Hey everyone! I'm finally back with the next chapter for you all. We're getting a little closer to the end here, but I'm really excited for these next few chapters, and I hope you all enjoy them, too.

Thank you so much for reading, and for sticking with me through these sporadic updates. I can't wait to hear your thoughts on this one.


part twelve


"There she is!"

Gabby followed closely behind Matt as they walked into the busy locker room, a soft smile already covering her face while they moved to Casey's locker.

"Paramedic Dawson is back!" Cruz continued, Gabby's smile widening before she gave a quick nod, Matt's bright eyes watching her before he focused his attention on getting his locker open.

"Yeah, I'm back… At least for today." She replied, her words earning a few nods from the men and women around them as Gabby came to stand beside Matt just as he pulled the door open, Casey offering her a small smile before grabbing her bag from her hands and putting it inside his locker.

"For the citizen's of Chicago's sake, let's hope no one needs a paramedic today." Herrmann spoke up with a proud grin on his face, Dawson narrowing her eyes while Matt and Severide stifled their laughter, the older man clearly having a little too much fun teasing her.

"Hilarious." She shot back dryly, Casey catching the man's smug gaze before he looked back to Dawson.

"I'm just saying, kid, we're happy to have you here, but it's been awhile… Everybody look out." He continued to jab, Gabby shaking her head before she leaned her body back against the locker beside Matt's, the Captain watching on in amusement as she and Herrmann went back and forth.

"Yeah, keep going Herrmann, lemme hear it." She played along, the older firefighter releasing a heavy chuckle before shaking his head.

"Nah, you know we're all excited to have you here, kid." He said, his joking tone gone as Gabby crossed her arms over her chest, Matt keeping his eyes on her. "We just wish we could have you here longer."

Dawson's smile faltered slightly as her eyes moved down towards the ground, a thick silence filling the air around them as she drew in a deep breath. Feeling everyone's attention on her, Gabby ran her tongue along her bottom lip before she forced herself to look back up, her eyes meeting Matt's before she glanced back at Herrmann. "Yeah, I do too." She agreed softly, no one able to get another word in before the bells rang out above their heads, calling 61 out to a gunshot victim as Gabby pushed herself up off the lockers.

"Well, I guess it's time for you to get out there, good luck, Dawson." Herrmann told her, Matt rubbing her arm before giving her a quick wink, Gabby offering him a small smile as she stepped around him towards the exit, the temporary paramedic responding to Herrmann with a quick thank you before she disappeared out of the room.

Casey's eyes lingered towards the direction Gabby had gone as he breathed deeply before he turned back to his locker, the firefighter finishing up putting his things away as Herrmann's voice hit his ears once more.

"So, Captain," He started, Matt glancing back to look at him, before noticing that practically every other firefighter in the room was watching him. "She really is still leaving tomorrow?" He questioned, Casey's eyebrows furrowing slightly before he nodded.

"Yeah, she is." Casey replied, Herrmann responded with a slow nod. "She can't be away from work for too much longer.. She's actually been gone longer than she should've in the first place, so she's gotta get back." He explained, Matt not noticing the few nods he got from his coworkers.

"Well, I'm glad she was able to get some time here." Herrmann told him, Matt nodding in agreement before the older firefighter continued. "Does she know when she'll be back?" He questioned, Casey sighing softly before shaking his head as his arms crossed over his chest.

"No, uh- We don't know yet." He answered, not missing the slight grimace that flashed across Herrmann's face. "I'll probably be the one to go see her next, whenever I can get some time off. But it's kind of up in the air right now."

"Ah, that's rough." Herrmann spoke, Casey pausing for a moment before he responded.

"It's not ideal, but it's the situation we're in right now… It'll be fine." He told him, Matt unable to ignore the uneasiness that began to settle in his gut, like he himself was trying to believe his own words.

"Yeah, you two will be fine." The older man agreed with a comforting grin as people began to filter out of the locker room, Herrmann stepping forward to place his hand on Casey's shoulder. "You and Dawson, I don't think there's anything that can stand in between you two. I mean, look at where you are now? After everything you two have gone through… A little distance is nothin'."

Casey took a moment to digest his words, a small smile tugging on his lips before he nodded in agreement, Herrmann gripping his shoulder before he stepped away. "Thanks, Herrmann."

"Don't mention it, Captain."

Just as he finished speaking, the bells rang out once more, calling the rest of the house to a fire a few blocks away, Casey huffing out a breath before he and Herrmann headed for the garage, the Captain hoping the few early calls weren't an indication of how today's shift was going to go.


Gabby sipped on her coffee as she followed Brett and Foster back towards the ambulance, the intense February wind whipping them in the face as they hurried to shield themselves from the cold. They'd just finished up their second call of the morning, the paramedics deciding to stop for a quick breakfast before heading back to 51, all of them hoping they'd have time to actually get back to the firehouse before being called out again, though none of them were going to say that out loud after their busy start to the day.

And while Dawson wasn't entirely used to this type of pace anymore, she was glad to get the opportunity to be back on 61 one last time, that rig having been her home for more years than she could even remember. So being back, even just for one day, was something she was more than grateful for.

As they got to the rig, Gabby stepped down off the curb towards the back doors, content to sit in the back while Brett drove them back to 51. But to her surprise, Foster spoke up just as she opened the door.

"Why don't you sit up front with Brett?" She offered, Gabby raising her eyebrows as much as the beanie on top of her head would allow, while Sylvie continued to the driver's side door.

"You sure?"

"Of course." She responded without hesitation, Gabby offering her a small smile before she nodded, the former PIC moving out of the way so Foster could climb in, Dawson shutting the door before jogging towards the passenger side of the rig.

Gabby shivered slightly as her body made contact with the cold material, the woman bouncing in her seat slightly to try and warm herself up as Brett got the ambulance started. When heat began flowing through the air vents, they paused there for a few moments, giving Brett time to enjoy her drink and her breakfast sandwich, while Gabby's attention focused out the window, watching as snow began to fall onto the ground.

"So, two calls down," Brett spoke up after a few moments, Gabby glancing towards her. "How are you feeling?"

"Good." She replied with that bright Dawson grin. "It's a little weird, to be back… In some ways it feels like I never left, but it's also not really what I'm used to anymore. I don't know, it's hard to explain- But I'm glad to work another shift here." She rambled out, Brett smiling softly before she nodded.

"Yeah, I know what you mean… It's been a little strange without you around here, Dawson. But I'm glad to have you back, even just for today." She told her, her words earning another smile from her former partner.

"Me too… I've definitely missed it." She replied, Brett tilting her head to the side slightly.

"You have?" She questioned, Gabby's eyebrows furrowing slightly before she nodded.

"Of course. I've missed being here, and everyone- Matt," She spoke, pausing to gather her thoughts as Brett listened to the friend she was working on rebuilding a relationship with. "I… I know the way I left, we talked about it some, but I needed to go, for me. I couldn't really be in Chicago anymore." She explained, waiting for a nod from Brett before she continued. "But that didn't mean I didn't miss being here, and all of you… That was the hardest part, leaving you all. And it'll be hard again this time."

"Yeah, I've kinda gotten used to you being here again." Brett added with a small smile, Gabby mimicking her look. "I'm sad that you've gotta leave again."

"Me too." Gabby breathed out as she looked ahead, her eyes focusing on the snow continuing to fall down around them outside. "But I've gotta get back to work, and everything."

"Do you know what you're doing with all that?" Brett pressed, Gabby's eyebrows knitting together slightly before she faced her friend once more. "Are you still gonna be staying in Puerto Rico?"

"What do you mean?"

"I wasn't sure how much longer you'd be staying there, or if you were planning on moving back to Chicago, with you and Casey back together." She elaborated, Gabby pursing her lips together before she nodded in understanding.

"Oh, yeah… Well, we've talked about it some, and-"

"61?"

Gabby sighed softly as she got cut off by the voice coming through the radio, Brett clicking her tongue against the roof of her mouth before she picked up her radio strapped to her chest.

"This is 61."

"51's responding to a traffic accident about a block south of your last known, they could use some back up."

"We're on our way." Brett replied once they'd rattled out the address, the PIC turning on the sirens before she pulled away from the curb, Gabby knowing the rest of their conversation would have to wait.


Dawson's gaze focused out the window as Brett drove through the streets of Chicago, the world quiet around them as snow continuously fell down from the sky, neither paramedic having said much of anything since they finished up at the hospital, while Foster sat in the back. While complete silence wasn't typical for any of the women sitting in the rig, they needed a moment to decompress after their last call, their busy morning having continued into the afternoon as 61 hadn't been at the firehouse since the beginning of shift.

After finishing up at the car accident they'd gotten called to, the paramedics having shown up to assist the firehouse at the pretty nasty accident, 61 had barely gotten their patient dropped off before being needed elsewhere. Then, unfortunately, that call had taken nearly two hours, effectively keeping the paramedics away from the firehouse even longer. And though it wasn't ideal, with Gabby leaving in less than 24 hours, she hoped once they got back the firehouse, they'd have some time before getting called out again.

And she definitely hoped some time at the firehouse would help get rid of the sinking feeling in the pit of her stomach.

She couldn't place where it was coming from, or why it was there, but it was a feeling she'd noticed only continuing to grow over the past few hours. And she didn't know why. She'd had a great day working back on 61. Despite how busy they were, she'd had so much fun, and she loved feeling like a part of the group again. It was something she'd missed, more than she even realized, and it had been great to get a chance to work with everyone who had been her family for so many years.

Which is why she didn't understand why she felt so sad about all of it.

She didn't understand it one bit, how there was a sense of sadness lingering in her system, but the heaviness in her gut only seemed to get worse as Brett continued driving, Gabby closing her eyes before drawing in a deep breath as she did anything she could to will this uncertainty away. But it wasn't really helping.

Her eyes opened when the rig came to an abrupt stop, Gabby blinking quickly before she looked around at her surroundings, seeing they were sitting inside the garage at 51. She hadn't realized they were anywhere close to the firehouse, Gabby pursing her lips together before she unclipped her seatbelt, Brett killing the engine as Foster hopped down out of the back. Blowing out a soft breath Gabby slid down out of the rig, stretching out her arms before shutting the door, Dawson shivering involuntarily as a rush of cold air came in through the open garage.

"There's my girl."

She looked up when she heard the familiar voice, an immediate smile forming across her face when she caught sight of Matt. He was leaned up against the side of truck 81, barely a few feet from her as their eyes locked on one another, Gabby leaning slightly to stretch out her back.

"Hi." She murmured, Gabby not missing the soft smiles from both Brett and Foster before they continued inside to give the couple some time alone, Casey's sole attention focused on her as she stepped towards him, Dawson unable to stop the second involuntary chill that coursed through her body due to the near freezing temperatures. "What are you doing out here?" Gabby questioned as she took in his attire, seeing he'd bundled himself up in his thicker CFD coat, along with the beanie covering his head.

"Waiting for you." He replied like it was the most obvious thing in the world, Gabby tilting her head to the side as he pulled his hands from his pockets and reached out for her, Dawson stepping right into his grip as his palms held onto her waist.

"Aren't you cold out here?" She continued, her words earning a shrug from him as he gently guided her closer, until there was no room left between them.

"I'm fine." Casey responded, Gabby's tongue poking out to run along her bottom lip before she nodded, Matt rubbing his palm along her side. As a silence fell over them, Matt took the moment to soak her in, the Captain having missed seeing her throughout the day. But as his eyes trailed over her face, a hint of confusion shined in his gaze, Casey picking up on the clear exhaustion hiding in her eyes, along with a look of something he couldn't quite read.

"Why were you waiting for me, anyway?" She spoke up before he could say anything, Matt taking a second to process what she'd said before he replied.

"I always used to wait around for you after a call." He spoke softly, his words bringing a small smile to her face as she leaned into him slightly.

"Yeah… You did." She nearly whispered, bringing her glove-covered hands up to rest against his chest.

"So I figured I'd continue the tradition, with you working today." He told her as he matched her grin, the couple doing their best to ignore the cold they felt seeping through their clothes. "It's been awhile since I've been able to do it." The man added, Gabby nodding understandingly before she spoke up.

"Well, I'm glad you did." She replied softly, Matt's eyes tracing across her face once more as he tried to figure out what seemed so off with her. "Did the rest of that call go okay?" She continued as she rubbed her hand over his chest, Casey meeting her gaze. "That accident."

"It was fine, we got it all cleaned up." He responded, knowing 61 hadn't been on the scene long enough to know much of what was going on, the woman having shown up solely to get their victim in the back of the rig before rushing off to med. "What about you? Today's been a pretty busy one… How'd your calls go?" Matt questioned, Gabby clicking her tongue against the roof of her mouth as she thought over her answer.

"They were fine… I'm only allowed to do so much, so I kinda feel like I'm just watching more than anything, but it's been good." She told him, Casey smiling softly. "It's been nice to be back with everyone, working here and everything… I'm glad this all worked out, and I was able to get one last shift here." She murmured, Matt's grin growing as he nodded in agreement.

"Me too." He replied just as softly, Gabby giving him a weak smile before her eyes averted down to his chest, the look on his face faltering slightly as her strange demeanor caught his attention once more.

At first he thought he might've just been reading too much into it, that she was just tired, and not used to this pace anymore, but now he knew that wasn't the case; something was bothering her. And he wanted to know what it was.

"Is everything okay with you?" He questioned after a few seconds, Gabby's vision coming into focus as she lifted her head back up to watch him, Matt catching the look of uncertainty that flashed in her eyes, though she quickly tried to mask it. Before she answered, she plastered a smile on her face, Casey's head tilting to the side as she gave him a quick nod.

"I'm fine." She answered softly, but he knew better, Matt's face softening as he ran his hand over her side.

"Gabby…" He spoke, watching as her eyes closed once more, Matt gently pulling her closer. "What's the matter?"

The cold air around suddenly felt heavier as Gabby paused for a moment, Matt never taking his eyes off her while he waited for her to find the words to say whatever was going on in her head, his girl clearly troubled by something.

"I… It's really not important." She spoke with a slight grimace, Matt's face falling. "I'm just being stupid-"

"It's not stupid if it's bothering you." He was quick to cut in, Gabby pursing her lips together as she met his gaze yet again. "What is it?" He pressed, his eyes moving back towards the house before returning his focus to her. "Did something happen on a call?"

"No, no it wasn't that." She assured him as she shook her head. "I meant what I said, it's been great getting to be back here." She added, Matt nodding with an understanding smile. Though it soon faltered when he saw the apprehensive look on her face. "...But that's just it."

"What do you mean?" He asked again, Gabby drawing in a deep breath before she responded.

"Being here today, it just reminded me of how much I miss it." She admitted, Matt's eyebrows furrowing as he tried to grasp exactly what she was saying.

"Being a paramedic?" Matt pushed, seeing her shrug before she began to gnaw on her bottom lip, her actions only worrying him further.

"All of it." She replied honestly. "I mean, I knew I already knew I missed this, but being here with everyone… Getting to work here again, with you, I guess I missed it more than I realized." She continued, Matt smiling sadly as he continued rubbing over her side. "This place… It was such a big part of my life, and it was a big part of our lives. It was a part of me for so long, and all of that kind of hit me today while we were out on call. I just miss it, being here with everyone."

Nodding understandingly, Matt drew in a deep breath before he dropped his hands from her waist, the firefighter only separating long enough to pull her towards him in a hug. The action was comforting, and exactly what she needed, Gabby curling her arms in between them against his chest as he held onto her. They stood in silence for a moment, the sound of the wind rushing around outside the only noise that could really be heard as Matt squeezed her a little tighter.

"We miss you too, baby. All the time." He practically whispered after a few long seconds, his lips resting against her beanie-clad head, Matt hoping his few words would help her feel just a little bit better.

But they hadn't, the sadness coursing through her system only getting worse as she drew in a deep breath, Gabby pushing her head deeper into his neck. Neither of them said anything for a few more moments, Matt unsure of exactly what to say as they stood in the chilly garage.

After giving her a few minutes of comfort, Matt pressed another kiss to her head before he slowly pulled back, the action forcing Gabby to look at him as his eyes traced over her face. And he was immediately met by a look he couldn't fully understand, Casey breathing in deeply as Gabby shivered slightly once more, the temperature around them only seeming to drop the longer they stayed out here.

"And I'm sorry you're feeling this way." He continued when she had yet to say anything. "I was hoping today would be a good day, that you'd have fun getting to work here again, but I didn't think of it like this…"

"I didn't either." She murmured, Matt drawing in a deep breath as he watched her. "It just kind of hit me out of nowhere today, and stuck with me more than I thought it would." She admitted softly, earning an understanding nod from him. "But I don't want it to ruin today, I'm trying not to focus on it, I'm just… It's a little sad, knowing I'll never be working here again. And… I don't know, I feel like maybe-"

She had Matt's complete attention, but her words were cut off by the sound of the bells ringing out about them, the Captain cursing under his breath as both ambo and squad were called out. Releasing a heavy sigh, Dawson stepped out of his embrace, Matt keeping his eyes on her as she took a few steps backwards.

"That's my cue." She replied, forcing a weak smile onto her face. But Matt saw right through it, the firefighter knowing they hadn't really resolved anything as to why she was feeling the way she was.

"Why don't you sit this one out?" He offered as he pushed himself up off the rig, Gabby pausing her movements as he shoved his hands into his jacket pockets. "You can stay, and we can talk."

"It's okay, I'm fine." She assured him, his face faltering as he watched her.

"Gabby…"

"Matt, I promise, I'm fine." She repeated with a weak smile. "It is what it is, and honestly I don't wanna sit around moping the rest of shift. I just wanna enjoy being here." Gabby added, watching as Matt ran his tongue along his bottom lip before he nodded, not wanting to press the issue right now.

"Okay… Be safe out there."

"I will." She replied, giving him one last smile before turning back towards the rig, Matt barely registering Brett and Foster hurrying to the ambulance while his focus stayed on Gabby, the man unable to shake the feeling that she was still holding something back.


Gabby's foot tapped nervously against the ground as she stood beside Casey's bed in his room, her mind going over the mental list she'd made for herself, wanting to make sure she hadn't forgotten any of her things. And once she'd come to the conclusion she hadn't, Gabby zipped up her suitcase, trusting that any of her things still in this room were belongings that would be here permanently. Drawing in a deep breath, Gabby pulled the suitcase down off the bed before setting it on the ground, her eyes darting around the room she'd spent much of her time in over the last few weeks before she sat down on the edge of the bed.

It was somewhat of a strange feeling to her, knowing she was about to be leaving Chicago once again, and heading back to Puerto Rico. How she wouldn't be with Matt anymore. And it was something she couldn't say she was enjoying, that uneasiness not having gone away since shift yesterday.

Despite her attempts to try and enjoy the rest of her time at 51, after her conversation with Matt yesterday afternoon, it became even harder for her to ignore that hint of sorrow she felt anytime she was reminded of how her time in Chicago was coming to an end. But she'd tried her best, Gabby not wanting to let it cloud the last few hours she had with all her friends. And luckily, firehouse 51 had had an easy night, allowing Dawson to spend some quality time with everyone. And with only squad and engine being called out during the night, Gabby was able to spend her last night curled up in Casey's arms without interruption, the seclusion of his office letting them rest peacefully curled up in his bunk.

And when morning finally came and it was time for goodbyes, Gabby made the rounds with the men and women of 51 while Matt hung back, the former paramedic making many promises that she'd be back as soon as she could. Even though none of them knew when that would be.

And that was one of the biggest things causing this lingering feeling that she couldn't seem to get to go away. Was that here soon, she'd be leaving, and they'd all be going back into their own lives; their lives that didn't include her anymore. And with each passing moment, it was becoming more and more apparent how that wasn't sitting well with her. Because between that, and, more importantly, how she had no idea when she'd be seeing Matt again, she was dreading the fact that here shortly, she'd be thousands of miles away from the people she loved so much.

"Alright, you have everything?"

Matt's voice pulled her from her thoughts as she looked up just as he walked through the open doorway, a soft smile forming on his face as he stopped a few feet from her, Gabby needing a second to register what he'd said before she nodded.

"Yeah, I'm ready." She responded, Matt offering her another smile before he walked the rest of the way towards the bed, Gabby standing up just as he got there, the woman drawing in a slow, deep breath as the weight of their goodbye loomed over them.

But they still had some time, even though it wasn't much.

"We should probably get going." He murmured, Gabby nodding with a sad smile before Matt reached around her to grab her suitcase.

"Yeah." She replied, Matt matching the weak grin on her face before leading her to the door.

The ride to the airport was quiet, Matt's hand clasped in hers the entire time as it became more and more real how they'd soon be leaving one another, with no way to know when they'd next see each other. It was something neither of them wanted to face, but as Matt pulled into the parking lot and found a spot, it was a reality they couldn't ignore any longer.

Blowing out a deep breath, he pulled the keys from the ignition, Matt sparing a quick glance at her before they got out of his truck, Gabby holding onto her carry on while he got her suitcase out of the back. And there was nothing but more silence between them as they began walking towards the building, their hands clasped tightly together as they maneuvered their way around the snow and ice, Casey practically able to hear her thoughts turning in her head the closer they got.

The couple walked in through the automatic doors, Gabby beginning the process of checking in for her flight as Matt stayed by her side. And it was one that went way too quickly for Casey's liking, his chest tightening as they now stood just outside of security, both of them knowing this was where they'd part ways, for God knows how long.

"I, um… I'm gonna talk with Chief," He spoke up for the first time since they'd gotten there, Gabby's tired eyes meeting his. "And look over my schedule, see if here in a few weeks, or a month or two maybe, if I'll be able to get some more time off." He told her, Gabby nodding slightly. "I don't wanna go that long without seeing you, but…"

"I know." She murmured, the sad smile that had seemed permanently etched into her skin since yesterday residing there once more. "I wish things were different, but… it's what we've gotta do."

"Yeah." He replied, rubbing his hands up and down her arms. "And it's a sacrifice I'm always willing to make, while you go and save the world." He told her, Matt watching as a genuine smile fell onto her lips, the sight nearly making his heart flutter as he squeezed her arm. "We'll just have to have a lot of Facetime calls in the meantime." He added with a slight smirk, Gabby chuckling softly before she shook her head, Matt just thankful to see that smile one last time.

"Yeah, I have a feeling they'll be a lot of those." She agreed with a knowing gleam in her eye, Matt's grin growing before it quickly began to falter, the man blowing out a quiet breath as he quickly looked around, knowing they were running out of time.

Before any more words were said, Matt smiled softly, his eyes tracing over the face of the woman he loved more than anything before he slowly brought her into his arms, Casey holding onto her tightly as she immediately reciprocated the action. Her arms wrapped tightly around his torso, Matt holding her while his hand cradled her head, keeping her as close to him as physically possible. He could feel her slow breaths against his neck, Matt's eyes falling closed as he blindly placed a gentle kiss against the side of her head.

"I'm gonna miss you so much, but it'll be okay, baby… We'll be okay." He reminded her, his voice barely audible as he felt her hold onto him tighter, Matt sensing just how much she needed to hear those worse as Gabby blinked back the few tears forming in her eyes that were desperate to fall, Casey stroking his thumb along the back of her head. "I love you, more than anything."

"I love you, too." She all but whispered, Gabby pressing a kiss on the small amount of exposed skin on his neck she could find, Matt giving her one last firm squeeze before they slowly pulled apart, their glassy eyes locking on one another. "And I'll see you soon?" She questioned after a beat of silence, Matt immediately nodding with a weak smile, the man reaching down to grab a hold of her wrist gently.

"You will… We'll get our next trip figured out as soon as we can. But the second I'm able to, I'll be there." He promised, Gabby nodding as his words managed to return that small smile to her face before she leaned in, pressing her lips against his.

The movement was soft, but full of passion, conveying everything they wanted to say in this moment as Matt held onto her as tightly as he could, Gabby's hand coming up to rest over his cheek. And after a few moments, they reluctantly pulled back, Dawson drawing in a deep breath as her palm slid down to rest against his chest.

"I should get going." She told him, Matt nodding as he blinked quickly a few times, though he smiled once more for her sake.

"Text me, just so I know you're alright." He requested, Gabby nodding without hesitation. "And call me when you get home, yeah?"

"I will." She assured him, Matt nodding before he leaned in for one more kiss, the bittersweet feeling around them overwhelming as he did all he could to hold onto this moment with her, knowing it was the last one they'd have for awhile. "I love you." She repeated against his lips, Matt smiling softly before he kissed her one last time.

"I love you, too." He replied, Gabby biting down on the inside of her cheek before she nodded, Matt giving her another warm smile before she slowly began to make her way towards security, his eyes following her until she was no longer visible.

And as he stood there alone in the airport, he was now fully understanding what Gabby had been feeling since yesterday, the man almost nauseous as the weight of it all finally hit him head on, Matt unable to shake off how different this goodbye felt from the last.

And it wasn't a reassuring feeling at all.


"Thanks again, for coming to get me." Gabby spoke as she shut the passenger side door, the older man across from her giving her a soft nod before moving towards the trunk to grab her suitcase, the world around them dark aside from a few street lights along with the stars illuminating the sky. "I could've just gotten a taxi."

"I don't mind, sis." Antonio replied softly, pulling out her luggage before placing her bag on the ground "And I don't want you out this late at night by yourself, anyway." He added, Gabby shooting him a look.

"I can take care of myself." She said quickly, Antonio narrowing his eyes before he scoffed lightly.

"Trust me, I know." He responded, Gabby nodding proudly as she felt her phone buzzing in her pocket, the woman reaching it to pull it out before reading over the message.

'Hey baby, glad you're with Antonio. Let me know when you're home. I miss you already, love you.'

Her smile faltered slightly as she read Matt's message, her chest tightening when she read over it a second time before she slid her phone back into her pocket, Gabby gnawing on her bottom lip as she looked back up at her brother, finding a curious look waiting for her. "...What?"

"You okay?" He prodded, his eyes flashing to where she'd put her phone before looking at her once more, Gabby's eyebrows furrowing slightly before she nodded.

"I'm fine, why?" She questioned back, Antonio shrugging.

"You just seem a little sad… Have been since I picked you up."

"I'm okay." She was quick to assure him. "It's just a little weird, being back here after being in Chicago for a bit…" She spoke vaguely, Gabby far too tired to get into this conversation with her brother right now as he nodded understandingly.

"Yeah, I know you miss them… Matt, and everyone." He spoke, Gabby giving him a quick nod before looking up towards her apartment.

"Uh, yeah. I do, but I'm good." She was quick to respond, Gabby tightening her grip on the bag over her shoulder before she pulled her keys out of her pocket. "But, um- It's late, and I'm tired. So I'm gonna head up. But thank you again for coming to get me." She replied, a quick look of confusion flashing in his eyes before he nodded.

"Of course." He told her, Gabby leaning in to give him a quick hug before she moved towards the sidewalk. "Want me to walk up with you?"

"No, no I'm fine. Thank you though." She responded, Antonio nodding once more as he moved back to the driver's side door. "I'm off tomorrow, but I'll be back at the site the day after, so I'll see you then?"

"Sounds good, sis. It's good to have you back." He called after her, Gabby pausing to give him a weak smile before she headed for the steps, the younger Dawson knowing her brother wouldn't be going anywhere until he was sure she got inside okay.

It had taken some time, Gabby trying to be as quiet as possible as she carried her bags up the steps, not wanting to disturb anyone with as late as it was, the woman pausing when she finally got to her door. As she shoved her key into the lock, she glanced down the parking lot, seeing her brother was still waiting, Gabby giving him one last wave before she stepped into her home, pulling her bag behind her before closing her door and locking herself inside.

The second she was in, Gabby released a heavy sigh as she looked around the cool, dark apartment, the silence around her nearly deafening. As her eyes moved around the room, she saw everything was exactly where she had left it weeks ago, though the warm, comforting feeling she once got stepping into this apartment wasn't present this time as she stepped further inside. Knowing her bags could be dealt with later, she left her suitcase by the door and dropped her bag down onto the couch, Gabby placing her keys on the coffee table before walking towards her bedroom, that uneasiness in her gut coming back with a vengeance as she stepped through the doorway. She'd tried to push it away, she'd tried to ignore it, but standing here by herself in her apartment, she couldn't anymore.

Drawing in a deep breath, Gabby moved towards her bed, swallowing the thick lump forming in her throat as she sat down on the edge of her mattress, the growing feeling of emptiness coursing through her nearly unbearable as her head dropped down to rest in her hands.

She knew she needed to come back, that she couldn't stay in Chicago, with Matt, forever. Not when she had a job to do. But as she sat here in her quiet apartment, there was a part of her that couldn't help but regret the fact that she was here right now, and that Matt wasn't with her, Gabby practically suffocated by how alone she felt in this moment.