Hello everyone! I'm back with the next chapter for you guys, and I hope you enjoy it.

I don't have much to say with this one, but thank you all so much for reading and I'm so excited to hear what you think.

Have a great rest of your week everyone, and I'll see you all next time!

ONE HUNDRED AND ONE

The air around her was quiet as Gabby was slowly pulled from her restful slumber, her eyebrows furrowing slightly while it took her some time to truly gain a sense of her surroundings, the deep sleep she was in leaving her brain a little slower to react than normal as she instinctively cuddled down into her bed. It was warm, and cozy, and she had no desire to move anytime soon as she clutched onto the comforter a little tighter, Gabby instinctively pressing back into the warmth behind her as she was ready to get some more rest.

But she never quite got the chance to fall back asleep when she felt the person behind her move, before their arms were sliding up over her side and around to her stomach, a soft grin beginning to tug on Gabby's lips when she felt him gently pull her back into his chest.

"Morning baby." Matt greeted, his rough voice telling her he too had likely just woken up within the last few minutes or so, as his hand held onto her bare stomach.

"Good morning." She replied, her words cracking slightly as she relished in the feeling of his skin against hers, Gabby drawing in a slow, deep breath before she felt him lift up slightly to press a kiss against her neck.

"How'd you sleep?" He murmured, Casey knowing he didn't need to speak too loudly as he was close to her ear, Gabby's smile widening when she felt his lips graze against her.

"Great." She said without much hesitation, Matt smiling slightly before pressing another kiss to her neck. "What about you?"

"Perfect." He answered her, her eyes falling closed as a content look crossed her face, before she leaned back into him yet again.

"Good." She responded before the air around them went quiet once more, Matt feeling her take slow, steady breaths as his lips continued to gently move along her skin, traveling along her neck down to her shoulder before lingering there for a moment. But he never stopped his slow, gentle kisses, Gabby focusing on the feeling of him as his hand slowly moved up her torso to rest just under her chest, his thumb stroking softly along her ribcage while his teeth grazed over the back of her shoulder.

His movements were innocent enough for the time being, and she was enjoying every second of it as moments like this were able to make her feel so safe and protected. Even when she was completely vulnerable, he gave her that security that she craved, in a way that no one else ever had. And it was a feeling she absolutely loved, that soft grin returning to her face before she moved her hand down to rest over his, the cold from her engagement ring sending shockwaves through Matt's body when it touched his skin.

Even though she hadn't meant to, that movement ignited something in him, the reminder of that ring now sitting proudly on her finger causing a rush of warmth to flood through his chest before he gradually started to kiss his way down her back. As he moved, his hand slowly began to travel further up her body, Gabby's palm still holding onto the back of his hand as he softly grabbed ahold of her breast, that combined with the slow kisses he was trailing over her spine sending a shiver through her system.

"Matt…" She spoke, her breath catching in her throat when he squeezed her chest softly, his teeth grazing over her skin as he continued with his easy movements.

But he never responded to her, Casey simply stroking his fingers over her sensitive skin while pressing kisses to any part of her body he could reach, Gabby forcing herself to keep her breathing steady as she was eager to see what he'd do next, even if she was still feeling the effects of their time spent together last night.

It had been incredible, and well worth it, but the more awake she felt, the more she was registering just how much Matt had worn her out the night before. But with every passing second, she was beginning to care less and less, as all she was focused on was the feeling of him against her, her breathing becoming a bit choppier as his teeth lightly raked over her once more.

From his position behind her, he could only get so far down her back before he pulled away, Matt not missing the unsatisfied breath that left her lips while he continued rubbing his thumb over her chest. But before she could even ask what he was doing, he carefully rolled her onto her back, Matt moving out of the way enough to give her room to lie down as their eyes soon locked on one another.

Their looks were quick, as it was clear Casey had other plans in mind, but just for a moment they took the time to take one another in, the near goofy grin resting over his lips making her heart swell in her chest before he leaned down to steal a kiss from her. While they moved together, his hand slid across to her other breast as she reached up to grip onto the back of his neck, the two giving as much as they were getting while their lips were locked in a heated kiss, one that became more and more intense as the seconds ticked by.

But just as Matt's hand began to slide down her body, no doubt having one very specific destination in mind, the sound of their alarm suddenly filled the room, both of them startling slightly as they were abruptly pulled from their moment. But that surprise soon turned into annoyance, for Casey at least, as a frustrated groan left his lips before his head fell down to rest beside hers, a gentle laugh escaping Gabby's throat as she reached over to the nightstand to turn off their alarm.

"Well…" She breathed out, her chest heaving as she did her best to regain control of her voice. "I guess it's time to get up." She spoke, knowing their time together was going to be cut short.

But Matt didn't seem to want to follow her words as she felt his hand continue to trail down her body, Casey lifting his head back up to catch her gaze while he felt her muscles tightening underneath his touch. But her face wasn't giving much away, her features stoic as she drew in another breath.

"Matt…" She spoke, feeling his hand stop just before he got to the edge of the sheets that were bunched over her waist, those being the only thing covering the rest of their bodies as he started rubbing his hand over her hip.

"Hmm?" He hummed while he started to slide his hand underneath the covers, but just barely as the tips of his fingers were now resting low on her stomach.

"We gotta get up." She repeated herself, but Matt merely smirked at her before he leaned his head down to continue placing gentle, open-mouthed kisses along the top of her chest and her collarbones, Gabby's eyes instinctively falling closed as he assaulted her skin.

Each movement was slow, allowing her to get completely lost in him for a few minutes as he continued with kiss after kiss over her chest, Matt's hand gradually beginning to move further down her body while marking her skin.

But before he could get exactly where they both wanted, she lifted her hand up towards his head, Gabby pushing against him gently in an effort to get his attention. "Baby, we can't be late." She told him, biting down on her bottom lip when she heard him groan against her body, before slowly lifting his head up. And the second they locked eyes, a devilish grin formed across his face, Matt continuing to stroke the skin just inches above her center as Gabby fought to keep some control of herself.

"I don't know… I wouldn't mind if we were a bit late." He spoke teasingly while his hand continued its movements against her, Gabby knowing she would have to stand her ground despite the fact that all she wanted right now was for him to finish what he started.

"Normally I might let you convince me, but we can't be late today babe." She spoke softly as Matt reluctantly began to move his hand back up to her waist, his warm palm sliding back and forth over her hip. "...Seeing as how we have some pretty important news to tell the house."

As soon as those words left her lips the air in the room shifted, the wanting look in Casey's eyes morphing into one of pure excitement as a wide grin appeared over his face. "You wanna tell them today?" He asked her, their gazes focused on each other as Gabby gave a quick nod.

"Of course I do." She answered quickly, while Matt's hand continued to run up and down her side. "As long as it's okay with you-"

She barely got the words out before Matt's lips were on hers, his body pressed against her as he held onto her side tightly, like he was desperate to be as close to her as possible, Gabby smiling slightly against him before kissing him back.

"...It's more than okay." He replied once they'd separated, their chests heaving as they sucked in as much air as they could, while Gabby slowly started to rub her hand over his neck.

"Then I think we need to get up, and get ready, so we can get to the house and tell everyone." She reasoned, Matt thinking over her words before he slowly nodded, the two connecting in another slow kiss as Gabby cupped his cheeks in her hands, her back arching up into him slightly while his hand rested over her side. "...But I wouldn't be opposed to continuing this in the shower."

A bright grin almost instantly covered his face when he saw that knowing look in her eye, Matt nodding once more before quickly yanking the sheets off of them and all but dragging her up and out of bed, and towards the bathroom. Amused laughs escaped her lips as he pulled her into the other room, his eagerness impossible to miss as they both knew they only had so much time together before they'd have to leave.

But they made the most out of every minute of it, Gabby and Matt relishing in those last few moments meant only for them, before it was time to head to the firehouse and share their amazing news with their closest friends.

"Hey slut."

Gabby stopped in her path to the conference room when she heard the familiar voice, a few muted laughs coming from Herrmann and Otis as they passed her while Dawson looked back to find Shay heading her way, the blonde wearing a proud grin over her face as she marched towards her partner with her hands in her pockets.

"And good morning to you, too." Gabby replied dryly, the two standing just a few feet from the room as the rest of firehouse 51 continued to filter inside for their morning meeting, while the two paramedics hung back in the hallway. "You know, there are better ways to greet people, Shay." She added on, crossing her arms over her chest while Shay gave her an indignant look.

"Maybe, but my greeting is accurate." She told her, Dawson's head cocking to the side as Shay spoke up once more. "Oh don't give me that- I don't know exactly what you and the Lieutenant did after last night's… celebration," She started, Gabby swallowing thickly as she felt heat beginning to creep up her neck. "But I can almost guarantee it involved some very slutty activities."

Doing her best to ignore her words, Dawson shook her head slightly before leaning her side against the wall. "I'm not sure if sleeping with your fiancé classifies you as a slut, Shay." She countered, her voice dropping considerably as there were always prying ears around the firehouse, before she noticed the wide smile that soon settled over her partner's face. "...What?" She questioned after a moment when Shay had yet to say anything, the woman shaking her head lightly before she gently nudged her arm.

"Your fiancé." She repeated, Gabby soon feeling that familiar heat rise through her chest once more, though this time for a different reason, before she ducked her head down slightly, the blonde laughing softly as she mimicked her friend's stance.

"Yeah, my fiancé." She spoke back, the word still feeling a little foreign to her as she wasn't entirely used to it yet. But she still loved it all the same, Gabby finally looking back up towards her friend to find a knowing grin resting over her lips.

"And based on the huge rock you're not hiding on your finger, I take it you two are telling the house today." She continued on, Shay reaching out to gently tap her finger before she glanced over towards the conference room where the rest of 51 was waiting.

"We are." Dawson responded with a small smile, Shay looking over her friend as a soft laugh left the back of her throat.

"You're so cute when you get all shy." The blonde told her, Gabby rolling her eyes playfully as Shay reached out to rub her arm. "Even if you were being a slut just a few hours ago." She added on, her words earning a scoff from Dawson as she shook her head.

"You know, some people just say congratulations, and leave it at that." She told her, Shay waving her off with a proud gleam in her eyes.

"Yeah, and some people are boring." She challenged, Gabby biting back a smile as she watched her friend, knowing that despite her sometimes invasive jokes, Dawson wouldn't trade it for anything. "And besides, I said that plenty last night… We got through all the congratulations already, at least from me. Now we've moved on to the constant teasing."

"Oh, is that where we're at?" Gabby asked indignantly, though the smile never left her face as the two paramedics pushed themselves off the wall and began to head towards the room, knowing they didn't have much time left before the day started.

"It is." She responded before wrapping her arm around Dawson's shoulders. "Especially since here in a few minutes, I'll be able to do it publically." She added on with a smug grin, Gabby rolling her eyes once more just as they stepped into the room.

"Mhmm." She hummed, Shay giving her shoulder one last squeeze before she dropped her arm and continued into the room. But Gabby wasn't able to get very far before she felt a slight tap on her ass, the PIC turning around quickly to find her best friend wearing a shameless look on her face.

"Watch it." Gabby warned playfully, Shay holding her hands up in defense as Herrmann laughed from his seat at the table.

"Jeez, Shay, you really won't leave Dawson alone today, will ya?" He asked, the blonde paramedic smirking proudly as Gabby continued walking past the tables, Dawson soon finding Matt's eyes in the back of the room before he winked softly.

"You know how easy it is to mess with her, Herrmann." Shay responded, reaching out to pat the top of his head before she followed in Dawson's path, the two paramedics heading back towards the windows where Severide and Casey were standing, while everyone waited for Boden to get here.

"Hey baby." Matt greeted once she was closer, Gabby smiling softly once she came to a stop beside him, while Shay stood a little ahead Severide on the other side of Casey.

"Hi." She responded, leaning into his side slightly, just enough for Matt to be able to press a kiss to the top of her head as Boden came into the room.

"Good morning, everyone." The Chief greeted as he made his way towards the board, the many conversations going on around him quieting down as he soon had everyone's complete attention. "Sorry I'm a bit late." He added on, earning a few understanding nods from his first responders. "Now, I don't have much to get into today, but we'll just go over a few things quickly."

Everyone in the room watched as Boden went through his usual morning briefings, Gabby staying close to Matt's side while their hands hung in between them, Casey occasionally messing with her fingers as a means of distraction while they listened to their boss, the closeness comforting to them both as Dawson leaned her shoulder against his.

While these morning meetings typically didn't last very long, this one seemed shorter than the rest, as Boden was nearly done within maybe five minutes of getting into the room.

"So yes, we will be having some inspections here over the next week or so, but all of you know what to expect there." He said, going over the last thing on his list before he looked up, the older man's gaze soon finding Casey's. "That's about all I've got… But before we get going for the day, I believe Casey said he has something he'd like to talk to everyone about." Boden prompted before taking a slight step back, all eyes in the room almost immediately going towards Matt as everyone turned around in their seats.

"Yeah, uh- I do. Thanks Chief." He started, feeling Gabby rubbing the side of his hand gently as he looked over all of his friends, before glancing down towards his girl. "Gabby and I both do, actually." He added, the smile on his face growing before Dawson soon copied his look, the two sharing this last moment for themselves before the house found out about the change in their lives.

"Yeah?" Herrmann prompted, the sound of his voice causing them to finally look away from each other before Matt and Gabby turned back towards the room, the bright smiles on their faces causing similar expressions to appear over their friends' features.

"Yeah…" Casey started, the man clearing his throat before he reached down to grab Gabby's hand. "Because we're engaged."

Casey and Dawson both could tell by the looks they were getting that it took a few seconds for his words to truly sink in, everyone aside from Severide and Shay going from unsure, to confused, to excited in mere moments, before the first cheers began to break out in the room.

"Seriously?" Cruz asked, as a few of the firefighters were clapping.

"Hey, that's great news! Congratulations!" Otis added, similar sentiments soon being heard from their friends as Severide gripped onto Matt's shoulders and began to shake him slightly.

"We're so happy for you two."

"Thank you, thank you, that means a lot to us." Matt said, the wide grin never leaving his face as their friend started to crowd around them, Herrmann wasting no time in coming up to give them both a big hug.

"When did this happen?" Boden asked as he stood back by Jenkins, Matt pulling away from Herrmann before the older man moved to Dawson, Christopher soon wrapping her up in a tight hug. One that held a lot more weight than either of them could put into words.

"Last night." Casey answered as a few more claps and cheers were heard from their friends. But Herrmann and Dawson both kind of tuned it out as he rubbed over her back, the paramedic relaxing into his embrace as her head sat on his shoulder.

"I'm so happy for you, kid." Herrmann murmured, Gabby smiling weakly as he gave her body another squeeze. "And I'm so glad you have someone like Casey… You deserve this, Dawson."

It was hard for tears not to form in her eyes, Gabby blinking quickly a few times before they separated, Herrmann rubbing over her arm as she gave him a soft nod. "Thank you." She whispered, the man giving her one last smile before he took a few steps away to make room for others to congratulate them.

Which they soon did, as nearly the entire house came up to give them hugs and congratulations, the whole room beyond excited for their truck Lieutenant and PIC, there being a sort of unspoken understanding throughout the entire room; how they were all so grateful that Casey and Dawson were happy after all they'd been through. Because that was all they wanted for them.

"Yeah, when Boden said you wanted to tell us something, I figured it was either a kid or an engagement." Casey heard Joe's teasing words as he pulled out of Boden's embrace, a few laughs coming from their friends as Gabby shook her head slightly, Matt scoffing before he turned back to Cruz. "-What? I did." He said innocently, Matt mimicking Gabby's action just as Boden brought her in for a hug as well, the room continuing to congratulate them as the excitement in the room had yet to die down.

And it didn't for a while, people not beginning to disperse for a good ten minutes as everyone wanted to hear how it happened, and how it went. As well as a few of the first responders interested in Gabby's ring, and how they hadn't noticed it at all this morning. But once they had gone through everything, and their friends got their last few congrats in, everyone began to slowly disperse through the house, just like they would every other morning.

But Matt and Gabby hung back in the conference room, the two staying in there talking with Boden for a little while longer before he got whisked away on a call, leaving the engaged couple in there on their own.

"Well, I'd say that went well." Matt breathed out as his hand rested over her arm, Gabby giving him a soft smile before she nodded.

"Yeah, they seemed happy for us." She mused, leaning into his touch slightly as she fiddled with her hands in between them, Gabby occasionally touching her ring while Matt rubbed his palm over the side of her arm.

"They are… Which, I knew they would be." He added on proudly, Gabby responding with another grin before she took a slight step back, her hands coming up behind her neck to gently unclasp the silver chain resting there. "Need help?" He asked, earning a slight head shake just as she got the necklace undone, before Gabby pulled the bare chain out from underneath her shirt.

"I got it… Can you hold this?" She questioned, holding both ends of the unclipped chain out in front of her before Matt nodded, the man taking the necklace into his hands while he watched her slowly slide her ring off.

It was the first time it had been off her finger since he put it there, and truthfully he didn't love the feeling that suddenly rushed through him, as he hated to see that ring off her finger. But he also knew why she didn't want to keep it on at work, as it would be so easy for it to get messed up, or broken, and that was the last thing either of them wanted.

"Yeah, I think I liked when I put it on better." He joked as she dropped the ring down onto one of the open ends of the chain before it fell to the middle, the diamond hanging in between them as a soft chuckle left her lips.

"I think I did, too." She agreed before turning around, Matt taking his cue to carefully put her necklace back on as he got the chain down in front of her, Gabby moving her hair out of the way so he could secure it in place. "But it's safer here." She said once he was done, Gabby turning back to face him while her hand was resting over the ring, the two locking eyes for a moment before that small smile reappeared over her lips. "...I love you."

Her voice was soft, but filled with so much love he couldn't help but smile back at her, Casey leaning forward to give her a soft kiss before he responded. "I love you too, soon-to-be Mrs. Casey." He said, his words causing her to grin once more before she leaned up to steal another kiss.

"I like the sound of that."

"Me too." He agreed with an unmistakable gleam in his eye, watching as she secured the end of her necklace underneath her shirt, her engagement ring now resting flush against the middle of her chest just as the bells went above their heads, both of them pausing when they heard 61 and squad 3 being called out to an accident.

Knowing their conversation was done, at least for now, Casey offered her a small smile before he met her lips for one last kiss, the movement far too fleeting for his liking even though he knew Gabby had a job to do.

"Be careful out there." He spoke as she headed towards the doors, Gabby stopping for one last moment to flash him a bright grin, before she gave him an assuring nod.

"Always."

Dawson's head rested back against the seat in the ambulance while her partner drove them through the busy streets of Chicago, Gabby's eyes having been closed for the better part of the drive back from the hospital, as she was doing all she could to decompress after the busy day they'd had. Though busy didn't even seem to accurately describe it, as 61 had been on the go ever since their first call of the day.

It had been a pretty eventful day for them up to this point, as after the car accident this morning- that unfortunately had some fatalities, they'd been called out four more times throughout the morning and early afternoon, all of which having their own sets of emotional challenges and demands. Calls that had kept them from the house for hours, as 61 had just been absolutely slammed. And it was gradually taking its toll on Shay and Dawson as well, the paramedics completely drained for the day even though it was barely two in the afternoon, which certainly didn't bode well for the rest of their shift.

But now that they were finally heading back to 51, both of them were trying not to focus on how exhausted they felt, the paramedics hoping that they'd maybe get a little bit of a breather before being needed again as Shay continued to drive them back to the house.

"You alright, Dawson?" The blonde finally spoke up after what had to have been at least ten minutes of pure silence, both medics practically running on autopilot since the last call.

"Yeah, I'm fine." Gabby answered, her eyes staying closed as she did her best to fight off the tiredness creeping into her system. "I would love a nap right about now, though."

"You and me both." Shay breathed out, before coming to a stop at the red light in front of them. "But maybe once we get back and eat, if the guys left us anything, we can relax for a bit."

"That would be nice." Dawson murmured as she began tapping her hand gently against her leg. "And I'm sure there's food for us… Or I hope there is." She mused with a slight smile tugging on her lips, Shay smirking back at her as she glanced towards her friend, whose head was still resting back against the seat.

"Yeah, engaged boy knows better at this point." She teased, Gabby grinning softly before a slight chuckle left her lips. "He would've made sure there's food for you, cause he knows not to let you go hungry for too long, or things get ugly." She continued to joke at her friend's expense, Dawson waving her off as Shay started to drive once more. "Which is just one of the many reasons he's the perfect choice for you, because he's just so damn attentive and considerate." She added on, those words finally getting Gabby to open her eyes before she turned to look at her friend with an amused expression covering her features. "...What? It's true." She finished with a shrug, Gabby suppressing a laugh before she let her head fall back down against the seat.

"Well, what can I say… I'm glad he's like that."

"Yeah, I'm sure you are." Shay answered with a suggestive tone, Gabby reaching across the rig to smack her arm playfully in response. Though that merely made her laugh more, Shay shaking her head lightly while she focused on the road ahead. "What? Don't get all coy on me now, I've heard all about how attentive he can be." She said, Dawson biting down on the inside of her cheek as she eyed her closely. "Which is how it should be, because my girl deserves the best."

"Mhmm… Well, as I've told you many times, you don't need to worry about that. Trust me."

"Yeah, yeah I know. I'm just glad you've finally got a committed man who knows how to take care of you." Shay spoke bluntly, Gabby scoffing lightly before she refocused her attention on the road ahead, as she could tell they were nearing the firehouse. "And I don't just mean the sex, I mean in general."

Dawson glanced towards her when she heard Shay's words get a little more serious, like through all the teasing she truly meant what she was saying. But before she got a chance to respond, their radios came to life, both paramedics silently cursing as someone from main came through the static speaker.

"61?" They asked, Gabby releasing a heavy sigh before she reached for the radio.

"Go for 61."

"We need backup at a house call, over on Michigan Ave." They started, Dawson forcing herself to take a slow breath as she knew any rest she might've gotten would now have to wait, Shay already turning on the sirens before checking traffic and carefully turning around. "There's some newer paramedics there, but it appears there's multiple victims. They need backup."

Dawson glanced towards Shay for a moment, the woman nodding before Gabby spoke up. "Alright, yeah. We're headed that way. Can you send us the address?"

"Already done… But please be advised, there are uniforms on the scene, as they have identified an active shooter. It seems to be some sort of hostage situation." The paramedics shared another glance, Dawson's eyes closing once more before she pressed down on the radio.

"Okay, we'll be careful… We're on our way."

Casey released a heavy breath as he paced back and forth the apparatus floor, the man walking in the same spot 61 was typically parked in as he was trying to dispel some of this nervous energy in his gut. Those same nerves that had been there ever since he heard Gabby's last call come through the radio, Matt keeping his eyes peeled to the driveway as he swallowed back some of the emotion in his throat, knowing he wouldn't be able to feel any better until she was back here with him.

She was fine, physically at least, he knew that. But after what she and Shay had just gone through, Matt wouldn't be able to calm down until he had his eyes on her, as he needed the assurance right in front of him that she was alright.

Though after what the two paramedics had just witnessed, there was a heavy feeling deep in his gut telling him that they weren't alright. And they had every reason to feel that way.

Matt only knew so much about their last call, as he'd heard just a little bit of it over the radio, about how there was a hostage situation at wherever main had sent 61. And once they'd got there, he heard Gabby asking for more police backup, the situation seeming to have escalated in the time it took 51's ambo to get there, as Casey recognized that desperation he heard coming through the radio while her words continued to play over and over again in his mind.

'Main, we need more backup, now!'

'They said he's got a boy inside, we need every uniform you've got.'

He didn't hear her like that often, but when he did he knew how serious things were, as Casey couldn't help but hear the bit of fear in her words as well. He could hear how scared she was about this call, and what might happen, none of that sitting well with him as he never wanted to fell like that. Especially not when she was just trying to do her job.

But the more he learned about this call, the more he understood why Gabby was feeling the way she was, as this had to have been one of the more rough scenes any of them had experienced lately. From his understanding, and what he'd heard through the grapevine, there was a man who had gunned down multiple people inside his house, before holding a little boy hostage inside the home with him, which is why Gabby had been so desperate for more police.

Because not only did they want to help that child, and get him out of harm's way, there were God knows how many people inside that house, all shot and needing help. But help couldn't get to them, and that was never an easy thing for a first responder to stomach, as Matt could only imagine how helpless Gabby had felt in that moment.

Or in the moments after, where Casey had learned that not only did the man end up shooting the boy with him, but he then killed himself, leaving behind an absolute bloodbath in his wake. As by the time paramedics were able to get into the home, there were no survivors, everyone succumbing to their injuries long before help could arrive. And the thought alone made Casey's stomach turn, as he couldn't understand what would possess a person to do that. To go and hurt so many people in that way.

But he was trying his best not to focus on it, and instead focus on what he could control; and that was helping Gabby.

From what he knew, that call had been gruesome, and horrible. One that he wouldn't wish on any first responder, Matt knowing well that stuff like this wasn't easily forgotten. But with Gabby especially, he knew this would be hard on her. That being there, and seeing that horrific thing, would be difficult for her to deal with. And the last thing he wanted was for her to go through it alone.

Which is why he was here now, with his hands shoved in his pockets as he waited for 61 to return, Matt's steps getting a little quicker as he felt more and more nerves rushing through his body. But those steps began to slow when he finally saw the rig pull into the driveway, Casey stepping back out of the way as Shay carefully drove the ambulance inside.

It was hard for Matt to see much through the windshield, Casey hanging back as Shay killed the engine before slowly getting out. But she was the only one who did, at least at first, Matt's eyebrows furrowing as he watched her climb down and come around the front of the ambulance, while Gabby stayed put in her seat. And that alone had him worried, Casey drawing in a deep breath as Shay came up to him.

"...She's okay." She spoke softly as she reached out to grab ahold of his arm, Matt tearing his gaze away from Gabby to glance towards Shay, only to be met by a sorrowful look he never wanted to see.

"Are you alright?" He asked her, watching as her face softened before she slowly nodded.

"I'll be fine." She commented, Casey pursing his lips together as he patted her arm softly.

"Severide's inside waiting for you, if you wanna see him." He responded, knowing Kelly was the one who could help Shay the most right now as the paramedic gave him a thankful nod, before the two parted ways.

And once they did, that was when Matt saw Gabby slowly getting down out of the ambulance, his long strides getting him to her quickly as she shut the door before turning back towards him. From her body language alone, it was clear to him that she knew he was there, their eyes locking for a moment as he was able to see just how emotionally exhausted she was, before she stepped right into his arms.

There was no hesitation, Gabby just walking right up to him, ready for him to hold her as her arms wrapped around his waist. Which is exactly what he did, Casey cradling her to him as tightly as he could while her head rested against his chest, his presence calming her like nothing else could as she blankly stared towards the rig beside them.

"You need anything?" He asked softly, his words almost timid like he was afraid of what kind of answer he'd get.

But she merely shook her head, Gabby holding on a little tighter as she let her eyes fall closed. "Just you." She answered honestly, his face falling slightly as he ran his hand along her back before pressing a soft kiss to the top of her head, Matt feeling her slowly starting to relax the longer he held onto her.

"I'm right here." He promised, Gabby breathing in deeply when he kissed her head once more, as Casey was more than willing to stand here with her for as long as she needed. "...I always will be."