It really seemed as though Joe Cruz (Joe Minoso) had crossed the point of no return. The character had jeopardized his career, his family, and his future as a free man because of a decision he made in season one. Thankfully, he got out of it with a suspension and a slap on the wrist.
Part of the reason Cruz was able to avoid disaster was because he had Kelly Severide (Taylor Kinney) in his corner. The two men have had their differences over the years, but Severide advised him and helped ensure that the firefighter would fight to see another day. And we think Cruz has repaid the favor offscreen.
Cruz seemingly helped Stellaride's adoption process
The episode "Too Late" was notable because it contained the tragic death of Monica Pascal (KaDee Strickland), but also because it was the episode in which Severide and Stella Kidd (Miranda Rae Mayo) were approved for adoption. They were told of the good news at the onset of the episode, and who walked by the couple while they found out but Cruz himself.
Out of context, this means nothing. But Cruz and the adoption agent who delivers the good news make eye contact while Stellaride is embracing. There's a tacit acknowledgment that they know each other, which makes sense given that Cruz recently adopted his son Javi.
It's what the adoption agent says, however, that leads us to believe Cruz put in a good word for his friends. The agent notes that they want to make sure adoptive parents are dedicated, and says that he knows how the firefighters at 51 go above and beyond when it comes to caring for others.
The character repaid Severide's career favor
Cruz has definitely proven to be a model adoptive father. He not only took Javi in, but protected the boy when a man claiming to be Javi's relative showed up and tried to blackmail him. Cruz knows how becoming a parent can change one's life, and he has always had the inside scoop on both Severide and Kidd. He knows how much it means to them to take this next step.
The unspoken head nod between Cruz and the adoption agent is one of the most subtle touches we've seen on Chicago Fire in quite some time. It was a clever way of alluding to events that take place offscreen, while at the same time illustrating how Cruz has watched out Severide, the same exact way Severide did for him. Real friends.