Forbidden (Kelly Severide)

Chapter 1

Ivy Casey clutched the steering wheel of her old SUV, the hum of the engine the only sound filling the vehicle. She took a deep breath and exhaled slowly as she pulled into the parking lot of Firehouse 51. Her heart pounded with a mix of excitement and nerves; it was her first day at a new firehouse, and she was eager to prove herself. The firehouse, with its red-brick façade and gleaming fire trucks, loomed ahead, the symbol of bravery and camaraderie that she had always admired.

Ivy had always been proud of her older brother Matt Casey. When she'd heard he was moving to a different firehouse, she had decided it was the perfect time to make a fresh start and join the ranks of the Chicago Fire Department herself. She knew she was walking into a legacy of commitment and heroism.

As she stepped out of her car, her eyes immediately went to the bustling activity outside the firehouse. Firefighters were going about their routines, washing trucks, checking equipment, and chatting with each other. Ivy adjusted her uniform, the crisp fabric feeling both foreign and familiar. She took a moment to compose herself, and then made her way toward the entrance.

Inside, the firehouse was alive with the scent of coffee and the hum of conversation. A few heads turned as Ivy entered, and she could feel the curious glances of the firefighters. She recognized the friendly face of her brother Matt, who was waiting by the entrance.

"Hey, Ivy!" Matt greeted, his grin widening as he stepped forward to give her a warm hug. "It's great to see you."

"It's good to see you too, Matt," Ivy replied, returning the hug. "I'm really excited to be here."

Matt led her through the firehouse, introducing her to the members of Squad 3. The first person they met was Andy Darden, who was busy adjusting his gear. Andy had been one of Matt's closest friends, and Ivy had heard a lot about him. He looked up with a smile when Matt mentioned her name.

"Ivy, it's great to finally see you again," Andy said, extending his hand. "I've heard a lot about you from Matt since you left. Welcome to the team."

"Thank you, Andy," Ivy said, shaking his hand firmly. "I'm really looking forward to working with everyone here."

As they continued the tour, Ivy couldn't help but notice the striking figure of Lieutenant Kelly Severide. He was leaning against a wall, his eyes focused intently on a clipboard. When he looked up and saw Ivy, there was a moment of recognition in his gaze. His presence was commanding, and there was an undeniable intensity about him.

Matt introduced her. "Lieutenant Severide, this is my sister Ivy. She's joining you on Squad 3."

Severide extended his hand, and Ivy took it, feeling the firm, confident shake. "Nice to meet you, Ivy. Welcome to Firehouse 51. I'm sure you'll fit right in."

"Thank you, Lieutenant," Ivy said, trying to keep her voice steady despite the flutter of nerves. She couldn't help but feel a bit of admiration for the Lieutenant. His reputation as a skilled and dedicated firefighter preceded him, and she was eager to prove herself in his squad.

After the introductions, Matt took Ivy to the locker room to get her settled. The room was filled with lockers and personal gear, each one a testament to the firefighter's commitment to their job. Ivy found her own locker and began organizing her equipment, trying to shake off the initial jitters.

As she was adjusting her gear, Andy walked in, carrying a coffee cup. He took a seat on the bench beside her. "So, Ivy, what brings you to Firehouse 51?"

Ivy looked up, meeting his curious gaze. "I wanted to follow in Matt's footsteps and make a difference. Plus, I think Firehouse 51 has a great team, and I wanted to be part of that."

Andy nodded in approval. "Well, you've come to the right place. This crew is like family, and we look out for each other. Just remember, we'll be here to support you every step of the way."

Before Ivy could respond, the alarm rang, and the familiar wail of the siren filled the firehouse. The firefighters immediately sprang into action. Ivy's heart raced as she quickly grabbed her gear and followed the rest of Squad 3. Matt gave her an encouraging nod as they moved.

Severide took charge, barking out orders with a calm yet authoritative voice. "Alright, let's go! We've got a structure fire at 12th and Main. Move quickly!"

Ivy followed the squad to the truck, her adrenaline surging. As they sped through the streets of Chicago, she glanced at Severide, who was focused on the task at hand. She could see the determination in his eyes, and it fueled her own resolve.

When they arrived at the scene, the building was engulfed in flames. The sight was both terrifying and awe-inspiring. Ivy took a deep breath, pushing her fears aside. She knew this was her chance to show what she was capable of.

Severide assigned her to assist with the search and rescue operations. She teamed up with a seasoned firefighter and entered the smoky building. The heat was intense, and visibility was limited. Ivy's training kicked in, and she methodically searched each room, calling out and checking for any trapped occupants.

After what felt like hours, they finally heard a faint cry for help. Ivy and her partner followed the sound, finding a young couple huddled together in a corner. Ivy's heart swelled with relief as they guided them to safety. The gratitude in their eyes was worth every moment of struggle.

Once outside, Ivy took a moment to catch her breath. The adrenaline was still coursing through her veins, but there was a sense of accomplishment that overshadowed her exhaustion. She looked around and saw Severide observing her with a nod of approval.

As the firefighters continued their efforts, Severide approached Ivy. "You did well today, Ivy. Your composure under pressure was impressive. Keep it up."

"Thank you, Lieutenant," Ivy said, feeling a sense of pride. "I appreciate the opportunity."

As the call came to a close, Ivy felt a newfound confidence. She had faced her first challenge head-on and had come out stronger for it. She knew she had a long road ahead, but she was ready to walk it with her new team.

As she returned to the firehouse, her brother Matt, Andy, and the rest of Squad 3 greeted her with smiles and pats on the back. The camaraderie was evident, and Ivy felt like she was finally where she belonged.

"Welcome to the team, Ivy," Matt said with a grin. "You did great today."

"Yeah," Andy chimed in, "you've definitely earned your place here."

Just as Andy finished talking to his best friend  Severide added, "Looking forward to working with you."

As the day drew to a close, Ivy looked around at her new family with a sense of belonging. She knew there would be challenges ahead, but with the support of her brother, her new friends, and her team, she was ready to face whatever came her way.