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saralayne · 9 months

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Missing Moments 🩵🩷

Chapter 1 ~ Tell Me What Your Feeling

6x15 - Molly’s Scene

After Casey confronted his feelings, A true realization slapped Kelly in the face. Casey was truly trying to help his best friend, he along with everyone at 51 could see how he truly felt about Stella Kidd. It was painfully obvious how she had changed him since she arrived on the scene at 51 a couple years ago. The Kelly they all knew before was different. Sure, they are great friends and that was true but Kelly denying how he was really feeling was only hurting him. After he defied direct orders from Boden and busted his way into that house, all to save Stella. No care in the world about consequences. Casey could not understand why he kept masking his feelings. As they walked through Med, he bluntly said to the squad lieutenant.

“That feeling, that connection, won’t go away. Just because you don’t want it to be there”

Those words had Kelly’s thoughts spinning around in his head. Casey was right, although he was wrong about one thing. Kelly did want those feelings, that connection...with Stella.

As Stella was not only his friend but also his roommate. He knew she was at Molly’s the next morning. He didn’t want to wait, he needed to talk to her. He thought he could invite her for lunch and go from there. He wasn’t expecting Stella, who had enough to force him to express his feelings right then and there.

“For once, can you just tell me what your feeling”

Kelly froze. There was no turning back now. Stella had called him out. It was now or never. Fear paralyzed him. Running away from this would almost certainly ruin any chance he has with Stella. No more denial. Time for those walls to come down.

“You really wanna know?”

“Yes Kelly, I’m tired of doing this dance. I feel like we are constantly taking one step forward and then two steps back. It’s too hard. I can’t handle that with you anymore”

Kelly inched closer.

“Stella. Communicating my feelings isn’t easy for me. Truth is. I have had feelings for you for a while now. When you were trapped in that house, it destroyed me. All I knew is I needed to get to you, protect you, save you. I Love You, Stella Kidd”

Stella was wide eyed, could not believe what she was hearing. Where did this Kelly come from? Stella was smirking while staring into his beautiful blue eyes.

“Stella...What...You're staring...Can you say something?”

“Well...Not much to say. Except I LOVE YOU MORE, KELLY SEVERIDE”

Chapter 2 ~ I’m So Glad Your Back

7x02 - Hospital Scene

Stella had just woken up from her emergency surgery. Doctors were originally determined to remove her lung but due to Kelly fighting like hell, a risky surgery was done to save her lung. She was going to be ok. She was going to be able to continue with a career she loved. While giving Stella post op care, April informed her on what had transpired since she ran out of oxygen. Obviously, Stella was unconscious, fighting for her life and was in the dark on everything that had happened. As April got to the part of Kelly fighting so hard for her, even so much as him getting kicked out by security. Stella was consumed with emotions. They had been dating for just under a year but they had been orbiting each other for two years before. They were best friends and roommates. Still, Stella couldn’t believe what he had sacrificed to save not only her life, but also her career. Kelly knew what being a firefighter meant to her but for him to make it a mission to be her advocate meant the world to her. God, she loved this man. April was just about to leave the room.

“April, Is Kelly still here?

“Stella, come on. Do you really think he would be anywhere else? NO ONE was able to get him to leave. It literally took two huge security guards to get him to go outside. He’s just sitting right outside of your room. He really loves you Stella. I have known Kelly for a long time and I have never seen anyone have such a effect on him before you”

Stella, just waking up and still feeling drowsy, managed to show a wide smile. The thought of having someone love her like this for the first time in her life gave her literal chills.

“I want to see him”

“Of course, I will go get him”

“Kelly, she’s awake and wants to see you”

Kelly heavily sighed. After this exhausting day, the woman he loved was alive. He was overwhelmed just thinking of how he could have lost her. She was trying to save him. He walked over to her. All he could do was stare at her beautiful face, not saying a word. Stella was annoyed.

“STOPP”

Kelly smirked at her. Knelt down to bed level and took her hand in his.

“I’m so glad your back”

All of the emotions he had felt through the day had become unleashed. He buried his head against her chest. Kelly was crying.

“Kelly, It’s ok. I’m ok. I’m hearing the reason I am ok is because of you. I didn’t think you could be more amazing, but you proved me wrong. Thank you for being my hero.”

“Stella, I’m no hero. I just knew there was no way I could lose you. CFD and 51 needs you, You're an amazing firefighter. I’m so in love with you and there is no world for me without you” The tears Stella held in her eyes had now had started to roll down her cheeks. Stella inched herself to the other side of the bed.

“Kelly, will you do me a favor”

“Anything for you, my love”

“Come lay with me. I'm exhausted and feel groggy. I want to fall asleep with you beside me.

“Are you sure? I don’t want to hurt you”

“Kelly, the only thing that hurts right now is having you NOT next to me...Please”

Kelly didn’t even hesitate. He almost jumped into the open side of her hospital bed. He snuggled into her. Put his arms around her, tightly gripping her. His face smothered in her tangled, messy hair.

“I LOVE YOU STELLA KIDD. Close those beautiful eyes. I will be right here when you wake up” “I LOVE YOU, My beautiful man, My hero”

Both Stella and Kelly fell into a sound sleep snuggled next to one another.

Chapter 3 ~ You Did Good

10x17 - Loft Scene

After Stella returned home to the loft, she felt defeated. Rescuing Adriana seemed straight forward at first until it wasn’t. Stella had amazing instincts and knew there was more to this. The marks on Adriana’s neck were all too familiar. Suddenly, Stella soon realized she unfortunately had a lot in common with this young girl. Kelly and her 51 family knew the relationship she had was toxic and even dangerous. That memory of her now fiance having to step in between Grant and a knife to save Stella was a dark memory. As time passed, Grant was out of Stella’s life. Stella for her part had long moved on from her past. She was thriving. She was now truck lieutenant at 51, Had everyone at 51 who was her family and she was engaged to Kelly, the love of her life. Still, she never divulged on what she really went through with Grant in the past, not even to Kelly. It was a part of her that she wanted to forget. With Adriana, Stella had been triggered. Her past had come back into her memories. When Kelly questioned her knowing what was really going on with Adriana. It forced Stella to revisit what Grant had done to her all those years ago. In Kelly’s office, his fiance telling him that Grant would choke her probably on many occasions made Kelly seeth. What else had he done to her? Him, imagining anyone putting their hands on her destroyed him but they had a job to do. They needed to put this guy behind bars to protect Adriana. That needed to be the focus right now.

Later, once Stella had made sure Adriana was safe, Kelly and Stella were unwinding on the couch with a much needed drink.

“Stella, you did all you could do. You did good”

Kelly held her. Giving the comfort she definitely needed. He knew she had been deeply affected and had opened old wounds that had long been closed. Stella was sniffling.

“Kelly, I’m scared”

“Stella, babe. Why are you scared? It’s over. You are the reason why Adriana is safe tonight”

“I know. It’s been so long. I haven’t let myself think about Grant coming back and finding me. I know I can handle most things, but it really hit me. It terrifies me at the thought of him coming back. The thought of him trying to hurt me again, hurt us.”

“STELL, I want you to listen to me. Really listen. He will NEVER and I repeat NEVER get anywhere near you. He is DONE hurting you. What you went through, what he did to you breaks my heart and makes my blood boil. The fact you suffered alone and lived in fear. BUT now you are not alone. I will make it my life’s mission to make sure no one ever hurts you. I will always protect you, even when you don’t want me to. You're safe with me, and I will ALWAYS make you feel safe and loved. I LOVE YOU, STELLA KIDD”

“I LOVE YOU, KELLY SEVERIDE. Thank you for always being my perfect man”

Chapter 4 ~ Not How I’m Gonna Go

8x04 - Infection

When friends from 51, Intelligence Unit and Med all got together to go cheer on the Bears. No one could envision what would transpire. Having a man collapse as they were all enjoying tailgating fun. It became harrowing as days went by, many victims were under attack by ‘Flesh Eating Virus’. Not only was this incredibly rare but also deadly.

When 51 responded to a call at a research lab. It had become a hazmat situation. The fire was not routine, flames were green in color and that meant a dangerous chemical was most likely involved. 51 was ordered to completely scrub down and wash in a decontamination station after exiting the building. It was chaos.

Stella Kidd was fearless. She rarely felt uneasy on calls. She reacted and acted in any situation but this truly terrified her. After she had gotten through the decontamination station and was standing in front of all their equipment. Stella was approached by squad lieutenant, her boyfriend. He immediately could sense how uneasy she was feeling.

“Hey, I’m not worried”

“Well, I’m glad one of us isn’t terrified by this thing”

Stella quickly rebuffed his reassurance.

“That’s not how I’m gonna go”

“Alright, How are you gonna go?”

“Old man in bed. With our kids, grandkids and you surrounding me”

Kelly then got called away by Casey to talk to Boden and Voight, trying to get to the bottom of this scary situation.

Meanwhile, Stella was left absolutely shell shocked. Had Kelly just admitted that she was his forever?. Kelly Severide, renowned ladies man. She knew they really loved each other for a long time now. Since they had gotten back together, it had been pure bliss. She just never knew if he saw a long term future with her. She was not only calm now, she also had never felt happier.

Later, at home. Stella couldn’t stop thinking of his earlier words. Was it in the heat of the moment? She really needed to know, As they snuggled on the couch, winding down from the day...She nervously began.

“Hey Kelly, Can I ask you something?

“You can ask me anything, my love”

Stella happily sighed, but nervous about how this conversation could go.

“Did you mean what you said to me earlier?”

Stella began rambling, which she only did when she was anxious.

“I mean. I know it was a chaotic situation. I was feeling scared. Maybe, you were wanting to calm me. Which I love you for, maybe because I needed comfort, maybe...”

Kelly smiled and interjected. He knew she was spinning and would keep rambling. “STELLA, Stop. Hey relax. Your spinning”

Stella took a deep breath.

“YES, I meant every word. It was not the heat of the moment. I have loved you for a VERY long time. Even before our breakup, I knew what I wanted our future to be. After we got back together I felt so grateful. I didn’t lose you. YOU are the absolute love of my life. I think about our future all the time. I think about mini Stella and Kelly’s running around. I want us to get married, have babies and wake up next to you for the rest of my life. So YES, When I’m an old man and it’s my time to go. It’s GOING to be our kids, grandkids and you surrounding me” Stella now had tears streaming down her face. Thinking of a forever life with this man was all she ever wanted.

“Kelly, I LOVE YOU WITH EVERYTHING I GOT. I can’t wait to have everything with you. I too, am grateful for you, my beautiful man.

Chapter 5 ~ Never Gonna Leave You

10x01 - Missing Pier Scene

Kelly dropped to one knee in the middle of an inferno, had torn his mask off and asked the love of his life to marry him. It was a very unconventional place and time. It was not only dangerous but he never even had a ring. This was not the plan. The concern that consumed him for weeks was Stella expressing she never wanted to get married again. After Grant, she never wanted to be in a situation where she could never just leave. With that being said Kelly was not Grant in any way, shape or form. Stella was so in love with her boyfriend and most importantly was finally in a healthy, loving relationship. Still, Kelly was worried. Maybe, she wouldn’t ever want to marry him. In the middle of that call when Stella wouldn’t leave, she was going to be by Kelly’s side until they were safely out of the building. They were trapped and he questioned her for not going out with her company. Finally, her words were magic to Kelly. Everything he wanted to hear.

“No way. I’m never leaving you. Don’t you get that by now?”

That was it. The moment was now.

As a happily, engaged couple. Everything was perfect. Stella had passed her lieutenants exam. Although, She would have to leave 51. It didn’t matter. Kelly reassured her, no matter where she went, she would excel as a leader.

Then, Squad 3 was called to Navy Pier for a boat rescue.

Truck and Ambo were anxiously waiting on the pier. Everyone was worried. Stella was utterly terrified. None of squad was surfacing, their tanks were running out of air. They didn’t have much time. Stella was on her radio asking for confirmation, where she received no response. Stella couldn’t hold on anymore. She broke down. She looked at Brett.

“I can’t watch this anymore. I can’t watch his lifeless body come out of the water. I won’t have those memories. I’m going to go over to the other side of the pier”

Not able to think any positive thoughts, she had let her mind and heart go to the worst possible place.

How could this be happening? All her dreams were coming true with the love of her life. In minutes, it had been ripped away. She was living a absolute nightmare. Stella was sobbing as she walked away. Her 51 family knew she needed to take a beat and reluctantly let her walk away.

Meanwhile, Casey was out in the water and had helped Kelly pull Cruz to the surface. Kelly was exhausted, he couldn’t continue. Casey administered CPR to Cruz and after what seemed like an eternity, he coughed up some water. Everyone was ok.

By this time, Stella had walked away from the rigs. She was devastated and heartbroken, Rescue boats had brought squad back to the pier. Everyone was elated. Clapping and cheering. Cruz was rushed to a waiting ambo for treatment. Brett had attempted to get Kelly on the gurney wanting to make sure he was out of the woods. Kelly was extremely fatigued. He was nervously looking around in every direction. Where was Stella? Brett had seen his confusion. As she laid her hand on his shoulder.

“Kelly, she’s on the other side of the pier. We all thought the worst had happened. When she got no reply on the radio, she broke. She wasn’t going to watch you come out of the water any different than you went in”

Kelly’s heart shattered. The only thing that kept him going while under water was knowing he would do anything to get back to his fiance.

“I need to go find her”

He ran up the pier, searching for her. He saw a magical but also heartbreaking sight. Sunshine was glaring from the water and shining on her face. She was so beautiful as she was staring into the water but also he saw a vision of despair.

“Stella. Sweetheart. Turn around”

Stella heard his voice. Her eyes widened.

She saw him. Her fiance. Her love. He was alive.

“KELLY. OH MY GOSH. Yo-Your alive.”

Stella couldn’t get into his arms fast enough, wrapping her arms secretly around his neck. “Stella. I’m ok. I'm so sorry I put you through this, I really am. Truthfully, it was a close call. I didn’t think it was going to end well. The only thing that kept me going was YOU. I was determined to get back to you. To start this amazing next chapter. The thought of you, my beautiful fiance and being able to stare into those gorgeous brown eyes again was the one thing that kept me alive. You saved me”

“Kelly, I was terrified. The thought of losing you. Not being able to grow old with you, broke me. My heart literally was crumbling into a million pieces”

“Stella, I'M NEVER GONNA LEAVE YOU”

Chapter 6 ~ Hey, You Ok?

8X09 - After Stella’s Accident

Stella and Kelly are happy. Life had been blissful for them. After Kelly had reluctantly agreed to leave 51 temporarily and assist OFI on their backlog of cases. He had made a deal with Grissom to save Herman’s position after a vengeful cop had threatened end his career. Kelly agreed to move over to OFI in return. Truth be told, Kelly had a knack for arson investigating. He couldn’t deny that professionally, he shared talents with his departed dad, Benny.

Stella was so proud of her boyfriend. She was going to miss seeing Kelly at 51 everyday but was so proud of the man he was, saving Herman’s career. Kelly of course, reassured her.

“Are you sure you’re OK going to OFI?

Her heart literally melted at his response

“As long as I get to come home to you. I’m OK, wherever I go”

“I’m without a doubt, the luckiest girl in the world”

Stella meant every word. She really was the luckiest girl to have such a wonderful man.

Stella was keeping busy, ridiculously busy. She had been taking on so much. Shifts at 51, teaching classes at the request of Boden, her nights working at Molly’s. Stella was exhausted. Kelly had definitely noticed she was burning the candle at both ends. She wouldn’t slow down to rest even at his suggestion. He was worried. Even went as far as to ask Casey to watch over her while they were on shift. She was taking on way too much. Kelly couldn’t be there on shift to watch her and he was seriously concerned.

Brett and Foster had seen how exhausted she was. As Stella left 51 to go and teach a class, she could barely formulate a complete sentence. Bluntly, they put their foot down. Stella needed sleep. Forcefully, so no argument could be made. They told her to go home and sleep. They made a call to the academy informing them Stella was under the weather and would not be available to teach her class. What seemed like only seconds later, as everyone was walking out of 51…’CRASH’. Stella had run through a stop sign and T boned another vehicle. 51 family desperately ran towards the scene. Stella was terrified that the mother and child in the other vehicle were seriously hurt. She made sure they received immediate medical attention from Brett and Foster. Stella assured everyone she was OK as blood was running down the side of her face. Stella and the victims from the other vehicle were taken to the hospital.

Casey looked over to the others

“I need to call Severide. He has been really worried about her. I need to let him know what has happened”

Kelly was knee deep in investigating a scene. His phone started vibrating in his pocket. As he pulled out his phone, seeing his best friends name across the screen.

“Hey Casey, I’m at a scene right now. Can I call you….?

Before he could finish

“SEVERIDE!”

Kelly had a sinking feeling

“There has been a incident. She’s OK. Stella has been in a car accident”

“WHAT! A car accident??”

Kelly was trembling

“Are you su…Sure she’s OK?”

“Severide. I promise she’s OK. She’s being taken to Med right now”

“I’M ON MY WAY”

Kelly floored his foot to the gas pedal. He just needed to see her. Being told she was OK wasn’t enough. He needed to see her.

Kelly ran through those hospital doors and there she was. She had her face buried in her hands. She really was OK.

“HEY…ARE YOU OK?”

“Yeah”

After finding out the other victims were ok. Stella was still beating herself up. Kelly just wanted to take her home.

“Stell. Babe. Come on, I’m taking you home”

Stella and Kelly still technically lived apart, even though this was only a formality as she basically spent every night at the loft.

After returning home

“Come on. Let’s get you to bed”

As Kelly tucked his girlfriend into bed. The emotions of the had gutted him.

“Stella, When I got that phone call, I was TERRIFIED”

“I know. I’m So Sorry”

“Stell….Look I’m really concerned. I have been worried for days now. I even asked Casey to look out for you. Babe, you are exhausted. You can’t keep doing this. You need to take a beat. I LOVE YOU. I never want to feel the way I felt today…EVER AGAIN. You’re such a bad ass but everyone has a breaking point. Please Stel…Please slow down”

“You’re right Kelly. Today was a big eye opener. I cannot keep this up. I’m gonna talk to Boden. I am gonna cut my hours at Molly’s a little and concentrate on 51. Give myself time to spend spare moments with my amazing boyfriend”

Stella fell right asleep. Not able to stay awake any longer. Kelly got called back to work. He knew Stella would be sleeping for a long while. Kelly gave his love a soft kiss to her forehead. As he walked out of his bedroom. Standing at the doorway. Kelly was so grateful his girl was OK. All he could think about was how he wanted his bed and bedroom to be THEIR bed and bedroom. The loft did not feel like home unless Stella was there and he knew, without a doubt…SHE WAS HIS FOREVER.

Chapter 7 ~ All I Think About Is You

6X23 - After Renee Kissed Kelly

After the trial, Kelly felt proud that his testimony was going to help fellow firefighters get justice. He was reluctant to help Renee, given their history. He knew Stella felt uneasy with her presence. Kelly bonding with her son was nothing more to him than his love for kids. Of course, he couldn’t avoid the fact he had thought they were going to have a baby together. Thankfully, Shay saw right past her lies and clued in her best friend. Obviously, it ended badly with her betrayal and lies.

Stella was not happy. She didn’t trust Renee. Her 51 family had informed Stella what had happened and ALL of them had the same sentiment, Renee was not to be trusted. This made Stella feel very uneasy, She was convinced Renee was using her son to reel Kelly in, knowing that was the smoking gun. Now, she trusted Kelly but they had only been dating for a few months. Stella didn’t want to show her insecurities and in turn ruin their relationship. She just had to have faith in her trust for him and believe everything would be OK. While secretly hoping after the trial she would be gone.

After the trial, Renee and Kelly were rejoicing in their victory. What happened next, blindsided Kelly...Renee kissed him. Passionately kissed him, like nothing had changed between them over the years. Kelly immediately pushed her away.

“RENEE...WHAT THE HELL ARE YOU DOING?”

“Come on Kelly. You can’t deny our connection”

“Renee. Just STOP. I have a girlfriend and I LOVE HER. Actually, I have loved her even long before we got together, I will NEVER ruin the best thing that has ever happened to me”

Kelly was furious

“Renee. The trial is over. There is no need for us to ever speak again. I wish you and your son the very best but I never want you in my life again, I’m going to go see Stella because she is the only one I wanna kiss”

As he drove to Stella’s apartment, he was stressed about whether to tell her what happened. Kelly knew he loved Stella and if she somehow found out about what had happened, this could ruin his relationship. Kelly wasn’t going to take any chances, not where Stella was concerned. He had strong feelings for so long. They were finally together and he never wanted anything to ruin them.

Stella wasn’t home when he got to her apartment. So, he waited for her

Stella was frustrated. Kelly was supposed to pick her up but never showed. When she went by the loft. As she approached his bedroom, for just a split second, she had a sinking feeling. Immediately, Stella was riddled with guilt looking into Kelly’s bedroom for even letting those thoughts cloud her judgment. He would never hurt her like that. But since Renee had come back, Stella had felt nothing but insecure and even jealous which was not her at all. Stella headed home, She would talk to Kelly later. She was tired and wanted to chill out.

As Stella opened the door, there he was. Sitting on her bed.

“I thought you were gonna pick me up”

“You did?

“ No, I was waiting for you here”

“Did you win?

“Yeah. Case is over”

“And...Renee?”

“Stella. I need to tell you something”

“Alright”

“After the trial. After we won. Uhhh...Renee kissed me”

“Uh Huh”

“Stella, please look at me. I need you to know. I stopped it as fast as it happened. I told her it wasn’t going to happen, NEVER, I told her, I loved you and only you. I’m so sorry, truly sorry. You were right not to trust her and I’m so very sorry I never took your concerns serious”

“Please say something”

“I wanna be mad right now. Honestly, it hurts a little. BUT I’m just glad you were honest and talked to me about it. I trust you Kelly. I just never trusted her. I know you would never hurt me like that. It’s OK. We are OK.”

“Stella, Come here please”

Stella positioned herself between Kelly’s legs with her back buried in his chest. Kelly wrapped his arms tightly around her.

“Stella, I need you to know that I LOVE YOU SO MUCH, Your the only person I want, more importantly the one I want to kiss”

“I just missed you”

“ALL I THINK ABOUT IS YOU”

Chapter 8 ~ Cause Of You

11X05 - Continuation Of Jeep Scene

It had been a long shift for both Stella and Kelly. Jenny, a teenage girl Stella had come across on a call, brought up memories for the married couple. Jenny had lost her dad to a drug overdose. She was in a lot of pain. Kelly was able to piece things together as she was impacted by the memorial wall. Kelly was convinced she had experienced a heavy loss. Jenny’s mom was at a loss on what to do. Jenny was hurting which brought on feelings of anger and bitterness.

For Stella, this registered. Thinking about her relationship with her mom. Mother and daughter relationships can be hard, especially through trauma.

For Kelly, this hit him HARD. Thinking of his rough relationship with his own dad, Benny. It was rocky, even in the best of times and definitely in the worst of times which was really bad. Kelly didn’t talk about his childhood much especially in regards to his relationship with Benny. Stella was now his wife and he didn’t think twice about opening up, even opening old wounds…TO HER. Stella was his safe space. Truth be told, Kelly is more open about his feelings since Stella came into his life. He began telling Stella about a night he and Benny came to blows resulting in Kelly spending the night in jail. Right after, he moved in with April. Stella felt nothing but love for her husband, everything he had been through and knowing what a amazing man he is.

“How did you turn out so damn good, Kelly Severide”

“Cause of you”

As they dropped Jenny off back to her Mom. Jenny and her Mom had embraced in a hug. As Stella looked over to her husband, who had a defeated look come across his face. Stella began rubbing the back of his neck. This was her signature comforting gesture for him. As Kelly drove them home, there was a wave of silence.

After returning to the loft, Stella grabbed beers for both of them. As they sat together on the couch

“Kelly, Are you OK?”

He turned, staring into his wife’s eyes

“I’m OK. This just brought up some old wounds and has me thinking about the future”

“Kelly, What do you mean?”

“Stella, When we are ready to have babies. I will NEVER be a Dad like Benny. I will always be there for you and our children. I will never turn my back on our kids. Even when they make mistakes. I will always show them love”

“Oh Kelly, I know you will. I have absolutely zero doubt that you will make the most wonderful Dad”

“Kelly? Have you been thinking of us having kids? It’s something we haven’t really talked much about recently”

“Stella, I’m ready whenever you are”

“I’m ready too”

Chapter 9 ~ I Knew You Could Do It

9X14 - Post Molly’s end scene

It was a night of celebrating at Molly’s. Stella had passed her lieutenants exam. It had been a slightly rocky road getting to this moment. Stella had some small doubts throughout the process. Everyone at 51 knew there was no doubt she would pass and become an amazing lieutenant. Everyone was so proud of her, especially Kelly. He was so damn proud of her. After Boden gave her the good news, she immediately jumped into her boyfriends arms.

“I KNEW YOU COULD DO IT”

As Stella moved through her 51 family. Who all were so excited for her and wanted to embrace her, offering congratulatory hugs. Kelly just looked on in pure admiration. He always thought he couldn’t possibly love her more but as he looked on, he realized he was wrong. Kelly knew without a doubt, Stella was his forever and he wanted to spend the rest of his life with her. He had been going back and forth for days. Just knowing Stella had doubts about marriage after what she went through with Grant. In that moment at Molly’s, Kelly knew he was going to take the plunge and propose. When the time was right. Not in this moment. Tonight was about celebrating Stella and what she had accomplished. As she was making the rounds through everyone. Her smile was beaming. Kelly could watch her smile like this till the end of time. God, he loved her.

Much later. They returned to the loft. Kelly grabbed a couple celebratory beers from the fridge. As they sat on the couch.

“Stella Kidd. I am so proud of you. I’m also so sorry for being an idiot when I shut you out. For almost being the reason that you didn’t take the exam. I thought I was doing what was best for you. You were meant to be a lieutenant and you are going to be an absolutely amazing one too”

“Oh Kelly. It’s OK. I was upset but I do understand why you felt the need to step back. The reason I had doubts about taking it, is what gave me confidence I could do this was your support. Your ‘you got this Stella Kidd’. I’m always going to need that”

“I meant what I said. I’m never gonna let you get away again. Your always going to have my support and so many more ‘you got this Stella Kidd’s’”

“I Love You, Kelly Severide”

“I Love You More, Stella Kidd. You are the BEST thing that has ever happened to me”

“You saved me Kelly. Before I came to 51, I was just existing. You changed everything for me”

That’s when Kelly knew. There was absolutely no doubt. He was going to propose and SOON.

Chapter 10 ~ Is This Ever Gonna End?

Stella has nightmares. There is only one person to ease her frustrations.

A few weeks had passed since the harrowing call that left Stella fighting for her life. Shrapnel had been lodged into her abdomen which was successfully surgically removed and repaired. Physically, her recovery was going very well. She had healed as expected with no complications. Every scar tells a story and Stella’s story was telling a emotional tale. Stella was determined to start back on shift, being the bad ass she is. She was ready to lead her team again. After 3 weeks off, she was more than ready to get back to her normal routine. On the job she was spot on. Delegating, good decision making. Calls were going smoothly and she had the confidence as a lieutenant, as a leader.

During nights at home, was telling a different story. She was deeply struggling. Nightmares were consuming her nightly. She was able to fall asleep with no problem in her husband’s arms. Unfortunately, Stella would be jarred awake by terrors of that fateful day.

Tonight was just as the others and her frustration was seeping out. As she jolted awake, trying to catch her breath. She sat up in bed becoming aware of her surroundings.

“Hey. Honey. Your OK. Babe, your OK. Was just another bad dream. Your OK” As Kelly gently rubbed her chest.

“I’m so sick of this”

“Is this ever gonna end?”

Stella stood up from their bed and walked out of their bedroom. As she walked out, Kelly was consumed with emotion. Seeing his wife feeling so defeated was too much to take. All he wanted to do was switch places with her, take her pain away. He felt utterly helpless just as he felt while he watched the smoke filter out of that house with the love of his life stuck inside. He sat in bed for a few minutes, his mind was spinning, not knowing how he could help her. The worry he had for his wife was killing him. She hadn’t had a good night sleep in weeks. He was terrified this was going to effect her not only mentally but also on a call. In 6 months of marriage he had now almost lost her twice. He needed to find a way to help her. Since she had been back to work, every time 81 got a call without squad, he wanted to jump into the truck so he could watch over her. This was new territory. His wife, his Stella was always a rockstar. Seeing her so deflated and broken destroyed him. As he himself had been through many dark times on the job, knowing she definitely had some PTSD. As much as he knew it would be hard to hear her relive what she went through on that call. Stella needed to talk about it.

Kelly walked out to their living room and found her curled up on the edge of the couch. Her knees resting against her chin. Sniffling and was lost in her thoughts. Stella never even recognized when her husband sat down beside her.

“Stella. Babe. Look at me”

Stella, still lost in her thoughts with tears falling down her red, puffy cheeks.

“Stella. Honey. Please look at me”

Stella reluctantly finally lifting her head to face Kelly.

Kelly began to twirl her finger with the wedding band he had placed on that finger only months ago. The best day of their lives. He held her finger for her to see.

“Talk to me, Stel. We are a team, remember? Whatever you go through, I go through”

“Kelly, I’m not the strong, confident woman you fell in love with and married”

Kelly cupped his wife’s face with both hands.

“Stella. STOP. Are you kidding me? There is absolutely ZERO truth to that. ZERO. You are and will forever be that strong woman. Look at what you have been through in 6 months. The aftermath of our honeymoon at the cabin. You concentrated on me and my struggles, my guilt. You never processed that you could of been killed. You were fully invested in helping me. That’s the woman I fell in love with. Now, you need to let me be that person for you. The situation you were in, trying to save Pryma and keeping one of your own safe is nothing short of heroic. Pryma and Carver are alive because of YOU. This would break anyone, YES even me. What you went through and endured was horrific. Stella, you are human. You are still the most bad ass woman, now I may be bias but it’s the truth. You need to talk about what you went through….so start talking”

“Kelly. It’s the middle of the night and you also have shift tomorrow’”

“Stella. I don’t give a shit. I’m not going anywhere. I’m going to sit with my wife and help her heal”

“OK. I have always gone into a call with no doubts. When I saw Pryma with that grenade through his leg. I froze. I was terrified. I remember mustering the courage to do my job. Trying to reassure him. When we successfully removed it. I felt so relieved and then I heard those beeps. I knew we were in trouble. All I could think was to protect Pryma and Carver. Covering them, knowing a explosion was coming. It all went dark after that. As soon as I saw you. All I felt was guilt. Having you have to find me like that and guilt that I brought in one of my own with me. I hated that you had to see me in that way. You looked terrified. I was in so much pain. I couldn’t catch my breath. My nightmares consist of me being thrown across that room and knowing the man I love more than anything in this world was going to find me. I shouldn’t of gone in. I shouldn’t of taken Carver in”

“Stella. You went in because that’s who you are. Remember, you telling me the same thing when I was all mixed up over Cavanaugh. You are a damn hero, my love. Yes, I was terrified when I found you. But you know what? I have also never been more proud of you. You are so selfless. Putting everyone else’s needs ahead of your own. You know what I kept thinking as you slept in that hospital bed?”

“What’s that”

“Just how selfless you are and ALWAYS putting everyone else ahead of yourself. Me, on many occasions. You, sweetheart are going to be the most amazing mom to our babies”

“Kelly, are you trying to make me cry again?”

“Maybe”

As they both started chuckling.

Stella felt a sense of relief. Talking about what she was feeling. Especially, to Kelly really was what she needed.

“Stella. I never want you to go through anything on your own. I have been so worried about you. It has gutted me, knowing you were taking all of this on your own. I love you more than anything in this universe. You are my whole world. Don’t EVER feel you are burdening me. Please babe, always talk to me”

“I’m so sorry Kelly. I should of talked to you. I promise. I will be open and honest with you. Even when it’s hard to talk about”

“Stel. Any nightmare you ever have. Any struggle you have. I am here ALWAYS. I will listen all night long for eternity. I am the luckiest guy in this world you chose me for life”

“Oh, so not just the luckiest guy in Chicago?”

“Hell no. Definitely THE WORLD”

As they both laughed. Thinking back.

“Kelly. I LOVE YOU more than anything and I’m the luckiest girl in this world. Which I believe I have said before”

“Oh and Kelly, by the way. You are going to be the most wonderful dad to our babies”

As they crawled back into bed. Stella felt a peaceful feeling. She was sure she was going to have a uninterrupted sleep in her husband’s arms. As they both kissed each other and their eyes closed. In the not so distant future, now taking over their thoughts was joy. Knowing they were ready for the next step.

Chapter 11 ~ A Team

11x01 - Aftermath of Campbell/Cabin Attack

Stella had reassured Kelly with his guilt over the cabin debacle. She had assured Kelly no matter what happens that she is with him every step of the way. Stella didn’t need a perfect honeymoon. All she needed was her husband. Every moment Stella has with her new husband is a honeymoon. Kelly collapsed into her arms, needing that comfort only Stella could provide him.

Kelly was having trouble moving past the cabin aftermath. He was able to move forward after dangerous situations and close calls on the job quite easily. It wasn’t just guilt, was also regret. He felt selfish for even getting involved with the food truck case in the first place. Obviously, there was no way to predict it would of led him to this point or he would of NEVER gotten involved. Kelly loved working on OFI cases, he loved investigating. Always wanting to make Chicago safer. Even with Stella’s support, he still felt that his actions and his need to bring Campbell down almost cost him not only his own life but also his one and only’s life. It was plaguing him. He wasn’t sleeping. On numerous occasions, Stella would find her husband laying on the couch in the middle of the night. He seemed to sleep only when he was away from her.

Stella was hopeful with time, it would get better. It didn’t. She knew she needed to talk to Kelly. After they had finished dinner and sat down on the couch. Stella began talking.

“Kelly. Babe. I need you to talk to me”

Kelly softly replied to his wife

“About what?”

“Kelly, you haven’t moved past what happened with the food truck case and Campbell. That night at the cabin is still gutting you. Your not sleeping in our bed with me. It is breaking my heart. I want to wake up next to my husband every morning. Are you just never going to sleep beside me again?”

As Kelly looked at tears running down Stella’s cheek. Tears were pooling in those bright, blue eyes. Eyes that were always full of life, had now become dim.

“Stella. Sweetheart. I am so sorry. Please don’t cry. There is nothing I want more than to wake up next to you, my wife, every morning. I just feel so selfish. I look at you, and I see someone who is the most beautiful woman in the world. Who I love with my whole heart. But then I think of how my actions and my quest to bringing down Campbell literally almost took everything that matters to me”

“Kelly. I’m here. Right here. I’m OK. I know what happened that night was terrifying but I’m right here. We need to move forward. We need to start enjoying our marriage. Remember, our past baggage and our love for each other led us to becoming Mr and Mrs Severide. Even with the doubts we had. But we fought for our love and now I get to call you my husband. Don’t let him win. Don’t let Campbell take away our love. Don’t let him take away what we have, our marriage. He may of taken that night at the cabin away from us. But let’s not give him the satisfaction of stopping us from celebrating our marriage. You and you alone is what keeps my heart beating. You make me the happiest woman in the world”

That’s all Kelly needed to hear. All those feelings of guilt and regret evaporated.

“You know. You always ask me how I always know the right thing to say. You, Stella Severide also always know the right thing to say”

“Kelly. Can you PLEASE come with me and sleep in our bed again, together?”

“My pleasure”

Chapter 12 ~ Luckiest Man In Chicago

10x12 - Following Gala/Terrace Scene

After the gala. Stella was absolutely elated as Kelly had surprised her with a beautiful engagement ring on a cold but breathtaking terrace. Stella never even saw it coming. Since coming back from her GOF tour, things with her fiancé were tense. Stella had even wondered if she was going to be forgiven. She had deeply hurt Kelly. Ghosting, was the worst decision she had ever made. Her, being the reason for his hurt devastated Stella. They had spent many nights talking and working on moving forward. Kelly had long forgiven her but Stella still didn’t feel confident they were totally OK. He was still keeping her at arms length. She deserved that. Stella had nothing but regret. Her thoughts continuously consumed of wishing she could go back and do things differently. Even with her doubts, she should of communicated. Always harping on Kelly for not communicating and now she had done the same thing to him. She felt like a hypocrite. So, when her gave her a engagement ring that night. It meant everything to her. He had really forgiven her. He truly loved her and even if she didn’t feel deserving, he truly wanted to spend the rest of their lives together.

After helping Pelham getting his name cleared. Kelly was so proud of her. That in itself was basically all thanks to Stella and her never giving up. Sure, at first she was skeptical of him when she first returned. But she warmed up to him seeing what a great leader he is. Knowing no one was ever there to fight for him didn’t sit well with Stella. Him being railroaded like this was not right and he deserved to be a CFD lieutenant. 51, her family was lucky to have him. Stella knew she would be moving houses to lead another team. Pelham was the right man to lead 81.

Stella, not wanting to rock the boat but still wanting to know when the moment came for Kelly to give her a ring and move forward.

Returning from the gala. Stella and Kelly were laying in bed, holding onto each other.

“Kelly. Can I ask you something?”

“Of course, my love”

“What made you decide to give me a ring? After…ummm…how I hurt you?”

“First, Stella stop punishing yourself. Sure, I was hurt but you have more than made up for it. Like I said, no one is perfect. Not even, Stella Kidd. We are moving forward and I love you. No more of this guilt. Second, it was that call I went on earlier in the day. The husband was more willing to lose his finger than have his wedding ring cut. His ring was a symbol oh him being the luckiest man in Chicago for years. I realized in that very moment. I felt exactly the same way. Being with you has made me, the luckiest man in Chicago. Envisioning 40 years down the road and knowing I will still be the happiest man, married to you, the love of my life. I knew in that moment. I wanted you to have a ring to symbolize just how in love with you, I am. Spending the rest of our lives together is going to make me the happiest man in Chicago, hell the world”

“Oh, Kelly. I am the luckiest woman in the world. Thank you for not only forgiving me but also being the man I want to spend the rest of my life with. I cannot wait to marry you, becoming your wife”

Chapter 13 ~ Didn’t Have The Right Girl

8x01 - Following Stellaride Date

Kelly was so thankful he was able to patch things up with Stella after their breakup. Truth be told, he was absolutely miserable without her. He understood why she broke up with him. Even with being right about Tyler’s intentions. Kelly had been shutting Stella out since his dad passed away. Kelly had so many scars when it came to Benny Severide but losing him broke him into a million pieces. The last conversation they had, of course had ended in a fight. He went to Benny for guidance and for once in his life just wanted support from his dad. Then he was gone…

Everything seemed to go downhill after Benny’s funeral. Even at his best, Kelly had trouble communicating and conveying his feelings…During dark times there was none. Stella tried everyday to be there for him. But each day that passed he was pushing her away even more so than the day before. At the end Stella was hanging onto her relationship for dear life. She was in love with him, he was her person but she also was never going to be in a one sided relationship ever again. For Kelly, he knew he was on the verge of losing Stella. One day on shift, during a cigar chat with Casey telling his best friend, he knew he was wrecking things but couldn’t stop being swayed down this current. Eventually, his fears became a reality. Stella was at the end of her rope. She had no solution to salvaging their relationship for her own well being and not repeating her past. She ended things. The hardest thing she had ever done as she loved Kelly more than anything.

At first it was awkward and tense but eventually they returned to being friends and co workers. Stella was able to move forward as best as she could. She still and probably would always love Kelly but life moves on. Kelly, for his part existed. Still excelling as Squad lieutenant and even starting to assist in arson investigations with OFI something he had a knack for. Now that life had moved forward, he would socialize at Molly’s even when Stella was working. Kelly secretly had another agenda. He just wanted to be near her. He missed her. There was no other women which old Kelly there definitely would of been, but he had no interest. He only wanted Stella. After Stella helped him on a OFI case and trying to bring down a woman Benny had chased for years. Stella connected with the husband about what she went through with Grant, and how he deserved so much more which lead to the capture of this woman after so many years. Kelly had a mix of wanting to be a better man for her and a feeling of being so damn proud of her. When Stella knocked on the door at Benny’s cabin that was now Kelly’s. He laid it all out on the table

“You deserve a better man than me. So, I decided. I decided I’m gonna be the man you deserve” Stella practically leaped into his arms and a night of passion ensued. Kelly was back together with the love of his life and he was never gonna let her go again.

Kelly took her out on a romantic date. Stella was surprised. This wasn’t the Kelly she knew. But he wanted to show her just what she meant to him. As she expressed how everyone viewed him as a non romantic man.

“Well, maybe I didn’t have the right girl to be romantic with”

Later, at the loft. Cuddling on the couch watching a movie. Stella’s choice.

“Thank You” Kelly whispered softly in his girlfriends ear.

“Where did that come from? Thank you for what?”

“For giving me another chance. Being apart from you has been awful. I 100% understand you ending things. You were giving all of you to me and I wasn’t giving anything back to you. Regardless of what I was going through, that is my biggest regret. Realizing I had lost the love of my life. Well I never want to live that life again. I promise, Stel I will never take you, take us for granted again. IM ALL IN. I love you so much”

“Oh, my love. For the record being without you was awful for me too. I know breaking up was what I had to do but it broke my heart. I never stopped loving you. Your my true love, Kelly Severide. From this point forward I will always fight for you, for us”

As Kelly gave her a soft, passionate kiss. Having a high wattage smile that he was certain would never disappear.

“What!” Stella seeing his widening grin

“Just realizing. I have had my last first kiss”

Chapter 14 ~ Just You And Me

6x13 - Following Couch/Snuggle time

Hazmat Zach had ended things with Stella. He had seen first hand on many occasions that he was always going to be Stella’s second choice. The connection between Stella and Kelly was undeniable. Always trying to ignore his insecurities, it finally came to light walking in on another moment between Stella and Kelly. Stella did not fight the breakup as hard as she could of. Truth be told, her heart had always been somewhere else. With someone else. Stella didn’t want to feel like this. Kelly had become her best friend and she cherished their friendship. Knowing that Zach could read between the lines made Stella wonder.

‘Am I that transparent?’

‘Can Kelly see right through this charade too?’

Stella started to feel she needed to take a step back and concentrate in other aspects of her life. As difficult as that would be. Given she was Kelly’s roommate. This weighing feeling she had would subside, right?. As she was in her bedroom getting ready for a night out at Molly’s, ready for a fresh start and somehow start to curb these overwhelming feelings she was having for her best friend, her roommate.

Kelly had decided to stay in and relax on the couch. He didn’t feel very social. Not wanting to be around a bunch of people. He was going to enjoy a few beers at home. His head had been spinning for days. He knew he felt strong feelings for his best friend. All he thought about was Stella. It crushed him everytime Stella was with Zach. He wanted to tear her away from him each time. She definitely wasn’t his, but he sure as hell wanted her to be. It was torture for him seeing little moments between them. Kelly was an avenger. He rarely felt fear. But this, scared the shit out of him. Stella is his best friend, a friendship that meant everything to him. She lived with him. If things ever went south, it would make for a very awkward situation where he was convinced he would essentially lose her altogether. He felt this was a losing battle. Unlike Stella, he was not confident he could just ‘move on’ from this feeling. And he didn’t want too. He had not felt this way in a very long time, actually he was sure he had never felt this way.

As Stella emerged from her bedroom. Wearing black leggings and a white sweater. Dressed casual for a night out at Molly’s. Light makeup. Kelly thinking she had never looked more beautiful.

“Going to Molly’s?”

“I was thinking about it”

“Yeah. Zach broke up with me”

Kelly desperately trying to hide his enjoyment from her admission.

“I thought you were just tapping the breaks”

“Yeah. Well. He decided to put it in park”

Kelly knowing he could be a supportive friend and a added bonus have some guilt free quality time with Stella.

“Let’s stay in”

“Yeah?”

“Just you and me”

Stella sat down, not wasting any time sprawling her legs over his lap. Kelly cradling her legs. It was natural. Both smiling. You could literally see heart eye emojis being thrown back and forth.

After the movie ended. Still snuggling on the couch. Kelly broke the ice.

“Are you OK, Stel? With the breakup. I mean, you really seemed to like Zach”

“Yeah. I’m good. Honestly, there was always something holding me back from moving forward with Zach. Having reservations from meeting his family. There is no logical reason. I realized after, my heart just wasn’t in it the way it should be. I thought that feeling would go away and I would eventually get to that place, but I never could”

“Also, I realized. Nights at home with you, my friend. Snuggling on the couch watching movies gives me more happiness than nights out with Zach. That was a big red flag that I tried to ignore. He just beat me to it”

Kelly knew he could be that supportive ‘friend’ and at the same time knowing he could also express some feelings. WIN - WIN.

“Stella. You deserve someone who gives you that butterfly feeling. Someone, where you have no doubts that’s who you want to be with. You, my friend deserve that. I NEVER want to see you settle, your way to special to settle”

“Kelly Severide. Who are you? Is this you having feelings?”

“Yeah. Well. Keep that between us as I have a reputation to uphold. I’m only this way with you”

As they continued their movie night. Both having BIG feelings. For now they would be supportive friends to each other…FOR NOW. Both knowing they were teetering on the edge of taking that plunge out of the friend zone.

Chapter 15 ~ Keep Myself Tied Down To One Thing

8x10 - Seager Talk

After that warehouse situation Kelly had gotten involved in while helping OFI and Seager. Almost getting trapped with this dumb ass criminal. Kelly saving not only himself but this criminal. Severide doing Severide things. Barely, fleeing to safety through flames. As fire was contained. Him and Seager going back into the building to investigate what had transpired. Kelly still trying to gather his thoughts again. Feeling sore and out of breath. Leaning against a police car, Seager of course ‘comforting’ him, holding onto him having concern for his well being. Seager just couldn’t help herself. Any reason she could be close to Kelly, she was going to take it. Kelly for his part was completely oblivious to all her advances. Going all the way back to when they started working together on cases. It’s not that Kelly was dumb, he saw her flirting nature. He just didn’t care. He was completely in love with Stella and he never even cared about other women. He had called Stella to tell her what had happened and assure he was OK. Stella, believed him as he was able to talk to her but she needed to see for herself. Stella had pulled up to the warehouse and as she walked into the warehouse she found Kelly’s female partner drapped all over him. Stella wasn’t effected at that point, all she wanted to do was give her boyfriend a hug as that phone call scared her.

“You scared the hell out of me”

Seager still in the background, voicing she would give them some space.

‘What is this woman’s deal?’ Stella silently asked herself. She knew exactly what her deal was and an annoyance to Stella. She knew Kelly was a very good looking man. Obviously, she was well aware of that. Seager knew he was in a relationship, could she just back off a little.

Later at Molly’s. Kelly sitting at the bar while his girlfriend was working. As she turned around, there was Seager AGAIN. Stella was not a jealous person but this was becoming a annoyance to her. She trusted Kelly ALWAYS but this was bothering her to no end. Stella not taking her eyes off Kelly and Seager’s interaction. She was pleased when Kelly turned down a case she had purposed to him.

“I appreciate you keeping me in mind. But I need to focus on Squad, 51. Keep myself tied down to one thing”

Seager left and Stella offered to leave early so they could spend some quality time together. Kelly happily agreeing with his girlfriend.

Later, at the loft. After having a few hours of passion, Stella was feeling pure bliss with her love. Although, still feeling frustrated. She had tried to let it go and concentrate on her love and passion for Kelly.

Kelly knowing his girlfriend very well, saw something was bothering her. As they laid in bed, holding onto each other. Kelly staring in her vibrant brown eyes.

“Stella. What’s going on? I can see something is bothering you”

“I’m OK. Just enjoying spending this time with you”

“Stella. Stop. I know something is wrong. Tell me, what’s going on in that beautiful head of yours”

“Ugh. Fine. Tonight has been amazing. Your amazing. I’m just really bothered by Seager. I trust you 100%. Just seems everytime I turn around she is flirting with you. When I came to the warehouse and saw her drapped all over you. At Molly’s. I’m never a jealous person but it’s becoming increasingly difficult to not feel insecure. Which isn’t who I am, I think that is what is bothering me the most. She knows you have a girlfriend but it still doesn’t seem to matter.”

Kelly started chuckling while caressing Stella’s ringlet curls.

“Kelly. This wasn’t supposed to be a HA-HA moment. So glad I can entertain you”

“Stella. Baby. I’m only laughing because for one your adorable. Second, I am not dumb. I see how flirty she is with me. But It doesn’t even register with me. She can be as flirty as she wants. If it gets out of hand I will of course shut it down. It just doesn’t matter because I am madly in love with one woman. There is only one woman who I notice flirting with me. Stella, ALL I THINK ABOUT IS YOU. You have absolutely no reason to feel insecure. You, my love are it for me. There will never be another woman for me”

“Well, I feel pretty dumb. I should of known you would say the perfect words”

“Stel. I wasn’t just saying those words. I meant ever word. I PROMISE you. You never have to worry about anyone else. I LOVE YOU, STELLA KIDD”

“I LOVE YOU, KELLY SEVERIDE”

Chapter 16 ~ Almost Lost Her

9x07 - After his confession to Cruz. Kelly talks to Stella.

Kelly and Stella had moved forward from when Kelly had been ghosting Stella. Him feeling he was doing what was best for her. When that white shirt Chief got into his head about how Stella was really moving up the ladder. Kelly was always wanting to protect his long time girlfriend in every way. Stella was strong, brave and confident and didn’t need protection but Kelly would always want to protect her. He knew he had screwed up and should of talked to her. He felt so relieved she forgave his idiotic behaviour and forgave him. Knowing, he could of lost her. They were back to good again.

As Kelly and Cruz were going over footage and Cruz’s forehead had been gashed open at a call in a homeless site where a fire had broken out. Arson was a remote possibility. Cruz had said to 51 family he didn’t want to tell Chloe. Their wedding was right around the corner and he was scared to tell her not wanting her to worry.

“I think you should tell Chloe what happened”

“Is Kelly Severide, dispensing relationship advice”

“A while back, I kept the truth from Kidd. I thought I was protecting her, instead I almost lost her”

This conversation made Kelly think. Yes, him and Stella had long got past this. He didn’t want to open old wounds but he also felt he needed to let Stella know just how thankful he was for her. He could of blown everything that meant anything to him up in smoke. He sent Stella a text. She had just gotten back from a call. As she was putting her gear away, her phoned dinged.

“Hey babe. When you get a break, come see me in my office”

Stella smiling. Thought she was being sexually summoned.

As she walked into her boyfriends quarters.

“That was a ominous text. As much as I love our risky meetings, it’s the middle of the day. This might be a little too risky, even for us”

All Kelly could do was grin at Stella. He loved her witty banter with him. Truth be told they had tested waters in many areas of the firehouse over the years.

“NO. That’s not what I called you in here. I need to talk to you about something. I don’t want to dig into our recent past and nor do I want to relive what a idiot I was. But after talking to Cruz and offering him some relationship advice, I knew I needed to talk with you”

“OK before you start. Did I hear you correctly. You offered relationship advice. LIKE WHAT?”

“Laugh it up Kidd.”

“OK. You may continue”

“I told Cruz about how I thought I was protecting you but almost lost you by not telling you the truth”

“Kelly. We are past this. Stop beating yourself up over this. I have long forgotten”

“I know Stel. I just need to tell you this”

“I just want you to know that I am so sorry for what I put you through. You are working so hard to prepare for the lieutenants exam. The fact that I made you doubt everything including not taking the test period still hurts me. I know you are back on track but the fact I was almost the cause of you giving up on that…I’m so sorry Stella. I know we have talked this out. I just need you to know how grateful I am that you forgave me. I thought I was protecting you. Looking back knowing how my behaviour almost cost me. I will tell you it almost cost me EVERYTHING. I promise I will never hurt you like that again. I know your going to kick ass and become an amazing lieutenant. Thank you for allowing me to still be a part of it. I’m never letting you go ever again. YOU’VE GOT THIS STELLA KIDD”

“Kelly. Thank you for your kind words. I promise, I know how much you love me and I understand your intentions. Stop worrying. Like I said to you. I am never letting you get away from me again.”

Stella planted a passionate kiss on her boyfriends lips as she walked out of his office.

Kelly was left thinking. Smiling from ear to ear. ‘I wanna marry this girl’

Chapter 17 ~ This Is Harder Than I Thought

7x11 - Post break up. After the awkward encounter between Kelly and Stella in the bunk room. Kelly has many feelings. Has a cigar chat with his best friend Casey.

After Kelly’s conversation with Stella in the bunk room had left him reeling. He kept thinking ‘How did this go sideways? How had I lost her?’. After Stella helped him under the bus on a call without hesitation. It really hit home, the breakup had hit home. Of course Stella would assist him. She was a professional, a firefighter. Lives of others were more important than any personal feelings she may of had. In the bunk room, all Kelly could say was.

“This is harder that I thought it would be”

Stella responded cordially and explained they needed to put this behind them. Especially with the fact they needed to work together. Kelly knowing that was all true but it still didn’t make it hurt any less. His heart was broken. Actually not broken, more like shattered. He fully understood why Stella had reached her breaking point. All he wished was to turn back time. Go back to a time where he didn’t take Stella for granted. After losing Benny, he had gone down a dark hole. Kelly, dealt with it in how he always had. Shutting the world and everyone in it out. Only, this time by doing that he had lost the one person that meant the world to him. The love of his life. Hearing Stella say she would never go back to a time where she felt the way she did with Grant, absolutely wrecked Kelly. NEVER, did he ever want to be compared to someone who had broken Stella so deeply, dampened her spirit. He had done that. How was he any better than Grant?

Later on shift. Kelly sauntered over to Casey’s office. Holding two cigars. Cigar chats was their friendship language. When either of them needed to talk, vent. Cigar chats was a release. Casey knew his best friend was going through a dark time not only losing his dad and the regret that came with that but also losing Stella. The breakup. He knew how much his friend loved Stella Kidd, more than anyone. Many ladies had come and gone but NO ONE ever had a impact on Kelly the way Stella had. He had changed since Stella came to 51. Stella had wormed into Kelly’s heart. As they set up chairs on the roof, where no one could interrupt which always signified a serious talk was needed. Casey began.

“So. Severide. How are you doing? How are you really doing?”

“To sum it up in one word. Terrible”

“I know buddy. I can see your fighting many emotions”

“When Benny died. I wasn’t so much filled with just sadness but more so regret. Thinking about our fight right before. All we did was fight it seemed but knowing that was the last conversation we would ever had. Hit me to the core. I kept thinking with all of Bennys faults, could I have done more to repair the constant rift? It plagued me. It sent me down a dark rabbit hole. My whole life, when things get hard. I shut down. I never even thought about hurting other people. When Shay died. I shut down and really never gave a second thought to the people around me. That is not a healthy way to heal, I know but it’s the only way I knew. But this is so different. Shutting down this time cost me the most important person in my life. Stella means the absolute world to me. I love that woman with my whole heart and being. I took her for granted. The one person I should of let in to help through a dark time. Instead I drove her to the brink. My heart is broken into a million pieces. When she broke up with me. I felt likeI couldn’t breathe. I have loved her for so long and we were happy and now I have lost her. I know I need to move forward and let her move on, I just don’t know how to let her go. I don’t think I can let her go. Usually, I would just move on with someone else. There is no world where I can do that. All I want is her. My bed feels empty. I always loved waking up next to her. It was the best part of my day. Now my bed feels dark and cold”

“Listen Severide. I know how much you love Stella and I also know how much she loves you. You just need to give it time. She has changed you. You are a different man than you once were and I truly believe Stella has a big part in that. Both of you, took each other out of a darkness and brought one another into the light again. I KNOW this isn’t the end. It may seem bleak right now. Just give her some time. She’s hurt. Just like you. I know breaking up with you was probably the hardest thing Stella has had to do in a very long time. You two are meant to be. Everyone here has seen that since day one. I fully believe, you will find one another again. Don’t give up on that. Stella is worth fighting for. Even if you have to take a step back and spend some time apart. Don’t throw the towel in. You and Stella have been through so much and will find each other again”

“Thank you Casey. Your right. Stella is the first person that I have had in my life where I wanted to fight for. I know she is the one for me. She is it for me. As hard as it’s going to be, I know I can’t rush anything. I’m just scared with this distance, she is going to slip further away from me”

“Sev. Even when you were just friends. You and Stella have always orbited each other. There is no reason why that wouldn’t be the case this time. She might not be your girlfriend at the moment but I guarantee she is going to be in your life, even as a friend for now. It may not seem like it now but eventually Stella will welcome you back in. I promise. All you can do now is make sure she knows your always gonna be there for her, support her. That alone will go a long way”

“Yeah. You know when I was watching earlier training Tuesday. I was so captivated”

“I know. You didn’t even realize I was standing beside you. I just thought you needed a distraction.”

“I did. But as I was watching her. She was so patient and calm with her. I realize Tuesday is a dog. But it hit me in that very moment. Stella is going to be such a wonderful Mom one day. All I could think about was the future and us having babies together. I want that more than anything”

As Kelly has tears forming in corner of his eyes. Desperately trying not to let those tears fall.

“Severide. Again. Don’t let that dream disappear. Your going to be a amazing dad. Keep your future with Stella alive. It will happen in time”

After his talk with Casey. Kelly felt more free. As hard as it was knowing he couldn’t be with her right now in the way he wanted. Showing up for Stella, being there for her, supporting her in any way she would allow was his priority. Allowing her to see the man he really is and not the man she had seen recently. Stella had changed his whole world and he wanted to remind her of that. Hopefully, she would be in his arms again. If he was ever given a second chance with Stella, he was never going to make the same mistake again.

Chapter 18 ~ I’m Not A Robot

11x12 - Kelly unleashes his feelings about “The Robot” comment and conveys to Stella how he really felt at the RPG scene.

Kelly and Stella hashed out their differences in Kelly’s office. Kelly opening up to his wife. The previous night at the loft had really effected Kelly. Seeing how upset Stella had become over the call where they disagreed. If it had been just about the call, it would of been a easy fix. But it wasn’t just about the call, not even close. Stella conveying her true feelings about not being able to separate Kelly from a co lieutenant and her husband. If the RPG incident hadn’t occurred, would this even be a issue? Maybe not. The reality was it had happened. Stella was deeply effected by what had happened inside that house. Many realizations had blindsided her. Kelly was an amazing lieutenant, she was in awe of him and leading his team daily. Even, as she was a leader herself now would on many times go to Kelly for advice and guidance. With that being said, she couldn’t just see him as an outstanding lieutenant. He was her husband now. Their dynamic was different now. Stella could not turn off those emotions. She was not able to even at work ignore the fact, he was not just a lieutenant. They are married. In Kelly’s office. He made sure to let her know, he too had many emotions when it came to his wife. He was also well aware, Stella was not his co lieutenant but his wife.

“I’m not a robot”

“Stella, If I let my guard down and let myself worry everytime your in harms way, I will fall apart”

“If you saw me during that RPG call, you would know. I can unravel when it comes to you. That’s never happened to me before”

“Really?”

“Yes. Really”

That was a confession, Stella never knew. It wasn’t just her that struggled with their dynamic, it effected Kelly too.

After the boat call. It was a humble moment for the married couple. Working as a team together to free the victims. Having their previous conversation. Both listened to one another and worked together as a team. In that moment, Stella knew they didn’t need to work apart, on separate shifts. They just needed to make sure to talk about how their feeling. Kelly had felt better about things after their conversation but he was still plagued. Thinking Stella even for a second thought he wasn’t effected on calls when it came to her, especially the RPG call.

As they returned to 51. Stella followed her husband to his quarters. Stella was sensing, knowing her husband well. Something was weighing his thoughts.

“Kelly, is everything OK?”

“Yeah. Everything is OK”

“Kelly. Come on. Talk to me. Remember, we need to talk things out”

“Stel. I don’t want to open old wounds. But, I really need you to know how I was feeling at the RPG incident. I know we hashed this out already. It’s just, I need you to know what a complete mess I was. I was unraveling at the seams. Once I was able to call for my team to run in for a search and rescue. I was running on pure adrenalin. I felt like I couldn’t breathe. Ordering the boys to go here and there. Seeing Carver, then Pryma. Frantically searching the room for you. It was probably the worst moment of my life. My heart felt like it had literally stopped as I spotted you, laying sideways up against the wall…not moving. Screaming your name. Not knowing if you were conscious, hell even alive. Those few seconds while leaping towards you, desperately screaming your name was a moment I NEVER, EVER want to relive”

“Even later at the hospital. While you were in surgery. I went out to the waiting room to update our family. I broke down. Tears welling up in my eyes as I gave everyone the good news. That didn’t matter. My emotions came flooding out. I couldn’t stop myself. I was a wreck. I came that close to losing you. Imagining what you went through in that house, not able to protect you. So I just need you to really know. When your in harms way. It damages me to the core. It breaks me into a million pieces. You are my wife. My whole damn world. As a lieutenant I do have a job to do but I need to make something crystal clear. As important as my career is to me. Being a lieutenant or a fire investigator. I always have loved what I do for a living. It’s been my calling as far back as I can remember. NOTHING and I mean NOTHING is more important than you. I need you to really believe me when I say, You are the only love of my life that truly matters. When you hurt, I hurt.

“Ohhhh. Kelly. I’m so sorry for calling you a robot. And making it seem you don’t care the way I care. I know you do. I can only imagine how you felt outside of that house. I know you love me more than anything. I just allowed, my emotions and fears get the best of me. It would destroy me to not be able to work with you everyday. I never want to work different shifts. I was thinking irrationally. I love you Kelly, so much.”

“I love you so much, Stella”

Chapter 19 ~ We Were Good Together

7x18 - Longer conversation between Kelly and Foster.

The break up was still imminent. Things have gotten better. Kelly and Stella had regained their friendship. It wasn’t easy to go back to friends but they both needed one another in their lives in any capacity. There was no hard feelings. The hurt of the breakup has long since past. The feelings they had for each other were still lingering. At least, they were able to have a friendship back.

Kelly, was silently struggling. As much as he loved having Stella back as his friend. He longed for much more. Old Kelly would of gotten back on the saddle with other women. Not this Kelly. He didn’t even want to look at other women. There was only one women he wanted to be with and he was convinced that would never change. Kelly had always been able to hide his emotions, not letting people see the truth of how he was feeling. He wasn’t doing a good job as any extra time was spent at Mollys when Stella was working. Hour after hour sitting at the bar until close to when Molly’s would close. This was not a rare occurrence for Kelly to chill at Mollys with his 51 family but many could see, including Otis and Foster this was different. Making sure he was in Stella’s presence whenever possible. That alone was what was keeping him going, giving him that small hope that someday she would be more than his friend again. If he was ever lucky enough to be given a second chance from the love of his life, his priority would be to show Stella the man he could, the man he would be for her and would never let her go again.

Foster was not so supportive of a reunion. Stella was her friend. She saw what Stella went through before the breakup. How Kelly broke her heart. How deeply hard it was for her to end the relationship. How difficult it was for Stella to move forward in the aftermath. Stella was finally in a good place. Foster, was her friend and didn’t want to see Stella go through that again. Night after night, she saw Kelly sitting at the bar. Staring at Stella and seeing that puppy dog look in his eyes radiating towards his ex girlfriend. Finally, she felt like she needed to talk with him, showing she had Stella’s back. As she confronted the squad lieutenant.

“What are you doing?”

“What?”

“You know?”

“The truth is. I can’t stop thinking about her. We were good together and I miss it”

“Severide, you put her through the ringer this last time. Half in and half out. Bailing when things got tough. If you can’t step and be the man she deserves, let her move on”

“I CAN’T”

“Really, Severide. She’s your friend. If you care about her. Let her be happy”

“Look, Foster. Of course I want her to be happy. There is nothing I want more. Stella is the love of my life. She’s it for me. I know is screwed up, royally screwed up. I just can’t let her go. I miss her so much and have nothing but regret for losing her”

“Severide. I just care about Stella. She’s my friend and I don’t want to see her hurt again. If you would of seen her before you broke up and also after. Her heart was shattered into a million pieces. Breaking up was the last thing she wanted. She just couldn’t handle being shut out time after time. It literally destroyed her. If it happened again, I don’t think she would survive it”

“I get that. I really do. I know you are just being a friend to Stella and protecting her. But I need you to know. Not being with her is something I WON’T SURVIVE. She’s my everything. She has changed me. I just want a second chance to show her the man she fell in love with is still there”

“OK. I can see you really love and miss her. I won’t stand in either of your way. I will support any decision Stella makes. And support a relationship. I know she still loves you but is scared to go back to that place. You hold her heart in your hands. Always have and always will. Just don’t understand one thing?”

“What’s that?”

“Why haven’t you told her how you feel?”

“I’m scared. Terrified of her not feeling the same way anymore. If she’s over me and doesn’t want to go back down that road. Scared, I have ruined the best thing that has ever happened to me”

“Talk to her. I promise it will be ok”

Chapter 20 ~ I Love You, Stella Kidd

9x16 - Conversation By Squad Truck

“Your wonderful, you know that?”

“I love you, Stella Kidd”

As Kelly kissed his now fiancé. There was nothing but love and admiration in that kiss. Kelly had purposing on his mind for a while. If he was being honest he knew Stella Kidd was it for him long before that moment. In some way, he deep down knew when she came to 51. Sure, there were many bumps along the way before either was ready for this leap. It took a long while to even get together. A lot of roadblocks in their way but they were finally here. Kelly was questioning whether purposing was a good idea given Stella had said in the past she never wanted to get married again. Who could blame her? Grant had really broke her, he had damaged her spirit and she worked her ass off both professionally and personally to get that spark back. A big factor in her getting that spark back was Kelly Severide. She was shown what truly being loved felt like. Something Stella never had. Losing her parents at a young age. Having no love and support or even knowing a healthy relationship. All she had known was trauma and disappointment. Kelly showed her time and time again what real love should be. When Stella passed her lieutenant exam. Seeing her joyfulness as Boden delivered the good news. He KNEW. Not a single ounce of doubt in his mind. There was nothing he wanted more than to marry the love of his life. When he dropped to one knee in middle of a inferno after Stella had said she was never leaving him. That was it. The moment was now. So there they were, just the two of them. Engaged. Stella had a light illuminating across her beautiful caramel skin but also seemed lost in her thoughts.

“Stel. Everything OK? And don’t tell me your fine. I know you. I can see something is going on in that beautiful head of yours”

“I’m scared”

“Of marrying me?”

“NO. GOD NO. That is something I have never been so sure about.”

“OK. Then why are you scared?”

“I’m scared of leaving 51. Not having you and my family supporting me everyday. I never had a family or even people who cared about me. The relationships I developed coming here has meant the world to me. I never had that before. To go to another station with people I don’t know. Trying to thrive as a new lieutenant, what if I fall and fail? As a woman, I probably won’t be respected and I’m scared, I won’t have the goods”

As Kelly cupped her face with his hands.

“Babe. Listen to me. And please hear me. You are the most brave and strongest woman. One of the many reasons I fell in love with you. It might be a little tough at the start as you make your mark as a leader. But you have had challenges in front of you so many times. Going to the leadership conference, remember how nervous you were? You killed it. You were a shining star. When Boden presented you with the option of taking the lieutenants exam. Him fully knowing, there was no doubt you were meant to be a leader. And even when you had to deal with my stupidity and shaking you. You regrouped and killed it again. Starting GOF. That was all you and look what you have done for Kylie and so many other girls. Women, that will also become amazing firefighters. These are just a couple examples of everything you have overcome. Stella, you are so smart and such a warrior. I promise, you will make a lasting impact anywhere you go. AND…When you have a hard day. You can come home to a man who loves you more than life itself. I will always make sure you know every day how valued you are. Even, if we can’t be at the same station anymore. You, my love will ALWAYS have me at the end of the day to lift you back up. FOREVER”

“Oh Kelly, how did I ever get so damn lucky? You are the greatest man in the world. Thank you for not only always knowing the right thing to say, always lifting me up. But also, never giving up on me and unconditionally loving me. Sometimes I feel I don’t deserve this kind of love”

“Stella. I’m the lucky one. When you walked into 51. You and you alone pulled me out of the darkness and into the light. I’m lucky everyday that you chose me and never giving up on me when so many have before. You literally deserve the world”

“One more thing…YOU GOT THIS STELLA KIDD”

“I love you with all I got, Kelly Severide”

Chapter 21 ~ Do You Wanna Watch The Game?

10x01 - After the remote throwing couch scene. Stella reeling from the close call with the boat rescue.

Stella was so relieved to have her fiancé beside her, alive and well. As they returned to their home. It was apparent how close that call was. The boat rescue almost turned to tragedy. Squad trapped under water. Cruz clinging to life. In no world, would Kelly of left him, a father to be. Luckily, everyone was OK. Kelly was getting comfy on the couch with a beer and about to watch the game. Stella, had other ideas. Physical touch was an important aspect of their relationship from the beginning. Especially, with close calls. Kelly could only push away her advances for too long and truth be told, it was immediately.

As they were laying in bed hours after enjoying one another throughly. Kelly could sense Stella was spinning. Stella was never one to portray neediness but even when Kelly walked to the bathroom, she didn’t want to let him go. As he climbed back into their bed, he knew he needed to get her to spill.

“Stel. Babe. What’s going on?”

“Nothing is going on. I just had an amazing few hours with my husband to be”

“As did I. But I can see something more is going on. Talk to me”

“Fine. I just keep replaying those moments standing on the pier. The paralyzing fear I felt. Trying to remain calm but not knowing if I was gonna ever see you again. Kiss you again. Hold you again. I would not survive losing you. I realize our job always has that risk of something happening and I do know your avenger status and knew what I was getting into being with a hero such as yourself. It felt so different this time. Engaged now. The anxiety of watching over the water, not seeing you come up to the surface was absolutely terrifying. Everything just came into focus for me. Kelly, you have literally pulled me out of darkness I had been carrying my whole life. I have experienced loss that I was able to heal from. How would I ever survive losing you?

Stella curled closer burying her tangled, messy curly hair into Kelly’s chest.

“Stella. Baby. I’m sorry I put you through that. When we all knew we were in a lot of trouble, trapped. I knew I needed to find a way out. I, over the years have been in many harrowing situations but this time I had someone who I love more than life itself waiting for me. I want you to know, the reason I was able to not give up and find a way out was the thought of you, the thought of us. The thought of YOU, my beautiful girl. Stella, the thought of you will get me through any darkness. Nothing and I mean nothing will EVER stop me from marrying you. Your everything I have ever wanted. Your the reason my heart beats. Before you, I was just existing. Now, I ALWAYS have a reason to come home. I love you, Stella Kidd”

“I love you with all I got, Kelly Severide. I just want to hold you for a while and appreciate having you in my arms. I feel so grateful”

“Stella. You told me, your never gonna leave me. It goes both ways. I’m never gonna leave you. Close those beautiful brown eyes. When you wake up, I will be right here”

“FOREVER”

“Yes Baby. FOREVER”

Chapter 22 ~ You Are The Perfect One For Me

10x11 - Kelly eases Stella’s mind regarding Seager.

It had been a rocky return for Stella. Ghosting Kelly had become a strain on her relationship. They had talked it out but she still felt a strain. Stella knew she had made a mistake. Her insecurities were valid but knew she handled things the wrong way. Stella was desperately trying to make things right, to make it up to Kelly. Feeling like he was keeping her at arms length filled Stella with regret. At the firehouse, finding out he had worked closely on a case with Seager bringing out her insecurities. Stella always had some feelings regarding Seager. But right now, it felt like more given the tension she felt. Returning to the loft and Kelly exploding on her regarding he wasn’t given the chance to explain things. He wasn’t wrong, she had put them in this situation.

“I just want to be the perfect one for you”

“You, are the perfect one for me”

Those seven words gave her the relief she needed. Stella thinking she needed to let it all go. Including Seager. She trusted Kelly, 100%. Kelly, could see his fiancé was still feeling insecure. Seager was a point he never acknowledged but he knew if the shoe was on the other foot, it would bother him. Remembering Tyler before the breakup.

As they sat together on the couch, watching TV. Trying to start fresh again.

“Stella. Look. I know Seager is a bit of a sore spot. The feelings you have are valid. She can be flirty at times. I promise you. It’s ALWAYS platonic. I work with her on cases. The only woman, I ever look at or want to look at is YOU”

“I know Kelly and I trust you always. I don’t trust her but I trust you and that’s all that matters. I will deal with my insecurities. I never wanted to make you feel that I don’t trust you more than anyone in this world. I think it’s my own guilt and regret with my actions that brought up these feelings”

“Stel. NO. These feelings are valid. I know if the roles were reversed I would have feelings too. And, it’s on me for not making you feel secure earlier. I know she has been forward with me on many occasions. I never thought to say anything because she means nothing to me. But, I need you to know. Your the only one for me. Your the love of my life. Seager, never stood a chance to Stella Kidd”

“I Love You, Kelly”

“I Love you, Stella”

“I promise. I will make sure she knows in the future, there is only one woman for me”

“Kelly, Take me to bed”

“I thought you would never ask”

Chapter 23 ~ Stella, I Love You

10x21 - After Kelly is released from the hospital

Things had been tense between Kelly and Stella. Starting with Stella worrying about Gallo going over to squad. Then there was the “you always get your way comment”. If that wasn’t enough. Planning their wedding was contentious, Kelly not wanting to spend all their savings on one day. Stella, never had her dream wedding. Marrying Grant was toxic from the beginning. There was never a dream wedding. Stella wanted to marry the real love of her life and have it be a day to remember forever. With that being said, the plans may of gotten away from her and became a little out of control. Now she was wondering if she had ruined everything. Maybe, there was just too much baggage from both their pasts. She was doubting if Kelly still wanted to marry her. As thoughts consumed her, 81 was heading back to the station when Boden came on the radio, stating there was an incident. Informing her Kelly was in the hospital after a backlash from the food truck investigation. Stella raced into Med, desperately looking for her fiancé. Any tension or thoughts that were plaguing her had been thrown out the window. As she was finally, taken to see Kelly. Her emotions took over.

“Are you ok, are you in any pain?”

“I’m ok. Everything is ok”

“Stella, I Love You”

“I know. I know I have been pushing to get my way”

“I think we both know that’s not the real problem”

“What are we so afraid of?”

“We don’t know what we’re doing. There is no academy for this”

“The only way to learn in how to run into a fire is by doing it. Let’s just do it. Not 4 months from now. Let’s do it next week”

“That sounds perfect”

As Kelly was discharged, still in some pain but overall relieved to be OK. They went home to the loft. As Kelly got comfortable on the couch where shortly after Stella joined him.

“Kelly I’m so sorry for how I have been acting. The whole Gallo situation. Getting so carried away with wedding plans. The truth is. I never thought I would have this. Getting married to my dream man. So I think I was desperate to have a dream wedding. You are my world. The love of my life. After Grant, I never thought I was deserving of this kind of happiness and you came into my life and everything changed. I let what marrying you is truly about get away from me and I’m sorry. Getting that call on the radio, destroyed me and put everything into perspective for me”

“Stella, babe. I’m sorry too. Marrying you means everything to me. I was just getting into my head about my past. I was such a mess, especially with women. I was just existing after Shay died, hell even before that but definitely more so after. Women were just a way to feel good for a short time or even a distraction. When I did let a woman in, I would get betrayed or lose them anyway. That all changed when you walked into 51. I hopelessly fell in love with you. Head over heels in love. You are the love of my life. The one person I would never survive losing. Given my past, and the revolving door of women. It became terrifying, thinking of ever hurting you. Or not being the husband you deserve. Because you, my love deserve THE WORLD. But I know without a doubt in the world. There is nothing I want more than for you to become my wife where I can spend the rest of our lives showing you just how much you deserve happiness. I am going to be the man you deserve FOREVER”

“I can’t wait to marry you, you have made me the happiest man over these past 6 years”

“I LOVE YOU SO MUCH, KELLY SEVERIDE. So we are really doing this in a week?”

“We are”

“We got this Stella Kidd”