𝙰𝙱𝙲'𝚂 𝚂𝚝𝚎𝚕𝚕𝚊𝚛𝚒𝚍𝚎 𝚂𝚝𝚢𝚕𝚎

𝚆𝚘𝚛𝚛𝚢

Kelly had been worried for Stella for days now. She had been burning the candle at both ends. Shifts at 51, working at Molly's and teaching a class at the academy. Boden had recommended her to teach a class and Stella couldn't imagine letting him down. It was becoming evident there wasn't enough hours in the day. Stella wasn't sleeping and starting to run on fumes. She had become unfocused on shift which caused Casey to having to come down hard on her.

Everyone was noticing the change in Stella. Her exhaustion was starting to seep through. Kelly was at OFI full time. However, when he would see her for few minutes he was fully aware that she was taking on to much. He wanted her to slow down. Stella being the perfectionist she is. So he let it go. Not before he had a conversation with Casey asking him to watch over Stella. He hated not being able to be at the firehouse everyday, if he couldn't be there at least he would have someone to watch over her.

As Stella, Brett and Foster walked out of 51 after shift. Noticing just how exhausted Stella was. Stella trying to convince her friends she was fine. Not buying it. Brett sternly telling Stella she was calling in to the academy on Stella's behalf and ordering her to go home and sleep. Stella finally agreed and realizing just how tired she was. As she got into her jeep to go home to rest. All of a sudden, it happened so quickly. Stella ran a stop sign which caused another vehicle to T-bone her jeep. Everyone at 51 had been walking to their vehicles after shift, all running to Stella's aide after hearing the crash. Stella was conscious and alert with a gash on her forehead. The other vehicle had a young girl that had been injured, nothing serious.

As Stella sat in the waiting room at the hospital already having her face dressed in a small bandage. She was waiting to hear an update on the young girl. Stella feeling so guilty for getting in her car in the condition she was in. 51 family was all there to support Stella. As everyone was impatiently but quietly waiting. The hospital doors opened and Kelly running through the doors. Casey had called Kelly to tell him about the accident. Reassuring him Stella was ok, but he knew full well that wouldn't matter. Kelly would need to see for himself.

"Hey. Are you ok?
"Yeah"

Brett and Foster came out and gave an update. The girl was fine. Only minor bumps and scrapes. Stella was so relieved. Still, feeling so guilty.

"Can I please take her home now?" muttered Kelly.

"Yes. Take her home. Please Stella, get some rest" replied Casey

Later at the loft...

Stella was resting in bed after having a hot, relaxing shower. Kelly sat down beside her while she sprawled into bed.

"Stella. Baby. Please get some rest. I have been so worried about you"

"I know Kelly. I have been pushing myself to hard. I realize after today that I need to slow down"

"Good. Thank you. When I got that call from Casey. It was one of the worst phone calls I have ever gotten and I never want to get a call like that again. Stella, baby. You are so amazing at everything you do but everyone has a limit. I love you so much"

"I love you too, Kelly. Thank you for taking care of me"

"I always will"

Kelly knew in that moment as he watched Stella fall into a deep slumber that he would always worry about her. That is what happens when you love someone the way he loves her. He would also always have her best interests at heart to keep her safe.