Action, set, fight fire!

[tzswei]

A/NYou may have seen this story in fan fiction but if not you won't miss anything here cuz I'm the author who often online go on forum and that's in past. I don't mind sharing here. I'm not scared showing around here and there it's like having lunch after hang out in five forums longer throughout the ages I can sound straightforward. I have life, I like juggling between internet and work/commitment. Checking forum is my hobby, that was long story; okay back to fan fic here!

Disclaimer: I don't own characters but plot here! CF characters are Dick Wolfe's productions.

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Last days hadn't been literally good for Tara, she had many bad days and misgivings she was not proud of. However what was right now in front of her wasn't a good omen to her case, her clean slate wasn't exactly good.

Matthew Casey looked grudgingly at her when he sat opposite of her, but she sat comfortable despite of his stares.

'It doesn't do you any good.'

'Just shut up.'

Matt forced himself to sit straight, it was an uncomfortable pose for him as his arms immobile behind him with his wrists tied, and they looked unnaturally straight when he did.

'You're having me here because you have a grudge for Severide that you didn't win.'

'Score one for you. Keep up I'll put the gag on.'

Matt paused. 'And I hope you do what's right for you, that's all¡­ I can say.'

She gave him piercing stare daring him to say anything more but she received no reply.

Matt's foot turning itchy but he couldn't do anything about it as they were bound together too.

'No funny moves,' she said sternly before she went away God knows where, Matt didn't have a clue.

He had an urge to throw himself onto the floor but suppressing it and struggled in his bonds with no success.

As if he thought his life was made of film the door opened and coming in Tara, with cold look and icy tone edged around her words.

She was holding an iPhone in her hands, ringtone sound coming out of it.

'Your friend cop's calling.'

Matt knew immediately it was his iPhone, continuing with ringing, she was holding.

'If I don't pick up my friend will think something happened to me, it's no surprises, Antonio's call is his routine.'

'I'll risk that.' Without permission and warning she immediately hung up the phone in front of Casey.

His wrist twitched in way to struggle against but this time his left hand reached in right pocket taking out a fragment of glass. When he initially had found himself trapped he was in her car boot and he had swept around for miracle, found something sharp and put it into his pocket.

Tara did not notice that, she pocketed his iPhone when watching up at him, thankfully she didn't see an odd angle of his arms, Matt smiled weakly.

She blinked as her hand scratched her neck and looked away; he looked at her in wonder.

A moment later, his eyes were blindfolded by tea towel, he tried to avoid with no avail and he inwardly groaned.

His hand started to fiddle with rope which taken him long time, his sweaty hands hold the sharp glass for a moment as it rubbed the ropes, this process would take less time if Tara wasn't in the room.

Tara heard another ringtone.

'It's your best friend, Severide,' she said dismissively. 'Tell him you're alright.'

'Screw you.' he retorted.

'Fine,' she answered menacingly, throwing iPhone to the wall and leaving it smash broken. 'Problem solved. No interruption.'

He gritted his teeth, and Tara did not head out straightaway as she turned around and tell Casey.

'I'll gag you first before I leave.'

At same time his right hand became warm, he accidentally was slit by the glass, his left clammy hand was shaking hastily to hold itself together as it's palm planned to hide it's flat surface, praying it wouldn't be discovered.

He felt the gag shoved into his mouth and tied behind. Then Tara went out of the room, he hoped she wouldn't return.

He continued working on the rope and it finally loosened and dropped onto the chair.

Matt undid the rest, his eyes continued blinking from the light but there was no time to rest; he let himself lean on the wall awaiting a moment to breathe as he opened the door slightly ajar.

He smiled grimly but peeped to see dark corridor was clear, opened door wider, headed to sneak out.

Realizing both sides were clear, he ran across around corner and head straight; Matt dashed out to find any exit he could escape from captivity.

When he heard footsteps coming from somewhere as echo, he quickly found a place to hide closing the door silently, found himself in dark deserted hall.

That was the worst day he had ever gone through.

Last week his days went as usual with him going to the firehouse, until few days ago he had received a strange letter he could not figure out so let Antonio to investigate. He had been told Severide also had one but they were puzzled. And rest of his day are confusing, Matt has to figure did Severide been captured.

Matt looked at his surroundings and found no cloth in sight to wrap up his injured hand; he cradled it in his left hand as it was only glistening dimly in the dark room. His back was rested on the wall as his thumping heart beat slowly back to normal rhythm.

The voice he most dreaded and hated to hear had been nearby calling in deafening air.

'Matt, don't think you can hide from me forever.'

He pursed his lips, holding his breath.

He had no idea how this kidnapping would end up for him. The rest of the day was up to him to work on leaving the building alive.

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A/N: Please leave review here! If I ever been to proboards that's when I hang out at American poet's sanctuary, but it moved. I'm not famous, never are, I write poem for interest. I also write poem dedicated to firefighters so it indirectly mention to CF if fans can pick up similarities and hint. Anybody interested to read firefighters' poem? Dangers' the theme. But, please, please review!

[tzswei]

A/N:Back! okay, here's the first chapter! Earlier is prologue, and story started! I have chapter 2 but its awaiting for beta to look through. Beta is editor. hehe, I'm online freak.

Disclaimer: I don't own characters but plot here! CF characters are Dick Wolfe's productions.

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Chapter 1 Severide's captivity

Severide groaned stumbling out of the closet.

'Thanks.'

It convinced Antonio nod thinking he was being grateful.

'We figured you were in the closet, so we come to rescue,' Antonio replied. 'It's Tara's doing?'

'I bet cha it's her, alright,' Severide's anger was detected in his tone; he had his fist clenched together.

He was locked in the closet and Antonio received news of lieutenant missing he was on the case overriding his boss to investigate who was behind that after talking to Boden. He received tip off, gathered pieces together as their first suspect was Tara , they strongly believed she wanted to scare them as anonymous attacker.

'Have you seen her?' Antonio asked, to get puzzle together.

'How you figured out I was here?'

'Follow my nose.' stated Antonio.

'Really, I mean- wait, have you figured out whereabouts of Casey?' Severide said with concern looking at him.

Antonio looked at him. 'We haven't.' Severide see him pursed his lips. 'Going to figure out soon.'

Severide digested news.

'Dammit, it's her. Haven't seen her, it took her long to drag me inside.'

However words sounded skeptical to him but he believed there was no other reason. Antonio nodding his head with confirmation and they started to heading out of the building.

'Go search perimeters for any sign,' delegated Antonio to his CPD officers and Severide followed him out.

Kelly frowned, was unsure.

'I didn't see her, memory's hazy. The person I think of is Tara because the perfume smell is lavender. She's the one has lavender spray.'

He watched his friend doing his job as officer, and as squad lieutenant he believed Casey was captured as to get into him.

He remembered he had a talk with Boden about him telling Board of a bad prank letter he received and deduced correctly it was 51 after Boden's lieutenants missing for twelve hours, they have asked Gabriella's brother personally to take care case and he agreed. Voight gave Antonio free rein.

'Surprisingly I can work on this case, given by boss,' commented Antonio.

'I have no complains. My mind wants to say damn though. I owe him favors. Yuck.'

Antonio didn't suppress his smile when he snorted. His detective came up to him.

'No hostage and no sign of movement. Suspect they've move out.'

'Fall back and search the ghost's car in case she may hide in similar building.' Then Antonio looked at Severide with critical eye. 'Severide go back rest. You look like you gonna pass out.'

'Nope, rescue squad does work with officers to free any one in danger and so does Casey.'

'We may not know what predicament Casey will be in but if it is within my line I can and help you with, without guns.'

'Fine, hop in.' gestured Antonio, as they headed to police car.

'Just don't die on my watch.' It ended the conversation as it sound surprisingly funny in Severide's ears.

0-0-0-0-0-0

They headed to Tara's home when Antonio received news about Tara hadn't been seen in and around building, Severide looked worried and not bothered to hide his expression after learning that.

He already had suspicion how Tara had kidnapped Casey like she did with him by knocking him out before locking him in the closet by old fashioned sewing machine. He was found by Antonio after endless hitting on the door and trying to smash open the door knob but was saved by his presence.

Now they reached Tara's home, Antonio headed to entrance door with pistol drawn out. Severide was beside him, exchanging glances, and opened the door revealing empty living room.

Severide watched warily around the room.

'Damn, we came too late.'

His dampened mood did not help; Antonio heard it in his tone. He noticed an empty bottle on the table, he bend down.

'It's chloroform. She used it on both of you.'

Severide swore under his breath.

'Where can they be?'

His question was left hanging unanswered.

[tzswei]

Disclaimer: I don't own characters but plot here! CF characters are Dick Wolfe's productions.

Chapter 2: Fighting friends and fire

Antonio's walkie-talkie cracked to life.

"We have found the suspect's car, and the building was on fire."

Antonio swore. Kelly did not waste a moment; he leapt up and rushed out of house with police behind him; they immediately left for the scene with Antonio driving car.

"What's the location?"

"Avenue three, the one that was vacated for a gang showdown last week."

Antonio's hand held the wheel tighter as his car accelerated faster with sounds of the siren blaring in the street as they headed to the building.

Another string of profanity came out from both of them when they scrambled out of car the moment they reached the destination; time was of the essence when they reached the scene, but they watched in horror when they saw the building was in flames.

In front of them, Tara and Casey were lying on the road unconscious. Kelly madly dashed to their side. He felt as if his world was spinning with worry for his best friend because if Casey was dead or alive was unknown. For a moment, Severide thought gravity wouldn't listen to him when he ran toward them; he kneeled beside Casey and gently lifted him up to his lap while mumbling his friend's name.

As if his thought had been answered by heaven above, sounds of an ambulance reached his ears, and relief instantly filled in the weight of his heart as his hope rose with high spirits. He sighed. Prayers were second when he received satisfying answer. The ambulance screeched to halt, and doors opened revealing Shay and Gabriella coming out of it and heading to them as the second ambulance followed the same way.

Shay kneeled beside Tara and checked her pulse while Gabriella tended to Casey.

Shay did not bow her head, but she said emotionlessly, "She's dead."

Severide could not bring himself to any think more, having been relieved by Gabriella who had Casey strapped to a stretcher before she was joined by Shay. He was at a loss for words as he digested in the events around him but mustered up the poker face that was part of his profession.

Other ambulance paramedics went on tending Tara; they gloomily loaded her up and zipped the bag for crime scene. When the fire truck pulled in, out came Boden, and he looked surprised. In that moment, he knew immediately he had to help.

"No one was inside! It was abandoned long ago, but Casey was unfortunately involved. We can go straight to putting out the fire!"

The rest of firefighters including Hermann hopped out of truck, turned pale when they noticed it was their lieutenant, Casey, lying on the ground. "Lieutenant!" Hermann called. They turned around, looked shocked.

"Bring up hose!" Boden ordered, and the other firefighters recomposed themselves. Without word, they followed starting to spray fires as Severide watched them while paramedics started loading Casey and Tara into ambulances.

Severide then took one last look at the fire and received an unexpected pat from Boden who gave an acknowledging nod and said three words, "Go with him."

Severide smiled back weakly in return. "Casey going to say, 'I'm going to be fine'"

"I'll catch up with you soon."

Then Severide followed the last paramedic silently and jumped into back of the ambulance. Antonio was speaking at top speed into the walkie-talkie. Severide didn't care what was said to Voight the moment the paramedics closed the door after loading Casey's stretcher in.

Kelly Severide watched them monitoring and assessing his best friend's condition with ease. Many thoughts ran through his head while his restless eyes stared at unconscious Casey, so he did not notice Shay waving her hands in front of him until a sharp pain coming from shoulder reminded him of reality. She had pinched him.

"What?" Severide asked.

"Just a reminder: he can pull through."

"Yeah. Boden's going to the hospital to visit soon," he said with dry throat. For a moment he believed he had left his voice back on open road.

He now watched Casey being put on oxygen. The oxygen mask was in place as his lungs sucked in the precious air. Severide laid his head on the wall of ambulance letting siren echo in his ears as the vehicle sped to Lakeshore hospital waiting to admit Casey soon at the other end. Matt Casey, you better be alright, Kelly thought, and his face turned weary.

When the ambulance reached the hospital, Severide followed the direction of the stretcher taking Casey to trauma room two. But he was halted by nurse as he suddenly turned, familiar with this routine for every patient who was admitted. He faltered a bit before stepping aside to allow a nurse to walk in and tend to Matthew's condition.

He then found a bench for himself to sit on. Later, he noticed Boden coming in; one look at the posture, Kelly Severide figured Boden was in hospital as a friend, not as a chief.

"How's he doing?" Chief asked softly.

"Still waiting, I can only hope," Severide's voice nearly turned into mumble but was loud enough for Boden to hear, and pick up that Kelly was slightly depressed.

"He's going to be alright. Believe in Casey."

Kelly knew the chief was trying to reassure him and let that sink in, in silence of the corridor.

Now, time to Severide turned outrageously long; he felt the urge to knock the door, confront doctor for news, and see Casey for once, but something deep inside his gut told him not to, not to give in to the temptation of time. Gladly, the waiting was interrupted by the noise of footsteps penetrating in the air, Severide looked up hoping it was the team; they all reached and stood beside him watching concerned and anxious.

He smiled, thankful for their presence, and his shoulders turned slightly less tense, his eyes only focused to look blankly at his hands, waiting and hoping for a doctor come and deem Casey was alright enough to stay in hospital to recover.

"Casey's team or family?"

The doctor's words had Severide shooting up from chair and marching over for information he was waiting to be true.

"Mr. Casey is alright but needs to stay over for observation. He needs time and rest," she said gently. "He has to sleep the trauma off."

"Can we visit him? Straightaway," Severide said, his words holding demand not question as he watched the doctor give a nod. Without breaking rhythm, he headed to Casey's room. Walking in, he sat down on a similar hard chair to the one he used to sit on in the hall.

He stared at Casey's unconscious form which was half-covered with the blanket, noticing his friend looked slightly weary but peaceful in his slumber. Soot was noticeable on few patches of his skin, which make him looked ancient. Severide was aware Boden also followed in with Gabriella; they sat down opposite of him.

He felt he was going to cry but planned not to in front of the others. He put on brave front because everyone easily knew his poker face. He wanted them thinking he was just caring for his best friend.

0-0-0-0

Earlier¡­

Screaming filled the building when fire broke out. Tara's plan had gone south. No one knew what really happened except Casey, who wouldn't be able to tell anyone, knowing he was bound to be unconscious soon in the hospital. He didn't know he was going to relive the moment in his head again until it turned in to a real nightmare, which he would keep recalling every time he was awake or sleeping.

His body filled with pain when they crumpled on the floor after falling and tussling down the stairs. In his mind, stories jumbled around distorted as he watched Tara push him off, sending him away with guilt-stricken face.

He tried to push himself up, but his right foot gave way, and he slumped on the floor with pain for nanosecond before pushing himself up again.

His self-defense kicked in as he felt like firefighter again to save lives including his and Tara's, despite that they were struggling. The image of Tara thrashing and flailing hysterically in his eyes as he watched her become consumed in the fire, before he launched himself into it to save her as a firefighter when he tossed them together outside. Now, he didn't care if he was injured or not when he put out the fire.

He monitored Tara's breathing, heartbeat, and vitals endlessly reviving her back as many times as possible while his kidnapper lied on the ground. Casey felt his tears growing inside him as his mental barrier was on the verge of snapping. It was illogical to save the person who had done him harm, and he could not explain why he bothered to. He had already asked her to come back even as he is trying to revive her. He remembered asking her to testify against the real culprit who was behind the arson in future and let cops catch him.

Unexpectedly, Tara's eyes looked away, closed, and she passed away. When he realized it was too late, Casey found himself thinking of what she had asked him, and why she was worth saving in spite of what she did to him.

"Why, Matthew?" This question echoed in his ears as he thought his ears were going to turn numb. The question that was asked when they were on the floor breathing hard, the moment after figuring out Tara wasn't the one who set fire.

The question repeated few times until he heard other sounds interrupting in. It was arrival of ambulances along with incoming police cars' sirens filling his ears. He felt himself slipping away to oblivion of slumber, which took him away from pain and shock as he no longer felt them any more.

[tzswei]

Action, Set, Fight fire!

Disclaimer: I don't own characters only plot here! CF characters are Dick Wolfe's productions.

A/N: I've finally finish this chapter, it was hardest one I write. Now it's finally up!

Chapter 3 Casey's sanctuary

For the moment, Casey had his own private room and was still lying unconscious after Severide found out about burning building and Tara's death.

Kelly was stubbornly refused to return home despite Shay's pleading and threats until Boden stepped in. Severide then balked away when his authority was threatened, and he was left with no choice. In the end, Kelly was convinced Casey wasn't going to wake up soon, but around half past three he snuck into hospital to visit his friend after taking rest at home.

Shay came in to hospital room in time to see her roommate doze off in the chair. Before the other knew what happened next she kicked Severide's shin to wake him.

It worked, Severide stood up quickly looking confused. When he could fully comprehend of himself of what was going on, he thought about what he was going to say the moment before he blurted out, "Has Casey awakened?"

His stunned look changed from confusion to a scowl when he saw Shay smirking.

"This isn't funny," Severide frowned.

"It's not meant to be. We need a talk," his roommate said with a glare so strong, it led him to think it could burn through him.

"About what?' He responded with short words. His curt tone sent Shay frowning to him.

"Tara has accomplice; it turns out Antonio found a clue when checking her phone."

The shocking words had caught Severide's attention, causing him to look up sharply at Shay.

"He's still asleep if you were wondering."

"That's not I'm here about," Shay glowered, unable to filter out her irritable tone.

Analyzing her best friend, her glare softened slightly.

"Stop with the stare you're giving me right now; I still live," he said disgruntled and crossed his arms. "Are you telling the truth?"

After one look at her expression he realized Shay wasn't kidding. He ran down his hand with his fingers, frustratingly.

His eyes took a moment to linger on Casey's still form before he decided he could not stay here and risk rousing his best friend out of slumber. With that thought, Kelly stood up then started to head out of hospital with Shay's observing gaze never leaving him, following the back of his door swung by him.

Severide know he was followed by Shay the moment he exited, hearing her footsteps behind him, but did not turn to glance back while heading to waiting room where team was still gathered.

"Earlier we returned hoping Casey would wake soon," Gabriella said, looked weary and worn. But as Severide took closer look, he noticed she was no longer exhausted like earlier. She had recomposed herself and was naturally calm and quiet afterwards; this time she looked slightly more presentable, giving him a best smile, as if she was okay. Gabriella now was in her normal mood as normally she's chatty.

Severide smiled with gratitude. With words exchanged telling he was going for dinner, he then headed down to find the nearest eatery and ordered his lunch at ease, knowing Gabriella would be by Matthew's side.

0-0-0-0-0-0-0

At that moment, Matthew Casey stirred. Gabriella felt his slackened hand twitch in her loose grasp. It alerted her to his waking. As she looked up, his blue eyes opened. She called his name and watched him smile back. "Am I in the hospital¡­ again?"

"Hmm, you've still got a remarkable good memory," Gabriella stated.

Casey took in a deep breath, fatigue starting to mask over his face.

"Severide went to get his dinner you've slept so long, Casey."

"I wasn't asking for him, though I don't mind him around," he replied. He gave Gabriella a tentative smile. In Firehouse 51 Gabriella was going out with Peter Mills, who work under him and this news were known in public, Casey's small romance has short-lived.

"Mills isn't here?" Casey watched her reaction hesitantly.

He noticed Gab freeze for a moment, but then answer straightaway.

"What matters is your recovery. Mills' is not going to feel jealous and sour."

He picked up the hint; his deep blue eyes looked up at Gabriella's unreadable look as she forced a less than genuine smile.

"Casey, we're... not longer together. He's need time, relationship isn't stable."

Gabriella pursed her lips together as she watched sheepishly at him. "We've been cooling off. Recently, I... was feeling blue."

He taking in the news. Casey looked at her hand, which rest on his bed, contemplating whether or not to hold it but stretched his only fingers.

The silence suddenly broken when the door opened revealing Shay coming in, she looked slightly embarrassed, but gave a thumbs-up to Gab who gave a blank stare in return. Before coming in, Shay held a hand up, smirked, and said, "Oops."

"Can I have permission to borrow your spare pillow and throw it at her?' Gab asked irritably.

Casey looked at two annoyed girls standing in front of him with slight amusement. "Hey Shay, great to see you."

Shay watched with concern at Casey.

"You're feeling alright?" Shay asked, looked hesitated. "I can drop by, next time."

Casey watching Shay with an observant look, felt she come to chat about fire incident earlier, and decided not to drag any longer but wasn't ready to talk about it.

" I'm going to be fine. Where's Severide?" Questions were running in Casey's mind. His skin started to feel clammy and Casey hoped his face didn't started to sweat. It was so close to say: "I'll be alright, but I have a lot of questions. Is Severide okay? I didn't see him, but if he know about Tara's death I might want to talk to him when he wants to."

"Tara didn't make it out of building," he finally let out words, which haunted him earlier.

He felt his hands were squeezed gently, it was Gabriella holding his hand but Casey retracting palm back.

"Casey, I'm here and ready when you want to talk to me." Gabriella said. "I need a drink."

Atmosphere was slightly uncomfortable, and Shay's smile looked uncertain when she watched and her twitched slightly, her tense pose led Casey to think she can hold a conversation what happen earlier but with decency she didn't pursue. Gab started to stand up, but he grabbed her hands.

"Gab, please stay with me," he finally made up his mind after enduring uncomfortable tension between Shay and Dawson. "It's a small request."

Shay watched surprised. "You want to talk about it?"

He studied her then nodded, "I didn't know what happen to Severide when I was captured, it's best to have him around with you both, it'll be easier to talk about."

Gabriella's face dawned with comprehension, "Alright."

Boden's voice floated in at that moment. "Matt, good to see you wake," he said softly.

Casey greeted back with "Hey."

Shay started to mention whereabouts of Severide. "He told me he's over at your house getting fresh clothes and will be back soon after dinner. He deserves his break, didn't get a chance to eat his lunch."

He didn't have his lunch? Casey thought; it stirred memory inside from before he was kidnapped off to the abandoned building.

The last time he had talked to Severide Casey was told Kelly was already having a light snack, planning to return home for lunch after working half a day.

"Everything's alright? Did Tara find him and lock him up, something like she did earlier?"

He struggled to heave himself to sit up with Gabriella's aid, searching the group for answers. Matt noticed Boden was fiddling with his boots uncomfortably under the pressure.

"She did; didn't she?' demanded Matt.

A moment of silence to his unsaid word confirmed Casey's suspicion or so he thought as it turned from unspoken to the truth.

Boden was going to spill.