Disclaimer: I own nothing except my imagination and the kids names.

A/N: Ok so I know that I technically have NOTHING to be sorry about but I'll say it anyways. These past few months have been super difficult for my writing. I've been super busy yes but I've also been hit with the worst case of writer's block in my whole fanfic writing career. I've had this chapter at 1500 something words for the longest time and each time I'd sit in front of it i'd draw a blank. And this doesn't only apply to this story but all my other stories, all fandoms combined. I hope this chapter makes up for the enormous wait.


It had been a few days since Matt had been discharged. Dr Abrams suspended his physical therapy until he did his follow-up appointment with him the following week so Matt was stuck in the house, essentially doing nothing, Gabby taking on that weight once again.

"Gabby, let me help you." He pleaded with her as she folded some clothes on the bed.

"Matt, I'm fine." She couldn't help the chuckle that escaped her lips.

"Fine my ass." He grumbled, ignoring the amused look on Gabby's face.

"I know it's hard but it's for the best. We need you back to your old self, which means healthy."

"Me not doing anything won't make me healthier Gabby."

"As soon as you get the go ahead from Dr Abrams I'll give you the perfect workout." She leaned down and kissed his lips feverishly.

"I'll hold you up to that." His voice was low and his thoughts barely coherent. He was ready to get back to his old life and that day wasn't soon enough.

The kids had been super patient with him, to both his and Gabby's surprise but they were happy that they were behaving. A couple of days later, Gabby had let Matt do more, following the doctor's instructions to slowly start building a routine back up for him. She could see him push himself as much as he could and although it didn't worry her, she didn't want him to have any kind of setback, wanting nothing more than to have her husband back so they could get on with their life and enjoy the baby that she was carrying in her belly.

The week end rolled by and Matt sat nervously, the following Tuesday in Dr Abram's office, Gabby at his side.

"It's ok to be scared Matt." She ran her thumb against his knuckles.

"I'm not scared but I'm nervous as hell." He looked at her with a slight hint of worry in his eyes.

"I'm sure we'll get good news." Her thoughts were interrupted by Dr Abram's arrival.

"Hey you two." He gave them a rare, encouraging smile. "Since I know you're waiting to get back to your life, I won't beat around the bush.

"I'm tired of being cooped up inside the house doc." His right leg was bouncing up and down from anticipation.

"I don't think you'd be normal if you weren't. So. When we did the original scan post surgery, there was still some swelling but I could already see that we had removed it all but now that the swelling is totally gone, I want to schedule you for an MRI so I can make sure that you're one hundred percent in the clear."

"And will all of this affect my ability to get back on duty?" Gabby ran a hand against his leg in comfort as his biggest fear was said out loud.

"I'll recommend that you pass a physical just to be on the safe side but there is nothing other than that that will stand in your way towards full active duty."

"And when can we expect to have the MRI done?" Gabby's medical training took over so she could have all the facts.

"I'll put you in for now but it might take a little time before they get it done, it's jammed today in radiology."

"No problem, I'm ok with waiting as long as we get this over with and the news is good."

"Alright so let me just fill up the form and get it down to radiology and we'll be all set." He filled in the papers as he spoke and made Matt sign at the bottom as well, saying he was consenting to getting the procedure done and Dr Abrams sent one of the nurses to bring the form directly to the head radiologist so there would be minimum delay. "I'll see you guys as soon as you're all done."

"Thanks Dr Abrams." Gabby gave him a smile that he returned before motioning the two of them towards a waiting room down the hall.

"Anytime Gabby." He gave Matt a nod and the two of them left his office towards radiology to wait. Gabby hoped that it wouldn't take too long before they would get called, knowing Matt's patience wasn't at its best right now.

"So what exactly is going to happen now?" He asked her as they sat down.

"Well as soon as the MRI is done." She knew she didn't have to explain that part to him, knowing he had already done one in the past. "We head directly back to Dr Abrams office and we wait for him to give us his final diagnosis.

"What happens if it's not good news?" He looked down at her and she saw the fear and doubt in his eyes.

"We will cross that bridge when we get there but you have to keep good thoughts." He ran her hand soothingly against his leg as he nodded, the two remaining silent as they waited.

About three hours later, they were back in Dr Abram's office. Matt's leg kept bouncing as they waited for him to return but when Gabby set her hand on his leg, the bouncing immediately stopped. "I know you're nervous about getting the results but you've got this. Soon you'll be back on the ladder of Truck 81." She kissed him tenderly.

"She's right you know?" They both jumped at the intrusion of their private moment but considering where they were, Matt simply chuckled.

"So that means the news is good?" He gave Dr Abrams a hopeful look.

"Exactly." He put the images of Matt's MRI against the lit board and circled an area that Matt couldn't see what it represented. "That, is where the hematoma was in your brain before you went into surgery." He pointed to the area with him finger. "And this." He snapped another image to the board where he circled the same area againt but still it didn't look the same. "Is what it looks like now."

"So that means everything is out?" Gabby gave him an expentant smile.

"Everything has been removed and as soon as you complete your physical therapy, you will be all set to pass your physical at the CFD."

"Is there anything we need to look out for in the next few weeks?" Gabby wanted to make sure that she was able to read the signs if anything would go wrong.

"He might experience some fatigue or head aches but that's normal. The rest is all behind you."

"And what about the mood swings I've been experiencing?" That was one of the things that was bugging him the most about their situation at home.

"The pressure that the blood clot was exercising on your brain is the reason why you experienced those mood swings so now that it's gone, everything should get back to normal." Dr Abrams looked at the couple before continuing. "It's normal to be scared and nervous but I promise that we took everything out and the worst is behind you."

"Ok." Matt looked sideways at Gabby and squeezed her hand, wishing away the insecurities that danced in her eyes.

"If there's anything, and I mean anything Gabby, just come see me and we'll schedule Matt for an emergency check-up." Gabby was taken aback by this attitude from Dr Abrams, knwoing the reputation that followed him but didn't let it show on her face.

"Thank you."

"Anytime. I'll just write a prescription in case you get hit with migraines but otherwise, I'll sign off on your return to PT and as soon as they give me the ok, I'll send your chief the go ahead to let you do your physical."

"Thanks again." Matt stood and extended his hand for Dr Abrams to shake. He and Gabby left the office and Matt made his way towards the physical therapy department so he could talk with them, wanting to schedule his next apointment as soon as possible.

It was only when they sat in the car that Gabby let go of the breath she was holding. "We're going to be ok baby." He rubbed her knuckles.

"I know I was just so scared we wouldn't be able to get back to normal." She ran her fingers against her bump.

"We'll be back to normal in no time and then we can welcome our baby and enjoy some real time as a family, I promise." He leaned against the console and kissed her temple.

"You better keep that promise Matt Casey." She sighed.

"I will, now let's go home." They returned home to the chaos but with the good news they had just gotten from Dr Abrams, it was welcome.

The following weeks saw Matt double up on his therapy sessions. Of course Gabby worried that he was working himself too hard but Mark assured her that he was doing great and that he would have put a stop to it if he had any reason to believe he was going to set himself back. She tried her best not to worry about him while she was on shift but when Mark was satisfied enough with Matt's progress to write his final report to Dr Abrams and that in turn he had given the all clear to pass the CFD physical, Gabby started getting nervous again.

"What time are you supposed to head over there?" She asked between two sips of coffee as the kids were getting ready for school.

"As soon a I'm ready, Chief Tiberg is expecting me.

"Are you absolutely sure that you're ready to take that physical Matt?" She was leaning against the counter, a few meters away from him, her left arm wrappped around her middle.

"Hey, where is this coming from? We talked about this yesterday and you said you were ok." He walked closer to her and pulled her close.

"I'm scared Matt. What if it happens again? What if you're not so lucky?" She finally looked up with tears brimming under her eyes.

"I'll be more careful Gabby, no more leaving things to chance." He promised her. "Why don't you come with me to the academy and watch? I'm sure they can handle without you for a few hours?"

"I can't. They're short staffed today and I can't let the girls short another person, even if it's only a few hours. I'm sorry babe." She ran a hand through his hair. "But call me when it's done ok? I don't want that looming over my head all day."

"I promise." He leaned down to kiss her.

"Alright kids, wish daddy luck." She pulled herself away from him. All five of them jumped down from the chairs at the kitchen table to hug Matt, everyone wishing him luck. He managaed to kiss Gabby one last time as she pried Valentina off of his leg with a chuckle. "Good luck baby." She whispered against his lips.

"Thanks." He smiled at her. "Alright, I'm heading out, I'll call you as soon as I get out of there." They smiled at each other and he was out the door.

He drove towards the academy in complete silence, hoping to get his head in the game to be able to pass it. Once he parked in front of the building, he made his way through the halls, waving a hello to the woman at the front desk, Jessica if his memory served him correctly. Then he made a turn on the left, past the wall of badges where he knew he would find Chief Tiberg's office. He knocked three times and waited to be called in.

"Matt Casey, glad to see you vertical. How're you feeling?" He stood up and shook his hand.

"Great, ready to get back to my old life."

"Let's get to it then." He walked around his desk and walked side by side with Casey. "There's an academy class working there but let's just go show them how it's done."

"Let's do it." When they arrived outside, most of the class were listening to their instructor. When they were spotted, the class turned to see who was there and Kelly Severide and Chief Boden of all people were there as well.

"What are you guys doing here?"

"You didn't think we'd miss this did you?" Kelly smirked.

"Yeah but aren't you on shift?"

"Everything is taken care of Lieutenant." Chief smiled at him. "You just worry about taking this physical and get back to the firehouse.

"Ok." Chief gave him the nod, telling him in his own way that he had this.

"Alright so I don't have to tell you how this works but for all of the rest of you, Lieutenant Casey will show you how it's done." Chief Tiberg gave Boden a nod, knowing what came at the end of the physical.

Matt moved towards the gear that was set up for him next to Kelly and slipped in on. It felt amazing to set the red suspeders agaainst his shoulder even if it was just to do the physical. He slipped in the turnout coat without even looking at it and put the SCBA around his shoulders and clipping it shut.

"Alright, are you ready?" Kelly asked, the timer in his hand.

"You have NO idea." He sighed.

"One, two, three, GO." Kelly pressed on the button and Matt made his way easily to the bottom of the stairs, where the hose was waiting for him. The whole class looked at him as he moved effortlessly up the stairs and both Boden and Tiberg looked at the timer as they went, both impressed with the time he was putting in after being off duty for quite some time now.

"He keeps that pace up and he's going to beat the record." Kelly grinned.

"I'm sure you don't want that to happen right Lieutenant?" Chief Tiberg couldn't help but laugh, knowing Kelly held the previous record.

"Trust me, it would be the second best news today." Kelly assured him. Not only did Kelly know what was waiting for Matt at the end of his physical but if losing the record meant that he'd get his friend back on duty, then so be it.

Matt now made it to the bottom of the stairs, the innanimate dummy the last part of the physical. He placed himself at its head and wrapped the strap around its shoulders and started pulling for the last stretch of the course, his lungs waiting for a little bit of fresh air. When he made it to Kelly, he fell to the ground with a huff, removing his mask, the dummy geavy against his legs.

"How'd I do?" He asked hopefully, still out of breath.

"You did it!" Kelly pulled him up with surprising ease and crushed him in a hug. "You beat my record you lucky bastard." He clapped him on the back.

"Congratulations Captain Casey, you are cleared for active duty." Both chiefs shook his hand and waiting for the information to sink in.

"Thanks." If finally dawned in his eyes. "Wait what? Captain, did I hear correctly?" He couldn't believe his ears.

"I'm surprised you didn't see it when you put your gear on." Kelly chuckled, making Matt remove his turnout coat and looking at the name tag on the back. The Lieutenant had been replaced by the word Captain.

"But I've been out for a while now, how did that happen?" He asked in disbelief.

"It's been in the works for some time now but then you had the acccident so it was put on ice." Chief Tiberg informed him. "So this, class, is how to get the job done." He finally faced everyone else. "Captain Casey has worked hard, kept his nose clean and put the lifes of the citizens of Chicago above his own and for that, we have promoted him from Lieutenant to Captain. If you need an example to set yourselves to, let it be him." That warrented a round of cheering from the class and hugs from his Chief and fellow friend in arms.

"Thanks, it really means the world to me. I won't let you down Chief."

"I know you won't." Chief Boden had the upmost respect for his newly minted Captain and knew that he would live up to the respect once again.

"Now I think you should do find your wife and tell her the good news." Chief Tiberg congratulated him once again.

"I won't waste a minute." He smiked, knowing Gabby would completely lose it when she'd get the news herself. He hugged Kelly and Chief Boden one more time before shaking Tiberg's hand again.

"This is for you." He handed him two rolled up, white polo's to replace his grey Lieutenant one's and shook his hand one last time.

"Thanks again."

"You've earned it, Captain."

"And we, will see you next shift."

"I won't be late. On those last words, he made it to his truck and drove directly towards Med and up the stairs to Gabby's department where he found her hunched down, making her notes. "Can I pull you away from those notes just a few seconds." He whispered so he wouldn't startle her but he failed on the account that she was so concentrated on what she was doing

"Hey, what are you doing here? You said you'd call."

"Yeah but I thought I'd come tell you the good news in person." He took her hand in his and motionned for her to get up and walk in front of the station and in front of him.

"You're smiling so I take it it's good news."

"It's great news actually." She noticed that he had a hand behind her back.

"What are you hiding back there?" She grinned in excitement.

"This." He gave her the rolled polo's and watched her puzzled expression.

"What is this?"

"I've just been promoted to Captain." His smile was wide as he waited for her reaction.

"You made Captain?" Her smile reflected his but still she didn't give him the reaction he was waiting for so he nodded to confirm. "My husband made Captain." She suddenly half yelled half squeeled, jumping in his arms and kissing him. Everyone around them cheered for the couple and finally he set her down.

"I start next shift."

"That is cause for a celebration." She whispered to her lips as she kissed him again.

"I'm on it." He smirked playfully. "I'll let you get back to work. I'll come pick you up later." He kissed her again and then left so he could get the celebration preparations done, knowing he had a few phonecalls to make.

Gabby returned to work with a grin that wouldn't leave her lips, the weight of Matt's injury finally off of her shoulders.


A/N: Ok so I sat down this morning and suddenly the words finally came to me. It turned out much longer than I originally thought it would be but I was finally able to put my promotion idea into words (three chapters later) and subsequently leading to the celebration Gabby promises him at the begining of the chapter. I really hope this chapter is good enough (personally I don't think it's my best work) but hey, leave a review of what you thought of it, it might help me out to find a sense of what I did good or where I went wrong. - Sarra