Season 12 of Chicago Fire delivered some of the most emotionally charged moments in the show’s history, but none struck deeper than the realization that perhaps it’s time for Kelly Severide and Stella Kidd to go their separate ways—at least for now. Once the golden couple of Firehouse 51, Severide and Kidd have slowly drifted into an endless loop of emotional turmoil, trust issues, and poor communication, leaving fans wondering if their marriage can truly survive the chaos.

When the two tied the knot at the end of Season 10, viewers hoped their rocky journey would finally stabilize. But instead of peace, their relationship has been plagued with crisis after crisis. From being attacked on their honeymoon, to Kidd’s near-death experience, to Severide’s sudden, unexplained departure to OFI camp, their union has been tested far too many times. Each event left scars—not just physical, but emotional—and cracks have started to show in a bond once thought unbreakable.

What’s most concerning is how Severide and Kidd seem to operate best during chaos, as if adversity is the only glue holding them together. In any healthy marriage, stability and mutual respect are the foundation. Yet for these two, every moment of peace is followed by an emotional landmine. Season 12 made this especially clear when Kidd, understandably shaken by Severide’s previous ghosting, tried to assert more control over his decisions. Rather than offer reassurance, Severide doubled down on his own path, vanishing again for another arson case without proper communication.

The final straw for many fans came in the Season 12 finale, when Severide brought up the topic of children. While the idea of a baby might be exciting for some couples, the way Severide introduced the subject—suddenly, casually, and without considering Kidd’s mental and emotional state—showcased how disconnected he’s become from his partner. Kidd’s reaction was telling: subdued, uncertain, and wary. After everything they’ve endured, she has every right to question whether parenthood with Severide is a responsible choice.

What’s more, this isn’t the first time Severide has demonstrated inconsideration. His absence during the OFI stint, and his continued pattern of putting his personal needs ahead of Kidd’s well-being, shows a man still struggling to grasp what it means to be a husband—not just a partner in love, but a partner in life.

Can they be saved? Possibly. But not without time apart. One Chicago has proven with Brett and Casey that sometimes, distance can heal more than it hurts. Right now, Kidd and Severide are running on fumes. Maybe a break would allow them to rediscover who they are—individually and as a couple.

Whether their paths merge again remains to be seen, but for the moment, the healthiest move might be the hardest one: letting go.