Chief Casey Season 1: Chicago's Newest Chief (Dawsey)

Captain Kelly Severide?

Severide's POV: When Matt said that he wanted me to go for the Captain's exam, I was shocked. I mean, sure it would advance my career but...he knows I don't want to do it. Now, I just need to figure out whether he is trying to push me to take it or if he is ordering me to do it as my chief. God, this is going to be complicated. Nothing like arguing with your best friend who just so happens to also be your Firehouse chief. "Let me first establish this man. Who am I talking to right now? My Chief or my best friend who knows I don't want to be a captain!"

Matt sighed when I said that. "Dude, it's for practical reasons. I had a problem recently with another house. We had to deal with Patterson." I then sighed and looked at him. "What happened?" Matt just shook his head. "His squad leader is a captain. So, Cruz was acting Lieutenant on my scene but...he didn't have control. Captain always outranks lieutenant. And dude, I get you don't want it....but, I want it for you. You should do it so you aren't outranked by anybody but me on scene. And believe me, I am still rusty when it comes to this."

I sighed when he said that. "Would I have more duties?" Matt bit his lip and nodded. "Yeah. I would put you in charge of your men's papers. Listen, I am not going to force you. I was sorry to make it an order. I will do this. As your Chief, I will give you a pass until I find that it's too hard to continue without you as a Captain. However, as your friend...I will strongly advise you to become a Captain. I want to bring in young blood before it's too late man. Hermann says he wants to retire within the next 5 years. Mouch is going to go when he leaves. So, that's two seniors."

I was shocked when he said that. "Woah, that would make us the two most senior officers." I nodded and agreed. "Actually, it would make you the most senior officer. I only outrank you because I am Battalion Chief. You have more years now." I laughed when he said that and nodded. "Yeah, I guess I do." Matt then sighed. "From our class man, it's me, you and Cruz." I then turned to look at him and was shocked. "No. That's not it is it?" Matt nodded when I said that. "Yeah so, once Hermann and Mouch retire...we are senior officers."

I then just sat back while looking at him. "So that's why you want me to be a Captain." Matt nodded and looked at me. "I am not going without a captain at the firehouse. Plus, it comes with a pay raise. But listen, if you don't want it...then I am going to offer it to Cruz. So it's up to you. Either you become Captain or Cruz takes over Squad." I then looked at him. "You would put him on top of me?" Matt sighed. "I wouldn't have a choice man. Captain outranks Lieutenant." I then nodded when he said that. "So, it's pure rank shit." Matt nodded and sighed. "Nothing personal."

I thought about it. "What about Stella? She could be the new captain." Matt then thought about it. "I am not going to do it. It will cause problems in my firehouse. Her being captain would be too hard for me." I then looked at him. "What? Why?" Matt then glared at me. "It would put me in a bind. I would have to choose between listening to my best friend or his wife. And sorry, but she'll win every time. I care too much about you as a friend to let that happen to our friendship or your marriage. Heck, my marriage. Gabby and her are best friends man. Imagine the shit."

I nodded and understood. "How long before you need an answer?" Matt then sighed. "By the end of your paternity leave. If not, I am going to have to look for a captain. Severide, it's not personal. But, it's practical. You hated being second to me. Always did. And you always will. But, being Captain has benefits. You would be able to be involved in the decisions. Anyways, I need more room on squad eventually. If I get a Captain there, that opens a Lieutenant spot, and that opens a firefighter position." I nodded and agreed with him. 

"You speak with HQ about this?" I sighed and shook my head. "That's the other thing. I can't be pushed to do anything right now man. I am the newest Chief. So, I am back at the bottom of the food tower. So please, don't screw up. If they tell me to do something...I have nothing on the head guys. I am not going to be one of those dirty chiefs that do backroom stuff. Well, except for Gabby. That's different because it's for my wife but...not for you. But listen, I am just glad you are back. When stuff calms down, you can take some time with him okay?"

That's when Matt got an alert on his phone. He went to look at it and sighed. "Okay, this is going to be fun. Can you watch him for a bit? I will be back. I need to go do something for Gabby." I was confused when he said that. "What is it?" Matt then laughed. "It's Ella's nap time. She needs to go down now." I nodded and agreed. "Go ahead." Matt then went to get up and walked inside so that he could go put Ella down for a nap. That's when I saw Matteo walk over to me. "Where's papa going?" I then looked at him and smiled. "He's going to put Ella down for a nap."

Matteo then nodded as he went back to playing in the snow while Matt went to go put Ella down for a nap.