Hello everyone, here's the next chapter for you all. I know I'm updating a day earlier than normal, but I found out there's an unexpected funeral I need to attend tomorrow, so I won't be able to update on my usual schedule. And I had this chapter finished, so I decided to go ahead and get it posted for you all. With the next chapter of I Won't Let You Go, I haven't completed it yet, so I'm not sure when I'll be getting that posted. I'm hoping to get it up a some point tomorrow, if I can. But if not, I'll get it up as soon as possible!
I do hope you all enjoy this one, and there's a little M rated section to start off this chapter, just so you know.
Happy reading!
THIRTY SIX
Matt's hands roamed her body as he pinned her against the shower wall, the cold tile sending a chill through Gabby's spine, their lips connected in a passionate kiss as the water fell down against their sides, his steady thrusts causing her nails to dig into his shoulder blades. While he trailed his kisses down to her neck, he gently grabbed ahold of her left leg, being mindful of the healing cut on her thigh as he hitched her knee around his waist, a loud shriek escaping her lips as her body pulled him in deeper, Matt smirking against her skin as he picked up the speed of his movements, using the wall for support.
"Matt-..." She panted, her hands falling down to his back, gripping his skin tightly as he pulled her leg up higher, his other hand sliding up from her waist towards her chest, gripping her breast as he slammed in and out of her. Her heard her breaths quicken in his ear, Matt feeling her chest moving up and down rapidly underneath his touch as he kept his movements steady, leaving marks along her collarbone as she tightened around him.
He could feel her thighs clenching, moans and whimpers escaping her lips as he moved, the once hot water now turning lukewarm, but their bodies felt as if they were on fire, Matt edging her closer and closer towards that release she so desperately craved.
"Please. Matt, I'm-... God-" She whimpered, losing control of herself as he released his hold on her chest, sliding back down to her other leg before hiking it up around his waist, holding her up off the ground as he sunk back into her. His body was supporting her weight as a high-pitched whine left her lips, Matt brushing against that delicate spot inside her that he had a way of finding every time, her muscles trembling around him as he stalled his movements.
She waited for him to continue, but he didn't, Matt grazing his teeth along her collarbone as her breaths became shorter and choppy, Gabby nearly crying out in frustration as she felt her release begin to move further and further away.
"Please." She practically begged, her voice barely audible, but he could hear the desperation and want within her, Matt releasing an involuntary groan when she purposefully clenched around him. "Please, baby."
He lifted his head when he heard her, a dumb grin shining across his wet face, Matt gripping the backs of her thighs tightly as he slowly began rocking against her, the movement not nearly enough for her.
But she wasn't left waiting for more for very long, Gabby watching his eyes darken before he leaned forward, capturing her lips in a fiery kiss, Matt quickly picking his speed back up, the new angle giving him all the access he needed as he thrust into her, swallowing her moans while he moved.
With every passing minute he could feel her getting closer and closer to her release, Matt doing what he could to hold off his own as he continued his steady pace, pain tingling through his back as her nails dug into his skin.
"Matt…" She panted between kisses, Matt smiling against her lips as he moved quicker, feeling Gabby begin to tumble over the edge as her entire body tensed, a sharp cry escaping her lips. Matt continued his relentless pace as she came, her release spurring his on, Matt slowing to long, deep strokes as he emptied himself inside her, Gabby taking everything he was giving her.
When they both were completely spent, Matt stalled his movements, resting deep inside her as their bodies slowly began to come down from the amazing high they'd experienced together. Matt continued to hold her against the wall, her body trembling in the aftershocks of her release, her muscles involuntarily spasming around him, the movements sending wave after wave of almost unbearable pleasure through his system.
With a slow, shaky breath, Matt carefully placed Gabby's legs back on the ground, a soft whine escaping her lips as he slid out of her, their chests heaving as they stood under the almost cold water.
"Hi." He murmured after a few seconds, bringing his hand up to her face, stroking across her cheek softly, his skin feeling the remains of the few scratches that were still healing.
"Hi." She replied, her bottom lip falling in between her teeth as he placed his other hand on her side, rubbing across her wet skin before sliding around to her back.
"You feeling okay?" He asked, Gabby nodding immediately, leaning forward to press a light kiss to the side of his mouth, her chest brushing against his as they stayed close together.
"I'm feeling great." She murmured, moving her hand around to his back before she kissed him again, their movements slow and deliberate.
In the week and a half that had passed since the warehouse fire, Gabby and Matt hadn't shied away from spending any intimate alone time together that they could, the two taking every opportunity when they both felt up for it. But every time they'd been together, up until today, it had all been pretty tame, the two taking their time with one another as their bodies recovered from the trauma they'd endured. And while she had absolutely loved it, getting to see the much gentler and caring side to Matt while they were together, she had missed his more assertive side, and it was nice to get back to that a little now that they were both feeling able.
"You know…" Matt whispered against her lips, pressing his forehead into hers as they separated, both catching their breath, "We should probably get out soon if we want to make it to your parent's house on time."
"Yeah, you're right." She breathed out, stealing another quick kiss. "But I thought us showering together would save some time." She added with a smirk, Matt tilting his head to the side in amusement as he slid his hand from her back down past her waist, gripping her flesh firmly in his palm.
"I think it added at least twenty minutes… But you'll never catch me complaining about you joining me in the shower." He replied, kissing her once more. "It was a very nice surprise."
"Yeah, I knew you'd like it." She murmured, capturing one last kiss before tapping against his back. "But we really should be going."
"Yeah, yeah, I know." He responded, giving her butt one last squeeze before stepping away from her. "Do you need to finish cleaning up?" He asked with a soft smirk, Gabby rolling her eyes as she nodded.
"I'll be out in a few minutes." Gabby replied with a chuckle, Matt grinning as he nodded, carefully exiting the shower, Gabby watching as he grabbed the towel that had become his before she went back to cleaning herself off.
When she got out of the shower a few minutes later, Gabby saw him standing at her bathroom counter, the man brushing his teeth as he stood there with the towel wrapped around his waist, his body still glistening from their shower. Quietly, she reached out towards the hook, grabbing her towel and wrapping it around herself, tying it against her chest before she began the short walk towards her boyfriend, Matt bent over the sink as he rinsed out his mouth.
From her vantage point, she had a clear view of his back, her eyes tracing over the remaining bruises still discoloring his skin, the once nearly black and purple marks now having faded to a yellow hue, with a little bit of brown sprinkled in over the areas that took the most impact. Seeing the injury, anyone could clearly tell his back had taken a severe beating, but he was definitely getting better; they both were.
Aside from the bruising and soreness in his back, Matt's other injuries were healing up nicely, so much so that he'd gotten the all-clear to return to work next shift. His sprained shoulder was being managed, and while it hadn't completely healed, it had enough for him to be able to work. The gash on his leg he'd gotten during the fall was now nothing more than a small cut, and his ribs had healed as well. All the little cuts and scrapes covering his skin were mostly gone, Matt almost able to hide the fact he'd been in an accident recently. He was still feeling a few aches and pains, but for the most part he was fine, and it was time for him to get back to work.
Gabby, on the other hand, wasn't so lucky.
She wouldn't say her recovery had stalled, but hers was definitely taking longer than Matt's, which was a realization she wasn't thrilled with; neither of them were. She wasn't progressing anywhere near as quickly as she'd hoped, but she was holding onto the fact that she was at least still getting better. Gabby knew her injuries were severe, more severe than Matt's, but that knowledge hadn't translated into the understanding that her recovery would take longer.
But it was something she'd quickly come to realize as they spent their days and nights together, as Gabby saw him having an easier time with his recovery than she was. It was taking her a little longer to get back to her usual self, and she couldn't say she wasn't a little frustrated by it.
She still had instances of some heavy discomfort in her previously dislocated shoulder, Gabby still a little more reliant on her pain medication than she'd like to be. The deep gash on her thigh had closed up, but she still had to be careful with it, as it had been a pretty severe cut. It wasn't hurting her anymore, and it was almost fully healed, but considering Matt's similar injury had healed days ago, it was a little annoying that hers took so long. Most of her cuts and scrapes were either completely healed or almost healed, aside from the one along her hairline, where her mask had dug into her skin. That one had caused some issues for her, and it definitely wasn't pretty, but it too was on its way to healing.
Despite some of the delay in her recovery, she was feeling much better, which was encouraging, Gabby being able to do more and more every day. But it was still a little discouraging at times to know that she wasn't one hundred percent yet, or at least well enough to go back to work. She was getting closer, she could tell with every day that passed, but now that Matt would be going back to work soon, she found herself a little annoyed at how she still had some time to go before she'd be able to get back.
But at least if she couldn't work yet, she was glad Matt could, Gabby knowing how much they both missed the job. Although she would be lying if she said she wouldn't miss the days they got to spend together.
One of the only bright spots throughout this whole thing had been the amount of time Gabby and Matt had gotten together, the couple having spent everyday with one another since the accident. It hadn't even been intentional, at first, but it was like Matt couldn't bring himself to leave. Gabby assumed part of it was his guilt; that he wanted to keep an eye on her, just to ensure that she was alright. But while she knew part of his reason for staying was because he needed to know she was okay, Gabby also knew he just wanted to spend time with her, which was a thought that made her chest fill with warmth.
This was a little unusual for her, Gabby never consciously spending this much time with someone when first starting their relationship, but with Matt, it just felt right. It felt right for him to be here, it felt right for them to spend their time together, and, even more so, it felt weird when he was gone. And she knew he felt the same. So they'd come to a silent agreement that he would be hanging around for awhile, Matt having made a few stops to his apartment to get some of his things once he was feeling a little better, the both of them also having spent the night at his place when Gabby had gotten a little more mobile.
They definitely weren't living together; they both meant it when they said they didn't want to rush things, and she intended to stick to that. This was too important, Matt was too important. But after coming close to losing one another, they both needed this time together more than they realized. That day in the warehouse had been traumatic for both of them, and had come with its fair share of psychological trauma as well, but Gabby knew the only reason they were handling things as well as they were was because they had each other to lean on.
They were the only two people in the world who knew exactly what the other had gone through that day, who understood the terror they felt falling through that floor, and being trapped, surrounded by flames. It was something that, unless you were there, there was only so much you could do to sympathize.
But Matt understood. He understood exactly what she was going through, because he was going through it to. And they had spent a fair amount of time over the last ten days helping each other through the dark moments. It was something neither of them were expecting, the mental aspect of their recovery to be as taxing as the physical, but when things became too much or too overwhelming, they'd lean on one another for support, and help each other through it. Which was something they both desperately needed.
But Gabby knew once he was back at work, they wouldn't be spending all their time together anymore. They both had their own lives to get back to, once they could, and she knew they both needed to get back into the swing of things, together and separately.
But that didn't mean she wouldn't miss this time with him.
"How long are you gonna stare at me?"
Matt's voice pulled her from her thoughts, Gabby's eyes snapping into focus as she saw him watching her through the mirror, a soft grin resting on his face. She raised her eyebrows challenging, a devilish smirk covering her features as she walked the rest of the way towards him, placing her hand on his lower back.
"For as long as I want." She responded, rubbing against his skin right above his towel as she pressed a kiss to his arm.
"I have no objections to that." He murmured, Gabby grinning before she lifted her head back up, her eyes moving towards his back while she continued lightly scratching his skin, an amused look covering her face as her gaze landed on a few dark red claw marks across his back. "What?" He asked, Gabby glancing back towards him in the mirror, his look matching hers. "What's so funny?"
"Nothing." She responded, Matt cocking his head to the side before he turned around, wrapping his arm around her waist.
"Nothing, huh?"
"Nope. Nothing." She repeated with a laugh, Matt shaking his head before he pulled her into him, capturing her lips in a short, heated kiss.
"You're really not gonna tell me?" He mumbled against her lips, Gabby grinning as she pulled away.
"It really is nothing, I was just noticing how I might've left a few marks on your back, there." She answered sheepishly, Matt grinning as he turned his head around, his soft smile turning into a smirk when he saw the deep, red marks from her hands on his skin, a light chuckle escaping his lips as he turned back around.
"Yeah, I could feel that… Although I seemed to leave a few marks of my own, too." He responded, nodding towards her chest, Gabby glancing to herself in the mirror to see a few red, blotchy patches of skin over her collarbone, Dawson knowing soon enough they'd bruise over.
"What have I told you about doing that lower so I don't have to keep covering them up." She replied with a laugh, Matt running his tongue over his bottom lip, his eyes locked on the marks he'd left on her.
"Well, even though I know how much you love it when I focus my attention a little lower, I was kind of busy." He murmured, heat rising to Gabby's cheeks as she shook her head.
"Mhmm, you sure were… Maybe just next time don't mark me when we're about to go have dinner with my parents." She suggested, Matt grinning sheepishly as he rubbed his hand over her hip, pressing a kiss to her forehead.
"I'm sorry, I got a little carried away, although you can't blame me." He replied, Gabby smiling softly as he slid out from between her and the counter. "But we really do need to hurry if we don't want to be late." He added as he moved towards the door, flashing her a wink before he disappeared into her bedroom, Gabby biting her bottom lip as she turned back towards the counter, knowing she needed to focus on getting ready.
After leaving the bathroom, Matt continued through the door of Gabby's bedroom, padding his way down the hallway as he moved towards his destination of the laundry room, knowing his pants were still hanging in there, the firefighter walking quickly towards the living room.
"Hello sunshine."
Casey jumped as soon as he turned the corner, a sound of surprise escaping his lips as he instinctively grabbed his towel, holding it tight around his waist as he caught a glimpse of the unexpected visitor is Gabby's home.
"Oh please, like I care about anything you've got going on under there," the blonde spoke, a smirk quickly forming over her face, "although, for Gabby's sake, I hope it's good."
"How'd you get in here, Shay?" He asked, ignoring her words as his hand covered his chest, Matt still trying to recover from the shock to his system that Shay's presence created.
"The front door was unlocked." She replied simply, Matt shaking his head as he took another step forward, Shay staying seated on the couch.
"So you just walked in?" He asked, the paramedic nodding simply. "God, we need to get you a bell or something."
"Mhmm, sure… You know, usually, me finding Gabby's door unlocked would be a little alarming, but when I got in, I realized why it was open… Her jacket and your belt on the ground, those were enough of a giveaway as to what happened when you two got home, but then the trail of clothes leading to the bedroom, well, I just assumed you two were preoccupied. Figured I'd be polite and wait for you to finish." She spoke with a grin, Matt shaking his head.
"How long have you been here?" He asked, Shay's smile widening.
"Long enough to know Gabby thoroughly enjoys whatever you do have going on under there…" She spoke with a knowing look, Matt's cheeks turning red.
"Matt?" Gabby's voice carried down the hallway, Casey immediately turning around.
"Hey, Shay's here." He called back, unsure if she'd heard her friend's voice or not.
"Which means make sure you're clothed before you come out," Shay added with a laugh, "because Casey doesn't want anyone else seeing what's his." Matt rolled his eyes before glancing to the hallway just in time to see Gabby appear, his girlfriend wearing one of his t-shirts and a pair of his boxers, Matt assuming she'd just grabbed something quickly when she heard the voices. "Hey Dawson, you enjoy your shower?" She asked with a gleam in her eye, Gabby playfully glaring at her friend before glancing to Matt.
"Shay broke in." He replied simply, Gabby nodding as she came to stand beside him.
"Hey, you two should just be glad it wasn't her parents again." The blonde challenged, Gabby shaking her head.
"I really regret telling you that." Dawson muttered, Shay grinning.
"Well, I mean, better me come in here while Matt's fucking you in the shower than them." She replied, Matt's eyes widening as Gabby ran her hand over the side of her face.
"Jesus."
"What are you doing here, Shay?" Gabby asked, steering the topic away from her and Matt's previous activities, the blonde clicking her tongue against the roof of her mouth before leaning down to pick up something.
"I came here to bring you this." She spoke vaguely, holding up a plastic bag, Gabby unsure of what was inside. "Got you some replacement uniforms, you know, since the other one got all bloody and gross." She added, Gabby narrowing her eyes slightly.
"I could've just gotten those when I got back to work." Gabby replied pointedly, Shay's shrugging lightly, her eyes bouncing between the couple. "...What is it?" Dawson pressed, the blonde's eyes focusing in on Matt, Casey understanding her silent request almost instantly.
"I'm just gonna go get ready." He spoke up, Gabby giving him a thankful nod before he turned around, beginning to head back towards the bedroom.
"Damn, Gabby, you really sunk your nails into him." Shay teased, Matt flipping her off before he disappeared down the hallway, the PIC shaking her head before she walked towards the couch, sitting down next to her friend. "You and Casey seem all domestic and cute… has he even gone home?" She asked with a smirk, Gabby rolling her eyes.
"Yes, he has." She replied sharply, the blonde raising her eyebrows.
"And were you with him?" She questioned quickly, Gabby pursing her lips together, her silence giving Shay all the answer she needed.
"What are you really doing here?" Dawson asked again, Shay chuckling lightly as she placed the bag in Gabby's lap.
"I did come here to give you these, but I'm also here because I need to talk to you about something." She prefaced, intrigue written across Dawson's face.
"Okay, well I've gotta be at my parent's house in like an hour, so as long as it's quick." Gabby told her, Shay nodding as she clasped her hands together in her lap.
"It is, it's not even so much talking, I just need to tell you something, I guess." She spoke, Gabby waiting for her to elaborate, the look on the PIC's face telling Shay to continue. "...Walker's been asking about you."
Gabby's eyebrows furrowed, Shay watching her closely as she saw the confusion settle across her face. "What do you mean?"
"He's been asking about how you're doing. Pretty much every shift, or if we see him at Molly's he's talking about you," Gabby's head tilted to the side, an unimpressed look covering her features, "...he's talking about wanting to come see you." Shay saw her friend's body tense up at those few words, Gabby biting down on the inside of her cheek as her spine straightened. "He's been trying to get Kelly to give him your address, so he can come check in on you."
"Kelly didn't give it to him, did he?" Dawson asked quickly, Shay immediately shaking her head.
"No, no, of course not." She assured her, Gabby nodding slowly. "The only reason Walker even knows you moved is because he was talking about going to your brother's place to visit you, and Kelly told him you weren't living there anymore… probably trying to save Antonio from murder charges." The blonde spoke lightly, trying to relieve some of the tension in the room, Gabby scoffing as she shook her head. "But when he asked for your address, Severide basically told him to fuck off… But I thought you should know. Walker, he's being really… persistent." Shay finished, Gabby shaking her head as a soft sigh escaped her lips.
"Well, I mean, tell him I'm fine if it'll get him to stop harassing you guys, but I don't even know what he wants."
"You, probably." Shay responded, Gabby releasing a heavy scoff.
"Yeah, that can't be it. He didn't want me even when we were together."
"But then, he knew he had you." Shay countered, Dawson running her tongue over her bottom lip. "He's always been weirdly possessive over you, we both know that," She continued, Gabby swallowing the lump in her throat, letting her friend talk, "I think that he can tell you're dating someone, or that you'd at least been seeing someone, and that pisses him off, so he's trying to worm his way back into your life."
"Well, he can stop trying." Gabby spoke roughly, glancing back towards the hallway. "I don't want him back. In fact, him breaking our engagement was honestly the best thing he could've ever done for me… I'm happy now. For the first time in a long time I'm genuinely happy, and that has everything to do with Matt and nothing to do with him." Shay smiled softly at her friend's words, reaching out to rub Gabby's knee gently. "I don't know why he's so insistent, but Bryan and I are coworkers, that's it. I don't want anything to do with him. And I especially don't want him here." She added, Shay giving her a knowing nod.
"I know you don't… This is yours and Casey's place." She replied with a smirk, Gabby rolling her eyes as she ducked her head.
"Shay…" Dawson spoke warningly.
"What? I think it's cute." Shay replied, Gabby looking back up to her. "You and Casey are good together, which is something I believe I told you a long time ago," she added pointedly before continuing, "but really, you two… you make sense. You and Bryan never did, but I left it alone-" Shay cut herself off when she saw Gabby's raised eyebrows, "Okay, I kind of left it alone. I just always thought you were settling, and that you deserved better… which I was right. But anyway, this isn't about him, this is about you. You and Casey." Gabby nodded slowly, letting her friend continue. "You two are a good fit for one another… You bring out the fun side of him, and he can see through your bullshit, you two are the perfect pair." She teased, Dawson rolling her eyes as she gently kicked her friend's shin. "Kidding, I'm kidding-... but, in all seriousness, you two just… you fit. And you make each other happy, which is what you both deserve after the hell you've gone through." She finished, Gabby smiling softly as she squeezed her friend's hand.
"Thank you, Shay."
"And he, clearly, knows exactly what he's doing below the belt, which is always a plus." She added, wiggling her eyebrows as Gabby rolled her eyes, dropping the blonde's hand.
"You just can't help yourself, can you?" Dawson questioned with a laugh, Shay chuckling as she shook her head.
"Oh please, your life would be so boring without me… But what I'm even more interested by is how the hell you two got away with having sex at the firehouse so often if you're always that loud… I mean, damn Dawson." She teased, Gabby feeling her face heat up from embarrassment.
"Well, excuse me for thinking Matt and I were alone… in my own apartment."
"Lock your doors next time." Shay countered, Gabby rolling her eyes as the blonde turned serious. "But speaking of the firehouse… have you guys talked about that?" She asked, Dawson raising her eyebrows. "How you're gonna tell everyone?"
Gabby pursed her lips together, sparing a quick look back towards the hallway, making sure Matt wasn't in sight before she answered. "No, we haven't really… I mean, we've told you and Severide. My brother knows, and we're officially telling my parents tonight, even though they kind of already know… But we haven't talked about what we're gonna tell the house, or when we're gonna tell them…" She trailed off, Shay nodding understandingly. "I mean, obviously, I want everyone to know, and if it wasn't for one specific person it wouldn't even be an issue, but…"
"Walker." Shay cut in knowingly, Gabby nodding slowly.
"That just- he complicates things." She continued. "Not with our relationship, but how we tell people about it… Bryan, he just- he's gonna be mad."
"Who cares." Shay countered, Gabby pursing her lips together. "Let him be mad. If he's gonna be pissed, let him… It's not like Casey stole you from him, because one, you're a person, not a thing to be won. And two, that asshole broke up with you. So screw him- well, not literally, you know what I mean," She corrected herself, Gabby raising her eyebrows in amusement. "But really, he has no legitimate reason to care… it's not like him and Matt are best friends or something. It'd be different if he and Matt had some history, but they don't. They don't even like each other. You and Matt did nothing wrong here, so who cares what he says…"
"It's not so much what he says that I'm worried about…" Dawson muttered under her breath, Shay's eyebrows furrowing.
"What do you mean?" She questioned, Gabby opening her mouth before closing it quickly, shaking her head.
"Nothing, it's nothing, I just-" She cut herself off, Shay taking a deep breath.
"Is this about what he did while you were in the shower?" Shay asked, Gabby remaining silent, knowing there was so much more to this that the blonde didn't know about. "Because if you're worried about him doing something, I don't think you should be… He knows if he does anything else, he's out of 51. He's an idiot, but he's not stupid." She spoke, Gabby biting down on her lip. "Walker has no legitimate reason to care about you and Matt. Yeah, knowing him, he'll be pissed. But he's always pissed. Your personal life doesn't concern him. And if he does anything… Well first, I don't think Casey would even let him get close enough to you to try, I have a feeling he can get very protective when he needs to," She spoke with a grin, Gabby shaking her head, "but you know he'd be out of the house in a second if he even thinks about doing anything. I really don't think this'll be anything more than him being pissed off for awhile before he gets over it. He was fucking around with other girls while you two were still together… You being in a relationship with a guy that you love, he has no reason to be mad at that."
"Yeah… I guess you're right." Gabby breathed out, smacking her lips together before steering the topic in a different direction. "I want us to be able to just be a couple, and I know he wants that too, but Matt and I, we've been in this little bubble for a week and a half, that's only been us, and it's been great… I don't wanna mess that up."
"If you're going to be an actual couple, you can't hide forever." Shay replied, Gabby nodding.
"No, I know that, it's just- I don't want things between us to change… And us telling people, it'll change things."
"Yeah, but it'll be a good change." Shay responded with a soft smile. "I know it's a little scary, especially with how you two started things, and everything else you have to consider, but here's how I see it… When you two weren't together, everyone who saw the two of you just assumed you were… Antonio, Hallie, me… You two have been acting like a couple long before you actually were one. Not much is changing there, at least with how you act around one another. But now, it's better, because you won't have to hide at work. I mean, you don't need to be making out in the common room or anything, but you won't have to be second guessing how you act around one another. You can just be Matt and Gabby."
"Yeah, I guess you're right…"
"Of course I am." She replied without missing a beat, patting Gabby's leg before standing up. "Alright, well I'm gonna go, let you guys get ready for dinner with the parents."
"Thanks Shay."
"Mhmm. I'll see myself out, I hope you two have fun, you'll have to let me know how it goes." The blonde spoke, Gabby smiling softly as she stood up as well, staying by the couch as her friend moved towards the door.
"I will. Although they pretty much know already."
"Well, so did I, and you still got a pretty good reaction out of me." Shay replied, Gabby grinning at the memory.
They had told Shay of their new status a few days after the warehouse accident, and to say the blonde was ecstatic would be putting it lightly. In fact, had it not been for their injuries, Gabby was sure Shay would've tackled them to the ground out of pure excitement.
"Although I think most of that was just me being relieved that you two finally got your shit together." She added, Gabby rolling her eyes as Shay stopped at the entrance to the foyer. "But really, I am glad to see you so happy… To see the both of you so happy."
"Thank you, Shay." She responded sincerely, the blonde flashing her one last smile before turning the corner, Gabby listening as she left the apartment.
Releasing a soft breath, Gabby made her way back to her bedroom, pushing open the closed door, quickly finding her boyfriend as he stood in front of her dresser, clad in his boxers and his open button down shirt, Matt looking up at the noise.
"Shay leave?" He asked, Gabby nodding as she walked over to him, nudging his arm out of the way before wrapping her arms around his waist, hugging herself to his side, Matt's eyebrows furrowing at the gesture. "Everything okay?"
"Mhmm. Everything's perfect." She murmured, resting her cheek against against the side of his chest, Matt circling his arm around her back. He wasn't sure what had brought on her sudden clingy-ness, but he wouldn't turn her away, Matt holding her against him tightly.
"Your talk with Shay go alright?" He didn't want to pry, he just wanted to know she was okay.
"Yeah, it was fine." She replied, finding the opening of his shirt before pressing a kiss to his chest, Matt kissing the top of her head before she reluctantly pulled herself from his secure grasp. "Okay, I really need to get ready now… Although it's gonna take a miracle for us to get there on time." Gabby groaned, Matt chuckling as she moved to stand beside him, the firefighter missing her warmth instantly as she pulled open her top drawer, grabbing a pair of underwear and a bra before closing it.
"I can call them and let them know we'll be a little late if I need to, you just get ready." He told her, Gabby smiling softly as she nodded, leaning up to press a soft kiss to his lips before sliding past him towards the bathroom.
"Just give me half an hour… forty five minutes, tops." She called back, Matt chuckling as he watched her disappear into the bathroom, Casey shaking his head as he went back to getting himself ready.
Matt pulled up to the curb outside of Gabby's parent's home, the firefighter having followed her directions to the modest home a few miles outside the city, Matt looking at the house through his windshield as Gabby opened her door.
"You ready?" She asked, Matt nodding slowly before pulling the keys from the ignition, unbuckling his seatbelt and sliding down out of his truck.
"To meet the parents? Absolutely." He spoke as he shut his door, waiting for Gabby to close hers before he locked it up, glancing towards her to see a slight smirk resting across her face.
"You've already met them." She countered, Matt stepping around the front of his truck, meeting Gabby by the curb before they began walking towards the front door.
"Yeah, but then I was just some hot, half-naked guy in their daughter's apartment." He replied, his description of himself causing Gabby to chuckle as she grabbed ahold of his hand.
"You're decent looking." She teased, Matt scoffing before speaking up.
"That's rude… But anyway, now I'm meeting them as your boyfriend."
"You were my boyfriend then, too." She replied, tilting her head to the side as they climbed the stairs.
"Yes, but they didn't know that."
"You're making this so complicated." She muttered, Matt biting back a grin as they stood on the front porch, Gabby ringing the doorbell. "You don't need to be nervous, you know… They really like you." She assured him, giving his hand a tight squeeze. She wasn't entirely sure, but she couldn't help but feel like some of his jokes came from a place of worry, and she didn't want that.
Matt glanced to her, flashing her a soft smile as he nodded, squeezing her hand in response as they heard the door open, both of them turning to find Ramon standing there, a warm smile resting across his face.
"Gabriela, Matt, come in, come in." He spoke, Gabby nodding as she dropped Matt's hand, stepping past her father into her parent's home, Matt following close behind. Gabby stopped to give her dad a hug, kissing him on the cheek before walking further inside, Matt shaking the man's hand.
"Thanks for having us, Ramon." Matt spoke, the older Dawson nodding as he gently pat Matt on the shoulder.
"Of course, we're glad you all were feeling up to coming by." He replied, Gabby having already walked into her parent's home, leaving Matt alone with her father. "You're looking a lot better than the last time I saw you."
"Yeah, I'm definitely feeling better. We both are." He spoke, letting Ramon lead him inside, the two men walking into the living room, neither Gabby or Camila anywhere in sight.
"That's great to hear, Camila and I have been so worried. I know she's been keeping in touch with Gabriela, and she told us you two had made some progress, but it's good to see that you're doing well."
"Yeah, Gabby mentioned that a few times. We're definitely glad to be feeling better, we were going a little stir crazy." He admitted with a laugh, Ramon smiling as he nodded.
"I can only imagine. Well, make yourself comfortable. Can I get you a drink?"
"Uh, beer's fine." Matt replied, Ramon nodding before moving towards the kitchen, but his progress was stopped as Gabby and Camila walked into the room, both holding two drinks in their hands.
"I got it, dad." Gabby spoke, Ramon giving her a soft nod as she walked towards her boyfriend, Matt flashing her a grateful smile.
"Thank you." He told her, Gabby smiling before taking a sip of her wine.
"Matthew, it's so good to see you." Camila spoke warmly as she handed Ramon his drink, the woman coming over and wrapping him up in a secure hug. "Gabriela's told us you were feeling better, but it's nice to see for myself."
"Yeah, yeah I am. It's good to see you all, too." He replied sincerely, rubbing over her back before they separated.
"So, how have you two been?" Camila asked, Gabby glancing to Matt quickly, the two locking eyes, Matt silently encouraging her to tell them. Camila and Ramon saw the interaction, the parents watching on in confusion. "Is everything alright?" She pressed, Gabby returning her attention to her parents, giving them a slowly nod.
"Yeah, everything's fine, Matt and I are great." She told them, "but there is something I wanna tell you guys, although I have a feeling you two already kind of know, or have an idea at least-"
"Gabriela," Ramon spoke softly, effectively cutting off her rambling, Matt scrunching his nose up as he looked at Gabby, finding her extremely adorable with the sheepish look covering her face.
"Right sorry." She replied, clearing her throat, "Well, we kind of meant to tell you this when you were at my apartment, but we got a little sidetracked, but, uh- Mom, Dad… I'd like you to meet my boyfriend, Matt." She introduced him, Matt grinning as Camila and Ramon shared knowing looks, her dad chuckling softly as Camila joined in.
"Oh, honey, we definitely already knew." Ramon responded, Gabby ducking her head slightly as her mom rubbed over her arm. "But it's sweet that you wanted to tell us, and we are glad to hear it from you." He told her daughter, Gabby nodding as she spared a glance up at Matt, and she could tell he was absolutely loving this.
"Yeah, we knew something was going on there, considering every time you'd talk about him, your face would light up." Camila added, Matt chuckling softly as he glanced towards her. "And anytime Antonio would bring him up, you'd get all embarrassed… It was cute, but I'm just glad to know you two are happy."
"You'd get embarrassed?" Matt asked with a smug grin, Gabby narrowing her eyes towards her boyfriend.
"Is it not time to eat yet?" She deflected, earning laughs from the small group.
"Actually, it is." Camila replied, turning towards Matt. "Normally we'd have some time to talk and drink before we eat, but since you two were a little late, dinner's all ready." She spoke pointedly towards her daughter, Gabby wearing a sheepish grin.
"I told you I was sorry, Mama." She replied, Camila shaking her head in amusement.
"Oh Gabriela, it's fine, your mother's just teasing. Don't make the girl feel bad, Camila." Ramon spoke, walking towards his daughter and extending his arm, Gabby holding onto her dad before he walked with her to the dining room, Camila laughing softly.
"That man… I'm telling you, Gabriela's had him wrapped around her finger ever since she was born. Before that, actually." She murmured, Matt grinning as he watched Gabby walk away.
"Well, I can't say I blame him." Matt spoke, Camila smiling warmly as she gently gripped Matt's arm.
"Let me show you to the dining room." She offered, Matt giving her a nod as they began walking, soon getting to the room, Matt finding Gabby standing behind one of the chairs, the firefighter moving towards what he figured to be his seat beside her.
Once they were all at their seats, Matt pulled out Gabby's chair for her, getting a warm smile in return as she sat down, Matt making sure she was good before he sat down as well, Ramon and Camila having gone through a similar process.
"So, Matthew- is it okay if I call you that?" Camila asked, Matt giving her a nod.
"Of course, yeah. It's fine." He replied, earning a soft nod from the older woman, practically able to feel Gabby's warm smile beside him.
"Alright, I just wanted to check, I know Gabriela doesn't really like to use her full name, so I wasn't sure if you were the same way."
"Oh, no it's fine. My mom is really the only one who calls me that, but I don't mind it." He assured her, Camila nodding before continuing her earlier conversation.
"Well, I made some pork and potatoes for dinner, decided to keep things easy, I hope that sounds okay."
"It sounds great, and looks great, too. Really, you didn't have to go through all this trouble." He spoke, eyeing all the food on the table. While she had made the pork, and potatoes, there were at least three other sides here as well; definitely enough food to feed an army, and it looked like it had taken a while to prepare.
"It was no trouble at all. Ask Gabriela, this is nothing." Camila spoke, Matt's eyes moving to his right, finding Gabby watching him with a soft grin.
"It's true.. Just wait until the holidays, or a birthday, then you'll really see my mom cook a meal. This is tame compared to that." Gabby informed him, Matt grinning widely as he glanced back towards her parents.
"Well, I'm looking forward to that." He replied, Ramon and Camila sharing knowing smiles with one another. "And I'm definitely looking forward to eating this, too. It looks amazing." He added, feeling Gabby rub his leg gently.
"Thank you, Matthew… Now, we always say a prayer before we eat. I should've asked Gabriela before, it slipped my mind, but is that alright?" She asked, Matt raising his eyebrows. "I just don't want to offend you or anything."
"Oh, no, no that's fine." He replied quickly, Camila nodding before she reached for Ramon's hand, her and Gabby grasping hands across the table, Matt quickly following suit, Casey holding onto Gabby's hand and reaching for Ramons, bowing his head as Ramon began to pray.
It wasn't something he'd really done much in the past, Matt not having grown up in a very religious household. And while he didn't know much about Gabby's faith, he knew it was important to her, and he was all for learning more about her beliefs and traditions. In fact it was something he was looking forward to, Matt eager to learn and experience new things with her. Although he wasn't even sure what he himself believed, Matt did know that this was important to her, and whatever was important to Gabby, was important to him, too. And he wanted to make sure she, and her parents, knew that.
Once Ramon had finished the blessing, they dropped hands, Camila began to serve the food, Matt waiting patiently as he gripped Gabby's thigh, shooting her a warm smile, all of them beginning to dig into their delicious meal.
Dinner had been going well, the four falling into easy conversation, like it was something they'd done a million times before, Matt having spoken more with Gabby's parents than he had with her.
And the sight made Gabby's heart swell in her chest.
She knew Matt was an easy person to talk to, that he always gave people his full attention during conversations; it was part of what made him such a fantastic leader. But seeing him sitting here talking with her parents, it filled her with a warmth she couldn't really explain. There was something about watching Matt be completely engaged with her parents, them commanding his full attention any time they said anything, that filled her with a sense of pride. Any time anyone said a word, they had his undivided attention, and it was something Gabby knew her parents noticed, too. He was completely focused on their conversation, the firefighter enjoying spending time with all three of them, and each time Gabby would spare a glance at her parents, she could see how much it was appreciated, both of them sending her knowing smiles from time to time, an action that caused her cheeks to flood with warmth.
Gabby knew she loved Matt. She wholeheartedly knew she loved him, with everything she had. But seeing him with her parents, it only made that feeling grow deeper; and sitting here watching them, she knew her parents loved him, too.
"That's amazing, Camila. It sounds like wonderful work you're doing." He spoke, his words tearing Gabby from her thoughts as she glanced around, seeing Matt's eyes focused on her mom, Camila giving him a gracious nod, Gabby assuming her mother had filled him in on her job.
"Speaking of work… I know Gabriela's still got some time before she can go back, but have you heard anything about when you can return, Matthew?" She asked, Matt sparing a quick glance at Gabby before responding.
"Uh, yeah, I'm actually going back next shift." He spoke, seeing the surprised looks covering both of their faces.
"Really?" Ramon asked, Matt nodding slowly.
"Mhmm. I got the all clear a few days ago, so I'll be back to work here soon." He told them, taking a sip of his beer.
"And you feel up for it? You feel ready?" Camila questioned, concern laced in her voice.
"I do." He replied instantly, feeling Gabby rub her hand along his back. "I'm still a little sore some days, but it's nothing too bad. All my injuries have healed, I'm good to go."
"That's good to hear. I wasn't expecting you to be back so soon, though." Ramon spoke, Matt running his tongue along his lip.
"Yeah, honestly I wasn't either. But I'm glad for it, I've been going a little stir crazy. And hopefully Gabby can get back soon too, when she's ready." He replied, shooting her a small smile, one she quickly reciprocated.
"Well, promise us you'll be careful." Camila spoke, Matt raising his eyebrows. "You've just gotten healthy again, we don't want you getting hurt."
"I will." He assured them, leaning back slightly into Gabby's hand. "I'll be careful."
"Good." Camila said with a soft smile, the lull in the conversation giving them all a chance to continue eating, Gabby keeping her hand moving in soft motions over his shoulder.
"Oh, Gabriela, have you spoken with Antonio?" Ramon asked after a few moments, Gabby lifting her head up as she looked towards her father, her eyebrows raised in question. "Diego's birthday party is in a couple of weeks, he and Laura agreed to do it here, I wasn't sure if he told you."
"No, he didn't." She responded, "I knew it was coming up, but I hadn't heard anything about the party."
"Well, I guess he and Laura talked, Diego was wanting to do a party with the both of them, and we have space here, so he and some of his friends will be here, along with family." Camila added, Gabby nodding as she took a sip of her wine.
"Sounds fun, just let me know when to be here." She replied, taking a bite of her food.
"And you too, Matt." Camila added, Casey raising his eyebrows as he glanced between the Dawsons. "If you're not working, of course."
"Oh, um, I'm not sure, I'd have to check the days…" He told her before looking back to Gabby. "But I don't want to intrude on a family thing."
"Nonsense, you wouldn't be intruding at all. There's no pressure or anything, but if you'd like to come with Gabriela, the invitation's there." She spoke, Matt nodding with a soft smile.
"It'll definitely be a big Dawson get together." Ramon cut in.
"Aren't most things?" Gabby asked with a chuckle, Casey grinning as he watched the family.
"Are a lot of your family in the area?" He questioned, Camila nodding in response.
"There's quite a few of us close by, yes. Between my family and Ramon's, there's a lot of us in general, but most are either in or around Chicago, or back in the Dominican." She explained, Matt nodding while eating his dinner. "What about you, Matthew, is your family from around here?"
Gabby's eyebrows furrowed when she felt his back tighten underneath her hand, looking towards him to see an unreadable expression covering his face, Matt shaking his head as he took a slow breath. "Uh, no- no it's just me." He replied, Camila and Ramon both nodding.
"Are you not from around here?" Ramon asked, Matt shaking his head yet again, Gabby waiting to see what he was going to say.
"No, I am. I've lived here all my life, but uh- My mom isn't in the area really, not much anymore… Neither is my sister. And my dad-... he died when I was in high school, so it's just me." He spoke quietly, frowns forming over all three of the Dawson's faces.
Admittedly, Gabby didn't know much about his family, aside from meeting his mom a while back and knowing he had a sister. Other than that, she knew next to nothing, so hearing he'd lost his dad when he was young kind of threw her a bit, Gabby's chest feeling heavy as she continued rubbing his back, Matt flashing her a small smile.
"Oh, Matthew, I'm sorry." Camila murmured, Matt running his tongue along the inside of his cheek.
"It's fine, really. But yeah, aside from the guys at the firehouse, it's just me." He replied weakly, Ramon nodding.
"Well, you'll have to come to Diego's party then." He spoke with a soft smile, Matt glancing to Gabby, who gave him an encouraging nod. "It'll give you a chance to meet some of the Dawsons."
"I'd like that." He replied, Camila and Ramon both nodding as they continued with their meal.
Their night wore on, the conversation turning less heavy as they made their way into dessert, both Matt and Gabby completely stuffed by the time they finished their pieces of pie. When everyone had finally finished up, Camila had began to clear the table, Gabby immediately helping her mother, despite the woman's protests that her daughter should rest, Matt following suit and helping bring the dishes into the kitchen while Gabby and Camila began loading the dishwasher.
"You really should be sitting down, you know." Camila spoke as Gabby wiped down a plate, the younger woman shaking her head.
"I'm fine Mama." She said for the fifth time, shaking her head. "I feel good, don't worry."
"Alright… if you and Matt need to stay the night, that's fine. I know you both drank tonight." She added worriedly, Gabby glancing up to her mom with an amused expression covering her face.
"I had one glass of wine, and Matt didn't even finish his beer, and that was like an hour ago… We're fine."
"Okay, if you insist." She replied, handing the next dish to her daughter.
"These are the last of them, Camila." Matt spoke as he walked into the kitchen, holding two bowls in his hands.
"Thank you, dear." She responded, Matt nodding as he placed them down on the counter, turning towards Gabby.
"Your dad wants to show me his baseball cards, are you good here?" He asked as he leaned into the countertop beside his girlfriend, Gabby nodding as she looked to him.
"I'm good, but you might not be." She spoke with a chuckle, Matt raising his eyebrows curiously. "My dad has hundreds of those things, we won't get out of here until morning."
"It's true, Matthew… Maybe run while you still can." She joked, Matt laughing as he shook his head.
"Nah, I don't mind. He said he had some cool ones, and he seemed really excited to show me, I just wanted to let you know, and make sure you don't need anything else." He replied, Gabby giving him a nod as he pushed himself off the counter.
"We're fine here, honey, it's alright." Camila responded, Matt glancing to Gabby.
"You guys have fun." She responded teasingly, Matt grinning as he leaned forward, pressing a soft kiss against the top of her head, rubbing her back before he pulled away, flashing Camila a warm grin before heading out of the kitchen, walking towards the living room where he knew Ramon was waiting for him. Gabby kept her eyes on the exit that he'd just walked through, a soft smile resting across her face as she envisioned her dad bonding with Matt, a flood of warmth spreading through her system as she glanced back down towards the dish in her hands, the smile never leaving her face. She'd only been working for a few seconds before she felt her mother nudge her arm, Gabby lifting her head up, heat rushing to her cheeks when she saw the knowing smile across her mom's lips. "...What?"
"He's a good one, sweetheart." She spoke simply, Gabby's smile widening as her bottom lip got caught between her teeth, Camila matching her look, thrilled to see her daughter so happy.
"Yeah… he really is."
Out in the living room, Ramon and Matt were seated on the couch, flipping through the pages and pages of baseball cards Ramon had gotten over the years, the older Dawson sipping on his drink while he let Matt look through everything. While Casey was enthralled by what he was looking at, Ramon couldn't help but watch him, trying to get a read on the man that had swooped in and picked up the pieces of his daughter's broken heart.
After their unexpected visit to Gabby's apartment last week, Ramon wasn't sure what to make of Matt and his relationship with his daughter; Casey seemed to be a good man, and he seemed to care about Gabriela, but he thought the same about Bryan, at first. And he was hesitant for his little girl to get into another relationship so soon. But after hearing from his wife about her talk with Matt, he felt a little more at ease. He knew the man cared for Gabby, that was clear, but it was more than that. In the small amounts of time they'd spent together, Ramon could see just how loved his daughter was. It was how Matt would always do things for her before himself, little things like pulling out her chair, or letting her get food before him. It was how she'd always have his attention while she was talking, like what she was saying was the most important thing he'd hear that day. It was how he looked at her even when she wasn't talking to him, Ramon able to see how much Matt loved his daughter just by how he looked at her. The more time he spent with the firefighter, the more his worries began to disappear.
Matt Casey was a good man, one he could see making his daughter happy for a very long time. But, despite how much Ramon liked him, he wouldn't be doing his job as a father if he didn't talk to him.
"So, Matt…" Ramon started, Casey looking up from the baseball cards, his eyebrows raised in question, "I know you spoke a little bit with Camila, but you and I really haven't gotten a chance to talk." He prefaced, Matt nodding understandingly as he closed the book, placing it back on the coffee table. "I just- I do like you, Matt. And I think you're a great man, but I worry about Gabriela… After the disaster that her relationship with Bryan became… I just want to know she's being taken care of."
"I know you do. Camila said the same thing, and I get it, I do… From what I know about what happened between them, and from what I know about Walker in general… She deserved better than what she got from him. No one deserves to be treated the way she was, especially not Gabby." Ramon smiled softly at his words, Matt swallowing thickly. "But I can promise you, I'm not like him."
"Oh, I know you're not." Ramon clarified. "It may have taken Camila and I a while to see it, but it was pretty clear Bryan never really cared about Gabriela… I can already tell you do, I just don't want to see her heart broken again." He spoke, Matt nodding understandingly.
"I don't either." Matt agreed, sighing softly. "And I have no intention of doing that to her." Although Matt never knew Gabby and Bryan when they were together, he'd met her pretty soon after they ended things, so he liked to think he saw most, if not all, of how she handled dealing with that break up. And it hadn't been pretty.
But he had no intention of ever being the reason for her heart being broken. He had seen what it had done to her, and he never wanted to be the cause of that.
"Gabby, she- She means so much to me, she really does. I know Camila said something about how she thinks I helped Gabby move past what Bryan did to her, but she helped me just as much… even more so, if you ask me." He breathed out, glancing down to his lap. "I wasn't in a good place when we met, neither of us were, and it took us awhile to really become friends if I'm being honest, but Gabby… she's helped me more than I realized I needed." He admitted, shaking his head slightly. "Your daughter is an amazing woman, which I'm sure you know, and she really is so important to me… I need you to know that. I'd never try and hurt her."
"I know, son. I just needed to be sure." Ramon spoke.
And he was.
Despite his reservations about their relationship, he could tell just how much his daughter meant to the man sitting beside him. And Ramon knew Matt meant just as much to her as well.
Well, there's another one. We had a little bit of everything in this one, I hope you all enjoyed it. Here soon we've got Matt returning to work, as well as, hopefully, Gabby sometime in the near future. Which, you all know getting back to the firehouse means more Walker… I'm sure you all are looking forward to that.
I'm excited to hear your thoughts about this one, I really enjoyed it. I've been loving writing the dynamic between Casey and Gabby's parents, hopefully you all are enjoying it, too. Thank you so much for reading!
I'll see you next time.
Oh, and a little P.S., I know I told you all about those tests I was having last week, well I'm having an appointment for those this Thursday, and it's right around the time I usually start to get my chapters posted, so the Thursday updates will probably be a little late this week, as well. I'm sorry about that, but I'm still planning on getting them up that day.