Hello hello hello, I'm back with another one for you guys. Hope you enjoy!
Trigger Warning: Rape is mentioned in the first section of this chapter. There is nothing graphic or explicit described, but the word is used. Just a warning.
Chapter Twenty Six
Gabby pushed open the heavy door that led to the bar, being met with a wave of warmth as she stepped inside. Her eyes bounced around the near empty bar, Gabby not surprised of its vacancy given it was barely after six in the evening. But she was hoping for the light crowd, finding only one patron inside the bar, clearly getting any early start to their night.
It took her no time at all to find who she was looking for, the older man coming out from the stockroom, a white towel thrown over his shoulder as he walked behind the bar. He hadn't noticed her presence as Gabby took small steps across the room, unzipping her jacket as she moved.
"Hey Herrmann." She called lightly, the man turning around to face her with a wide grin.
"Hey kid, I wasn't expecting to see you here tonight." He spoke, Gabby taking up residence on the bar stool across from him, draping her coat over the seat next to her. "How have you been?" It had been nearly a week since Gabby's shift at 51, the firefighter not having seen her since.
"I've been pretty good, working mostly." She replied as Herrmann held up an empty glass, offering her a drink. "I'm fine, thanks." Gabby held up her hand as she declined, Herrmann giving her a nod before setting the glass back down.
"So, just you tonight?" He asked, his eyes flickering behind her towards the door expectantly, like he was waiting for someone else to come in. "Casey joining you?"
"No, he's not. He's been at a job all afternoon, fixing some things around their yard and on the house."
"Working outside in this weather? The Captain might be losing it." He chuckled, Gabby smirking.
"Yeah, well, it's for this older couple, the Johnsons… Matt kind of has a soft spot for them, he never says no to anything they need." She explained, Herrmann nodding understandingly.
"Sounds like Casey." He mused, bracing his palms against the bar. "So, what brought you here this evening?"
"Actually, I've been wanting to talk to you." She prefaced, Herrmann's ears perking up from her words. "I meant to stop by here a few days ago, but I, uh- I've just been busy. But... uh-" She began stumbling over her words, a frown forming on his face as he studied her, Herrmann able to feel her nerves from across the bar.
"You okay, Dawson?" He asked cautiously, watching her take a slow deep breath before responding.
"I'm good, it's just… I know you know what happened to me." She spoke softly, seeing Herrmann's body tense, his eyes glazed over in sadness. "Matt told me that you overheard us talking, and then what happened in the garage." A look of regret covered his features, Herrmann blowing out a harsh breath.
"I'm sorry, Gabby." He breathed out, clearing the emotion from his voice. "I wanted to come talk to you, but Matt didn't think it was a good idea. He wanted to let you come to me."
"Yeah, I can't say I blame him for being cautious. I've been kind of all over the place lately."
"That's understandable." He replied, taking a steadying breath. "I had a feeling more was going on there, after you first came back, but I didn't want to push you to talk. But then after everything that happened with Foster… I just- I wanted to know you were okay, but I never meant to hear that. I know you didn't mean for anyone else to find out. And I never should've gone to Casey, I was just so worried and I needed to know you were alright." He explained, Gabby wearing a sad smile, tears shining in both of their eyes. "But I should've left it alone, or waited until we were out of the firehouse. I'm sorry that Foster knows, hell I'm sorry that I know."
"It's okay, Herrmann." Her voice cut off his rambling, the firefighter looking at her with curious eyes. "Really, it is." She assured him, seeing his body relax slightly. "I'm not mad or upset that you know, honestly if there's anyone from 51 that I'm okay with knowing about this, it's you." A small smile fell onto his face, Gabby clasping her hands together in front of her. "And I'm okay." Her voice lowered a bit, a look of worry flashing across his face. "Or- I'm working on getting there." She admitted, the man nodding in understanding. "Some days are better than others, but I'm doing alright."
Swallowing the lump in his throat, Herrmann's gaze moved down to the bar, trying to suppress the tears welling in the corners of his eyes.
"And I know you have questions about what actually happened." She started, his wide eyes flashing back up towards her.
"Dawson, you don't have to tell me anything." He assured her, but she shook her head with a sad smile.
"It's okay, really. I'd rather you know, instead of always having questions of what did or didn't happen." She promised softly. "And I've learned that it actually helps me, to sometimes talk about it." Herrmann nodded, his spine straightening as he silently waited for her to start.
"So, uh, part of my job while I was there was to help around sites for new hospitals and urgent cares, to help and make sure they were planned as efficiently as possible. We were at a site for a new hospital, and we had a run in with a few gang members there." She began, Herrmann listening intently. "It was a common problem, after the hurricane a lot of gangs moved into vulnerable areas, so we usually had some push back from them. But things never escalated, until that day. I got into it with one of them, I was stupid and should've kept my mouth shut, but one thing led to another and one of them punched me." Herrmann felt anger flood his system, his palms clenching the edge of the bar. "It got broken up quickly, they left and I got sent home. I had been given some time off, and one night- I was actually on the phone with Matt, right before it happened." His eyebrows furrowed slightly at the information, Herrmann not realizing the two had been in contact before this all happened, but he didn't question it as she continued. "But after our call, I heard some weird noises outside, and the next thing I knew these men were barging their way into my home. They, uh, they took turns beating me; hitting and kicking me while the others were ransacking the place, when I fought back one of them threw me into the coffee table." Her voice was getting softer as she explained the attack, tears clouding Herrmann's vision as he heard the pain in her words. "That's how I got this." She motioned to the scar across her forehead. "There's a few other ones, but this is the only one that's visible." Her sentence caused his stomach to drop, Herrmann feeling a wave of nausea flow through him.
"But they didn't..." She sucked in a breath of air, Herrmann's eyes watching her intently. "I wasn't- they didn't rape me." Gabby saw his entire body relax, his eyes falling closed momentarily as the relief set in. "I wasn't sure if you were thinking it might've happened, but it didn't. I don't know if they were planning on it, one of them tried but the others stopped him." Some of the tension that had left quickly set in again, Herrmann feeling sick over what all she went through. "I got away before anything else happened." Her reassurance made him feel a little more at ease, but it felt like a rock had settled in his stomach.
"I um, I stayed with a friend of mine there, she patched me up a bit. It wasn't very pretty there for awhile. She helped me get back here, and well, you know the rest." She told him, Herrmann nodding at her with a sad smile. "Physically, I'm all healed. Nothing I can really do about the scars, but everything else is better. Mentally, well- I'm working on it." She responded quietly. "It's been hard, a lot of ups and downs… I've been having trouble with handling my anxiety, but it's getting better. I've been seeing the Chaplain, he's been helping me a lot. And Matt's been helping me through it. Things are moving in the right direction." She finished with a soft smile, Herrmann wearing a similar one.
Reaching across the bar, he placed a hand overtop of her conjoined ones, squeezing tightly. "I always knew you were as strong as they come, but this… I'm so proud of you, Gabby. More proud than you could ever know." His voice shook as he spoke, tears welling in Gabby's eyes. "I'm so sorry you went through this, I wish there was something I could do that would undo everything that happened, but I am so damn proud of you for getting through this, and coming out the other side stronger. I admire you, Gabby." A lone tear fought its way down her cheek, Herrmann squeezing her hand once more.
"I love you, Herrmann." Her voice was unsteady at best, the man wearing a heartwarming smile across his face.
"I love you too, Dawson." His tone matched hers, the emotion in their words betraying both of them. "And I'm so glad you came back home. I wish it was under better circumstances, I do, but you belong here, kid."
"I'm happy I'm here, too." She agreed softly.
Their moment was broken by the lone patron across the room whistling towards Herrmann, raising his now empty glass in the air to signal he wanted a refill.
"I'll be right back." He promised, moving further down the bar to get another beer.
"That's fine, I'm actually gonna get going." Gabby responded, pushing herself up from the bar stool, Herrmann moving from behind the bar to head towards the table.
"You sure?" He called, their conversation easily had through the near empty room.
"Yeah, Matt should be home soon, if he's not already." Gabby grabbed her coat from the stool, sliding it onto her body as Herrmann walked towards her.
"Okay, well I'm glad you stopped by. It was good to see you, yanno despite the reasoning." He spoke, Gabby offering him a small smile.
"I'm glad I came, too." She responded, taking a few steps towards him and wrapping her arms around him in a tight hug. "Thank you, Herrmann." She whispered, the man wrapping his arms around her just as firm.
"Ah, you don't have to thank me for anything." He assured her, patting her back before the two separated. "But I'm always here for whatever you need, kid."
"I know." Gabby began walking towards the door, turning to wave at him before continuing her path.
The door swung open just as Gabby was getting ready to open it, surprise filling her as she saw Kidd, Brett, and Foster standing just outside.
"Oh, hey Dawson. Didn't know you'd be here tonight." Kidd spoke lightly, Gabby stepping out of the way so the women could escape the cold and enter the warm bar. Foster entered last, Gabby being met with a sad stare from the woman.
"Yeah, uh, just came by to talk to Herrmann for a second. You girls having a night out?" She asked, being met with a nod from Kidd.
"Well, when it's actually night time, yeah." Brett responded. "Stella drug us here because Herrmann needed help stocking some stuff, but after that, yes."
"Is Casey not with you?" Kidd asked, her eyes dancing around the room.
"Oh, no, he was working a job this afternoon, but he's home now I think, I'm just gonna go meet him."
"You should stay." Brett offered, the other women nodding encouragingly.
"Yeah, it'll be fun. Like old times." Stella added, Gabby shaking her head lightly.
"Oh, no that's okay. Maybe some other time, but I gotta get home."
"You sure?"
"Yeah." Gabby replied with a soft smile. "You all have fun." They nodded, saying a quick goodbye before heading towards the bar. Before the last woman got too far, Gabby lightly grabbed Foster's arm, stopping her momentarily.
"I, uh- thank you, for not saying anything." Gabby spoke quietly, not missing the look of pity that flashed in the woman's eyes.
"Of course… I'm sorry you went through that."
Gabby only nodded, the idea of discussing this any further making her uncomfortable. Without much other interaction, the women went their separate ways, Emily moving towards her friends and Gabby exiting the bar, carefully walking through the slick street to get back to her car, ready to be back home with Matt.
Gabby stepped in through the back door of the apartment, locking the door behind her as she glanced around the dim room. "Matt?" She called out, beginning to shed her extra layers. She hung her jacket up and kicked off her boots, placing them by Matt's, his still wet from the snow. As she stepped further into the apartment, she started to register the sound of the shower running. Moving into the kitchen, she grabbed a few crackers from the pantry before setting out towards the only sound being made in their home. She entered the bedroom, heading straight for the bathroom, stepping into the warm room. Matt hadn't noticed her presence yet, Gabby seeing him through the clear shower door, not able to tell if his skin was red from the heat of the water or the cold of being outside all day.
"Hey babe." She spoke, her voice a bit louder than normal to make sure he heard her through the sound of the running water. Looking over at her, he paused his movements of washing his hair, a smile lighting up his face as he saw her, the steam doing nothing to impair their view of the other.
"Hey, where'd you run off to?" He asked, continuing his shower as Gabby hoisted herself up onto the counter across from him.
"I went to go talk to Herrmann." She responded, shoving a cracker in her mouth.
Matt's eyebrows raised as he looked towards her again, trying to get a read on her before speaking. "And how'd that go?"
"Pretty good. I told him what happened."
"Do you feel better?"
"I do, actually, yeah."
"Good." He replied, smiling brightly.
The two fell into a comfortable silence, Gabby falling deep in thought as she nibbled on her snack, her eyes glued to Matt. He'd glanced to her a few times, seeing the pensive look covering her face. He wasn't sure what was on her mind, but he could tell whatever it was had her thinking hard.
Matt turning off the faucet snapped her back into reality, Gabby watching him as he stepped from the shower. A chill ran through him as he reached for his towel, quickly drying the excess water off his body before wrapping it around his waist.
"So, uh, I've been doing some research…" She started, Matt padding across the tile floor to come stand in front of her. "I've been looking up doctors, to try and get a better idea of what we're dealing with." Gabby spoke, her hand ghosting over her stomach. A frown quickly appeared on his face as he saw her movement, hating to even think about the probable ticking time bomb inside of her. "And I found one I think I want to see." She told him, Matt placing his hand on her thigh. This wasn't the first time they'd spoken about the baby situation since their discussion nearly a week ago, but it was the first time either of them had brought up actual steps towards finding a solution. Both of them were weary to jump back into that again, knowing the pain and destruction it caused last time, but Gabby didn't want to wait anymore. And if Matt were being honest with himself, he didn't either.
"Her name is Linda Tanner, she has her own practice in the city. But she's known to handle high-risk pregnancies, she has a lot of experience with that. And I think she could help us. Just figure out what exactly is going on in there, and what options we have." She told him, her bottom lip falling between her teeth.
"High-risk pregnancies?" His voice was quiet, like he was afraid of the words leaving his mouth. Blowing out a soft breath, Gabby placed her hand on his cheek, wiping away the water droplets that had fallen from his hair.
"Us going to see her isn't me saying I'm gonna get pregnant. We haven't decided how we're going to have a baby, I know we have to figure that out together. But I think she'll be able to help us." Gabby told him gently, rubbing her thumb over his skin. "When we got the news last time, neither of us were able to deal with it, let alone ask questions. Now that we at least know about the aneurysm, we won't be blind sided by it. She can tell us exactly what we're dealing with, and what options we have."
Matt nodded slowly, squeezing her leg gently as he stood there, letting her words wash over him.
"We're gonna do this together, Matt. I just think she's the right first step for us to figure out what to do."
"Then let's go see her." He responded with a gentle smile, Gabby's hand moving down to rest on his neck. "I'd feel better having all the information. You're right, we weren't really able to grasp everything last time. And if she could give us more info, maybe if she's dealt with something like this before, it could only help us. The high-risk pregnancy thing just threw me." He admitted, Gabby nodding understandingly. "But I want to figure this out, and hopefully Dr. Tanner can help us."
"I think she can."
"Let's call and set up an appointment. I know it might be hard to work around our shifts, but I can duck out for a few hours if I need to. This is important, so whatever we need to do." He spoke, the small smile on her face filling him with warmth.
Instead of responding verbally, Gabby used her leverage and pulled her towards him, their lips connecting gently as she kept her hand on his neck, the other coming to rest on his back. Matt moved to stand in between her legs, Gabby widening them so he could stand closer, his hands resting on her hips.
The two stood connected for a few minutes, enjoying the steady pace they'd set, Gabby's fingers teasing the edge of his towel. Matt pulled back when he felt her nose scrunch up, a slight giggle escaping her lips as he put a few inches between them.
"What?" He asked, amused by the adorable look on her face.
"You're getting water on me, it tickles." She chuckled, Matt smirking before leaning forward and placing a hard, quick kiss against her lips.
"You don't seem to mind too much." He murmured against her, Gabby panting slightly as she caught her breath. Their eyes locked on each other, Matt catching the wanting gleam in her gaze, a grin falling to his face as he moved his hands down past her hips.
"I don't mind one bit." She whispered, Matt shifting her body to lift her up, a chuckle escaping her lips as she wrapped her legs around his waist, her arms locked around his neck as Matt carried her into their bedroom.
"So, it's been over a week," Jemma spoke as she climbed down from the ambulance, Gabby walking around to her side with a confused look on her face, "and it looks like the shift at 51 didn't steal you from me." She said with a gentle grin, Gabby releasing a soft chuckle.
"No, no it didn't." She responded, the two women beginning their walk through the garage. "I enjoyed seeing all my friends again, I really did, but I don't think going back there is a possibility for me."
Neither woman were able to say anything else as a call rang throughout the house, signaling all three ambos to help with patient transport at a pile up on the highway.
"What is with today?" Jemma blew out a sigh as they jogged back towards the ambulance. "We've had more calls today than like all of last week." She mused, both women climbing in before Norris peeled out of the garage, sirens blaring. It had been a hectic morning and afternoon for the two paramedics, Gabby surprised by the large amount of calls they'd gotten. It was definitely her busiest day working here so far, but she didn't mind it so much, enjoying the more frequent one on one time she was getting with Jemma.
"Sounds like we're heading into a busy one." Jemma commented, Gabby nodding in agreement.
"With as awful as the weather is today, can't say I'm surprised." She mused, looking at the thick snow falling around them. "Hopefully it's nothing too bad."
"Yeah, hopefully. But with the amount of ambos they're needing, it might not be pretty." She spoke with a grimace, the brunette navigating the snow covered streets expertly.
"So, were you really worried that I might leave and go back to 51?" Gabby questioned, knowing they were still a few minutes out from their destination.
"No, not really." She responded softly. "But I know it was your home for so long, and Matt's there. It wouldn't be unreasonable for you to want to go back."
"Yeah, maybe. I won't lie to you, I do miss it sometimes. But I love working here, and having you as my partner." Gabby spoke truthfully, watching the girl's smile widen. "Barring some huge change or dramatic life event, I'm pretty sure you're gonna be stuck with me for awhile."
"Good." Jemma replied, merging onto the exit to get them up on the highway. "I know you've had a lot of partners and you've been doing this for awhile, but I haven't. And I feel so lucky to have gotten partnered with someone like you so early on in my career. You can only make me better, and I love getting to work with you."
Warmth filled Gabby as she heard her friend's words, a soft smile resting across her face. "I love having you as my partner, too. Trust me, I have no intention of going anywhere any time soon."
Jemma nodded in response, not having much time for anything else as they got to the scene. Unfortunately, Gabby was incorrect in thinking it might not be too bad, the paramedics walking in on a gruesome scene.
Cars were smashed into one another, some piled on top of the other, a few of which were on fire, and that was just from first glance. There were screams heard all over, echoing through the air as they climbed down from the ambo. They grabbed what they could, heading into the near warzone. Gabby saw ten different fire trucks just during her first scan through the scene, and she was sure there were more she couldn't see. Dozens of ambos were lined up everywhere, smoke filling the air from multiple different cars, Gabby grimacing as she saw some red patches covering the snow and ice. She could see the presumed end of the pileup, but it was a ways back, and if she had to guess, she'd say at least fifty cars had been involved, if not more. She's not sure what triggered this crash, but whatever had caused a lot of damage.
"I need a medic!" She heard being yelled from maybe twenty yards in front of her, Gabby jumping into action immediately, her body reacting before her mind processed it. Norris watched her go, intent of following her before her she was pulled in another direction.
"What do you got?" She called back when she was close enough, looking up from navigating through the wreckage to see Severide standing near the car with a few members of squad working on the car door.
"Dawson?" He broke through his serious Lieutenant voice, the surprise evident as he looked up at her.
"Hey Kel. You needed a medic?"
"Yeah, guy's losing blood. We're trying to get the door open but it's jammed pretty hard. Can you get in there and collar him?" Gabby nodded, her eyes moving towards the scene, surveying her options.
"Capp, break the window out. I doubt we could get that door open." Severide ordered, Kelly standing partially in front of Dawson while his firefighter broke out the backseat window, shielding her from any possible spraying glass. Once it was clear there were no shards or anything that could cut her, Capp and Cruz helped her into the car, Gabby sliding in expertly and getting situated in the back seat before having them hand her the ambo bag.
She worked quickly, leaning over in between the seats to get a better look at the unconscious man, seeing blood wetting the man's clothes on different parts of his body. "Yeah, it's not looking too good, Severide. We need to get him out of here soon." She relayed, hearing Kelly order his men to get back to work. Pulling out the c-collar, she moved to place it around him when blood started spurting from a gash in his neck, spraying across the vehicle.
"Shit." She muttered, moving quickly to place her fingers over the hole in his neck, the bleeding slowly substantially. "Kelly, you need to hurry!" She called, hoping her voice could be heard over the machine.
"What's wrong?" He asked, all progress halting as Kelly leaned down to get a visual. Seeing the picture in front of him, he automatically knew what was wrong, with Gabby's hand pressed firm against the man's neck, and some blood staining her skin and her clothes.
"We don't have a lot of time, and I won't be able to stabilize him without killing him." She spoke quickly. "If I collar him, he'll bleed out. We're gonna have to risk paralysis if we want him to live."
"Okay, we'll get you out as soon as we can." Severide assured her with a grimace, standing back up and signaling Capp to start with a jaws again.
"Hey, we need help with an extraction over here at the northwest end of the pileup. Got a victim stuck." He said through his radio, pausing when he heard coughing coming from the car. Looking back through the window, he saw smoke starting to flow throughout the vents. "God dammit." He muttered, forgetting his radio was still on.
"Severide? What happened?" Boden's voice came through the other end of the radio.
"There's smoke starting to come through the vents. We've got extinguishers ready, but we need to get this guy out, her and D- Gabby, we're gonna get you guys out in a second, alright?" He cut off his own sentence as her heard her coughing get louder, the woman giving him a nod.
"Gabby's here?" Casey's concern filled voice flooded through the radio.
"Yeah, she is. She's in the car with the victim, he's bleeding out, she's putting the pressure on the wound but we're working on borrowed time here. We need some help with this jammed door."
"I'm coming." Matt spoke shortly into the radio, Severide moving his attention back towards Gabby as they waited for more assistance. In less than two minutes, Casey had found them, being followed by Kidd and Otis, the latter carrying their set of jaws to help with the door.
"Otis, set up down towards the bottom, Capp move closer to the top. Hopefully with that much pressure, you can get some leverage." Severide ordered, the two men obeying as they got into their positions. Matt ducked down by the driver side window, staying out of the way while getting a good look at Gabby.
"You okay in there?" He asked her gently, wincing as he saw the position she was in, the blood splattered on her, and the smoke flowing through the vents.
"I'm good." She promised, Matt nodding before turning his attention to his other firefighter.
"Kidd, be up here at the front with that extinguisher, in case it starts to go up." Casey ordered, Stella immediately taking up her position at the hood of the car, ready to go if need be.
Severide opened his radio up to all channels, calling for some paramedics and a gurney, knowing this man needed to be transported immediately.
Less than a minute later, the two firemen were able to pry the door open, the wrecked metal screeching as it was pulled away from its frame. The two medics had just arrived, Kelly filling them in on the situation as their PIC leaned into the car.
"We can't collar him, he'll bleed out." Gabby spoke, the man nodding in agreement.
"Alright, I'm gonna put my hand over yours then I'll take over so we can get him out of here." The paramedic spoke, Gabby complying. The two completed the handoff seamlessly, and moments later the unconscious man was on a backboard and put on a gurney, being carefully wheeled away.
The second he was able, Matt moved to help Gabby, the woman having relocated towards the backseat, knowing that was her easiest exit. She began to lift herself through the window, Matt hoisting her, his arms wrapped around her body until he felt she was firmly on the ground. After giving her a once over, he leaned into the car, getting out her bag and handing it to her.
"You sure you're okay? You were breathing in a lot of smoke." His voice was laced with worry, his tough Captain exterior long gone.
"I'm fine. If the coughing doesn't go away, I'll get some oxygen when we get back to the house." She assured him, Matt's eyes running over her momentarily. "I'm alright." She whispered, placing her glove covered hand over his cheek.
He opened his mouth to respond, but never got the words out as the car Gabby had just been in caught on fire, the flames shooting through the air vents, Kidd getting them extinguished as quickly as she could.
Matt placed his hand on her arm, forcing them to take a few steps away from the vehicle. Once they were far enough away for comfort, he looked back to her, a grimace covering his face as he saw the blood spatter up close.
"You need to get back to work, and I'm sure I do. I need to find Norris, see where we're needed. But I'm good, I promise." She told him one last time, leaning forward and placing a soft kiss on his cheek, the metallic smell of blood filling his nostrils, blocking out her usual Gabby-scent.
"Stay safe out here." He told her as they separated, Gabby giving him a small salute as she backed away.
"You too, Captain."
Matt kept his eyes on her as she moved through the smashed cars, the snow fogging his vision as he watched her move swiftly. Once he saw her meet back up with Jemma, he released a breath, relief washing over him knowing she had her partner with her.
"Casey, we need you back over here." Herrmann's voice broke through the radio, snapping Matt's thoughts away from Gabby as he moved his hand to his radio, nodding at Kidd and Otis to head back.
"We're on our way."
Gabby sighed softly as she looked over herself in the mirror, her tired eyes shining back at her, fatigue wearing across her face. She'd gotten most of the blood off her neck, and switched out the soiled shirt a few moments prior, replacing it with an old CFD t-shirt. Her shift had just finished, well it had finished an hour and a half ago, but her and Jemma had only now gotten back from their last call. They'd spent the rest of their afternoon and evening helping and transporting victims from the pileup, not having a moment to breath. Thankfully, there were not nearly as many casualties as she expected upon first arrival, the death count was still in single digits, but she was sure that number would continue to rise as the night went on.
Putting her dirty shift clothes in her bag, she spared one last glance to herself in the mirror before exiting the bathroom, her tired body moving slowly through the hallways of the house. The minute her and Jemma got back about ten minutes ago, they'd handed off the keys to the night shift medics and Gabby went straight to the bathroom, needing to get out of her blood stained clothes that she'd been in for hours. Thankfully now that she was officially off the clock and into cleaner clothes, she was able to go home. But part of her didn't want to.
"You good, Dawson?" Norris asked her as they met in the hallway, Jemma having just left the common room.
"I'm fine. Worn out, but fine. This reminded me of my 51 days a little bit." She commented, the other paramedic nodding as they walked through the double doors.
"Yeah, it was really hectic. I'm not sure I've ever had a day this crazy before." Gabby nodded in response, the two women walking from the garage out into the cold, the light snow falling down on them as they headed towards their cars. "You headed home?"
"Yeah, I think so. I'm ready to sleep." She said, earning a laugh from her friend.
"I understand that. Have a good night, Dawson." Jemma told her, giving her a wave before sliding into her car.
Gabby completed the short walk to hers, her body on autopilot as she unlocked the door and got in, a chill running through her as she made contact with the cold seats. She quickly put her keys in the ignition, locking the doors as she sat and waited for the car to warm up. Pulling out her phone, a photo of her and Matt shined brightly in the dark car, Gabby seeing a text from Matt waiting for her, him having sent it about fifteen minutes ago.
'Hey babe, we just got back to the house. I'm sure you're off shift by now, but just wanted to let you know we all got back safe. I love you.'
A small smile fell onto her face as she read over his words, Gabby placing her phone down in the passenger seat as she thought over her options of what to do tonight. She knew she needed sleep, her body was desperate for it. But she didn't feel like sleeping alone in her and Matt's giant bed. She really just wanted to be with him after the crazy day she experienced.
It took only seconds for her mind to be made up, Gabby buckling her seatbelt before pulling out of her parking spot, driving to the familiar location.
By the time she pulled up outside the firehouse, it was nearly 9PM. She managed to find a spot less than a block away, Gabby slinging her bag over her shoulder, grasping her phone in her hand before locking up her car and beginning her walk. As she neared, she realized she probably should've called Matt first, to make sure it was okay her being here. She was sure it wouldn't be an issue, but she also knew it wasn't her place to just assume she could stop by anytime now.
Blowing out a soft breath, she called Matt's cell phone, bringing the phone up to her ear as she continued down the sidewalk.
"Hello there." He answered lightly into the phone, a smile coming to her face as she turned the corner and walked by the side of the house, taking the shortcut through the snow-covered grass.
"Hi. Are you guys still at the house?"
"Yeah, we are. Why, where are you?... What are you doing, you're breathing kind of heavy." He questioned, Gabby hearing the confusion in his voice.
"Walking in a foot of snow will do that." She replied back, thankful as she neared the closed garage doors of 51 and got into much more manageable walking conditions. "Actually, I'm outside."
"Wait, what? Where are you?" He asked her, Gabby able to hear him shuffling around.
"I'm just outside the garage, is the door unlocked? I'm freezing out here."
"Should be." He responded, Gabby getting to the door and pulling on the handle, feeling gratitude wash over her as it opened. Stepping inside, she saw Matt walking towards her, a look of confusion covering his face. He hung up the call, sliding his phone back into his pocket as he approached her, Gabby kicking her boots on the mat before moving towards him.
"What are you doing here?" He asked with a smile, the two stopping their paths as the met a few feet inside the doorway.
"I just finished my shift half an hour ago, I didn't feel like going home." She replied, a frown forming across his face. "Nothing's wrong." She assured him immediately. "I just missed you." The frown slowly left his features, Matt nodding in understanding. "Is it okay that I'm here? I didn't think to ask until after I was already walking up."
"Of course it's okay." He spoke quickly, giving her the reassurance she was seeking. "You're always welcome here. Are you staying the night?"
"Yeah, if it's alright." She spoke, Matt nodding immediately, a gentle smile resting on his face.
"I'm happy you're here." He placed a soft kiss to her forehead, wrapping his arm around her shoulders as he led them further into the garage, the chill making its way to their bodies from where they stood in the doorway. "I'm actually glad to know you'll be staying here. It's already late, and I don't like the thought of you driving home in this weather." She simply nodded, staying tucked into his side as they got the double doors, the pair maneuvering through the entrance without disconnecting. "Look who I found outside." He called into the common room, eyes lighting up when they saw her walk in with Casey.
"Dawson!" Herrmann said excitedly, the pair coming to a stop in the entrance of the room. "What brings you by tonight?"
"Just got off shift, figured I'd come by and see how you all were doing." She responded, the group smiling.
"We're decent, that pileup was crazy though." Cruz commented, Gabby nodding in agreement.
"Yeah, the boys were telling everyone how badass you were today, Dawson. Some things never change." Herrmann mused, Gabby shrugging softly from within Matt's grip, glancing up to see the proud smile covering his face.
"Just doing my job." She replied, before turning her head to talk directly to Matt. "Is it okay if I take a shower? I feel gross, like I still have blood all over me."
"Of course, yeah." He responded softly, Gabby saying a quick goodbye to the men and women in the common room before walking with Matt down the hallway towards the showers, the pair separating as they got into the bathroom. Gabby turned the water on while Matt moved around the room, grabbing a towel for her and getting his soap and shampoo from his locker. He came to stand beside her, items in hand, a grateful smile appearing across her face.
"I know my shampoo doesn't really do it for you, but I figured it's better than nothing." He spoke softly.
"It is, thank you." She replied, hanging up the towel he brought her and placing the products inside the shower.
"You need anything out of here? I'm gonna take it to my office." He asked as he picked her bag up off the ground, holding onto her coat as well. She nodded, quickly pulling out a pair of sweatpants she'd stashed in there for emergencies.
"I'm good now, thank you." Matt nodded, taking a few steps away from her as he headed for the exit.
"Take your time. I'm gonna get all this bloody stuff in the wash." He told her, seeing the stains on her jacket. "Unless we get a call, I'll be in my office." She nodded, smiling at him until he disappeared around the corner. Checking the temperature one last time to make sure it was warm enough, Gabby shed her clothes, setting all of them on the shelf against the wall before stepping into the shower, the steam welcoming her as she put her head under the stream of water.
She stood there for a moment, letting the water wash away the long day she'd had, feeling her tight muscles relax under the heat. All the tension was slowly leaving her body the longer she stood there, her eyes remaining closed as she enjoyed this quiet moment.
After she'd relaxed for long enough, she reached for Matt's shampoo, her movements stopping when she heard rustling outside of her shower curtain. Furrowing her eyebrows, she grabbed the material, holding it to cover her body as she poked her head out.
Her confusion morphed into amusement as she saw Matt standing there, stripped to nothing except his boxers, his hands placed on the waistband like he was getting ready to remove them, a goofy grin covering his face.
"Can I help you?" She asked, her grip on the shower curtain loosening.
"Well, I got your stuff in the wash and was in my office, but all your talk about a shower… it sounded nice."
"Well, good for you there's plenty to choose from." She replied before shutting the curtain back.
"Oh come on." He whined, his voice sounding childish despite the very adult situation they were in. "Don't leave me out here. What would the guys think if one of them came in here and saw me naked outside of your shower?"
"Is that any better than you naked inside the shower?" She questioned with a chuckle, hearing him let out a huff in frustration.
"It's definitely better for me." He spoke smugly, Gabby rolling her eyes as she pulled the curtain back, finding him sans every ounce of clothing, her head moving to see his clothes stacked neatly next to hers.
"Come on in." She prompted, "wouldn't want anyone to find you completely naked trying to get into my shower, that wouldn't be very Captain-like." He agreed with a nod, needing no more convincing as he stepped inside, closing the curtain shut behind him. "But really, I was just wanting to take a shower and go to sleep." She explained, Matt raising his eyebrows.
"I'm only here because I missed you, and really, a shower did sound nice." He told her, Gabby scoffing as he gently turned her around so her back was to him, grabbing the shampoo and handing it to her.
"I love you, but you're full of bullshit." She replied, Matt smirking but saying nothing. He enjoyed the warm water running down his back, leaning forward to place a kiss to her wet shoulder before she lathered her hair with shampoo, Matt getting out of the way as her arms came up. He watched her intently, his hands rubbing up and down her back as they stood in the confined space.
"What's that?" He asked out of the blue, Gabby's eyebrows furrowing in confusion as she turned to face him.
"What's what?" She questioned back, maneuvering them so she could wash the soap from her hair. He let her stand under the water, but lifted her arm, giving them both a good view of the harsh purple and yellow bruise painted over her side, the color dancing across her ribs and disappearing under her breast. She looked at the mark, before moving her eyes back to him, seeing his worried gaze focused on the discoloration in her skin.
"That explains some of the soreness," She commented, more to herself than to him. "I think it was from being in the car today, I was jammed in there pretty tight." She explained, placing her hand under his chin to get him to look away from the bruise.
"But you're okay?"
"I'm fine. I didn't even know it was there until you said something." He nodded softly, his eyes darting around the small space, Gabby sensing there was something on his mind. "What is it, Matt?"
"It's nothing... just- you're positive there was no reason for you coming here tonight?" He questioned, "I mean, after the crazy day today, I know that was a lot for me. And with everything…" He trailed off, her eyes softening. "I want to make sure you're okay. I'm worried about you."
Gabby sighed softly, stepping towards him and wrapping her arms around his waist, pressing their bodies together as she left enough space to look up at him. "I know you're worried, I know I've given you plenty of reason to worry. But I am okay. I really just missed you, and didn't feel like sleeping at home all by myself. After everything that happened today, I wanted to be with you. There's nothing else to it, I promise." She told him softly, Matt nodding at her words, his arms wrapped tightly around her back.
"I'm sorry for being so overbearing, I know you've never really liked that. I just get a little nervous when something out of our normal happens. But I'm trying to be better about backing off a little bit. I know you're getting better and I don't need to worry as much, but sometimes I can't help it." He admitted, Gabby smiling softly.
"You don't have to apologize for being worried about me. I know I've never been the most receptive to it in the past, but it's not like you don't have your reasons for being concerned. I love you for it, even if you are a little overbearing at times." She teased, Matt raising his eyebrows at her before she nuzzled herself against his neck, placing a soft kiss to his skin. "But really, you have no idea how much it means to me, how you've been here for me throughout all of this." She whispered, Matt running a hand lightly up and down her back. "I love you."
"I love you, too." He spoke back, the two holding on to one another as they stood under the warm water, enjoying their moment of peace together while they could.
Hello there, I hope you all enjoyed this chapter. I felt all the sweet Dawsey was warranted, considering how rough things have been for them lately (and considering things that are coming..) But also just because sweet Dawsey is adorable as hell and I miss it. Also, I know I just posted a few days ago, but I was feeling inspired and this chapter came quickly. Although I don't think anyone minds the fast update.
I appreciate all the feedback I got on the last chapter, you all left me such kind and heartfelt reviews, it truly means so much to me. You all have been so nice to me and it motivates me so much to keep this story going. I get so happy every single time I get a review, you all have no idea. But I also do want to apologize to a few of you. I got a message from someone who didn't really like the way I wrote Dawsey's talk, and I feel bad because I know so many of you were really waiting for that and I'm sorry if you were disappointed. I'm sure there were more than just the one who reached out to me, so I want to apologize to everyone reading this. I wrote it the best way I knew how, and I know I can't please everyone, but I'm sorry if you didn't like it. I'm not sure if there's anything I would've done differently, but I am sorry it fell flat for some of you. The main purpose of this story is to give you all some Dawsey that you enjoy reading, while keeping them as close to character as I know how. I'm sorry for failing to do that for some of you. But I appreciate all the feedback, I'll try and do better.
Thank you to everyone who takes the time to read my work and to those who leave me reviews and messages, it is so helpful and makes it easier to continue writing this. I look forward to hearing what you all thought of this chapter. Big things are coming for our favorite couple.