Forbidden (Kelly Severide)

Chapter 26

A week had passed since Benny's funeral, and the heaviness in the air had finally started to lift. Kelly and Ivy found themselves falling into a new rhythm. It wasn't easy, but they were learning how to balance the grief with the excitement of starting their family. They spent more time together than ever, bonding over the upcoming arrival of their baby, and cherishing every quiet moment between the chaos of their lives.

It was early morning, and Ivy had taken the day off from the academy to spend time with Kelly. They were lounging in the living room, sipping coffee, and watching the light slowly filter through the curtains. The quietness was peaceful, but Ivy could sense the unease in Kelly as he absentmindedly tapped his fingers on the edge of the coffee table.

"You're thinking about him, aren't you?" Ivy asked, her voice soft as she watched him.

Kelly nodded, his eyes distant. "I can't stop. It's weird not having him around, even with all the tension we had. I guess I thought we had more time."

Ivy leaned over, placing her hand over his. "It's okay to miss him, Kelly. You don't have to hide that."

He looked at her, his expression softening as he turned his hand over to link his fingers with hers. "I know, but... it's just different now. With everything we're starting, the baby on the way, it's hard to make sense of it all."

Ivy rested her head on his shoulder, offering him the comfort that only she could. "Your dad would've loved this baby. And he would've been proud of you, no matter what. You know that, right?"

Kelly gave a small smile, his thumb brushing over her hand. "I hope so."

The moment stretched between them, filled with unspoken emotions and the quiet understanding they'd come to share so naturally. The baby stirred in Ivy's belly, and she placed Kelly's hand on her stomach, letting him feel the gentle movements.

"See?" Ivy said with a grin. "Even the baby's saying it's going to be okay."

Kelly chuckled, leaning down to kiss her forehead. "You're too good at this, you know that?"

"Good at what?"

"Making everything feel right."

Before Ivy could respond, Kelly's phone buzzed on the table, breaking the serene moment. He sighed as he glanced at the screen. "Matt's wondering if we want to come by the firehouse for a quick visit. He's being pretty vague, which usually means something's up."

Ivy raised an eyebrow, her curiosity piqued. "Should we?"

"I mean, we could just stay here... but I have a feeling we'll regret not finding out what he's up to," Kelly said with a mischievous grin.

Ivy laughed, shaking her head. "Fine. But no promises I won't fall asleep halfway through whatever scheme Matt's cooked up."

When they arrived at Firehouse 51, it was bustling with activity as usual. The squad was prepping for the day, while others were scattered around the common areas. Matt spotted them the second they walked in, a sly smile on his face as he approached.

"Hey, you two," Matt said, giving Ivy a quick nod before turning to Kelly. "Glad you could make it."

"Should we be worried?" Kelly asked, crossing his arms. "You look way too pleased with yourself right now."

Matt held up his hands in mock innocence. "Nothing's going on. I just thought it'd be good to get you both back here for a little while, you know, keep things normal."

Ivy narrowed her eyes playfully. "Normal? Since when is anything around here normal?"

Matt laughed. "Fair point. But seriously, it's just good to have you two back around."

Kelly exchanged a glance with Ivy, his suspicion growing. But before either of them could question Matt further, Cruz jogged over from the truck bay, clearly excited.

"Hey! Ivy! Kelly! You're just in time," Cruz called out, waving them over. "We've got something to show you."

Ivy shot Kelly a quizzical look before they followed Cruz toward the truck bay. As they rounded the corner, they were greeted with the sight of their colleagues gathered around a large banner that read, Welcome Back, Ivy!

Ivy's hand flew to her mouth in surprise. "What... is this?"

Cruz grinned. "We just wanted to do something to celebrate you being back, and, you know... all the stuff going on with the baby."

"Seriously?" Ivy said, her voice thick with emotion. "You guys didn't have to do this."

Dawson stepped forward, clapping Ivy on the shoulder. "Of course we did. You're family, Ivy. And we're here for all of it."

The firehouse crew erupted in cheers, and Ivy felt tears pricking at the corners of her eyes. She hadn't expected this — the overwhelming sense of support and love from her second family. Even with everything going on, they had taken the time to show her just how much she meant to them.

Kelly wrapped an arm around her shoulders, pulling her close as the group broke into conversation and laughter around them. Ivy leaned into him, her heart full. For a moment, everything felt perfect.

The rest of the visit passed in a blur of laughter, conversation, and catching up with their fellow firefighters. It wasn't long before Kelly and Ivy found themselves sitting in his office, stealing a quiet moment away from the noise.

"So," Kelly said, his voice low and teasing, "what do you think of the surprise?"

Ivy chuckled, resting her head against the back of the chair. "I think I'm never going to get used to how amazing these people are. I'm so lucky to have them."

Kelly smiled, leaning in closer. "And me? What about me?"

Ivy smirked. "You? I guess you're okay too."

He laughed softly, pulling her into a tender kiss. "Good to know."

They sat together, holding hands and enjoying the calm. Tomorrow would bring its own challenges, but for now, they had each other. And that was more than enough.