Forbidden (Kelly Severide)

Chapter 41

The familiar crackle of the radio echoed through the firehouse as the squad wrapped up another long day. Ivy sat back, rubbing her shoulders, still feeling the chill of the morning's shift. Kelly, sitting next to her, had just finished telling her about his last call when Matt strolled over, gesturing with a couple of cigars in his hand.

"You two in for one?" Matt asked with a playful smirk, already knowing their answer.

Ivy and Kelly shared a quick glance before Kelly grinned. "You read my mind, brother."

The three of them made their way out to the back of the firehouse, where the sky was slowly darkening, the crisp winter air biting at their faces. Kelly pulled his jacket tighter around Ivy, a protective gesture, as they sat on a small bench, Matt leaning against the side of the wall.

They lit the cigars, the rich scent swirling in the cold air. For a while, no one spoke, the peacefulness of the moment allowing them to simply enjoy each other's company. But it wasn't long before Matt broke the silence.

"So, I've been thinking," he began, taking a long drag from his cigar before exhaling slowly. "About Sylvie."

Kelly raised an eyebrow, his expression curious. "Sylvie, huh? Thought you weren't ready to get back out there after... you know."

Matt shrugged, looking out into the distance as he blew out another puff of smoke. "Yeah, well, I wasn't. I'm still not sure I am. But Sylvie's... different."

Ivy watched her brother closely, sensing his hesitation. "You're scared because of what happened with Dawson, aren't you?" she asked softly.

Matt's jaw tightened slightly, the mention of Gabby causing a flicker of pain to cross his face. "Yeah," he admitted, his voice low. "I just... I don't want to mess it up again, you know? With Gabby, everything felt so right until it wasn't. And now, I don't know if I can go through that again."

Ivy leaned forward, resting her hand on his knee in a comforting gesture. "Matt, you're not going to mess it up. Sylvie's not Gabby, and what you had with Gabby... that was its own thing. But this—whatever you're feeling with Sylvie—that's different. You can't compare the two."

Kelly nodded, backing Ivy up. "Exactly. Gabby's gone, man. She made her choice, and it sucks, but you're still here. You deserve to be happy."

Matt took another drag, mulling over their words. "It's just... Sylvie's amazing. She's kind, funny, smart—and I don't want to screw that up."

Kelly grinned, unable to resist. "Well, lucky for you, I'm an expert in not screwing things up."

Matt snorted, the tension breaking for a moment. "Oh, please, Severide. You're lucky Ivy decided to settle for you. Don't act like you didn't screw up your fair share of things."

Kelly pretended to be offended, his hand flying to his chest. "Hey, now. I like to think I've matured."

Ivy chuckled, shaking her head. "He's right, though. You had your moments."

"Moments?" Matt teased. "Try years."

Kelly opened his mouth to retort, but Ivy cut him off, turning back to Matt with a smile. "All jokes aside, Matt, you're great. If you like Sylvie, you should go for it. Don't let fear hold you back."

Matt looked between them, a small smile tugging at the corner of his mouth. "Thanks, Ivy."

Before they could continue their conversation, the radio crackled to life, and the familiar voice of dispatch came through. "Squad 3, Truck 81, Ambulance 61—boat rescue, multiple victims trapped in the water. Winter conditions reported. Respond immediately."