𝐌𝐘 𝐅𝐈𝐑𝐄𝐅𝐈𝐆𝐇𝐓𝐄𝐑

Chapter 2: What Did I Do Wrong?

*Dixie's POV*

I rubbed Matt's back as he continued crying for half an hour. When he finally stopped and dried his face, I pulled him into a hug, whispering, "Matt. Do you wanna' talk?" I pulled away and opened two cans of beer from his stash and passed him one. 

"I thought we could talk it out. She just waltzed in here and returned me the fucking ring. What did I do wrong?" He laughed as he took a swig of beer.

"Matt, you didn't do anything wrong. What did she say? Maybe she needs a break. Maybe she'll come back." 

"Fuck, no. These weeks, I see her with some doctor." Matt laughed again as he downed the rest of his beer, crushing the can. I sighed, putting my can of beer on a coaster on the coffee table. I pried a little, against my better judgement, asking, "Anything else? You guys took a while."

Matt sighed, then replied, "She said that she felt a little better knowing that you would take care of me after we broke up and said that she felt bad at the same time because you were a rebound."

"Then I should go. I don't want to be a reason you and Hallie are breaking up!" I said, picking up my purse and getting ready to leave but Matt gripped my wrist and refused to let go. I sighed, putting my things down and sitting back down next to him on the sofa. I yawned a little and stretched out, putting my head on Matt's lap and falling asleep.

*Matt's POV*

Peaceful. 'Peaceful' was the only word that described Dixie sleeping. The ball of energy was curled up on my sofa, head in my lap, sleeping peacefully. I stroked her blonde hair, looking at her face when Severide came out. I put my finger to my lips and pointed at Dixie and he got the message. He wanted to bring her in but I shook my head and that was the point where our grudge was forgotten temporarily. 

I pointed at the guest room and Kelly went in with a small head nod. I heard the door close and focused my attention back on the sleeping girl before me. 

*Dixie's POV*

The next morning, when I woke up, I sat up gently and wriggled out of Matt's grasp. He was slumped slightly, snoring lightly. I smiled a little and went to the bathroom where I got out my toothbrush and washed up. I tied my mid-back length blonde hair into a high messy bun and when I looked into the mirror, my blue eyes stared back at me.

I was walking out when I saw Matt standing in the doorway. I gave him a questioning look before saying, "I'm going home to shower." He went into his room, rummaged through some drawers before handing me his white t-shirt and black sweatpants. I laughed before walking to the bathroom to take my shower.

After freshening up, I walked outside and helped Matt make pancakes. When it was done, Kelly had just finished washing up and looked fresh and awake. We sat down at the dining table and ate in silence until I couldn't take it anymore.

"Guys. Talk to each other! You guys are best buds!" I protested, waving my fork around. I quickly put down my fork but glared at them to prove my point. Kelly sighed and picked at the pancakes. Matt rolled his eyes and continued eating. I scoffed, "How childish." 

"I really can't stand this anymore, so I'm leaving." I told them firmly, kissed them on the cheek each and left. A few minutes later, I heard the door open behind me and slam shut. Kelly stood beside me with a stupid 'I'm-sorry?' grin. I rolled my eyes and we took the lift down. I drove him back and drove back home, sighing along the way.

Two weeks later

*Matt's POV*

The case we had was horrible. I saw charred bodies of young children and smelt burnt flesh after a multi-vehicle pile-up. The school bus burst into flames, but we were too late. All the children and the driver passed away.

I called the contact I was so used to pressing. Usually, I would call Dixie but she left the firehouse in a huff after our shift and Kelly since we'd made up, but he had a date. After the third ring, she picked up, "Hello?"

"Hey, Hallie, I'm at my apartment. Can you come over?" I asked.

"Sure. I'll bring Chinese takeout." She told me and hung up.

*Dixie's POV*

"Yeah, no, um-hmm. Yes, Kelly. Yep, enjoy your date. Bye!" I hung up the phone and thanked the waitress. I picked up the two boxes of tomato-sauce ravioli. I got into my car and drove the familiar route to his apartment. I parked my car, then headed up. I rang the doorbell and saw Hallie standing in the doorway.

"Hey, Hallie." I offered a small smile. She gave a curt nod and moved aside so I could go in. I placed the food on the dining table and turned to the sofa where Hallie and Matt were seated. I quickly said, "Didn't mean to interrupt, just brought over food. I'm going to leave now."

"No, no, it's fine, I'll go." Hallie looked flustered as she picked up her purse and phone. I nodded and gave her a hug before locking the door behind her. I sat down beside Matt on the sofa in my oversized white tee and gray sweatpants. 

"Wanna' talk about it?"

"Hmm." Matt hummed a response as he changed the channel.

"Matt, seriously, I could leave if you're more comfortable talking to Hallie." I told him.

"Hard shift."

"I know, Matt, I was there too, remember?" I asked, grabbing his hands in mine and rubbing circles on his palm. After a few minutes in silence except from the noise from the television, I asked, "Are you and Hallie done for real?"

"I think so." 

"I'm really sorry, Matt. You've been real creative with your life lately, huh." I joked.

"Says the one who went skinny dipping in Lake Michigan during autumn when she was 18 just to prove a point." Matt retorted, laughing. I rolled my eyes, "Ha, ha, very funny." I got up and put the ravioli in the refrigerator before arranging my shoes by the door neatly. 

"Any new love interest? Old flame?" I asked as I sat back down beside Matt. Matt started laughing as we reminisced old memories. After an hour, we both agreed that it was best to go to bed and talk in the morning.

I was getting into the guest bed when I saw Matt leaning against the doorframe in his boxers and sweatpants. I smiled sweetly, "How may I help you, Mr Casey?"

"Goodnight, D."

"Night, M." I replied. He kissed me on the forehead before leaving the room, turning off the lights on the way out and closing the door behind him. 

*Matt's POV*

I jolted up in bed once I heard Dixie screaming. I scrambled out of bed and to the guest room, opening the door and turning on the lights to see Dixie squirming and kicking in bed, screaming. I walked over and tapped her shoulder lightly, until I was almost shaking her. She opened her eyes and started crying.

*Dixie's POV*

"What happened?" Matt asked.

"Nightmare." I replied simply. He looked at me sympathetically and asked, "Company?"

"Don't mind it." I offered a weak smile and he climbed into be with me. He turned off the lights using the two-way switch, then back-hugged me, wrapping his arms around my waist and burying his face in the crook of my neck.

"Night D."

"Night M."