Hello there everyone! Here's the next update for you all, I hope you all enjoy it! From what I could tell last week, you all seemed to be glad to have this story back, and I am, too. I've missed this version of Dawsey a lot, and it's nice to get back into it and be able to write them again.
I also want to take a moment to thank everyone who's stuck by this story, even when I went months without updating. I know I've said it before, but I feel like I can never say it enough, your support means so much to me, and helps make it easier for me to continue writing these stories. So thank you for that.
Just a warning, there is an M-Rated scene in this chapter, and it's a pretty lengthy one. I figured after how long it's been since there was a scene like that, and with how rough everything had been for Dawsey lately, that it was warranted. Though it's been awhile since I've written any scenes like this, so I apologize if I'm a little rusty. But I hope you all enjoy it nonetheless.
Thank you so much for reading, I really hope you all like this chapter. And if you have a minute when you're done, it would mean a lot to me to hear what you think.
Happy reading, everyone. I hope you have a great weekend.
EIGHTY EIGHT
Soft music played in the background as Gabby and Matt sat in her parent's cozy living room, the fire burning inside helping to combat the treacherous winter outside, as snow fell heavily around the city of Chicago on this cold Christmas Day. It was getting pretty late in the evening, the four of them having finished eating a little bit ago before they'd taken to sitting around and spending time together, Gabby and Matt seated on the couch with Camila, while Ramon was across from them in his usual chair currently in a deep, yet easy conversation with her boyfriend.
Though as nice as this evening had been, this wasn't their first get together of the holiday, as yesterday was the big Christmas dinner with everyone; or their immediate family, at least. Even though some years the Dawson's went all out, that hadn't been the case last year, and Ramon and Camila both felt it best to not try this year either, under the circumstances. So they had stuck to their original plan of an intimate family gathering at their house on Christmas Eve, as just Matt and Gabby, her parents, Antonio and his kids, along with Nancy, had been here to eat, spend time together, and exchange a few presents.
And it had been a great time for all of them, as both Matt and Gabby loved when their parents were able to get together. It didn't happen often enough, though much of that lately was out of their control, but it was something they both wanted to make a point of doing more. Especially now that Nancy was back in her son's life permanently, Gabby knew how important it was to him to get time with his mom. And she also knew how important it was, for Matt, that her and Nancy spend time together, too, and Christmas Eve had been the perfect opportunity to do that.
But it was also the perfect opportunity for them all to spend quality time together, and after these, what Gabby could only describe as a turbulent last few weeks, time with her family was exactly what she needed. Just some nice, easy moments with the people she loved on a holiday she'd adored ever since she was a kid, was exactly how she'd wanted to spend her Christmas.
Especially considering that enjoying this day was something she'd been robbed of last year.
It was still a hard thing for her to think about, and truthfully she did her best not to think about how awful last Christmas had been for her. But ever since her recent session with Adrian, it was a difficult thing to get out of her mind. It was hard to forget the pain she'd been in that day, the pain she'd been in for a while, all because of Bryan. How last December she was in one of the darkest places she'd ever been in, trying to deal with the fallout of him tearing her life apart, despite the fact he'd been doing that long before he broke up with her. But last Christmas was part of what she associated with all of that; that pain, and that hurt that Bryan had caused, as that had been the day she'd finally broken down and let it all sink in.
That time as a whole just wasn't something she was necessarily eager to relive, not when she didn't have to. And she certainly didn't like thinking about where her and Matt had been this time last year, either.
Even though they'd only known each other a few weeks then, and they'd technically spent a little bit of a Christmas together, last year around this time for them had been nowhere near like it was now. Which is something she was beyond grateful for, as Gabby wasn't necessarily proud of what had happened on this day a year ago. How she'd gone to Matt as a means of distraction, only for it to blow up in her face, ending with them both saying things they didn't mean, and hurting one another more than they ever wanted to.
It was a memory she hated, which is something that didn't happen very often when it came to Matt, but with that day, it was true. Because it was so hard to wrap her mind around where they'd been just a year ago, how both of their lives had been a complete mess. And how they couldn't be farther from that place now.
That their relationship was so much better now than it was then. They weren't in that place anymore, and they hadn't been for a long time. And this year, she was ready to make new Christmas memories with him, and enjoy spending their first official Christmas together.
Which is exactly what they'd done, as thankfully, this day had been just as great as she'd hoped, if not better. Getting to spend yesterday with everyone, and then today with just Matt and her parents, Christmas this year was so much better for her than last year. And that was all she wanted, was a great holiday with her family.
"Yeah, that's definitely true. I hadn't thought about their defense much, but that's a good point, son."
The sound of her father's voice soon pulled her from her thoughts, her vision gradually coming into focus as she turned her head to the side to see her mom and Matt listening intently to Ramon, as it was becoming clear to Gabby that her dad and her boyfriend were still in the middle of their conversation about hockey. Just as they had been for the last twenty minutes or so.
She wasn't exactly sure what they'd been talking about, as all she knew was that her mom had made them wait to talk sports until after dinner. But the second the plates were cleared and they'd been sent to the living room, the discussions about hockey had started, and they apparently hadn't stopped in the time she'd been checked out. Which, in all honesty, Gabby found a bit amusing, given that just months ago talking about the sport would've been considered odd for her dad, but now it was a pretty common point of discussion between the two men. And that was all because of Matt.
Ramon had never really been into the game much, for as long as Gabby could remember, but ever since Matt had come into their lives that changed. It wasn't a secret how much Casey loved it, as it was certainly one of his favorite sports, and ever since finding that out, Ramon had taken an interest in learning more about it. It had taken him a while, and Gabby knew at first he was only doing it to try and find some common ground with her boyfriend, but after a while he seemed to start genuinely enjoying it, and was well on his way to becoming quite the hockey fan.
And, truthfully, even though their conversations could sometimes last for hours if they let them, Gabby loved the bond her father and Matt had. Not even just for this one thing, even though she very much appreciated her dad making an effort to learn more about the things Matt liked, but it was just everything. It was the way they got along, the way they could carry on conversations forever and not get bored of each other, the way Gabby knew how much her father trusted him; it was everything about the relationship they'd built since she and Matt started seeing each other. And it made her so indescribably happy, as the only thing that was as important to her as Matt was her family.
And she never got tired of being reminded of how close her boyfriend was to both her parents.
"Yeah, I think they might have a shot this year… Granted they can get that goaltending situation figured out." Matt continued on as Gabby looked back towards him, the feeling on his arm around her shoulders comforting while she let herself relax into his side. And he must've registered the movement, as Matt quickly looked her way, a soft smile forming over his face before he pressed a kiss against her forehead.
"I definitely think they can, I don't see that being as big of a problem as everyone's making it out to be." Ramon countered, Casey pressing one last kiss against her head before glancing back towards the older man, giving him a nod in agreement just as Camila spoke up.
"Yes, yes, you all believe in your Blackhawks, and I know Gabriela does too." She interjected, Matt biting back a smirk as the older woman patted his leg gently. "But how about we move on from the sports talk for a little bit." She added on, Casey immediately nodding as he caught the sheepish look that crossed Ramon's face.
"Of course, Camila. I'm sorry, I didn't mean to turn this into a big discussion. Ramon and I just didn't get a chance to talk about it yesterday." He replied to her, Camila quickly shaking her head before waving him off.
"Oh, sweet Matthew, always apologizing when you don't need to, it's fine dear." She chastised gently, Gabby chuckling in amusement before resting her hand across her boyfriend's stomach. "I know you and Ramon love to have your 'guy time'." She continued, though her words now were almost teasing as both men in the room laughed in response.
"Yeah, we wouldn't want to stop your 'guy time', babe." Gabby pushed, Matt pursing his lips together before he turned back to look at her, seeing the almost challenging look in her eyes just before her face softened, the man shaking his head as another laugh left her lips.
"You think you're so funny, don't you?" He spoke under his breath before kissing her head once more, Camila and Ramon both watching on at the tender moment between the couple before the former spoke up.
"So, you and Ramon catching up aside, I feel like we haven't had much of a chance to really talk lately." Camila told them, her words causing both of them to look her way. "Don't get me wrong, last night was such a great time, and I loved having everyone together for the holiday, but during all the commotion we didn't get a chance to talk much." She prefaced, Matt nodding as he knew last night hadn't given them much time for individual conversation. "...So how have you all been? Are things going well?"
Gabby's eyebrows furrowed slightly at her mom's question, considering that had been one of the first things they'd talked about when she and Matt first got here.
Camila was right, they hadn't been able to talk much last night, but they had more than made up for that since they'd been here this evening, both her parents checking in with them frequently to make sure they were doing okay. So her words now left her a little confused, and based on the look on Casey's face, he was feeling the same way.
"You already asked us that, Mama." She replied, Camila drawing in a deep breath before she continued.
"I know, but I wasn't sure if something had changed." She said, the uncertainty on the younger Dawson's face only deepening as her eyes flashed over towards her father, seeing him giving her the same look her mom was. And she didn't really understand it.
"What is it?" She pressed, Camila sparing a quick look to Ramon, waiting for his nod before she spoke up, Gabby and Matt both waiting to hear what she had to say.
"It's just… I didn't get a chance to ask you all about it yesterday, because I didn't want to bring it up in front of everyone, but I overheard you all talking to Nancy, about how you were planning on going back to work soon," She started, Gabby's neck tightening involuntarily as her mom gave her a sympathetic look. "And I wasn't sure where that came from, if this is something you all had been thinking about, or just decided recently, because we hadn't heard you talk about it…" She trailed off, Camila trying to approach this situation delicately just as she always did, Gabby nodding slowly in response when she felt Matt's eyes on her.
"Yeah, that's something we wanted to talk to you about, or tell you I guess, there just wasn't a good time yesterday," She reiterated her mother's words, Camila and Ramon both nodding in response as her mom shot her an understanding smile. "But we are thinking about going back to work… We are going back to work, we decided a few days ago." She spoke definitively, seeing the exact moment her statement sunk in for her parents.
And neither of them were sure what to make of it.
"You are?" Ramon asked, Gabby and Matt both nodding.
"We are." Casey replied, Camila drawing in a slow breath before she responded.
"And you sure you all are ready for that?" She questioned, though her tone wasn't judgemental. She was just worried, and they both knew it.
Before responding to her, Gabby and Matt shared a quiet look with one another, their silence telling each other more than words ever could, as this was something they'd talked a lot about recently.
Ever since Gabby's last therapy session, after their heart to heart talk about what all was going on with her, they'd had a lot of open and honest conversations about where they were at. They'd had more talks about things that had happened in that apartment the day Bryan came back, about how Gabby was doing her best to try and move on from all of this, and how Matt needed to let go of his guilt for not being able to stop it. Talks about how they were both feeling since everything happened, and where they stood now; and how they felt about taking those next steps about getting back into their lives.
And every time, they came to the same conclusion… That they were ready to get back to work.
They didn't want to rush anything, and Gabby couldn't afford to, but they both felt like they were in a place where they felt ready to try and get back to the firehouse. For Gabby, that felt like the next step she needed to take, and after some of their conversations, it felt like one she'd be able to do. It wasn't going to be easy, they both knew it, but nothing about this was easy. And it would never get easier, not until she just did it. So she'd decided that's what she was going to do, was go back to work.
Because she was doing better, she wholeheartedly believed that. Especially since she'd opened up to Matt, she was feeling better each and every day; the best she'd felt since this all happened, as her not holding onto all of this on her own had started to help her heal. And she wanted to continue to feel that way. She didn't want to keep hiding away, or stop herself from getting back into her life, so she felt like this was the next step for her. To take back part of what Walker had taken from her.
This wasn't a decision she'd made lightly, but it was one she was ready for. And Matt had supported her every step of the way.
"We are, Mama." Gabby soon answered her with a soft smile on her face, Matt nodding in agreement as his girlfriend sat up a bit straighter. "It's something we've been talking about, a lot, these last few days- me and Matt, and some times with Adrian. And we feel ready for it… I feel ready to do it." She promised her, even though she could still see a bit of apprehension from them. But she wasn't surprised to see it, as Matt had felt the same way at first too.
"Well, I think that's great, Gabriela." Ramon spoke with a grin, Gabby's face softening as she looked towards her dad.
"Yeah?"
"Of course, mija." He replied, Matt rubbing her shoulder supportively. "As long as you feel ready for this, that you and Matt both do, I think it's a great idea." He told her, Gabby matching his small smile before she nodded.
"We do… It might be a little hard at first, but I think I'm ready. I'm ready to try." She repeated her words.
"She is, she's ready." Matt spoke up, his assurance and belief in his girlfriend earning smiles from both parents, even if Camila was still a bit hesitant. "But we're gonna take it slow… We've already talked to our Chief, and he's willing to do whatever we need, at whatever pace she's comfortable with."
"That sounds good." Ramon encouraged, Matt nodding with a reaffirming grin. "Do you know when you're starting back?"
"Not exactly… But hopefully either next shift, or the one after." Gabby answered him, her gaze moving slowly between her parents.
"...I think that sounds great, Gabriela." Camila said after a moment, her words causing Gabby to relax slightly in her seat before the smile on her face widened.
"Thanks Mama." She replied, the two women sharing a lingering look before the conversation around them soon shifted, Ramon speaking with Casey more about how their talk with Boden went.
And the conversation was fine enough, Gabby finishing off the last little bit of her wine while Matt handled most of the talking. But when it was clear she wasn't really needed for this, she took that as her chance to excuse herself, Gabby waiting until there was a break in their discussion before she spoke up.
"I'm gonna go get more to drink, does anyone want anything?" She asked, her voice gaining their attention as they all glanced her way.
"I think we're fine, dear." Ramon answered for both him and Camila, before Matt nodded as well, his hand sliding down her back as she shifted to the edge of the couch.
"I'm alright babe, thank you." He replied, Gabby giving him a soft nod as she got up off the couch, the woman grabbing her empty glass before silently heading out of the room and into the kitchen.
It took her no time at all to find what she was looking for, her body coming to a stop in front of the counter before beginning to refill her glass, Gabby vaguely hearing the sounds of Matt's continued conversation with her father, as he spoke about how much he was looking forward to getting back to work. And it was a comment that made her smile, as that's exactly why she was wanting to go back, Gabby doing this as much for him as she was herself.
Because she knew Matt would do the same for her.
Drawing in a deep breath, Gabby took a slow sip of her wine as she decided to linger here for a few more seconds, it feeling nice to stretch out her limbs a little bit after sitting down for most of the evening. But she was only left alone in her quiet for a few more moments before she soon heard footsteps approaching, Gabby looking over just as her mom came through the doorway with a soft smile on her face.
"Hi Mama." She spoke before taking another drink, Camila nodding as she walked over to her daughter, the older woman stopping beside her before leaning her weight against the countertop. But she didn't say anything at first, Gabby waiting for a second before finally looking her way, her eyebrows furrowing when she saw her mother's gaze focused down by her neck.
"I see Matthew still has great taste in jewelry." She commented softly before looking back up at her daughter, finding Gabby's curious eyes on her. "The necklace," She elaborated, a soft smile forming across the younger woman's face as her hand came up to touch the pendant "I saw it when you got here, but didn't notice it yesterday… I'm assuming it's new?"
Gabby nodded slowly as she moved the necklace between her fingers, the silver still feeling a bit unfamiliar against her skin. "He surprised me with it this morning." She answered, Camila unable to stop her own smile from growing when she saw how genuinely happy her daughter was. "It was part of my Christmas gift."
"Good man." She spoke under her breath, Gabby biting down on her bottom lip before she looked down. "But it's beautiful, honey."
"Thank you… I think so, too." She replied, Camila offering her another soft smile before Gabby took a sip of her drink, the air around them turning quiet once more as they both could feel the heaviness around them. But it didn't take too long for Camila to solve that problem, as she'd never been one to hold back.
"So… this work thing," She said, Gabby's eyes falling closed for a split second before she too leaned her weight into the counter. She knew her mom was worried, that Gabby had given her every reason to worry, but still, she didn't want to have to explain herself again.
"Mama-" She started, but Camila held her hand up to stop her as they locked gazes.
"Just let me say something, please." She replied, Gabby breathing in deeply before she nodded. "I'm not here to give you a speech, or try and talk you out of it, but I just need to know that you truly feel ready for this." She said quietly. "That you're not just putting on a brave face for Matthew, or for your father… That this is what you want, and what you feel ready for."
"It is." Gabby replied after a moment, "I promise Mama, I'm ready… As ready as I'm gonna be." She told her honestly, as Camila's face softened with each word. "I know it might not be easy at first, but I feel like it's time… Cause I can't hide out forever, and there's no reason for me to. Bryan's in prison, he can't get to me anymore; there's nothing keeping me from going back to work, except myself." She explained the best she could, the sad look in her mother's eyes not going unnoticed by Gabby, as it was always hard when she spoke of what Walker had done. "So I feel like I'm ready for this, and it's what Matt and I want." She finished, the older woman pausing for a moment.
"Alright… If you're sure, then of course I'm happy for you, and support you. I just wanted to hear from you one more time." She responded, earning an understanding nod from her daughter. "And I know that you can handle yourself. That if you say you're ready, then I believe you… But just please be careful." She requested, Gabby nodding slowly as her mom reached out to hold onto her arm. "Don't push too much too soon."
"I won't, Mama." She assured her, Camila giving her a soft, albeit weak smile before she nodded.
"Okay, good." She replied before pulling her in for a hug, Gabby holding on her mom tightly for a few seconds before they separated. "But now I imagine it's best for us to get back out there, because if we don't they'll be talking all night." She added on lightly, her words causing Gabby to chuckle softly before she nodded in agreement, knowing just how true they were.
After grabbing her drink, the mother and daughter made their way back out to the living room, returning to their seats before their night continued on, Gabby joining in on their conversation like she hadn't missed a beat as the family was content to just spend what little bit of the holiday they had left together.
Casey stepped aside after unlocking the door to their apartment, the cold winter wind nearly whipping them in the face as they were both desperate to get inside, his movements giving room for Gabby to step into their home before he soon followed behind her. It was pretty late, later than they'd planned on getting back after their Christmas dinner, but they'd been in no rush to leave the Dawson's home, as getting that time with Ramon and Camila had been great for the both of them. Gabby especially, Matt knew how much she always loved that time with her family, and for them to be able to spend so much of this holiday together, he knew that meant a lot to her.
But now they were finally home, Matt securely locking up the front door before he and Gabby began to shed their extra layers, both of them kicking off some of the excess snow on their boots as it had been really coming down all night. Enough to make them a little nervous on the drive home, but Matt had managed to get them here safely. And now that they were in the comfort of their own home, he was looking forward to just spending the rest of the night with his girlfriend.
As they finished getting out of their coats, there was an easy quiet in the air around them, the couple leaving all their winter gear by the front door before heading further into their home, Matt not missing the slight yawn that left Gabby's lips as she slowly made her way through the apartment towards their bedroom. He could tell she was tired, and after how busy they'd been these last few days he couldn't blame her, Matt sure by the time he got to their room she'd be nestled up in their large bed, waiting for him to come join her.
But, to his surprise, she hadn't been, as by the time he finally made it to the bedroom after stopping to get a glass of water, as well as rifle through some of their mail that had been left sitting on the counter for a few days, she had yet to get ready for bed. When he walked through the door, Matt already working on a few of the buttons on his shirt, he found her standing in front of their dresser, Gabby slowly taking off her jewelry and putting it in its rightful place as he moved further into their room.
He had only taken a few steps before she glanced his way, Matt shooting her a soft grin before moving towards the bed, the man placing his glass and phone on the nightstand before sitting himself down on the edge of the mattress, his body definitely begging for rest as he could feel the tightness in his back and shoulders.
"...I thought tonight was nice." Gabby spoke up after a minute or two, Matt looking up as he stopped rubbing his hand along the back of his neck, their eyes meeting through the mirror before she took off her necklace.
"It was." He answered her as that grin returned to his face. "They seemed to take the news of us going back to work pretty well. And it was really good to spend some time with them, and last night, too… Christmas this year has been pretty damn good all around, if you ask me." He breathed out, his words flooding her chest with warmth as she nodded in response. "And your parents seemed to enjoy it."
"They did… Though they always love having you around." She replied with a sly look, Matt scoffing lightly before he pushed himself back up off the bed, his movement prompting Gabby to turn around and face him.
"Well, who could blame them?" He asked lightly, his head cocked to the side as Gabby fought off an eyeroll, the woman shaking her head before she walked the short distance towards him. And the second she was close enough he reached out for her, Matt's hands immediately coming to rest on her hips before sliding around to her lower back, effectively keeping her close to him as her arms came up to rest around his neck.
"Mhmm.." She hummed in response, Matt unable to keep his smile from growing as she couldn't help but notice the content look in his eyes, while her thumb ran lightly across his neck. "We know, they love you… Maybe more than Antonio at this point." She teased, Casey shaking his head softly before he leaned down to capture her lips with his, effectively wiping the playful look off her face.
Their movements were soft and slow, Gabby relaxing into his hold as she held onto the back of his neck, both of them content with the pace they were going as Matt ran his hand along her back. It wasn't until Gabby needed to catch her breath that they finally pulled apart, though he wouldn't let her go very far as he pressed his forehead down against hers, the two of them staying quiet for a second before she finally spoke up.
"Thank you for making this Christmas so great." She murmured, his eyebrows furrowing in confusion as he pulled back enough to get a look at her, Matt's head falling to side slightly as he met her gaze.
"I didn't do anything." He replied, Gabby not missing his genuine confusion before she slowly shook her head.
"You did, though." She answered simply, her words holding more weight than he initially realized, Matt drawing in a slow, deep breath before a soft smile started to form over his face. "You've done everything."
Their eyes focused on each other for a lingering moment before he nodded, Matt feeling a sense of warmth only she could provide him as he leaned down to capture her lips in a gentle, emotion-filled kiss, both of them putting all they had into this moment as he tightened his hold on her body.
"I love you." He breathed out the second they separated, even though their faces were barely an inch apart, Matt feeling her smiling widen while her hand slid around to cup the side of his neck.
"I love you, too." She responded before kissing him again.
Though this time they never pulled back, the couple nearly getting lost in each other as they stood in the soft light of their bedroom, their hands roaming each other's bodies as their movements continued to get more intense. And it was a shift in the air they could both feel, as they knew it had been a long time since they'd gotten anywhere close to this level of intimacy. Though if the desperation in her movements were any indication, Matt had the feeling she had no intentions of stopping what they'd started.
But it wasn't until her hands started to move for his belt that his mind cleared, as Matt knew he needed to say something before this went any further.
They hadn't done this in a long time, not before Walker had come to Molly's and turned their lives upside down, as sleeping together was nowhere close to being a priority when Gabby was trying to deal with everything Bryan had done. And even after, they hadn't really gotten close to anything like this either, as he knew Gabby wasn't ready. She wasn't in the right mindset for something like this, so he hadn't tried. There had maybe been a few moments here or there where they'd get a little caught up in the moment, but even those had been tame, both of them knowing they were going no further than kissing without even needing to say anything.
But this was something different. He could feel it in the way she was moving, in her body language and how eager she was. From what he could tell, as she pulled his belt off and tossed it to the floor before her quick hands began working on his shirt, she was ready and willing to get that part of their relationship back. And he'd be lying if he said he hadn't missed being with her, too. But he still needed to be sure.
"Gabby… Gabby, wait." He spoke in between kisses just as she'd finished getting his shirt unbuttoned, their chests heaving as she pulled back enough to look at him, Gabby not missing the slight bit of hesitance she could see in his eyes. "We don't have to do this if you're not ready." He told her, his genuine and honest words causing her heart to nearly swell in her chest, as she knew he was just looking out for her. Just like he'd always done.
"I know… But I want to." She replied, Matt drawing in a slow, deep breath as his hands came up to hold onto her arms, the soft smile on her face giving him a little bit more reassurance.
"Are you sure?" He reiterated, the grin on her face only growing before she slowly nodded, her eyes focused on his as he saw the want shining back at him. And the second he got that confirmation, it was like a switch flipped, the muscles in his body tightening as his own smile started to match hers, Matt running his hands up and down her arms before he guided her to take a step back. "Okay… Well, then we're gonna do this right."
The second those words left his lips, warmth pooled in her stomach, their many weeks apart causing desire to rush through her body as he continued to move her towards the bed. But he stopped right before the back of her legs would hit the mattress, Matt not saying a word as his hands started roaming over her body, the feeling being one she missed more than she realized before he carefully turned her around.
Moving her hair out of the way, he pressed a kiss to the back of her neck while slowly beginning to unzip her dress, Gabby feeling a chill course through her spine as more of her skin became exposed to the air, Matt not halting his movements until he'd completed his task as he guided her dress off her body and towards the ground.
But thankfully, he didn't stop there as just after she'd stepped out of the bunched up material, his hands immediately when to the clasps on her bra, Matt continuing to press soft, open-mouthed kisses along the top of her back and her shoulder blades while he worked on getting her out of this as well, the article of clothing soon behind tossed aside before he took a step towards her.
A soft gasp escaped her lips when she felt his chest press against her back, Gabby letting her eyes fall closed while focusing on the feeling of his hands running along her sides and her torso, Matt careful to not move too fast as he continued kissing any skin he could find. But she wanted more, Gabby desperate for his hands on her body as she pressed back against him, the movement prompting a low moan to escape the back of his throat.
"Matt…" She spoke under her breath as his hands slid further up her torso before cupping her breasts in his palms, her body already feeling like it was on fire.
"Lay down for me, baby." He whispered in her ear, Gabby swallowing thickly as he let go of her, the woman complying instantly as she got down onto the bed and made herself comfortable, her body resting in the middle of the mattress while she watched him begin to take off the rest of his clothes.
He worked quickly, Matt discarding everything but his boxers in a pile on the floor before he climbed on the bed to join her, his hands immediately reaching out to touch her once more as he felt compelled to be as close to her as he could. His eyes raked over her near naked form, her chest rising and falling slowly as she still worked to catch her breath while his hands moved up and down over her leg, Matt taking the moment to admire every inch of her he could see.
"God, you're beautiful." He murmured, like he wasn't even talking to her but to himself, as heat rushed through her chest. "So beautiful." He repeated quietly, Matt gently prying her legs apart before sitting in between them, his hands running along her thighs as she watched his every movement.
Pushing her legs a little farther apart, he leaned forward until he was hovering over her, Matt giving her a small smile before he captured her lips in another kiss. With their bare chests pressed together, Gabby put her hand on the back of his neck to keep him close, while her other ran along his side to his back, the woman feeling a few of his scars along the way. But despite her efforts to keep him right where he was, his lips soon trailed down her jaw to her neck before he drug his teeth along her skin, the action causing her breath to get caught in her throat while he continued his assault on her body.
But still, he only stayed there for a few seconds before he continued further down, Gabby's eyes falling closed as she ran her hand through his short hair, her mind trying desperately to focus on each and every movement he made as heat continued flooding through her. It became a little harder for her to keep her steady breaths as his mouth moved slowly down the front of her chest, Matt lingering over her breast bone for a few extra seconds before he took her left breast into his mouth.
"Baby…" She sighed out while he paid expert attention to her, his hand working her chest on the other side as he took his time with her. And Gabby was more than appreciative of it, Matt soon switching his mouth to her other breast to give it the same treatment, while his hands began sliding up and down her stomach. But when they came to a stop just above the waistband of her underwear, that's when he felt her muscles begin to tighten, Matt smirking against her skin before releasing her from his mouth, his lips continuing their descent down her body while his fingers teased the last piece of material covering her from his view.
Then suddenly it was like everything started happening at once, Matt pulling back from her completely long enough to pull the underwear down her legs, Gabby helping as much as she could before he threw them aside, her eyes focused on his body as he shed his last layer of clothing as well. After tossing them in a similar direction, he grabbed ahold of her legs before quickly pulling her down the bed closer to him, a surprised yelp escaping her lips just as he once again pushed her legs apart as wide as he could. Her breathing started to get heavier when he ran his hand down her leg, Matt getting comfortable on the bed before he settled between her legs, pressing long, wet kisses against the skin on the inside of her thigh, his lips trailing downwards until he was right where she wanted him.
But it was then he stopped for a moment, Gabby able to feel his breaths hitting her as she waited for him to continue, her body nearly trembling in anticipation. And he didn't disappoint, as seconds later she felt his tongue dart out to touch her before pulling back, Matt repeating the process a few times before latching his lips onto her skin, Gabby's head falling down onto the bed as he continued to please her. Her eyes were shut tightly, Gabby having to force herself to remember to breathe when his hand soon joined his mouth, Matt slowly sliding one finger inside of her just as his lips enclosed around the most sensitive part of her body.
She almost choked on the air in her lungs, Matt picking up the pace of his movements while also being careful with her, though Gabby's body was responding in all the right ways as he gently inserted another finger. With every passing minute, he could feel her becoming more reactive to his movements, Matt sliding his free hand up towards her chest before grabbing her breast in his palm, Gabby immediately reaching out to grip onto his forearm as he moved faster and faster.
And he knew she was enjoying every second of it, moans and whines continuously leaving her lips as he stayed attached to her, his tongue working wonders on her while his hand moved at a near blinding pace, his efforts causing her body to start trembling underneath him.
"Matt- Please..." She barely got out, the man knowing exactly what she was wanting him to do as he adjusted the angle of his hand. And the second he did, a surprised shriek left her lips when he hit that spot deep inside her, her nails digging into his forearm as he did that same movement over and over again, Gabby unable to withstand the sudden pleasure coursing through her body. So much so that her legs instinctively tried to close back together, to try and regain some semblance of control, but Matt wouldn't let her, the man persistent as he continued exactly what he was doing while using his own leverage to keep her legs apart, Gabby's body shaking underneath him until she couldn't hold back any longer.
Her release hit her hard and fast, Matt never slowing down his movements while she rode out wave after wave of mind-numbing pleasure, his one hand squeezing her chest while his other continued moving at that quick pace that had helped send her over the edge, all while she writhed around underneath him. It wasn't until he was sure she'd finished that he began to slow down his movements, Gabby's chest rising and falling rapidly as occasional whimpers still left her lips, Matt able to feel just how intense this had been for her.
He could tell her release surprised her, Matt able to read her body well enough to know she hadn't been expecting it so soon. But given how long it had been for them, he wasn't entirely shocked by it, Matt more focused on giving her a minute to recover as he began to kiss his way up her body, the man running his hands over her skin as a way to help calm her down.
Though by the time he made it to her lips, she seemed ready for more, Gabby hungrily capturing his lips with hers as she pulled him down towards her, Matt a little caught off guard by the abruptness of her actions. But that didn't stop him from giving her exactly what she wanted as his body settled between her legs, Gabby encouraging him every step of the way as he reached down to grab ahold of himself, Matt lining up to her entrance before looking her way one last time, as he needed to know she was ready. And the nod she gave him was confirmation enough, Matt leaning down to kiss her once more before slowly entering her.
But he hadn't gotten very far when he heard her whimper against his lips, Matt immediately halting his movements before he pulled back enough to get a look at her, seeing a few different emotions playing out across her face as her eyes stayed shut. Leaning all of his weight to one side, he lifted his hand up to brush some of her hair back out of her face, Gabby taking a slow, deep breath as he could tell she was trying to adjust to him.
"Hey… Baby, look at me." He murmured, Gabby slowly opening her eyes to find his concerned gaze on her as he hovered above her. "Are you okay?" He asked her as he stroked his thumb along her cheek, his girlfriend taking another deep breath before she nodded, that lazy smile soon returning to her face.
Having gotten the reassurance he needed, he leaned back down to kiss her once more before continuing his movements, Casey moving as slow as he needed to as he was mindful of how long it had been for her. But the pace only lasted so long before she was motivating him to move a little faster, Gabby lifting her hips up as much as she could to match each thrust. And before he knew it, they were moving at their normal rhythm with one another, their lips never separating as Matt reached out to grab ahold of her hand. He laced his fingers through hers as their conjoined hands rested down on the bed beside her, Gabby using her other arm to wrap around his body, both of them feeling this desperate need to be as close to one another as physically possible.
After so much time apart, after everything they'd gone through, this, here right now, was exactly what they wanted. It's what they needed, as Gabby felt like she could nearly burst with the amount of love she felt for the man on top of her. To be with him like this again, their bodies getting reacquainted with one another, it was like nothing else she'd ever experienced, Gabby having missed this part of their relationship more than she could've ever realized as she wrapped her legs around the backs of his thighs, helping him to continue his gentle, steady pace.
A pace that was slowly working her back up again, the fire inside her having yet to die down as her body continuously tightened underneath him, the movements causing him to groan as he too was beginning to feel that familiar tingling in his lower stomach. But their slower pace wasn't enough to get either of them to that edge, at least not yet, as Matt was more focused on easing her back into this.
But Gabby seemed to have other plans after a while, her body desperate for more as she tightened her legs around him before using all the strength she had to flip them over so he was underneath her, Matt's back pressed into the mattress as his hands moved out to grab ahold of her hips. With as easy as it had been for her to get on top of him, she was sure he'd helped aid her movements once he'd realized what she was wanting. And, knowing her boyfriend, he always loved when she took control anyway, so he certainly wouldn't be complaining, but she only focused on that for so long before she continued kissing him, their soft and gentle movements soon turning needy as she ground down onto him.
Another low moan left his lips before Gabby pulled away from him, Matt's eyes snapping open just as she sat up straight on his lap, the position pulling him in deeper as his hold on her hips instinctively tightened. The couple locked eyes for a second, Gabby pushing some of her hair behind her ear as his thumb gently moved back and forth along the side of her stomach, the calm in this moment comforting to them both before she steadied her hands on his chest and slowly began moving up and down.
She went easy at first, Matt helping her movements at the pace she felt comfortable as this new position was helping to elevate their time together even more. But as the seconds passed, Gabby continued to move faster and faster, the sound of their skin hitting together combining with the moans coming from them filling their bedroom as he used all his strength to help her move quicker.
"God, Matt- Yes, baby, yes." She whimpered before her head fell back, the way she continuously clenched around him telling him she was close to reaching that high once more, her legs beginning to shake on either side of his body as they kept up their rampant pace.
She could feel her body starting to give out on her, Gabby moving her hands back to rest behind her on his thighs while she continued bouncing up and down on top of him, the new angle giving him an incredible view of her as he nearly lost it then and there. But he managed to hold out, as he was determined for her to finish before him, Matt keeping one hand on her hip while the other slid down to her center before rubbing over her exactly how he knew she liked it.
And the second he did, she nearly collapsed down onto him, a loud moan leaving the back of her throat as her thighs clenched tightly around him while she fought to keep herself up, her hands digging into his thighs as he continued pounding into her. Their movements were becoming more and more haphazard, both of them nearing that release they so desperately craved as their bodies were hardly able to hold on any longer.
"Jesus Gabby." He coughed out as she nearly strangled him, the sharp grip she had on his thighs contrasting with the immense amount of pleasure he felt coursing through his system, Matt sure she was feeling the same exact way as she continued bouncing on top of him.
With one last deep thrust, she came undone, Gabby all but shouting as her release hit her harder than it had the first time, the woman unable to keep herself up any longer as her body gave out when she fell forward onto his chest. But Matt didn't slow down for a second as moved in and out of her, his body desperately close to his own release as she was practically shaking on top of him, her body's constricting movements helping to finally send him over the edge less than a minute later.
His grip on her hips never loosened the entire time, Matt holding her down against him as he emptied himself inside her, his slow thrusts giving her all he had as she lay still on top of him, Casey not halting his movements until he was completely spent. And once he finally was, he laid there motionless for a couple seconds, the euphoric high he was feeling spreading through his system before he gently pulled out of her.
They were both sucking in sharp breaths for a few minutes, Gabby having yet to move an inch as her muscles were trembling, her body still reeling after what all he had done to her. And it probably would be for a couple minutes at least, as she needed that time to recover. Time that Matt was more than willing to give her as he wrapped his arms around her back, Casey pressing soft kisses to the top of her head when he felt her nestle her cheek against his chest against his, their heavier breaths still filling the air as they relished in the feeling of finally being able to experience time together like this again.
And it was a feeling they never wanted to take for granted.
Dawson stood quietly at her locker in the firehouse as she worked on getting her things put away, the routine familiar enough to her even though she hadn't done it in weeks, as she enjoyed her last few moments of silence before it was time to head out there and see her firehouse family for the first time in a while. It was a little surprising to her, that she and Casey had managed to get inside and to the locker rooms without seeing anyone from second shift, though Gabby just assumed they were all waiting out in the common room. But truthfully she was a bit thankful for that, as it gave her a few more moments to clear her head.
She wasn't hiding from them, at least not really, but Gabby couldn't help the lingering nerves in her gut at the idea of being back here. The nerves that only continued to get worse the second Matt pulled up outside the firehouse, and when she walked back into this building; the nerves she couldn't seem to shake, as she didn't know what to expect or what she was walking into. And because of that, she just wasn't able to shake this feeling deep in her gut.
It was a weird thing for her to be back here, after everything that happened, especially given that she hadn't talked to any of them since that day with Walker. Aside from Shay and Severide, she still hadn't seen, or spoken to any of them, and she was sure that's part of what was making this anxiety bubble in her chest. But she knew she had to push through it, Gabby still determined to see this through as she was trying to ignore the tiny bit of a doubt that was starting to creep into her mind.
She was ready to come back, she knew she was. She hadn't been lying to her mom when she pressed her about it, or when Matt had checked with her multiple times over the last few days, or when Shay had double checked that this is what she wanted, or to anyone else that had questioned her about this decision; she felt ready to be here. That hadn't changed.
Though just because she was ready, that didn't mean she wasn't nervous.
But those were feelings she was working through in her own time, her eyes falling closed before she drew in a deep breath to steady herself, Gabby doing what she could to focus on why she had decided to come back here, instead of the uncertainty she was trying to not let affect her.
The sound of boots hitting the floor pulled her from her moment of reflection, Gabby taking one last breath before she opened her eyes, her mind trying to prepare herself for whoever was coming into this room just as they walked around the corner. And the second they did, Dawson immediately relaxed when her partner came into view, Shay's wide smile never faltering as she came to stand a few feet in front of her.
"Thank God, my PIC is back." She breathed out lightly, Gabby releasing a soft scoff before she shook her head, her attention returning back to her locker as she continued getting her things ready for shift.
"Yeah, here I am, Shay… You're no longer stuck with Willams, your PIC is back." She repeated her words, Shay's grin widening before she wrapped her arms around Dawson in a tight hug, the quick action taking her by surprise as an unexpected noise left her lips. "Alright- alright, Shay, I know you missed me, but you've seen me." She added on with a chuckle, even though she had to admit the embrace was comforting, as she was just glad to have Shay acting like normal.
"It's not the same, I've missed my partner." She replied, a small smile spreading across Gabby's face before she gave her a slight squeeze.
"I know… I missed you too, partner." Gabby told her, Shay holding onto her a little tighter for a moment before the women separated, the blonde taking a step back to lean into the lockers while Gabby went back to her previous task, the PIC pulling out her thicker winter coat as she knew she'd need it with the intense weather outside. The air around them was quiet, Shay just giving her time to settle while Gabby got the rest of her things, before closing up her locker, their eyes meeting one another's for a moment until Dawson spoke up. "So, uh… is everyone else already here?" She questioned, Gabby watching as Shay's eyebrows rose slightly before she nodded.
"They are, they're out in the common room." She replied, Gabby pursing her lips together for a moment.
"...Are they all hiding out there?" Dawson questioned, keeping her tone light as she was trying to keep their conversation easy, Shay immediately shaking her head as her arms crossed over her chest.
"No, they're not honey." She answered with a sympathetic look in her eye. "They're just wanting to give you your space… This is a big thing, you coming back to work, and they're just trying to not overwhelm you, I think." She explained to her, Gabby drawing in a deep breath before she nodded.
"Yeah, that makes sense." She murmured before her eyes moved down towards the ground, Shay taking a step towards her before she spoke up once more.
"Everyone's glad to have you back, Dawson. You don't need to worry about that." She reminded her, Gabby taking another steadying breath before she met her friend's gaze. "We've all missed you around here, and we're just glad you felt ready to come back… You don't need to worry about anything else, alright?"
"Okay." She responded, Gabby needing that verbal confirmation more than she realized as Shay gave her shoulder a reaffirming squeeze.
"Okay." She repeated with a strong nod before her eyes moved around the small space. "Now, where's lover boy?" She asked, the mood in the room lightening up a bit as Gabby laughed softly, Shay knowing well enough that it was time to change the conversation. "I figured he was in here with you, but clearly he's not… Tell me he didn't get lost or something, it hasn't been that long."
"You're hilarious, Shay." They heard a deeper voice filter into the room, accompanied by the sound of his shoes hitting the floor, Gabby's smile growing before she turned around just as Matt came around the lockers.
"I know." She responded without missing a beat, Matt winking at his girlfriend as he came up to stand next to her. Though with them limited space between the bench and the lockers, he was partially behind her. "But I was just wondering where you ran off to, usually you don't leave Dawson alone for a second." She continued to tease, Matt stifling an eye roll.
"I had to run to my office and look over a few things."
"Ah yes, your super important Lieutenant work." Shay replied, clearly making fun of him as he shot her a glare. "It's amazing this place was able to run without you." She added on, Casey shaking his head before he turned his attention back to his girlfriend.
"Yeah, okay see I didn't miss this." He spoke as Gabby cocked her head to the side, Shay narrowing her eyes before she playfully punched his shoulder. "Hey!"
"Quit lying, we all know you missed me."
"No, I didn't."
"Let me know when you two are done acting like five year olds." Gabby interjected, Matt huffing out a breath before looking at her.
"She started it." He defended himself quietly, Gabby biting back her laugh before shaking her head, the woman reaching out to rub his arm.
"Mhmm, well I'm sorry Shay was being mean to you baby," She joked, Matt narrowing her eyes slightly, though he couldn't be mad at her even if he tried. "But I think I'm gonna go head out there and see everyone before we get a call, if you all want to start acting like professionals." She told them before she began walking out the locker room.
"Yeah Casey, listen to your woman… Start acting professional." Shay repeated, Matt waiting until he was sure Gabby couldn't see him before he flipped her off, the blonde paramedic returning the gesture before they both followed after Dawson.
The walk to the common room was a short one, Shay and Matt both becoming more focused on Gabby the closer they got as they knew she was apprehensive of this part; of seeing everyone for the first time.
But the second she walked around the corner, she realized she had no reason to be as the room immediately broke out into cheers the second they saw her.
"There she is!" Herrmann greeted loudly while he pushed himself up off the couch, Gabby smiling softly as she was a bit overwhelmed by everything going on around her. "We were wondering when you snuck in here."
"Yeah, sorry Herrmann, I was trying to get my stuff put away." She responded, the man nodding before he brought her in for a tight hug, Gabby reciprocating the action immediately.
"It's great to see you, kid… We really missed you around here." He murmured, Gabby smiling softly as she relaxed into him.
"I missed you all, too." She whispered back, the older man rubbing her back comfortingly before they pulled apart, as the next person came up to give Gabby a hug, that trend continuing as they were all excited to have their PIC back in the house.
"Aye, guess we should greet the Lieutenant, too." Herrmann spoke with a chuckle, as it was clear all the attention was on Dawson at the moment, his words earning a few more laughs from their coworkers. "We're glad you're back… Even though we all definitely missed Dawson more." He jabbed, Casey shaking his head before Herrmann gave him a quick hug.
"Ha ha." He responded dryly, Herrmann laughing once more as the two men pulled apart. "Yeah, I know where I stand… But I can't blame you, I'd miss her more, too." He added on just as Gabby looked back at him, Matt giving her a reassuring nod as he couldn't help but notice how content she looked in this moment.
But his smile soon fell when they heard the bells go off above their heads, calling all companies out to a structure fire a few blocks away, their priorities shifting as everyone began to head out to the garage. Though Casey hung back for a second, Matt and Gabby walking a bit slower to the door as he did what he could to get a read on her.
"Are you ready for this?" He asked her, Gabby drawing in a slow breath before she nodded, Matt reaching out to grab her hand and give it a supportive squeeze.
"I am." She promised, his eyes tracing over her face for a moment before he met her gaze, the soft smile on his face growing as he gave her a nod of his own.
"Alright… Then let's go."