Hello everyone! Here's the next chapter for you all, I really hope you like it. I enjoyed writing this one a lot, and I like how it came out, hopefully you all do, as well!
Thank you so much for reading, and thank you all for the feedback on the last chapter. It makes me so happy to know there are still people interested in this story, and I can't wait to hear what you think!
Also, there is an M Rated section of this chapter, just so you all know.
Happy reading! Stay safe everyone xx
SEVENTY TWO
The detective sat outside the familiar apartment, his hands gripping the steering wheel tightly as he waited for the man in question to return home. Antonio hadn't been here in a while, not since he helped his little sister move out of this place back when what felt like a lifetime ago, but now he was here again, though he really wished he didn't have to be.
But after seeing exactly where Walker had been this morning, he had no other choice.
Antonio was livid, miles past it actually, when he found out where Bryan was earlier today, and he wanted to kill him for it. He had no idea what Walker was doing at Gabby's place, but Antonio knew whatever it was, he had to put a stop to it. He wasn't supposed to be there, everyone knew that, and the older brother was determined to make sure it didn't happen again. So the second he saw that, he'd all but run from the district, and this was the first place he decided to come. Had he seen the trace on Bryan's phone while he was at his sister's place, that would've been his first stop, but since Walker had been long gone by the time he was alerted to it, he decided the man's apartment was the best place to go and wait for him.
He never wanted to have to come back here. Even though he'd only been here a handful of times in all the time Gabby spent living here with Walker, he still didn't want to be here. Knowing what took place behind those walls, knowing exactly what that monster had done to his baby sister behind that door, made him want to leave and never come back. It made him want to burn the place to the ground, preferably with the man inside it.
But he couldn't do that, no matter how nice it sounded. All he could do was come here, and make sure that sorry piece of shit stayed the hell away like he was supposed to.
"Dawson."
Antonio's ears perked up when he heard his name come through his radio, the detective grabbing it instantly and pulling it up towards his mouth.
"Hey Polawski." He responded to the patrol officer he'd all but bribed to help him this morning. Before leaving the district in a haste, he had the presence of mind to get one of the newer cops to keep an eye on Walker's location, just to make sure he didn't go and do anything stupid before coming home. But since Antonio tracking the man wasn't exactly above board, he'd had to keep the whole thing pretty quiet. "You got something for me?"
"It looks like he's coming back to you… Probably about a minute or so out if he's going home."
"Alright, thank you."
"You got it. Now can I get back to work before Platt has my head?"
"Go for it. Thanks for your help… And remember-"
"Yeah, yeah, you didn't ask me to do this. I never saw this up on the computer." The man recanted the same thing Dawson had told him over and over, Antonio nodding slightly before he killed the engine in his car.
"Thanks Polawski." He replied before putting the radio down, Antonio huffing out a breath as he got out of the car and began to jog across the street towards the apartment. He could only hope that Polawski had been right, and Bryan was close to home as the rigid November air was a bit brutal, Antonio not wanting to be out here any longer than he had to. And also didn't particularly want to be near Bryan any longer than he had to.
With his hands shoved into his pockets, Antonio made a point to stand up as straight as he possibly could while waiting for the man to get home, the detective not left waiting around for too much longer as he heard a car coming down the street. And when he looked up, he wasn't surprised to see Walker drive up and park against the curb a few yards down the road, Antonio drawing in a deep breath as he quickly tried to prepare himself for a conversation that likely wasn't going to be pretty; not if he had anything to say about it.
Antonio wasn't sure how he'd feel seeing Bryan again, but if the overwhelming feeling of anger in his gut was any indication, the detective knew it would take everything in him not to beat the bastard to pulp.
Bryan didn't notice him at first when he got out of his vehicle, or when he locked up and got onto the sidewalk. He didn't notice him until he turned up the path towards his front door, Bryan stopping abruptly when he saw the unexpected man standing there. But his look of surprise soon morphed into one of annoyance, Walker releasing a heavy scoff before he continued up the sidewalk.
"What are you doing here?" He questioned roughly as he brushed by Antonio, Bryan bumping into his shoulder rather harshly before continuing towards his home.
"I think the better question is what the fuck were you doing?" He fired back, his words causing Walker to stop just as he got to the steps, the former firefighter turning around to face the man who had almost been family as his eyes narrowed in a glare.
"What?" He spat, Antonio's nostrils flaring as he did everything he could to control his rage directed towards the man in front of him.
"You were at Gabby's place this morning." Dawson responded roughly, Walker's look of annoyance morphing into one of near disbelief before a heavy scoff left his lips, Antonio's eyes narrowing as he took a step closer. "...What?"
"You're following me now?" He questioned, Antonio's expression never faltering as Bryan shook his head. "Like some stalker or something, my God-"
"Like you're stalking my sister?" He countered harshly, Bryan unable to stop the dry laugh that came from the back of his throat.
"Oh please, like I care enough about your slutty ass sister to be stalking her." He replied with a disdain in his voice that Antonio hadn't heard in a long time, the older brother's body tensing at how he spoke of Gabby.
"Well, clearly you wanted something since you showed up at her apartment. And how you went to Molly's a few weeks ago, I don't think that was just to see everyone else."
"Antonio-"
"You can try and bullshit all you want, Walker. You're not fooling me, or anyone else." He continued, though that wasn't entirely true. But he wasn't going to let the man in front of him know that. "You're messing with Gabby, and it needs to stop. Why were you at her apartment?"
"I'm not doing anything. And how did you even know I was there anyway? What are you doing, following me? Having a cop tail me? Tracking me?" Antonio's hard stare diminished for a quick second, though he quickly recovered it. But Bryan saw it, the man cocking his head to the side before crossing his arms over his chest. "Oh that's it, isn't it? You've been tracking me or something? What, are you following my phone? Checking to see where I am? Like some creep-"
"Yeah, well it turns out it was warranted." Antonio bit back, Walker's spine straightening as their cold eyes locked on one another. "You were at Gabby's place this morning, somewhere you're specifically not supposed to be. And if I could, I'd drag your ass down to the station right now for breaking your restraining order-"
"Then why aren't you?" Walker cut him off, Antonio biting down on the inside of his cheek as Walker stared at him. "If I broke my restraining order, if you have proof of me being there, why aren't I in the back of your cop car right now?" He continued on, almost like he was baiting him as Antonio's fists clenched at his sides, it taking everything in him not to tackle Bryan to the ground. "If you had any actual proof at all, anything that actually told you where I was, then we wouldn't still be standing here, would we? I mean, unless you weren't supposed to be watching me, then I don't know why- Wait," He stopped himself when he noticed Antonio's face fall, Bryan chuckling softly before shaking his head, that look of disbelief shining in his eyes once more. "That's just it, isn't it? You didn't have permission to do that." He finished, Antonio recovering quickly as he wanted to do nothing more than wipe that smug grin off his face.
"You have no idea what you're talking about. The only reason I'm not putting you in handcuffs right now is-"
"The only reason you're not putting me in handcuffs right now is because I'm guessing you were tracking me without a warrant." He cut him off, Antonio biting down on his tongue roughly as his gaze never faltered. "Yeah, I'm not an idiot. I may not have been a big, tough detective, but I have a general understanding of how this shit works. And if you had any proof- any legal proof of where I was this morning, we might not be standing here… But you don't. Cause I didn't do anything." He replied proudly, though they both knew it was a lie. "So, if you'll excuse me… And maybe quit stalking me while you're at it." He finished, Bryan turning around to head for his apartment.
"Stay away from her, Walker." Antonio nearly growled, the man unable to stop himself as Bryan turned back towards him. "I mean it. You stay the hell away from her." He threatened, but his words did nothing to deter him, Bryan merely finding them funny as a soft grin formed over his face.
"Why? Afraid she'll come running back to me?" He questioned rhetorically, the look on his face making Antonio's stomach turn. "They always do… Or are you just afraid I might put her in her place again?" He pushed, the detective's body tightening as his eyes narrowed in anger. He knew the man was taunting him, that Bryan was just wanting to get a reaction out of him, but, to his credit, it was working. "Help her remember what she's good for-"
He wasn't able to finish getting the words out before Antonio charged towards him, the older man grabbing him by the front of his jacket and yanking him forward, Bryan nearly stumbling from the force of his movements.
"What the fuck, man- Get off me, this is assault!"
"Yeah, and you would know all about assault, wouldn't you?" He growled, gripping his jacket tighter as he stared Walker down, Bryan swallowing thickly as he did his best to keep his composure. "And this, right now… This'll be the least of your problems if you go near Gabby again." He spat, Bryan seeing an intense anger burning in the older brother's eyes. "Don't think for a second I won't make you pay if you ever do anything to her again."
Bryan pushed against him the second he finished talking, Antonio reluctantly loosening his grip before shoving the former firefighter backwards, Walker barely able to stop himself from tumbling to the ground as he caught his balance. Regaining some distance between them, Bryan stared him down as they stood on the sidewalk, neither of them wanting to give in as their glares locked on one another.
"You've got some nerve." Walker huffed out, Antonio's eyes widening in near disbelief at the words he was hearing. "Coming here, threatening me, when I didn't do anything."
"You can't be serious, do you hear yourself? After all you did to her, you're still trying to-"
"She liked it, man!" Bryan fought back, Antonio instantly seeing red at the implications of his words. "Anything I might've done, she wanted it! Trust me, she asked for it. So maybe, just maybe, your sister isn't the innocent victim everyone thinks she is." He spoke roughly, the detective feeling a rush of rage flood through him. One he knew he couldn't act on, no matter how badly he wanted to. "She just needed some guidance, and I gave it to her. Quit blaming that on me."
The older Dawson shook his head harshly, Antonio hardly able to believe what he was hearing from the psychotic man standing in front of him. "You're fucking pathetic." He spat, Antonio seeing his face harden in anger at his words. "You're the most sorry excuse of a man I've ever seen… You're nothing but an abusive asshole who's got what's coming to him."
"You don't-"
"I think you forget that I know what you did." Antonio cut off whatever defense he was going to try and use, as he didn't want to hear it. Whatever it was, it was all bullshit. "I know everything you did to her… Every last, disgusting, vile thing you did. And none of that was her asking for it." He spoke, seeing the flash of hesitance in Walker's eyes. "So you're gonna do what I'm telling you and stay the fuck away from her, or you won't even have the chance to make it back to prison." He threatened, Bryan's eyes widening slightly before he composed himself. "You and I are not gonna be having this conversation again… So just stay away from her, that includes stalking her outside her apartment-"
"You mean her and Casey's apartment..." He huffed out before he could stop himself, Antonio's eyes narrowing.
"What?"
"Don't act stupid, I know they're living together… It's Casey's place too, isn't it?" He spoke, but the way he was talking made it sound like he was looking for actual confirmation, Antonio scoffing heavily before crossing his arms over his chest.
"I'm not sure how that's any of your business." He responded, Bryan clearly not liking that response.
"I know they are… She's living with him." He replied roughly, the malice in his voice telling Antonio all he needed to know, the detective shaking his head sharply.
"That's always what it comes back to with you, isn't it?" He questioned, his words earning another glare from the younger man. "The fact that my sister is with Casey… You can't stand it."
"I don't give a shit what she does." He bit out quickly.
"We both know that's not true… You didn't want to be with her, but you can't seem to let it go that he does." He pushed, knowing he was getting under Walker's skin. "You can't stand it, them being together."
"I don't care about their relationship, if you can even call that." Bryan tried once more, though his words were unconvincing even to him, an almost amused look covering Antonio's face.
"You do, though. You have ever since you dumped her… You can't stand that my sister loves him." He continued on, seeing how angry and uncomfortable the man was getting. "That Casey is a much better than you, than you've ever been-"
"Oh please."
"And that Gabby's better off without you." Antonio pressed the issue. "You can't stand any of it… You hate it so much that you put hands around my sister's throat." He added roughly, Bryan's gaze faltering for a split second before he recovered.
"You really think that highly of your whore of a sister, that I give a shit who she spreads her legs for?" He shot, Antonio's tense gaze staring him down. "Because I don't… She can fuck whoever she wants, she can go be a slut all she wants, I don't give a shit. That's all she's good for anyway, I'm done with her."
Antonio wanted to deck him. For what he was saying now, for all he'd done to his sister in the past, he wanted to do what Walker had done to Gabby, and strangle him. But he knew that wasn't an option, at least not a good one, the detective forcing himself to keep his composure as he took a slight step backwards on the sidewalk.
"Then you and I shouldn't have to have this conversation again."
And with that, he turned and walked away, Antonio hearing nothing from the other man as he walked down the sidewalk towards the street, nothing but the sound of his door eventually slamming as Dawson walked through the furious cold towards his car.
And as he made his way through the street, Antonio couldn't fight off the sinking feeling he felt in his gut, the older brother hoping this conversation had done anything to keep Walker away. He still didn't know why he went there, and he probably never would as Bryan wouldn't tell him. But as long as it didn't happen again, hopefully it wouldn't matter. If today was the last of it, if Walker stayed away, then everything would be fine.
Though regardless of what did or didn't happen, whether Walker decided to stay away or not, Antonio knew one thing for sure. And that was that he had to tell Gabby.
But there were things he had to figure out first before he could.
Gabby laid comfortably tucked into Matt's side as her bare chest rested against his skin, his own chest rising and falling underneath her head while their bedsheets were down across their waists. One of his arms was wrapped around her back to keep her close, while his other hand was resting on top of her arm that was draped over his stomach. It was a familiar position for them, one that was comfortable and inviting, Gabby content to just lay here while Matt slept peacefully.
After their morning spent reconnecting with one another, multiple times, it hadn't taken them long to fall asleep. Their long shift, combined with the tiring hours spent in bed together had left them both exhausted, and they had been more than ready for some much needed rest. But clearly Matt needed it more than she did as he'd been fast asleep for the last fifteen minutes or so since she'd woken up, their curtains over the windows keeping the late morning sun out of their room so he could continue to sleep.
As she focused on his slow, steady breaths, Gabby couldn't help but smile as she relished in this feeling; the feeling of her euphorically achy body reminding her of just how nice a morning they'd had. And she couldn't help but be eternally grateful in this moment that her and Matt had gotten this part of their relationship back, as their morning together had been nothing short of incredible.
They'd taken their time, Matt especially going a little slower than he normally would in situations like today. But once he was sure she was alright, Gabby certainly encouraging everything he was doing, they'd quickly gained that passion back that they hadn't felt in a while. And it all left Gabby feeling the best she had in a long time.
Though there was a lot that had been different in her life over the last few weeks, the lack of intimacy in her and Matt's relationship was one of most noticeable things. Everything had just been different between them, and she'd missed him. She'd missed being with him, she'd missed the feeling of being completely connected to him. She missed all of it, so to finally get that back was better than she ever could've thought.
The sound of a soft groan coming from beneath her pulled her from her thoughts, Gabby smiling as she felt her boyfriend slowly beginning to wake up from his slumber. And as he came into consciousness, she felt his grip on her body instinctively tighten, like he wanted to know she was still there, the warmth of his palm on her bare back sending a tingle down her spine.
He didn't say anything at first, Gabby sure he thought she was still asleep as his hand lightly ran over her arm, his breaths staying steady. They stayed in silence for a few seconds, Gabby focusing on the feeling of his hands caressing her as he slowly woke up, the woman knowing that with every passing moment, he was becoming more and more alert.
"Hi." She murmured, Gabby finally breaking the silence between them as she felt him give her another squeeze. Lifting her head up off his chest, she turned to face him, Gabby finding him resting comfortably against the pillow with a small smile across his lips as he had yet to open his eyes. The first thing she noticed about him was how content he looked, his expression causing a grin of her own to form over her face as she stroked her thumb along his side.
"Good morning." He spoke just as softly, Matt sliding his hand over her back and down to her waist before slowly opening his eyes, their bright gazes locking immediately. Before he said another word, his eyes traced over her face, like he was checking in on her before even asking. Drawing in a deep breath, Gabby leaned down to press a soft, lingering kiss to his chest as he scratched his hand lightly over her skin. "How are you feeling?" He asked softly, Gabby lifting her head back up to look at him.
"Incredible." She responded without hesitation, her single word causing his smile to widen as he raised his eyebrows, Gabby not missing the proud gleam that flashed in his eyes.
"Incredible?" He questioned as his tongue poked out between his teeth to run along his bottom lip, Gabby giving him a teasing glare. "So I'm that good, huh?"
A heavy scoff left her lips, followed by a short chuckle before she tucked herself back into his side, Matt's smile widening as he tightened his grip on her. "I'm not answering that." She responded, Casey being the one to laugh now as Gabby felt his chest move beneath her ear.
"That's fine, I already know the answer." He replied before pressing a kiss to the top of her head, Gabby fighting off the urge to roll her eyes as he began to lightly trace his fingers along the bare skin on her hip, the movement causing her to shiver. "I think you showed me enough this morning."
She pinched his side lightly after he spoke, Matt shying away from her touch as a soft laugh escaped her lips.
"Hey, hey, stop it." He warned lightly as she tickled him, Gabby biting down on her bottom lip as she reluctantly stopped her movements, the man settling back down against the mattress. "You're incredible too, don't worry." He continued once she'd stopped, Gabby scoffing once more before she adjusted her positioning against his body, the woman turning to rest her chin on top of his chest.
She raised her eyebrows as she looked to him, Matt lifting his hand up to hold onto the side of her head, his thumb moving gently over her temple. "Oh, trust me, I know." She responded confidently, Matt cocking his head to the side as he continued rubbing the side of her head. "I think us having to cut round two short earlier told me that already." She added with a knowing look in her eye, Matt clicking his tongue against the roof of his mouth as he fought off the slight hint of red he was sure was covering his cheeks, Gabby's proud smile growing at his reaction.
"Okay, well that wasn't really fair… Cause, you know, I was still tired from before." He defended himself, Gabby's smirk turning into a gentle smile as she couldn't help but find her boyfriend ridiculously adorable in this moment. "And then you did that thing you know drives me crazy, so really I didn't stand a chance." He continued on, Gabby running her tongue along the inside of her cheek as she slid her hand up his torso towards his neck. "So yes, I will agree, you are incredible… For many reasons."
Her face softened at his words, Gabby knowing his statement went much deeper than just their current conversation as he ran his fingers through her tousled hair.
"The great sex is just an added bonus." He added jokingly, Gabby unable to stop herself from laughing as she shook her head, Matt grinning up at her with a satisfied look in his eye before she leaned down to kiss the smirk off his lips.
"You're an idiot." She spoke softly against him, his smile widening before he kissed her again.
Their movements started slow, and easy, their sleepy kisses welcome as they relished in the feeling of this close contact. His hand stayed firmly against the side of her head, Gabby's palm resting over his neck as they continued their gentle pace, their warm skin pressed into one another as they had no barriers between them.
And, just as she had earlier this morning, Gabby felt nothing but complete contentment in this moment. Right here, with Matt, she felt as much at peace as she ever had, and that was all because of the man lying beneath her.
When they eventually had to separate, Gabby pressed a few soft kisses against the side of his mouth, and down along his jaw before pulling back, both of them needing a moment to catch their breath. And as they did, she lightly moved her thumb along his collarbone, their eyes locked on one another before she eventually leaned down to give him one more soft kiss.
"This is nice…" She murmured as she pulled back, Matt's eyebrows raising as he began to rub her head, the man staying quiet as he waited for her to elaborate. "Us being here, together, like we used to… Being able to be us." She continued on honestly, her words causing him to smile softly up at her as she matched his look. "I missed this."
"Me too." He responded, Gabby grinning softly before she leaned down to capture his lips in hers once more.
But there was something different about this time, Matt soon feeling a sudden sense of urgency from her that he hadn't felt since earlier this morning, though he'd never complain as he let her set their pace. And it was like with each passing moment, the passion between them only continued to grow, Matt reaching down to guide her on top of him, Gabby complying instantly. With their lips still on each other, she lifted herself on top of his waist, her legs straddling him as the sheets that were already low on their bodies resting just over her hips.
It felt like her skin was on fire, Matt gripping her waist tightly in his palms as she moaned into his mouth, her hands coming out to steady herself on either side of his head while she pushed down against him. They continued on, Gabby moving her lips down his jaw to his neck as he fought to catch his breath, his hands holding onto her tighter as the air around them felt thick and full of passion.
And that feeling only continued as her mouth kept moving further south. After focusing her time and her lips on his neck, surely leaving a few marks behind, she continued down to his collarbone, grazing her teeth over the area before following the path down his chest. And she didn't stop there, either, Matt having to let go of her body as she kept moving further and further down, his breath catching in his throat as she kissed, licked, and sometimes bit him, Gabby doing everything and more that she knew he adored. Then by the time she'd finally gotten down to his waist, she could feel just how much of an effect she'd had on him as he pressed against her chest, Gabby tossing the bed sheets further down their bed to get them out of the way.
While there were times she liked to do this hidden away underneath the sheets, the added layer of him not being able to see her always making things a bit more exciting, she didn't want to do that today. Because not only did she know how much he enjoyed what she was about to do, she knew just how much he loved the view he got while she did it.
"Gabby…" He breathed out as he propped himself up against his pillows, Gabby pressing warm, open-mouthed kisses over his hip bone before trailing over his waist. His breaths were becoming more and more choppy as she moved, the anticipation nearly driving him crazy along with the feeling of her skin brushing over him, Matt shivering slightly as he waited to see what she'd do next.
And she certainly didn't disappoint, though she never could as she grabbed a hold of him in her fist, her pressure light as she continued focusing her mouth across his stomach. His breathing stopped for a split second, Matt keeping his eyes on her as she slowly began to move her hand up and down, the man reaching out to hold her hair out of the way as more of the blood in his body continued to rush south.
She took her time teasing him, her speed staying steady while her grip remained light, Gabby leaving her marks along his skin as she gradually moved her mouth down to his thighs, the woman everywhere except the one place he wanted her most. He couldn't even entirely be sure how long she worked him up for, Matt's head completely blank aside from what was happening in front of him, a slight hiss leaving his lips when she gently bit down onto the sensitive skin on his thigh.
"Gabby…" He murmured once more, Casey feeling her smile against him before pressing a kiss against the area she'd just grazed her teeth over.
"Yes?" She responded just as softly, Matt breathing in deeply as she continued moving her fist up and down just slow enough to torture him.
"Don't be mean." His voice was barely audible, though he knew she heard him as she smiled once more, Gabby clearly enjoying the situation they were in a little too much. Giving him a slight nod, she pressed another kiss against the top of his leg before adjusting her position over him, Matt getting enough of a grip on her hair as she gave him another slow stroke.
He could feel her breaths hit his skin, Matt doing all he could to keep his own breathing under control as he refused to take his eyes off of her. With her hand still holding onto him, Gabby looked up towards him, her darkened eyes causing a lump to form in his throat as they locked gazes, the smirk on her lips making his excitement grow as he waited to see what she'd do next.
And with her eyes never leaving his, Gabby gradually took him into her mouth, his breath hitching in his throat as she slowly moved over him. Her pace stayed steady, just as it had this entire time as Matt groaned underneath her, her entire body feeling warmer and warmer as she continued on. But differently to how things had gone up to now, Gabby began to pick up the speed of her movements after a couple minutes, Matt coughing out the air in his lungs as her hand's grip on him tightened, while she began to move her head quicker. It was an abrupt change, one he hadn't been expecting, but one he was more than grateful for as his head finally collapsed back against the pillows, Matt breaking their eye contact allowing her to focus completely on him.
He felt his resolve weakening with every second that passed, Matt gripping her hair just a little bit harder as he encouraged her movements, Gabby giving in to the pace he so clearly wanted as she moved her hand down to cup him in her palm.
"Jesus, Gabby-" He choked out as she took a few moments to pay attention to the most sensitive part of him, Matt squirming slightly underneath her as he felt the tension in his stomach continue to build. His reactions to her only seemed to encourage her further as she began to move at a quicker pace, Gabby doing all the right things, everything she knew he loved and what would bring him to edge quickly as he trembled underneath her.
He was getting closer and closer, Matt tugging on her hair to tell her that as his voice didn't seem to be working. But Gabby was persistent, his girl continuing on with that same steady and fast past as she moved over him expertly, pants and moans escaping his lips as he tried his hardest to hold onto any semblance of control he had right now.
But he knew he had none, Matt completely at her mercy as he bucked his hips upward, the movement not deterring her as she continued on without pause. And before he could even really prepare for it, she took him over that edge, Matt crying out her name while releasing all he had. His entire body was completely overwhelmed, Gabby moving steadily while he came as she took all he had to offer, the woman knowing exactly how to make this as pleasurable as possible for him.
His hips continued to shake slightly as he was finally spent, Matt having no more left to give as her mouth stayed enclosed around him, his body far too sensitive for her movements as he kept trembling underneath her. But with one last swipe of her tongue over him, she released her mouth's hold on him, Matt letting out another low moan as he worked on coming down from the high she'd just given him, his hands slowly releasing his harsh grip on her hair.
Running her palms lightly over his thighs, Gabby watched him closely as he took slow, deep breaths, the proud smile on her face never faltering as she saw him trying to gather himself. As his chest moved up and down, she began to crawl back up towards him, Gabby placing kisses over various parts of his skin as she went, Matt reaching out for her the second she was close enough. He just wanted to feel her, to be close to her, his glistening eyes locking on her as she made her way towards him.
Her palm caressed his stomach gently, Gabby feeling just how tight his muscles still were as her other hand came up to brush over his cheek, Matt grinning from ear to ear before turning to press a kiss against her palm.
"I was right you know," He spoke softly after pressing another kiss to her skin, Matt breaking the quiet they'd found themselves in, "You are incredible." He told her as he brought his hand up to cradle her head, Matt brushing his thumb gently over her swollen bottom lip as his words brought a smile to her face. "More than incredible… But now I think it's time to return the favor."
Before she could even fully register what he'd said, Matt had her on her back, her body exposed to him as he pried her legs apart. A rush of anticipation flooded through her, Matt's mouth beginning to move expertly over every inch of her skin as he followed the same method she'd used earlier.
As he slowly made his way down her body, stopping to pay special attention to certain areas, Gabby left herself get completely lost in the feeling of him hovering over her as she knew neither of them would be leaving their bed any time soon. And that was more than okay with her.
Casey walked in step with his girlfriend as they made their way to the locker room, the couple saying a few hellos to their friends and coworkers as they passed them before they arrived at their destination. The room was pretty empty as they were a bit later than normal, no one but Shay standing there as they turned the corner, the blonde immediately looking up when she heard them come in.
"Hey Dawson… Mr. Dawson." She greeted, Gabby biting back a smirk as Casey shot her a slight glare.
"Hilarious." He muttered as he walked towards his locker, Gabby moving towards her own as she shot her friend a warm smile.
"Hi Shay." She spoke before turning to face her locker, Shay looking towards her as she stood across from her friend, the paramedic next to Casey as he worked on getting his door open with one hand while his other was holding his cup of coffee. As Dawson began putting her things away, Leslie couldn't help but keep an eye on her, the paramedic noticing a lightness and easiness to her friend that hadn't been there last shift. And while she wasn't sure what the reason was, after her and Gabby's conversation a few days ago, she had a pretty good guess as to what had her in such a good mood.
"Do we know the state first shift left the rig in?" Dawson's voice gained her attention, Shay's eyes snapping into focus just as the PIC shut her locker, Gabby bundled up in her thicker jacket with her beanie and gloves in hand as she prepared for the cold day outside.
"Uh, I haven't seen it, but knowing them, it's probably a mess." She replied, Gabby scrunching up her nose knowingly before she nodded.
"Alright… I'm gonna head out there, see what all we need to do. You coming?" She questioned as she zipped up her jacket the rest of the way, Gabby shoving her gloves into her pocket before putting her beanie on her head.
"I'll be out in a second." She responded, Gabby shooting her a soft nod before she began to walk out of the room, but not before she slowed her steps down to run her hand over Matt's neck and through his hair on the back of his head, Shay noticing the immediately smile that covered the firefighter's face as Gabby left the room without another word.
The second she was gone, Shay turned towards her friend, her arms crossed over her chest as she watched him expectantly. It took him a few seconds to feel her eyes on him, Matt lifting his head out of his locker before he raised his eyebrows, Shay not missing the confused look in his eye.
"...Yes?" He questioned as he shut his door, Shay remaining quiet as he got the lock secured and turned towards her, the man bringing his drink up to his lips as he waited for her response. Narrowing her eyes slightly, Shay couldn't stop the nearly proud look that formed over her face, Matt having no idea what to expect from her as she finally spoke up.
"Considering the chipper look on Dawson's face, I'm just curious as to how many times you put little Casey inside of her-"
Matt beginning to choke on his coffee cut off her sentence, which admittedly was something he was thankful for even though his drink went down the wrong way, Shay grinning with a knowing gleam in her eye before she reached out to pat his back. After a few moments, he cleared his throat, the man coughing once more before meeting her eyes, Matt immediately shaking his head.
"God, Shay."
"What? I was just asking. Gabby seems to be in a very good mood, and I'm assuming it has something to do with me telling her to go and take your pants off." She continued on with a smug look, Matt narrowing his eyes as he cleared his throat once more.
"What are you talking about?" He questioned, Shay waving him off as she shook her head. It was becoming clear to him that at some point, his and Gabby's sex life had been a topic of conversation between the best friends. But to what extent, he wasn't sure. Though truthfully, he wasn't sure he wanted to know.
"Nothing, it's just a girl thing." She answered with a shrug, Matt giving her an unimpressed look.
"Yeah, somehow I doubt that." He replied with a soft scoff, Shay's smile never faltering as she leaned her weight against the lockers, the firefighter matching her stance. He saw her gaze flash behind him for a quick second, like she was checking to see if anyone else was around before she found his eyes again, Casey watching her expectantly.
"But, seriously… She is doing better?" She questioned, her voice suddenly much more gentle as Matt's face softened. "Gabby, she's- I mean, she looks like she's doing well, but, I just wanna know. And I know she's tired of me asking."
"She is." He replied softly, Shay breathing in deeply before she nodded. "We've had a few good days here. And all this- there's no immediate fix, I know she won't just magically be okay, but she is doing better." He explained, seeing more and more relief flood her features. "The last two days especially, she's definitely seemed more like herself."
"That's great, Casey." She murmured, Matt smiling softly before he nodded in agreement. "I know I don't need to tell you this, but it's been hard not to worry about her, even on her better days… But I'm glad things are good."
"I know what you mean, trust me." He breathed out, the two sharing an understanding glance. "But, I don't know… something about this feels different. I think we might've gotten to a turning point with all this." He spoke hopefully, Shay not missing the genuinely contented look in his eye.
"I'm so glad."
Just as the words left her lips, the bells rang out above their heads, calling all companies to an apartment fire a few blocks away, Matt blowing out a heavy breath before he pushed himself off of the lockers.
"Well, I guess we will continue this later," Shay spoke as he turned towards the exit, the woman pushing lightly against his shoulders to encourage him to move a little quicker. "Come on, lover boy. Time to go fight some fires."
Antonio sat at his desk in the bullpen, the man's leg shaking up and down as he stared blankly ahead, the buzz of his coworkers around him not registering as his mind ran rampant. His hands were clenched together on top of his desk, no one around him seemingly noticing his unmoving state as he waited for his boss to get back. And hopefully, when he returned, he'd have some good news.
Drawing in a deep breath, Antonio pulled himself from his thoughts as he reached out to grab his phone, checking to see if he had any missed calls or messages as Voight should've been back by now. Though if the older man had just let him go with him like Antonio wanted, he wouldn't be wondering anything right now. But Voight had ordered him to stay here, Hank not leaving any room for discussion before he'd left to go take care of this, Antonio knowing his Sergeant still wasn't exactly happy with him after finding out what he'd been doing these last few weeks. And Voight hadn't shied away from expressing just how angry he was, either.
After the detective's visit to see Bryan the other day, his next stop had been to come back here to the district, Antonio knowing he needed to bring Voight in on what had been going on. And, to put it lightly, the man was not impressed, and he made sure Antonio knew it. But the older Dawson wasn't too focused on that right now, he didn't care if Hank was mad at him. All he wanted was to know was if Voight had gotten things handled like he promised he would, the man blowing out a sharp breath as he checked the time once more.
And just as he did, he heard the door being buzzed open downstairs, Antonio standing up as he hoped whoever was walking up those steps was the person he wanted it to be, which thankfully it was as he saw his boss come into view with an unreadable expression on his face. As he got to the top of the landing, Voight looked to Antonio then nodded towards his office without saying a word, the two men walking through the quiet room as everyone watched them.
Following him inside, Antonio shut the door behind them as Voight walked around his desk and sat down, his eyes immediately finding Dawson's expectant gaze.
"We got it."
Those few words caused Antonio's body to flood with relief, the man leaned over as he gripped the back of the chair in front of him, his head hanging towards the ground while he released a grateful sigh.
"I wasn't able to use him being outside her and Casey's place, but between him showing up at Molly's, and the documented abuse she's suffered because of him… Then that favor they owed me, the judge signed off on it. We've got the warrant to track his phone."
"Thank you." Antonio spoke as he lifted his head, Hank's face still blank. "Really, thank you Voight. For helping with this, I…" He trailed off, Voight breathing deeply before nodding his head.
"You don't need to thank me, your sister's safety is all the matters here… But it would've been a hell of a lot better for us right now had you come to me sooner." He chastised, though this wasn't the first time Antonio had heard this from him. "You should've told me from the start that this is what you were doing."
"I know, I- I fucked up." He replied without hesitation, Antonio shaking his head as his body tensed up. "I should've said something sooner, I only told Casey and my sister, but... This animal is out on the streets, and I'm not just gonna let him roam free without knowing what he's doing. But I didn't think… I didn't think we had enough to get a warrant when he first got out, and if they said no- I worried that would make it harder for us in the long run if we tried to get one again. So I waited, and just hoped he wouldn't show up. But I should've told you, I fucked up." He repeated, Voight nodding slightly.
"Yeah, you did." Hank replied bluntly. "Because I don't care about the law or not, if that scumbag tried to do anything else to your sister, we would've handled it." He spoke, the meaning of his rough words not lost on the detective. "But we can't change that now… The past doesn't matter. We've got the warrant, so if he goes anywhere near her, where he's not supposed to be, we'll throw his ass back in prison."
Antonio gave him a nod, the man standing up straighter as he breathed in slowly. "Thanks Sarge." He replied, Voight giving him a quick nod before he focused his attention to one of the files sitting on his desk in front of him, indicating this was the end of their conversation. But Antonio wasn't done quite yet, the man clicking his tongue against the roof of his mouth before speaking up. "Is it okay if I leave for a bit… Go to the firehouse real quick." He asked, Hank not even hesitating to give him a nod as he knew exactly why the man was wanting to go.
"Take Ruzek, just in case we need you all out there." He ordered, Antonio nodding in compliance before he moved towards the door, but Hank's voice stopped him before he could open it. "He hasn't tried to see her again, has she?"
Antonio turned back around as he knew exactly what his boss was asking, his face hard before he shook his head, Voight's expression unreadable. "No, he hasn't. Not as far as I know."
"Good." He replied before returning his complete focus to the papers in front of him, Antonio breathing deeply before he walked out of the office. As he moved through the bullpen, he felt a few pairs of eyes on him while he walked towards his desk, the detective looking up as he grabbed his jacket off the back of his chair.
"Ruzek, you're coming with me." He spoke vaguely, the younger man wearing a look of confusion before he complied nonetheless, Adam grabbing his own stuff before walking towards the middle of the room, everyone in the unit watching them.
"Where are we going?" He asked, Antonio grabbing his keys before walking around his desk and heading for the stairs, Ruzek following a few steps behind.
"Firehouse 51."
Antonio and Ruzek walked up the slick driveway of Firehouse 51, the younger cop having yet to be told what they were doing here, aside from the fact that Antonio was likely here to see his sister. But he didn't question it, as he knew if there were anything he needed to know, Antonio would've filled him in. Though that didn't mean he didn't have his suspicions as to the reasoning for their visit to the firehouse, but still, he said nothing, Adam walking in step with him as they got to the garage.
"They must be out." Ruzek commented when he noticed the lack of firetrucks in the garage, though there was one rig that was still here, as ambo 61 sat in the very far end of the apparatus floor. "At least your sister's here, though."
"Yeah." Antonio replied as they continued inside, the cops walking straight towards the double doors. As they stepped inside, there was an abrupt change in temperature as the warmth of the firehouse welcomed them in, Antonio soon seeing who he was looking for as Gabby and Shay were seated at the circular table close to the kitchen, both of them chatting away as they hadn't noticed their presence.
And before he said a word, he couldn't help but watch her, Antonio not expecting to see his baby sister looking so… happy. Just sitting here, not really doing much of anything with her friend, she looked as calm and content as he'd seen her in a long time.
And it began to dawn on him that what he had to tell her would ruin that.
"Hey, there's the older Dawson." Shay spoke up when she saw Antonio and Adam standing in the hallway, Gabby turning to look towards her brother. "And baby Ruzek, hi guys." She greeted, Adam laughing softly as the men stepped into the room.
"Great to see you as always, Shay." Ruzek replied, the woman giving him a bright smile while Gabby's confused gaze focused on Antonio.
"Hey… What are you guys doing here?" She questioned as Antonio immediately sensed her guard starting to go up. Though he couldn't say that was entirely surprising, as the main reasons he typically came around these days weren't for anything good.
And while he stood here, seeing the almost pleading look in his baby sister's eyes, like she was silently praying he wasn't here with bad news, he knew he couldn't tell her. He couldn't tell her that Walker had come to her apartment the other morning, or what he and Voight were doing. He couldn't tell her that, not right now… Not today, and especially not without Matt here. She looked more at ease when he first came in here than he'd seen her since probably before Walker even went to prison, and he wouldn't mess with that. He couldn't. Not today.
So he did the only other thing he knew to do. He lied.
"Oh, no reason, we were just in the neighborhood, I figured we'd stop by and check in on my little sis." He replied, Antonio not missing the way Gabby's entire body relaxed as the words left his lips, her reaction only solidifying that he was making the right choice. And if Ruzek was fazed by his obvious lie, he didn't show it, the man playing along without question as he nodded in agreement. "I guess Casey's out on a call?" He continued, Gabby nodding softly as she rested her chin in the palm of her hand.
"He is, yeah… That's where the rest of the house is. We've been at an apartment fire most of the day, they're finishing up there right now." She explained, earning an understanding nod from her brother.
"Yeah, we thought we'd be heading back there, but after our last call they just told us to come back to the house. Which, glad they did or you wouldn't be seeing our beautiful faces right now." Shay added, Antonio scoffing lightly as Adam shook his head, the blonde clearly proud of herself as she gave them both a bright grin.
"Yeah, that's a good thing." The older Dawson replied sarcastically, Shay's look morphing into a slight glare as Gabby spoke up before they could continue bickering with one another.
"So you just came to say hi?" She prodded, the man looking back down towards her as he stood maybe a foot from her, Antonio plastering a smile onto his face before he nodded.
"Yeah, I did. I just wanted to check in, see how you were doing... We haven't talked in a few days." He replied, Gabby nodding slowly before she gave him a small smile.
"I'm good… Great, actually." She responded, the genuine look covering her face causing him to smile as well.
"That's great, sis. I'm glad." He told her, Gabby's grin never faltering as she turned her body towards him.
"Yeah, these past few days have been really good. Everything's going well right now." She elaborated just as they heard the sounds of rigs backing up, the telltale sign of firefighter's returning to the house causing Gabby to glance past him to the doors for a split second. "...Was that really all you came here for?" She asked again, her nose scrunching up in slight amusement as she met his gaze once more. "Not that I don't love the visit, but you could've just texted me." She finished lightly, Antonio playing along as he waved her off.
"I could've, but I still just wanted to see you. Even though I can't really stay much longer." He replied, Gabby grinning softly.
"Aww, how cute. Such a good big brother." Shay continued to tease, Antonio rolling his eyes as both of the paramedics laughed.
"Yes, I know I am." He replied quickly, Gabby shaking her head slightly. "And, oh, something else I wanted to ask," Antonio spoke up as a thought occurred to him, his words gaining Gabby's attention. "Did mom ask you to come over for dinner tomorrow night? Cause I know she asked me."
"No, she didn't." Gabby responded with an easy shrug, Antonio pausing for a moment before he nodded.
"Alright, I was just wondering… Wasn't sure if you and Matt had received an invite, if this was a full family affair or not." He continued on.
"No, not as far as I know. Unless she just hasn't called me yet… But, who knows, maybe she just wanted to spend some time with her favorite son." She joked, Antonio chuckling softly before he nodded.
"Yeah, maybe." He responded just as he heard the double doors open, Antonio glancing back to see the group of exhausted firefighters come inside. Though he had yet to see Matt.
"Hey, look who's here." Herrmann greeted, Antonio and Ruzek both smiling as they began to greet the first responders while they all came in and sat down.
It took a few minutes, but Casey finally filtered into the room with Severide, both men in deep conversation as they walked towards them. But the second Matt registered his presence, he stopped, his soot-covered face wearing an immediate look of uncertainty when he saw who was standing in the common room. It was nearly the exact same look Gabby had given him when he came in moments prior, Antonio knowing he couldn't tell the Lieutenant of the true reason for his visit, either, as Matt would surely, and rightfully, tell Gabby.
"Hey Antonio." Casey greeted, his slightly worried eyes flashing back and forth between himself and Gabby, Matt clearly trying to get a read on the situation he'd walked in on. But he soon relaxed when he saw the content look on his girl's face, Gabby's smile widening when she saw him. "How are you?"
"I'm good… Just came by to see my little sis for a few minutes, we were close by." He repeated his earlier lie, Matt nodding in understanding as the worry he was feeling began to dissipate. "I'm actually about to get going." He replied, Casey nodding once more as he continued further into the room, coming to a stop behind the chair Gabby was sitting in.
"Yeah, and apparently Antonio's going over to my parent's tomorrow for a family dinner that we weren't invited to." Gabby spoke playfully, Matt raising his eyebrows feigning hurt before he repeatedly clicked his tongue against the roof of his mouth.
"Well, Camila and Ramon will definitely be hearing about that one." He responded before he leaned down to press a kiss to the top of Gabby's head, Antonio smiling softly at the gentle interaction between the two of them.
"Oh, I'm sure they will." Antonio replied, Matt lifting himself back up with a soft grin on his face, Gabby leaning back in her seat slightly to be closer to him as he reached out to place his hand on top of her shoulder.
"You sure you can't stay?"
"No, no, I gotta get going… But maybe tomorrow night, if mom ever gets around to inviting you." He teased, Gabby extending her arm to shove him gently as all three of them laughed.
With a few quick goodbyes, and a hug from his sister, Antonio and Ruzek left the common room, the older man following a bit behind the other as his feet scuffed the pavement during their walk back to the car.
The second they left that firehouse, Antonio had this sinking feeling in his gut, one that was only getting worse the further away they got. One he knew was there because he hadn't been honest with his sister. And he hated it, he hated lying to her. Especially about something like this. But he didn't feel like he could tell her, at least not like that. Not only did he not want to ruin the happiness he saw radiating off of her, but work wasn't the place to get into all of this, not when he had a pretty good idea of how badly she'd take this news. And in retrospect, he knew he never should've come here to tell her anyway.
So, for now, all he could do was keep reminding himself that he made the right choice, and hope Walker continued to stay away as he knew he had to find the proper time to tell his sister what all had been going on.
The only problem was, he didn't know when that right time would come.
