The pair arrived at Molly's a few minutes later, Kelly pulling into a spot down the block. She held his hand tightly as they made their way to the bar, both slightly anxious at the moment.
She was anxious to see her friends, while Kelly was worried about Stella pushing it. He had his fair share of injuries, and he knew that taking it slow really was better. He had never listened to anyone when they told him that, though, so he wasn't about to tell Stella to slow down. Instead he would stay by her side for anything she needed.
They entered the bar, everyone cheering at the site of Stella. She gave everyone a one armed hug, thanking everyone for their concern. Dawson and Brett guided her to a nearby table, wanting to catch up with their friend.
"So, how are you feeling? You really freaked us out the other night when Kelly called us", Brett asked Stella. Gabby nodded her head in agreement, getting a call from Kelly in the middle of the night was the last thing she wanted after what happened to Stella.
"I'm okay, really. My shoulder hurts a little and I have a slight headache at times, but over all I feel a whole lot better than I did yesterday. Thank you for everything, I told Kelly he didn't have to call you".
"Stella, you know we'd do just about anything for you. It's no problem at all", Gabby responded. "Now for the most important question, are you drinking with us tonight"?
Stella laughed, she was happy her friends were treating her like normal and not walking on eggshells around her. "Yes I am. But only one or two drinks, I really shouldn't over do it". With that, Brett hopped off of her stool and headed for the bar to get the three of them drinks.
Across the bar, Kelly sat down next to Casey and Mouch. "Casey, I never thanked you for the other day. I also know I shouldn't have said that you didn't have Stella's back. I know you look out for all of your people on every call, but stuff happens anyway".
"You don't have to thank me. The roles have been reversed before, I just did the same thing you did. And I get it, having someone you love trapped in a dangerous situation has a way of making all rational thinking disappear. We're all just glad that she's okay".
"Yeah, thank god for that. Let me buy you a drink, consider it my way of saying thanks". Kelly flagged down Otis, who took their order and poured them drinks. Kelly couldn't help but glance over at Stella more than once, relieved to see her laughing with Brett and Dawson at a table.
Casey stood a few moments later, turning to Kelly. "I'm going to check in with Gabby, want to join me and see how Stella's feeling"? Kelly stood, happy to have any reason to be closer to her.
Walking up from behind, Kelly wrapped his arms around Stella. She leaned into him, knowing it was him without even turning around. Casey took the seat next to Gabby, reaching out for her hand. Brett smiled at her friends, wishing Antonio was there with her. He was supposed to meet her, but Intelligence caught a big case last minute and he got stuck at work.
Kelly leaned down, asking Stella how she was feeling. "I'm fine, really. Just a little tired. We can go in an hour or so". He nodded in agreement, happy she was being realistic about needing her rest. He knew that when it came time for their shift the next day, it would be a different story and he wasn't looking forward to that.
The group of friends talked for the next hour, laughing at the story of a call Stella and Kelly had missed at the end of their last shift. The house was called because of reports of smoke on a private property, when they arrived they found a group of high school kids sitting around a fire they had set drinking beer. Antonio showed up a little bit later after getting out of work earlier than he thought he would, making Brett happy not to be the 5th wheel among the friends.
An hour later, Gabby caught Kelly's eye from across the table and nodded at Stella. She was still leaning into him with him behind her, but her eyes were struggling to stay open as she fought exhaustion. Kelly leaned down, kissing her on the forehead.
"Stella, you're practically asleep. Why don't we go home". She turned around in her chair, wrapping her arms around him and falling into him. "Let me say bye to everyone first".
The pair made their way around the bar, saying goodnight to everyone. Stella hugged everyone again, thanking them one more time for their concern. He guided her out to his car a few minutes later, heading home for the night with her by his side.
