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Kelly

The fluorescent lights of the hospital hallway hummed softly as Kelly Severide stepped through the automatic doors of Chicago Med. He tried to ignore the antiseptic scent that clung to the air, a constant reminder of his vulnerability here. This time, he had an excuse—checking up on a colleague who'd landed in the ER after a minor accident at the firehouse. But each step into these sterile halls felt like a reminder of things he preferred to leave unspoken. Fire and smoke were one thing—predictable, dangerous, but they held no mystery. Hospitals, though, were a different beast, carrying a quiet intensity he couldn't shake off.

But today, that tension evaporated the moment he caught sight of her.

By the nurses' station, a small group of doctors and nurses gathered, deep in discussion. At the center of them stood a doctor he hadn't seen before—she looked young yet seasoned, with an unmistakable presence that seemed to command the room without even trying. There was something strikingly unique about her; Kelly couldn't quite place it, but it held him captive.

As she spoke, her hands moved expressively, her tone clear and assured, captivating even the most senior staff around her. His gaze traveled over her features—the way her dark hair was swept back into a ponytail, though a few wisps had escaped, framing her face just so. Her skin had a natural glow, and her eyes held a warmth that contrasted with the sharp lines of her scrubs and the hospital's cold, sterile environment. She had a strength about her, but there was a softness too, something that suggested kindness and empathy beneath her professionalism.

Kelly felt the world around him fade as he leaned against the wall, his heart racing. He was aware of the steady rhythm of his pulse echoing in his ears, drowning out the hospital sounds. He couldn't remember the last time he had lost track of time like this, his focus narrowing solely on her. Something about her beauty, her demeanor—it was more than just appearance; it was the way she moved, the way she seemed to light up the space.

With a nervous swallow, he leaned slightly closer, trying to catch every word she said. He couldn't shake the feeling that he needed to know her, that this moment was one he didn't want to let pass.

As he lingered near the station, trying to appear nonchalant, he caught snippets of her conversation, noting the way she emphasized a patient's need for comfort while advising her team on medical options. It was clear she had experience beyond the ordinary ER rounds. The confidence she exuded wrapped around him like a warm embrace, igniting a flicker of admiration in his chest.

Curious, he approached a nurse he recognized from previous visits. "Hey, April," he greeted casually. "Who's that doctor over there?"

April looked up, following his gaze. "Oh, her? She's a new orthopedic doctor, but she's been helping out in the ER lately. She's a great asset here—always willing to lend a hand."

"Orthopedics, huh?" Kelly noted, his curiosity piqued. "She's got quite a presence."

"She does." April agreed, smiling. "The patients love her, and she's been covering a lot of shifts around here."

He tried to mask his interest with a nod, casually keeping the conversation going. "Do you know her name?"

"Dr. Evans. Blair Evans." April raised an eyebrow, a playful look in her eyes. "Thinking of switching careers, Severide?"

He chuckled, waving her off. "Just making sure I know who's who around here."

As he walked away, he repeated her name silently: Dr. Blair Evans. Somehow, it felt right—grounded, trustworthy. It stayed with him, lingering in his thoughts like a melody he couldn't quite place.

--

Over the next few days, Kelly found reasons to return, even if they were small—dropping off supplies or relaying messages between paramedics and ER nurses. Each time, he found himself scanning the hallway, hoping to catch a glimpse of her. Dr. Evans seemed focused and professional, but there was a kindness in her gaze that softened her intensity. He noted the way she interacted with everyone around her, the calm reassurance in her voice, and the warmth that seemed to linger after she left the room. Her presence had become a sort of calm he didn't expect, a soothing balm in the chaos of the hospital.

One afternoon, while waiting at the nurses' station, he overheard two nurses talking about her.

"She's a gem, isn't she?" one said. "She took on an extra shift to cover the ER after a double orthopedic round."

"She practically lives here, I swear," the other chuckled. "If only every resident doctor was like that."

Kelly leaned forward, pretending to adjust his watch as he listened. Every piece of information seemed like a small victory, and he found himself piecing together her life, wondering what made her so committed. And as he did, he couldn't help but feel drawn to that dedication. It reminded him, in some strange way, of his own job—the loyalty, the sacrifices, the desire to make a difference.

--

As days passed, their paths crossed with increasing frequency. Once, as he rounded the corner, they nearly collided. He looked up just in time to meet her gaze, and she greeted him with a surprised smile. "Oh! Sorry about that." she laughed softly, a hint of embarrassment coloring her cheeks.

He flashed a quick grin, feeling his heartbeat quicken at the sight of her. "No problem. Busy day, huh?"

"Always." she replied, her tone warm yet brisk, before she moved past him, disappearing down the hall. As she walked away, he felt an unexpected rush of warmth flood through him. There was something about her energy—her bright smile and the way she carried herself—that made his pulse race.

He stood there for a moment, watching her retreating figure, captivated by the way her hair swayed gently with each step. Her presence lingered long after she was gone, an echo of something he couldn't quite name but wanted to explore further. A feeling of both excitement and anxiety danced in his chest; it was a reminder that he wasn't just drawn to her professionally. This wasn't just another interaction with a colleague; there was something more profound brewing beneath the surface, something that ignited a spark he hadn't felt in a long time.

He shook his head slightly, trying to clear the distraction, but her smile replayed in his mind. The way her laughter hung in the air, light and inviting, made him wonder if she felt the same pull he did. Was it too soon to consider reaching out? He hesitated, his mind racing with thoughts. It was foolish, perhaps, to think of crossing those professional boundaries, but the more he saw her, the more he couldn't help but imagine what it might be like to know her beyond the sterile walls of the hospital.

With a lingering smile on his face, he took a deep breath, trying to regain his composure as he continued down the hall, his mind already racing with possibilities for their next encounter.

--

One evening, he waited for his appointment, leaning against the wall, watching Dr. Evans as she discussed a case with a colleague, her voice steady and thoughtful. For a moment, she glanced his way, and their eyes met. Her warm smile felt like an invitation, a silent acknowledgment that sent a rush of exhilaration through him. He felt an overwhelming urge to step closer, to introduce himself, to share even the smallest part of himself with her.

But as he took a step closer, his throat went dry, and he hesitated, his palms sweating against the cool surface of the wall behind him. He could almost hear his heart thudding in his chest, drowning out the steady hum of the hospital. He wasn't sure why he felt this pull, or what he hoped to find in her presence, but he knew one thing—she had reawakened a sense of hope, a reminder that there was more to life than the quiet struggle he carried alone.

Tomorrow, he told himself. Tomorrow, he would find a way to approach her and finally bridge the silent distance that separated them.

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