Hunting Season (Kelly Severide Love Story)

The Unrivaled Standard

"DON'T ASK IF I'M HAPPY, YOU KNOW THAT I'M NOT, BUT AT BEST I CAN SAY I'M NOT SAD, CAUSE HOPE IS A DANGEROUS THING FOR A WOMAN LIKE ME TO HAVE"

Once again here I am, sitting in my car, too frightened to go inside and face the music. It's been over two months since my overdose and only two weeks since I have been out of rehab, the worst part is that they all know.

They all saw me at my absolute worst and I don't think they will ever look at me the same again.

It's always going to be the pity looks as they pause after every word they say, walking on egg shells around me as though I am some fragile piece of glass.

I don't want them to treat me any differently.

I just want them to forget it ever happened and just treat me like regular old Olivia.

"Hey" Jess brings me out of my mind, "I'll be right by your side the whole time" she assures me. "If all the attention is on me then please do something stupid" I request, "don't you worry, I have no problem commanding the attention of a room" she winks.

"This is why I love you" I chuckle, "I love you too" she smiles, "now let's go" she gets out first and I get out second, still hesitant to step into the firehouse.

I mean, I technically quit.

But now, here I am again.

"After everything that has happened" Jess starts, "you should know by now that nothing can hold you down" she holds my hand as we walk into the firehouse. I feel more powerful with Jess by my side, knowing she will make light of the situation and all the focus won't be on me.

Walking into the living area and there is there is only Capp and Mouch who send me an acknowledging nod before returning to their conversation.

"Okay" Jess nods, "I was expecting a bigger welcome" she comments, "but we can work with this" she looks around.

"Well I'm happy with just a nod" I reply, "knowing they are treating me the same and not like a child" I add.

"WELCOME BACK OLIVIA!" The others suddenly burst into the room, holding a banner and cheering.

"What was that about treating you the same?" Jess comments as I internally sigh, delighted that they were thinking about me but it also means that a recovering addict is what they will continue to see me as.

"Thanks you guys" I hug them all, feeling comfort in their presence, I really missed being around here.

"How are you doing?" Gabby questions, "fantastic" I answer but they don't believe me that much.

"Listen guys" I start, "I know that the past few months have been really intense and I apologise for letting myself lose control like that" I take responsibility. "But I am in control now and I would really appreciate if you just treated me like normal instead of handling me with kid gloves" I request.

They all nod, accepting my request.

"Because I am so much better, I can assure you" I add.

"Of course you are" Hermann nudges me, "you're a firefighter" he adds.

"Damn right I am" I agree, glad that I didn't make the mistake of going back to Ohio and quitting firefighting indefinitely. Being a firefighter is the best decision I have ever made and I wouldn't be happier anywhere else.

"I'm going to get changed" I announce as I walk towards the locker room.

"Sit down, Capp" I call out, feeling someone following me.