Forbidden (Kelly Severide)

Chapter 38

The next shift at Firehouse 51 was buzzing with energy. It had been a few days since the intense fire and Ivy's close call, but the team was back on track, ready for whatever came their way. Ivy, now three months postpartum, had settled into her new role in the house, helping out with training and being part of the support team since she wasn't on active duty for Squad anymore.

She walked into the firehouse, feeling the usual buzz of camaraderie and duty in the air. Her eyes found Kelly instantly. He was going through some paperwork with Cruz and Kidd by the trucks, his serious expression easing when he spotted her.

"Hey, Lieutenant," she called out with a teasing smile, rubbing her still-sore shoulders as she approached him. She'd been working out lately to get back in shape, and the strain was starting to show.

"Hey, gorgeous," Kelly greeted her, pulling her into a hug before planting a soft kiss on her forehead. "How's my favorite girl?"

"Which one?" Ivy teased, arching a brow. "Me or Elianna?"

"Both," Kelly grinned, pulling her closer. "But I get to see you here, so right now, you win."

Their quiet moment was interrupted by a throat-clearing sound behind them. They both turned to see Chief Boden standing there, arms crossed but a smile tugging at the corners of his mouth.

"I hate to break up the love fest," Boden said in his usual gruff tone, "but we've got work to do. You two can save the romance for after shift."

Ivy laughed, stepping back from Kelly. "Understood, Chief."

As she turned to head toward the office, Boden's voice followed her. "And by the way, Casey-Severide," he added with a teasing glint in his eye, "make sure you keep your PDA in check, alright? I don't want to be writing up any reports because you two couldn't wait until the end of the day."

Kelly chuckled, shaking his head as he caught Ivy's amused glance. "No promises, Chief," he quipped, earning a laugh from Cruz and Kidd, who had overheard the exchange.

Cruz chimed in next. "You two are like the firehouse's power couple. Seriously, it's kinda inspiring but also kinda nauseating."

Ivy mock-gasped, putting a hand over her heart. "You love it, Cruz. Don't pretend you're not rooting for us."

"Oh, I am," Cruz grinned, raising his hands in defense. "I just didn't think the romance would be this intense. You guys make the rest of us look bad."

Kelly leaned in, his voice low but loud enough for the others to hear. "It's not that hard when you've got the right person."

Ivy blushed but smiled, leaning her head on his shoulder for a brief moment before Chief Boden's glare reminded them both that they were still on the clock.

As Ivy turned toward the office, Matt appeared from around the corner, making a beeline for his sister. He enveloped her in a big hug, squeezing her tightly before pulling back to look her in the eyes.

"Love you, Ivy," he said earnestly, his face soft with emotion. "You're killing it, you know that?"

"Thanks, Matt," Ivy smiled, patting his arm. "That means a lot."

"I mean it," he continued. "You've been through a lot, but you're still here, holding strong. And Elianna is the luckiest little girl in the world to have you and Kelly as parents."

"Thanks, big brother," Ivy whispered, squeezing his hand. "You know I couldn't have done this without you, right?"

Matt smiled warmly, giving her one last hug. "I know. But still... you're amazing."