Casey's POV
I walked into firehouse 51 alone and silent. I didn't say anything to anyone, I didn't wave, I didn't even look at anyone. It's been a year since Hallie was killed and I still haven't completely gotten over it. Or her.

I loved her. I was gonna marry her. And then she was just...gone. Murdered because of a discovery she made about the clinic she had been working in.

It wasn't fair but then again life wasn't fair so why should her death have been?

To be totally honest I was only back at work from furlough because I couldn't stand not working anymore. Or being alone for that matter.

I made my way to the common area and walked over to the coffee pot, pouring myself a cup. Peter Mills stood behind the stove, watching me and I sighed.

"Listen I know all of you want to know the same thing and I'm fine." I say, turning around to face everyone.

"Casey..."

"Really. I'm fine Herman." I insisted and took a sip of my cup of coffee. At that moment Kelly Severide walked into the common room and his eyes immediately fell on me. We locked eyes and he stared at me for several moments before he walked over to the coffee pot, brushing against me and poured himself a cup.

I moved a couple inches to the right, so he didn't brush against me again and I lifted the cup up to my lips to take a sip when Chief Wallace Boden stepped in the doorway. He pointed at Severide and I.

"Casey, Severide. My office. I need to talk to you."

I shot a quick glance at Dawson, who was sitting next to Sylvie Brett. She shrugged and I followed Chief Boden to his office, Severide trailing behind. Once inside Severide shut the door and Chief Boden looked at him then at me.

"How are you Casey?"

I made eye contact with Boden and answered truthfully. "Just fine. Happy to be back at work."

"Casey you know if you need any--"

"I said I'm fine." I interrupted him. I forced a smile on my face.

Boden nodded and said, "You're dismissed. Severide stay back for a second."

I nodded at Boden and left his office heading for the locker rooms when the alarm rang.

"Truck 81, Squad 3, Ambo 61 warehouse fire on East 34th street."

I turned myself around and rushed outside to the fire trucks, putting my uniform on and hopping in the truck. "Let's go!"

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"How many people are trapped inside?!" I asked one of the people we brought out.

"Just the manager! He's on the second floor in the back room!" The lady yelled.

"Herman, Otis! With me!" I ran into the warehouse, staying low to the floor making my way over to the stairs. I moved up the stairs and towards the back.

"Fire department! Call out!" I shouted.

"In here!" Someone shouted back. I quickly but carefully made my way into the bedroom to my left and spotted a woman trying to get to the door. I grabbed her arms and hoisted her up, handing her off to Herman and Otis.

"Let's get out of here!" I shouted.

Once we were all back at Firehouse 51 safely I went straight to my office considering my shift was about over. I glanced at my desk, where an old picture of Hallie was sitting next to a container of pens.

I felt my chest tighten as I thought about her. One year. One year doesn't seem like enough time for someone to grieve after losing the love of your life. Or in this case, my life.

I was startled out of my thoughts by a knock on my office door. I looked up and saw that it was only Severide. "Oh hey."

"Hey. How you holding up?" Severide asked.

"I'm okay. Why?" I ask frowning at him.

Severide shut the door and closed the blinds. "Dude, I know you. You're hurting inside and you need someone to talk to."

I shake my head. "No I don't. Really. I'm fine."

Severide walked closer to me. "Casey..."

I spread my hands and looked at him in confusion. "What?"

Severide stared at me for the longest time before he shook his head and said, "Nevermind."

I watched Severide walk out of my office, with a slight smile on my face. I swear he was flirting with me.