Forbidden (Kelly Severide)

Chapter 29

It had been a few weeks since Elianna Leslie Severide was born in the most unexpected place—Firehouse 51. Life had changed dramatically for both Kelly and Ivy, and they were slowly adjusting to their new roles as parents. Sleep-deprived, yet filled with joy, the couple was learning how to balance work, family, and the overwhelming emotions that came with being responsible for a tiny human.

Today, they were both off duty, and Ivy was lying on the couch in their apartment, gently rocking Elianna in her arms. Kelly sat on the floor next to them, his arm resting on Ivy's legs, his gaze never leaving his daughter. Despite the chaos of parenting, moments like this made it all worth it.

"She's so quiet today," Ivy whispered, smiling down at her baby.

"Yeah," Kelly responded softly, reaching up to brush a lock of Ivy's hair behind her ear. "It's almost like she knows her parents need a little break."

Ivy chuckled, though exhaustion was written all over her face. "You think we're actually getting a break today?"

Kelly smirked. "Let's hope. Though, knowing our luck, something will come up."

As if on cue, the sound of Ivy's phone vibrating on the coffee table interrupted the peaceful silence. Ivy sighed and glanced at Kelly. "See? We jinxed it."

She reached over to grab the phone, checking the message. It was from Chief Boden, asking how she and Kelly were doing, reminding them that they were always welcome to visit the firehouse whenever they felt ready.

"I think he misses us," Ivy said, showing Kelly the message.

Kelly laughed. "He misses you. You've been the one holding everything together around there." He shifted his position, sitting on the edge of the couch. "You know... I've been thinking."

Ivy raised an eyebrow, curious. "About what?"

Kelly looked up at her, his expression serious yet tender. "About us. About how everything's changed since Elianna came into our lives. And... how much I love seeing you as a mom. You're amazing, Ivy."

Ivy blushed slightly, not used to such direct compliments. "You're not so bad yourself, Lieutenant Severide," she teased, though there was a deep affection in her tone. "I couldn't do this without you."

They shared a moment, the weight of their new reality settling in between them. Kelly leaned in, brushing a gentle kiss on her lips. "I wouldn't want to do this with anyone else."

Elianna stirred slightly in Ivy's arms, causing both parents to pause and watch her for a moment. Her tiny hands stretched, her face scrunching up before she relaxed again.

"She's so perfect," Ivy whispered, her eyes glistening with emotion.

Kelly nodded, his gaze soft. "Yeah. She really is."

Later in the day, Kelly suggested they take a quick visit to the firehouse to see everyone. They hadn't been back since Elianna was born, and despite being on leave, they both missed the camaraderie of Firehouse 51. Besides, they knew the crew would be dying to see the baby in person.

Ivy hesitated at first—she was still exhausted, and the thought of leaving the safety of their apartment felt daunting. But Kelly convinced her that a brief visit would do them all some good. Plus, it was important for them to keep their ties to the firehouse strong.

When they arrived at Firehouse 51, the entire crew gathered around them almost instantly. Elianna, bundled up in a soft pink blanket, became the center of attention. Brett, Cruz, Matt, Stella, and even Boden couldn't get enough of the baby.

"She's got your eyes, Kelly," Cruz remarked, grinning as he gently touched Elianna's tiny hand. "And Ivy's charm, no doubt."

Ivy chuckled. "She's going to be a handful, that's for sure."

Boden approached with a wide smile, his gruff demeanor softening at the sight of the baby. "Well, it's good to see the Severide family looking strong. Elianna's got a whole firehouse looking out for her."

"We appreciate that, Chief," Kelly said sincerely, holding Ivy close with one arm while she held Elianna in the other.

As the crew continued to fuss over the baby, Matt pulled Ivy aside for a moment, his expression more serious than usual. "Hey," he started, his voice soft. "I just wanted to say how proud I am of you, Ivy. You've been through so much, and seeing you here, with Kelly and Elianna, it's... well, it's everything I hoped for you."

Ivy's eyes watered, touched by her brother's words. "Thanks, Matt. That means a lot."

Matt smiled, pulling her into a hug. "You're going to be an amazing mom."

When they pulled back from the hug, Kelly walked over with Elianna, smiling at the sight of Ivy and Matt's closeness. "You know, Matt," Kelly started with a playful tone, "I think Elianna's going to end up being more like her uncle than her old man."

Matt chuckled, rubbing the back of his neck. "As long as she doesn't pick up my bad habits."

Ivy laughed, looking between the two most important men in her life. "She's going to be perfect no matter what, but I think she'll have the best qualities of both of you."

The crew continued to chat and laugh, the firehouse feeling more like home than ever. Even though Ivy was stepping back from active duty, the bond between her and her family at 51 was stronger than ever.

A few hours later, after they had returned home from the firehouse, Ivy and Kelly were back in their apartment, both exhausted but happy from their visit. Elianna was fast asleep in her crib, and they found themselves sitting together on the couch, the weight of the day finally catching up to them.

"I never thought I'd say this, but I kind of miss the chaos of the firehouse," Ivy admitted, leaning her head on Kelly's shoulder.

Kelly chuckled. "Yeah, it's weird being away from it. But... I think we have enough chaos here to keep us busy for a while."

Ivy smiled, closing her eyes as she snuggled closer to him. "You're right. This is our new kind of chaos. And I wouldn't trade it for anything."

Kelly kissed the top of her head, his heart swelling with love for the woman beside him. "Neither would I."

They sat in comfortable silence for a while, simply enjoying each other's presence. Despite all the challenges they had faced—Benny's death, Ivy's pregnancy, the ups and downs of their relationship—they were stronger than ever. They had built a life together, and now, with Elianna in the picture, they knew their family was complete.

"Ivy?" Kelly said softly, breaking the silence.

"Yeah?" she responded, her eyes still closed.

"I can't get enough of you," he whispered, his voice filled with emotion. "You're everything to me. You and Elianna. I just... I want you to know that."

Ivy opened her eyes and looked up at him, her heart swelling with love. "I know, Kelly. And I feel the same way. You're everything to me too."

They shared a tender kiss, the kind that spoke of all the love, struggles, and triumphs they had experienced together. When they pulled back, Ivy rested her head on his chest, content in the knowledge that they had each other—and now, they had Elianna too.

As they drifted off to sleep, wrapped in each other's arms, they knew that whatever the future held, they would face it together. And for the first time in a long time, everything felt right in the world.

Their little family was all they needed.

And just like that, their new chapter of life as parents was unfolding, full of love, laughter, and the challenges of raising a daughter in a world where both of their hearts belonged to the firehouse.