Dawsey gap-filler for episode 4x05

"Gabby?"

"In here!"

Matt walked over to the kitchen as he entered their home after a long shift where he found Gabby at the stove preparing breakfast.

"Hey, how was shift?"

"It started slow but later we got called to a fire at this house party filled with high school kids. 2 died on scene. Few more taken to Chicago Med. Doesn't look too good."

Hearing what just happened, Gabby turned off the stove and turned around to give Matt a quick hug. She knows how hard some calls were and that, was one of them. Calls which involved children and young adults always hit them the worst. She cannot imagine what it was like for parents who have lost their child. Having watched your child grew up only to lose him before they can even begin to realise their dreams is a wretched feeling that she dared not think about. Her own pain after the miscarriage felt like a dull throb as compared to what they must be feeling.

Matt returned her hug with a tight squeeze, grateful for the act of comfort Gabby had provided for him. He placed a kiss on top of her head before she lifted her face up to give him a peck on the lips.

Looking deep into her big brown eyes, he made an impulsive decision, "Date night. Tonight. You and me."

"Okay..," Gabby replied, a huge smile starting to spread across her face. She felt her heart beat a little faster and a rush of excitement filling her bloodstream. It had been awhile since they went out on a proper date. Ever since they got back together, their busy routine had constrained their time together to catch up on work and family commitments, household chores and their part time work They barely had time for each other and date night sounds about perfect.

"Have fun, guys!" Kelly waved them off from the kitchen bar, a twinkle in his eyes, as the couple made their way towards the front door. He was happy to see his two best friends finally getting their act together and getting through their first turbulence back as a couple with more grace and commitment than their last. Shay would be happy, he thought.

"We'll see you at Molly's later," Matt replied before closing the door behind him. He was worried about Severide's well-being after his demotion but he has every faith that the pupils will be restored to his well-deserved owner not a moment too soon. He's just hoping that the moment comes sooner rather than later. It would be great to be working with Severide together as equals. Although he has no pressing issues working in the capacity of a leader with Patterson on calls, they are not in tune with one other well enough to understand the underlying signals that are kept well hidden in the face of a deadly, dangerous or sensitive situation in order not to raise panic among their men.

"So, where are we heading?"

"I've made reservations at our Italian restaurant." Matt looked over at Gabby as he started the engine of his truck, trying to gauge her reaction to his choice of restaurant. He was a little relieved when he saw her eyes lighted up in surprise.

"Did I miss any of our special dates, Matt?" she said hesitantly trying to recall the significance of the date. The restaurant had always been reserved for special occasions: birthdays, anniversaries, career and personal milestones. It had been both of their personal favourite restaurant and it also happened to be the restaurant that they had their first dinner at together. Years ago, Matt had made reservations for his date with Hallie at the restaurant but she had to blow the date after being called back to the hospital. Not wanting to put the reservation to waste, Matt had invited Gabby, who had just joined 51, to dinner with him. They had hit it off almost as soon as they were introduced but as Matt was together with Hallie, they had kept their relationship strictly as friends. During the dinner, they both realised the attraction between them and how in sync they are with each other but they both refused to acknowledge it. Matt, being the upstanding guy he is, felt that he should do the right thing by Hallie whom he had been dating for a few years. Furthermore, not soon afterwards, Gabby began dating some guy and the timing since then was never right for them. It would be a lie if Matt said that a part of him never always wondered where they would be right now if he had seized that moment at the restaurant that night and explored the connection he always seem to have felt when he was with her rather than always doing the right thing. Although he loved Hallie, he knew that deep down, Gabby was the first woman who truly captured his heart and since their first encounter, she had taken permanent residence in a corner, taking a backseat whenever Hallie was in the picture. One thing he would always be grateful for was that he kept the memory of their first dinner at the restaurant sacred and had never since that night brought anyone with him to the restaurant. He dared not tarnish the one place that held the memory to what was admittedly one of the happiest night in his adult life.

Taking hold of her left hand in his right, he gave it a gentle squeeze and stared into her eyes, "One of the reasons I am in love with you is because you are one of the strongest woman I've ever known. We have been celebrating all our milestones at this restaurant and it has since become to me a symbol of strength of both ourselves and our relationship. I've never brought anyone else to the restaurant since we had our first dinner there when you first joined 51. Tonight, we are going to celebrate another display of strength. One that you had shown the past few weeks. What you went through, how you dealt with it, is something that is worth admiring and I want to celebrate that."

Gabby was surprised and truly touched by the heartfelt words spoken by Matt. He is not a romantic but more of an action speaks louder than words kind of guy. He is always thoughtful and considerate but never romantic. He is a practical person and shows his love in his own subtle way. Gabby does not need the romantic gestures of flowers and poems to know he loves her because she felt the sincerity and love from him whenever he does something for her but at that moment, she never heard something more romantic and beautiful. She never felt more loved and cherished by him. Tears started to prick behind her eyes and unconsciously rolled down her cheeks. She grabbed his face down towards her and kissed him deeply, pouring all the love she felt for him in that one kiss.

"You were not spared baby. Its our baby. You were there all the time, holding my hand and keeping me close. I drew strength from that."

"I love you," she whispered.

"I love you too."

Matt was still a little unsure if he did the right thing by planning this surprise. The tears didn't settle his worries much either. But if she said she loved him and if that kiss meant anything, it meant he did the right thing, right? He ran his thumb pad over her cheeks wiping away her tears. He must still have a confused look on his face as what Gabby said next finally settled his worries and he let out a nervous chuckle.

"Don't worry Matt. I'm really happy. I've been crying alot lately. Both good and bad. It must have been the hormones. Takes a while for it to be completely flushed out from my system," she said with a small laugh, wiping away her remaining tears with the back of her hands.

Dinner was eaten over great conversations and laughter. By the time dessert was served, they air between them felt lighter, nice, comfortable and it felt normal. They could feel themselves being drawn back into the bubble they were once in when they first got together.

"Hey, listen," Matt started as he grabbed Gabby's hand from across the table and held them firmly in his, subconsciously rubbing her knuckles with her thumb.

"I know sometimes you blame yourself for losing our baby. I want you to know that it is not on you. I don't blame you. It was just not meant to be. What happened was a great loss but one thing I know for sure, the baby brought us closer together than ever before. Honestly, I can't wait to start a family with you. But right now, I would like to have you all to myself for a little longer."

Gabby felt her a squeezed in her chest and tears started to well up in her eyes. Squeezing Matt's hands tightly in hers, she nodded enthusiastically trying to keep her tears at bay. Her heart had never felt more full at Matt's words.

Wrapping his hands around her shoulders and her hands around his waist, they walked together through the door into Molly's after dinner.

"Surprise!"

Gabby's eyes widen looking around at the faces of all her friends from House 51, their hands high up in the air.

"We're celebrating you coming back to the firehouse next shift. Next round 30% discount!" Hermann shouted across to Gabby from begind the bar amidst the cheers from the patrons in the bar.

Looking around at all the familiar faces in the bar, Gabby cannot begin to start counting how blessed she is. Taking a deep breath, she tightened her grip around Matt's waist and looked at her second family with pure appreciation, "Wow... You guys are just about the best thing that can ever happened to me. Aside from Matt of course. Matt and I would like to thank all of you from the bottom of our hearts for all the support and encouragement you gave us over the last few weeks. We are really grateful and feel really blessed to call you our family. Probably not so soon, but we do hope a mini Casey will be running round the firehouse one day."

There were claps and slaps on the back when Gabby finished her short speech. Gabby turned around to look at Matt who gave her a quick kiss on her lips.

"One day," he repeated.

The next few hours was filled with laughter and chatters as the firefighters and paramedics of House 51 and other familiar patrons from District 21 filled into Molly's. But Matt never left Gabby's side. They were glued to the hip and it didn't escape anyone's eyes.

"You're back to manning the bar next week kid. Enjoy these last few nights with our lieutenant," Hermann said with a wink to Gabby as he set their beers down on the table.

Gabby smirked at him with a glare. She felt a nudge on her side and turned to see Matt looking at her with a playful smile on his lips.

"He's right you know. I would love to spend longer nights with you."

She returned his flirtatious smile with one of her own. She sneaked a hand up to his neck and her thumb began caressing the back of his neck.

In a low husky voice, she leaned to whisper in his ear, being certain she was close enough to brush her chest against his arms. "Like I promised, you're the first to know. I'm cleared for active duty. And i mean for all... activities."

The moment she said it, Matt could feel his jeans starting to get a little tight. Matt stared lustily into her eyes. She had no idea what she was doing to him. Without breaking eye contact with her, he downed the remaining of his beer, grabbed her hand and slid out of the booth dragging Gabby behind him.

"Thanks guys for tonight! But doc said Gabby needs as much rest as possible before she returns for active duty. So, we'll see you next shift."

There was a series of cheers and see yous hollered as the couple said their goodbyes and quickly made their way out of the door but before the door closed behind them, Matt shared an understanding look with Severide.

Taking note of the time, Severide made sure to be home hours later to give the couple some privacy in their shared apartment.

"Resting requires a bed and personally I prefer not to be clothed when I'm in it," Gabby smiled flirtatiously up at him as they walked hand in hand towards Matt's truck.

"I can give you a back massage. Make sure all that knots are loosen up so you'll be ready for what comes next," Matt responded in a low whisper into her ear.

His breath on her ear was sending tingling sensations through her body. She slipped her hand which was around his waist, under his shirt and started caressing his naked back.

Feeling the heat intensifying between them and thinking no one was around, he gently pushed Gabby against the passenger door of his truck and in an instant, the two were making out like teenagers, their silhouette being illuminated by the street lamp above them.

Unbeknown to the both of them, in a dark corner sat a lady on a bench who was watching the show evolved before her with more interest than she should have.

It was her first shift back and to be honest, she was quite nervous but excited at the same time. She loves her job and it makes it even more pleasurable when you are working with the person that you love. But she was still quite unsure whether their relationship will be able to weather through another round of superior-subordinate relationship at work. Deep in her own thoughts, she continued packing her bag for work.

"Hey, you're up early. Excited for your first shift back?"

The husky voice of Matt who was now wide awake in bed startled her thoughts.

"A little, yea. I'm ready, lieutenant," she replied as she gave him a small smile.

Matt frowned as he got out of bed and stood in front of her, his hands around her waist holding her close.

"I'm your lieutenant at work but at home, I am all yours. I'm not about to blow it again this time. You mean too much to me."

Gabby looked into his eyes, trusting his words. She gave him a small nod in understanding.

Matt gave her a quick peck on the lips before letting her go and heading to the bathroom to get ready for work.

Matt shut the engine of his truck as they reached the firehouse but before Gabby open the passenger door, he grabbed her forearm to stop her from leaving. "I love you. Take care of yourself." Leaving a quick kiss on her forehead, he grabbed both their bags and stepped out from the truck, leaving a speechless Gabby behind.

"You coming, babe?"

"Yeah, Yeah." She scrambled out, still a little shock at the display of vulnerability from Matt. He never use to showcase his emotions and vulnerability so openly before. This change in him, trying to communicate better with her is a good change, she thought.

Matt had kept her updated on all that had been going on in the firehouse when she was on medical leave. Hence, she could understand all the inside jokes the guys were cracking and the current debate Mouch and Otis had going on between them. She felt really good to be back.

Later that morning, they were called to a burning house where the families of a couple were preparing themselves for their wedding. Matt, Hermann and Borelli had went in to search for the bride, the bridesmaids and the pastor who were trapped on the second floor and the groom who had went back into the burning house to save his bride.

Gabby could listen on the radio Matt's voice asking for help with the metal grills that were fixed outside the windows of the second floor. She looked up to see Severide and Cruz climbing up the ladders and removing the grill from the second story window.

One by one the victims were guided out from the window onto the ladder and brought down to safety where Brett and Chilli would check them over.

Gabby heard some rattling through the radio and muffled voices. She looked at Boden, a worried look on his face that reflected her own.

She continued looking at the window, praying for the safety of all the men inside, especially Matt's.

She spotted the boot of someone climbing out from the window but the turnout coat stated Borelli. The next boot that came out belong to someone of a smaller build.

Her hands were getting cold as she waited for the next figure to be out. But the moment Hermann came out from the window, a fireball flashed out behind him.

"Casey! Casey!" Boden's voice bellowed out from the radio.

It was not a moment too soon before they saw a body flung himself out the window and landed on the ladder held steady by Severide, Cruz and Capp. He slid down the ladder onto the ground.

"I'm fine." Matt said as his men helped him up. He took his helmet which had dropped in the process of his stunt from Hermann and his eyes frantically searched the audience looking for a familiar set of dark eyes.

"That was a close call."

Matt spotted Gabby seating on the bench in the locker room as he stepped out from the shower stall.

"Yea, it was. The curtain got caught in the heater system and caused a little bit of an explosion."

Matt saw as she averted her gaze to his chest which she knew was going to be bruised from the impact of the ladder. She could see the red marks of the ladder steps on his chest and the bruises that had started to form at certain areas where the impact was greater.

"It's not as bad as it looks," Matt was quick to reassure her.

"I know. But it still hurts."

"A little," he finally admitted.

"Here, rub this arnica ointment on the bruised area. It'll help to reduce the swelling. Antonio and I swears by it whenever we got into a mishap especially Antonio during his boxing days."

"Thanks babe, I will. Although it would be more efficient if you could rub it for me."

He joked trying to lighten the otherwise tense atmosphere between them. It seems to work as a small chuckle came out from her lips and she punched him lightly on his arms.

"We can always reverse roles and I'll play the nurse."

After sharing a quick kiss and before things went beyond the level of professionalism at work, she made her way into the common room leaving Matt to tend to his own injuries.

The wedding the next morning before shift ends went smoothly. Although there was a brief Riddle episode the evening before, she chose to not let him get to her. In a way, she was glad that Boden agreed to hold the wedding at the firehouse for the couple who lost their home to the fire yesterday morning. It seems like a victory in some way over Riddle who is adamant to have Boden and the rest of the firefighters in House 51 bend their knees at his feet.

As the bride walked down the aisle with her hand placed over father's arms to Brett's angelic voice, Matt took one of her hands which was resting on her lap into his, giving it a squeeze. She turned to look at him and he held her gaze. The look of love that passed between them could not go unnoticed by anyone who was watching the couple. That in that moment, she knows that they might not yet be married in the legal sense, but in their heart, mind and soul, they are already married, bounded by their own vows to love each other, be there for each other and stand up for each other through the end of time for better or for worst.