Who Left 'Chicago Fire' at the End of Tonight's Episode?

Miranda Rae Mayo, Taylor Kinney

Chicago Fire has already seen the departure of one cast member this season in the premiere episode when Blake Gallo (Alberto Rosende) moved to Detroit to live with his aunt and meet the rest of the family he never knew he had. And now we're losing Severide (Taylor Kinney) again -- and again it's for him to go off and be part of the ATF fire investigation unit.

It began last week, when Cruz (Joe Minoso), who took over as lead of Squad while Severide (Taylor Kinney) was away studying arson detection, was feeling very disrespected by Severide who took him to task on a call.

“For three months, I covered for him,” Cruz said, adding that now that Severide’s back, he’s “barking orders.”

Related: Seven Spoilers for the Chicago Fire Season 12 Premiere

So, Cruz made a decision. He spoke to Boden (Eammon Walker) and told him he wanted to take the lieutenant’s test.

“It’s time for me to leave 51,” he said. The chief sat him down and they had a conversation, making sure it was what Cruz wanted.

Stella (Miranda Rae Mayo), who is having her own issues with Severide since she had to track him down and drag him back to Chicago and their marriage, sensed that something was up and she suggested to Severide that he have a heart-to-heart with Cruz, which he did.

But was it enough?

“Kidd isn’t the only one who was rocked by Severide’s disappearance last year,” showrunner Andrea Newman told Parade. “Cruz sacrificed a lot when he stepped up as acting lieutenant for his mentor and friend. Now Severide has to figure out a way to make things right, or Cruz will move on. Some major decisions will be made by all three characters—Kidd, Severide and Cruz—in episode 3, and by the end of it, one of them will be heading out of Chicago."

Related: Another Chicago Fire Cast Member Exits During Season 12

On tonight’s episode, the major decision was that Severide would return to the ATF on a case-by-case basis and that Cruz would once again take over squad.

But first, it began with Boden telling Cruz, “You’ve been confirmed for the lieutenant’s test at the end of the month.”

When Cruz looked a little unsure, Boden added, “You’ve got to chart your own course. You’ve earned that right.”

Then Severide received an overnight package from Tucson, which later turned out to be from the ATF, who wants his help on an arson case.

In the meantime, Stella checked in with Cruz, hoping that Severide took her advice and apologized to Cruz.

Cruz said that Severide basically said, “Sorry not sorry. And he won’t stand in my way.”

When Stella tried to reassure him that he probably said that out of respect, Cruz responded, “It was more like, ‘There’s the door.’”

Severide is going over the Tucson arson case when Van Meter (Tim Hopper) drops by. He saw what Severide was working on and asked him if he put his name back on the ATF list. Severide says, “No. I’m not doing fire investigation now.”

Van Meter isn’t happy with that answer. He said, “I understand not wanting to follow in your dad’s footsteps.”

Severide told him, "It’s not that."

Van Meter responded, “Whatever the reason, it’s not good enough. You have the talent and passion for this. Don’t let it go to waste for whatever reason.”

Severide said, “Now’s a tricky time.” He knows that Stella would be upset about it.

Later, Stella sees what Severide is working on and she’s not happy. As mentioned, his fire investigation work almost destroyed their marriage.

Severide asked her to let him show that he can do the ATF work and be present for her. He really wants to do it.

She said, “You’re asking but it seems as if you’ve already made the decision.”

Severide replied, “If you’re not okay with me going, I won’t go. Just think it over, OK.”

But even as he said it, he looked sad.

Then Cruz ran into Stella and he told her, “I thought about what you said. I think you’re right. I would have felt trapped. Still, I can’t tell if he cares if I stay or go.”

Stella went to talk to Severide, who told her, “I wouldn’t have looked at any case file. It’s a big deal. In Tuscon, a federal agent was killed…”

Stella, off her conversation with Cruz, told Severide, “I don’t want you to feel trapped. I want you to go, but if you go MIA on me. If you leave me in the dark…”

Severide promised to do better.

Stella said, “I’m not the only one who’s permission you should ask.”

Severide said, “Boden’s already on board.”

Stella said, “I didn’t mean Boden.”

Severide talked to Cruz to see if he’s good with him going. “I won’t go unless you’re good with it. There’s no one else I would trust with squad.”

Cruz agreed and Severide took off again -- but this time we got to see it -- but not before a romantic scene between him and Stella where she promises to wait and they kiss.

Chicago Fire airs Wednesday nights at 9 p.m. ET/PT on NBC.

Next, Everything We Know About the Future of Chicago Fire