Chicago Fire just set up a new 51 romance and we did NOT see it coming

Lizzy Novak (Jocelyn Hudon) has not had a legitimate love interest on Chicago Fire. The character has been plenty flirty with different characters, including Chief Dom Pascal (Dermot Mulroney), but the 51 medic has not pulled the trigger and actively pursued someone. Until now.

"In the Rubble" was an episode that revolved about Pascal and his emotional collapse following the death of his wife. It was a tough but effective episode in terms of conveying the character's pain, and casting doubt on his future with 51. Amidst all the trauma, though, was the introduction of a romance between Novak and one Jack Damon (Michael Bradway)!

Novak cornered and kissed Jack Damon

Toward the end of the episode, Novak grabs Damon and plants a huge kiss on him. He looks just as surprised as we do, but Novak clarifies that she'd been wanting to kiss him for a long time. The feeling seemed to be mutual, based on Damon's smile. Novak then took the reins and put herself out there in a way we've never really seen before. "Maybe we can pick this up after shift?," she asked. Damon was onboard, and the medic promised to text him before walking away.

It's been a long time since we've had a steamy encounter such as this on Firehouse 51 property. Most of the couples on the show are married, so there's not really a need to be secretive. The only pairing that would have snuck kisses by the firetrucks, Violet (Hanako Greensmith) and Carver (Jake Lockett), are no longer together.

Chicago Fire could benefit from this romance

There were some hints that Novak and Damon were headed for romance, or at least a hook up, but each of them came with a certain amount of plausible deniability. Novak was flirty with Damon before he left Firehouse 51, but we could have chalked that up to her bubbly personality. Novak's ex-fiance was intimidated by Damon's presence a few episodes back, but this, again, could be written off as being in the ex's mind.

Now we know that these little sparks were legitimate. And frankly, we're onboard. It's been a while since we've gotten a brand new romance (Violet and Carver were the last), and Novak and Damon are both characters that still have a lot to reveal to the audience. We're still getting to know them, and it'll be interesting to see different facets of their respective personalities come to light as they embark on something romantic. Or at least a few hook ups.