A/N: I had intended to have this one up last night, but was talked into 'family fun night' and ended up getting my butt kicked in UNO instead, but it's here now! This one is another filler chapter more than anything, but next chapter the story really picks up steam and I am SO excited for you all to read the next two chapters. They have been so rewarding to write.

I have been doing so much writing lately with being home, and I can't wait to get it all up and posted. I am two chapters ahead on this story and almost have the next update for "You'll Get It And Be Gone" ready to post. I am hopeful that one will be up in the next week or so.

I will be posting another one-shot series as well. I have recently been rewatching season 5, and it is making me miss Dawsey and Louie so much. I have so many ideas floating around about them. I have started working on a few, but they don't really follow any specific pattern or storyline which is why they will just be a random one-shot series and not a full story. That will be coming soon as well so keep an eye out if you're interested.

Now on with the story...

Casey

Gabby bounces her leg nervously as she holds Jesse to her chest. The boy only stopping his crying once Gabby had started to feed him.

We were at Jesse's four-week appointment and once the nurse had advised Gabby to strip Jesse down to his diaper the baby had not been happy. His cries starting as soon as the cold air hit him.

Gabby had soothed him the best she could wrapping him up in the warm blanket we had brought, but it was not helping, the comfort nursing the only thing that had calmed him.

Now we sat and waited for the nurse to come back and give Jesse his one-month shots, I could feel the nerves radiating off of Gabby as we waited. I squeezed her bouncing knee, her anxious eyes meeting mine as she gnawed on her bottom lip.

"He's going to be fine." I remind her.

She huffs out a breath looking back to the still red-faced baby in her arms. "I know. The paramedic in me knows he will be perfectly fine... the mother in me, not so much." She says softly.

I don't get a chance to respond before there is a knock at the door and Jesse's pediatrician is walking in. Dr. Milner was a younger man, probably in his 30s. Gabby and I had picked him to be Jesse's pediatrician after he had been suggested by the doctor that took care of Jesse after he was born.

He offers us both a large smile. "Hey Matt, Gabby. How are we doing today?"

I offer Dr. Milner a smile, Gabby's focus still on Jesse. "Hey, Doctor. We're good..." I look to Gabby who still is radiating the same tension. "... a little nervous for today." I supply when Gabby doesn't speak.

The black-haired man nods knowingly. "That's normal. No one likes shots or having their baby upset, but I promise this will be super quick." He assures.

Gabby moves Jesse to her shoulder when he stops eating and lets him snuggle in close, the baby only fussing for a moment when she pulls him from eating only to calm as soon as she had him snuggled against her. I smile at the sight. Dr. Milner gives the tense mother a reassuring smile.

"Should we get a weight on him first?" He asks. Gabby nods, standing up with Jesse and bringing him to the table Jesse fusses when the blanket is pulled away and Gabby sets him down, clearly unhappy at both the change in temperature and the lack of his mother's embrace. Gabby soothes him as much as possible as the doctor gets his weight. "Well, Mr. Jesse is officially 7 pounds 9 ounces. Little trooper is officially putting on some weight." He tells us happily.

Gabby and I both smile, relief on both of our faces. Jesse had dropped below 6 pounds right before leaving the hospital, which we were told was normal for him to drop from his birth weight, but he was already so tiny it made us both nervous especially with him already having issues with his lungs in the beginning. I was happy that a month later he was officially exceeding that birth weight and putting a little more meat on his bones. I could tell Gabby was too, some of the tension she had carried into the appointment finally dissipating.

Once prompted Gabby quickly scoops Jesse up and snuggles him close the baby's cries not tapering off right away, still clearly upset. "Alright, the part I know neither of you is looking forward too." Dr. Milner gives Gabby a sympathetic smile and I move to stand beside Gabby for this part. "Just the one shot today." Gabby nods, and I run a hand over her back soothingly. Jesse has just started to calm as Gabby holds his back to her chest and helps the doctor hold his little leg. Gabby looks away as Jesse gets his shot. At first, he seems to be fine, not understanding what's just happened, but a second later his face screws up in near horror and he sucks in a breath, his face going red before he wails loudly. I wince at both his face and the noise he releases.

"All right, we're all done." The doctor tells us and Gabby had Jesse turned around and cradled in her arms tightly, rocking back and forth. Dr. Milner excuses himself after checking with me that we are all good, the nurse had already given us everything we needed before he had come in so I knew we were free to go from here, but the look on Gabby's face let me know we wouldn't be leaving this room for a bit. She was holding her baby boy close, her lips pressing into his head as she whispered to him over his loud cries. I can see Gabby's tears coming, she was trying her best to hold them in, but she was losing the battle. I sigh, coming to stand beside her as she sat in one of the chairs rocking Jesse.

Tears rush down her face, but she doesn't falter from her soothing rocking motion. I rest a hand on her head, running it through her hair and scratching along her scalp, doing what I could to calm her as well.

"He's okay, Gabs. Just a little upset." Gabby nods, her chin still trembling. I didn't like seeing our boy this upset either, but I knew he was alright, and this would pass. My job today more so to calm Gabby than Jesse himself.

Once Jesse has calmed enough that his cries have gone from the loud wails to softer cries Gabby brings him to nurse once more, Jesse greedily latching and releasing a shuddering breath after he has latched.

We sit in the silence of the room a few minutes, the only noise being Jesse eating and Gabby's sniffle here and there. The baby is nearly asleep when I lean over and run my hand along Gabby's back. "You okay?" I ask her softly.

She looks to me and smiles gently, "I am. Thank you." I raise a brow; I had not done anything today. "For keeping me calm. I know I am being a little crazy and overbearing of him, but he's my baby... and after everything we went through to get him here..." Gabby stops, her voice thick with emotion.

I nod in understanding, leaning over I wrap an arm around her shoulder and press a long kiss to the side of her head. "Don't ever feel like you have to apologize for being an amazing mother. Overbearing or not, you're amazing Gabby. Jesse is lucky to have you... so am I."

Dawson

I move quietly from the bedroom Jesse cradled in one arm and his diaper and fresh onesie in the other.

I shut our bedroom door carefully behind me and move into the living room. It was still a little before six in the morning, and today was Matt's first shift back since Jesse was born. I knew he was excited to be back at 51, but equal parts anxious to be leaving Jesse and me.

It had been two weeks since Jesse's one-month appointment and my four-week follow-up appointment. I was healing nicely, and finally starting to feel more and more human. The recovery from the c-section had been harder, and more painful than I had expected it to be. I was grateful that Matt had taken off the time he had to be here during my recovery and to help look out for Jesse, but I knew it was time for him to get back to work.

I was a little nervous for it to be just Jesse and me for the full 24 hours while both Matt and Kelly headed off for shift, but I was also excited to spend a whole day with just me and my little man. I knew it would have its challenges, not having Matt here would be an adjustment, but I knew Jesse and I could handle it.

After getting up with Jesse around two in the morning I had fallen asleep with him in our bed unintentionally. Normally I tried my best to make sure Jesse got back in his crib after our late-night feedings, but I had woken up to Jesse's big blue eyes staring at me with my shirt still pulled off from feeding him early. I was thankful that I had woken up before Matt this time, lord know I did not need to deal with the awkwardness or horror that would bring.

Though Matt had been a hundred percent supportive of me breastfeeding and had made me feel comfortable throughout the whole process even with us not being together, the last thing I wanted was Matt waking up to me, leaking chest out in our bed. I shuddered at the thought.

I set Jesse's diaper and change of clothes down on the couch and settled into the corner of the cushion with him. He had yet to whine, but I knew he was likely getting hungry. He had been feeding every 2-4 hours the past couple days. I knew he was likely going through a little growth spurt.

I pull my knees up and rest Jesse against them facing me, his wide eyes moving around the room wildly for a few moments before I run my fingers along his chest, the tickling motion bringing his baby blues to meet mine. His little eyes widen in what I can only place as excitement, an involuntary grin hitting his sweet lips before his starts flailing his arms. "Good morning, sweet boy," I say softly, my voice still thick with sleep. Though Jesse doesn't seem to mind, his eyes widening further as he looks to me. My heart swells, I would never tire of the feeling that swept through me or the contentment that I got at just the simple action of Jesse recognizing my voice or face. "Today's a big day, baby. Daddy is going back to work." I tell him, his arms still flailing around as his little legs kick excitedly. "I know you're going to miss him today... truthfully, Momma is too, buddy. But I know you're going to be a good boy for me today, huh? Yeah are you going to be a good boy today?"

Jesse soon gets frustrated when he remembers his hunger and cries out softly. I smirk, "You and that one-track mind mister. All right, let's get you fed." I tuck Matt's shirt I had worn to bed up under my chin and bring Jesse to breast, he latches quickly, both of us mastering this by now.

He drinks eagerly, happy to finally be getting his morning milk. I run my finger along his caramel cheek. "Since we are up, what do you say we make Daddy and Uncle Kelly some breakfast before they head to work? Think we can handle that when you're all done, bub?" Jesse looks up at me, but offers little of a reaction.

I sigh softly, stretching my neck out and leaning it back against the couch as Jesse eats contently while I think of what I can throw together for breakfast. I knew Matt would love some of my stuffed French toast, and truthfully it did sound amazing. I had been lacking in the cooking department lately. Matt and Kelly had nearly completely taken over that task while I had been recovering, leaving me to mainly take care of Jesse as I was the one with the boobs to feed him.

Kelly and Matt both had been amazing the past month now that I really let myself sit and think about it. Looking around the apartment, it was mostly clean, save for a few of Jesse's items scattered around. If I was remembering correctly, the fridge was stocked with food, and dishes were done. They had both seamlessly taken care of everything around the apartment and left me to focus on recovering and taking care of Jesse, and that wasn't to say the both of them didn't jump in with Jesse too.

They had been taking care of everything, and I was now realizing just how much they had done over the past month. I had been pretty down for the count the first couple weeks home, and recently had just been so consumed with Jesse I hadn't thought much about what was all going on in our place. Clearly, I hadn't needed too because they guys were handling it.

I decide sometime soon, I will book them tickets to a Cubs or Blackhawks game... or maybe a fishing trip. I'd have to think on it more, but I knew they both would enjoy it, and they more than deserved it.

I was so unbelievably lucky for Matt and Kelly both. They'd been amazing throughout not only my recovery but my pregnancy as well. They had both stepped up to take care of me; Kelly stepping up to take care of both of us when Matt had been shot a few months ago. I owed them both so much more than just breakfast as thank you.

I shake my head, forcing those thoughts away as I roll my neck once more and look down to Jesse. He was slowing his eating, starting to drift once more.

I pull him away, patting his back for a burp before laying him down to change his diaper and onesie. Careful before I pulled the diaper away. Though I had been warned by both Cindy Hermann, Donna Boden, and my sister in law Laura... I had still managed to get "christened as a boy mom" multiple times over the last 5 weeks. Jesse seeming to always have to pee right as I pulled the diaper away. Matt had been hit only once before, not nearly as many times as I had, leaving me more and more cautious.

I'm thankful when I am able to get Jesse in a new diaper and sleeper with no mess before looking around. His rocker was in the bedroom. I didn't want to go back in and risk waking Matt up when it was still so early and he had another solid hour before he needed to get up. I get an idea and pick Jesse up, quietly moving into his nursery. He had yet to sleep in the beautiful room Matt had put together, the baby waking up far too much for us to keep him in here overnight. We had used all the other furniture Matt had made though, the rocking chair getting a lot of use during the day as well as the changing table that was an attachment to the dresser. I carefully set Jesse down in the crib and look through his closet for the carrying wrap we had been gifted from Donna.

Pulling it out I was thoroughly confused. The soft t-shirt like material looked like a scarf with two round metal hooks. How the hell am I supposed to carry a baby with this contraption?

I'm thankful to find the box tucked into the closet as well and start reading on how to get Jesse secured to me in this thing. I knew I only had a few minutes to spare before Jesse's contentment with being out of my arms was long gone and he would start to cry, which I was trying to avoid as not to wake the guys up yet.

Thankfully I am able to figure the wrap out quicker than I expected and within five minutes I have Jesse securely strapped to my chest, the baby barely fighting off sleep as I rest a hand on his bottom as we walk from his room to the kitchen. By the time I have the coffee started and have pulled the ingredients from the fridge and cupboard he is out, his little snores filling me with warmth.

I get to work on breakfast, it a quarter past six now and I knew the guys would be up soon. Jesse sleeps against my chest in his little cocoon of a wrap and I turn my music on low, humming along to the beat as I work. I've managed to get the sausages out of the oven, finished the French toast and have just started the scrambled eggs when I hear one of the bedroom doors open.

A minute later Kelly appears in the doorway, running a hand over his tired eyes. "I thought I smelt something... Morning."

I smirk. "Morning Kel." He pours himself a cup of coffee and looks around the kitchen.

"Early morning for you?" He questions, nodding towards Jesse.

I shrug, my attention on the eggs I was moving around the pan. "No more than usual. Jesse was up a little before six this morning, I just figured I'd make you guys breakfast... ya, know with Casey's first day back and all..."

I trail off and notice Kelly smirking over his coffee cup as he comes to take a seat on one of the barstools across the counter. "Little nervous energy, maybe?"

Sighing I look at him, running a hand over Jesse's back, "Maybe. I mean don't get me wrong, I know I can take care of my kid... I think I am more nervous for Matt to be back at work than I am for me to be alone here. Yeah, I've gotten used to having him around, and I'll miss that, but I guess I'm more anxious for him to be working again." I say truthfully, my eyes averting back to the eggs in front of me and avoiding the concerned look in Kelly's eyes.

"Gabs," He says softly, prompting me to look at him as I gnaw on my bottom lip. "He's going to be okay; you know? We all have his back, and you and I both know that even if Matt may never stop running into burning buildings, he is going to be extra careful now knowing what he has at home... he's going to be extra careful for the both of you." Kelly says pointedly, looking at both me and Jesse.

I nod at his words, smiling softly as I hear our bedroom door open now. "Thanks, Kelly."

Matt steps into the room and pauses in a similar fashion that Kelly did, looking at the spread in front of him in shock. "Uh, good morning... what is all this for?" He asks confused, Kelly grinning.

I shrug, smiling shyly as I set the plate I had pulled down in front of the spread of food. "Figured we could all have breakfast for your first day back." I say lightly, "I made you're favorite; stuffed French toast."

The famous Casey grin that hits Matt's face has me nearly weak in the knees. He comes to grab a plate I held out to him and instead presses a kiss to my head, I close my eyes, completely content. "Thank you, Gabby."

He leans down pressing a sweet kiss to Jesse's head as he sleeps strapped to me. "How are you liking that thing?" Matt asks, his eyes wandering to the wrap as he starts to plate his food.

"Actually, I kind of love it. I was so damn confused when I first pulled it out of the closet." I laugh, Matt and Kelly joining in, "...but it's so comfortable, and he seriously passed out immediately after I wrapped him up in it. I thought it would feel weird, or not as secure as some of those other big fancy ones we looked at, but it's not. He feels completely secure, and he is so content in here... and I won't complain about having both hands free for more than ten minutes of my day."

Severide

Matt and I both grin at Gabby's words, but I don't miss the loving look that fills Matt's eyes as he stares at the brunette.

We all fill our plates, Matt swooping in to take Gabby's as she pours us all another cup of coffee.

Gabby carefully maneuvers sitting down with Jesse still strapped to her, it's only once she is sat she realizes her new dilemma, trying to eat with the baby strapped to her chest.

"You good?" I ask, my brow raised in amusement, Matt now noticing her dilemma around a mouthful of egg.

Gabby huffs, a grin of her own coming to her lips as she looks down at the sleeping baby. "Want me to get his seat?" Matt asks, already moving to get up, Gabby quickly stops him.

"No, no. He will wake up if we move him. Can you just..." She reaches around, turning in her chair to show Matt the what must be holding the contraption together. "Just, help me loosen this up so he sits a little lower, he'll still be safe in it while I am sitting." She explains. Gabby holding onto Jesse as they make the change in the wrap and Jesse is moved to sleeping against Gabby's lower chest, practically in her lap.

The little boy barely makes a peep as the transition happens, completely content snuggled against his mom within the wrap. "Damn, that thing is his kryptonite." I joke as Matt and Gabby both settle back in at the table. Gabby laughs, picking up her coffee and taking a sip.

"You aren't kidding. I'm just happy I realized it now, especially with you all heading back to work."

We eat in silence for a few minutes. That is until I have my first bite of French toast, a moan of appreciation leaving me before I can hold it in. "Damn Dawson, I missed your cooking."

Matt nods quickly, his mouth still full from his last bite.

Gabby smiles, but remains silent, something is clearly on her mind. She takes a bite of her food, chewing slowly before gnawing on her bottom lip. She looks to her lap, avoiding our eyes as she starts speaking softy.

"I actually, uh... I actually wanted to thank you, both of you." Gabby finally looks at us, both of us stopping eating and meeting her timid eyes. "I appreciate you both doing so much around here the last couple weeks, past few months really."

"Gabby, you don't-…" Matt goes to interject.

She shakes her head quickly, cutting him off. "No, I do. I do. I know none of us really expected all of this when I originally moved back in... all the bed rest and recovering from surgery, but I just want you both to know how grateful I am for everything you've done to take care of me and Jesse."

"Hey, that's what family is for right?" I tell her, meaning those words more than ever. Dawson and Casey were more of my family than my actual family anymore. She and Matt both meeting my words with smiles. Matt squeezes Gabby's shoulder.

"You know we'd do anything for you." He says softly, leaning over to press a kiss to the side of her head.

Gabby smiles gratefully.

We finish eating just as Jesse starts to stir, his cries starting as adorable whimpers before turning into a full shaky cry. Gabby retires off to his room and settles in the rocking chair to feed him while Casey and I head off to get ready for work. I hear Matt shut the bedroom door as I continue down the hall to my own room, stopping in the doorway of Jesse's room as Gabby feeds him.

"Thanks again, for breakfast Gabs," I tell her, her eyes moving from the baby in her arms up to me. She smiles brightly.

"No problem." She answers, still looking me over. "I meant what I said by the way... I'm really happy you are here Kelly. I know in the beginning we said this was temporary, but I'm happy you're still here with us. You've done a lot for Matt and I both... and Jesse." I grin, looking to the boy in her arms as she rocks him.

"I'm happy I'm here too, you know I love you guys, and that little boy," I tell her whole heartedly.

Gabby sits silently for a moment, before she looks back to me. "Take care of my other boy today, alright?" She says almost shyly, but I can see the clear hidden worry in her eyes as she faces the reality of Matt going back to work.

"Always," I assure her, giving a reassuring smile before I head to get ready for work.

When I come back into the open space Matt is pacing the living room in his shift clothes with Jesse in his arms, cradling the boy close to his chest. I see and hear him before he notices me.

"Daddy's going to be gone for the day bud, but I'll be back in the morning. I'm going to miss you so much buddy, but I know you'll be safe here with your Momma." He whispers to his son. "Daddy gets to go back to work at 51. You haven't met your 51 family yet, but you will soon, I promise. They are so excited to get to meet you too."

"Oh, and they would love to hear this proud Daddy talk from their Lieutenant." I tease, Matt wiping around with shock all over his face; I had obviously surprised him. His shock soon turns to a hard glare.

I hold my hands up in surrender as I move into the room setting my bag down in the hall by the door. "I'm just saying, they are going to love how soft their Lieutenant has gotten since fatherhood." I tease some more. Though we both know it to be true, I had seen a softer side to Matt in the last couple of weeks than ever before. I had always been a little more privy to this side of Casey since I had lived with him and Dawson, and while Gabby turned Matt into a softy, the softness that came out of him with Jesse was far beyond that.

It was sweet honestly, but that didn't mean I'd let him live it down.

"Kelly, no teasing in front of the guys. That is saved for me once I get back." Gabby says, coming out of the bedroom with Jesse's rocker in her arms.

Matt sends us both a glare as we laugh at his expense. I check my watch, we needed to leave soon.

Casey moves around again with Jesse cradled to him, rubbing a hand along the little boys back. Gabby comes to stand near him, giving him a knowing look. "We're going to be fine." She reassures him softly, the tension radiating off of him clear.

"Are you sure? I mean are you sure you're ready? Because if you need some more time..."

"Matt, breathe. I am sure." Gabby carefully pulls Jesse from Matt's arms. "You just need to focus on leading your truck today and coming home to us tomorrow morning. We will be fine here."

Matt sighs, "I know you will." He moves to grab his bag, swinging it over his shoulder as he looks at Jesse and Gabby with the love clearly shinning in his eyes. He leans down, pressing a kiss to Jesse's head. "Love you buddy. If you need anything, just call."

"I will."

"Oh, and his pacifier is on the kitchen table, and I put his blanket over the chair in his room. He probably is ready to be changed..."

I smirk at Gabby's unimpressed stare as Matt rambles on.

"Matt..." She says, cutting him off, his eyes meeting hers in confusion. "I'm his mother, not his babysitter... I know all this." She deadpans, her lips twisting up in a smirk.

Matt's eyes soften, a grin falling onto his own lips as he nods.

He wraps an arm around her pressing a kiss to her head and one last one to Jesse's before he moves to the door. "Love you." I hear him toss back, and I don't know whether he means to direct it to Jesse, Gabby, or both. I squeeze Gabby's shoulder as I follow him out, shaking my head at the two of them. They were both going to be the death of me.

Casey

My first shift back had been great, but I'd be lying if I said I hadn't missed Jesse and Gabby both like crazy.

Gabby had face timed me once, letting my say goodnight to Jesse, but it had been cut short when a call came through. Gabby had sent me a couple of pictures of our boy, but nothing compared to getting to be there with them.

It had been great to be back at the house; I had missed our 51 family. The guys had not stopped asking about Jesse and Gabby since the minute I got to the house this morning. With Gabby having a rough recovery no one had been by since we left the hospital, not that they had not wanted to, but I think we had Severide to thank in part for the lack of visitors. I knew he had been keeping the house updated on both Dawson and Jesse's conditions.

I was sure now that Gabby was feeling better and more like herself, she would likely be making a trip to the house soon to see everyone.

Right now, the firehouse was the last thing from my mind though as I walked back through our apartment door after 24 hours away from the two most important people in my life.

The apartment was quiet, but as I came through the door and was now face to face with an exhausted Gabby I understood why.

Jesse was sleeping in his rocker at Gabby's feet as she sat on the couch looking completely exhausted. She had on one of my shirts and a pair of tiny sleep shorts, her shirt had spit up on her shoulder... and what looked like some in her hair too. Her eyes were heavy from what looked to be the lack of sleep she must have gotten. I smirk as I come into her view, her tired eyes meeting mine.

Kelly greets her quietly before heading down the hall to his room.

"Morning," I say quietly, as she smiles gently. "Long night?"

Gabby nods, "Very. He's down now."

I sit down on the couch next to her, throwing my arm over the back of the couch, happy when she settles into my side. I look down at Jesse as the little bouncer he was in rocks him. A little smile falls to his tiny lips in his sleep. Gabby smiling at the action.

"God, we have an adorable kid." She says softly.

I chuckle, "We do. He's amazing."

Gabby nods, settling further into my side, her head coming to rest on my shoulder and her arms settling across my stomach, my arm falls from the back of the couch and wraps around her as I pull her closer. I can feel her relaxing further into me.

"You want to head to bed?" I ask her.

She hums in response. "Soon. I don't want to move him." I nod in understanding.

I press a kiss into her head, lingering there for a moment. "Okay," I respond, squeezing her against me tighter as I feel her full relax, her exhaustion taking over.

Having Gabby in my arms, and our beautiful boy sleeping right in front of us... I was convinced I was the luckiest man in the world.

Thank you all for your continued support of this story, I appreciate you all so much and can't wait to see your response to not only this chapter but the ones coming up.