Forbidden (Kelly Severide)

Chapter 19

Ivy stood in front of the mirror in the firehouse locker room, adjusting her uniform. Today was her first full shift back at Firehouse 51 after everything that had happened with Voight. The past few weeks had been a whirlwind—watching as Voight was finally arrested and taken into custody, knowing that his corrupt tactics were finally exposed for good. It felt like a weight had been lifted off her shoulders, and for the first time in what felt like forever, she could breathe easily again.

But there was still the lingering anxiety about coming back to work. Being suspended had left her feeling vulnerable, and while she knew that her team had her back, she wasn't naive enough to think that the rest of the Chicago Fire Department was as supportive. Especially with Captain Anderson coming for a firehouse inspection today.

Captain Anderson had a reputation for being tough, unforgiving, and—to put it plainly—an asshole. He was known for nitpicking every little thing during his inspections, and from what Ivy had heard, he had an old-school attitude toward women in the fire service. The thought of facing him made her stomach churn, but she wasn't going to let him get under her skin. Not today.

She finished tying her boots and took a deep breath, steadying herself. "You've got this, Ivy," she muttered to herself, before heading out to join the rest of the squad.

As she entered the bay, she was greeted by the familiar sound of chatter and laughter. Her squad mates were milling around, checking gear and preparing for the day. Kelly was standing by Squad 3, talking to Matt, but as soon as he saw her, a warm smile spread across his face. It was that smile that gave her the reassurance she needed—no matter what happened today, she wasn't alone.

"Hey," Kelly said as she approached. "You ready for the big inspection?"

Ivy raised an eyebrow. "As ready as I'll ever be."

Matt glanced between them, his expression serious. "Anderson's a piece of work, but don't let him get to you, Ivy. He's looking for a reason to nitpick. Just keep your head down, do your job, and you'll be fine."

Ivy nodded, but deep down, she knew that Anderson wouldn't let it be that easy. He wasn't just here for the firehouse inspection—he was here to size her up, to test her. And she wasn't going to let him win.

Just as she was about to respond, a black SUV pulled up outside the firehouse, and Anderson stepped out, clipboard in hand. He was a tall man, well-built, with a permanent scowl etched into his face. As he approached, the air seemed to grow tense, and the usual chatter in the bay died down.

"Captain Anderson," Boden greeted him as he walked up. "Welcome to Firehouse 51."

Anderson grunted in response, not bothering with pleasantries. His eyes scanned the room, taking in the equipment, the trucks, and finally landing on Ivy. For a moment, his gaze lingered on her, and she could tell that he recognized her from the reports. The ones that had been all over the department after her suspension.

"So," Anderson said, his voice gruff as he turned to Boden, "I hear you've had some... issues lately."

Boden's face remained impassive, though Ivy could see the tension in his shoulders. "Everything's under control now."

Anderson's eyes flicked back to Ivy, and his lip curled into a sneer. "I'll be the judge of that."

Ivy stood tall, her jaw clenched, refusing to let his attitude affect her. But as Anderson began his inspection, it became clear that he had no intention of playing fair.

He walked around the apparatus bay, inspecting every tool and piece of equipment with an exaggerated scrutiny, making sarcastic comments under his breath whenever he found something that wasn't up to his impossible standards. The crew exchanged uneasy glances, but no one said a word, knowing that any protest would only make things worse.

Then, Anderson made his way to Squad 3, where Ivy was standing with Kelly.

"Squad 3," Anderson said, looking at the truck with disdain. "Impressive unit. Shame it's being wasted on a house like this."

Ivy's fists clenched at her sides, but she remained silent, focusing on her breathing. Anderson's eyes turned to her, a gleam of malice in them.

"And you must be Casey," he said, his tone mocking. "The one who punched Adams."

Kelly bristled beside her, but Ivy spoke before he could say anything. "That's right," she said calmly. "And I'm back on Squad 3, ready to do my job."

Anderson chuckled darkly. "I'm sure you are. But I've been hearing some things about you, Casey. Things that make me wonder if you're really cut out for this job."

Ivy felt a surge of anger rise within her, but she kept her voice steady. "I've earned my place here, Captain. Just like everyone else."

Anderson raised an eyebrow, his gaze condescending. "Have you now? Or are you just riding on your last name?"

The insult hit its mark, but before Ivy could respond, Kelly stepped forward. "That's enough, Captain. Ivy's proven herself more than capable, and she's got the respect of everyone in this house."

Anderson's eyes narrowed, but he didn't say anything to Kelly. Instead, he turned back to Ivy, his sneer deepening. "I guess we'll see how long that lasts."

The inspection continued with Anderson making unnecessary comments, but Ivy kept her head down, trying not to let his words get to her. She knew what he was doing—he was testing her, trying to break her spirit. But she wasn't going to give him the satisfaction.

After the inspection finally ended, and Anderson left the firehouse, there was a collective sigh of relief among the crew. Boden gathered everyone in the common room, his expression tight with frustration.

"Well," he began, "that could've gone better, but all things considered, we made it through."

"Barely," Cruz muttered, rubbing the back of his neck.

Boden nodded. "I know Anderson was tough on us, especially on Ivy. But you all handled yourselves well. We'll deal with the fallout if there is any."

Matt glanced at Ivy, a mixture of anger and concern in his eyes. "He crossed a line, Ivy. I'm sorry you had to deal with that."

Ivy shrugged, though the weight of the day was beginning to settle on her shoulders. "It's nothing I haven't heard before. He's just another one of those guys who thinks I don't belong here."

Kelly's hand found its way to her back, a subtle but comforting gesture. "He's wrong, and you know that. You're part of this team, and nothing he says can change that."

Ivy managed a small smile, but the frustration lingered. "I just hate that he brought Andy into it. He doesn't get to talk about him like that."

Matt's expression hardened. "No, he doesn't. And he won't get away with it. We'll report him if we have to."

Boden nodded in agreement. "If Anderson tries to make trouble for you, Ivy, we'll take it up the chain. You have nothing to worry about."

Ivy appreciated their support, but deep down, she knew this wasn't over. Anderson wasn't the first person to doubt her abilities, and he wouldn't be the last. But she had faced adversity before, and she had always come out stronger.

As the rest of the crew began to disperse, Kelly pulled Ivy aside, his eyes searching hers. "Are you okay?" he asked softly.

Ivy nodded, though her voice was tinged with exhaustion. "I will be. I just... need some time to process everything."

Kelly wrapped his arms around her, holding her close. "Take all the time you need. I'm here for you, no matter what."

Ivy leaned into his embrace, finding solace in his warmth. Despite everything that had happened, despite the doubts and the challenges, she knew that she wasn't alone. With Kelly and her team by her side, she could face whatever came next.

And if Anderson—or anyone else—tried to stand in her way again, she'd be ready.