A/N: Hey guys! As always, thanks for the reviews! And I think we can all agree that it has been way too long without Kelly! So here is the chapter you have all been waiting for! I hope you like it! R&R!

Kelly took a deep breath as he decided to open the doors to Firehouse 51. He was still clad in his camo uniform, the name Severide sewn in white on his chest. On his head he sported an army cut, and his eyes told you that the war had changed him. He held his breath as he stepped inside to the place he used to call home.

2 Hours Earlier

Kelly had just landed back in Chicago after his year-long deployment. He stepped off of the plane, along with a multitude of other soldiers. Everybody else ran to reunite with their family members, but Kelly just took his backpack and went outside to catch a cab. He hadn't told anybody about when he was coming back home. To be honest, after such an abrupt departure, he hadn't been in contact with anyone for an entire year. When he had decided to leave, he didn't want anyone stopping him.

Being in the war gave Kelly a lot of time to think, to reflect on the situation back home. He had decided it was time to accept the disappearance of KJ. He also came to the conclusion that his decision to join the army was a little rash, and that he owed the rest of the Firehouse an apology.

The cab pulled up to the firehouse and Kelly paid the driver before stepping out of the yellow Prius. Kelly wasn't sure how long he stood in front of the Firehouse, debating whether he should go in, and what it would be like. He decided to muster up his courage, and finally reunite with his family, the people who he hadn't seen for over a year.

Current Time

Kelly slung his backpack over his shoulder, using both of his muscular arms to open the double doors to the common room. He took in his surroundings, noticing that not a lot had changed, and that at this point everybody was staring at him in disbelief. Everybody, that is, except for Shay.

Before he knew it, Shay had launched herself into Kelly's arms and had started sobbing. Kelly held her tight, taking in her vanilla scent, thanking whatever greater force that his best friend was still there for him.

"Damn it, Kelly," Shay scolded him. "If you ever do that to me again I swear to God I'll kill you."

Kelly proceeded to wipe the tears off Shay's face and press a gentle kiss to her forehead. The best friends finally parted and the rest of the guys (and Dawson) greeted their former lieutenant.

After finishing a quick text, Casey put his phone in his back pocket and headed over to the crowd huddled around Kelly. "Hey man," Casey said to Kelly, pulling him into a tight bro-hug.

"Hey," Kelly responded. "How's everything been going?"

"It's been alright," Casey said with a tight smile. "It's good to have you back."

"It's good to be back," Kelly replied, running a hand through his salt and pepper hair.

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KJ had been walking to her locker with Jake after school when she got a text.

From: Matty

URGENT! Come to the firehouse ASAP.

"Shit," KJ mumbled under her breath.

"Something wrong, babe?" Jake asked as he got his books from his locker.

"Yeah. I might need a rain check on our study session," KJ sighed.

"No problem," said Jake. "Something come up?"

"Yeah. My brother texted me to come to the firehouse. Don't know what for though. All he said was that it's urgent."

"Well, why don't you let me drive you so you don't have to walk?" Jake suggested.

"Are you sure?" KJ questioned. "If it's not too much trouble-"

"Of course not, babe," Jake replied as he pressed a light kiss to the top of her head.

KJ and Jake had been dating for a few weeks now. Jake was one of the few people KJ felt comfortable with. Casey knew that Jake was a good kid, and that it was healthy for KJ to have someone to open up to, especially about the absence of Kelly. However, little did KJ know that the absence of Kelly would no longer be a problem.

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After Jake dropped KJ off at the firehouse, she quickened her step, slightly worried about what was so urgent. The first thing KJ noticed as she stepped into the garage of the firehouse was that it seemed deserted. Squad wasn't playing cards at the table and Dawson and Shay weren't restocking that ambulance. However, she knew no one was on call because both of the trucks and the ambo were still there. KJ readjusted the strap of her Giants backpack on her right shoulder and pushed open the door leading to the common room. All she saw was a bunch of the guys huddled in a circle near the kitchen, all with their backs turned towards her. What the hell?

Kelly's POV

"Well, if you want, you have an open spot here at 51 as lieutenant," said Chief Boden.

"Thanks Chief, but-"

Kelly was cut off by the loud voice of a teenage girl. "Matty, what was so important that you had to interrupt my study session with Jake?" KJ said sarcastically.

Kelly's heart stopped. At first, he wasn't sure if he heard right. It was dead silent by the time he heard the voice again.

"Hello? Matty? Anyone?" KJ said frustratedly when no one would turn around.

After hearing the familiar voice for the second time, Kelly had confirmed it. He slowly turned around, eyes a little dazed from the overwhelming situation. The sea of people parted, and Kelly made eye contact with the girl who he thought he would never see again. The girl whose disappearance became the reason for his journey to Afghanistan. The girl who was his best friend, little sister, and most importantly, his Junior.

As soon as KJ saw Kelly, she lost it. Tears started pouring out of her eyes, tears filled with relief and happiness that Kelly was home safe and sound. She immediately dropped her backpack and began to sprint towards Kelly.

"No fucking way," Kelly kept muttering under his breath as he wiped the tears from his eyes. As soon as KJ jumped into his arms, he held onto her as tight as he could, vowing to never let anything happen to her again. "I'm so sorry, Junior. I'm so sorry," Kelly sobbed into her light brown hair as he picked her up off of the ground.

All that KJ could respond with between the tears was, "I love you, Kelly."