Hi everyone! Here's the next chapter for you all, I really hope you like it. There's a scene in here that I know a few of you were waiting for, so hopefully it doesn't disappoint.

I hope each of you are doing well, and staying safe. Thank you so much for reading, I'll see you next time.


SEVENTY EIGHT


Severide tapped his pen quickly against the stack of papers in front of him as he sat at his desk, the slight pounding in his head only seeming to get worse as the minutes ticked by, this shift already having felt like it had been going on for hours when in reality it was barely afternoon. It wasn't so much the calls that had made today go on forever, but more so the feeling in the firehouse that had caused today to not run as smoothly, as all the cops combined with the tension looming around him and a certain other firefighter not exactly making for an easy day. But Kelly was doing his best to ignore it, at least for now, the squad Lieutenant wanting to just focus on getting this paperwork done instead of anything else going on.

But that was becoming increasingly more difficult as his headache only continued to get worse. He wasn't sure if he'd been staring at these pages for too long, or it was stemming from the fact he had yet to eat anything today, but whatever the reason Kelly knew he wouldn't be getting any more work done until he got this resolved, the firefighter dropping his pen down onto his desk before standing up.

His body cracked when he moved, Severide stretching out his back and his arms before heading out of his office, the man rolling his neck out as he tried to regain some of the feeling he'd lost from being in the same position for so long. Though as he moved, he caught a glance of Casey in his office, the truck Lieutenant exactly where he'd been all day as he practically refused to leave his office. And if not for being called out maybe half an hour ago, he was sure Dawson likely would've been in there with him, Kelly shaking his head slightly before continuing out of the bunk room.

The tension between the two best friends was enough to deal with already, Severide didn't want to add to that by making it worse. Casey was clearly angry, and that anger was directed towards him. And until he got past that, Kelly knew there was nothing he could say or do to make that any better. Matt was determined to be mad at him, though thankfully from the limited interaction they'd had today, Gabby didn't seem to be holding that same grudge. But Casey was, and it didn't seem like anything he'd be letting go of anytime soon, probably not until Walker was found.

So Severide let it be, Kelly releasing another heavy breath as he stepped out into the hallway and headed for the common room. It hadn't been too busy of a shift, at least not for truck or squad, as practically everyone was inside, no one brave enough to face the chilly garage with the below-freezing temperatures outside. And it was clear just how crowded the common room was as Severide was able to hear them talking amongst themselves well before he got there, Kelly shoving his hands into his jacket pockets as he picked up on a bit of their conversation.

"I guess I'm just missing something." Otis spoke as Severide turned the corner, the driver of 81 pausing when he noticed him enter the room, but he continued on pretty quickly once seeing it was just Kelly. "Like, that's a lot people." He said, Severide's face furrowing in confusion as he was slowly trying to pick up on whatever discussion he'd walked in on.

"Otis… You know Antonio isn't gonna mess around with this. Not with Dawson." Herrmann answered as Kelly came to stand beside him, the older man currently sitting on the arm rest on the couch, his body facing into the room so he had a better view of everyone.

"No, I get that. And I know that what Bryan's done to Dawson is awful," Otis spoke, realization washing over the squad Lieutenant as he now knew what was being talked about. "And I hope they find him, and soon. He doesn't deserve to be anywhere but prison. But there's like ten cops here, do they really think all this is necessary? It's just Walker.. Just one guy."

"One guy who put his hands around her throat." Severide interjected harshly, his words causing the room to fall silent for a split second as Herrmann looked up at him. "And now he's terrorizing her, I feel like a few extra cops are warranted."

"Yeah, you better not let Casey hear you say anything about that, Otis." Cruz added, Otis shaking his head slightly.

"I don't mean anything by it… I'm just confused, I guess."

"Confused about what?"

Everyone stopped when Casey's rough voice filled the room, the man walking in from the side entrance as all the first responders looked his way. Just from his reaction alone, Severide knew Matt hadn't heard the most of the conversation that had just happened. And for Otis' sake, that was a good thing, as Casey wouldn't be nearly as understanding about the man's confusion.

"Oh, uh- nothing, Lieutenant." Otis covered, Casey seemingly not interested in whatever it was as he simply nodded before continuing into the kitchen.

The room stayed quiet as he walked around, Matt quickly deciding to make himself a plate of the lunch neither he nor Severide had come out of their offices for earlier. And if Casey noticed the abrupt change in everyone's demeanor, he didn't comment on it, no one knowing exactly what to say to him as he hadn't really been in the best mood all day. Only when Gabby was around, was he more like himself, but aside from that it was almost like the man was on edge, and a bit snappy, Casey clearly not handling this whole 'being back at work' thing very well, and it only seemed to get worse as the day went on.

But no one could particularly blame him, under the circumstances.

After warming up his meal in the microwave, Matt grabbed his plate and a fork before he headed back for the door he'd just come through, not saying a word to anyone on his way out. Though despite his silence, he still managed to shoot Severide a less than welcoming look when he saw him, Severide not missing the harsh stare just before Casey disappeared through the door to the conference room.

And it didn't go unnoticed by Herrmann either, the older firefighter raising his eyebrows before glancing up at Severide, Kelly soon seeing his look.

"How are things going there?" Herrmann asked as some of the other chatter began to pick back up around them, Severide's face remaining blank. "Still seems a little… cold, I guess." He added, Herrmann well aware of the looming strain between the two friends at the moment, as he knew of their conversation at Molly's the night this all started. And, from that single interaction alone, it didn't appear as if things had gotten any better.

Severide paused for a moment, the man thinking over his words before he huffed out a breath. "He's still blaming me for this." He answered quietly, Herrmann wincing before he spoke up.

"I don't think he's blaming you, Severide-"

"No, he is." He replied without hesitation, seeing the frown that formed over Herrmann's face. "He's pissed off, and he's blaming me."

Herrmann stopped for a moment before clicking his tongue against the roof of his mouth, a soft sigh escaping his lips as Kelly watched him. "He's just angry." He breathed out, Severide's face softening slightly. "He's angry at Walker, and what this is doing to Dawson, but he's not mad at you."

"I'm pretty sure he's mad at me." Kelly corrected, though his words weren't combative, Herrmann shaking his head slightly. "I told him I didn't think Bryan was lying, that he wouldn't do anything to Dawson. That he meant what he said about staying away from her… Obviously, I was wrong. And I'm sorry for that, I wish to God I hadn't been, but Casey blames me for that."

"It's just some misplaced anger, Severide." Herrmann was quick to speak up, though Kelly wasn't really believing his words. "Walker showing up… he's freaking out, and all he wants is to keep her safe." He told him, but his words were something the squad Lieutenant already knew. "Gabby's the only thing that matters to him, we all know that... She's all he cares about. So I don't know if it's so much he's mad at you, as it is he's just worried about Dawson."

He let those words sink in for a moment, Severide glancing down at the ground in between them as he tried to figure out whether he believed what Herrmann was saying or not.

There was some truth to it, he knew there was, because any time something would happen to Gabby, Matt would lose his mind. He had always been that way, even when they were just messing around. So Severide knew at least part of what Herrmann was saying was true, that Matt was worried, and probably scared, and looking for someone to blame.

But he also couldn't shake the feeling that it was more than that, though at this point he truly didn't know anymore. All he did know was that he just wanted this to be over.

"This isn't your fault, Kelly." Herrmann continued on when he had yet to say anything, the older firefighter seeing just how much his friend was being affected by this entire thing. "Matt knows you'd never want anything to happen to Dawson, there's no way he doubts that. He's just losing his mind, because Gabby's going through this. But that's not on you, and deep down, he knows that, too."

Pursuing his lips together, Severide gave him a nod, his mouth forcing a weak smile before patting him on the shoulder. "Thanks Herrmann." He responded, Christopher nodding as well before Kelly continued past him towards the kitchen, the Lieutenant doing all he could to believe what Herrmann had told him.


Dawson's leg shook up and down as she finished up the last page of their paperwork, the hospital buzzing around them as it normally did, Gabby desperate to stay focused on the task at hand so her and Shay could get out of here and get back to the house.

It had been a pretty good day, for all intents and purposes, even though 61 had been rather busy while the rest of 51 had mostly been at the house. But with everything going on, Dawson found herself almost grateful for the pace of the day, their multiple calls helping ease her nerves as she'd gotten thrown back into her normal routine.

If there were any downsides at all, it was only that she hadn't been able to see Matt as nearly as much as she would've liked. But she hoped that would be a good thing for both of them, as they needed to get back to being able to spend time apart from one another, as it was something that hadn't really been a possibility as of late. And she wouldn't have wanted it to be, either, as Gabby knew the only reason she'd gotten through this as well as she had was because of him. But regardless of that, part of things getting back to normal included them doing things on their own, their jobs included.

"I think you might wear a hole through the tile there, Dawson." Shay spoke up just as she'd finished her last few words, Gabby being pulled from her thoughts as her eyebrows raised up slightly, her gaze lifting up towards her partner.

"Huh?"

"If your leg doesn't stop shaking." She continued, Gabby picking up on what she meant as her leg slowly stopped its movements.

"Oh, right… Sorry." She responded with a soft smile, Shay shaking her head slightly as Dawson handed off the paperwork to the nurse in front of them.

"It's fine." She told her with a soft grin. "You ready to get out of here? See if we can get back to the house before another call comes through?"

"Yeah, let's go." She replied as they began heading for the doors, the extra bodies a few steps behind them not lost on either paramedic as the cops that were detailed to ambo had stayed close all day.

"I guess I still haven't gotten used to that." Shay murmured as they stepped out into the cold, the harsh winter winds immediately smacking them in the face as Gabby shoved her hands into her pockets. "Those officers following us around." She added as they came to a stop behind the ambo, Gabby glancing back towards them as they continued to their squad car that was parked only feet away.

"...Yeah, me neither." She responded with a soft shrug, Shay adjusting the beanie on top of her head before looking that direction as well. "I know it's made things kind of difficult."

"It hasn't." She was quick to assure her friend, the soft smile never leaving her face. "And whatever we need to do to keep you safe, that's what matters. I'd have fifty cops following us around if we needed to." She added, Gabby releasing a dry chuckle before huffing out a breath.

"Let's hope it doesn't come to that." She responded, Shay nodding in agreement before they moved to their respective sides of 61, Gabby climbing up into the passenger seat while her blonde friend got behind the wheel.

After they both were securely inside the rig, Shay started the drive back to 51, the woman moving carefully through all the snow around them as she pulled out of the hospital parking lot. The first few minutes of their drive was quiet, Gabby more focused on looking out the window than anything else, while Shay was determined to get them back to quarters safely. But as they drove, Shay couldn't help but notice just how silent her partner was being, their usually light conversations nowhere to be found as neither of them were saying much of anything.

And that's how it had been most of the day.

There wasn't any issue, or any tension between them, Shay just wasn't sure what the best thing to say to her friend was. After not talking to one another since Walker showed up at Molly's, Shay had no idea what to expect from Dawson today when she showed up to work today, and even though Gabby appeared to be alright, she still wasn't sure if that meant she wanted to talk about things.

So they hadn't really talked much at all, at least not about the current situation, as their conversations throughout the day had been about anything but what was going on. Because for as desperate as Shay was to help her, she also wanted to give Gabby space, and let her feel comfortable coming to her if she wanted.

But that didn't mean Shay wasn't also curious, the paramedic wanting to know how her friend was doing as she glanced over towards her once they came to a stoplight. Gabby was still looking out the window, her mind clearly a thousand miles away as her elbow was resting up against the door frame, Shay drawing in a deep breath before speaking up.

"So… how are things at the future mother-in-law's?"

Gabby turned her head when she heard Shay's words, the gleam in her eye causing Dawson to chuckle before she shook her head, Shay just glad to see that grin on her face before she continued to drive once the light turned green.

"You're hilarious." Gabby responded dryly, though her smile never faltered as the air around them was light.

Dawson had been waiting all day for this, if she were being honest, she'd been waiting for Shay to bring it up. And she knew she would, as it wasn't in her friend's nature to not check in on her, Gabby just surprised it had taken her as long as it did. But she'd be lying if she said she didn't appreciate it. And for as annoying as it could be sometimes, Shay's teasing was oddly comforting.

"I know I am." She responded with a proud grin, Dawson's eyes narrowing slightly before Shay continued. "But really, how are things going there, if you don't mind my asking? I'm sure that's been interesting… staying with Nancy."

"You're fine." Gabby replied, Shay nodding before she waited for her to elaborate. "And it's been alright, she's been really understanding about the whole thing. Which has been nice, considering we just dropped this whole thing on her out of nowhere…"

"Well, that wasn't really your fault." Shay countered, Dawson drawing in a deep breath before she nodded.

"Yeah, I know, but still… None of us were expecting this, but she's been great. She's been trying to give us our space, or as much as she can in a one-bedroom apartment." The PIC continued to explain, Shay giving her complete attention as Gabby looked down towards her lap. "But it's been fine… Under the circumstances, it's better than being in a hotel." She added, Gabby quickly trying to decide how much she truly wanted to get into this. But it was like her mouth was moving faster than her brain, Dawson spewing the words out before she could even stop herself. "But she, uh… She knows."

Shay paused for a moment as she tried to figure out exactly what Gabby was referring to, though she had a pretty good idea as she knew Dawson wasn't one to go around broadcasting what she'd gone through.

"About Walker… What he did. She knows." Gabby continued on, the woman surprisingly feeling a bit less pressure against her chest as she began to talk this out with her best friend, Shay trying not to react too much as she didn't want Dawson to shy away from opening up to her.

"You talked to her?" Shay questioned, Gabby shaking her head slightly as her eyes stayed focused on her lap.

"Matt did." Dawson answered, the blonde paramedic unable to hide her surprise this time as her eyes widened slightly, Shay not expecting to hear that from her friend, as Casey was the last person she thought would ever tell someone else about what Gabby had gone through. "Nancy, she… She'd had some idea for a while that something had happened, and she still doesn't know all of it, but she knows something happened at Molly's. And that Walker's trying to… get to me, I don't know. But she knows enough, that Walker.. that he hurt me… So that's been- I don't know." She trailed off, Gabby pursing her lips together as she swallowed the lump that had formed in her throat.

"Why did he tell her?" Shay questioned, figuring that was the safest place to start.

"He, uh… He didn't mean to. But he… The first night we were there, while I was asleep, he was talking to his mom, and he just… Broke." Gabby spoke quietly, Shay feeling a harsh pain rip through her chest at how deeply this was affecting both her friends. "He's been struggling with all this, and he blames himself. And I guess he just broke down, and while that was happening he said enough of what had happened for Nancy to figure it out."

Shay breathed in deeply before beginning to gnaw on her bottom lip for a moment, Gabby's words flooding through her mind as she tried to think of what to say.

"...Are you okay with that?" Were the first words out of her mouth, Dawson looking up at her as Shay continued focusing on the snowy road in front of them, though she could feel Gabby's eyes on her. "Not Matt's reaction, but- Him telling his mom, are you okay with it?" She clarified, Gabby releasing a soft sigh before she shrugged.

"I don't blame him for it, if that's what you're asking." She replied quietly, Shay giving her a slight nod. "I knew she already pretty much knew what had happened to me… She just didn't know Bryan coming back was the reason we were there. But I'm not mad at him or anything for it… He's having a really hard time with all this, too." She finished, the blonde wearing a sad smile over her face.

"Yeah, I know this isn't easy on either of you… But how are you doing? With her knowing?" She continued on, Shay taking the opening as Gabby gave her yet another shrug.

"I don't know… her and I haven't really talked about it. She hasn't brought it up, and I'm not expecting her too… She hasn't even talked to Matt about what happened, I don't think she's going to. She probably won't unless we do…"

"Are you going to?" Shay questioned without a thought, Gabby's eyebrows furrowing slightly. "Or, do you want to talk to her about it, I guess is what I mean… I know she hasn't always been your favorite person, but someone else to talk to might not be the worst thing, if it's something you want to do." Shay encouraged, the blonde doing all she could to make sure Gabby knew it was alright to open up to people, as it was something she'd struggled with in the past. And whether it was with her, or Matt, or Nancy, anyone… she didn't care, as long as Gabby wasn't bottling things up as she often used to.

Gabby, on the other hand, couldn't help but think over Shay's words. Because while Shay didn't know of Nancy's past, or that they had more in common than the blonde realized, Gabby couldn't help but think about it. She knew Nancy had offered, and that Matt wanted her too, but it wasn't something she'd ever truly considered… at least not for more than a second or two. But now it was kind of hard not to think about it, Gabby drawing in a slow, slightly unsteady breath before she responded.

"I, uh… I don't know, maybe." She spoke, Shay sensing they were treading into murky water as she could practically feel Gabby starting to close off, the blonde knowing it best to probably change the subject.

"It's up to you, you know you don't have to if you don't want." She assured her, Gabby smiling weakly before she nodded. "But aside from that, how have you been? I'm sure it's been a little strange not being able to be at home." She geared the conversation in a slightly different direction, Gabby running her tongue along the inside of her cheek as she glanced back towards her friend.

"Yeah, uh, it's been a little weird. Matt and I would both rather be at home, but we know we can't… And not being able to see anyone has gotten kind of frustrating." She spoke, Shay staying silent as she wanted to let her vent. "I mean, I get it… Antonio doesn't want anyone coming to Nancy's who doesn't have to, just in case Bryan's been watching anyone again, though honestly there's a small part of me that thinks it's a little unnecessary. But there was also a part of me who thought Walker wasn't stupid enough to come back, so what do I know…" She sighed, Shay unable to stop the frown that formed over her face as Gabby kept on going before she could get a word in. "But overall it's been fine, I just wish we didn't need to be so isolated… Antonio doesn't even want me to go see our parents, even though they're freaking out, too."

"Yeah, I can see that." Shay murmured, Gabby smacking her lips together as her gaze moved back out the window.

"They're worried, like everyone else… And they're pissed off, like everyone else. And it hasn't helped that they can't come see me. So it's all just… I don't know, it's stressful. And frustrating, and I just want it all to be over."

"I know you do, babe." Shay spoke, Gabby sucking in a deep breath just as they got a call over the radio, the blonde cursing under her breath before she picked it up. "Guess we won't be able to get back to the house just yet." She muttered before responding to main, Gabby watching as Shay got the sirens going and began to turn around.

"Yeah, I guess we won't." Gabby eventually spoke up once Shay was safely on the other side of the road, her partner sparing a quick glance towards as the cops behind them turned around as well.

"You sure you're up for this?" She questioned, Shay knowing their previous conversation hadn't exactly been the easiest thing in the world, and she wouldn't blame Dawson for being a bit distracted.

But the PIC simply nodded, Gabby giving her a weak smile before looking out the windshield.

"I'm good… This is exactly what I need right now."


Gabby's eyes snapped open as the truck came to a stop, the woman furrowing her eyebrows slightly as she tried to figure out where she was, or when she'd fallen asleep. But her surroundings soon became clear to her as realization set in, Gabby remembering this morning clearly as she turned her head to the side just as the familiar truck was put in park, the man beside her offering her a warm smile before beginning to undo his seatbelt.

"Hi babe." Matt spoke gently, his voice soothing as a small smile formed over her face. "You fell asleep." He commented, Gabby nodding as she sat up a bit straighter in her seat, a slight yawn escaping her lips as he reached out to grip her thigh softly. "I took a few extra loops around the block… the guys back there weren't too happy with me," He spoke, Casey nodding over towards the patrolmen watching over them that were parked across the street. "But I didn't wanna wake you."

"Thank you." She murmured, her voice sounding a bit foreign as it was filled with sleep, Gabby clearing her throat before she unbuckled as well. Matt kept his eyes on her for a moment, the boyfriend seeing just how much exhaustion her body still held as her quick, little ten-minute nap hadn't done much to make up for the lack of sleep the night before.

Though their first shift back had gone smoothly, at least as far as Casey knew, it had been a long one, especially throughout the night as ambo seemed to get called out nonstop. And that alone had made it hard for Gabby to get much rest whenever she was in the comfort of Matt's office, as soon after she'd lie down with him, one or both of them would get called out again.

But for as busy as it was, it had also been good for both of them to slowly start to get back into the swing of things, as their long shift had gone without incident. And that was something they were both grateful for, Casey wearing a soft smile on his face when Gabby looked back up at him.

"How about we get inside and into a real bed, yeah?" He suggested, Gabby matching his look before she nodded, the couple beginning to get out of the truck and head inside.

During their walk towards the front door, Casey couldn't help but check their surroundings, the action practically second nature to him at this point as they walked up the slippery steps. When they got to the front door, Matt quickly searched for the correct key on his key ring, before sliding it into the door.

"I think my mom is out to breakfast with her friend, so it should be pretty quiet." He told her while getting the door unlocked, Matt pushing it open before glancing back at Gabby.

"Yeah, I remember you saying something about that." She responded as Matt nodded at her to go in, Gabby stepping inside Nancy's home first before her boyfriend followed close behind her, the man locking up immediately before either of them could settle.

Once that task had been completed and they shed their coats, they both headed straight for the bedroom without a word, their bodies reeking of exhaustion as they knew the best thing for them to do right now would be to get some rest. When they stepped inside the room, they found it exactly as they'd left it yesterday morning, Matt dropping both their bags down by the dresser before shutting the door closed behind them. Knowing his mother would likely be home sometime this morning, he didn't want to chance their rest being disrupted, even on accident, as Matt knew how badly Gabby needed to sleep.

"I'll wash this stuff later today." He told her, Gabby knowing he was referring to their work clothes as they both still needed to get out of them, the woman getting her boots off first before she sat down on the edge of the bed.

"That's fine." She replied, Matt working on his belt before tossing the item down on the bench at the end of the bed, the pair going through the motions as they began to get ready for bed. With his belt gone, Casey kicked off his boots before starting to unbutton his pants, Gabby pulling her long-sleeve paramedic shirt from her body as she released a heavy sigh.

Matt looked up at the noise, the man now down to his boxers as Gabby got up and moved towards the dresser, her tiredness evident in every step she took as her shift pants were hanging off her hips. Pulling out some clothes to wear for the day, Gabby decided on one of Matt's t-shirts, a pair of leggings, and a sports bra, knowing she couldn't walk around quite as freely here as she would in her own home.

As she placed the clothes in a pile on top of the dresser, she felt a sudden warmth behind her, Gabby looking up at the mirror to see Matt standing there, his head behind her shoulder as a soft smile formed over his face.

"You feeling okay?" He asked as he took a step closer, his bare chest pressing into her bare back as his hands slid around her waist, Matt holding her close as warmth spread throughout both of them.

"I'm fine babe… Just tired." She responded with a gentle smile of her own, Matt pausing for a moment before he nodded, the man adjusting his head so he could place a soft kiss on the top of her shoulder.

"Me too… I'm gonna go take a quick shower before we get some sleep, unless you wanted to?" He offered, Gabby shaking her head lightly as he kissed her skin once more.

"No, you go ahead. I probably won't till tonight." She replied, Matt nodding as his body continued to linger against hers, neither of them necessarily in any hurry to move.

But after nearly a minute, Matt eventually did, knowing if he didn't now that he likely wouldn't get his shower before laying down with her, as all he wanted to do was get in bed and have her in his arms.

"Alright." He murmured, Casey kissing her one last time before he stepped away, Gabby missing his body heat instantly as he grabbed his clean clothes before heading towards the bathroom.

Dawson watched as he disappeared through the door, Matt leaving the bathroom door open as she heard the shower turn on seconds later, Gabby releasing a heavy sigh before she continued to change into much comfier clothes. And soon enough, she had, Dawson stretching out her arms as she walked back to the bed and sat down, her entire body feeling heavy as she laid down.

But as she listened to Matt in the other room, she found that she wasn't able to get comfortable. And she wasn't sure why. With as tired as she was, she was expecting to be out as soon as her head hit the pillow, but clearly that wasn't the case if her tossing and turning over the last few minutes was any indication. And she didn't see that changing anytime soon, as it was becoming more and more evident that she likely wouldn't be able to settle until Matt was in bed with her.

Huffing out a frustrated breath, Gabby rolled over onto her back, her hands resting on her stomach as she focused on the sound of the water running. But soon enough, that got boring as well, Gabby deciding she could at least use something to distract herself until Matt was done as she reached over towards the nightstand for her phone. But when she felt nothing there, Gabby looked up, seeing her phone nowhere in sight.

She glanced around the room for a moment, trying to remember where she had it last, until it hit her that she'd set it down by the front door when her and Matt took their jackets off, Gabby sighing once more before she forced herself up out of bed. With Matt still preoccupied, she opened the door and headed out of the room, Gabby knowing this should take her all of thirty seconds as she walked down the hallway towards the living room.

But as soon as she got there, her steps stopped abruptly when she saw Nancy standing in front of the couch. She hadn't noticed her yet as her back was to her, the woman obviously just having gotten home as her coat and boots were still on, the older woman placing her bag down on the couch before she turned around. And the second she did, she immediately noticed Gabby, her eyes widening slightly in surprise before she settled, a soft smile forming over her face.

"Oh, hi sweetheart… I didn't hear you there." She spoke warmly, Gabby pursing her lips together before taking a slight step forward.

"Hi Nancy." She greeted, Gabby wringing her hands together in front of her. "I didn't realize that you'd, uh- be home yet… Matt said you were going out to breakfast."

"Oh, I did… We got an early start to the morning." She answered, her face faltering slightly before she spoke up again. "I know you and Matt probably didn't beat me home by very much, I'm not disturbing you two, am I?" She asked sincerely, Gabby immediately shaking her head.

"No, no not at all. Matt's in the shower right now, but you're fine." She assured her, that soft smile returning to her face before she nodded.

"Good, that's good… Well, I was just about to watch some TV, would you like to join me?" She questioned, Gabby hesitating for a moment before she agreed, the woman unsure of how else to respond as she walked further into the living room. With Nancy making herself comfortable on the couch, Gabby took up residence in the chair a couple feet away, her hands resting in her lap as the older Casey turned on the TV.

It was quiet for a few moments, Gabby not really sure of what to say to her as this was the most alone time she'd spent with the woman since staying here, Dawson biting down on the inside of her cheek as she tried to will away the uncomfortable feeling in her gut. It had nothing to do with Nancy, the woman having been more kind and understanding as Gabby could've ever imagined, but the situation itself was just hard, as Dawson had no idea what to say to her now that she knew.

"So, how was your first shift back?" Nancy eventually asked, her voice pulling Gabby from her thoughts as she looked her way before responding.

"It was good." She answered quietly, Nancy smiling warmly before she nodded. "It was busy… Matt and I are both exhausted, but everything went okay. There were no problems or anything." She added on, Gabby not entirely sure why she'd said as much as she did, but Nancy didn't seem fazed by it.

"That's great to hear." She replied, her genuine demeanor helping Dawson feel more at ease. "I know Matthew was a little worried, but I'm glad it all went well… I'm sure it was nice to be back."

"It was." She agreed, Nancy nodding before their attention refocused on the TV, Gabby beginning to clench her hands together tighter as they sat here.

Though everything was fine, and Nancy wasn't pushing her, there was an uneasy feeling in the air that was becoming harder to ignore, the unsaid conversations feeling like a weight against her chest as it was just the two of them. And with every passing second, Gabby found herself feeling more and more anxious, like she wanted to say something but didn't know how. Or if she should, and it was causing her to panic, as she was desperately trying to figure out what to do.

"I know you know."

Gabby blurted the words out before she could stop herself, though her tone wasn't hostile or angry, her voice still soft despite the abruptness of her sentence. And the second the older woman registered what she said, she looked her way, Nancy sighing softly before she reached for the remote to turn the volume down.

The air around them felt thick for a moment, Gabby swallowing the lump in her throat as her and Nancy never broke eye contact, the woman looking at her with such pain and understanding, Gabby wasn't sure how to react. But she's said the words, she'd brought up the topic Nancy had refused to, and there was no going back now.

Drawing in a deep breath, Nancy angled her body more towards Gabby, the woman thinking over her words carefully before she eventually spoke up once she realized Gabby wasn't going to. "...I'm sure Matthew told you of our conversation, the first night you all were here." She spoke carefully, Gabby taking a deep breath before she nodded.

"He did." She answered quietly, Nancy waiting to see if she had anything more to say. "And, I… I'm glad he talked to you, I am… Because I know all of this is affecting him, too." She continued honestly, the older Casey's face softening as Gabby looked down towards her lap. "I know he's struggling with all of this, that he just sometimes doesn't want me to see it…" She spoke, her voice barely audible.

"He's worried about you, honey." Nancy said softly, Gabby gnawing on her bottom lip.

"I know he is." She whispered, her leg shaking up and down nervously as Nancy never took her eyes off of her. "And that's why I am glad he talked to you, I don't want him holding all this in, I just…" She trailed off, Gabby drawing in a deep breath to steady herself as she tried to find the right words to say.

"It's hard, because I know." Nancy finished for her, Gabby sniffling slightly as she finally lifted her head back up. "I know, and you never wanted me to." She continued on, Gabby opening her mouth to respond, but then she quickly closed it, knowing she had no room to argue. And Nancy saw her reaction, as well. "You don't owe me any explanation Gabby, I completely understand you not wanting people to know… Trust me, I get it." She spoke gently, Dawson swallowing thickly as they looked at one another.

"It's not you personally."

"I know, dear." She replied with a sad smile. "With something like this, when it's happening, it's a situation where you feel like you don't have any control… So once you're out of it, you look for places you can have any control you can." She spoke, Gabby's face remaining blank as her words sunk in. "And I'm sorry that got taken from you." She added, Dawson's eyes falling closed for a split second, the woman trying to gauge where her head was at. "We don't have to talk about this, if you don't want to. I'd never make you… But if you do, we can." She spoke sincerely, Gabby blinking quickly once she opened her eyes. "All of this… You know that I have some personal experience when it comes to this… experience I wish I didn't have, but that also doesn't mean that I can completely understand what you're been through. You're the only person who knows that, Gabby… But I'm here, if you need to talk."

Nancy's words hung around them for a few moments, Gabby trying to wrap her mind around what all had been said to her, as she knew this was her out. If she wanted to stop, if she didn't want to talk about this anymore, she knew right here was her way out of this. That Nancy was giving it to her. But despite how much she felt like running away from it, there was a small voice in the back of her head telling her to stay.

So she did.

"I…" She started, Gabby's mouth opening and closing for a moment as she tried to find the words to say, Nancy watching her with a sad, compassionate smile as she waited for her to feel comfortable with whatever it was. "How do you forget about it?"

Her question was vague, but it was enough to nearly break Nancy's heart, as she was sure she'd never heard Gabby sound so lost before, the tears in her eyes another indicator of how badly this was messing with her head. And Nancy understood completely.

"How do you forget someone hurting you like that?"

"You don't." She answered honestly, and immediately she could tell that wasn't the answer Gabby was hoping to hear, but Nancy didn't want to lie to her. "I wish I could tell you something different, but truthfully you never forget about it. Everything that happened… it'll always be there." She told her, Gabby biting down on the inside of her cheek roughly before she reluctantly nodded, Nancy not missing the tears hiding in her brown eyes. "...But you try to move on from it. You work towards not letting it control you, to get to a point where you can move past it… but you can never completely forget it."

Gabby gave her another nod before she took another deep breath, her eyes moving back down towards her lap as she clenched her hands together. She knew that already, Nancy's words something she'd known pretty soon after breaking up with Bryan, but that didn't mean she wasn't hoping for a different answer.

"What if… What if I'm not able to move past it?" She asked, her vulnerability shining through her words as Nancy saw just how scared she truly was.

But that fear wasn't coming just from the man himself, but the fear of never being able to let it go.

"Because I… There's times I thought I was over it, I swore up and down that I was fine, because I was… When he's gone, I'm fine. But the second he's back, it's like… it's like I can barely breathe sometimes. Like I'm always going to be looking over my shoulder, and I just want to be past it."

"You will." She assured her strongly, Nancy knowing she needed to hear this as Gabby pursed her lips together. "I swear, you will… You being scared right now doesn't mean you won't get through this, because you have every reason to be scared. This situation would scare anybody… But it won't last forever, sweetheart. I know your brother will do everything he can to find whoever this is, and once he does… You'll be able to start moving on. For good." She did what she could to comfort her, but Nancy could still see just how tense Gabby was.

"How long did it take you?" She asked quietly, like she was almost afraid to say it, but Nancy simply smiled, hoping to show her it was okay.

"Truthfully, it did take awhile… I won't lie to you. And I know the situations aren't the same here, I have something you don't… And that's that I know the person who hurt me can't come back." She spoke honestly, Gabby's breath catching in her throat slightly as Nancy gave her a sad smile. "I'm not exactly proud of how it happened, or how it tore my family apart… but I am sorry you don't have that. At least not yet." She told her, Gabby nodding slightly as her words continued to sink in. "But eventually, you get to a point where you're okay… It doesn't happen all at once, and you might not even notice when you get there, but one day you'll be past this, Gabby… You'll get through to the other side of this, and you'll have your life back, without worrying about him coming back. I promise you that." She finished, Nancy's heart aching for the sight of Gabby sitting across from her, the tears in her eyes like a punch to the gut as his son's girlfriend appeared like she was desperately trying to believe her.

But Gabby wasn't completely convinced. And Nancy knew it.

"...And you also have something I didn't." She continued on, her words gaining Gabby's attention once more. "You have a support system, and people around you who would do anything for you. Who will be there on those days when you need a little extra help." She told her, Gabby blinking quickly as more to keep her tears at bay. "You have your family, everyone at the firehouse… Matthew." She added, Gabby clenching her jaw before she nodded. "And, I can't speak for all of them, but I feel like I know well enough that there is not one single thing in this world that my son wouldn't do for you… You mean everything to him, Gabby, and you know he's here for you every step of the way."

"I do." She replied, her voice cracking as she thought of her boyfriend.

"And that, having him, and having everyone else… That'll only help you, honey. And in time, it'll be okay. You'll be okay."

Gabby nodded in response, both of them staying quiet for a moment as Nancy let her really take in what said, in hopes that she'd start to believe it. She knew it wouldn't be immediate, but Nancy really did hope and pray she'd been able to provide Gabby with some sort of comfort, as she knew just how hard something like this was to get through.

But Gabby's next words proved to Nancy that she hadn't helped as much as hoped.

"But what if I'm not?" She questioned back vulnerably, Nancy able to tell that Gabby's own words took her by surprise as her eyes widened slightly, like she hadn't meant to actually say it. But once she did, she couldn't stop. "What if I never get over this? If they find him… what happens if he gets out again? Or worse, they never actually find him… What happens then?" She asked, Nancy feeling tears begin to fill her own eyes as Gabby shook her head. "What happens when he comes back and hurts me again? Because he will."

"Gabby-"

"He always does." She continued on, the pain in her eyes evident as Nancy watched her with a heartbroken look covering her face. "He just… He always finds a way to hurt me, and I can't stop it. I was never able to stop it, or him, he would just do what he wanted. Why would this be any different?" Gabby's grief was evident as she spoke roughly, her words leaving her mouth quickly as more tears continued to fill her eyes, but she refused to let them fall. "I was too weak to stop him then, and I can't stop him now either…"

"You're not weak, Gabby." Nancy was quick to interject, the woman clearing her throat as Dawson bit down on the inside of her cheek. "You're not, I don't ever want you thinking that." Her words were strong, like she was desperate for Gabby to believe them, Nancy adjusting her positioning to sit on the edge of the couch. "You were taken advantage of by someone you trusted, by someone who promised to love you and protect you. And that's on him, that's not on you." She said, the woman waiting to make sure Gabby was really hearing her. "You're not weak for trusting him… The only person at fault here is him. You did nothing wrong, and if he's the one who told you that, you need to know it's not true."

She nodded slowly, Nancy's words slowly sinking in as Gabby's leg continued to move up and down, her bottom lip shaking slightly as nervous energy flooded her body. She knew, at least partially, that what Nancy was saying was true, that this wasn't on her, and that she wasn't wrong for feeling this way. But it was still hard to believe that sometimes, especially when Bryan had made it his goal to get her to think otherwise.

Over on the couch, Nancy paused for a moment as she watched her, Gabby clearly trying to keep herself together as she was confronting the emotions she'd been holding back since this happened, the older woman shaking her head slightly as her hands clasped together in front of her.

"I am so sorry this happened to you, sweetheart. I really am." Nancy spoke up again, Gabby blinking quickly as they locked eyes once more. "I wish you had never gone through that, and I would give anything for you not to be worried about this now. I know how something like this… I know how it can break a person down, and how it can make you feel like you did something to deserve it, but honey it's not true. None of this is your fault, and one day when you're on the other side of this, you'll be able to truly believe that… I promise you, this gets better. It gets easier, and while you can't forget it, you'll be able to move on from it." She told her, her voice steady and full of compassion as Gabby felt more tears pricking the edges of her eyes, Nancy giving her a supportive smile before she continued.

"I know this is hard right now, and it'll probably be hard for a while, but you feeling that way, it doesn't make you weak… I need you to believe me when I tell you that, you are not weak… You're the farthest thing from it."

A sole tear escaped down her cheek as Nancy's words hit her, Gabby quickly lifting her hand up to wipe it away, the sad smile on the older woman's face causing a few more tears to slide down her skin as Dawson was slowly starting to let this all sink in.

"You are so incredibly strong, Gabby." Nancy said once more, getting the sense she needed to hear it. And if the tears falling down her skin were any indication, she knew her suspicions were correct. "I never want you to think otherwise."

Before any more words could be said, Gabby got up from her chair, Nancy not entirely sure of what was happening, but her gut reaction was to worry that she'd pushed too hard. But it became clear that wasn't the case as Dawson started to walk towards her, Nancy standing up just as she got to her, before Gabby wrapped her arms around her tightly.

Nancy wasn't expecting it, the action catching her off guard, but that didn't stop her from hugging her back as Gabby's chin rested on her shoulder, Nancy holding onto her tightly. She heard her son's girlfriend sniffle a few times, the woman giving her a reassuring squeeze every time she did, as it was obvious to her that Gabby needed to comfort right now. And while she was a little surprised she'd come to her for it, she was also glad, Nancy just wanting to do all she could to help the woman who meant so much to her son, and who was beginning to mean so much to her, too.

"Thank you." Gabby whispered, her voice muffled slightly as Nancy smiled softly.

"You have nothing to thank me for." She replied quickly, Nancy rubbing up and down her back. "...You'll be okay, Gabby. It'll all be okay." She reminded her, Gabby nodding against her shoulder before she held onto her a bit tighter, Nancy willing to stand here for as long as she needed.

But as they did, movement from the hallway caught Nancy's eye, the woman seeing her son soon come into view. And the second he did, it was clear to her that he'd heard most, if not all, or their conversation, as he looked absolutely heartbroken. Like he wanted to do anything and everything to take Gabby's pain away. But Nancy knew if there were any way for him to do that, he would've by now.

He continued to walk a few steps further into the room, Nancy now seeing the tears sitting in his eyes as he focused on Gabby, before he met his mother's gaze. Without a word, she gave him a nod, silently telling him to come over here as Nancy knew for as comforting as she hoped she was being right now, that no one would be able to comfort Gabby the way her son could, Matt not needing any more prompting before he hurried over to them.

Placing his hand on her back, the action gained Gabby's attention, the woman pulling back from Nancy to turn and see her boyfriend standing behind her, the pain and worry in his eyes enough to cause more tears to fill her own as she immediately went to him. And he was ready, Matt pulling her into his arms as she tucked her head into his neck, her body trembling slightly as he held onto her as tight as he possibly could.

"It's okay." He murmured before pressing a kiss to the side of her head, Matt whispering a few more words Nancy couldn't quite make out, before she silently walked away from the two of them as she didn't want to intrude on this moment. And as she walked away, she could only hope she'd at least helped Gabby a little bit, though she hadn't done much.

But for Gabby's sake, she hoped this was the start of her beginning to truly heal, and that with their support, and the support from her family and friends, that she'd finally be able to move past this.

And Nancy had all the faith in the world that she could.