favourite underwear set on, along with a sweater and jeans, her snow boots to keep her cosy. Was it a jealousy outfit? Not in the slightest. But it was a feel good about herself outfit, and that felt more important for Sylvie.

When she arrived in the bar wasn’t too busy, Herrmann tending and watching the door.

“Brett, hey! Question, what are you doing for Christmas?” She raised an eyebrow as she got to the bar, looking carefully at him.

“Is this a trick question? I was staying home. Why?”

“Not anymore. Cindy’s inviting anyone who doesn’t have family in Chicago to our place for Christmas. We’ve enough food, the kids make it magical. You in?” Sylvie nodded, knowing when she was beaten.

“A beer please, and sure. I get the feeling that even if I tried to say no I’d have someone appear at my front door to bring me over.”

“Got it in one.” He popped the top on her beer, sliding it over. “Severide and Cruz are coming too. Severide is Kenny’s godfather, so it’s always fun having them around.”

“Sounds like a plan.”

It sounded like hell, but she’d agreed so she did it. Violet was already in Molly’s and Sylvie went straight across, receiving a hug as the other paramedic was talking to Joe and Otis.

“Well Brett told me something today that makes me pretty excited. Is it official?” Violet asked, Sylvie nodding and laughing at her reaction.

“You can say it.”

“I’m permanent on 61! There was a cheer from the two men before Cruz stared at Sylvie.

“Dawson’s not coming back?”

“She got an instructor gig at the academy. Better hours with a baby. She’s not saying never in the future, but right now this is the best thing for them.”

“Makes sense. Welcome to 51 officially, Violet.”

The evening passed with fun, everyone relaxing and talking to them. She saw Severide sitting at the end of the bar but kept her eyes averted, staring at her drinks or looking at her friends. By the time she was ready to leave she was buzzed, but not drunk. 

“What do you want me to bring for dinner?” She asked Herrmann, who shook his head.

“Don’t worry about it, bring yourself. If you really wanna bring something maybe a pie? Cindy has the meal ready to go, we’ll see you in a few days.”

“Thanks. See you on shift?” They were working Christmas Eve, so they didn’t need to worry about the worst of the turkey grease fires.

Walking outside she ordered her uber, pulling her coat around her. The winter chill had set in, snow falling lightly around her as she waited. 

“Hey. You’re doing Christmas at the Herrmann’s too?” Kelly was a few feet away, and as he came closer Sylvie stepped back.

“Yeah. He asked me and I really couldn’t say no. I thought you had family here?”

“My mom’s in Peoria, and I’m not sure where Benny’s spending Christmas this year. Look, do you want to come back to my place?” He looked young asking her, but she shook her head no.

“It’s a bad idea. Gabby caught me leaving your room last week. We need to stay apart, sleeping together isn’t good for us.”

“Oh. Are you sure?” Sylvie wanted to say no, wanted to ask him to come back. But this stupid crush wasn’t leaving her and she knew sleeping together again was a bad idea.

“Positive. We need to do this.”

Her über pulled up and Sylvie slipped into the back seat. But her eyes didn’t leave Kelly’s face until they turned the corner away from Molly’s.

She got through the final shift before Christmas, Herrmann reminding her as she left the firehouse that she needed to be at his place for two. Sylvie had braved December 23^rd shopping to buy things for his kids, a quick question to Mouch about their ages. She’d come prepared with sports equipment, a Disney Princess dress for Annabelle, some colouring books and a toddler tower toy for the youngest. Plus the apple pie she’d made, and a box of chocolates for Cindy and Herrmann. Her mother would have killed her if she turned up empty handed, so with a reindeer headband on her head Sylvie knocked at the door.

She hadn’t met Cindy before, but the older woman immediately welcomed her in with a hug, helping take the bags from Sylvie’s hands.

“There’s presents for the kids in that one, and here, I got you and Herrmann something small. And brought a pie, I hope it didn’t get too damaged.”

“You didn’t have to do this! It’s very appreciated. Kids! Come here!” There was a stampede of children and adolescents as they came in, looking at Sylvie curiously. “This is Sylvie, she works with your dad on 61. She brought you presents.”

They were handed out and opened, Lee Henry looking at her. “Did you replace Shay?” You could have heard a pin drop in the room.

“I don’t think I replaced her. I work where she did, but everyone at 51 still remembers her. You can’t replace someone like that.”

“Oh. Thanks.”

Cindy tried chasing her out of the kitchen but Sylvie got stuck in to help, mixing gravy and putting everything into serving dishes. It was all put around the table, Joe and Kelly coming in every few minutes to see what was happening, but spending most of their time outside with the older boys to keep them occupied while Herrmann had the younger ones watching movies. But finally it was time to eat, everyone sitting around the tables that had been joined together to fit the group.

Sylvie was placed with Annabelle on one side, Kelly on her other as everyone ate and talked. It was exactly what she needed, and so much better than the Christmas she’d planned home alone with a takeout meal. Instead they were laughing and joking, and because she and Cindy had helped with the cooking they were banned from cleaning, sitting with glasses of wine as everyone else cleared up. It was quiet as they sat on the deck in the back yard, a heater on to keep them warm.

“How’s Chicago for you? It’s been what, six months since you moved Chris was telling me?” Cindy asked, Sylvie nodding in response.

“Nearly eight months now, I moved the end of April. I’m almost six months in 51, and that’s flown by. I still can’t fully believe it.”

“Well anyone I’ve spoken to has mentioned how great you are. That firehouse is something special, when I had Kenny everyone turned up to see us. It’s a good place to be.”

“That’s something I’ve learned, for sure.”

It wasn’t long until they went back inside, and Sylvie said goodbye to everyone. She’d gotten a cab to the house because she wasn’t sure where she was going, and when Kelly offered her a ride there was no way to say no without seeming both incredibly rude and making people know there was something between them. 

It was quiet in Kelly’s mustang, Sylvie staring out the window as he drove through the quiet streets.

“Are you going to talk to me? Or is this just we’re not going to talk again?” Kelly asked, Sylvie turning to him.

“What do we have to say? You’re my ex husband. We were sleeping together regularly. We sneaked out of the other’s home to try hide what we were doing. We both deserve better than that, Kelly. We said we’d forget our marriage had ever happened and we didn’t.”

He was silent when Sylvie finished speaking, and for a terrifying moment she thought she’d gone too far. But instead he pulled in at her building, turning to stare at her.

“Do you want a relationship? I’m not a monogamous kind of guy, I’ve never done well at it.”

“I could have guessed that. I was there when we got married, I was there when you thought I was Shay. But we need to just stay away from each other outside of work. We’ll be Andy Casey’s godparents, we can interact around our friends. But the two of us together? No. We can’t do it.”

“If you’re sure.”

The way he spoke made Sylvie think that he wanted more, that he wanted them to be together the way he claimed not to. But she couldn’t put herself through it, couldn’t stare at that ring wondering if she was a fool because they were spending time together.

“I’m sure.”

But as Sylvie made it into her apartment, curling up on the couch with Love Actually on TV, the only thing she could think was she wanted this but it felt oh so wrong at the same time.

Chapter Text

Sylvie was ridiculously proud of how she’d dealt with things. It had been four weeks since he’d driven her home that night, and she’d barely spoken to Severide outside of work. Now that Gabby knew the truth of what had happened in Vegas she helped run interference between them. Gabby had done more than that, introducing Kim to a cop from the 21^st district that she was friendly with. Kim was fun, bubbly but serious about her job.

She’d spend time with Violet and Kim at Molly’s every few nights, especially now that Gabby had taken time away from the bar to concentrate on her impending motherhood. She was growing bigger every time that Sylvie saw her, and Matt kept grinning whenever anyone mentioned that he’d be a dad soon. Sylvie’s life became a cycle of work and seeing work people in Molly’s and organising Gabby’s baby shower. Gabby had insisted that she didn’t want one, but everyone decided it was non negotiable. Between Sylvie, Cindy, and Donna it was ready to go, the living room of the condo transformed into an oasis of baby gifts and food for them. Donna had arrived with two month old Terrance in his carrier, everyone cooing over him and teasing Gabby that would be her in a few months.

It was a fun afternoon with all of Gabby’s friends, everyone eating cake and drinking coffee. The people who had been pregnant compared symptoms with Gabby, talking about different ways of soothing newborns. There were stupid games and bets on what eye and hair colour Andy would have before the gifts were opened.

Sylvie had organised the gifts from 51, going around to tell everyone what the plan was with Boden’s approval. Between herself, Violet, and Truck they’d bought the crib that Matt and Gabby wanted. Matt had talked about building his own for Andy, but he was taking extra construction jobs so he could have some extra unpaid time off when Andy arrived. She’d needled Capp and Tony into getting Squad and Engine to spring for the matching changing table, a gift from 51 to the newest person who’d be spending time at the firehouse. She hadn’t been at the house for long when Terrance was born, but a new member of the 51 family was a special occasion.

Violet had become a dream partner, fresh out of the academy and eager to learn. When she’d worked in Fowlerton Sylvie had had her share of partners who’d become paramedics to work in medicine before going to nursing school, but Violet shared that want to be a paramedic first and foremost. From their first shift they’d worked seamlessly together. She was delighted to have her as a permanent partner.

But after her post shift Zumba class Sylvie was meeting Gabby to go baby shopping. She had nearly everything already and was starting to get the nursery ready, but she wanted a friend with her while they looked at bedding and different sized baby clothes. That wasn’t a trip Sylvie would ever turn down, so she hugged Gabby in greeting before they walked into the first store.

Half of their list was complete and they’d just left their bags in the car so they could go for lunch when Gabby suddenly stopped, grabbing Sylvie’s arm and pulling her to her.

“Sylvie, something’s wrong. Something is really wrong.” There was terror on Gabby’s face, dawning terror spreading through Sylvie’s body as she saw blood spreading on Gabby’s pants.

“We need to get to Med, right now.” It was a rush back to the car, Sylvie spreading her jacket on the seat before Gabby got in, her friend breathing deeply.

“It’s too soon, this can’t happen, he’s too small. Sylvie, he’s just too small. This isn’t ok, I can’t do this. He needs to stay in me for longer.”

“It’s ok, it’s going to be fine. You’ve got this, Dawson. When we get to the hospital I’ll call Matt and get him there, ok? We’ll get him to Med and you’ll have your son and this is going to be fine.”

It was a rush driving to the hospital, Sylvie parking and yelling for help. April pushed a gurney and they got Gabby on it, her friend semi conscious. Sylvie ran and pushed it to the ED but was left behind as they went into a trauma room, a yell for blood and a surgeon all she could hear before the door closed. She picked up her cell, thumbing to Matt’s number and hitting the call button.

“Hey Sylvie, what’s up? Has my wife melted my credit card yet?” He sounded happy, and Sylvie had to take a deep breath before she spoke to him.

“Matt, you need to get to Med right now. Gabby started bleeding while we were out, we’re in the ED…” she trailed off, watching as a black clad surgeon ran out of Gabby’s trauma room. Her best friend was on the gurney with her hair falling off it as they moved quickly. “They’re taking her to surgery. You need to be here, I don’t know what’s happening.

“I’m on my way, I’ll be as fast as I can. Stay in the ED so I can find you?”

“Yeah, of course.”

As she hung up April came over to her with her nurse face firmly in place, Sylvie bracing for bad news.

“Gabby’s being brought upstairs to surgery, it looks like her placenta has partially abrupt. We need to get the baby out right now. Is Casey on the way or do we need to call him?”

“That was him on the phone, he’s on his way. I’ll wait here for him and bring him up to the waiting room. She’s only thirty one weeks, is Andy going to be ok?”

“The baby?” Sylvie nodded. “He’s measuring a little small for gestation, but we gave her a steroid injection to help his lungs mature. We’ve got a paediatrician on standby in the OR for him and he’s going straight to the NICU. We’ll do everything we can, you know she’s one of our own.”

“I know.”

Sylvie stood motionless, eyes barely scanning the movements around her while she waited for Matt. He ran into the ED, spotting her immediately and jogging across to her.

“Where is she? What’s going on? How are they?”

“We need to go upstairs, come on. She’s in surgery.”

While they were in the elevator up to the surgical floor Sylvie filled him in on everything that had happened, watching as the shock of his wife being in danger fully hit him.

“But they….”

“They’re going to be fine. I was right there and got them here quickly, Matt. I’m not letting anything happen to my godson, you know that.”

They followed the signs for the surgical waiting room, sitting in silence before Matt startled slightly.

“I have to tell Antonio what’s happened. He needs to know. I need to call him.”

“I’ll call him. You need to stay here and wait for news. What’s his number?”

She took the number from Matt’s phone, tapping it in and walking down to the elevator lobby where she could make a call. It took a couple of rings for Antonio to answer, and Sylvie nearly didn’t want him to.

“Dawson.”

“Antonio, it’s Sylvie Brett.” She couldn’t keep the worry out of her voice, and could hear the hitch of breath when it registered with the detective.

“Sylvie, what’s wrong? Is Gabby ok?”

“She’s in surgery. Something’s gone wrong, they need to get the baby out right now. Matt and I are at Med, he told me to call you to get you here. He can’t leave the waiting room while the surgery’s happening in case they have information for him.”

“Yeah…yeah, of course. Ruz, I need a ride! I’ll be there in a few minutes.”

She half ran back to the waiting room, Matt still in the same seat staring at the door. Her chair was still empty and she sat next to him, watching as he fidgeted. Matt was usually a steady man, seeing him constantly moving with nervous energy felt so wrong. Antonio arrived quickly, wrapping Matt in a hug as soon as he saw his brother in law. Sylvie stood to greet him too, and he put his arms around her for a hug which was a surprised.

“Thanks for getting her here in time.”

The three of them sat in a quiet line, Antonio murmuring under his breath as Matt jiggled his leg. Sylvie felt so awkward being there. She wasn’t family., she’d barely known Gabby for six months. It didn’t seem right that she was in the waiting room with Gabby’s husband and brother waiting for news.

“I’m gonna go home. I shouldn’t be here.” She went to stand but both men grabbed her arm and pulled her gently back to the seat.

“If you weren’t with her…if she’d been home alone like she has been. Thank you. You saved them, without you they wouldn’t have a chance. Stay. Please.” Matt’s quiet words convinced her, and Sylvie squeezed his hand in comfort.

“I’m staying.”

It wasn’t much longer before the doctor came in, looking around the room for relatives.

“Gabriela Dawson’s family?” They stood as one, the doctor walking straight over to them.

“I’m Matt Casey, Gabby’s my wife. This is Sylvie, her best friend who was the one who brought her in, and Antonio, her brother. How are they doing?” It was quiet for a few seconds and Sylvie felt sick.

“Your wife and son are alive, Mr. Casey.” She let the news sink in for a moment, relief flooding all three of them. “They’re both in the ICU at the moment. When we performed the c-section we discovered that the placenta had essentially fully ruptured. Because of the way your son was lying it wasn’t able to rupture entirely, and thanks to Miss Brett’s quick actions your wife will make a full recovery. We did the c-section, removed the placenta, and we’ve managed to control the bleeding. It did take some time to control, so she’s in the ICU for additional monitoring so we can be sure it’s fully stopped. Your son is in a little more precarious position.”

“What happened to him?”

“His lungs weren’t fully developed so they had to intubate him and he required some resuscitation techniques when he was born. He was nearly immediately extubated and is using a face mask now. Our NICU team are evaluating him, and apart from being born early he’s doing about how we’d expect. He’s got a 95% chance of being completely fine, but we just need to make sure he stays ok. Do you have a name for him yet for me to tell the staff?”

“Yeah. Andrew. Andrew Ramon Casey, am I able to see my wife and son yet?” Matt was desperate, and the doctor nodded.

“You can go see your wife now, I’ll get someone to bring you. You won’t be able to hold Andrew for an hour or so, but if you’d like someone can go up and look in on him and sit with him while you’re with your wife?”

“I’ll do it.” Both men turned to look at Sylvie as she spoke, but she just nodded. “The two of you need to go to Gabby and be with her, I can be with Andy. I’m his godmother, let me do this for him.”

“Thanks, Sylvie.” It was said in unison.

Antonio and Matt hugged her as they were led to the ICU, while a different nurse brought Sylvie to the NICU. She had to show ID and sign a form, a large visitor badge on her chest and a bright pink wristband showing she was allowed to be there. They let her into the room, seating her beside Andy’s incubator.

He was so small, just over three pounds according to the record at the side of the incubator. The ET tube had been removed, an oxygen mask on his face instead now he was breathing fully. Sylvie watched as they started writing his name on the side, stopping the nurse.

“It’s Andy. Officially Andrew, but he’s Andy. His dad’s a firefighter, the original Andy died in the line.”

“We’ll fix it.” 

Sylvie sat there until Matt came down to relieve her, looking slightly less haggard than he had in the waiting room. As soon as he saw Andy his face lit up, the worry for the tiny boy clear on his face, but there was the official proof that Matthew Casey was a father.

“Thanks. Gabby woke up for a little while, she wasn’t sure what happened. She asked if you’d come up to her before you leave?”

“Of course. I’ll stop by Molly’s to let everyone know. Want me to take a photo of Andy for everyone?”

“Yeah. Please.” A nurse came across and got Matt sitting carefully before handing Andy over to him, Sylvie getting to watch as he grinned with his son in his arms.

“I’m a dad.” 

“Yeah, you are.” She took a couple of photos of Matt holding his son before taking a photo of his little face. It was a couple of seconds and she texted them to Matt so he had them there.

“I’ll bring them to Gabby so she can see him. Do you know when she can come down?”

“In the morning. She still needs at least one more transfusion depending on her levels. Sylvie I can’t thank you enough for this. Ever.”

“You don’t need to thank you. You’d have done the exact same thing if I was in your position. 51 is a family, right?”

“Yeah.”

She squeezed Matt’s shoulder and ran her finger along Andy’s forehead before leaving, handing back her badge and wristband. The journey to Gabby’s room was short, her best friend sitting up slightly in the bed.

“Sylvie.” Gabby could barely whisper, but Antonio stood as she came in.

“Hey Momma. How’re you feeling?”

“Like I had major abdominal surgery and am on my third blood transfusion?” She pointed at the nearly empty blood bag, Sylvie shaking her head in response. “Did you see him? Is he ok?”

“He’s amazing. Gabby, he is…he’s a fighter. They intubated him but he’s already been extubated, and all of his vitals were normal while I was there. Matt’s holding him. I got some photos for you.”

She turned her phone over with the one of Matt staring in awe at Andy on her screen, Gabby’s hand raising to her mouth.

“He’s perfect. Without you. Thank you Sylvie. For everything. It’s thanks to you we’re here.”

“I told your husband, and I’m telling you. You’d all have done it for me too, I just did what you’d do. I’m glad you’re ok.”

They sat for a while longer until Gabby began to doze off, so Sylvie said her goodbyes. Antonio promised to stay there with her and Sylvie had a firehouse to tell about the new arrival and what had happened. As soon as they knew what was happening everyone would want to give help and support to the new parents, and she knew she’d have to deliver the information. When she got to her car she sat back before pulling Severide’s number up in her phone, determined to get the first phone call out of the way.

“Severide.”

“Severide, it’s Brett. Gabby and I were out today and she had a problem. We had to get her to Med, she had Andy a couple of hours ago. They’re both ok, but in the ICU for a while.”

“Fuck.” It was quiet on the line for a couple of seconds before he spoke again. “Are they ok? Should I head over?”

“Antonio and Matt are at the hospital. I’m going to Molly’s to tell everyone what’s happened. I’ll text some photos of Andy to you? Head over tomorrow, Matt will appreciate it.”

“Sure. Thanks for calling me to let me know.”

“Of course.”

She hung up and texted the photos, their text thread that hadn’t been used since flirty Vegas messages when they were separated and shopping for their wedding outfits. Instead it was filled with baby photos, Kelly thanking her in response.

The drive to Molly’s didn’t take long and when she pulled up she stared at the familiar cars. It seemed like all of 51 was there so at least she wouldn’t have to say it multiple times. Sylvie walked inside, waving at Violet who was at a table with Kim already before heading over to Herrmann at the bar.

“Brett! Rose? Or are you thinking about something else?” He asked, Sylvie nodding.

“Herrmann, Gabby’s in hospital right now. There was a problem, she had an emergency c-section. She and the baby are doing ok.”

“Thank God.” He put his cloth down on the bar, looking at her. “What happened?”

Sylvie filled him in on the drive to Med, the surgery, and how Gabby and Andy were doing. “He’s going to be in the NICU for a few weeks, but he’ll be ok I think. It’s just making sure. I’ve a photo of Casey holding him.”

As she held out her phone for Herrmann to look the man’s face softened, taking on the fatherly look Sylvie saw whenever they dealt with a child call. 

“He’s gorgeous. And Casey looks like such a dad. He doing ok?”

“Getting there. Antonio’s in the hospital with him so he’s not alone. But it was scary.”

“Sounds like it.” 

Herrmann handed Sylvie over her drink and pulled the firefighter boot out from under the bar. A moment later he clambered on top of the polished wood surface and yelled for people to pay attention to him.

“Hey. HEY! Folks, listen up already! Two of our own have become three, but they need some help. Dawson had the baby early, she and Andy Casey are in ICU for the night, and Andy is gonna be in hospital for a while. Casey’s been trying to pull extra construction jobs so he can stay home longer, and Dawson’s going to need him there. So we’re passing the boot for them, everyone put in. And if you don’t put in, I will notice. I’m just saying.”

There was a hush in the bar at the words, followed by a cheer and everyone dropping dollar bills into the boot. More people arrived in and spotted it there, adding cash to it. Sylvie sat with Violet and Kim, letting their conversation about Kim’s attempts to set Violet up with one of her friends wash over her. But at the end of the night she hugged everyone goodbye, grateful to be a part of a group of coworkers who had become her family so much faster than she thought possible.

Chapter Text

Sylvie had been in to see Andy at least once a week, dropping meals to Matt and Gabby to check on them too. They were both struggling with Andy still in hospital, Gabby dealing with healing. Everyone at 51 had donated furlough to Matt to make life easier, giving him an extra shift off a week to be there for his family. 

The one downside was that her relationship with Severide was strained, and she thought it always would be. Andy had issues two days after he was born, Sylvie holding the tiny boy in her arms with Kelly beside her, Matt and Gabby watching a priest who was baptising their son. She promised to care for him as he grew, cradling him as the drops of water hit his head. 

But it had been six weeks, and there was talk of Andy coming home in a few days now he was up to five and a half pounds. He’d been able to eat on his own, and last time she was there he grasped her finger. It wouldn’t be long and they couldn’t wait. 

This shift was busy, the April snow causing crashes by drivers who’d removed their snow tires too early. They hadn’t had anyone seriously injured, a few runs to Med to drop off patients. When they were there she brought Violet upstairs, the NICU nurses used to seeing Sylvie call in while on shift. Andy was awake, taking her finger for the minute she could see her godson until they had to leave. 

Arriving back at 51 Herrmann stopped her as she stepped off the ambo, the acting Lieutenant smiling. 

“Any news about how Andy’s doing?” He asked, Sylvie nodding. 

“Good. They think he’ll get out next week everything crossed. Casey’s taking paternity leave when he’s home from hospital, so you’ll have two weeks of being Lieutenant. Excited?”

“Yeah, it’s good. Weird not having him here. Lunch is up.”

The common room smelled amazing, Peter pulling mac and cheese out of the oven. There was garlic bread, the room filled with noise and conversation. This was where Sylvie thrived, dealing with work and her friends. 

She and Violet were called out on a couple of calls, and when they came back to an empty house near dinner time they got stuck in on cooking. Violet peeled potatoes while Sylvie browned beef, shepherds pie ready in a little while and straight into the oven. A text from Cruz told her that they and Squad were stuck on overhaul, so she put it on low. 

Ambulance 61, car crash. 4920 Halsted.

Sylvie turned to Violet, her partner writing a note that there was food in the oven as Sylvie flicked the burners off, both running to their rig. The crash wasn’t too far away, and hopefully whoever was called out to help them would be quick out so they could do their run. And hopefully Squad was still stuck on overhaul. 

She’d been refusing to let Severide rile her up, mostly ignoring him at Molly’s since Andy had been born. She’d refused to even touch him, walking the long way around instead of risking brushing against him. She was sexually frustrated to all hell, but there was no way she was giving in. He had to get out from under her skin sooner rather than later. 

As much as Sylvie appreciated and was honoured by Matt and Gabby naming her as Andy’s godmother - and ignoring the curious look from the priest when he’d learned she wasn’t Catholic - knowing she’d have to put up with Severide in her life forever had made her think for a moment about rejecting the offer. But Gabby was her best friend, and Matt had come over to make sure her home was secure. They didn’t judge her for her choices. Of course she’d do nearly anything for them, including this. 

“So, what’s up between you and Severide anyway? There’s serious tension there. And it’s not just the sexual kind,” Violet commented as Sylvie rolled her eyes in response. 

“We’ve fought like cats and dogs since we met when I joined 51 last July. But he’s Andy Casey’s godfather so I’m determined to pretend that we’re friends to keep the peace between us.”

“You’re better than I am.”

It was quiet for a few minutes as they drove to the scene, both focusing on their own jobs. 61 was first there with lights going, Sylvie taking in the twisted grey metal of a pickup truck that had gotten a blowout, a ladder thrown yards away from the force of an impact into an electricity pole. As Sylvie stared at the back of the truck she thought she recognised it, but it wasn’t until she was out and running to the passenger seat that she realised it was Matt’s truck. The M Casey Construction logo on the door was crumpled in, whatever on the bed of the pickup scattered due to the force of the crash. 

“61 to Main, which units are en route to our location?” Sylvie yelled into the radio, desperate for backup. 

“Main to 61, we have Squad 3 and Truck 81 approximately two minutes out. Do you need more?”

“Main, please tell them that the victims are Lieutenant Casey and PIC Dawson.” Her words were clipped as Sylvie let go of the speak button and ran to the passenger seat, desperate for good news. 

Violet pushed the gurney to the back of the truck, and Sylvie took the passenger side. Gabby was like a rag doll, her arm visibly broken and blood leaking from a head wound as she was slumped over with unstaring eyes. Sylvie knew it was hopeless from experience, but she had to check. Running her fingers against Gabby’s neck she knew she was right. Her best friend was gone, her pulse silent. There was no breathing, no signs. Gone. Sylvie swallowed as she put a hand on Gabby’s hair, spotting the grey matter on the headrest, the metal frame in the back of the truck pushed to her skull. 

“Brett! He’s got a pulse!” Violet yelled, Sylvie forcing herself into action and stripping off the gloves covered in Gabby’s blood. She slid across the hood of the truck, watching Matt’s blue eyes flutter open as he saw them, the sound of sirens getting louder. 

“Hey Matt, we’ve got you. Everyone’s on the way to get you out, we’ve got you,” she murmured as she put a C-collar around his neck while Matt focused on her instead. 

“Gabby…Help Gabby. I’m ok.”

“We’ve got her. I need to focus on you first, ok?” She couldn’t tell him the truth of the accident yet. She just had to keep going and keep Matt calm and make sure he didn’t know his wife was dead yet. She’d treat him like any other patient in this situation. 

The two rigs pulled up, their friends who cared so much jumping almost before they’d pulled to a full stop. 

“CASEY!” Severide screamed, cutting through Sylvie’s soul.

“We’ve got him.” She heard Violet alert everyone to what was going on, letting them know that Gabby was dead and Matt was in bad shape. The members of Firehouse 51 ignored their emotions and got to work, determined to get Matt out quickly. Sylvie stayed in her spot, trying to keep Matt talking to her. 

“When’s Andy going to come home, Matt? I heard it’s not long until discharge, right?” She asked as she watched Severide taking the jaws to the roof, pulling it away from the trashed cab and making it clear that Gabby had been gone before they even arrived. 

“Another…ano…” Matt’s speech slurred before stopping, his head lolling forward in the collar as he lost consciousness. Sylvie pushed fingers to her wrist, his pulse barely there and his breathing stopped. No. 

“I NEED HIM OUT NOW!” She screamed, watching as Squad moved together to pull him out and deposit him on the gurney. It was thirty seconds since he’d stopped talking, the only good sign that his pulse was still beating. 

Sylvie went onto autopilot, intubating Matt in seconds and connecting the bag as she and Violet worked together connecting an IV.

“Can I have Mills? I need more hands in the ambo, he’s paramedic trained.” Severide nodded immediately, Peter running with the gurney to help them get it in. He slid in as Severide closed the door, hitting twice to signal to Violet to drive away. 

“You bag, I’ll work on him. WE’RE GOING TO MED!” Her final sentence was yelled out the window to everyone, a black coroner’s van pulling up as Violet drove them away. 

Peter was steady with the bag while Sylvie pushed meds and packed injuries, watching the monitor as Matt’s heart rate dropped. It was dangerously low and the fluids weren’t doing anything to help which worried her even more. But finally the lights from Med shone in the windows as they arrived. Will and Connor were standing at the back of the ambulance, the door opening as Violet turned the engine off. 

“Matt Casey, CFD. Thirty six years old. Resps 15, pulse 55, definite internal bleeding. His truck had a blowout in the snow, his wife didn’t make it and his son is still upstairs in the NICU. GCS five, BP ninety over fifty.” She was as matter of fact as she could be until they watched Matt’s gurney be whisked into the trauma room, and finally her strength left her. 

Gabby was dead. She’d had her best friend’s brain on her fingers. Matt was in trouble and she’d had to intubate him in front of their friends. And Andy was upstairs and finally thriving, so very nearly ready to go home but he only had one parent left. And all Sylvie could do was sit and watch and wonder what was she supposed to do there? How could she just wait and hope for news? It was terrifying to consider what could have happened. What could be happening just down the hallway as they waited for news. 

It didn’t take long for the rest of the firehouse to turn up, hugs to Sylvie and Violet immediately. Mouch held onto Sylvie for a long moment, staring into her eyes. 

“You’re gonna be ok, Brett.”

“I know.”

Herrmann and Otis had tears rolling down their cheeks, and the rest of the house wasn’t much better. Boden had pulled them all off shift due to the accident, none of them were ok. 

Half an hour later Christie Casey appeared, nodding at Sylvie and getting a hug from Kelly. The final group to arrive was Antonio Dawson and the members of his unit. Sylvie watched Kevin squeeze Violet’s shoulder and Trudy go straight to Mouch as Antonio came to her. Sylvie just stared up feeling numb. 

“Sylvie. What’s going on, what happened? Where’s Gabby? Did they bring her to surgery?” His voice cracked and Sylvie could tell he didn’t think his sister had survived. But she had to confirm it, tell him the truth. 

“We made it to the accident, 61 was first on scene. Antonio, I’m so sorry. She was gone already, she died on impact.” He broke, slumping over with his head in his hands, loud choking sobs filling the room. Sylvie ran a hand over his back as the rest of the unit came over, an older detective she’d met once - Olsen? Olinsky? - grabbing Antonio and holding him up to put him in a chair, his friends supporting him up. 

They’d been in the waiting room for another hour after Antonio’s breakdown when Connor Rhodes came in. As soon as Sylvie saw the black scrub clad doctor she knew it was bad news. She’d worked in medicine for far too long, she knew the demeanour of a doctor who was about to give news that he didn’t want to give. 

“Matt Casey?”

Everyone in the room stood, and you could have heard a pin drop as Rhodes swallowed before speaking. 

“We did everything we could, and there was some amazing paramedic work that even meant he got here. But his hepatic vein was ruptured in the accident, and we weren’t able to get the repair to hold. Matt died a few minutes ago.”

The room was silent, and if you asked her Sylvie would have sworn nobody was even breathing. Matthew Casey was dead. Gabriela Dawson was dead. Her best friends, the people who’d welcomed her to Chicago and loved her for being her, were dead and gone and she couldn’t save them. Their six week old son was four floors up and so alone, an orphan when he shouldn’t have even been born yet. 

“I…I can’t.” She watched as Kelly stormed out, Capp and Tony following him as the rest of the room stood in joined shock. Christie was crying quietly, Boden’s arm around her as the Chief held his own tears back. 

The staff at Med let them stay there as long as they needed, the shock and despair clear on everyone’s face. Sylvie sat there staring at the carpeted floor, tears dripping down her cheeks. It was unbelievable. 

They stood to get ready to leave, Sylvie wiping her eyes as she left the room. Kelly was standing there, and when he saw her he came straight over. 

“It’s your fault. You’re the reason they’re dead. If you’d done your fucking job they’d be alive, they’d be fine. But no, you never could. You shouldn’t have come to Chicago, should have stayed in Buttfuck Indiana. You can’t hack it here, you never could.”

His abuse filled her head, Sylvie’s mouth open as she gaped in shock at him. How dare he. 

“Severide. That is unacceptable. I’d trust Brett with anyone, and she saved Dawson’s life already. This was a tragic accident.” Boden stepped in, and Sylvie felt a rush of affection for the man. But instead she shook her head, unable to spend any time near Severide again. She couldn’t. He’d needled in on the thoughts she’d barely surfaced and hit everything.

“Chief, I’m going upstairs to my godson. I’ll pick my stuff up later.”

Boden wrapped Sylvie in a hug, holding her for a minute before letting go. 

“We’ll all be in Molly’s later. Tonight nobody should be alone. I expect to see you.”

“Yeah.”

The grief was choking her and Sylvie slipped away to the elevators to hit the familiar button for the NICU. The nurse from earlier recognised as she walked down the familiar hallway, smiling at Sylvie. Evidently word hadn’t spread yet. 

“Bad call and need a hug from your nephew? Do you know if his parents are on the way? We delayed his feed for them but they’re not here yet.” Her words were casual and Sylvie’s tears began to fall. 

“They…they died in a car crash an hour ago. I needed to come see him and tell him. I don’t want him to be alone if he doesn’t have to be.”

It took a moment to put the familiar yellow gown on and tie it at her neck before Sylvie sat in the rocking chair with Andy in her arms. He was so very nearly ready to go home, heavy and waving his arms around. Nearly. But he didn’t have a home to go to anymore. 

“Hey, Andy,” Sylvie cooed as she urged the nipple of the bottle between his tiny lips, watching as he latched on and began to suck contentedly. “I needed to talk to you, Buddy. Your mom and dad had an accident tonight so they won’t be able to come see you anymore. They love you so very, very much and they’re so sorry they can’t. If there was any way they would.”

Her tears were flowing freely as Andy suckled, condition in Sylvie’s mind about what to say. How to explain. What to do. The only thing she knew was she’d made a promise to her friends to care for their son, and that was what she would do.

“They asked me to promise them that if anything happened to them and they couldn’t look after you, I’d take care of you. So that’s what we’re going to do, ok? I promise you, I’m going to make sure you’re ok and thrive, and I’m always going to be here. And between me and your Uncle Kelly and Uncle Antonio and Aunt Christie we’re going to help you grow up to be big and strong. We all love you so much. That’s never going to change, I promise.”

He’d finished drinking his bottle and Sylvie raised him to burp him, the tiny little noises reminding her that he was there and alive and she’d promised his parents she’d raise him as her own. And that’s what she was going to do.

The last thing Sylvie wanted to do was go to Molly’s when she collected her bag from the empty 51, but she couldn’t face going home. There was so much to do, so many things that she needed to prepare for. But instead she ignored the “Closed for private event” sign on the door and walked in. Herrmann passed her a glass of wine, and she sat beside Violet in silence. It didn’t take long for Antonio to come over to her. 

“I don’t blame you. Neither does Christie. We both know how much you cared about them, we know you’re Andy’s godmother and you’re gonna take him in. I know you wouldn’t have done anything to hurt them.” It was silent before Sylvie hugged him close, the two holding each other in grief.

“Thank you. I went up to Andy, to see him and tell him. I know he doesn’t understand, but…”

“Thanks.”

Everyone told stories about the couple, laughter and tears streaming down faces. Sylvie told about Matt adding the locks to her doors, looking out for her from day one. Herrmann let them know the story of the Molly’s door, how Matt was involved. It was laughter and discussion, a story from everyone until it was over. 

Sylvie made her way home alone, locking the door behind her and staring at her little apartment. She was essentially about to be a mom. She had to make sure Andy was first in her life. Lying in bed she sobbed for her friends, for the promise she’d made. 

Chapter Text

Sylvie never expected to have to go to a funeral for a couple at once. She never expected to be a pall bearer because the entire firehouse took part to make sure that they were honoured properly. But she stood in her dress blues and carried Gabby’s coffin, standing with everyone as they were buried together. 

Severide hadn’t spoken to her since the hospital, and she was more than happy about that. As far as she was concerned they didn’t have to talk again unless it concerned Andy. He didn’t need to be brought up thinking the people who promised to love him hated each other. But when the wake was over she went to the hospital, an appointment with DCFS ready to happen.

Alannah was kind, understanding of the circumstances and the tragedy that had happened. Sylvie smiled and shook her hand, the woman’s eyes taking in the dress blues.

“The funeral was today, I just came from the post funeral wake. Is everything ready for me to take him home tomorrow?”

“Completely. I haven’t been able to organise a home visit for Mr Severide, will the two of you be living together? Or will he be just visiting for the moment?”

“It’ll be visiting for right now. We’ll see how things progress from there, but he’s grieving a lot.”

“Understandable. You’ve passed the home visit, we’re all set. Are you going to visit him now?”

“Yeah, want to see him?”

They got into the yellow gowns and the usual nurse, Amy, let them into the ward as Sylvie went straight to her godson. Andy was in an open crib now, and she was fairly sure if the crash hadn’t happened they’d have already let him out. She lifted him carefully, Andy nuzzling into her as she held him close. He was the size of an average newborn at this point, gripping her finger easily.

“Hey Bud. Having fun?” Amy handed over a tiny bottle for Sylvie to feed him as Alannah looked over while Sylvie fed and then burped him.

“You look all set to take him home,” Amy remarked, Sylvie turning at her words.

“Seriously?”

“He can be discharged tomorrow. He passed the car seat test today. I thought you could do with some good news.”

Sylvie grinned, gently rocking Andy as she did. Alannah joined in the smiles, her hand against Andy’s cheek.

“Congratulations.”

It didn’t take long for the weight of the responsibility she was about to take on to hit Sylvie as she put Andy back in his crib. He was the perfect mix of Matt and Gabby, his mother’s skin tone, hair, and eyes, but the rest of his features were pure Matt Casey. 

“I’ll see you tomorrow, Sweetie.” Sylvie bent down to kiss his cheek, watching as he smiled toothlessly at her. Was it a real smile? Probably not. But she told herself it was anyway.

When she got into her car she stared at the back seat in the mirror. The car seat she was taking Andy home in was there, and she’d picked up a crib and changing table in IKEA to put together for him. She thought she’d have more time. But instead in about sixteen hours she was going to be a mother and she just wasn’t ready for it.

The original plan was to go back to Molly’s to see everyone and fill them in on how Andy was doing, but instead she went straight home. The boxes were leaning against the wall in her room, and Sylvie changed into sweats and a tee before lifting them onto her bed to open.

Flatpack was supposed to be easy, but after five minutes she wanted to cry, throwing the screwdriver across the room. If she couldn’t put a crib together how the hell was she supposed to even consider raising a child alone. Why had she ever agreed to do this for Matt and Gabby?

Because she cared about them and thought they’d be fine was the answer, Sylvie staring at the wood. She was pulled out of her thoughts by banging on the front door.

Sylvie grabbed the baseball bat she kept for protection as she went to the door, but when she opened it half of 51 was standing there - Herrmann, Cindy, Capp, Tony, Boden, and Donna. They all filed in, pizzas in hand and in casual clothes compared to their funeral outfits. Donna and Cindy both carried boxes and placed them on the kitchen table.

“Brett, where’s the crib and furniture going? Is it set up yet?” Herrmann turned to her as Sylvie waved at her bedroom.

“Flatpack. I hate it. Give me a welding rig and I can do it, but the instructions are confusing as all hell.”

“We’ve got it. Eat something.” She watched the four men walk into her bedroom, Donna and Cindy opening a pizza box and handing it over.

“How’re you feeling?” Donna asked, Sylvie waving wildly around the room.

“I have no idea what I’m doing. Severide didn’t schedule his home visit so I’m the only person officially on the foster file. I’m picking him up from the hospital tomorrow and I have no idea what I’m supposed to do with him. Other people have months to prepare, I had a week.”

“You will be fine.” Cindy passed her box over, Sylvie opening it and staring at the neatly folded clothing inside. There were onesies, tees, everything needed for a baby. There were some soft toys along one edge, Sylvie smiling at them.

“This is the practical stuff and things you’ll need.” Donna handed hers over, tubs of formula and a baby carrier in it, along with tiny bottles and nipples. The things she’d need but hadn’t even thought of. “It’s scary and you’re doing a big thing, but you’re not doing it alone. Cindy and I mentioned we were coming over to see how you were doing and those four volunteered. We expected it from our husbands, but Capp and Tony insisted on coming too. They wanted to make sure it was done right for Andy.”

“If you have a question, if you’re worried or if you think you’re doing something wrong, or if you’re not even sure, just call me. Day or night. Nobody’s letting you down.” Sylvie smiled, feeling yet more tears prick her eyelids.

“Thank you. I still don’t know if I’m doing the right thing with all of this.”

“You are. Everyone’s there to help. 51 is a family, even w—“

“FUCK!” Capp’s voice echoed through the small apartment, Sylvie laughing at the noise. The three of them got up to check, seeing the tall man holding his thumb. 

“We’ve nearly got it made. Just the last part of the changing table.” Herrmann gestured to the fully built crib as Tony wiggled it and it barely moved. There were a few more parts for the changing table to add, but once it was done she had furniture for Andy to come home to. It was more trips out to the car and a bassinet and stand were brought in, set up in the living room for Sylvie. As she looked around the apartment it looked like a place a baby lived in, not her single apartment. 

It was hugs as everyone left, Boden the last one to go. He looked her up and down, a small smile on his face.

“Doing this, looking after Andy and raising him for Casey and Dawson is a blessing. Thank you for doing it. I spoke to the brass, they’ve donated the furlough time they both had to you. The CFD also has maternity leave for adoptive parents, it’s six weeks at full pay. You’ve got that, so with everything you’ll be able to be at home until he’s twelve weeks old. Is that ok for you?”

“Chief…” She didn’t know what to say, the gesture meant so much to her.

“51 is a family. You’re a big part of that family. Enjoy spending the time with him.” He went to leave but Sylvie called before he did.

“Chief, have you heard from Severide? He wasn’t at Molly’s, and I haven’t heard from him since the hospital. He’s supposed to be Andy’s other guardian. He won’t answer my calls.”

“I haven’t.” He frowned, and the grief they were all feeling was clear on his face. “I’ll see if I can find out where he is.”

She waved goodbye and stared around the house, the realisation that she was about to be a mother terrifying. She didn’t feel like one. She didn’t feel ready for this, to do this alone. To bring a fragile baby home. Motherhood had always seemed something a few years off, when she was in a stable relationship, married, ready to take that step. Instead she’d been thrown into the deep end.

The next morning she was in the NICU with the car seat, ready for Andy to be discharged. They let her disconnect his monitors, Sylvie cringing as the IV was removed. She dressed him in the onesie and little outfit she’d brought for him, My daddy’s a CFD firefighter emblazoned across his tiny chest. There were photos taken of her smiling while she held him up, grinning into the camera as she bounced him gently to sleep. There were hugs from everyone, waves to Andy as she walked out of the NICU with the car seat in her arms.

Herrmann, Mouch, Otis, and Cruz were standing outside the NICU doors, silent cheers as she emerged with her precious cargo. They all crowded to look at him, awing at his tiny face and there to help her get him home. She watched as they got the car seat buckled in securely, Herrmann and Mouch standing back as Otis and Cruz did the hard work.

“You’re going to be great, Brett,” Mouch said, smiling at her. She put her hand on his shoulder in thanks, Mouch pulling her into a hug. 

“Thanks. I just hope I’m able to do it justice for them.”

“We’re all there to help.”

The help was offered, but Sylvie was too proud to ask for any. They all had her own lives to live, and she should have been able to rely on Severide. Instead he was apparently at a cabin taking time away, and the stress was getting to Sylvie. She didn’t want to be angry but she was, that he just left and didn’t take on the responsibility they’d both agreed about. He’d promised Matt and Gabby that if the worst happened he’d be there, but instead she was the one changing diapers and feeding a two month old and trying to keep it together while she was grieving. He didn’t have to change his job, wasn’t making calls to work in the academy full-time instead of in the field. She’d been offered the job that would have been Gabby’s, but still had to confirm it. It was a pay cut, but Andy came first. And there was childcare available.

Nobody had been by in a week and a half, and she was barely making it work. Sylvie prided herself on making sure that she could do nearly anything she set her mind to, but she felt like she was drowning. Andy was barely into a routine, and any deviation from sleeping on her made him sob. She’d resorted to carrying him in the shower so she could wash herself and him, the spray barely lukewarm but doing the job. She was out of the shower, feeding Andy as she was on the couch with him when there was a knock on the door startling both of them.

Cindy was at the door with Kenny in her arms, and when the door opened she raised an eyebrow at Sylvie’s exhausted form.

“How’re you coping?”

“Please don’t ask. Please. I’m sorry for the state of the place.” There was laundry on the table, and Cindy just shook her head.

“Don’t worry about it, I came to check on you. Do you want to go for a nap and I can watch Andy? You could do with it.” Sylvie bit her lip for a moment, unsure what to say. “Go. I’ve got the boys here, go sleep. Believe me, you need it.”

A couple of hours later Sylvie felt better, wide awake and able to keep herself together. She came out to Cindy cooking, Andy asleep in his bassinet and Kenny playing on the floor.

“You’re a lifesaver.” 

“I’ve been here before. It’s the hardest time and you’re doing it without any preparation. But he’s happy and healthy and you’re doing really well. I wanted to ask you something too. Here, sit and eat.” She watched as Cindy dished up casserole and put it in front of her. “When you’re back in work, I’ll take Andy for your shifts. You and Severide will both be working, you’ll need childcare and Kenny’s barely a year older anyway. One more to five isn’t a whole lot.”

“You don’t need to, I’m leaving 51.”

“You are not leaving 51. Don’t even think about it.” Cindy whirled around to stare at her, Sylvie shaking her head.

“I decided this morning, I need to call to HQ to confirm, but they’ve got a spot for me to train new paramedics. I can’t leave him for 24 hours, I need to make sure that he’s looked after. There’s childcare included, it works out.” 

“You’re not leaving 51. We can help you out.”

“No, you can’t Cindy. Look I appreciate everything you’re doing for me, I do. But I’m doing this alone. I’ve got nobody to help because Severide isn’t here. And I know he’s hurting. I know he’s lost everything and I know he doesn’t want to see me ever again because he blames me for all of this. He blames me for them being dead. And that’s fine, whatever he thinks. Whatever. But I’m raising him alone, I’m on the hook for this. And if I go back…what if everyone else thinks it’s my fault too? They won’t blame Violet, but they all know how close Gabby and I were. I can’t be there and see them blame me.”

The tears from the blame and the grief flowed at last, shaking sobs wracking her body as she cried. Cindy wrapped an arm around her shoulder and held her tightly, letting her grieve. It was the first time someone had hugged Sylvie in weeks, and the loneliness she was feeling hit her fully. It was devastation and upset and everything she’d held in because she had to be strong for Andy.

When she finished crying Sylvie sat up, staring at Cindy and wiping her eyes. “I’m so sorry. I shouldn’t have done that, you didn’t need to…”

“Hey. Don’t say that. I’ve been a firefighter’s wife for nearly twenty years. I’ve been to too many in the line death funerals. I know what it’s like when someone dies, and I know what it’s like when they shouldn’t have and you think you can fix it. Do you know the story of the original Andy?”

Sylvie shook her head and listened to the story of Andy Darden, of a flashover and a fight that nearly broke Matt and Kelly apart for good. She wiped her eyes, staring over at the sleeping children.

“Severide’s lost the four people he’s closest to in less than four years. And I want to say it’s ok but I can’t. I’m drowning. I don’t know if I can do this.”

“We’re here to help.”

And they were. Every day another person was around to check on her and see how she and Andy were doing. She was able to spend the time watching him grow, getting help with everything. It was easier with everyone there surrounding her and helping her, and she watched as Andy hit his milestones, going to the paediatrician and getting his shots. She was able to get into a routine, watching as he grew and she bought him new clothes.

Everyone had reassured her that she didn’t have any blame for what had happened, that she didn’t cause the deaths. And she’d begun to believe them, it was easier as time passed and she knew what she was doing.

Her first day back in 51 was terrifying, dropping Andy off with Cindy. It was a hug from Cindy as she got into the car to be back at work for the first time in three months.

51 had barely changed, but it had changed in so many ways. Matt and Gabby’s photos were on the wall of those who’d died and she stared at them with her bag on her shoulder before shaking her head and walking away.

The first briefing was different, Captain Patterson in a white shirt standing at the front with Boden. She’d ignored most of the 51 gossip but had learned he’d taken over on Squad for the foreseeable future, nodding at him. The more surprising and heartbreaking moment was seeing Herrmann in a grey shirt and bugles. He’d taken over as Matt’s official replacement and it was so bittersweet to see. She was delighted to see him, seeing him working and thriving. On their first scene he took control and proved just how good he was at his job, directing the entire crew and getting them back to work.

She met the new firefighter on Truck, Stella, getting a greeting and a hug in response to her welcome. Violet filled her in that Stella was a good person, she’d started working at Molly’s and was a good friend.

The shift passed quickly, Sylvie exhausted by the end of it. She was looking forward to picking up Andy and going home, getting cuddles while feeding him before putting him down for a nap. Boden had told her Donna was babysitting tonight for Sylvie to go spend a night with adults instead of a five month old. Andy was starting to hit his milestones, making her incredibly happy. She’d hugged Violet goodbye and was meeting her and Kim that evening.

But as Sylvie walked out of the firehouse without looking she walked into someone taller than her.

“Sorry, wasn’t watching where I was…Severide.” She looked up at Kelly Severide’s face, her anger bubbling up again. “I’ve got to go.”

“Sylvie, wait!” He called, but before he was able to reach her she was in the car, heading straight to the Herrmanns to collect her foster son and bring him home so she could forget about seeing him again.

Chapter Text

Alannah kept Sylvie up to date about how Kelly was working through the foster system. It wasn’t nearly as quick for him as it had been for Sylvie, Andy had somewhere stable to live instead of being stuck in hospital. But as he grew, now seven months old and starting to rock on his hands and knees, Sylvie knew the time was coming for them to organise what would happen. 

It started slowly, they’d meet for lunch so he could get to know Andy. The anger at his words was still there, they rattled around her head when she sat opposite him. But Matt and Gabby had trusted Andy to both of them, and she had to do what was right for her son. 

When Alannah confirmed that Kelly had been approved it was time to work out custody. He was in the condo that had been Matt and Gabby’s - their entire estate was left in trust for Andy with Kelly allowed to stay living there until Andy was 21 - and the nursery that was set up for him was ready. 

He’d had Andy for a few afternoons at this point and Sylvie dropped Andy off with his favourite lovey and some of the toys he liked for the first overnight visit. He’d started to teethe, so she included the plastic teething rings too. Standing at the doorway and handing him over felt like a knife in her heart, but Kelly’s immediate response was to thank her and ask her in for coffee. She shook her head, kissing Andy goodbye and leaving before she started to cry.

Kim had asked her to come out for drinks, so she made it to a bar where they didn’t know everyone who worked there and sat with her and Violet, beers in hand.

“How’re you feeling?” Kim asked, Sylvie shaking her head.

“I keep thinking something’s wrong, that I need to get home for a babysitter. But instead I’m going home alone to an empty apartment. It’s weird. I’ll pick him up from Cindy after shift and then we’ll trade on and off like that.”

“So one drops to Cindy, you both work, the other picks him up?” Violet took a sip of her drink, brows furrowed at Sylvie. “Does that actually sound like it’s going to work? Really?”

“It’s better than the alternative. After the hospital…” She cut herself off. Nobody except Boden had heard what he’d said to her, and she wanted to keep it that way.

“What happened in the hospital?” 

Sylvie drained her beer, putting the bottle down and running a hand through her hair. How was she supposed to tell them?

“Severide blames me for what happened. If I was a better paramedic, then Matt and Gabby would still be here. It’s been nearly six months and he hasn’t apologised, I’m not expecting one from him. But I have to coparent Andy with him, he comes first.” Her friends jaws dropped as she spoke, anger flaring in Violet’s eyes. “Boden heard, shut it down. It’s over and done with. But look, he’s in a condo, he’s got space. I’m in a one bedroom apartment that I have to find a new place to live in before Andy turns one because I want him to have his own room. It’s just a lot.”

Her friends were staring at her, shock on their faces as Sylvie shook her head. 

“It’s fine. I just…yeah. It’s complicated, but I signed up for this. They asked us straight out if we’d be willing to do this, so I have to do it.”

Kim looked like she wanted to say something as she played with her engagement ring, but Kevin Atwater came across the bar, his arm around Violet’s shoulder as she leaned into him.

“I’m gonna head home. Kim, your fiancé is over there with Halstead. Apparently it was his week to come here?”

“Girl talk came first, Kev. He can have next week instead.”

They left, Sylvie waving as Violet and Kevin walked out with arms around each other, Kim and Adam leaving holding hands. It felt like her life was on hold, but she couldn’t have regrets. She was there for Andy, she was going to raise him as her own, and that was what mattered.

That night she woke up multiple times expecting to hear Andy’s cries. Instead it was silent in her apartment, his crib empty and no bottles of formula needing to be delivered. He was mostly sleeping through the night but she was so used to waking with him that it happened naturally.

It was the most relaxing morning she’d had in nearly six months as she got ready for work without fussing around an infant. She could sit and drink her coffee without getting two people ready for twenty four hours away from home. Almost automatically she turned towards the Herrmann’s before getting back on her route to 51. For the first time since Andy entered her life she was early for shift instead of running in with five minutes to go.

Severide was in shortly before eight giving her a nod. They were attentive at briefing before watching Mills cook breakfast for everyone. Severide came up beside her and held his phone out to her.

“I thought you’d want to see how he was this morning. We had breakfast and he decided to spread pureed banana on my face. Here.”

Sylvie flicked through the photos, Andy’s grin clear. He looked more and more like Matt every day and it broke her heart.

“Thanks. Did he settle last night?”

“Yeah. Took a bit of time but I did the trick with his elephant that you showed me. He was happy going to Cindy today and I told her you’d pick him up in the morning.”

“Thanks.”

She handed the phone back, her fingers brushing against Kelly’s as he took it. Before they could say anything the bells went.

Squad 3, Ambulance 61, person stuck in shaft

“Let’s get to work?”

Violet made it to the ambo first so took the driver’s seat as Sylvie slid into the passenger side. Tony pulled Squad out first as the two got into convoy through the busy Chicago streets.

“You know I can be mad at him for as long as you want me to be. Just tell me and I’m there.”

“I’m trying not to be mad.” Her voice was tight as she stared out the window.

“Yeah but he insulted me too, I was on that call with you. I might not have been close to Dawson, but Casey…he was a good friend. When he said that he meant it about me too.” Sylvie smiled and turned to Violet, watching her partner drive.

“He was angry at me. Severide and I…there’s stuff between us. He’s lost a lot in the last few years. It was anger and grief and none of it was meant at you. Don’t worry about it. I’m trying to forget it happened.”

“If you’re sure.”

“I am.”

Before Violet could try say anything else they pulled up to the scene where a crowd of people were around a ventilation shaft. They stayed back from the rest of the crowd with the gurney and watched Squad work. Mills and Tony put the ropes in place and anchored them as Capp rigged Severide up to go down the shaft before he called them to come closer for when he emerged. It was a terrifying few minutes as she watched him disappear into the gaping metal hole. Finally Capp began pulling the ropes back as Severide emerged with a young boy in his arms, depositing him onto the gurney.

“Hey, I’m Sylvie and this is Violet. Can you tell me your name?” Sylvie tried to check him out but he wouldn’t let go of Severide, grabbing onto his arms.

“It’s ok, she’s my friend. You can talk to her, I promise.” Violet scoffed quietly at the word friend, but it did the trick with the boy.

“I’m Ryan. I’m six. They told me that I needed to stay there but I got scared, I’m sorry.” He started crying and Sylvie picked him up, holding onto him similarly to how she’d hold Andy when he was upset.

“You have nothing to be scared of. Can you tell me who told you that?” She asked, Ryan nodding.

“Eighth graders. They said I’d be a baby if I didn’t.”

“You did the right thing.” Severide cut in at his words, Ryan turning to stare at him. “Down there was dangerous, you could have been hurt. You did the right thing to get help, I mean it.”

“We’re gonna take you to Chicago Med to check you out. Do you have your Mom’s number and we can give her a call?”

Sylvie sat with Ryan in the back of the ambulance as Violet drove, delivering him to Med. Natalie was waiting there to direct them to a room and Ryan let Sylvie deposit him and hand over the information. Her heart was breaking as she watched him there, Natalie coming out.

“It’s different when you’re a parent, isn’t it?” She asked, Sylvie shaking her head.

“I’m not…”

“You’re a mom. That boy relies on you. And from what I hear you’re doing a good job with him. Once they’re old enough we should set up a playdate with Andy and Owen, it’d be good for them.”

“Yeah, maybe. I better get back on shift.”

“Sure, tell Violet I said hi.”

The subject of what Severide had said to her was dropped in the rig, Sylvie needling her partner about the cop she’d been dating. Violet and Kevin were new, it started when Intelligence was pulled in on a call while Sylvie was on maternity leave. But they’d decided to officially start a relationship that was now exclusive. Violet blushed when she talked about him, but she seemed happy.

“What about you, partner? Any romance on the horizon for you? You’re a catch.”

“Hah!” Sylvie huffed a laugh before speaking. “I’m a single mom with joint custody of an eight month old who’s developing slowly because he was so premature. He’s barely starting to rock to begin to crawl. Romance is the last thing on my mind right now.”

“Ok, fair. But don’t count yourself out! I know Antonio keeps asking me how you’re doing when I see him.”

“Because I’m raising his nephew.”

“Whatever you say.”

The shift was busy, ambo pulled from pillar to post. When they arrived in after a particularly gruelling run of calls Sylvie was surprised to see their restock cart sitting beside their parking spot. They were able to restock and even get food before the next call and she looked around the common room.

“Whoever got the supplies out, thank you. It’s been busy.”

“Thank Severide, he realised you missed lunch and might miss dinner because of it. Pre Halloween injuries stacking up?” Herrmann asked, Sylvie nodding.

“Nothing Halloween specific apart from a pumpkin carving accident. Which reminds me, I need to get Andy a costume. And not a pumpkin!” She waggled a finger at Herrmann who was about to respond before Peter put a plate into her hands.

“Here, eat before that which must not be named goes. Violet, there’s some here for you too.” They both managed to get a bowl of chilli and a slice of strawberry pie that Peter’s mom had dropped to them into them before being called out again.

It was an hour or two at most in the bunks once Sylvie finished her paperwork before they were all up and getting changed to leave. She wanted to pick up Andy, cuddle him, and hopefully the two of them could nap for a while so she could get some sleep. But before she could get out of 51 Severide stopped her.

“Sylvie?”

She turned and saw him standing with his palms open, looking at her with sad eyes.

“What is it, Severide? I need to pick up Andy and get some sleep.”

“I know. Look…I’m sorry. For everything. What I said in the hospital when they died, how I just dropped you and Andy. You both deserved a lot better than that, and I’m really, really sorry. I want to do everything I can to be involved in his life, neither of you deserved to have to work this out on your own. You should know I’m seeing a therapist so I don’t do it again. It’s not an excuse but Matt and Gabby…I’ve lost nearly everyone I care about in less than four years, it was too much. I was wondering if you wanted to get breakfast with me? The three of us, we can talk about everything. If that works?”

Her fury towards him softened at the apology, at the heartfelt words. It meant more than she could ever describe to hear it from him.

“After next shift? I’m just too tired right now. But we can talk about what’s happening, how we want to raise him.”

“Yeah, sounds good. Let me know if you need help with him?”

“I will.”

Sylvie got into her car and drove to Herrmann’s, wrapping Andy in a hug and smothering him with kisses. It was going to be strange and confusing, but it felt like things might get on an even keel.

Chapter Text

Things were getting easier between them, the two spending Halloween together with Andy. She’d found a firefighter costume that they put him into and took photos. He was still too young for trick or treating, but at least this way he could have some fun with it. All of their conversations were still mostly about Andy or work, too intent on making sure that they were keeping themselves on track in work.

Sylvie had Andy the first weekend in November, and dropped him to Cindy with a big kiss on the way to work Monday morning. It was cloudy and the temperature was dropping, signs of cold rain in the air. But work was work, she slipped in and changed before catching Severide in the locker room.

“Andy’s in Cindy’s, he’s starting to teethe pretty badly it was a drooly weekend. Just a warning for when you have him.”

“Thanks. How cranky did it make him?”

“Fairly but I distracted him when I could.If you freeze his teething rings it helps too, that could be your best option.”

“Thanks, Sylvie.” He smiled and it was genuine for the first time in so long. 

“You’re welcome, Kelly.”

It was the first time she’d used his given name since the accident, but things were a little bit easier between them. He wasn’t just her ex husband - and their anniversary had passed her by without her even thinking about it - but they had to be a team for Andy. He told her about his therapy sessions and how they helped him, giving her all of the information she needed to make the decisions about Andy’s care. 

They were called to a couple of car crashes, and one unfortunately memorable incident of a kid who came off his bike and ended up with a spoke through his calf before lunch. But Peter was cooking and they were all sitting to eat. Stella dropped into the chair beside Violet and Sylvie, throwing her head back.

“Busy day?” Sylvie asked, Stella shaking her head wildly.

“Work wise, nah. Personal life wise…yeah. I’m divorcing my husband and it’s just messy. It’ll be fine but you just want it out of your head when you’re about to do a 24, y’know?”

“I get it. But tomorrow’s another day to think about it,” Violet responded before taking a bite of her food.

“True. Ugh, how was everyone’s weekend?”

They got into conversation, Violet spilling how Kevin had introduced her to his brother and sister and how that went. Stella was apartment hunting and Sylvie told about Andy being so very nearly there on crawling. Once he became mobile she worried about how he was going to go around the apartment, but one thing at a time.

Squad 3, Truck 81, Engine 51, Ambulance 61, Battalion 3, fire alarm alert, 9627 Huntington.

They stood in unison, plates abandoned in their places as they ran out to their respective rigs, Sylvie making a pit stop in the turnout room for her and Violet’s gear. The group drove in convoy, determined to make it quickly.

Their destination was a community centre with groups of people outside as they watched. But Sylvie knew how quickly things could flip in these situations and watched as the firefighters she cared about ran inside with SCBA masks and turnout gear on. She and Violet stood with the gurney, waiting to hear back from everyone.

“Chief, we’re not seeing any smoke in here. Sometimes these alarms can get triggered by a defibrillator not installed right. Can you send the paramedics in to have a look?” It was Kelly’s voice on the radio and Sylvie nodded at Boden who waved them in. She took the jump bag as a just in case someone needed help, running inside and up the stairs with Violet. There was supposed to be a defibrillator in a break room, so they went to look.

As they entered the room a sound of popping went off, and Sylvie froze in terror. She knew that sound from weekends with her dad in the forest near Fowlerton, getting up at four and coming back with plenty of meat for the freezer. She grabbed Violet and pulled her in, the two hiding behind a sofa away from the door.

“What the hell?” Violet asked as she sat up, staring at Sylvie. But the gunfire went off again, the two women silent until it stopped as Sylvie grabbed her radio.

“Chief we have an active shooter situation here. Turning off my radio, get CPD here now. Mikami and I are safe.”

“Stay hidden.”

The time passed so slowly, the hallway outside silent. She didn’t know what was happening or even if any of their friends had been shot. But as she and Violet began to relax there were footsteps outside, checking each room and pausing. Sylvie held her hand out for Violet to take, the two women squeezing hands tightly. When the steps entered the break room she closed her eyes, holding her breath and trying to stop the tears from falling.

Severide had to be ok. Andy was about to lose another adult who loved him but Severide would be there for him. Andy could forget this. He’d be ok. He’d grow up knowing he was loved and that was the important thing. She brought the memory of his grin that morning to mind, focusing on his face. If she was going to die it was thinking about her baby boy.

The footsteps stopped, then moved a little and she could hear loud music blaring out of the tinny earbuds. She and Violet were so still as they listened, coins clinking and the sound of the vending machine dispensing filling the room. She heard the hiss and crunch of a soda can opening as the footsteps left the room. She and Violet stared at each other, hands still linked.

“Please, please, no, don’t! No!” There was yells from the hallway and they heard another gunshot, the woman falling silent and footsteps leaving. Sylvie counted for two minutes, hearing nothing apart from soft moaning and someone asking for help. She couldn’t stay there. The smell of smoke was beginning to fill the room and she couldn’t risk it. Bullets she could treat, but smoke inhalation how they were would be the end of things.

“I need to help her. Stay here.” She turned to Violet, but her partner got up as well.

“I’m not leaving you. We’re in this.”

They crept out to the almost empty hallway, a woman lying in a pool of blood. Violet checked her pulse, Sylvie pulling pressure packs from the jump bag.

“You’re gonna be ok. We’ve got you.” 

They worked in silence, not wanting to alert the shooters to what was happening until the music came back. Sylvie looked up, a white man pointing a gun at them. His eyes were dead as he stared, and she made sure to stare straight back at him. If he was going to kill her she was going to be brave, she was going to make sure that he watched her die. He didn’t get away with not seeing it happen.

The automatic weapon in his hand rose as it was pointed at her, Sylvie taking a last breath as she waited for the inevitable pop and pain. But instead it was quick shots as he was shot, his body jerking under the force of the bullets before collapsing. Usually she’d run to treat but she could tell he was dead.

“Brett? Violet?” They looked up and Antonio and Kevin were there, bulletproof vests on and weapons drawn.

“Help, we need to get her outside. Now, she needs medical attention.” The two men helped them lift the now unconscious woman, setting her on a gurney when they got outside. Sylvie bent over in the cool air, breathing in fresh oxygen instead of the smoke clogged stuff inside. She was alive. She was safe. She’d done her job and she’d go home after shift and things would be ok. Andy hadn’t lost anyone else.

Violet wrapped arms around her, the two women holding each other for a moment before squeezing hands. You couldn’t go through something like this without developing a bond, and their friendship would be even stronger for surviving.

“I think your boyfriend wants to make sure you’re ok,” Sylvie murmured, nudging Violet who turned and saw Kevin’s worried face beside his car. “Go let him make sure.”

She watched her partner begin to walk across the street but Violet quickly began running to Atwater and letting his arms wrap around her. Relief filled Sylvie, they were safe. She’d see Andy again. It was going to be ok. 

She stood with everyone from 51 as they got ready to go back to the firehouse, the tension and relief clear on everyone’s face. It had been the second worst call they’d ever been on. 

“You ok?” Antonio asked as he came over, watching Sylvie lean against the ambulance with her head tilted back. 

“Yeah. Just…it was close. If it wasn’t for you and Kevin I don’t know what’d happen.”

“The second he found out Violet was in there we couldn’t stop him from coming in. I’m just really glad I was there too.” He moved beside Sylvie, holding out his arms. “Need a hug?”

“Yeah, I really do.”

He wrapped his arms around her and Sylvie just felt at peace now she could relax. It was that moment of connection with another adult that she’d missed so desperately, squeezing him before letting go. 

“Thanks, Antonio.”

They separated and she smiled, Antonio nodding. “Do you have Andy or does Severide?”

“Kelly does. I’ll have him after next shift.”

“Can I come over and see him? It’s been a few weeks, I picked up a few things.”

“Sounds like a plan, he’ll be glad to see you. You can visit him when he’s at Kelly’s, you know that?”

“Yeah but it’s easier when he’s at your place. I’ll come over that afternoon.”

“Sounds good, I’ll do dinner.”

She got into the ambulance with Violet, everyone driving in convoy back to 51. It was slow and careful instead of the rapid movements an hour before. But they all arrived back safely, crowding around each other as Boden surveyed them. 

“51 is off shift after today, I cleared it with the white shirts. Pack up, go home, hug your families. We’re alive and well. If it wasn’t for everyone here there would have been more deaths, especially thanks to Brett and Mikami who were lucky while treating a patient. Well done, paramedics. I’m nominating you for an award.”

They all nodded and went to the locker room, nobody even considering changing. They just wanted to go home. Sylvie went to Kelly, grabbing his arm. 

“I know it’s your time. But I need to see him after today. Can I go to Cindy’s to see him?”

“Yeah, of course.” Kelly nodded and stopped, but she could see he wanted to say something else. She waited. “What was Boden saying about you treating a patient? What happened in there?”

“The shooter came into the room Violet and I were hiding in but he didn’t see us. There was a woman in the hallway who didn’t hide in time and he shot her. Once he left Violet and I decided to go out to treat her. Kelly, we could hear her.”

“Why would you? You did—“

“We could hear her. I wasn’t letting her die when we could help. We got out, we put pressure but the shooter came back. Kevin and Antonio shot him before he could shoot us. We’re fine. That’s the important part.”

She went to turn away but Kelly’s voice stopped her. 

“Are you an idiot?” It was low and cold and Sylvie stared at him, mouth slightly agape. “You have a kid. You’re a mom. What if you didn’t come home tonight? What if Andy lost another parent? What if I had to tell him he lost another mom?” 

At that Sylvie lost it, the built up anger that she’d hidden for months riding and terrifying her. 

“You had to tell him? You tell him? Kelly I told him. I told his nurse, and I told the hospital, and I told him. I told him that he’d be loved and he is. You go into literal flames every shift and I don’t bat an eyelid. I was doing my job, the same as you.”

The anger left her and Sylvie slumped, staring at the floor. She couldn’t bear to be around him any longer. 

“I’m going home. I’ll pick Andy up from Cindy after next shift. I just can’t right now. I can’t.”

She turned away, picking up her duffle and walking out. She couldn’t bear to see her coworkers after yet another Kelly Severide dressing down. 

The tears stayed away until Sylvie made it home and looked around the small apartment. What was she doing? How could she have walked into danger like that? She didn’t know what she was doing and she nearly died and her son nearly lost yet another parent. 

Sylvie felt so guilty calling Andy her son. She should have been his godmother, should have seen him every couple of weeks and babysat. She shouldn’t be raising him. But she had to so she did, because she’d promised. And sometimes she wished she hadn’t made that promise. She’d never admit it out loud but she just wished she hadn’t. She wasn’t supposed to be his mom, she wasn’t supposed to be raising a child with her ex husband but this was where she was and she dealt with it because she had to. 

Knocking on the door roused her from her crying induced nap, Sylvie wiping her eyes and pulling a hoodie on over her sweats. Checking the door Severide was outside and she had to answer, as little as she really wanted to. 

“What is it?” Her voice was sullen but she smiled at Andy who reached out for her. 

“Ma! Mamamama! Mama!” He called for her, leaning across so Sylvie took him. 

“Hey Baby, did you say your first word?” She grinned at him in delight, his fingers grabbing her hair. 

“Mama!”

“Yeah Andy, that’s your Mama.” Kelly spoke, looking across at her. 

“Do you want to come in?” She asked as he nodded and stepped in behind her. “I’ll put Andy in the pack and play and we can talk.”

He was happy with his toys and Sylvie put the coffee pot on. But it was slow to brew and she turned to Kelly with nerves. 

“I owe you an apology. I shouldn’t have acted like that in work. I know you’re a good paramedic, and I know you were doing your job and what I’d have done. It was just…it was terrifying. Hearing you were nearly shot? I’m barely able to keep going with Andy fifty percent of the time. I was scared at the idea of losing you. I know our personal relationship is in tatters, but he’s innocent. He deserves two parents who love him.” Sylvie just stared at Kelly in surprise, running her fingers through her hair. 

“I feel like I don’t deserve to be his parent. Like I shouldn’t be. I don’t know what I’m doing and he deserves so much better than I can give him.”

Kelly reached for her hand, squeezing it. 

“We’re doing what we can. It’s all we can do. I had an idea and I don’t know what you’ll think about it but I wanted to run it past you. You said you’re looking for a new place, right?”

“Yeah. Want some coffee?”

“Please.”

Sylvie settled the mugs on the table as they sat, each of them with a view of Andy in his playpen. 

“I have a spare bedroom in the condo. It’s fully furnished, ready to move in. It used to be the master, I’ve cleaned it up and Matt and Gabby’s things are gone. Move in with us and take the master bedroom. Between the two of us we can have Andy full time, instead of being part time single parents. You won’t have to pay rent, life insurance paid the mortgage. It’s just taxes between the two of us. He doesn’t have to move from place to place. We can give him a stable life. I know I’m probably the last roommate you want, but for Andy.”

She thought about it, and it was terrifying. But they almost would have moved in together anyway, and this time they could raise him together. Have someone to help out. 

“I’m in. When can I move in?”

“Whenever you’re ready. We keep everything else the same, it’s just living together?”

“Sounds like a plan to me.” They were silent, listening to Andy’s babbles and drinking their coffee until Sylvie needed to speak. 

“You can’t do that to me again. This is the second time you’ve criticised my medical judgment, and criticised my ability to do my job. I’m a good paramedic, and we need to leave work at 51. If we can’t do that then what’s the point?”

Kelly looked shocked at what she said but nodded. 

“You’re right.” It was Sylvie’s turn to be surprised. “I’ve been unacceptable to you. And part of it is grief, part is nerves, part is worry. I know I fucked us up. But I want to try fix it for us.”

“We’ll try. Maybe we can get someone to babysit Andy and you can help me pack? I think he has more belongings than I do.”

“Sounds like a plan to me.”

She hugged Andy goodbye, giving him kisses as he called her Mama. She looked at Kelly as he stood on her doorstep and reached for a hug for him too, letting him hold her briefly. 

“I’m really glad you weren’t hurt today, Kelly.”

“I don’t know what we’d do if things had gone wrong for you either.”

Chapter Text

Kelly Severide knew nothing about being a father. Benny had been a shit dad, as evidenced by his step- no, half brothers not even knowing he existed. By Katie thinking he was gonna run away when she needed support. He’d never do that, but the only male role model in his life was always good at that. 

He’d thought being dad to a girl would be easier. Daddy’s little princess, Disney movies and tea parties. But instead he had a six month old dropped into his lap and he still wasn’t fully sure what to do with him. 

Andy was an easy baby, at least. The kid had spent so much time in hospital that he never got into a crying routine. Kelly learned how he liked to be held, the way he liked to drink his bottles, how it all worked. But it was still weird. 

He’d started putting Andy into a carrier on his chest instead of a stroller, but the female attention he got was weird. It wasn’t getting attention, he was a good looking guy and knew he was, but that it increased whenever he had Andy there. He was in the grocery store, staring at the jars of baby food for weaning when a woman came up to him. 

“Your son is adorable! How old is he?” She asked, looking down at Andy’s dark hair that was beginning to curl at the ends. 

“He’s n…he’s seven months.” A stranger didn’t need to know the truth. 

“He’s adorable. What’s his favourite flavour?”

“We’re working it out.” Technically he was still on the early end of weaning, as the last paediatrician visit had taught him. They were told to expect Andy to be about two months behind on milestones because of being premature, so he was only just getting to the point of being able to be weaned. 

“Well if you ever want to talk about it I can give you my number?” She batter her eyelashes, and who even did that nowadays?

“Thanks, but his mom and I have it under control.” At the mention of another parent in his sons life she backed off, but the fact that it took saying Andy had a mom just pissed him off. 

It was chilly with Sylvie, they talked on calls and they talked about Andy and that was it. If it wasn’t work or their boy related then it didn’t get discussed. Which felt weird, but it was what Sylvie wanted.

Getting out of that community center and realising that she was still in there was one of the most terrifying moments of his life. He knew he’d fucked up multiple times, he knew he was in the wrong. But she was caring for Andy too, and she was a good person. Better than he was. And he’d convinced her to marry him before he’d fucked it all up.

The mortification after he’d yelled at her in work had set in, and he suddenly realised just how much he’d screwed up on multiple levels. The disgusted looks on the faces of his coworkers just summed it up. He’d grabbed his bag to leave when Capp caught his arm and pulled him to one side.

“Look, this isn’t my place but you were out of line, Man. I don’t know what’s happened between you and Brett. I don’t want to know why the two of you were friends and went to Vegas and then stopped talking, but I’m assuming that you slept together because she’s acting like an ex. But that…that was out of line. She cared for that kid alone for months while you were grieving. She lost her best friend and had to take Andy home alone and raise him on her own. Everyone in this house helped her raise him until she finished maternity leave. So just…she could have left. She could have walked away, she didn’t have to do this. But she did.” He’d known Capp for too many years but had never heard the man be as honest and forthright as he was being right then.

“I fucked up, didn’t I?”

“Yeah, you did. And you know as well as I do that she’ll forgive you because she’s that kind of person. But a second time? She won’t do it a third.”

“I know.”

“Good.” The older man slapped his back. “Going to pick Andy up?”

“Yeah. See you on shift.”

It was into his new car - and that was a change for him, Kelly Severide now driving a four door sedan instead of his mustang. Andy’s seat was secure in the back and the drive to the Herrmanns didn’t take long. It was picking up Andy and getting a hug from him before leaving. He was out before Herrmann arrived back to the house with the baby buckled in his seat and on the way to therapy.

Sitting in a room telling a near stranger everything he was embarrassed about was not exactly how Kelly enjoyed spending days off, but Derrick was kind. He understood that Kelly had to bring Andy every second appointment and was fine with it, playing with Andy when needed. But the sessions helped.

He talked about the cultural center, about hearing Sylvie say there was someone with a gun over the radio.

“It was terrifying. There was gunshots and I didn’t know where she was. And then I found out she went out of her hiding place to help someone while there was an active shooter there. She’d be gone if CPD hadn’t arrived on time.” He jiggled Andy carefully, trying to keep him happy despite the serious topic. Thankfully he couldn’t understand.

“Did you tell Sylvie you were scared for her?”

“I told her she was irresponsible and what would I do if I had to tell Andy he lost another mother. And she reamed me out, just like she was supposed to.”

“How did you feel?”

“I mean I deserved it. I just…she went and did it without thinking.”

“And you do that every time you go into a fire. She was doing her job just like you do. What would you have done in her shoes?”

It was an uncomfortable silence for a few minutes as Kelly thought over what Derrick had said. 

“Exactly what she did. I shouldn’t have talked to her like that. Especially not in front of everyone. I screwed up. She deserves an apology.”

“Yeah, she does. But at least you’ve realised that so you’re doing the work. Can you talk to her before your next shift?”

“I can try.”

They finished with Kelly getting homework for his next appointment around his temper and trying to calm it. Andy was nearly asleep by the time they made it back to the apartment, with a diaper change he was out cold.

Kelly managed to get his own nap in before waking to cooing and murmuring from the baby monitor. It was up and dressing Andy before feeding him while Kelly drank coffee. The TV was on and silent, and he watched as Andy’s attention was drawn to the screen.

“Mama!” He yelled as a blonde woman came on screen. Kelly watched as he repeated the action when she came back in screen. He opened up his phone and went into his camera roll, scrolling back over a year to the photos from Vegas. There was one he’d taken of Sylvie just after they’d gotten married, a grin on her face as she wore her veil, her ring visible in the shot. She looked beautiful, and he hated that he hadn’t seen her smile in so long.

“Who’s this, Andy? Who’s this?”

“Mama! Mamamamamamamama!” He cooed at the screen, Sylvie’s smiling face at Kelly.

He missed her. He missed talking to her, he missed the way she’d brought peace to the firehouse when she came. Even with everyone doing double takes she was just herself and made them happy. She was a good person, and he missed getting to spend time with her.

There was a spare room in the three bed apartment, he couldn’t face moving into what had been Matt and Gabby’s room. He’d heard the conversations she’d had with Violet about needing to find a new place. Parenting fifty percent of the time wasn’t how he wanted to live his life, not anymore. If she moved in then maybe they could live together platonically and raise Andy and have backup. Help for the times when things were tough. It was an insane idea that just might work if he gave it a shot, so he pulled on a jacket and dressed Andy to keep him warm in the November chill.

“Wanna go see Sylvie? Will we talk to Sylvie and see if she’ll even look at me again? Go see your Mama?”

“Mama?” Andy asked, and Kelly just grinned.

“Yeah, lets see your Mama.”

It didn’t take long to get Andy into the car and pull up to Sylvie’s, and the conversation went so much better than he expected it to go. He’d assumed she’d close the door on him, but when Andy showed off his new word she couldn’t do anything but open it and let them in. He could see the way she relaxed taking him in her arms, the easy way she did everything with him on her hip. 

That she agreed to move in surprised him, but a week later he was at her apartment to take boxes to the house. The sedan was coming in more useful than he’d expected as she put them into the trunk.

“Thanks for this, Kelly. For all of it.” She seemed almost anxious to say it, but he shook his head in response.

“Thank you. I just…I know I’ve fucked up nearly constantly, and you’ve supported me. Thank you. You gave me a second chance, and more than that. This whole parenting Andy thing is hard but I’m really glad we’re doing it together.” He was shocked when Sylvie reached over and hugged him, holding him close. It was the first time she’d hugged him since their wedding night.

“We’ve got him. It’s not easy, but we’ll make sure he’s happy and healthy and loved.”

It was weird when they picked Andy up from the Herrmanns together, Cindy staring at them walking up the drive with their boy in her arms. But Andy’s immediate “Mama!” Made Sylvie grin and take him, pressing soft kisses to his face.

“Yeah baby I’m here. Were you good for Cindy? Were you the good boy I know you can be?” Coos and giggles were the only response, Andy grabbing onto her hair as she held him.

“Thanks for watching him today. We were able to get everything done.”

“So you’re all moved in?”

“Close enough to. Boxes to empty and things to sort, but it’s mostly done. We needed to get it all organised before we could bring this munchkin home.”

They said their goodbyes and Sylvie buckled Andy into his seat, Kelly driving them back to the apartment via a Thai place he liked. They spent dinner feeding Andy between them while eating, but once he was down for a night Sylvie stayed in her room. 

They managed to build their routines, working with each other and Andy to what he wanted. Every second night they’d be on call for him at night, but he mostly slept through. Having a second adult there made life so much easier for Kelly, and Sylvie agreeing easily to take Andy so he could go to therapy or do what he needed to was a relief. He did the same for her, waving goodbye from the sofa as she left to spend an evening with her friends. 

They were off for Thanksgiving and Kelly was banned from the kitchen for the day. He stayed hanging out with Andy, showing him the Macy’s Day Parade and the first football game before Sylvie called that dinner was ready. 

Their table groaned under the weight of the dishes, Sylvie cooking for far more than two. Kelly served up food between them as Sylvie sat back and fed Andy from his own bowl of puréed potatoes and veggies. She tried to help with the clearing up but Kelly sent her to the couch and did the dishes. Once Andy was asleep for the night he handed Sylvie a slice of pie and a glass of wine, the two sitting opposite each other. 

“I’m really thankful we’re living together,” Kelly murmured as he took a sip of his beer, watching Sylvie pause as he spoke. 

“I’m glad I live here too. We’re giving him the family we want to, aren’t we?”

“Yeah we are.”

Chapter Text

Sylvie settled into a routine as Thanksgiving passed. They spent it in the apartment, Kelly insisting she’d cooked too much and doing the cleaning in return. The leftovers, however, were greatly received by the hoardes of hungry firefighters at their house. 

They had to decide what to do about Christmas with the holiday fast approaching. Sylvie usually tried to get down to her parents, but she wasn’t comfortable driving that far with Andy just yet, and she didn’t want to subject Kelly to her parents for Christmas. Monica and John Brett were sweethearts, but she was too worried about something going wrong. And by something going wrong, more that she and Kelly would fight again.

They hadn’t argued since she’d moved in which really had surprised her. She and Kelly had similar parenting styles, happy to let Andy learn on his own with supervision rather than keeping him occupied every minute of every day. Her favourite moments with him were the nights she’d put him to bed. He’d get his diaper changed and go into a clean onesie before she got into the rocking chair Matt had built for him. She’d rock gently while feeding him his last bottle of the night and telling him a story. It was calming as he closed his brown eyes, nuzzling into her as she did. Those were the moments when she felt like maybe, just maybe, she was able to do this.

Either she or Kelly would put Andy to bed, then they’d sit in the living room and trade off who chose what was on tv before going to bed. It was domestic and tooth-rottingly sweet. If it wasn’t for their history she’d think things were going really, really well.

Going on shift was easier with the two of them, they’d carpool to work. She always got Andy ready for his night with Cindy, bundling him up against the winter chill that was quickly filling Chicago. Kelly got two travel mugs filled with coffee and fixed hers how she liked it even with a grimace at the sugar she used. Andy got into his car seat, they sat in and drove to the Herrmanns. Cindy would pull Andy out of the car and take his bag to head inside and they waved before getting to 51. 

In work things had settled. She and Violet were a solid team with eighteen months experience. The loss of Matt and Gabby from the house still shook them all, but it was easier to cope with. It was work and home and Andy, with Kelly kicking her out every few nights to spend time with her friends. And despite her worries he’d turned out to be an excellent parent. 

Neither of them were comfortable being called his parents yet. She didn’t feel like a mother, really. She was technically a foster placement with an eye to adoption and the adoption was coming faster down the track than they had planned. It looked like it could all be settled by the time Andy was eighteen months old, but that had sparked a new conversation. 

She and Kelly had been mostly united that Andy would keep his full birth name. That was until the social worker had insisted he’d have to take one of their names, and that’s where the debates began. The part of Sylvie that was still irrationally angry at Kelly for how he’d handled his grief didn’t want Andy to be a Severide. It was stupid and she knew it was but she’d had to realise she wouldn’t raise a Severide child because they were divorced. But then Andy could have his name and they’d be linked forever with a child. A son with her ex husband, because that somehow made sense. 

But at the same time making Andy a Brett didn’t feel right either. She’d had the conversation with her mom when she’d come to terms with the fact she was going to adopt him. It was asking them how they’d agreed to adopt her, how that had progressed. Her own adoption had never been secret from her and that helped. 

Her parents had known they were taking a newborn home, they were prepared for it. She’d thought that if anything happened Andy would be a few months old at a minimum. But instead she was the one who brought him home from the hospital, who had the photo with him as he was discharged from the NICU. 

Her mom had been worried about her. Monica Brett knew how seriously Sylvie had taken her promise to Gabby and Matt, had been the first person Sylvie called when she realised what was going to happen. And it was Monica who Sylvie had called when she needed support from someone who’d done an adoption before. 

But Andy wasn’t a Brett. He shouldn’t be a Severide. He should be a Casey with his mom and dad and Auntie Sylvie and Uncle Kelly. It killed Sylvie every single time he waved at her with a grin and called her Mama. She wanted to scream that she wasn’t his Mama, she shouldn’t be his Mama. That he had a Mama who had been so excited to be pregnant; a Dada who loved him so desperately. A dad whose last words were about his son. 

Sylvie knew she could love Andy that much, she knew she already did love him that much. But she didn’t want to have to. Every time she went to a Mommy and Me class and the other mothers said she had a lovely son she wanted to say she wasn’t. She’d heard a woman comment on her figure when Andy was a few months old about how she must have cared more about her looks than her baby at one of them. She’d been feeding him, carefully putting the nipple of the bottle into his mouth and making sure he drank. But she ignored it, the way she always did. It wasn’t worth it. 

But now he had a family around him. And it wasn’t easy - that was the one thing Sylvie knew - but it was going to be worth it. That was what she told herself on her weekly girls night with Violet, Kim, Erin, and Stella.  The five would go to a bar, relax and have a few drinks. They were the nights she could tell herself she was a normal twenty six year old. That things were exactly as they should be. But then she’d go home and check on Andy in his crib, making sure he was still breathing. 

Sylvie felt like her life was on hold for a while, and it was going to stay that way. She was a parent and dealing with DCFS, but she couldn’t just go on dates and live her life. Her Zumba classes were all but forgotten about and the occasional time someone asked her out when she was with the girls she couldn’t say yes. Even if she did she knew guys would probably run a mile when they heard she was divorced, living with her ex husband, and raising a baby with him who wasn’t actually their child but they were adopting him as if he was. 

Because her life made sense. 

But for all the things that she wished were different about her life, she got to watch Andy grow and she loved it. It was nearly his first Christmas and they weren’t working Christmas Day so they got to have a family one together. It was agreed they weren’t going to completely spoil him but they were both excited for it. 

Christmas morning Andy had finally slept through the night for the first time, Sylvie waking at eight and nearly worried by how late it was. She came out to the living room in her Christmas pjs and saw Kelly standing there with Andy in his high chair. She’d mentioned that she’d bought her and Andy matching pjs, but she hadn’t expected to see her roommate in his own pair. Kelly caught her eye as she looked surprised and smiled. 

“Look, you said you wanted matching pjs for his first Christmas photos. I thought it was a good idea.”

“Thanks, Kelly.” She leaned up and kissed his cheek without thinking. “Merry Christmas.”

“Merry Christmas, Sylvie.”

They ate the pancakes and bacon Kelly had made for their breakfast, giving Andy some pancakes that he ate with his fingers while grinning when he got his first taste of bacon. They were happy and smiling as they watched him babble away and things felt right for Sylvie for once. The loss was there - would always be there - but it wasn’t at the front of her mind. 

Once they’d eaten and put the dishes in the dishwasher it was present time. Andy was more interested in the wrapping than his gifts, but he loved the stuffed terrier Kelly had gotten him. Kelly was holding the toy and Andy was staring at it before getting to his hands and knees and crawling over. Sylvie got her phone out to video it before he reached Kelly, trying not to cry. The two adults stared at each other in shock and awe, the realisation that their boy was thriving. They’d gotten this far with him, and they could keep going. 

There were four presents left under the tree, two Sylvie had wrapped nearly with labels and two in gift bags. She handed the two she’d wrapped to Kelly who looked at her strangely. 

“This is from Andy, and this is from me. Merry Christmas.”

She watched him open the one from Andy, grinning at it. She’d gotten him a set of fishing lures after a conversation with Boden about what Kelly would want for Christmas. 

“When it’s warmer I’m taking you fishing. We’ll give your mama a day off and come home with dinner, what do you think?” He asked Andy, getting him to nod seeiously at Sylvie. “Exactly. We’ll come home with all the tasty fish to treat her. She’ll deserve it for putting up with us.”

The other present was from Sylvie, and she’d spent time searching for it. He’d been complaining that his hands kept being chapped and sore in work, even with his gloves. So she’d bought him a set of fine merino wool gloves to go under his gear, plus a set of hand lotions in suitably non feminine scents. He was clearly surprised with it, shock and delight on his face. 

“Syl…this is amazing. Thank you. So much.”

“You’re welcome.” He was the only person who called her Syl and she smiled as he handed over his presents for her. 

“Sorry my wrapping skills are non existent.”

She just smiled and opened the bag with Andy’s name on it. There was a jewellery box in it and she opened it up to find a silver locket. When she opened it there was a photo of Andy inside from the day she brought him home, looking like a grumpy old man. The locket itself was heart shaped and had a rose gold Mama on the back of it. Tears welled as she looked at it and Sylvie grinned through them. 

“Thank you.” Her words were low and she put the jewellery box back down to open the gift from Kelly. This was a gift voucher for a nearby spa for her to take a few days to herself along with a note. 

I know I’m not always the easiest person to live with, I hope this gets rid of some of the stress I cause. Thanks for doing this with me. 

“Will you put the necklace on?” She asked, Kelly settling Andy on the floor and coming around to do the clasp behind her neck. His fingers brushed off her as he settled it and Sylvie forced herself not to smile. But once the recycling was away - much to Andy’s upset - they got ready to go to Boden’s for Christmas. Cindy had invited them to the Herrmann’s for dinner but they’d already told Boden they’d make it. It was weird to be part of this little family for Sylvie and to be invited to places because they wanted her there and not because they thought they had to ask her. So she dressed Andy in a My First Christmas onesie and they got ready to go. The day before she’d made an apple pie and a pecan pie to bring with them, so the three made it into Kelly’s car and he drove to Boden’s. 

Donna answered the door with Terrance on her hip, reaching out for Sylvie for a hug. The support the woman had given her for the first few weeks of motherhood could never be forgotten, and Sylvie felt at peace giving the hug. 

Andy and Terrance eyed each other for a few moments, but Andy started playing with a toy and things settled between the boys. Kelly and Boden stayed with the toddlers to keep an eye on them while Sylvie volunteered to help Donna. It was a quiet Christmas with the four of them sitting around the table, Terrance and Andy in high chairs. Sylvie watched Andy play with his food and laugh, her heart full as she did. 

After dinner and pie Boden and Kelly kicked her and Donna out of the kitchen and insisted they could clean. The two women put the boys down in the pack and play to nap, and for the first time in a while Sylvie just relaxed. She didn’t have to worry about Andy, there was plenty of support there. She and Donna could just sit there in a comfortable silence, a box of chocolates between them that they picked from while there was a Harry Potter movie on tv. 

“How’s living with Kelly going?” Donna asked, and Sylvie shrugged. 

“It’s good for Andy. He’s got two parents around him which is the important part. And I’m getting there when it comes to living with Kelly. He’s a good roommate.”

“Just a roommate?” The laugh that came out of Sylvie shocked even her, Donna smiling at it. 

“Just a roommate. We’re both focused on Andy right now, he comes first. Plus after everything that’s happened this year. It’d be a bad idea.”

“Wallace told me about how he was when Matt and Gabby died, and after the shooting. But I’ll tell you, that man can’t keep his eyes off you. He doesn’t just look at you like you’re a roommate, that’s all I’m saying.”

Sylvie wanted to respond but before she could the two men came in and sat down on the couch. Boden went beside Donna, his arm around her shoulder without him even thinking twice. Kelly sat on the same sofa as Sylvie but there was that distance between them and Donna’s words were ringing around her head. 

Sylvie kept thinking about them as they made their way home, Andy needy and holding onto her neck as they left the house. He didn’t want to see anyone else but held onto her until getting into the car. 

“Mama?” He asked forlornly, Sylvie pressing a kiss to his forehead. 

“It’s ok, baby. I’m here. Mama’s right here, and your Dada is here too. We’ve got you baby, I promise.” He relaxed at her voice and let her buckle him in, grabbing onto his terrier when he was in the seat. 

Even when they got home he insisted on being in one of their arms, not quite himself. But finally they got him to go to bed, fast asleep when Kelly came back with the baby monitor. Sylvie just kept thinking about Donna’s words, unsure of what to do about it. 

She’d be lying if she said she didn’t find him attractive. When he wasn’t grieving and struggling he was a really good man. He was attractive. She’d married him even. But doing anything with him risked what they were building with Andy, the family they had. 

“Want a beer?” He asked, Sylvie breaking from her thoughts and nodding. 

“Yeah, thanks. I think it was a successful Christmas?” She took the bottle from him as it was offered, Kelly sitting beside her with his own. 

“Definitely. And dinner was great, I think Donna gave us enough food for a week.”

“I’m not complaining.”

She lay back against the couch, her head rolling back. She didn’t realise how close she and Kelly were and she ended up leaning on him, sitting up when she realised. 

“Sorry, I didn’t-“

“It’s fine. If you’re comfy I’m fine with you like that, don’t worry about it.”

Sylvie took him at his word, leaning back against him and sipping her beer. There was a CSI rerun on tv that they were half watching in the quiet. 

“This is the first good Christmas I’ve had in years. Thanks, Sylvie.” Kelly’s voice was low as he spoke, and Sylvie turned to look at him. 

“It was a really good one. I’m glad if I have to do this I’m doing it with you.”

They both decided to go to bed early, standing and tidying up before going to bed. They were all set, and when Sylvie looked at Kelly to say goodnight she didn’t know who moved first. But his lips were on hers and she was kissing him back, her hands running through his salt and pepper hair as he ran his through her own. 

Chapter Text

That first kiss with Kelly had led to another, and another. They were nearly inseparable when they were home, his arm around her shoulders or Sylvie curled into him on the couch with Andy on their laps. 

They hadn’t decided what exactly they were yet. There was time for that, to discuss and decide and adapt. She wanted to go on a date with him properly, but that timeline was slipping into the future. There was only so many people they could ask to look after Andy, and each of the options would be nosy and want to know why. So it was on the back burner until then. 

But they shared a final kiss before getting out of the car at 51, parked a little away from everyone else. They still did their jobs, still worked and did what they needed to. And she loved that she did. 

The first two weeks of January passed quickly with stolen kisses and watching Andy grow. But on a mid January morning they arrived in to see a group of men in white shirts standing beside Boden in the briefing room. 

“We’ve got some members of LAFD here shadowing us today. They want to see how we arrange our shifts and run calls, so everyone will have an extra person on their rigs today. Please make them welcome.”

Sylvie smiled at Paramedic Chief Abrams who introduced himself with a firm handshake. But before they could get to know each other they were pulled out on a call, Sylvie driving as Violet ran over their procedures with the older man. It didn’t take long to arrive at the scene and the three slid from the ambulance to check over their victim. He’d been shot twice and Sylvie knew the chances, but she and Violet got to work to try stabilise him. It was hard work but finally he was stable enough to get into the rig. They were lifting the gurney up when the oh too familiar sound of a gun cocking was in her ear, Sylvie pausing.

“Let. Him. Die.” The man - no, boy - with the gun was barely a teenager, staring at them with eyes that had seen too much.

“I can’t do that. Same way if it was you on this gurney I wouldn’t let you die either. So you need to back up, and let us do our jobs. Or if you end up with two bullets in you we won’t help you. Understood?”

He stood back, gun wavering in his hand but let them leave. Sylvie gave Violet the keys and sat into the back of the rig, checking vitals and pushing fluids in. She could hear Violet over the radio giving the alert to Med that they were on the way, to give a description of who they were searching for. But as they approached Med their patient flatlined and Abrams began bagging while Sylvie did CPR and ran epinephrine into his veins. She handed over to Connor Rhodes and filled out the paperwork. But before they could leave, Erin arrived up beside them with Jay Halstead.

“Mikami called it in, what happened?” Jay asked, but Erin wrapped an arm around Sylvie, holding her for a moment before letting go and doing the same with Violet.

“We were treating the victim and he was just a kid. Maybe thirteen or fourteen? Bulls hoodie, jeans, dark shoes. He was Latino. I’m sorry I just…it was a lot.” Sylvie shrugged as Jay took it down, but Erin rubbed her back.

“I’m just glad you’re ok, that’s the important part. Once your shift is over go cuddle your kid. Drinks tomorrow night?”

Violet frowned, shaking her head. “I’ve a date. Kev’s introducing me to his siblings properly.”

“Have fun, but yeah. Kelly can watch Andy for it.” They said their goodbyes and went back to the ambulance to clean out, Abrams watching her.

“Kid? You’re a mother?” He asked, Sylvie nodding.

“I have a son, Andy. He’s nearly a year old now, Lieutenant Severide and I are raising him.” It wasn’t any of the man’s business why they were raising Andy, and she left it at that. In his defence the Californian just nodded and helped them clear out the rig.

It was a couple of small calls, Sylvie and Violet trading who drove and who was in the back as they dealt with a car crash, a bike accident, and a memorable moment of avocado hand in a twelve year old. But finally they were back at 51 for lunch for the first time since they’d left that morning. Kelly was straight up to them when they arrived, looking her up and down carefully.

“You ok?” He asked, and all Sylvie wanted was a hug from him. But they were platonic outside of the apartment, so she just nodded.

“Fine. Definitely scary, but it’s not the first time someone’s held a gun to me recently.” Her words were too flippant, the memory of the terror they’d both felt that day clear on their faces. But the ambo needed restocking, and once they’d finished that Herrmann came out to announce lunch was ready. It was soup and toasted sandwiches he pulled from the oven as everyone crowded around, hot and necessary on the freezing January day. But once Sylvie had finished her food she wandered into the bunk room, staring around.

It was so close. And she didn’t think the boy would have shot them, but the fact that she’d been up close and personal with another gun didn’t help matters. The emotions were surging through her and she ran her hands through her long hair, pulling out her braid to redo it. Before she could sit on her bed to do it Kelly came into the room, taking her hand and pulling her into his office. The blinds had already been down as he closed the door and pulled her to him, hands running through her hair to hold her lips to his.

Sylvie melted into the kiss, so desperate for more. When they separated they just held each other, Kelly’s hand on her head as Sylvie leaned in and listened to his heartbeat. Alive. Alive. Alive. They had each other and Andy and things were going to be ok.

“Want me to fix your hair?” He asked and Sylvie nodded, holding out her hair elastic. She expected him to just put it into a ponytail but instead she sat in his chair as he was on the bed and put her braid back in. He was nearly done when one of the LA group knocked on the door and came in.

“Sorry for disturbing you,” he said, but Sylvie smiled and stood.

“You’re fine. Lieutenant Severide was fixing my braid, it’s awkward to get without a mirror. I’ll leave you alone.”

She’d barely made it to the common room when the bells went and she listened out.

Squad 3, Truck 81, Engine 51, Ambulance 61, Battalion 25. Train derailment.

She ran out to the turnout room to get her coat, Violet doing the same before they got into the ambulance to join the convoy to the scene. She didn’t know what she expected, but it wasn’t this. A commuter train had derailed with nothing else on the tracks, and from the debris field it had been going quickly. Sylvie said a quick prayer that at least it wasn’t rush hour and pulled out her radio.

“Ambulance 61 to Main, requesting EMS plan one, major casualty event. Ambulance 61 taking control of the scene until an ambulance commander can arrive.”

“Main to Ambulance 61, confirmed. Set up triage and other units are en route.”

She and Violet worked as a team together to set up the triage units, Abrams agreeing to oversee the black and red tagged area so she and Violet could get to work. Sylvie directed other rigs to take patients, dividing them up between the different tarps and doing whatever work they could to keep people alive. The crackle of flames from one of the carriages was in the background as she treated people. It was bandaids to some people, splinting obviously broken bones, and doing what she could to preserve the dignity of those she couldn’t help. There were a few people with first aid abilities who offered help, and she sent them around the green tarp to check on people. 

Finally an ambulance commander arrived, in shock at the scale of the disaster around them. Sylvie had been so focused on treating the people the different crews brought back to her that she hadn’t paid attention to the chaos and disaster apart from when she’d arrived. It was an eight carriage train, four of them on their sides and one engulfed in flames. CFD had been rescuing people from the other carriages and getting them away as an Engine company was working on getting the flames out.

“Brett, good job,” Hawkins said, and Sylvie nodded while wiping the sweat from her brow. “You can go back to your house if you want, you and Mikami have done amazing work.”

“We’ll do runs to hospitals?” Sylvie asked, not wanting to leave them short handed. Hawkins agreed with her, pointing to the yellow tarp. The black one was filling up but she couldn’t let herself look at it, and the red was mercifully empty thanks to everyone either going to hospital or being moved.

“Start taking from the yellow. Lakeshore asked us to not bring anyone for a half hour, they’re struggling with how many they have right now. Try Med and County.”

“Got it.”

Abrams followed them and watched as they loaded up two sitting patients, Violet and him in the back with them as Sylvie drove to Med. It was the usual drop off, but when they were getting back in the rig Abrams stopped them.

“Why did you put two in the ambulance? I thought it was one person per trip?” He asked Sylvie, who shrugged.

“The rules say one paramedic to one patient. We’re usually in teams of two which means one in the back, so only one patient. But in this case we had two non critical patients, and two qualified paramedics. The rules weren’t broken so I thought it was a good use of our resources rather than doing two journeys when one could work.” Her voice got slightly higher as she finished her explanation, but instead of the dismissal she expected he nodded and smiled.

“Excellent idea. Well done for making sure we help the most people. Back to the scene?”

They did three more runs before they were stood down to go back to 51. Their entire house was sent back at the same time, so they all went together in a slower convoy. Exhaustion was painted on everyone’s faces and Sylvie put in an order for pizza for them all. It arrived shortly after, people snagging slices before going to the bathroom to wash grime and soot from their faces. She sat with Violet, staring at a photo of Andy on her phone.

The day was horrible. She’d seen too many awful things, and she knew the next time she lay down to sleep she’d have a nightmare. They were fortunately rare, but they still happened. But every cell in her body was remembering the tension of the previous few hours. The blue gloves littered across the field as they stripped and changed them to deal with new patients. The moment of seeing bodies taken from the red tarp to the black, trying to give people dignity when they had none left. 

CFD’s academy didn’t train you for days like this one. Days when you wanted to be wrapped in someone’s arms, or cuddle your son. So she stared at the photo of Andy for an hour in solemn need, making sure she kept him front of mind. He was the reason she did this, the reason she didn’t give up. So she could tell him the legacy Matt and Gabby had left behind.

That night they were called out three times, but the firehouse was quiet when they returned each time. Nobody was sleeping, everyone too emotionally wrought to. But finally it was home time. She didn’t think anyone on shift even changed their clothes, just grabbing their bags to leave. As she looked around she spotted Kelly in Boden’s office, so Sylvie settled to wait for him to leave. But before she could get too comfortable, Chief Abrams called her across to the blue room.

“Ms Brett? I have a question for you.”

Chapter Text

It was quiet in the car on the way to the Herrmann’s, and Sylvie yawned and stretched out. She was exhausted, but hopefully Andy would want a nap around noon and she could get a couple of hours then. It still shocked her how much energy a nearly one year old had. 

“At least when we move childcare will be easier. No more picking him up after a twenty four hour shift,” Kelly remarked, and Sylvie’s eyes flew open.

“What do you mean, when we move? Do you know something I don’t?”

“When we move to LA. Did they not offer you the job yet? I told them it was a condition of me accepting that they offered you the job.”

Suddenly Abram’s lack of disappointment when Sylvie said no made sense. Because they didn’t really want to give her the job at all. They did it for Kelly.

“I…I turned it down. I can’t leave Chicago. We’ve got a son, Kelly. All of Andy’s blood relations are here. We can’t take him away from them. We don’t even have the adoption finalised yet!” All of the reasons she’d given Abrams were floating around her head, the streets passing as they reached the Herman’s.

“I accepted. It’s a good move for my career. In Chicago everyone would think I got it because of Benny, but now they won’t know that. It’s because I’m good at my job. They want me to run the entire LAFD rescue squad units. All of them. We can have a good life out there, Syl.”

But his words were overlaid with memories of Harrison trying to convince her to do things because they were good for his career, good for what he wanted to do. Never what was right for her, but what was right for him.

“You’re just like him.”

“Like who?”

“Harrison. He did the same thing. He put what he wanted first and tried to get me to do it for him. I’m not. Chicago’s my home. It’s our son’s home. I’m not leaving.”

“Well I am.”

There was a stilted silence in the car as they pulled up, Sylvie getting out almost as soon as Kelly pulled to a stop. He followed her up the path but all Sylvie cared about was seeing Andy as soon as possible and holding him. Reminding him that he was loved so much. Cindy handed him over as soon as she opened the door, Sylvie forcing a smile at him.

“Everything ok?” She asked, Sylvie nodding. 

“It’s fine. It was a really bad shift. I just needed to see my boy.”

“He’s been looking for his mom and dad. It’s such a good age, isn’t it? I think he might be starting to walk soon.”

“Good to know.” The idea that Kelly might walk away and not see Andy walking clutched at her throat, but she kept the smile pasted on her face as they said goodbye. How was she supposed to deal with this now?

Andy went into his seat easily, babbling away and clutching at her hair before she gave him his teddy. Sylvie slid back into the passenger seat of the car, ignoring Kelly’s looks. They might have to live together, but she didn’t have to talk to him until she was ready. She could do this.

Sylvie kept busy for the day, it was Kelly’s turn to nap first and she sent him to bed quickly. 

“Syl,” he called across the kitchen, but Sylvie shook her head.

“I need to think. I can’t talk about anything right now. Later, ok?” He shrugged and went into his bedroom as Sylvie began cleaning. The kitchen shone and she was reading to Andy as he curled into her. He began to doze and Sylvie cradled her son while he did, standing up and staring out the window.

Chicago gleamed in the winter sunlight, shining off the snow outside as she watched. She knew from experience how dangerous the city could be. How awful the seedy underbelly was. But it was her home.

It wasn’t just that it was home. It was her parents were four hours down the road if she needed help or advice, that when she was worried about Andy she could call them to get help. It was that Andy had alive blood relations in Chicago. Antonio saw him at least every two weeks, depending on how busy Intelligence was. They were trying to get him to say “To” for his uncle. Christy stopped by once a week at a minimum to spend time with him.

Not even for Andy. She didn’t want to leave. She didn’t want to be an ambulance commander yet. She didn’t want to take more responsibility, she was happy and settled where she was. She and Violet were a good team in work, they were able to run their rig effectively. She had the plan for her career, and right now it involved staying at 51 for a couple more years until she decided.

Did LA even want her? Kelly made them offering her a job a condition. They thought she’d be the little wife who’d move across the country with him. But she was Sylvie Jean Brett, and she had never been that meek woman some may have thought she was. She was strong and could do this. She’d raised Andy on her own for the first while, she could do it again without Kelly while he went to  California to do whatever he wanted.

When he finished his nap she went into her room to sleep, but it was impossible. The idea of being a single parent again was terrifying. That she could be alone and raising a child and not have any support from Kelly at all made her chest clench uncomfortably. But at the same time…he’d caused this. He’d just thought she’d do it.

And it was nothing compared to their personal relationship. She’d opened her heart to him again. She’d decided to give them another chance. But he was leaving and he thought she’d go and she couldn’t. She just couldn’t.

When she left her room she was ready to go out, her favourite dark jeans and a blouse on with her hair blown out carefully. A text to Erin and Kim to meet her for drinks somewhere that wasn’t Molly’s got a near immediate response with an address for where the three women could meet. So she hugged Andy goodbye as Kelly called across for her.

“I thought we were going to talk?” He asked, but Sylvie shook her head.

“You made your decision. I told you I’m not leaving. You made a life changing decision without letting me in on it. Without consulting me. We’re adopting a kid together, we’re raising a child, we said we were starting a relationship. But you expected me to jump into place behind you. That’s not me, Kelly. I can’t do that.”

She kissed Andy’s head, ruffling the thick, dark curls on his head as he grinned at her with carrot mash on his face.

“Mama! Mama!”

“Mama loves you, my sweet baby boy. So much.” Kelly came across to try hug her but she sidestepped him, ignoring his crestfallen face. She couldn’t. She just couldn’t touch him without feeling like she was going to scream at him. So instead she left the condo and got into a cab to the bar Kim had sent her.

Inside it screamed cop bar, but Erin and Kim were already there waiting for her, a shot at her seat as they did. Sylvie downed it before her beer was passed across, the two women staring at her expectedly.

“What happened with Kelly?” Erin asked, Kim nudging her.

“How did you know it was Kelly?”

“Because the only time you want to drink heavily involves Kelly Severide. So again, what happened with Kelly?”

Sylvie took a swig before getting ready to speak, gritting her teeth.

“LAFD did a ride along with us today. They offered me a job in LA, I turned it down—“

“Because you have a nearly one year old and live with Severide, right?” Kim asked, Sylvie nodding.

“And because Kelly and I decided to see what could happen between us outside of just being Andy’s parents. But they did the same to Kelly and he agreed before talking to me about it.”

“Oh Sylvie.” Erin gripped her hand and Sylvie blinked back the tears.

“He’s fucking off to LA and he’s leaving me and Andy again. It was different when Andy was in the NICU. He didn’t know what was happening. I could protect him. But now he calls Kelly dad. He knows who he is. He expects to see him. And what am I supposed to do when my heart is hurting because I thought we could be together for a while?” Her tears began to fall quietly, her friends holding on tightly to her. 

“You’ve got us, and all of 51. We’ll make sure you and Andy are ok, you know that.” Sylvie nodded at Erin’s words, an actual smile on her face.

“Yeah, I know. It’s just…we said we’d try make it work. For us. But instead we’re just waiting for him to leave now. I wanted it to work.”

She spent the late afternoon and early evening with them before deciding to go home before it was too late. The idea of spending any extra time with Kelly made her feel sick in her head, but all her heart wanted was for Kelly to hold her. To love her. To make her feel as safe as he had on their wedding night, on the night they’d kissed again. But that wasn’t going to happen. She wasn’t an idiot, she should have known better than that.

Kelly was sitting on the sofa as she walked in, and he stood as soon as Sylvie had the door closed.

“Syl, we need to talk.”

“Don’t call me that.” Her voice was sharp, but she kept the volume low. “You lost the right to use any nickname for me when you broke my heart today.” That she didn’t mean to say.

“Sylvie, we do. How are we going to organise custody? What will we do?”

“I don’t care. You’re leaving, Kelly. You’re walking away, again. I gave you a pass when we just ended our marriage the next day because I knew you were struggling. I gave you a pass when you hurt me so badly without even realising you did when you spoke to me that way when Matt and Gabby died. You told me I killed them, did you realise that?” From the way his face fell he hadn’t, but Sylvie was on a roll and wasn’t stopping now. “I gave you a pass for abandoning the baby boy whose parents we both promised that we’d care for him if anything happened to them. I gave you a pass when you came back and promised to be dad of the year. But less than six months after you got your first overnight you’re leaving. Again. You’re walking away because things are tough and because getting the chance to be Kelly Severide the Hero is more important to you than your family.”

She took a breath, wiping the tears she hadn’t realised had begun to fall. Kelly didn’t try interjecting, just staring at Sylvie with wide eyes and an agape mouth.

“I wanted to love you, Kelly. I wanted to build this family with you. I wanted to raise Andy and make him know that just because we weren’t his biological parents didn’t mean we didn’t love him any less. I wanted to be able to visit Matt and Gabby’s graves and tell them they made the right decision in getting us to care for their son. But I can’t do any of that anymore. Because without even considering what I want or what’s best for our son, you just did what you wanted. I’ve given up my entire life for that little boy and you. I gave up my apartment. My free time. My budget. My finances because we pay everything 50/50 for him. But you wouldn’t give up a job. It tells me exactly how much you think of both of us.”

Sylvie walked into her bedroom, relieved that it was Kelly’s turn to check on Andy if he woke during the night. Instead she pulled her pjs on, took her makeup off, and curled up in bed to sob for everything they’d lost.

The next day was awkward. She kept wanting to reach up to kiss Kelly, to hug him or be held by him. But she couldn’t do that anymore. At least with their last breakup they didn’t live together, and Andy was so confused that they were sitting on opposite sides of the room to each other. But they got through the day until Sylvie put Andy to bed and came out for water before going back to her own room.

“I’m announcing at morning briefing that I’m leaving. They wanted me to start immediately, but I’ve got them to wait until after Andy’s birthday. I fly out the day after.”

She stared at him in shock. Andy had been born February 15th, so on the 16th he’d fly away. Leaving them for good.

“Sure. Does anyone know yet or am I the only one?”

“You’re the only one.”

“Ok.”

She filled her glass and went to bed, staring at the uniform laid out for the next morning. It was a fitful night’s sleep, but she made herself get some before getting up and drinking too much coffee. She got Andy up and dressed, a smile on his face as Kelly buckled him into the car seat and brought him up to Cindy. If Sylvie got out of the car she knew she wouldn’t get back in. She’d run off from everything and that was the wrong move for them. But finally they were in 51, Sylvie in the briefing room beside Violet as Boden finished speaking.

“And Severide has an announcement to make.”

Kelly moved to the front of the room, Sylvie biting her lip to stop herself from making her distress so obvious.

“After the way the last shift went with LAFD, they offered me a position overseeing their rescue squads. I’ll be running the training for their squads, along with making sure they’re up to scratch considering the disasters that have affected the LA area in the last few years. I accepted, and I move to LA in mid February.”

The room erupted in noise, cheers and celebration. Sylvie pasted a smile on her face and clapped along, but she heard her name be called.

“What about Brett? Are you and Andy moving too?” Mouch was the one who asked, and Sylvie turned while shaking her head.

“No. Andy and I are staying in Chicago. It’s the right move for Kelly to make. LA’s lucky to have him.”

Chapter Text

Sylvie kept a smile firmly on her face as the condo was filled with their friends and coworkers. Kenny Herrmann and Terrance Boden were playing with Andy on the living room rug, carefully monitored by everyone in the room. Sylvie was playing hostess, handing out beers and making sure the finger food was there while they waited for the pizzas to be delivered. But she stayed calm, ignoring the conversations she could hear with people asking Kelly how moving was going.

He’d finished his last shift at 51 that morning, everyone clapping him goodbye and a cake there at dinner the night before. Sylvie had made herself be happy for him - it was a giant opportunity, and she was still angry at him but she didn’t want that to be the last word of their goodbye. 

She had calmed knowing that she’d been offered the job on her own merits. Abrams had called her the week after she rejected him to offer it again. When she’d asked if she’d been offered the job because Kelly asked them to, she was surprised by his answer.

“Not at all. I was impressed by how you worked that scene, I think you’d be fantastic. But I understand that you have family commitments in Chicago, and I understand why you had to reject us. I still wanted to ask again!”

They’d left on good terms, and she was proud that it was her work that had gotten her the offer. It still didn’t mean that she was willing to move, but she was proud of herself.

They’d gotten Andy a cake shaped like a fire engine for his birthday, a giant number 1 candle sitting on it. He stared at it in shock and awe, blowing it out messily. Sylvie had baked a smaller cake for him that day, covered in blue icing for Andy to break with his hands, a grin on his face as he did. Donna took a photo of Sylvie and Kelly each kissing a chubby cheek as Andy painted blue frosting on them too. But all too soon the party was breaking up.

She tried giving Kelly some privacy to say goodbye to everyone in 51, taking Andy to the bathroom to clean him up and get his pjs on. They’d spend the evening with a newly minted toddler on a sugar rush, but at least this way she could put him to bed when he crashed. It’d make life easier. 

When she came out of the bathroom Herrmann was standing there waiting for her and he held out his arms for Andy. It was easy for the boy to go over to him before insisting on being put on the ground and he crawled away.

“How’re you doing?” Herrmann asked, and Sylvie shrugged.

“I’m getting there. Ask me how I’m doing next shift, how about that?”

“Fair. But we’re all here for you for this.”

“Thank you.”

Her emotions were threatening to get the best of her so Sylvie just went back out to the living room where everyone was getting ready to leave. Kim and Adam hugged her, and Erin promised to be around the next afternoon after work. Everyone from 51 waved at her and hugged Kelly, and she watched the way the Squad guys held onto him for a moment. Capp was actually crying, and Tony wasn’t far off it. But instead they all left by seven, leaving the three inhabitants of the condo home alone.

Sylvie forced herself to clean the apartment up, letting Kelly put Andy to bed for the last time. They’d agreed that she’d take a week of furlough twice a year to bring Andy out to him, and he’d do the same to come to Chicago. Plus he’d FaceTime with them once a week - Saturday or Sunday depending on Sylvie’s schedule. It would work. It’d be fine.

But her heart was breaking. Andy had become a Daddy’s boy and it hurt to watch him call out for Kelly when both adults knew Kelly wouldn’t be around for a whole lot longer. This night Kelly took his time putting Andy to bed, and Sylvie forced herself to wipe her eyes. She could cry when he was gone. He didn’t seem to care, so she wasn’t going to show him how affected she was by his decision. She couldn’t do that to herself.

“Syl?” She whirled around and saw him standing there, blue eyes shining, and her heart clenched yet again. How could this be happening this time?  “Talk to me. Please? I don’t want to go without us being ok.”

“I don’t know if that’s possible.”

He walked over and took her hand, bringing her over to the sofa and sitting beside her for the first time since Kelly had told her he was moving to California. She sat there, his hand warm and surrounding hers, and waited.

“I know I’ve hurt you. And I’m sorry for that. I’m so, so sorry. You got to say your piece but I need to say mine. I can’t stay here any longer. And it’s not you and Andy, the two of you are the only reason I stayed this long. But Chicago, this condo, 51, CFD as a whole. I’ve lost nearly everyone I care about. The original Andy, Shay, Matt, Gabby, Hadley when he got injured and became an arsonist. All of them. Every single time I walk into that firehouse all I can think of is the people I’ve lost. I can’t do this anymore. It’s why I wanted the two of you to come with me.”

“I can’t.” Sylvie interjected, but Kelly just squeezed her hand.

“I know. I know you can’t, and I know it’s not fair to take our son from everyone. But it’s killing me here. I don’t think I’ll be ok if I stay. I should have talked to you first, I should have told you how I was feeling. I shouldn’t have made the decision without talking to you, that was a stupid mistake. But I can’t stay. I just didn’t want to hurt you.”

They were silent, his words running through her brain. The realisation of everything he’d lost even before they knew each other. Without meaning to, Sylvie reached out and pulled him to her, lips meeting and Sylvie moving into his lap with his hands in her hair.

“Syl…I don’t want to hurt you any more.” She sat back and looked at him, at the tears that hadn’t left his eyes yet and she knew her matching blue ones were the same.

“One night. We get one night to say goodbye. Kelly I want this. I want us to get our night together.”

“Are you sure?” His voice was softer than it had ever been before, Kelly’s hand cupping her cheek and his thumb rubbing along her cheekbone. “I need you to be completely sure.”

“I’m positive. I want us.”

He pulled her down into a kiss, Sylvie meeting him and moving fully back into his lap before he stood and lifted Sylvie to his bedroom.

The next morning Andy was awake too early, the sound of his babbles in the baby monitor making Sylvie smile as she realised where she was. Her naked back was pressed against Kelly’s chest, his fingers on one hand intertwined with hers, with the other playing with her hair. She was warm and comfortable, not wanting to move for fear of breaking the illusion. But Andy was getting restless and they had to get up. They’d barely slept, instead holding onto each other between rounds. Sylvie’s core was sore and her chest was littered with love bites but she couldn’t bring herself to care about it. 

“I’ll get him,” Kelly murmured and Sylvie turned around to him.

“I’m going to miss you.” She reached for a kiss, the final one she knew she’d get. Once they left this bed, she’d be faced with his nearly empty room and the lineup of suitcases he was taking with him.

“I’ll miss you too. Sylvie…” She suddenly knew what he was going to say, and she couldn’t hear it. So instead she kissed him once more briefly before turning to get out of the bed. He couldn’t tell her. If he said it she’d break.

They decided to go out for breakfast before she dropped Kelly to the airport, so they went for pancakes. Andy crushed them between his fists as he ate, and Sylvie forced the chocolate chip ones into her mouth. Kelly seemed the same way, but all too soon it was time to bring him to O’Hare. He was leaving.

Instead of letting him out at the drop down area she paid for parking and she and Andy went in with him, Andy firmly in his carrier on Sylvie’s chest. Kelly held her hand as they queued to drop his bags off, the staff member giving help remarking on how beautiful their son was. But all too soon they were at the TSA line, Kelly staring at them. 

“This is it.” There was a lump in her throat as she watched him kiss Andy, the baby grinning and waving at Kelly.

“Dada! Dada!”

“Yeah I am, kiddo. I’m your dada. I love you so, so much. You and your mom.” It was the one thing Sylvie didn’t want to hear, the one thing she’d tried avoiding him saying. She wanted to beg him to stay with them. To stick with them and they’d make Chicago better for him. But she knew better.

“I’ll miss you so much.” It was as much as she could get out, but Kelly reached for her head and kissed her deeply. Sylvie poured everything she felt for him into that kiss, they only separated because of Andy.

“I meant every word I said.” His voice was tight.

“I know.” She bit her lip, watching him pick up the carryon. “Text when you arrive ok?”

“Definitely. Bye Sylvie, bye Andy.”

She watched him disappear to the TSA check and her tears started falling down her cheeks. He didn’t look behind him and she was grateful for that. But as she went to leave with Andy he kept turning to the TSA line.

“Dada? DADADADADADADADA!!!!” He screamed, and Sylvie tried soothing him as his tantrum set off in the terminal while they walked away. But instead of being able to calm him he kept sobbing, screaming for Kelly. And all Sylvie wanted to do was join him with it.

The next few weeks were incredibly difficult, and if it wasn’t for everyone at 51 Sylvie didn’t know what she would have done. She was constantly tired, Andy had started taking his first steps and she was running around with him all the time. The previous precious few hours she eeked out for herself when Kelly was on main parenting duties were gone now, her time instead filled with looking after Andy and making sure he was happy and healthy. It was exhausting and fulfilling, but everyone rallied around her.

The first day after their shift she expected to be alone, but Capp called to her door at three with a pizza and his arms out for Andy, telling her to get some sleep while they had guy time. And it continued with everyone at 51 appearing, taking turns to look after him so Sylvie could have time to herself. Violet came by with Kevin one afternoon, the two taking Andy out for the day so Sylvie could relax. The saying was that it took a village to raise a child, and this was the proof that it definitely did.

The worst part of the week was FaceTiming Kelly. He was tan and handsome, and her heart ached every time he answered smiling. LAFD had helped him find a beachside loft, the Pacific out his bedroom window. And for all the right reasons she had for staying all she wanted was to be out there with him. To be wrapped in his arms and have Andy there, to watch as their son went out into the California surf and to play with them on the beach.

The conversation was cordial between them, the last words shared in the airport ignored. Kelly pretended he hadn’t said it and Sylvie acted the same way, smiling and filling him on how Andy was growing. Whenever Kelly asked about her it was platitudes. She was fine, everything was ok. And Kelly said the same, his new job was great and he was doing well. They both knew they were lying.

But the lies worked, and it helped Sylvie heal some of her fractured heart. But Kelly didn’t pick up one FaceTime call, texting saying he’d been called in. Which was bullshit as far as Sylvie was concerned, she knew he was mostly doing a desk job now.

Their time apart hurt, but she forced herself to keep going as February turned to March, Easter baskets in store windows. Matt and Gabby’s anniversary was coming up too quickly for her liking, and she brought Andy every two weeks to their grave. He didn’t understand, but she liked standing there and telling them how he’d grown, depositing the flowers she brought. She ran into Antonio there one day, and when he invited her and Andy for lunch she accepted with a smile.

“How’re you doing with Severide gone? Erin said he’s gone to LA?”

“Yeah, he is.” Sylvie took a sip of her milkshake with one hand while feeding Andy with the other. “He’s happy, we FaceTime so he can see Andy. Everyone at 51 is helping out too, we’re not alone.” She watched as he smiled, playing peekaboo with Andy in his seat.

“Good. Look…I’m just gonna say it. Do you want to go on a date some time?”

Sylvie was delighted she didn’t have anything in her hands because she would have dropped them. The individual words made sense, but it didn’t make sense to her. Antonio? She cared about him, but as a member of her extended family. As Andy’s uncle. Nothing more than that.

“I…I really appreciate the offer,” she began, but Antonio spoke first.

“But you don’t want to. Sylvie, it’s fine. I just wanted to ask, that’s all.”

They said their goodbyes with stilted awkwardness, Antonio saying he’d come by the condo in a few days to see Andy again. She buckled her son into the car, cooing at him as he waved up at her.

“At least I’ve still got it?” She asked, Andy nodding as if he understood what she said.

But the exhaustion was endless, and the morning of her next shift her stomach was rioting in her belly, Sylvie tempted to call off shift. But she wouldn’t subject Violet to a last minute floater. So instead she tied her hair back, put foundation on so she could look less sick, and dropped Andy off with Cindy with a smile.

Her attempt at a good mood lasted much of the morning until she was chatting to Violet and Stella when her stomach decided to flip again. It was a run to the bathroom to let it out, and when she came out of the stall her best friends were standing staring at her.

“Did you eat something weird?” Violet asked, Sylvie shaking her head.

“I’m fine. Just tired and nauseous, I’ve been spending too much time with Andy, and not enough looking after myself.” She went to turn away but Stella caught her arm.

“Tired and nauseous? Brett, this isn’t you. When was your last period?”

A quiet horror dawned on Sylvie’s face as she did the math, refusing to believe it.

“I can’t be.”

“Have you had sex?”

“When do I have time…” she trailed off, the memories of the night with Kelly coming to mind. When neither of them had even thought about contraception, just about spending time together. “Oh god I could be.”

When they were on a run she and Violet stopped at CVS for two tests and two bottles of water, Sylvie chugging it down as Violet drove them back. It was into the bathroom with her friends close behind as she did the tests, her phone timer waiting for three minutes.

It didn’t even need two before the two plus signs were visible and Sylvie realised just what Kelly had left her with as a final goodbye. She was pregnant.

Chapter Text

The realisation that Sylvie was having Kelly’s baby was sobering. She was barely coping with one child, how was she supposed to cope with a second? There wouldn’t even be two years between the babies, Andy still in diapers as she’d have a newborn. Not for the first time she wanted to curse how Kelly had left her.

But it wasn’t entirely his fault, as much as she wished she could just blame him. She was supposed to be just as responsible for birth control as he was, but they’d forgotten about it that night. And if she’d been thinking straight she would have gotten some Plan B the next day. But she hadn’t and this was the outcome.

With a deep breath she opened the stall door, Violet and Stella staring at her, just waiting for news. Sylvie put the two tests on the counter for them to see, waiting for the reactions.

“Is this a good thing?” Violet asked, and Sylvie shrugged.

“Two kids under two as a single mom? I mean it could be worse.”

“What about the father? Will he be involved?”

“I don’t know.”

The immediate response Sylvie had was to call Kelly immediately and tell him what had happened. That she was pregnant with his baby and they needed to work out what they were going to do because they were having a child together.

But he hadn’t stayed. He had reasons to leave, and they were the right reasons. She didn’t want to force him to come back to a city he’d admitted he could barely stand. But she could think about it over the next few weeks. Once everything was confirmed. Then she’d make her decision.

“I need you to keep this to yourselves, ok? I don’t know what I’m going to do.” They both nodded and without a word wrapped Sylvie in a hug she so desperately needed. 

The rest of the shift passed in a daze, Sylvie sipping ginger ale from her mug and smiling at everyone.  She did her job, but her brain was consumed with the fact that she was going to have a baby. Andy was going to have a baby sibling. And it wasn’t the right time and it definitely wasn’t the kind of situation she wanted to be in for this - pregnant with her ex husband’s child from a one night stand the night they’d basically admitted they loved each other - but she still wanted this.

When she picked Andy up Cindy looked her up and down, and in a terrifying moment Sylvie was convinced she knew. But nothing was said, and Sylvie took Andy into her arms, his little arms flailing as he grinned at her. It was the usual information and smile before Sylvie left and buckled Andy into his car seat. When she was in the car she pulled up her OB’s number, making the call she had to do. 

They fit her in that afternoon, and it was an awkward conversation of being asked if it was her second pregnancy and having to admit that she was adopting Andy. But her doctor was better than the nurse, and she lay back as the ultrasound tech put the cold gel on her lower stomach. 

It was a tiny moving grain of rice on the screen, and when the switch was flicked Sylvie could hear her baby’s heartbeat. Despite everything she and Kelly had gone through, she was having their baby. It was real. 

She left with a printed sonogram and the proof that she was seven weeks pregnant. She’d tried arguing, that she knew when she’d conceived, but pregnancy dating was weird. She was having a baby in November. 

But the next day was the day she’d been dreading and delighted about. It was the day she was officially being declared Andy’s mom. It was all a formality at this point, and Kelly had removed his name from the documents when he decided to move. So it was five minutes with a judge, Andrew Ramon Casey becoming Andrew Ramon Brett. Sylvie held Andy carefully as he grinned, kissing her son’s cheek. He was her son. 

It was a grim irony that it was Matt and Gabby’s anniversary the same day she became their son’s official mother. But Sylvie brought Andy to their grave that day to pay her respects.

“I’m sorry. I’m sorry I wasn’t there fast enough. I’m sorry we didn’t get you out. I’m sorry you don’t get to see him. I’m sorry I couldn’t keep Kelly here. But I’m going to love Andy with everything I have. I promise I won’t let him think he’s not loved. And I’m going to make sure he knows how much you both love him.”

She left after putting her flowers down, Andy firmly in the carrier. But her cell rang when she was almost at the car, Kelly FaceTiming her. 

“Hey, I didn’t think we were doing this today?” Sylvie asked, Kelly shrugging. 

“I have ten minutes. Wanted to see how you’re doing today. Is the adoption confirmed?” He sounded excited and Sylvie angled the camera to Andy. 

“He’s officially a Brett. Everything went fine, it’s pretty exciting.” 

“That’s really good.  Hey Bud, how’re you?” 

Andy waved, but went back to his toy instead of paying attention to Kelly. Sylvie flipped them to just a call, sitting in her seat. 

“How’s LA?”

“Good. It’s warm. Just today, y’know?”

“I know.”

It was quiet between them, Sylvie unsure what to say. She wanted to blurt out about the baby, about all of it. But instead she was silent as she listened to his breathing. 

“I miss the two of you.” Kelly broke it and Sylvie smiled sadly, leaning her head back. 

“We miss you too. It’s been six weeks and it feels like longer.”

“Is it gonna get easier?”

And that was the question that she couldn’t help but wonder about. Once he found out she was pregnant would he want to come back? Would he want joint custody across the country? Would he not want to know? Could this living apart get easier when it was making each of them miserable?

“It has to. Right?”

“Yeah.” There was a buzz in the background and it brought Sylvie back to focus. “Crap, I’ve got to go Syl. Talk Saturday?”

“Of course.”

As she drove home an idea went through her head, and all Sylvie could do was think about it. About going to LA and moving there. The calls weren’t enough and she didn’t want both her kids growing up without their dads. That she wanted Kelly to be in their lives, the same way he had been. To prove he could be the good dad that he didn’t think he could be. He’d been great with Andy. And with their baby? 

She was about to have two kids under two and she didn’t know how she’d cope alone. So if for her sanity rather than anything else she needed to see him. Needed to tell him and hope that Kelly also thought that they could work. God let him think that. 

Before next shift she slipped into Boden’s office with her filled out furlough form in her hand. Boden sat up when she arrived in, looking across at her.

“Brett, how are you doing? How’s Andy?”

“He’s good. Walking and driving me insane, it’s good. Chief, I need to book a week of furlough after this shift if that’s ok.” His eyebrows raised and Sylvie could feel his stare going through her.

“Is everything ok? Are you ok with Andy on your own?” She smiled at the concern, shaking her head.

“I’m fine. I just…it’s been a hard couple of months, I want to bring Andy to see family for a while. A week away from the city sounds really nice right about now.”

“Of course.” Boden took the form from her, reading and nodding. “I’ll get this filed and we’ll get a floater with Mikami for next shift. Three shifts ok?”

“That’s perfect, thanks Chief.”

The shift passed quickly, Sylvie getting smiles from everyone when she mentioned she was going on a trip for a while. Stella and Violet were staring at her through the day, and Violet handed her a ginger ale in the rig when they were on the way to a scene and Sylvie’s stomach felt like it was turning cartwheels. How Gabby had done this she wasn’t sure.

But finally it was quiet and she was on her phone in the common room, booking a flight for the next day. She and Andy would leave Chicago at three, getting into LA at five thirty. It’d be a cab to Kelly’s building and they’d see him and find out what was happening. She just wanted to tell him she was pregnant, tell him they were having another baby and that she’d move out to make sure their family was ok. It was terrifying to think of, but she’d do it.

Now that she made the decision she kept thinking she saw Kelly on the street. When a man wearing jeans and a leather jacket was in front of her on the street she called his name, but it wasn’t him. Again when she was standing outside their building with Andy in his car seat and a suitcase beside her she thought she saw him, but it wasn’t him. Her brain was going insane thinking that he was there, thinking that it was Kelly and he was back. He couldn’t be.

O’Hare was disgustingly busy and Sylvie hated walking through the terminal building. Andy was immediately upset when they got in, calling out “Dada?” as they walked through to check in. But he calmed once they were through TSA, boarding passes in hand. It was as they were sitting in the gate, Sylvie feeding Andy Cheerios to try get some food in him before they got on the plane, that she thought she saw Kelly again.

It was another man roughly his height with a leather jacket and jeans. But again it couldn’t be him, he was a couple of thousand miles away and they were on their way to get there. It wouldn’t be long.

Somehow she lucked into a row just to her and Andy, and with a sick bag in her hand she got through the four hour flight. Barely, but she did it. One of the flight attendants played with Andy when she needed the bathroom, handing Sylvie water and a packet of plain chips when she sat back down.

“Are you doing ok, hon?” She asked, Sylvie nearly tearing up at the kindness and nodding.

“Yeah. Just a lot. We’re going to see his daddy, aren’t we Andy?” She gently tickled his belly, Andy giggling.

“Dada!”

“Yeah, we’ll see Dada.”

“Does your partner live in Los Angeles?” Sylvie nodded at the question, taking a deep breath.

“He moved for work. I thought we’d be ok if I stayed in Chicago but it’s not right. I’m going to look at moving out so we can be together.”

“If you need anything just hit that call bell, ok?”

“I will.”

Andy napped for part of the flight, Sylvie staring out the window as she held him in her arms and gently bounced him, pushing kisses to his soft hair. All she could think about was arriving at Kelly’s front door, seeing him open it. Getting to see him and spend time with him and Andy. It was stupid and made her feel like a teenager but she missed him too much. She missed what they had and what they could have had if things had been slightly different.

The flight passed mostly peacefully, Andy quiet in her arms as it did. The flight attendants were sweet and helped Sylvie get her bag down to make sure she was ok, watching as she carried Andy and the carry on to the jet bridge where they were met with his stroller. 

The baggage claim didn’t take long - there was no way she could pack for a week for a toddler without a carry on, no matter what she tried - and it was still over 90 degrees when they stepped out of the terminal into the warm air. Andy wanted to get out of the stroller, but as they got to the cab line he calmed.

It was a sixty dollar cab ride to Kelly’s building, Sylvie making small talk with the cabbie about coming out to spend time with her boyfriend so their son could see his dad. The driver was friendly, fun to spend time with and helped her get her bags out of the trunk.

Sylvie stopped at the front door, seeing the K. Severide at the button for 3D and grinning. They were nearly there and she couldn’t wait. The elevator was quick, and before long she was standing outside Kelly’s apartment door, a quick knock to get him to open it.

But the door stayed closed, and when Sylvie pulled out her cell phone to call him it went straight to voicemail. She dialled again and again, knocking on the door and trying to get him to open it. A door on the hallway opened behind her, startling her and making her jump.

“Are you looking for that firefighter?” It was a woman in her eighties, sprightly and wearing a floral shirt, a long grey braid over each shoulder.

“Yeah, have you seen Kelly? Is he on shift?”

“He moved out yesterday, dumped his furniture. Had a young woman with him who was helping him, they looked so cute. Young love, you can always tell when someone is happy in a relationship, can’t you?” 

Sylvie pasted a smile on her face, determined not to cry. This was fine. It was all completely fine. Fine.

“Yeah, you can. He knew we were coming out for a vacation, I’ll get in touch with him for lunch or something. Thank you.”

“You’re welcome, sweetheart. And that’s a lovely boy you have.”

“Thanks.”

It took ten minutes for her to book a hotel online and order a lyft to bring her to it. By the time they got there it was time for Andy to sleep, and once Sylvie got him into the hotel provided crib she got into the double bed, curling up and sobbing until she cried herself to sleep.

Chapter Text

It took two days for Sylvie to change their flights back to Chicago, so they stayed in the hotel for those few days. She brought Andy to see the sights, walk down the Walk of Fame and out to the beach where he paddled in the Pacific in Sylvie’s arms. He giggled and Sylvie couldn’t help but enjoy the way he soaked up the sun with her. As much as her heart was aching, she at least got to smile at her son’s actions.

Every time a fire truck went past them - the three times it happened - Sylvie cringed, long blonde hair covering her face in case Kelly was on the truck. But fortunately for her she was able to relax as much as she could.

The flight back to Chicago was less eventful than the one over, Andy acting like a seasoned traveller at this point. Sylvie had learned a lesson from the flight over and got him to run around a playground at the airport so he could tire himself out. Once they landed and she picked up her bag she drove home, the time change upsetting Andy’s routine for the evening. But instead she sat there with him as he watched Paw Patrol, staring at Marshall and going “Daddy!”every time she saw him. Sylvie just smiled, nodding as he began to doze and go to sleep.

She didn’t have to be on shift for another two days, so Sylvie decided to bring Andy to Fowlerton for their time off. He’d met her mom and dad a couple of times, but this would be the first time they’d go the opposite way for more than a day. The drive to Fowlerton involved a couple of stops for the restroom and morning sickness for Sylvie, and Andy needing a break from being in the car for so long. But finally they pulled off the main road into her parents long driveway, arriving to the old farmhouse Sylvie had grown up in.

“Let me see my grand baby!” Monica was first out of the house as Sylvie arrived, unbuckling Andy’s seat before Sylvie even managed to get out of the car herself. Andy was cooing at Monica, laughing as she lifted him and put him on her hip.

“You look tired. How’re you doing now Kelly’s moved away?” SYlvie smiled at her mom, shrugging.

“It’s tough but we’re getting there. Moving to being a single parent isn’t easy.”

“You can do it. Let me spoil the two of you this week, ok?” Sylvie walked inside with her mom’s arm over her shoulder, her dad there just inside the door with arms outstretched for a hug.

The first day was idyllic for her, Andy enjoying being there with her parents. Sylvie watched as her dad brought Andy to feed the chickens, the toddler arriving back with an egg in his chubby hands.

“Mama! Egg!” He held it out for her to take, Sylvie grinning at him and pushing a kiss to his forehead.

“That’s right baby, it’s an egg. Want Grandma to make you scrambled eggs?”

“Gaga?” He turned to Monica who nodded and lifted him.

“Come with me, baby. We’ll make lunch, how’s that?”

Sylvie took her tea and went out to the porch, sitting on the swing and staring out at the fields. The farm was more a hobby at this stage rather than a going concern. Her dad bought chickens and cattle in the spring, selling the cattle for meat in the summer and fall. The chickens were a source of eggs and trading to neighbours for vegetables. Her dad arrived back with a colander holding the eggs, sitting beside her.

“Penny for them?” He asked, Sylvie staring across the fields. “You haven’t been yourself since you arrived. You know you can talk to us about anything, don’t you?”

She nodded and took a deep breath, putting the tea down on the table beside the swing.

“I’m pregnant. And the father isn’t going to be in the picture, so I’m still trying to work out what I’ll be able to do. Two kids under two, am I crazy Dad? How am I supposed to do this?” It was silent for a moment, Sylvie waiting for the dressing down she thought she was going to get.

“You’re a good mom. You love that boy as much as if he was your own. If you want to do this you can. But if you don’t want to you have options.”

She’d made her mind up that she was keeping the baby, but hearing it from her dad helped. Her parents had been open with her about their own fertility struggles, how they waited for so long to be able to adopt Sylvie and her brother. Hearing it without judgment, without any worries, it helped.

“I’m keeping the baby. I’m scared, but I can do this. And I want to. I think.”

“You’ve got both of us behind you. Plus everyone you work with, they all seem like good people.”

“They really are.”

That evening when Sylvie put Andy down to sleep she came back downstairs, finding Monica in the living room. Her dad had driven into town for his weekly card game, the two women the only ones still there. Monica poured a glass of wine for Sylvie and herself, leaving them on the table. It was then that Sylvie swallowed before speaking.

“I’m pregnant.”

It was silent in the room as Sylvie’s words sank in. Her mother looked at her, jaw slightly agape, before speaking again.

“I’m nearly eleven weeks, I have to tell work this week. And work out how to tell Andy he’s going to be a big brother. It’s just going to be me, I think.”

“Kelly?” She nodded, Monica raising an eyebrow. “I thought that was platonic.”

“It was never going to stay platonic for us. He asked me to go to LA. I didn’t. And I flew out there a couple of days ago to tell him, but he’d moved out of his apartment and had a woman move with him. He’s moved on, we have to too. Do you want to see?” Sylvie pulled out her phone and showed her mom the photo of her scan, watching her trace her fingers over it.

“Two grandkids. You know we’re going to spoil the two of them rotten, don’t you? And whatever you need we’re here. We know Andy’s aunt and uncle are in Chicago so you won’t leave, but we’ll be up and down that freeway as much as we can be.”

“Thanks, Mom.”

She curled up, her head on her mom’s lap as Grey’s Anatomy reruns played on the screen. With her mother’s hand running through her hair Sylvie finally felt at peace with her decisions.

They had to head back to Chicago early on Friday for Mouch’s wedding, Sylvie determined to enjoy herself as much as possible. She could avoid drinking thanks to Andy, and she wanted a night out with everyone she cared about before her pregnancy became known. It’d be fun for once.

Andy was the ring bearer for Mouch and Trudy, toddling down the aisle with the rings clutched in his hands, holding them up to give to Herrmann and Kim before coming back to Sylvie. She was sitting beside Antonio, the two of them keeping Andy occupied while the ceremony happened. She watched the two say their vows and kiss, wiping a tear from her cheek. 

When the ceremony was over and she was holding Andy, waiting for Christie to arrive to take him for the night, he changed from being placid to grabbing.

“Dada! DADA!” He yelled, staring over Sylvie’s shoulder. She whirled around, seeing Kelly standing there in a suit. He’d heard Andy’s shouts and came straight over, his arms outstretched for her son. Sylvie was barely able to contain her surprise, handing Andy over almost without realising she had. 

“Sylvie, hey.” His voice was low and it hit Sylvie, her stomach turning over seeing him there in front of her.

“Hey. I didn’t know you were coming.” It was the easiest way she could say what the fuck was he doing there without actually saying the words.

“Yeah, Mouch invited me and I couldn’t not come. Seeing the way he tried finding love before, I wanted to see it.”

“Sure. I’m gonna run to the restroom, are you ok with —“

“Of course.”

She forced herself not to run into the restroom, staring at herself in the mirror once she got in there. She hadn’t expected to see Kelly here, hadn’t expected to see him in person for weeks. Months, even. But he was there and holding Andy and her heart ached.

It was another reminder of the family they could have had but didn’t. And she couldn’t even have a shot of tequila to put her mind at ease. For the first time since she’d decided she was keeping the baby she cursed being pregnant. Having to spend a night around Kelly keeping this secret was going to kill her.

When she came back out Christie had arrived, playing with Andy and talking to Kelly as Sylvie came up to them. The two women hugged, Christie looking Sylvie up and down.

“You look fantastic, Sylvie. How’re you doing?” The older woman asked, Sylvie smiling.

“I’m good. Thanks for taking him tonight, I really appreciate it.”

“Any time. Violet’s excited to spend time with her cousin. Pick him up tomorrow?”

“Sounds like a plan.” Sylvie kissed him goodbye, watching as Kelly did the same and her heart twisted in her chest. She’d been so, so close.

There were tables set up at the edges of the makeshift dance floor, Sylvie sitting with the rest of 51. Violet and Stella kept making sure she had a glass of Diet Coke in front of her, the temporary bar staff not able to tell who it was for. 

When people stood up to dance Kelly sat beside her, his hand reaching out to Sylvie’s. His fingers brushed off hers for a moment, that electricity between them again. Sylvie reached hers out, their fingers linking for a moment before letting go. The DJ started playing a slow song, Kelly holding out his hand to her.

“Want to dance?”

Every nerve in Sylvie’s body was screaming at her to say no, that she didn’t want to dance with him. That she was going to head home, get a good night’s sleep. But instead she nodded and took his hand and let him lead her out to the dancing couples. One of his hands went on her waist, and Sylvie held her breath for a moment that he wouldn’t feel the beginnings of the baby bump she’d noticed that morning. But he just took her other hand in his, the two of them swaying to the music.

“I missed you.” Sylvie couldn’t help but let the words out of her mouth as Kelly held her, a few inches all that separated them instead of thousands of miles.

“I really missed you too, Syl. I…” he trailed off, Sylvie not wanting him to say anything else. She could pretend that things were normal, that they’d go back to their apartment and everything would be fine. As much as it really wasn’t.

The evening began to come to a close, Sylvie hugging Kim and Adam goodbye as the two left hand in hand. It wasn’t long after that Sylvie said her goodbyes, hugging everyone and kissing Mouch on the cheek in congratulations before walking out to order a cab.

The April air was cool against her skin as she waited, and Sylvie heard the thick wood door close. She looked to the right, seeing Kelly walk out of the bar. He spotted her immediately, his pace quickening. She turned to him, but before she realised what he was doing he was there, hands around her pulling her in for a kiss. 

“Kelly,” she groaned as they separated, staring up at him to see his lusty eyes.

“Come back to my hotel. Please?” 

She was screaming at herself not to, that it was a bad idea, that spending any time with Kelly would be a mistake. But all she wanted to do was say yes. So she did.

Directing the cab to the hotel took very little time, and Kelly held her hand firmly as they walked through the lobby together. Kelly brought her into the elevator, his arm moving around her waist and holding her close while they waited to get to his floor. But as soon as they were in his room he turned to look at her, Sylvie seeing an emotion in his eyes that she didn’t want to name. He had a girlfriend. She should leave. But she couldn’t do that.

When they were finished Sylvie curled up in his arms, Kelly spooning her and holding her tight. His hand fell over her stomach and for the briefest moment she could pretend that she had everything she’d wanted. 

Living with Kelly for so many months had let her know just how heavily he slept, the way he let out tiny snuffles when he was dead to the world. Once he started making those oh too familiar noises she eased out from under his arm, watching him sleep for a moment. His face was relaxed, years off him as he slept. She wanted to get back under his arm, stay there with him. But it was the wrong decision.

Getting dressed in the dark was awkward but doable, Sylvie holding her heels in her hands until she got outside. The door closed quietly behind her and she slipped them on, going downstairs and heading home to sleep in her own bed.

The next day she picked Andy up, Christie eyeing Sylvie again. Her pants felt tight and the realisation that she’d need to put on maternity wear soon was hitting her oh too much. She lifted Andy up, Christie finally speaking.

“How far along are you?” 

“Eleven weeks. Nobody really knows yet.” Christie nodded, giving Sylvie a hug. The younger woman smiled as they let go, blushing slightly.

“Andy will be a great big brother. And you’re going to be a great mom to both of them. I can’t wait to have another niece or nephew.”

“Christie…” Sylvie trailed off, feeling uncomfortable at her words.

“No, this baby’s my niece or nephew too. They’re Andy’s sibling, so I’m their aunt. Simple as that. It’s a weird family we’ve got, but it’s how we work out.”

“Thank you.”

Kelly didn’t get in touch that day, Sylvie running through her usual day before shift routine with one edit - going to buy maternity clothes. She felt so awkward shopping while holding Andy, the look she got flicking through racks with a toddler strapped to her chest. But she picked up pants and shirts, heading home and staring at them.

This was real. It was oh so real. 

The next morning she got Andy up and ready to drop him off at the Herrmanns, but when she opened the door Kelly was standing there, about to knock.

“Hi.”

“Hey.”

It was awkward for a moment, but Andy broke it by immediately reaching out for him.

“Dada! Hi Dada!” Kelly took him easily, bouncing the boy lightly as Sylvie watched.

“Look, I wanted to take Andy while you’re on shift? I can leave him with Cindy overnight, but I want to spend some time with him. Can I?”

She watched the two of them for a moment, the way Andy relaxed into Kelly’s arms.

“Yeah. Just leave him there before six or so, does that work? Here’s his bag.” She handed everything over to Kelly, locking the door to the condo behind her as she did. “Bye, Baby. Bye Kelly.”

“We need to talk about—“

“We really don’t.”

Not having to drop Andy off meant she was even earlier than she had planned, but Sylvie stared at Boden’s office for a moment, trying to get up the courage to admit what was happening to him. He needed to know she was pregnant for different reasons, but actually admitting it to him felt nearly impossible. It weirdly felt like she was letting him down, that there was another paramedic who was pregnant again. Even with her parents being supportive she was still nervous about everything. It felt stupid to be nervous, but here she was.

Knocking on the door she entered as instructed, Boden sitting behind his desk.

“Brett! How was your family time? Is everyone doing ok?” He asked, Sylvie smiling.

“Yeah, my parents loved spending time with Andy. He learned how to collect the eggs and got to go on a horse for the first time, it was pretty impressive. Thanks for organising it for me.”

“No problem. Is there anything else I can help with?”

“Yeah, actually.” Sylvie sat down, her hands on her lap. “Chief, I need to let you know that I’m pregnant.”

His face lit up in a grin for her, Sylvie matching it.

“Is this a good thing?” He asked, Sylvie nodding at him.

“Yeah, it is. I think Andy will be excited to have a baby sibling.”

“And is it just you…” The question trailed off, Sylvie nodding again.

“Just us. It’ll be worth it. I wanted to stay on 61 until I’m at twenty weeks, then move to desk work. Will that work out?” She was terrified to hear what Boden would say about her wishes.

“That sounds perfect to me. And we’ll try make sure Mikami gets a good floater from the pool for your maternity leave. Do you want to tell everyone at briefing?”

“Not yet. I’m not fully at twelve weeks but I wanted to give you notice about what’s happening.” She stood up to get changed, Boden standing too.

“Thank you. And Sylvie, congratulations. You’re a brilliant mom.” She’d never been on the receiving end of a Wallace Boden hug before, but he wrapped her in one and Sylvie let herself be delighted about the pregnancy at last.

Her shift was normal, a text from Cindy letting her know that Kelly had dropped Andy off with her giving Sylvie a little bit of relief. But she kept going through the day, looking longingly at the coffee pot wishing she could have more than her one cup a day. But finally it was eight am, Sylvie changed into her stretchiest jeans and a loose shirt, her bump starting to show. But as she walked into the common room Boden had gathered the members of second shift into a semi circle, and she joined them spotting Kelly in the middle with their Chief.

“From shift after next, Kelly Severide will be back at 51 as Lieutenant of Squad 3.”

Sylvie didn’t hear anything apart from the cheers, shock filling her. Kelly had come back for good, but he hadn’t told her that he was coming back. It was suddenly clear that two nights before had been just sex for them to him and nothing more. If it had been more he’d have told her he was staying.

Chapter Text

When Sylvie picked Andy up and got home her mind was spinning, confused and anxious about what Kelly returning meant. But apart from that, she was completely hurt by him not telling her.

If he was so determined to tell her he was moving back he could have said it. Yes she’d blown him off at the door, but she was convinced that he wanted to talk about their night together. So she stayed at the condo, playing with Andy and napping when he napped. Her exhaustion was hitting hard, and as she’d learned pregnancy wasn’t a picnic. 

She stared at her abdomen in the mirror, running her hand over the small bump that had appeared. To most it would probably look like she was bloated, but Sylvie knew the truth. It was firm to the touch, Sylvie staring at it in awe. She was actually having this baby. 

When she served Andy his lunch there was a knock on the door. Sylvie had a sneaking suspicion that she knew who it would be, and was proven correct when Kelly was standing there with a bunch of flowers and a toy in his hands.

“Hey, I thought we should talk.”

“Sounds good.”

Sylvie let him in, Andy immediately reaching for Kelly as soon as he saw him.

“Dada! Hiii Dada. Up?” He looked at Sylvie and back to Kelly, shoving a piece of strawberry into his mouth.

“I can feed him while I hold him if that’s ok?”

“Yeah, you can.” It was stilted between them as they sat on the couch opposite each other. Andy was in Kelly’s arms, munching on the food he was handed and snuggled up with his dad. A couple of weeks ago it’d have filled Sylvie with glee, but now it just made her sad. 

Part of her wanted to tell him about their baby but she couldn’t do it yet. He’d walked away so many times before that she couldn’t bear to lose him again. And if he didn’t walk away after finding out about this new child then it’d make her hate him because he’d been able to walk away from Andy.

“I wanted to tell you before your shift that I was moving back. I want to work out how we can work custody of Andy.” 

“When did you decide to move back?” The words came out more harshly than Sylvie intended, but she needed to know.

“When I saw you at the wedding. I’d pretty much planned on it anyway, but seeing you then…you and Andy are my family. I fu-screwed up. Again. But I want to make it right.” He stared over at her and Sylvie shook her head, looking across at him.

“You left. You walked away and left a screaming baby and a crying me in the airport. Why should I believe you won’t do it again?”

It was silent between them after Sylvie spoke, Kelly staring down at Andy until she spoke again.

“Do you believe you won’t do it again?”

“I don’t know.”

It broke Sylvie’s heart to hear, but it helped her to hear it. That knowledge solidified everything in her head, that he didn’t need to know. He could live his life and when she announced she’d tell him it wasn’t his baby. The realisation sat between them like a brick wall. 

“I love you.” His voice cracked on the love, Sylvie looking across at a face filled with pain. 

“It’s too little, too late, Kelly. You left us. That’s not love. You said you couldn’t stay in Chicago anymore. I don’t want Andy thinking you’re going to be here and gone. It’s not fair on him. We can work out visitation, but no overnights for a while. I don’t want him to get attached again.”

“I’m gonna prove myself.”

“I want to believe you. Maybe I’ll be able to in the future. I’ve some stuff to do, you can spend time with him while I do it.”

She sat on the side of her bed, staring at herself in the mirror. Just a week ago she’d have been delighted by this, would have welcomed him back with open arms. But they’d slept together and he’d said nothing. He’d just appeared. And sure she left without saying a word but he had her phone number. He could have gotten in touch with her. Instead of doing the cleaning she should have done she lay in bed with her ears pricked to listen for Andy. It was all quiet, and she actually managed to get some sleep.

The next two shifts passed quietly, Sylvie staying away from Kelly whenever she could. It felt like they were back just after their divorce, desperate to keep apart. The one thing that hurt was that keeping her distance meant she’d stopped talking to the squad guys. She’d been used to sitting with them at the squad table on the app floor, Capp giving her his chair for a nap if she needed it. But now Kelly was constantly at the table and she couldn’t bear to be near him. It was on the couch with Mouch and Pouch, the dog’s head on her lap, or at one of the tables chatting to everyone as she did paperwork. Violet started doing what she could by filling out forms so Sylvie just had to sign in preparation for when she’d be PIC to take over. 

It was one of those afternoons, engine and truck out at a call that Capp came inside to start dinner. But he slid into the seat opposite her, Sylvie glancing up at him.

“Hey, how’re you doing?” She asked, a small smile on her face.

“Good, good. How’s my favourite kid?” 

He had an easy smile, the room empty around them. Sylvie couldn’t help but relax with him there. “He’s good. Talking up a storm, it’s fun to see him growing. You know you can come over to see him, right?

“I know, but still. We miss you around the table, if you want a nap you know you can have my chair.”

“I can’t.” Capp looked at her, Sylvie shaking her head softly. “He left. And then he came back and Andy’s happy so I have to pretend it’s fine, but it’s not. None of it is fine. I can’t trust him anymore. So I need to spend as little time as possible around him. Sorry.”

“You don’t need to be sorry, I get it. Not fully, I can’t imagine what you’re going through. But we miss you. And you know we’ll probably pick you over him if we have to.” It made Sylvie laugh, the first true one she’d had since all of this began.

“Your team needs to be strong. It’s fine, really. We’ll get through it.”

“If you’re sure.” He stood, staring at her closely. “I’m doing burgers for dinner, sound good?”

“Definitely.”

When everyone arrived back they all sat and ate, conversation spreading through the common room. Sylvie realised that her friends had created a buffer between her and Kelly, something that warmed her heart. Violet and Stella sat around her, Mouch and Herrmann starting the Truck crew sitting there then os there was at least four seats between them. She could relax slightly knowing they were there, and even when her stomach roiled and she had to run to the bathroom those who knew about her pregnancy kept it to themselves. 

When the shift was over she caught up to Kelly in the locker room, steeling her nerves. He was surprised to hear her call his name and walk towards her, standing up.

“Syl?”

“I’ve got an appointment. I was going to bring Andy with me but if you want to spend the time with him and I can pick him up later?”

“Are you sure?” His was clearly shocked, jaw slightly agape as it hit him.

“Yeah, if you’ve got the time. I know it’s last minute.”

“No, definitely. Thank you. I can bring him to the lake and then to my place? The weather’s nice, we can have a dad and Andy day.”

“That sounds really nice.” The excitement was clear and Sylvie wanted to blurt out where she was going, ask him to come to her OB. But she had time to tell him what was going on.

“Where are you going? Want a ride?”

“Just the doctor, I’ve got a checkup. It’s all fine. Thanks for the offer.”

“Any time. I’ll text you my address and you can come by after.”

The drive to Med wasn’t long, Sylvie pulling into a parking spot and staring across the lot. Her hand was on her belly, rubbing a slow circle into it.

“It’s you and me, kiddo. You and me. Ready?” The lack of response was expected and she stood out and walked in, a nod to people she knew. It was ignoring the oh too familiar waiting room where they’d gotten the news about Matt, walking down the hallway that led to the NICU but this time hoping that this child of hers wouldn’t have to spend any time in it. She’d spent enough time in there.

When she was called into the scan room she got onto the bed, lifting her shirt up and lying there while the tech did her job. It didn’t take long for the baby to appear on the screen, the head and limbs clear. 

“Here’s your baby, Ms Brett.” A switch was flipped and the noise of her baby’s heartbeat filled the room, Sylvie staring at the rapid movement on the screen.

“That’s normal?”

“Completely normal. We’ve got a strong heartbeat here. Do you want some photos?”

She got the printouts, staring at them in shock. It was real. It was all so, so real and she was having Kelly’s baby and Andy was going to be a big brother. It was scary and worrying, but that sense of peace ran through her. This would be fine. She’d be able to have this baby and look after them and Andy. 

She knew she had to tell Kelly about their child. The coward’s way out would be to insist it wasn’t his child, but she knew better than to do that to herself. He deserved better than that. Their baby deserved better than that. But sitting in the OB’s office she had no idea how to tell him. And she couldn’t tell everyone at work until she told him.

The OB was nice, giving Sylvie all the information she needed about the baby and how things were progressing. She was on track and able to stay on ambo until twenty weeks, but she was to be careful picking Andy up now. It was a trade off she didn’t want to have to make, but she’d do what was needed to keep both her children safe. Leaving the office she got a prescription for prenatal vitamins and a pamphlet on what was and wasn’t safe to eat and do for the rest of her pregnancy. It got stuffed into the bottom of her bag, the sonogram photos carefully zipped into a pocket until she saw Stella and Violet and could share them with them. 

Kelly’s apartment was a one bed, and he welcomed her in with a smile. Andy was on the floor playing with blocks, waving as she came in and sat on the couch. It was quiet between them as they just watched him, the tv on in the background for noise more than anything else. Sylvie’s stomach did the familiar “you have a minute to get to a bathroom” grumble, and she sat up straighter.

“Can I use the restroom?” She asked, Kelly nodding.

“Yeah, it’s through the bedroom. Ignore the mess.”

“I will.” She hurried in, praying to the porcelain god quietly and hoping that Kelly didn’t hear her. The running tap gave her some cover, and she used some mouthwash to make things easier for her. 

Leaving the bathroom she looked around the room, the boxes cluttered in a corner. It was just like Kelly’s room when he lived with Matt and Gabby, dark colours and little decor. But a familiar silver band caught her attention, Sylvie stepping quietly across.

Kelly’s wedding ring was on his nightstand, the silver shining in the dim light. It looked exactly like when they’d bought it nearly two years before rather than something that sat in a drawer for that time. The memories flooded her, and mixed with the pregnancy hormones she could feel tears beginning to prick her eyes. She couldn’t think like this. She couldn’t hold out hope, she couldn’t have a dream. He’d stomped on her heart too many times, and the last thing she could do was give him another chance to do it again. Platonic co-parents. Whatever arrangement they had for Andy would work for this new baby. It had to.

Wiping her eyes before leaving the room Sylvie came out, Andy toddling straight over to her.

“Hiiii Mama!”

“Hi Baby! Did you have fun with Daddy?”

“Dada!” He curled into her, Sylvie inhaling the scent of his shampoo and luxuriating in the tiny chubby arms around her neck.

“We’ve got to go, he needs his nap and I need one too.” Kelly picked up everything, handing the bag over to Sylvie before speaking.

“Your appointment ok?”

“Yeah, fine. Just a checkup so nothing to worry about.” She paused for a moment before looking across at him. “We need to talk. About everything. After next shift can we get breakfast? Cindy can keep Andy a little longer, we can talk about what’s happened and is happening.”

“Yeah, sounds good. We need to clear the air. I’d like that.”

“Me too.” 

She watched as Kelly kissed the top of Andy’s head, the two looking at each other as if they were awkward teenagers. But Sylvie left, strapping Andy into his seat and driving home. She had 72 hours to prepare to tell Kelly Severide he was going to be a dad, and she didn’t even know where to start.

Chapter Text

For the rest of the 40 something hours that she was off shift, Sylvie Brett was exhausted. The sonogram photo only left her purse while she was completely alone, Andy safe in his bed and no possibility of anyone dropping by to visit. This was real. She was having Kelly Severide’s baby. And she was telling him after their next shift together.

She’d raised a child with Kelly for five months, they’d lived together for most of that time. But she still couldn’t be sure how he’d react to this news. She knew how much he loved Andy, what a great dad he was to their son. She knew he’d do anything for their son even though he wasn’t legally Kelly’s son yet. But a new baby was something completely different.

This child would arrive into a world where Sylvie and Kelly knew they were going to be parents for most of the pregnancy. There was no “yes, we’ll be the godparents if something happens on the wrong call”, there was never going to be a pick this baby up for an afternoon of fun and dropping them back off to their parents. Instead of waiting until this child was a few months old and had experienced the biggest loss that anyone could, this baby would come home with their brother and their mother and their father. And Sylvie was terrified about what this would mean for the little family they’d created.

When she made it home from Kelly’s with Andy she just wanted to sit on the couch with him, but Violet and Stella came over to see them. Instead of the usual bottle of wine they’d bring for their  usual post shift afternoon get together, there was fancy seltzer water and different soft drinks for Sylvie. She smiled seeing the bag in Violet’s arms, the other two women grinning at her.

“We weren’t going to tempt you with the rosé,” Violet said, immediately going to the cupboard and pulling three glasses out for them.

“Plus I thought it might be nice to not have a drink every couple of days.” Stella quickly emptied the bag and put the bottles and cans into the fridge before picking up Andy and cuddling him. “How is the cutest baby from 51?”

“Well he spent the morning with Kelly so he’s very happy.” Sylvie took her glass from Violet with a nod, taking a sip and smiling at the refreshing taste. “We’re still working out how to do custody for Andy but right now I think it’s going to be shift on, shift off. It makes more sense for us. I haven’t even told him about this baby yet.”

Silence immediately fell between the three women, Andy’s babbles and the TV the only noise as the force of Sylvie’s words hit them. Violet and Stella stared at her with open mouths, both completely unmoving. Andy pulled at Stella’s hair to make her pay attention to him and bounce him on her knee, but otherwise they didn’t move.

“Kelly’s the dad?” Violet finally asked, staring at Sylvie still.

“Yeah. The night before he moved to California we had a drink and one thing led to another. We’d been kind of dating, but when he decided to move I wasn’t moving so we had to end things. I couldn’t tell him when he was living there, he needed to leave Chicago. But now that he’s staying I have to tell him everything. He deserves that much. And he’s a good dad to Andy, he’s nearly too good at it. Things would have been easier if he wasn’t.”

“Are you sure this is the right thing to do? What will you do if he leaves again? Can you cope with it?” Stella was the one to break the silence, Sylvie smiling sadly at her words.

“I don’t have a choice. We work together, and we already raise one child between the two of us. I want both of my kids to know their dads, even if their dad made mistakes in the past. He’s still Kelly.”

“That’s what worries me. We saw how you were after he left the last time, and none of us want that to happen again.”

“I know. But he has the right to know his kids. And apart from that I don’t want this new baby seeing Andy go to his dad’s every couple of days and wonder why they don’t have a dad. Kelly’s going to be in my life anyway, and I need to do what’s best for my family. I’m telling Kelly everything after shift, and he can make his decision about how involved he wants to be from there. But I know Kelly Severide, he’ll want to be involved and he’ll want this baby.”

Stella put Andy into his playpen and closed the gap between her and Sylvie, sitting on the couch and pulling Sylvie into a cuddle. “You know him better than probably anyone else, so if you say that he’s going to be happy about everything then he will be. And we’re here to threaten him if you need us to.”

“Definitely. And the rest of 51 has your back. I think even Capp and Tony would agree with us on this one.”

“Thank you.” Sylvie stared at her friends, wondering just how she got so lucky with them. “I don’t think I could do this without either of you.”

“Don’t worry, you never will.”

The day before her shift dawned like any other, but the last thing Sylvie expected was a knock on the door shortly after 11am. Kelly was standing there with a bouquet of carnations in his hand and a smile on his face that grew into a grin as Sylvie opened the door with Andy in her arms.

“Dada!” He reached out and Kelly took him with his free arm, passing the pink and purple flowers over to her.

“I know we said we’d talk after next shift, and we can still do that. But I’m not doing anything today so I wanted to spend more time with him. And with you, if that’s ok. If not I could leave.”

It was the first time that Sylvie could remember seeing Kelly obviously nervous. He couldn’t stop gently bouncing Andy, his fingers flicking off Andy’s jeans with anxious movement as he waited for her answer. But Sylvie could never say no to him.

“What did you have in mind?”

The plan he’d come up with for their day was to take Sylvie and Andy out, so she went to get changed while Andy played with his dad. She glared at her wardrobe as she tried to choose an outfit that didn’t show off the growing swell on her stomach, it was too warm for a hoodie like she would have worn. One more shift. Just one more shift and then he’d know and she could get through it.

Finally she found a pair of high waisted jeans that she could just barely button, matching it with a flowy tee and a denim jacket. It wasn’t ideal but covered her well enough for it to work. Before she came out of her room she just stared at her wedding ring on her dressing table, twisting the silver and rose gold in her hand. Kelly kept his out. It would work. It had to work.

“Mama! Mama ‘ish!” Andy began calling for her as soon as she arrived into the living room, Sylvie lifting him into her arms.

“Fish?” What were you watching with Daddy?” She tickled him to get a giggle, Kelly looking sheepish as she spoke.

“I got us tickets to the aquarium for the three of us today. And I booked tickets for the children’s museum after lunch if he’s not too tired? I thought we could have a day together.” The “as a family” was left unsaid, but Sylvie smiled widely at his words. 

“That sounds really nice to me.”

Kelly helped her get everything downstairs and insisted on putting Andy into the car seat and lifting the stroller into the trunk of his car. Sylvie just let him, watching as Andy did everything he was asked with a grin.

The aquarium was perfect, Andy excited as he stared at the different exhibits and reached his hands out to grasp at the air. The penguins were his favourite, squeals of glee in his voice as he watched them slide into the water and swim close to the glass. Kelly pointed them all out to their boy, holding him steady and grinning when Andy was excited about them.

Once they were finished looking at everything they went for lunch, Andy dozing in his stroller clutching his stuffed penguin in lieu of a nap. Would she regret this later when he was overtired? Probably. But it was nice to sit outside in the sun and feel it warm her skin.

“Rosé?” They’d picked a random Italian restaurant for lunch, but Sylvie shook her head when he asked.

“Coke please. I’d rather not with Andy, y’know?”

“Fair. I just wanted to give you the option.”

If it wasn’t for the low level nausea that she’d been dealing with for most of the day, Sylvie almost could have thought it was back before Kelly had left. They were out with their son, easy conversation going between the two, taking bites from each other’s plates with a smile and a nod. It wasn’t fully romantic between them, but it was comfortable and safe and that’s what she truly wanted for them.

“I owe you an apology.” Sylvie had scooped up a forkful of cheesecake when Kelly spoke, and she looked up at him from across the table. “I know I kind of apologised, but I didn’t say the words. Sylvie, I’m so sorry for leaving. I’m sorry for hurting you and Andy, I’m sorry for breaking up our family. I’m sorry for not talking to you. The two of you are more important than anything else and that I walked away from you…it was a mistake. I shouldn’t have gone. I know it’s not enough, but I’m so sorry.”

“I know you are.” She knew he was sorry the same way she knew he was an excellent firefighter, the same way it was oh so clear to her how much he loved Andy. “But I need time. You didn’t tell me you were staying after the wedding, and that hurt. Why didn’t you?”

“I’m selfish.” That surprised her and she stared at him, taking a sip of her hot tea. “I was afraid that if I told you that I was staying in Chicago you wouldn’t have come back to the hotel that night with me. And I was wrong, I should have. But I haven’t been able to think about anything or anyone else except you since we got together Syl. And even the chance of one more night wasn’t something I could give up. I thought I’d get to wake up with you one more time.”

“And I left. I couldn’t stay there that night. It hurt too much because I thought you were leaving. I…” she trailed off, unwilling to tell him yet. She needed the time to prepare to tell 51. To be sure. “I think that I need some time to think about everything.”

“I meant what I said. I’m going to do everything I can to prove that I love you and that I deserve a final chance that you don’t have to give me. We deserve to be a family. And I know I keep fu-screwing up,” he glanced at Andy as he fixed his mistake, smiling at the still sleeping toddler. “But I’m going to try to make it right. That’s the least you deserve.”

“Thank you.”

Once Andy had woken up and had some food of his own it was time for the children’s museum. She watched as Kelly crawled into the play area with him, snapping photos of the two of them as they went. Kelly was tired getting out, but Andy ran straight over to her with a toothy smile.

“Play! Mama play!”

“Of course we will, baby. I’ve got you.” Kelly arrived beside her, just catching his breath.

“I go into fires on a daily basis and can run ten k, but chasing after a toddler tires me out.

“He takes after his dad.”

They followed through the treehouse trail exhibit, watching as Andy went down a slide giggling before pulling one of them to watch him do it again. It was everything Sylvie hadn’t realised that she needed.

After a trip through the gift shop it was back home, Andy already half asleep thanks to his oh too short nap. They brought him up to the condo and Sylvie watched Kelly get him ready for dinner. She put the bowl in front of him but Kelly fed him, getting Andy to eat from the fork as Sylvie began to prep food for the two adults. He put their boy to bed, Sylvie smiling as he came back out when the food was ready.

“I’m gonna head home.” His hand was on the back of his neck, awkwardness pouring from every pore in an unlikely turn of events for Kelly.

“You can stay for dinner if you want.”

“I do.” He realised what he’d said and shook. His head once, Sylvie paying attention closely. “I want to stay. But we’ve had a good day, I want to spend time with you when we’re enjoying ourselves and not push it, y’know? I’ll see you in work tomorrow.”

“See you then.” She walked him to the front door and opened it, watching as he stepped outside. She looked up into his blue eyes, Kelly staring at her carefully before leaning in for a kiss.

It was brief and chaste, their lips touching for the barest moment in a tiny peck. But it was a kiss and it was Kelly and she felt like things were going to be ok in the end.

“Goodnight, Sylvie.”

That night, once the bags for the next day were packed and ready to go at the front door for her for work and Andy for the Herrmanns, Sylvie pulled out the sonogram photo from the bottom of her purse and stared at it. She couldn’t stop thinking about the kiss, Kelly had kissed her and it was the best kiss since their wedding. It just felt good and right for once.

She stared at their baby, fingers tracing the tiny dimensions of their child. It was real. It was all real and true and with every moment she realised that this was definitely the right decision to make, that Kelly would want this. He’d want Andy, he’d want the new baby, and he’d want her. 

Andy was up far too early the next morning, but she’d expected that with how early he went to bed. As he got up and had his morning bottle he was looking for Kelly, settling in once he was in his car seat and ready for the Herrmanns. Sylvie made it to work with plenty of time, changing into her uniform and sitting in the briefing room to wait for the shift to fully begin.

Once Boden had briefed and everyone was set she went out to the squad table for a complete change, a look of surprise on everyone’s face when she sat down in what had been her chair. Cap dealt her into the game of poker that was beginning. Kelly just nodded as she arrived, her presence not commented on.

“We missed having you here,” Peter commented as he folded his cards, Sylvie just smiling at him.

“Paperwork had to be done, as fun as it is to hang out with all of you. I don’t want Boden on my case for undone paramedic work.”

“Fair point.”

“Squad 3, Engine 51, Truck 81, Ambulance 61. Warehouse fire, 1A 975 Blue Island”

“No rest for the wicked, it feels like!” Sylvie exclaimed as she stood up and put her cards face down on the table while the rest of the firehouse came to life. She slid into the driver’s seat as Violet took the passenger, the ambulance pulling out and joining in the middle of the convoy of loud sirens and flashing lights through the Chicago streets.

When they arrived at the warehouse there was already thick grey smoke billowing out of upper storey windows. Sylvie immediately called in an EMS plan one as she and Violet laid out the tarps and began to triage their patients. She could hear the Chief calling other Engine and Truck companies out to the scene over the radio, the fire going wild in the background.

“Chief, we’ve got a victim we can’t move yet and we need to intubate her. I need a medic in here to do that.” Herrmann came over the radio, Sylvie turning to look at Violet as she stripped her latex gloves off.

“Run triage out here, I’ll be in and out in a minute.”

“Let me, you can’t risk t—“

“You haven’t done the new fire rescue training yet, have you? It’s next week, right?” Violet nodded sullenly. “I have, and it’s both our necks on the line if you go in. I’ll be in and out, ok?”

“Fine. Stay safe.” Sylvie nodded and pulled on her turnouts, the fireproof hood going on before she strapped the SCBA on. It was one final deep breath of fresh air before screwing the hose in place. Once her gloves were on and pulled up fully Boden gave her a look up and down, nodding solemnly.

“In and out in two, Brett.”

“You’ve got it, Chief.”

The roar from the blaze was audible as Sylvie entered the burning building, but she had no choice. Herrmann met her near the front of the building, guiding her to where their victim lay trapped under a steel frame in need of intubation. She ignored most of the noises that came from around them, but a loud rumble made her look up to see the beam shaking. Herrmann grabbed her but missed, Sylvie tripping thanks to the shaking building and the wood collapsing around her. She was barely able to call for help before the world went dark around her, the PASS alarm beginning to beep loudly.

Chapter Text

“Squad 3, Engine 51, Truck 81, Ambulance 61, Warehouse fire, 1A 975 Blue Island.” The bells rang and Kelly shrugged, standing up and putting his forms down as the rest of Squad - and Sylvie - stood to get ready. It was quickly into the rig, Tony behind the wheel as he started giving out orders to the team.

“We’ll probably be on search and contain, if it’s a warehouse fire we don’t know what we’re walking into. Everyone stay alert, stay focused. Understood?”

It was nods all around, Kelly giving the final one and staring forward in the the cab as the convoy made its way to the warehouse.

“Hey, Lieutenant?” Kelly turned to face Capp. “Do we need to focus on this fire as much as you constantly focus on Brett?” The laughter from the other three men didn’t help Kelly’s mood as he raised an eyebrow.

“How about we leave my personal life alone?”

“We all know how you feel about her. And how she feels about you,” Mills cut in, staring at Kelly. “Make it right. Her and that kid deserve it.”

“I’m trying.”

“Good.”

They’d pulled up to the scene, and Kelly immediately got out of the rig giving orders between him and Herrmann to get their teams to work. He didn’t notice time passing until his air gauge was warning it was getting low, going outside so he could get some water and change his bottle.

It was pure chaos outside, cops trying to keep people back as the paramedics were triaging people. He could see Mikami across the lot, but Sylvie was nowhere to be seen. It didn’t worry him that he couldn’t see her, she was always running everywhere in scenes like this before he’d left, he couldn’t imagine it was any different now.

There was a roar from the building, black smoke emerging from a window as a floor came down.

“All units, out now. We don’t know how much longer it’s going to last.” Boden’s command was clear through the radio, a stuttering exodus of firefighters beginning to leave the building.

“Chief, we need Squad. Brett’s trapped under a beam, I’m not leaving her here.” It was Herrmann on the radio and Kelly stood immediately, going to put his mask on as the rest of his team geared up behind him. But before he could attach an air bottle Boden was in front of him, a hand on his shoulder.

“You’re not going in, Severide.”

“Chief, it’s Brett. It’s Sylvie.” The pain in his voice was clear, but the older man shook his head.

“You’re staying out here. Capp, Tony, Mills. Get her out here now.”

“Yes Sir.” The three men spoke in unison and jogged in, gear in arms. Kelly watched them leave and pulled off his mask, air bottle thumping against the ground.

“Why? Why can’t I go in there to get her out? You know I’d do everything—“

“That’s the problem, Severide. If anything happens to her, Andy needs someone there for him Your son needs you too. We won’t leave her there.”

It was terrifying moments, Kelly watching as the smoke continued to come out of the building. But finally it was Capp coming out, a prone body in his arms as he ran. He didn’t have his mask on, the mask on Sylvie’s face to give her clean air as he put her onto a gurney.

Kelly didn’t recognise the paramedics working on her as he ran over, watching the tube slide into her throat as they bagged her.

“Anyone know any health conditions?” One of them asked, Kelly shaking his head.

“She’s healthy, she’s fit as a horse.”

“She’s pregnant.” It was Stella who spoke, part of the crowd who’d gotten her out and to the gurney. “Eleven or twelve weeks, I think. I’m not sure.”

“Let’s go.”

“I’m going too.” They were going to say no, but the fear on Kelly’s face was clear so they pulled him into the back of the rig. Tony closed the door and hit it twice in the universal signal for move as they pulled away with sirens blaring.

“I want you to bag her. Count one, two, three, four, five, and push down on the five. Understood?” He nodded, keeping a count as he was told. The time passed in a flash as they arrived at Med, the paramedic taking over and giving Sylvie’s vitals as she was whisked into a trauma room. Instead of being able to follow Kelly just stood there, staring at Sylvie as she was put into the same room Matt had been in the day he died.

“Kelly?” He turned to see April there, and the facade that he was ok cracked from his best friend from childhood just there for him.

“It’s Sylvie, April. She got pinned and she’s pregnant and I don’t know what’s going on. I need her to be ok.”

“She’ll be fine. Come on.” April led him to the waiting room, placing him in a chair before she was called back to work. It wasn’t long before the rest of 51 started arriving, chairs filling with people who were there for him and Sylvie.

“Did they say anything?” Violet asked him, Kelly shaking his head no.

“They took her straight into a trauma room, but after that I don’t know. April said she’d give me an update I think.” His mind was going a million miles a minute, worry for Sylvie mixing with the news that she was pregnant.

He was going to be a dad. Again. There was nothing in his mind that could convince him this baby wouldn’t be his. And even if the biology didn’t match it didn’t matter. It was Sylvie’s baby, so it was his baby. End of story.

“It’s Sylvie. If anyone will be fine it’s her.”

“How long did you know?”

Violet’s head shot up at his words, biting her lip as he watched her think. “A little over two months. I was there when she did the test, I watched her freak out about it. She wasn’t sure what to do about any of it.”

“I’m not walking away. I won’t do that to her again.”

“Good. She doesn’t deserve it. She was devastated when you left the last time.”

“I made a mistake, and I’ve learned from it. They’re my family and I’m not going to hurt them again. I can’t do it to either of them.”

Violet nodded, squeezing his hand once before pulling out her phone. It was quiet again, just a rumble of voices speaking quietly around him as Kelly stared at the floor. Time was passing both too quickly and too slowly, the wait killing him slowly. People came in and out - he spotted Mouch’s wife Trudy come in to hug him, Donna arrived with Terrance. When someone was hurt their families always came by.

What was he going to tell Andy? How was he supposed to tell him that Sylvie was gone? In a sick way it was easier when Matt and Gabby had died, Andy had no memories of them. He couldn’t be attached to them. But every time he saw someone with long blonde hair he called for his mom, he loved curling up with her. His favourite moments were curled on the couch with Sylvie, her arms around their son as she gently rocked him to sleep. The idea that he’d never get to see it happen again was an arrow through his heart.

“Dada! Hi Dada!” His head shot up to see Andy running over to him, Kelly kneeling down from his seat and taking his son into his arms. Andy wrapped his chubby limbs around him, hands locked around the back of his neck for a cuddle as he held on.

“Hey Buddy, how’re you doing? Did you have fun with Cindy?” He held on tightly, Kelly bouncing him gently as he mouthed “thank you” to Cindy who waved it off. Kenny was over with his dad, the three fathers in the room clutching their young children in gratitude to be able to.

It was another hour before the dark haired surgeon came into the room, scanning it before realising that everyone there was either a firefighter, a firefighter’s wife, or a firefighter’s kid.

“Sylvie Brett?” They all stood. “I’m looking for Kelly Severide? He’s down as her POA.”

“That’s me.” Kelly stood, shifting Andy to one arm as he walked across, all too aware of the eyes on them.

“I’m Connor Rhodes, I operated on Sylvie. Firstly, she’s alive.” An immediate sigh of relief went through the assembled group. “Ms Brett suffered a broken arm in the collapse, we needed to surgically pin the bones to get it fixed fully. Two of her ribs were broken, and one punctured her lung. We’ve gotten it reinflated, but the tube needs to stay in for a while. You can go up and see her if you like.”

“Can I bring our son?” Rhodes looked at Andy curled in around Kelly’s body and nodded.

“Officially no, but it can’t hurt. Just keep him away from the tubes. We have someone from OB coming up to see what’s going on with the pregnancy. Do you want to be there for it?”

“Yes. Where do we need to go.”

“Come with me.” He turned to everyone else, all eyes trained on him. “I’ll be down when someone else can come up to Ms. Brett. We’re doing everything we can.”

It was a short walk to the surgical ward, Andy curling into Kelly, fear of the loud beeps clear on his face. 

“We’ll see your Mom in a few minutes Bud, I’ve got you. I’ve got you right here, promise. It’s gonna be ok.” 

They were in front of her room and Rhodes opened the door to let them in. Sylvie was lying prone on the bed, her heart rate beeping evenly from the monitor. It was terrifying to watch, but Andy reached out for her from his arms.

“Mama?” Andy asked, voice wavering.

“It’s your Mama, she’s got a boo boo. It’s just making her better, but she’ll be ok. Want to have a nap with her?” It didn’t take long for Andy to get comfy in Sylvie’s good arm, away from her damaged ribs and the drain. Kelly held her hand and rubbed her hair, the dust transferring to his hand.

“Sylvie Brett?” The technician arrived in, Kelly nodding.

“Can we leave our son where he is? Or do I need to move him?”

“He’ll be fine. Let’s take a look, we’re looking for the heartbeat, right?”

“Yeah.”

It was with baited breath that Kelly watched as the stomach of the gown was raised and cold goo was put on Sylvie’s stomach. Now he knew he could tell she was pregnant, the little bump sitting there with their baby. Their child. Right there.

Watching the screen was painful, but finally the tech smiled. “These are the scans I like. Do you want to hear your baby’s heartbeat?”

“Please.” He choked up holding Sylvie’s hand as a quick thump filled the room. They’d gotten so, so lucky. Their baby was ok. Sylvie was alive. He could see the tiny wriggling movements they made and he couldn’t stop smiling with tears filling his eyes. It was a good day.

“I’ll print some photos for you. We’ll want her OB to come by to take a look, but it looks good from everything that I can see.” He watched the images print out and be handed to him, Kelly staring at them carefully. This was so real. Things he never imagined that he’d be lucky enough to have in his life was going to be there for him. He couldn’t make this mistake again.

“Kelly? What…” He glanced up to see Sylvie’s blue eyes open, awareness coming back to her as she realised he was there.

“Hey, I’m here. You’re ok. Andy’s there having a nap, Cindy brought him in. A beam came down on you . You’ve some pins in your arm and a drain in your chest from a collapsed lung, but you’re ok.” He paused, seeing the unasked question in her eyes. “The baby’s ok. They’re fine, I promise. The technician was just in. You’re both ok.”

“I’m sorry.” The words came from her raspy voice, Kelly shaking his head in response.

“You have nothing to be sorry about at all, Sylvie. Nothing. I’ll call the doc to check you out.”

It was a half hour before everyone was satisfied anyone else could come up and see Sylvie. One of the nurses tried to take Andy away but he refused, Kelly lifting him into his arms to soothe him. Finally 51 was allowed in, everyone coming in and staring at her in her bed. Andy was curled in again, ignoring everyone in favour of his mom, and Kelly just watched him do that slowly. When the room was full, everyone’s eyes on Sylvie, the injured paramedic shook her head.

“I am alive, you know. I’ll be out of here in a couple of days.”

“Everything’s ok?” Mouch asked, Sylvie nodding in response. “Good to know.”

“We’ll let you rest. Severide, you’re off shift, Andy will need you. We’ll make sure to come in and visit while you’re here, Sylvie.” Boden was the one to urge everyone out and Kelly was grateful for it, watching them leave quickly until it was their little family in the room.

“I love you.” The words were quiet from Sylvie, Kelly glancing down at her. “I promised if I got out of there I’d tell you. I love you. I know we need to work things out and talk about the baby but I love you.”

“I’m not going anywhere.” His voice was firm, his hand encasing Sylvie’s one that didn’t have a cannula in it, the other hand running through her hair. “I love you too. I came home for you and Andy. I’m not going anywhere. I promise.”

He watched Sylvie doze off to sleep, her good arm wrapped around Andy. There’d be hell to pay when the toddler was awake half the night because he’d slept too long during the day, but Kelly couldn’t resist snapping a photo of the two of them curled up together. For the first time in a long time he finally felt like things were going right for once.

Chapter Text

Sylvie was forced to stay in Med for a week, and every single day was more frustrating than the last to her. Kelly came in every day he wasn’t on shift with Andy to see her, but watching the two leave her hospital room to go home was more upsetting than she ever thought it’d be. She had to watch her heart leave the room, and even though she knew they were ok without her it still sucked. Her relationship with Kelly was clear for all their friends to see, they all knew they were together and had congratulated her for that. Even if they hadn’t had a full conversation about it yet.

Her OB had put her on mandatory bed rest for the next three weeks once she left the hospital, and if she was honest she was dreading it. She could move to the couch twice a day, and go to the bathroom when needed, but otherwise it was bed rest and not moving. But now she got to go home, and she really couldn’t wait.

Her arm was in a yellow cast now that the stitches were removed and replaced with dissolvable ones, Kelly’s scrawl the first signature on it before everyone else decided to help decorate it. He’d coloured Andy’s hand in black Sharpie for a handprint, Sylvie grinning whenever she saw it. Her bag was in her lap, the drain had been removed after a day from her ribs and apart from the near constant ache of the broken ribs the incision had mostly stopped hurting unless she moved the wrong way. It was so clear that she’d been incredibly lucky in the entire situation.

Kelly picked her up from the hospital, taking a day off from work but leaving Andy with Cindy all the same. They’d both agreed that they needed time to talk to each other without their son, and that exactly what they were going to do. He wheeled her out into the summer Chicago sun as Sylvie tilted her head up to meet the light, grinning at the warmth.

“Having fun?” He asked, a laugh her initial response to him.

“It’s so nice to just be outside. You don’t even realise how much you miss natural light when you’re stuck inside for a while.” Kelly didn’t speak, just pressing a kiss to her forehead as she spoke to make her smile even wider.

Kelly revealed in the car that his initial plan had been to take her out for brunch with just the two of them, but with her prescribed rest he’d changed plans. So when she arrived back into the condo she was met with a takeout brunch there, a stack of pancakes with Nutella and fruit waiting for her?

“How did you…?” Her voice trailed off as she asked the question, Kelly shaking his head.

“A magician never reveals his secrets.”

It was the best tasting food she’d had since she’d been admitted to hospital, sitting at the kitchen table to eat with her hand linked to Kelly’s. But all too soon she knew she had to start lying down, standing carefully and making it to her bedroom. Laying on the bed was one of Kelly’s Squad t-shirts.

“Kelly?” She called, the man skidding into the room with the force of his run at her call.

“What? Is everything ok? Did something happen with the baby?”

“We’re fine. I promise.” She grabbed his hand, looking up into his still worried blue eyes and pressing a quick kiss to his lips. “Your shirt?”

“I have to go back to work in a couple of hours, I could only get until four covered by another lieutenant. So I figured that if I left you my shirt it’d be like I’m still here with you.” The crooked smile he gave her made Sylvie peck his lips again, turning to put it on. “Plus it’s bigger, and I thought it’d help with the cast.”

“You thought right.” He’d been subjected to her frustration about having to cut open the arms of her pjs to fit the cast through more than once, and that he’d remembered what she said made her happier than she ought to be.

Kelly held out her pj bottoms, Sylvie’s good hand on his shoulder to stabilise herself as he pulled them up for her. It was mortifying that she needed help to pull up her clothes, but he didn’t say anything at all. Instead he held her in a loose hug when it was all said and done.

For the first time since the collapse, since her world had gone terrifyingly dark around her and all that Sylvie could hear was the roar of the fire and the shrill beep of her PASS alarm, she finally felt safe. Now though she felt like she’d run through all the luck she had in the world, the close call hitting her.

She’d nearly died. If the beam had come down at a different angle or if she’d been a step behind where she was it would have been her torso that got the brunt, not her arm. She’d have lost the baby. What was she even thinking, running in like that to an active fire? Hot, salty tears slid down her cheeks at her realisation, a sob wracking her already sore chest.

“Hey, hey. Syl, hey. C’mere, I’ve got you, you’re ok. We’re right here, you’re fine. You’re going to be fine.” Kelly held onto her tighter, half manhandling her to the bed so she could lie down. He held her for as long as she lay flat, her tears soaking into his tee as she did. She was barely aware of time passing as she sobbed until they stopped, a wet burble leaving her mouth as she finally took a deep breath in for the first time since the crying fit her started.

“You’re both ok. I’ve got you, it’s all fine. We’re fine,” Kelly whispered as he rocked her slowly, his hand running up and down her back to soothe her.

“I came so close to losing everything. I’m an idiot. It was so, so stupid.”

“No, you’re not.” His words were firm, Sylvie staring up at him. “Last shift Mikami cornered me and asked how you are, she filled me in on why you went in. She didn’t have the training done, right?”

Sylvie nodded, biting her bottom lip. “If she’d been in that collapse she would have died. Capp told me you did nearly everything right, you were in the best spot you could have gotten to as the collapse happened. Your arms were covering your head, you were balled up. The only thing you did that isn’t in the course is you were on your front with your back up instead of your side, but we both know why you did that, right?”

“Yeah…”

“You did it all right, Syl. You protected yourself, and you protected our baby. I wouldn’t change a single thing about what you did in there. I promise.” He pulled her closer and the guilt that Sylvie didn’t realise she’d been feeling was lifted. If Kelly told her that she did it right then he she had to believe him.

“Thank you.”

“Always. I love you.”

“I love you too.” She reached up to kiss him. This time it was none of the small pecks they’d had since their conversation in the hospital, but a proper kiss. If she’d been standing up she’d have popped her foot Princess Diaries style. It was the kiss that proved to Sylvie that she knew Kelly Severide was her person, and they weren’t losing this chance.

When they separated they were breathing heavily, Sylvie pulling Kelly to her good side so she could feel the weight of his body pressing against her. He held her until she was ready to let him go, looking at her with delight and awe.

“We need to talk about everything.” She hadn’t expected that Kelly would be the one to say it, but she looked at him glad that he had. “I know we’re us, and we’re putting the work in to make this work out. And everyone at 51 knows that we’re together. But when it comes to living arrangements and that kind of thing we need to do the work. I’ve been staying in a month to month while I found somewhere with a room for Andy, so I guess I’ll start looking for a three bed?”

“Move in with us.” She barely even realised that she’d said it, but it was the right thing for them. “We’re a family. We’ve lived together before and we’re messed up and we’re working it out, but move in with us. I can’t look after Andy on my own right now, and I want you here for all the pregnancy moments. I want us.”

“I want us too. I can move into my old room, is that ok?”

“Stay with me.”

“Ok.”

Spending that first night alone was more emotionally painful than Sylvie had expected. Kelly had offered to stay with her, but she shooed him off to work, insisting she’d be fine. She’d lived in the condo for eight months, it was her home. But it was different only ever being there alone with a toddler and being there fully alone. She barely slept more than an hour before waking up, and when she decided she was done with attempting to sleep for the day it was eight. A noice in the living room startled her, Stella and Violet arriving into the condo using Stella’s spare key with pastries for her breakfast. Sylvie forced herself to sit up in the bed, smiling as they arrived in.

“Did you get a too big CFD shirt? Stella asked as Sylvie settled herself, a pillow under her cast. Her friend’s eyes widened as the squad 3 became visible on Sylvie’s chest. “It’s Kelly’s?”

“Yeah, it is.”

“So you’re actually together. Like, together-together?”

“He knows everything. The baby, Andy, all of it. There’s a lot that’s happened between Kelly and I that I won’t talk about, but he knows how I feel and we both want this. So we’re going for it.”

“Does he know about California?” Violet asked, but before Sylvie could answer there was a loud voice entering the room.

“Mama!” Andy ran in, Houdini out of Kelly’s grasp as he dashed through and attempted to climb onto the bed. Stella picked him up and settled him down, the toddler sitting up and surveying the adults watching him.

“Andy! What did we say about coming into Mama. I told you you need to be gentle, right?” Kelly asked, and from the look on his face Sylvie could tell he’d heard Violet’s question.

“I’ll make sure he is. Was he ok for Cindy?

“He always is, she was happy. I’m gonna pick some stuff up from where I’ve been staying. You ok here on your own for a while with everyone here?”

“Yeah, of course. Drive safe, I love you.” It was the first time she’d ever said it in front of anyone, the clouds on his face blowing away for a moment as her words sunk in.

“Love you too.”

“That was cute.”

They filled her in on the gossip from 51, that her pregnancy was still somehow a secret. They’d been far enough away from the rest of 51 when Stella had revealed it, Boden pulling everyone except Kelly away so the paramedics could do their jobs. As far as their coworkers were concerned she was on strict resting instructions thanks to her lung. Sylvie squeezed their hands in thanks for the covering they were doing for her.

Stella and Violet got Andy down for his nap, and as they got ready to leave Kelly arrived back home with a box of his belongings. Sylvie had made it out as far as the sofa, watching her friends say goodbye to her boyfriend with a wry smile.

“Severide, if you ever decide to leave Chicago again I will kill you myself. I know how to make a body dissolve.” Kelly visibly blanched at Violet’s words, making Stella laugh loudly at them.

“Please don’t threaten my boyfriend with bodily harm, Partner. I need someone who can lift our son while I can’t,” Sylvie called, getting a laugh from the other two as Stella and Violet waved goodbye. Kelly left his box on the table and sat down opposite her, looking straight into Sylvie’s eyes.

“What did Violet mean about California?”

Sylvie swallowed, wanting to fidget and hide things but she knew she needed to tell Kelly the truth. They owed each other at least that much.

“The day Andy’s adoption went through. Remember you called me and we wondered if things would get easier?”

“Yeah. That’s when I decided to move back. The wedding was just an excuse, I wanted us. Too stupid to say it though.”

“After that conversation I felt like we were driving off-road, I didn’t know what to do or what I could do. So I took a week of furlough and Andy and I flew out to California a couple of days later. We made it to your apartment and the woman across the hall said she saw you moving out with a woman the day before. I’d just had my first sonogram and it was in my purse, Andy was on my hip and you were gone. That you seemed so in love with whoever you were with, and I didn’t know how to tell you about the baby.” A tear escaped her eye and she brushed it away, shaking her head. “I hate pregnancy hormones. I wasn’t going to tell you about it, you didn’t need to know if you were happy.”

“That was my sister, Katie.”

“You have a sister?” He laughed at that, an open guffaw that made Sylvie smile.

“Yeah, half sister. Technically. Her mom’s a bitch who doesn’t appreciate her, she dated Otis like two years ago. I think they’re kind of back together now but she didn’t want to tell me in case I went all big brother. When we ended our call I gave her a call and asked for advice. She flew out that night to help me move. I got to Chicago the day after I moved out of the apartment.”

“Oh my god.” If she could have hit her head off the coffee table she would have, but her ribs wouldn’t let her go that far. “I thought I saw you in the airport. I thought I was seeing you everywhere.”

“We’re where we’re supposed to be now. I brought my most important stuff with me, the rest I can move as I need to. I’m sorry you went all that way and I wasn’t there.”

“It sucked, but we’re here now.” She gripped his hand, feeling the kiss he left on her temple. “I’ve a video of Andy in the ocean. Want to see?”

They spent the next three weeks in their family bubble. Andy was clingy, desperately holding onto Kelly whenever possible. He still didn’t fully believe that his dad wouldn’t leave him, and the week they’d spent together while Sylvie was in hospital hadn’t truly soothed his anxiety. His paediatrician said to just give it time, and he was ok going to Cindy’s so they weren’t too worried.

But this was their final doctor’s appointment before Sylvie got to go back to work. She was off ambo until after the baby came, her injuries wouldn’t be fully healed in time for her to get back before CFD needed her off the rig. It was almost impossible to hide her pregnancy now, the bump visible under nearly all her clothes, but she wanted to get to tell everyone and make an actual announcement. Boden had offered her a role in the bullpen in 51 for her desk duty that she’d agreed immediately. It was seated and safe, and she got to see everyone while they were on shift. This appointment had been booked the day before their shift, Boden expecting them the following morning.

The maternity clothes were real to Sylvie now, Kelly arriving home one day carrying a bag of clothes for her. It had made her cry, the way he’d realised she was uncomfortable in her almost too tight sweatpants and got her things that were perfectly her style. She wore one of those outfits on the way to Med, jeans with a stretchy waistband and a flowing flannel shirt. Kelly held her hand as they went upstairs, his thumb running along the back of her hand to help keep her calm as they waited for her tests and scans.

It took longer than she wanted it to, but everything was checked out and they were finally sitting in the doctor’s office waiting for the orthopaedist to arrive. Her OB had given her a clean bill of health and a new sonogram photo for them, Sylvie finally getting to have a scan while conscious with Kelly in the room. As they waited Kelly kept her hand in his larger one, helping keep her present and in the room. But finally the doctor appeared, shaking their hands before sitting down behind the glass and metal desk.

“I’ve gotten all of your results back and everything is looking good. Your ribs look mostly healed, there’s just hairline fractures now. How’s the pain level?”

“It’s ok. I can’t lift our son yet, but I can cough and laugh and it doesn’t hurt too much.”

“Good, good. Did you have any spotting? I saw OB cleared you.”

“There’s been none, and they did.” She’d lived in fear that there’d be some negative sign about the pregnancy, but they’d been so incredibly lucky. “No cramps, no spotting, no nothing. Kelly’s been making sure I stay on bed rest.”

“He’s got the right idea. I’m going to sign you back on going to desk work, but you need to take it easy Ms. Brett. You’re not fully a high risk pregnancy now, but you’re not a low risk one either. You can’t go back on your ambulance until after the baby arrives. Do you know what you’ll be doing?”

“I’ll be the aide to our Battalion Chief. Office work, staying firmly away from danger.”

He nodded at Sylvie’s explanation. “I can sign off on that, you’re all good to go back from tomorrow. I hope I only see you to get that cast off from now on.”

“So do I.”

They went back to the car with grins on their faces, Kelly kissing Sylvie in the elevator out of sheer joy. Once they were in the car they called Boden at home, letting him know that she’d be in for next shift. Sylvie couldn’t help but be delighted, things were finally going right for once.

Instead of pulling into their parking lot Kelly went straight past it, heading towards downtown rather than the condo.

“Where are we going?” Sylvie asked, watching him drive carefully.

“Stella’s keeping Andy for an extra couple of hours. I asked her before the appointment, I wanted to bring you out for a proper date. We’ve never gotten to have one, and I want to do this relationship right.”

“Ok.” 

He pulled into the lot of an Italian restaurant, opening her car door for Sylvie and holding her hand as they walked inside. The table was already booked, a two top near the window for the two of them to sit at.

It was one of the best meals Sylvie had ever eaten, the two of them splitting bites of food and ever more garlicky dishes. She tried to insist on paying, but Kelly refused to let her even attempt to. Instead he held her hand while they walked back to the car, kissing her softly before getting in his side.

The next morning she stared at her wardrobe, frustrated. She didn’t want to wear all maternity clothes that made it clear she was pregnant from the first moment someone looked at her, but her uniform wasn’t going to fit. Added to that that she still had her cast on and she wasn’t in a good mood.

Until Kelly spun her around, holding out an oversized CFD hoodie in his hands.

“I don’t wear this, and it doesn’t say Squad. Wear your jeans and a shirt under it, it’ll hide everything until we get to briefing. Plus they know you’re on desk duty for the next few weeks. It’ll be fine. Stop overthinking.” He kissed her forehead, Sylvie smiling.

“That’s like asking Mills to stop making different flavoured pies, you know that won’t happen. You know it.”

“I’m still going to try.”

She felt more comfortable now she was going back to work. Her ribs still hurt if she moved in the wrong way, and her cast was heavy and annoying, but she was mostly used to it now. She just couldn’t wait to let everyone know.

Walking into 51 after dropping Andy off felt like a dream, especially when she was holding Kelly’s hand. There was a cheer when she came in, the guys from Squad running over to her. Capp went to give her a hug, but Kelly fended him off.

“I’ve still got some broken ribs, I can’t!” She exclaimed, Capp nodding and pulling her in for a one armed shoulder hug instead. It was everyone welcoming her as she went to the locker room, smiles and shoulder pats from everyone.

Before she went into the briefing Herrmann stopped her, guilt clear on his face.

“Brett, I shouldn’t have brought you in there. I’m sorry. If I’d any idea that you could have—“

“Herrmann. Stop.” He paused and looked at her. “It would have happened to whoever was in there. I’m here, I’m safe. That’s what matters.  You helped get me out. Thank you. From both of us.” 

“You know I’d do anything for you and Kelly…” he stopped speaking, staring at her with renewed awe. “Seriously?”

“I’m telling everyone now. But we’re both safe and well, my doctor confirmed it.”

“Good.”

They walked into the briefing room together, Sylvie taking a seat beside Stella. Violet had Foster as her floater, they’d worked together when Sylvie had been on adoption leave before so they knew how to do it. Finally Boden arrived to give the briefing, going through any updates they needed.

“And Brett needs to tell us something.”

“Hey.” She waved awkwardly with her casted arm, a low chuckle running through the room. “I’m going to be on desk duty while I’m healing, and afterwards. Severide and I are having a baby.”

Chapter Text

If there was one thing that her first few weeks taught Sylvie, it was that she wasn’t set up for desk work. She could do the job, but she lived for hearing about the calls from everyone. As nice as it was to leave at five every day, she missed her uncomfortable bunk.

Kelly hovered around her multiple times, checking if she needed anything and bringing her plates of lunch. She tried waving it away - most of the clerical staff didn’t eat with the firefighters and paramedics - but he insisted she ate. It was a weird mixture of being with the folks who went on calls, but she was out of the loop on a lot of things. Plus, she met the folks from the other shifts so she got to learn a little more from them.

Her cast was off and she was doing physical therapy to regain the strength in it. Her ribs were healed, and the day she was able to lift Andy up and cuddle him made her so much happier than she thought she would have been. He grasped onto her and held on, his head in her shoulder as they both enjoyed it. She caught sight of Kelly watching them, tears in his eyes as he took the portrait in front of him in.

Her belly kept getting bigger, the pregnancy that she’d been roughly able to hide now impossible to. It was uncomfortable at the best of times, the weight in front of her different to anything else she’d ever had. Kelly had started helping her rub moisturiser in, giving her a massage. He was there and present for everything they had to do, and she couldn’t be more grateful.

But it was time for their anatomy scan, to fully meet their baby and get to grips with really becoming parents. They’d spent the week before explaining the idea of a baby to Andy. He didn’t really understand it fully, but he’d started running up to Sylvie when she was sitting down and yelling “BABY” to her.

Walking into Med she felt safe, no visible injuries anymore and nothing that would mean she had to stay behind. Everything was going well, flutters in her stomach making it so obvious to her that yes, this baby was growing. Kelly couldn’t feel them yet, but she thought he’d feel it soon. They came into the scan room, Sylvie sitting up on the bed in the middle of the room as Kelly sat beside her.

“Are you scared?” He asked, his voice a bare whisper.

“Terrified. I keep remembering when Gabby was at this stage. But I’m not her, and this pregnancy isn’t the one that ended up with Andy. I’ve never seen someone have an easy pregnancy. We’ll see how it goes from here. But we’re together, right?”

“Even without the baby I’d still be here. You’re not getting away that easily, Brett.”

The technician arrived in, smiling at Sylvie and Kelly as she set up the machine.

“This is your first pregnancy I saw on your chart. Are you excited to be parents?” She asked, Sylvie nodding.

“We’ve got a seventeen month old, but yeah, we are. I’m excited to make sure this little one is safe and healthy.”

“And so I can win the bet with everyone,” Kelly interjected, an eyebrow raise in response. “We work together, our coworkers are convinced she’s having a girl because every child born to our friends has been a boy so far. Purely because of that I think it’s a boy.”

“You just don’t want to have to deal with being the only girl dad. You’re better with Andy!” It was the strange look from the technician that made her continue, addressing her instead. “We adopted our godson after his parents died in a car crash. So first pregnancy, second child.”

“Aww, I love that. This will be cold, but lets see this baby.”

The scan took a lot longer than any of the others, the technician taking measurements and watching how the baby was growing. Sylvie stared at their child on the screen, Kelly gripping her hand in both of his. Every few moments he’d press a kiss to her fingers, squeezing lightly as he stared. She’d have sworn that there was tears in his eyes as he watched the screen, a hand waving and Sylvie shivering at it.

“Can you feel it?”

“Yeah. You’ll feel it soon too.”

“And lets hear that heartbeat. Do you want to know the sex?”

“Yes.” They answered simultaneously as they listened to the pitter patter of the heartbeat, the rapid thumps that told them their child was right there and would be ok.

“Let’s see if if this child is shy. Oh, nope, he’s not.”

“It’s Kelly Severide’s child, of course he’s not…he?” Sylvie trailed off and stared at the smiling technician.

“You’re having a perfectly healthy baby boy. Andy will have a little brother.”

They got the photos printed and stared at them as they waited to go into the doctor, looking carefully at their son. 

“I know we’ll probably argue about a middle name, but he’s Matthew, isn’t he?” Sylvie asked, watching Kelly force himself to hold his emotions together.

“Yeah. Fuck. I always thought if I ever had a kid I’d have Matt and Andy here with me. They’d tell me I was doing the wrong thing, stop me from killing my kid. But they’re gone.”

“We’ll keep them alive for the boys. They’ll learn all about their dad’s friends, about the men we named them after. So Andy can know about his dad, and our Matt can know about the two of them. Our boys aren’t going to grow up not knowing about them.”

“It’s weird, y’know? Andy’s ours, but he’s yours. I don’t have anything legal for him.”

“We’ll fix that. Before Matt arrives.” 

“The name suits him.” Kelly rested his hand on her bump, and they sat with their joint grief in the waiting room, the pain hitting them again. This time instead of dealing with it alone they held onto each other, encouraging the other to know that there was someone there.

When they came back into the office their hands stayed linked, even when the doctor came in. Sylvie refused to let go of the comfort that Kelly gave her.

“I can confirm everything looks normal here, folks. Baby Brett is growing well, and you’re dating at twenty two weeks. Does that sound about right?” She asked, Sylvie nodding.

“Yeah, it’s right. Kind of hard to believe at this point that I’m more than halfway there.”

“It’s just going to go faster. Have you got anything set up yet?” Kelly nodded at the question.

“We’ve got all the furniture from our oldest, so that’s easier. Plus a lot of his clothes I think.”

“I thought this was…” She trailed off, flicking through Sylvie’s file.

“My first pregnancy. We adopted our eldest last year.” Her words left no space to argue with her, a nod from the doctor.

“Ah, understood. Thanks.”

The rest of the appointment went more smoothly, and they slipped into Kelly’s car. His hand barely left hers apart from when she got into the car, and even when he got into his side he took it again.

“I meant what I said, you know.” Kelly turned his head as they were at a stop light. “I’m getting in touch with the court, we don’t even need a lawyer. You’re Andy’s dad, you’re adopting him. As long as you want to.”

“Yeah…yeah I do. I didn’t think you wanted me to do it.”

“There’s nobody else I’d rather do it. I mean it.”

They were quiet on the rest of the drive, both caught in their own thoughts. It was so much to deal with, Sylvie’s mind spinning. They’d started running as soon as the relationship had started, and part of that scared her. But as she thought about it it was completely right. They’d had so many false starts, and was it really them if they didn’t rush through the traditional relationship stuff?

“Where are we going?” Sylvie asked as they passed the turn they should have taken instead heading towards Wicker Park.

“Molly’s. Herrmann asked me to stop by, is that ok?”

“Sure.”

She pulled out her phone and started going through the list of things she’d need that she’d written. Most of it she already had from Andy so she could delete a lot of it, especially the clothes. They had enough anyway. A little part of her was disappointed that she wouldn’t get to do the usual pregnancy things, but it was how things happened. She’d still rope Kelly into coming shopping with her for a new stroller that could fit the two boys in it. But they had to get a toddler bed for Andy, turning what had been Kelly’s room into the new nursery for Matt. They could see how things went as time continued.

When they pulled up to Molly’s the lights were off, Sylvie staring at the bar.

“Are you sure he’s here?”

“He’s doing inventory. Coming in? And are we gonna tell him the sex?” Kelly smiled that crooked smile, and she felt her heart beat a little faster.

“He won’t give up if we don’t tell him, so yeah. Let’s do it.” 

Kelly walked into the bar first, holding the door open as Sylvie came through it. But inside were all their friends and coworkers, balloons and smiles on faces as they yelled surprise at her.

“What…what is this?” She asked, staring at them all.

“Your baby shower. It’s your first pregnancy, you’re getting spoilt.” Donna Boden was the first to greet her, arms wrapping around Sylvie with a smile on her face. Andy ran straight to her and Sylvie lifted him up, balancing him around her bump while she still could.

There was a pile of gifts for her, most of them things that were actually for Sylvie, rather than for the baby. There were pampering sets and boxes of chocolates, along with three really large boxes of diapers. They were from premie to a few months old, Sylvie smiling at them.

“This is from everyone at 51. If it doesn’t work we’ll get you the store credit and you can pick what you want, but they said it’d be ideal for you.” Boden pushed a huge box into the middle of the room, Sylvie staring at it. Kelly looked just as surprised to see it, but everyone was waiting for them to open it.

“Did we miss everything? We got stuck in traffic!” Sylvie turned to see her mom and dad rushing into the bar, slightly red faced and worried. But she grinned, both of them hugging her as tightly as they could.

“Gamma! Hi Gamma!” Andy said, insisting on getting into his grandmother’s arms. Monica just took him, revelling in the hug from her grandson.

“Mom, Dad, this is Kelly.”

“Mr and Mrs Brett.” He held out his hand, John taking it and shaking once before pulling Kelly in for a hug. Monica did the same with her free arm, kissing his cheek and making the younger man flush.

“You’re just in time, Mr and Mrs Brett. Do you want to sit?” Violet brought them around so Kelly and Sylvie could open the present, ripping the large sheets of wrapping paper from around it.

It was a multi child stroller, like one of the ones Sylvie had really wanted but thought they couldn’t justify. There was space for two children in it, and a standing board so if Andy wanted to stand as she pushed they could. The smile couldn’t leave her face as she looked at it.

“Thank you. All of you.” She couldn’t quite believe it, Kelly pressing a kiss to her temple as he smiled. He gave her a look and she nodded quickly, letting him give this news to their friends, their family.

“We found out today that we’re having a boy. We’re gonna name him Matthew.” The room burst into applause, tears in the eyes of the people who’d been close to Matt and Gabby. The rest of the afternoon was filled with hugs, people filing out until Kelly, Sylvie, her parents, and Andy were some of the last there.

“I’ll use the minivan to get the box to your place, don’t worry. Go spend time with your parents,” Herrmann told her, giving her a final hug. “We’re all happy for you. You know that, right?”

“I know. Thank you.”

They walked outside, Andy holding Kelly’s hand and grinning as he did.

“Do you want to get dinner? There’s a great diner a couple of blocks away, we stop in for milkshakes every so often.” There was an awkwardness between Kelly and her parents, but Sylvie was proud of him for making the effort with them.

“That’d be nice. It’s later than we thought, we should get on the road.”

“Stay with us.” Sylvie gawked at Kelly when he finished speaking. “Andy hasn’t seen you in a couple of months, we’ve a spare bedroom. If there isn’t anything you specifically can’t do here, stay with us.”

Monica and John mulled it over for a moment but nodded, looking at the little family. “Thank you, that’d be wonderful.”

They sat at a booth, Andy on the edge in a high chair. He kept grasping at everyone’s food, not content to eat his own toddler sized grilled cheese. But the mood was high among the four adults, things easing between them all. Even that evening once Andy was in bed they sat on the couch and watched a movie. Sylvie felt weird being held by Kelly with her parents in the room but she pushed that weirdness away, taking his hand and putting it on her belly when she could feel Matt’s kicks. He couldn’t feel them yet, but he smiled every time she did it.

The next morning Kelly had shift, Sylvie going into work with him. Cindy still took Andy for the full twenty four hours so they could keep him in a routine, and he wasn’t happy saying goodbye to his grandparents. But he got into the car with Kelly, Sylvie hugging them goodbye.

“Thanks for being here,” she murmured to her mom, a tight squeeze in response.

“It’s not every day our eldest has her baby shower. We’re so proud of you. And Kelly’s a good man. I know there’s been issues but I think you’re both happy now.”

“We are. I’m lucky.”

“Good. I’ll tell you when we get home.”

“Love you, Mom.” She pulled her mom in for another squeeze before doing the same to her dad.

“We love you too. Don’t be late.”

It was a quick drive, dropping Andy off and heading to 51. Before they got out of the car Sylvie pulled Kelly across to her, giving him a kiss. They tended to stop any PDA before they reached the firehouse, neither particularly comfortable with it in work. He looked at her confusedly before they got out of the car.

“My mom said you’re a good man.” His face brightened, the two holding hands as they got inside.

Her shift passed quickly, a wave to her friends and a squeeze of Kelly’s hand before she left. It was her normal night alone when Kelly was on shift, curling up on the couch with popcorn and House Hunters. Every few minutes the bowl on her belly would shake slightly as Matt nudged her. It was barely noticeable, but she knew she had to tell Kelly as soon as she could. He’d want to try feel the movements.

The next morning she got in early, Squad just returning from a call. When Kelly saw her he pulled her into a cuddle, holding her tightly against his chest.

“Bad call?”

“The worst. I just need to know you’re here.”

She held onto him, giving him the comfort and support he needed even in the middle of the app floor. He needed her and if she could give it to him then she would.

“I love you,” Sylvie whispered as he finally let go, her hand cupping his sooty cheek.

“I love you too. So much.” She got on tiptoes to kiss him, the bump almost but not quite getting in the way of what she wanted to do.

All too soon it was time for her to start work, a final goodbye to Kelly and checking in on everyone else who’d been at the fire. It was a gas leak in a home that had exploded, a family gone in a matter of seconds. She hugged and cared for everyone the same, making sure they knew she was there for them, But she had to sit and work, staring at her computer when she wanted to be there with her boyfriend and son, making sure Kelly was ok.

That night when she got home from work she wasn’t sure what was going on. The living area of the condo was quiet, nobody around.

“Kelly? Andy?  Where are you?”

“Mama! Bed Mama!” She followed Andy’s voice to her bedroom, stopping still at the doorway. Andy was in a mini suit, a grin on his face. Kelly was in a matching one, a yellow tie around his neck as he held Andy and smiled at Sylvie staring at them. The room was lit by electric candles, the soft light making it glow.

“I’m not dressed for anything fancy.” The words slipped out of Sylvie’s mouth as she watched them, Kelly smiling wider.

“You always look fancy. But this is you and me, and our boys. Because I want to remind you that we love you. There’s a dress and shoes on the bed, we’ve got dinner reservations.”

He left her to get dressed, Sylvie slipping on the full skirted outfit and doing a twirl. Kelly hadn’t left her much time but she did the most basic makeup before stepping out into the living room. Her boys were there waiting for her, a toothy grin on Andy’s face seeing her.

“You look beautiful.” Kelly kissed her gently, and Matt moved in her belly. She took her boyfriend’s hand and pushed it against where their second child had kicked, waiting for Matt to do it again. He did, Kelly brightening even more.

“That’s our boy?”

“That’s him. Let’s go to these reservations.”

As she walked out of the condo carrying Andy, Kelly close behind her, there was nothing else Sylvie Brett could have wished for in that moment. Despite the trials and struggles she had her boys and she couldn’t wait for their family to grow and be permanent.

Chapter Text

When the buzzer on the condo went Sylvie leaned back, frustration clear on her face.

“It’s ok, I’ll get it. Finish feeding Matt.” Kelly pushed a kiss to the top of her head as he went past, Andy holding his hand.

“Happy birthday baby!” Her mom and dad were the first at the door, Violet and Kevin just behind them to celebrate Andy’s second birthday. When they’d decided to do a birthday party for Andy she’d thought it’d be a disaster, but he deserved a day to himself.

Matt was born right on his due date, a birth that went off without a hitch with Kelly there to cut the cord. Their family had expanded, Andy getting used to the baby better than either of his parents had expected.

But the previous night, after they’d come home from the courthouse with Andy’s adoption confirmed, Kelly had gotten down on one knee with Sylvie’s original wedding ring to ask her to marry him.

She’d hidden the ring in the back of her nightstand, a memory that she didn’t know if she wanted to remember. But he’d found it when getting something for her, and his words when he proposed would never be forgotten.

“It’s probably bad karma to use a second hand ring but I know this means as much to you as it does to me. I love you, and I love our sons. I love this family that we’ve built together. I know that it’s not exactly the way we expected things to go from that night in Vegas, but I can’t imagine my life without you. Will you please marry me?” It was cleaned and in a new ring box, the shiny rose gold and silver ring in his hand. It was much plainer than a normal engagement ring, but for her it was perfect.

“Yes. It would always be yes.” She’d kissed him deeply, holding him close and remembering that this time was for keeps.

“Can I see my youngest grandson?” Monica was straight over to Sylvie, arms out to reach for Matt. Sylvie just smiled at her mom, indicating to the bottle in her hand but it was no match for Monica who lifted him without skipping a beat in the feeding. She’d settled on the couch with the baby in her arms when she spotted the glint of metal on Sylvie’s hand.

“Is that…?” She trailed off, the others gathering around at Monica’s words. Kelly slipped an arm around her waist, pulling her close with a wry smile.

“I asked Sylvie to marry me last night, and she said yes.” It was cheers and celebration before the party truly got underway, their friends from 51 and outside of work - the few there were - there with them. 

Andy ran semi wild with Terrance and Kenny, the two older boys pulling him along and playing. He got gifts from everyone, “tank yewww” drawled as he took them and handed them over to one of his parents. When Christie and Antonio arrived they hugged him almost as tightly as Kelly and Sylvie did before speaking to them, nods and smiles between the four adults.

They’d explained to Andy that he was adopted, but he didn’t fully understand it yet. A photo of Matt and Gabby on their wedding day was on the wall, beside Kelly and Sylvie with Andy. His birth parents would never be forgotten, and Sylvie knew they’d be proud of who he was becoming. They’d stepped up and he would always know that he had two sets of parents who loved him.

It was when she was putting out the cake that her ring was spotted by the rest of the guests, sly comments and hugs to her and Kelly. They sang happy birthday to Andy, Matt in her arms as the four got in for a picture with a grinning toddler. It was one of the pictures that would end up on their wall, their little family there happy and healthy and whole.

That night, after a sugar high two year old was in bed and they were curled up on the couch with Matt against her chest, Sylvie cuddled into Kelly’s shoulder.

“I love you,” she murmured, a kiss his initial response.

“I love you too. I’m sorry for how I acted when you first joined 51, you didn’t deserve it.”

“You’ve nothing to be sorry for.” She turned around to look into the eyes of her fiancé, the father of her kids, the same eyes she saw in their youngest every day. “Us? This family? This wasn’t supposed to happen. But now it has, and we get to live together and be happy. I’m going to choose to be happy.”

“That sounds pretty perfect. We’ll choose to be happy together.”

He took her left hand, raising it to his lips and pressing a kiss to the cool metal of her ring. “This is back where it belongs.”

“And yours is going back soon too.”

They sat there quietly, light snuffles from Matt the only thing to break the silence, as Sylvie tried counting all her blessings. But soon she wasn’t able to keep count, smiling as she leaned back and relaxed.