Hello everyone! Here's another chapter for you all. I hope you enjoy!
Chapter Thirty Seven
Gabby sat perched on the table as Amanda took her blood pressure, Matt planted close by her side as they made small talk with the nurse. They had just finished up going through the routine questions that happened at the beginning of each of Gabby's appointments, Amanda beginning the process of taking her vitals.
"We're all glad you're feeling better. You've been the talk around here for the last couple weeks." She spoke with a soft smile, Gabby raising her eyebrows in surprise.
"Really? Well, I'm not sure if that's a good thing or a bad thing." Gabby joked.
"It's nothing bad. We're all just worried." Amanda assured her, removing the cuff from Gabby's arm. She pulled the monitor from Gabby's finger, looking over the numbers on the screen. "Well, everything is looking good, Gabby. We do need to get some blood drawn today, so I'm gonna do that then they'll be in to do your ultrasound, alright?"
Gabby nodded, flashing the woman a soft smile. "Thanks Amanda."
The nurse began the quick process of drawing Gabby's blood, Matt keeping his hand placed firmly on her thigh while Amanda worked. Within minutes, she was done, putting the labels on the samples and gathering her things, heading for the door. "They'll be in shortly. I'll see you in two weeks."
They exchanged goodbyes with the nurse, Matt watching until she was out of the room before turning to Gabby. She had her arms crossed over her lap, her finger tapping against her leg as she sat and waited.
"How are you feeling?" He asked, Gabby turning to look at him, a small smirk playing on her lips.
"That's the first time you've asked me that today, I think that's a new record." She teased, Matt scoffing as he shook his head. "I mean, it's not even noon, but still."
"Well, you can blame the two calls I had this morning." He responded, placing his hand on her arm. "But you're feeling alright?"
"Yeah, still cramping a little, but I'm gonna talk to her about it." Matt nodded, giving her a small smile. He leaned forward, placing a soft kiss to the side of her head, moving his hand from her arm to her stomach, his large palm covering the area as he cradled the forming bump. It wasn't even so much a bump yet, but her body was definitely changing. Over the last few days, her lower stomach had started rounding out the slightest bit. It was a small change, but Matt was enamored the first time he noticed it. To anyone else, she still didn't look pregnant at all, and probably wouldn't for at least a couple more weeks, but to them, it was an everyday reminder that their child was growing. The changes to her body weren't noticeable unless she was bare, and even then Matt could only tell if he looked at her from the side, but they found themselves fascinated by it the last few days since her stomach began to fill out.
"It's still weird, isn't it?" She asked him, breaking him from his trance. "Seeing my body change like this. We never got to experience that the first time, it's kind of surreal."
"Yeah, it is. That's a good word for it." He murmured, his eyes flickering up from her stomach to meet hers, seeing the flash of hesitation. "It's a good surreal." Matt assured her, knowing she was still sometimes weary of his reactions to things surrounding this pregnancy. And he'd given her every reason to be. "I know we can never replace what we lost, but having the constant reminder that our baby is growing… I don't even know what I'm trying to say, I can't really explain it, but it's comforting." Gabby's smile widened as he stumbled over his words, placing her hand over his on her stomach.
"No, I know what you mean. But I'm not sure you'll be saying that when I'm the size of a whale and can't see my feet."
Matt let out a breathy laugh, shaking his head before placing another kiss on her forehead. "You'll still be beautiful." He whispered, rubbing his thumb over her abdomen.
Their moment was interrupted by the sound of the door opening, the expectant parents surprised to see Dr. Tanner walk in. In their previous visits, they never saw her during the exam portion of Gabby's appointment, so to have her in here now left both Matt and Gabby a little unsettled.
"Hello Gabby, Matt." She greeted, shutting the door behind her.
"Hi." Gabby spoke unsurely, feeling her heart begin to beat a little quicker in her chest.
"Are you doing Gabby's ultrasound?" Matt questioned, both Dr. Tanner and Gabby turning to look at him, able to hear the nervousness in his voice.
"Yes, I am-"
"Is something wrong?" He cut her off, his hand moving from Gabby's stomach to her leg.
Understanding the man's fear, Dr. Tanner quickly shook her head. "No, no everything's fine. I didn't mean to worry you, but with everything that's happened the last few weeks, I wanted to be the one to do your exam." She clarified, Matt releasing a relieved breath. "I'm sorry, I know that must've freaked you out. I should've had Amanda warn you."
"No, it's fine. We're still just a little on edge, I think." Gabby replied, gripping Matt's hand tightly.
"That's understandable. But going forward, there may be more times where I come to do the exam, just to see everything with my own eyes. I don't want you all panicking when that happens." She informed them, Matt nodding in response. "I know you're already aware that your situation isn't the most ordinary. With the number of visits alone, and us performing ultrasounds at every appointment, that's not our usual practice. But we have to take precautions, that way if a problem does arise we know as soon as possible. So there will be a few of your exams over the next few months that I perform instead of Julie, especially the closer we get to your due date. But that isn't a reason to be alarmed, alright? If anything were to be wrong, you would know the second I do. I promise." She assured them gently, the couple feeling their nerves lessen at her words.
Pulling the stool closer to the bed, Dr. Tanner sat down, putting the tablet in her lap. "I know this pregnancy has you both nervous, reasonably so. But try not to worry before knowing if there's anything to worry about." Gabby nodded, squeezing Matt's hand before Dr. Tanner spoke up again. "Now, I've looked over your vitals and everything is looking good. A lot better than the last time I saw you, which is what we want. It looks like all that resting did some good."
"It did. It was torture, but it helped." Gabby responded with a grin.
"I'm sure it was, but it was needed. You are still a little under the target weight I'd like you to be at right now. You're 10 weeks along right now, and even though I'd like to see a little more weight gain, you've definitely improved on that since being in the hospital. Just keep doing what you're doing, food wise, and I know that'll even out. But all your numbers look great, especially for everything you went through." She informed them, glancing up from the file in her hands. "How's the morning sickness been?"
"It's eased up a little bit." Gabby responded. "It's still not fun, but it's not as severe as it had been before. There's been some days I haven't gotten sick at all, but I don't think I've gotten sick more than three times."
"It's usually just once or twice a day, now." Matt interjected, Dr. Tanner nodding with a small smile on her face.
"Good, that's good. After having to go to hospital, I figured part of your issues with that were related to your lack of food and water intake, as well as the stress. So I'm glad to see that's calmed down. How have you been feeling overall? Anything else been going on?"
"I feel okay, I'm still get really exhausted sometimes. But I feel like that's normal." Dr. Tanner nodded, encouraging her to continue. "And, uh, I have been having some cramping, I guess? Over the last few days."
"Is it painful?"
"No, it's not. More so just uncomfortable. It almost feels like cramps I get during my period, but a little different. I don't know if that makes sense, but it just feels like pressure in my lower stomach."
"Are you having any bleeding or spotting?"
"No." Gabby responded as Dr. Tanner typed out Gabby's words into her notes. "I probably should've called when it started, but it wasn't painful and wasn't happening all the time, so I figured it was normal, but I don't know… I just want to make sure it's nothing, since we're here."
"You're fine, Gabby. I think what you're experiencing is just some pressure from your uterus expanding, it's called round ligament pain. It can be uncomfortable, but it's perfectly normal. That cramping feeling is probably a combination of that, and the fact you'd been dehydrated." She explained. "Now, it is a little early on for this to be starting, it usually begins any time after the second trimester starts, because that's when you'll really begin to start growing. But it could be the beginning stages of it, that's why it's only pressure right now, not so much pain." Dr. Tanner told them. "I imagine it's nothing to worry about, but let's go ahead and take a look, alright?" Gabby nodded, dropping Matt's hand as she slid back on the table, leaning against the seat while Matt came to stand by her head. She pulled her shirt up and unzipped her pants, moving the material out of the way so they could do the ultrasound.
"Did the cramping start when you noticed your stomach growing?" Dr. Tanner asked, seeing the slight roundness to her abdomen now that her shirt was up.
"Uh, maybe. I think so."
"It was a couple days before." Matt replied, Gabby turning to look at him with a raised brow. "She started mentioning the cramping, then a few days later was when we noticed her stomach had filled out a little."
"Glad one of us is paying attention." Gabby spoke under her breath, Matt smirking as he placed his hand on the top of her head, rubbing his thumb over her hair.
Grinning at their banter, Dr. Tanner began getting the machine ready. "Well, based on Matt's memory, and what I've heard, I'd imagine it's just the beginning stages of round ligament pain. Your body is preparing itself for the adjustments needed to carry another human. But we'll double check everything." She spoke, turning towards Gabby, her eyes landing on some faded bruising covering her side. "Is that the same bruising from you fainting?" She asked with furrowed brows.
"Yeah, it is. It hasn't completely gone away yet."
"Is that normal?" Matt questioned, Dr. Tanner glancing towards him. "I know you saw how it was at the hospital, but is it normal that Gabby bruises so easily?"
"I'm not sure. It's probably nothing. When we ran your blood work a month ago, nothing raised any red flags, but a lot of women do develop anemia while they're pregnant, which is normal. If you do have it, it's something we'll monitor but usually it's fine. The blood we got today was to check on baby, to do the NIPT screening." Gabby nodded, remembering Dr. Tanner telling her and Matt about that during their last appointment. "But I'll go ahead and have them check to see if you're anemic, just to be sure."
"Alright, thank you." She responded.
"Now, let's get a look at your baby." Dr. Tanner spoke, angling the screen so all three could see it as she began moving the wand around Gabby's stomach. Within moments, the image of their child appeared, Gabby's smile widening.
No matter how many times she saw it, it amazed her every time.
Glancing up towards Matt, she saw his eyes shining as he watched the screen, mesmerized.
"They're starting to look like a person." He whispered, Gabby releasing a watery chuckle as he peeled his eyes from their child to look at her. "What's so funny?" He questioned lightly, tapping his thumb over her forehead.
"Nothing, I just love you."
"I love you too." He replied with a grin, leaning down to kiss her quickly before turning his attention back to their child, Dr. Tanner watching the interaction with a soft smile.
"Does everything look okay?" Gabby asked, reaching out for Matt's free hand.
"Everything I'm seeing looks good. Your baby is measuring just like they should. Everything looks healthy."
"Good." Gabby replied, squeezing Matt's hand tightly in relief. She'd been more worried than she let on about the cramping she'd been experiencing, even though she knew Matt had seen right through it. She was just glad to know nothing was wrong.
"I'm not seeing anything that would be a cause for concern. Everything looks as it should. But, because of your history and our concerns with this pregnancy, if it would make you feel better, I can do a pelvic exam to double check. Make sure there is nothing going on that the ultrasound might've missed, or can't tell us. I don't like to do them too much throughout the pregnancy, not until we get closer to your due date, but you're only 10 weeks right now. I'd be fine performing one, if it would help give you some reassurance." She offered, Gabby glancing up to Matt.
"It's whatever you wanna do, babe. I know you've been worried."
"But you need to get back to work." She responded, Matt shaking his head.
"This comes first. If you want the extra reassurance, we'll stay here as long as we need to." He spoke quickly, a gentle smile forming on his face as he spoke.
"Alright, yeah. I'd like to do it. Just cause I know it'll bother me if I don't."
"Okay. Once we finish up here, we'll do that. I just want to get a few more images really quick." Gabby and Matt both nodded, returning their attention to the screen as they got a few more glimpses of their child.
The moment was fleeting, Dr. Tanner soon getting the images she needed and turning off the machine, wiping the gel from Gabby's stomach.
"Alright, you know the drill. This will be a little uncomfortable, but it shouldn't hurt and won't take too long." Dr. Tanner spoke, pulling out a sheet from a drawer under the table. "Remove everything from the waist down, I'm gonna go run this out there real quick and then we'll get started."
Gabby nodded, sliding down off the exam table as Dr. Tanner left the room. She kicked off her shoes, Matt using his foot to push them out of the way while Gabby began to undress. She folded the two pieces of clothing, handing them to Matt so he could place them on the chair. Gabby sat herself down on the table, sliding back until she was comfortable, Matt unfolding the sheet and placing it over her.
"Thank you." She murmured.
"For what?"
"I don't know. Just everything, I guess." She responded, Matt taking a step closer to her, grabbing ahold of her hand that rested over her stomach. Silently, he put his free hand back on the top of her head, leaning down to press a soft kiss to her lips. When he pulled back, he was met by a small grin resting on her face, the smile causing one to appear on his face as he ran his hand over the top of her head in a soothing motion.
Knocking on the door grabbed their attention as Dr. Tanner stepped inside, getting the confirmation she needed that Gabby was ready. She got herself prepped for the exam, Gabby putting her feet in the stirrups as Dr. Tanner sat down on her stool.
"Remember, you gotta let me know if anything hurts."
"I will."
"Alright, let's get started."
Gabby grimaced at the feeling as Dr. Tanner began the examination, tightening her grip on Matt's hand while the doctor worked. He kept his hand moving in a steady motion over the top of her head, his focus on her as he ran his thumb over the back of her hand.
Within fifteen minutes, the exam was done, Dr. Tanner excusing herself so Gabby could get cleaned up and back into her clothes, Matt noticing her moving slowly as she came from the bathroom.
"You alright?"
"Yeah, just a little sore. That is not fun." She spoke with a wince, Matt grabbing her hand to help her balance as she climbed back up onto the table.
"I can't even imagine." He replied, rubbing his hand over her lower back.
Dr. Tanner soon came back in, coming to stand in front of the two, a soft smile on her face. "Well, everything from the exam looked great. As far as I can tell, everything is going just as it should. Also, so you know, don't be surprised when that pressure you're feeling does start to turn into a more painful sensation. Your ligaments will be stretching, to support your uterus, and it can be painful at times. You'll feel kind of achy, you'll likely experience cramping, sometimes you'll feel a few sharp jolts of pain in your lower abdomen. So don't be alarmed when that happens. It's completely normal. I don't imagine it should really start being a problem for a few more weeks, so we can discuss it more at your next appointment if you'd like." Dr. Tanner offered, Gabby giving her a nod. "Well as long as nothing changes, I'll see you again in two weeks." She spoke, the paramedic watching her expectantly.
"But, before you go, I know this is the part you've been waiting for. After what you've told me and everything today, I feel comfortable clearing you to return to work." A wide grin fell onto Gabby's face, Matt smiling as he tapped his fingers against her back, knowing how much she was looking forward to this. "But, you have to promise me you'll take it easy. When I say you can return to work, I mean the lightest duty possible." She spoke sternly, Gabby nodding in understanding. "We can't have another scare like we did two weeks ago. You have to take care of yourself. No heavy lifting, no lifting at all really. No putting yourself in dangerous situations. The most important thing right now is keeping both you and baby healthy, you have to listen to what your body is telling you. If you feel like you need to sit down, do it. If you don't feel like you can go out on a call, don't push yourself. You can't afford to overexert yourself, Gabby."
"I won't, I promise." She replied.
"Okay, good. This pregnancy is all about controlling what we can, and you working is one variable we have control over. Don't push your limits." Gabby nodded, leaning her shoulder into Matt's side. "Alright, well you have permission to return to your daily life. Just be careful. And drink plenty of water."
"Thank you Dr. Tanner." Gabby spoke, Matt following up with a thanks of his own.
The woman nodded as she walked towards the door. "I'll see you both in two weeks." Dr. Tanner spoke, Gabby nodding in response.
By the time they got their things together, got Gabby's next appointment scheduled, and made their way out of the office, another half hour had passed, Matt glancing down to his watch as they walked outside.
"You heading home?" He questioned as he walked her to her car.
"Yeah, I'm gonna try and go take a nap. I'm exhausted." She responded, holding his hand tightly in hers as they moved down the sidewalk, the cold wind whipping against their faces. She saw a weary look pass over his face, Gabby stopping her path, causing him to stop as well. "Are you alright?"
"Yeah, yeah, I'm fine." He assured her, squeezing her hand. "I just wish there was something I could do."
Her head tilted to the side slightly, confusion filling her features. "What do you mean?"
"Something I could do to help you more. You have to go through all of these uncomfortable tests and exams, not to mention all the stuff that's still coming, and all I can do is stand there."
A gentle smile fell to her face, Gabby shaking her head. "Trust me, Matt, you being here with me is more than enough. You've done whatever you could for me these last few weeks, and I know that'll only continue through this pregnancy. Not to mention how attentive you'll be once our child is actually here. You don't need to worry, I just need you to be here with me."
"I always will be." He promised, taking a step towards her, capturing her lips in a passionate kiss, the two only pulling apart when they remembered they were in the middle of the sidewalk.
Biting on her bottom lip sheepishly, Gabby continued walking, Matt following in step beside her as they came to her car.
"Well, I guess I'm gonna head home. I'll let you know when I'm back."
"Yeah I gotta get back to shift, you sure you're feeling okay?" He checked again, Gabby nodding.
"Mhmm." She hummed, her eyes flickering over his face. "I was actually thinking that I might stop by the house tonight, if you're up for it."
"I'm always up for spending time with you." He replied softly, wrapping his arms around her waist as they stood next to her car.
Heat rose to her cheeks despite the cold temperature, Gabby placing a hand on his chest. "I was considering cooking dinner for you all tonight, if you think everyone would be up for it."
Matt raised his eyebrows in question, a pensive look covering his face.
"What, Matt?" She asked when he had yet to respond.
"It's nothing, just- are you sure you don't want to take it easy before you go back to shift in a few days?"
"It's only dinner. I'm not gonna overdo it or anything, I promise. I just thought it would be nice."
"It would be nice, as long as you feel up for it. I'd love for you to come by, and I know the guys will be excited to see you."
"Yeah, I hope so…" Her voice got quiet, Gabby moving her gaze towards his chest, focusing her attention on his jacket's zipper as she fiddled with it, avoiding his gaze. Matt sighed heavily, understanding more of what this was about.
"So that's why you want to come by. Because of how they've been acting." He stated, Gabby still focusing on his chest.
"I'm just trying to remind them that they don't have to be afraid to reach out to me, cause I know they still are. I thought if I started to come around the house more, maybe they'd feel more comfortable with me again. It's stupid, I know, but I'm just trying to make an effort."
"It's not stupid." Matt replied, Gabby finally looking back up at him. "I don't know why they still are apprehensive to reach out, they have no reason to be. And I know it upsets you."
She nodded, feeling his hold on her waist tighten. "I just hate how everything is now. When they're around me, for the most part everything is fine, but if I don't initiate things, aside from Kelly and Herrmann, no one ever really talks to me. And who knows, maybe things will be like this forever. But I feel like I should try."
Matt flashed her a sympathetic smile, leaning forward to place a soft kiss between her eyebrows. "I think coming for dinner is a great idea. But I think I'm gonna keep it a surprise."
"Why?"
"Because I don't want you to feel pressured to come by tonight if you're not feeling up for it."
"Matt…"
"I know you, and if everyone knows you're coming, you'll come even if you know you should stay home and rest. Just in case, that way you have an out if you're too tired. And plus, it'll be a nice surprise for them."
"Alright." She gave in, Matt smiling.
"Just text me, let me know when you're coming."
"I will." She responded, giving him a quick kiss before they separated, Matt walking around the back of her car with her. "Stay safe, I'll see you tonight."
Matt nodded, watching as moved to the driver's side door. "Love you."
"I love you too." She spoke, sending him a wink before sliding into the car. He waited on the sidewalk until she safely pulled away, staying rooted in his spot for a few more seconds before turning to head towards his truck, knowing he needed to get back to shift.
Gabby pulled up to the curb outside 51, putting her car in park before reaching for her phone that was sitting on the passenger seat. The time read a little after five as she went to her calls, clicking on Matt's name before putting the device up to her ear.
"Hey there." He answered within two rings, Gabby practically able to hear the smile on his face.
"Hi, just letting you know I'm outside. Are you all here?"
"Yeah, we are." She could hear him walking as he talked, Gabby opening her car door and getting out.
"Alright, well I stopped to get groceries."
"You didn't have to do that." Gabby saw him walking out through the open garage door, Matt waving to her as he approached her car.
"Yes I did. Me offering to cook doesn't mean making peanut butter and jelly sandwiches. If you all wanted a real meal, I knew I needed to go get food."
"You have little faith." He spoke, pulling the phone away from his ear as he got close enough to her, Gabby ending the call, sliding her phone into her jacket pocket. "Everyone's gonna be glad to see you. They'll be even happier when they find out you have food."
"Well, no one in that house can say no to food." She responded, placing a soft kiss on him as he stopped by her before moving towards the backseat, opening the door and getting the groceries. "Do they know I'm here?"
"No, not yet." He answered, kicking the door shut with his foot, the pair beginning their walk up the driveway. "How are you feeling?"
"I'm alright, got a few hours of sleep once I got home." She said as they walked into the garage, navigating their way through the maze of rigs. "Would've enjoyed it a lot more had you been with me though." She spoke teasingly, bumping her hip into his lightly as the came around the front of the squad truck, Matt clicking his tongue against the roof of his mouth, his eyebrows raised in amusement.
"Hey Dawson, I didn't know you were stopping by." Severide spoke up from the squad table, the man coming up to greet her.
"Hey Kelly." She responded, giving him a quick hug before continuing her path, the Lieutenant walking with them towards the double doors. Severide opened the door, Gabby walking in first with Matt following behind her, hands full of groceries.
"Dawson's here!" Herrmann shouted excitedly as he saw her walk towards the common room, the older man standing up from the couch. "What are you doing here, kid?" He asked, meeting her at the entrance of the common room. The firefighter brought her in for a hug, Gabby silently grateful for the cushion her jacket provided around her stomach.
"Thought I'd stop by and make dinner for everyone." She responded as Matt walked around the pair, going to place the bags on the counter.
"Oh thank God." Stella breathed in relief. "Finally some good food around here."
"Well this just keeps getting better. I'm so glad you stopped by. How you been feeling?" Herrmann asked, following Gabby towards the kitchen.
"I've been doing good." She answered, flashing a smile towards Brett, Kidd, and Foster as she passed by them, walking around the counter to stand next to Matt.
"What are you making us, Dawson?" Severide asked as she began unpacking the ingredients.
"Locrio de Pollo." She responded, earning a few raised eyebrows from some of the firefighters, glancing towards Matt to see him smirking at her side. Herrmann's eyes shifted back and forth between the couple, Gabby biting back a chuckle. "Basically chicken and rice." She clarified, the man's smile growing.
"Oh, delicious. I can't wait."
"Thanks for doing this, Dawson." Otis called from the table, Gabby nodding.
"Of course. I wanted to come by and see you guys, thought I could at least make you all some food while I was here." She explained, going in search of the big pot she'd used a lot over the years. Opening up the cabinet where she expected it to be, she was surprised to find a bunch of mixing bowls there instead. She opened the few around it, her frustration growing as she was unable to find what she was looking for. Everything that had been kept in the same spot for years was now moved around, Gabby not able to find anything. Huffing out a breath, she turned back around, walking the few steps towards the counter, coming to stand at Matt's side. "Hey." She spoke quietly, getting his attention.
"Hmm?"
"Can you find that big pot for me, the one I used to use when I made that tortilla soup you love? I can't find it." Matt nodded, taking one step the side and bending down, pulling the pot out from its new home in the bottom cabinet. "Thanks." She murmured, turning back around to place it on the stove top. She heard rustling behind her, feeling Matt's body practically pressed into hers as he came up behind her.
"You okay?" He asked quietly, and for the first time in weeks, Gabby knew he wasn't asking her about physical health.
"Yeah, just can't find anything in here." She turned around to face him, Matt bringing his hand up to brush a few strands of hair from her face.
"Kidd and Foster decided to reorganize everything a few months back. Don't worry, it took me forever to find everything too." He spoke lightly, trying to ease some of her nerves. Gabby nodded, her eyes flickering past Matt towards everyone in the room, seeing them all chatting amongst themselves, before she looked back towards him.
"You wanna stay and help me?" She asked, Matt nodding immediately. He had been planning to stay by her side regardless, but now he had a reason to. "I won't be able to test the food, the spice and everything won't sit well." Her voice dropped as she spoke, her words barely audible.
"I'd be happy to help." He replied with a grin, Matt turning to look back at the rest of the firehouse before returning his attention to Gabby. "What are you gonna eat?"
"I'm gonna set some plain chicken aside and I'll have that. I know my stomach couldn't handle everything in this recipe right now." Matt nodded sympathetically, placing a kiss on her forehead before stepping away.
"Let's get to cooking, ma'am." He spoke, Gabby rolling her eyes playfully at him as they began to work.
They moved in tandem throughout the kitchen as they got the dish prepared, their movements second nature to each other now, years of cooking together coming in handy as Matt helped her prepare 51's meal. She was constantly having him sample the food, needing to make sure it tasted alright. Although she hadn't made this dish often, and he didn't know exactly what it was supposed to taste like, he'd know if it tastes good or not. And when feeding a house full of firefighters, you didn't need much more than that.
The two were in their own little world as they prepared dinner, Matt sneaking more than his fair share of samples as they were nearly done, Gabby letting the chicken and rice simmer together in the sauce.
"Matt, stop it." She chastised with a chuckle, smacking his stomach as he snuck another bite of food. "You're gonna eat it all."
"Fine, fine." He gave in, placing his used spoon in the sink. "How much longer?"
"Just a few minutes. I'm not sure how you're even still hungry." She teased, resting her hand over his stomach, patting his abdomen.
"I barely had any, and your food is good." He spoke, flashing her a grin while she stirred the food.
"Mhmm." She responded, unimpressed.
Glancing towards the clock, Matt saw it was well after six. He hadn't even realized that much time had passed since Gabby got here, and even more so, he couldn't believe no one had been called out in the hour that she'd been here. But he wasn't about to voice that out loud.
"Do you wanna go ahead and eat? I don't want you to wait too long." He asked, glancing towards the foil covered plate placed by the stove, Matt having portioned out some plain food for her earlier.
"No, I'm okay. I can wait and eat with you all."
"You sure?"
"Mhm. I had a snack before I came, I'm good Matt. Promise." She assured him, reaching for a new spoon and dipping it in the pot, getting a small bit for him to try. "Okay, last time. This taste okay?" Gabby held the spoon up to his mouth, Matt taking a bite, groaning from satisfaction.
"It tastes amazing."
"Alright, well you wanna gather everyone?" Gabby asked, Matt nodding as he picked up the pot, moving it towards the opposite counter by the plates. While Matt went around rounding everyone up, Gabby pulled the salad they'd prepared from the fridge, placing that and a few dressings off to the side. As everyone filtered into the common room, Gabby stood back by the fridge, her hands clasped in front of herself as she waited for everyone.
Boden and Matt were the last two to enter, the Chief smiling as he saw her. "I knew that smell was too good for anyone here to be cooking." He joked as Matt came to stand beside her. "Thanks for coming and cooking for us, Dawson."
"It's no problem." She responded softly. "I hope you guys like it." She spoke to the group, all of them giving her thankful smiles before they began to form a line, Matt staying by her side as everyone got their food.
"You wanna go sit down? I can bring you yours." He spoke into her ear.
"I can get my own food, Matt."
"I know you can. But you forget that this is something I do for you all the time, not just because of little baby Casey." He whispered, a soft smile forming on her face at his words.
"Fair point."
"I know. Now go sit. You want some water?" He asked, gently pushing Gabby towards the table.
"Yes please." She responded, Matt tapping her side before walking back into the kitchen, heading for her plate sitting on the counter.
Gabby took up residence in the chair to the right of Matt's spot at the head of the table. The chair had that been unofficially hers for years, Gabby settling down into it as firefighters filled in around her. Her eyes found Foster's, the woman sitting further down the table with Brett.
"Hi." Gabby greeted, Foster smiling softly.
"Hey. It's good to see you doing well." Emily spoke, Gabby knowing her words held a deeper meaning seeing as how the paramedic knew of her pregnancy.
"Thank you, I'm glad to be feeling better. How have you guys been?" She asked, her eyes bouncing between Emily and Brett.
"We've been good, super busy, but good." Brett answered. "How's life at the SAS treating you?"
"It's been great." Gabby said carefully, knowing a lot of ears were listening. She didn't want to make anyone feel uncomfortable by talking about her new job, but she didn't want to not respond. "I'm really enjoying it there."
"Yeah, I know we'd met Jemma before, but we got to meet Murray and Turner while we were at the hospital." Herrmann interjected after swallowing a mouthful of food. "They all seem like great people."
"They are, everyone there has been amazing since I started." She spoke, feeling a bunch of eyes on her. "It's kind of the same there as it is here, a big family, you know." Her voice trailed off at the end of her sentence, earning a knowing nod from Herrmann.
An uncomfortable silence had fallen over them, no one sure what else to say, but thankfully Matt appeared, juggling both plates and two glasses of water pressed between his arm and his chest.
"Matt, you're gonna make a mess." She spoke, standing up to grab the cups from him.
"I got it, I got it." He responded, Gabby placing their drinks down as Matt did the same with the plates, the two settling into their seats.
"Dawson, this is so good." Severide called from the round table across the room, his words encouraging more calls of praise from everyone in the room, Gabby ducking her head.
"Thanks guys, I'm just glad you like it. Maybe I could come by and do it more often, if you all want me to."
"Oh definitely." Herrmann replied almost immediately, Gabby feeling Matt place his hand on her thigh under the table.
"That would be great, Dawson." Boden spoke, Gabby smiling softly at the group as they all enjoyed their meals.
While they were eating, the topic of conversation bounced around to a variety of different topics, but then settled on them reliving a recent call, Gabby listening quietly as she heard them all laugh and joke about a drunk man on the scene, a man who'd tried to get a little handsy with Foster. It was the fourth conversation about a call so far during their dinner, and each time Gabby just sat there silently, being the only one in the room who didn't know the details of what they were talking about. The story made Gabby think back to the time that happened with her and Shay, and had this been a few months ago, she would've joined in and shared her similar experience. But she felt weird doing so now. In her head all she could picture was the looks she'd receive when mentioning a story from so long ago, a story that only Shay had been there to witness, and only Matt and maybe Kelly would really remember all the details of. She couldn't help but think if she opened her mouth and tried to speak up, all conversation would come to a halt.
Looking around the room, a heavy feeling settled in her gut. This didn't really feel like her home anymore, and it hadn't for awhile. She didn't fit in with them, she didn't feel like she belonged here. Gabby wasn't apart of this family anymore, not in the way she had been. She was a guest in this house now, and she couldn't help but feel a little naive for thinking that could ever change. She'd damaged her relationships with most everyone here, and too much time had passed for things to ever completely return to normal. If any of them had any interest in repairing what had been broken, she couldn't help but think things would've been fixed already.
The longer she sat here, the more uncomfortable she became. It was unsettling, to be back in this house but feeling like this is the last place she should be right now. She felt like an outsider, like someone who was just passing through, and she hated it. Even though it was technically true, it didn't make it hurt any less.
Maybe if she had reached out sooner, or told everyone what had been going on between her and Matt, she wouldn't be feeling like this right now. But she also couldn't understand why it felt like she was the only one trying to mend things. Because from where she was standing, it felt like none of them had any issues with how things were right now.
She knew this pregnancy had been messing with her emotions, and every feeling she had was magnified because of her hormones. She couldn't be sure this would be affecting her so much had she not been pregnant, but a part of her knew this would be upsetting no matter the situation. Everyone here had been her family for so long, and most of them felt like strangers now.
Gabby felt water gathering in her eyes, her overwhelming emotions putting her head through the ringer as she quietly sat there. And then she felt that familiar feeling begin to crawl up her throat, her stomach turning, her body beginning to reject the food she'd eaten.
Looking up to Matt, she placed her hand on his arm, trying to subtly gain his attention. When he turned towards her, his smile fell as he saw the look on her face and the tears hiding in her eyes.
"What's wrong? Are you okay?" He tried to keep his voice low, but he gained the attention of the firefighters near them, Herrmann and Boden glancing towards Gabby with concerned looks on their faces.
"I'll be right back." She whispered, swallowing thickly as she slid her chair back, walking behind Matt and heading for the door to the conference room, picking up her pace as she took the quickest path to the bathroom.
"Is she okay?" Herrmann asked immediately, gaining the attention of the entire room.
"Yeah, she's fine." Matt answered lamely, his eyes finding Kelly's, the squad Lieutenant wearing a knowing look on his face. Pushing his chair back, Matt put his napkin on the table, silently following after her, leaving the common room in a dead quiet.
He picked up his pace as he got into the hallway, practically jogging towards the bathroom. Pushing open the door, he grimaced as he heard her retching into the toilet, Matt turning the corner and finding her hunched over in the first stall. He knew she must've barely made it because she hadn't even bothered to close the door. Stepping inside the small space, Matt placed his feet on either side of her legs, pulling her hair back as she threw up, rubbing over her back to try and keep her calm. It had become common practice for them whenever she got sick, even if Gabby insisted she didn't need to be fussed over. Matt would always go and make sure she was okay.
"I'm sorry, Gabby." He murmured, frowning as he listened to her gagging. He could tell she wasn't even throwing up anymore, but her body was still trying.
Eventually, she started to lean back, Matt backing up to give her room as she flushed the toilet, slowly beginning to push herself up from the ground. Matt aided the process, helping her up before backing out of the stall, not wanting to overcrowd her.
"Was it the food?"
"I don't know." She responded, turning to face him, his frown deepening as he saw the tears shining in her eyes. "I think it might've been the smell of everyone's food, but it just hit me out of nowhere." She explained, her voice hoarse. Matt followed her over to the sink, standing close by as she cleaned up, washing her face and rinsing her mouth out with water.
"But you're feeling okay? Nothing's hurting you or anything?"
"No, no. I'm fine. I just haven't felt that sick in awhile." She told him, wiping under her eyes.
"You need anything?" Gabby shook her head, Matt placing his hand on her arm.
"No, I'm okay. I think I'm gonna get out of here, though. I just wanna shower and go to sleep."
"You sure you don't want to stay here? I'll give you my bed." He spoke with a small smile, Gabby chuckling softly.
"That's okay. As much as I'd love to stay with you, I think I need to sleep in an actual bed."
"I understand. Want me to go get your stuff, then I can walk you out?" Gabby nodded as she leaned her weight into the counter, Matt placing a soft kiss to the side of her head. "Alright, I'll go let them know you're heading out. I'm sorry this made you sick. We should've stuck to the peanut butter and jelly sandwiches." He joked, Gabby shaking her head as she laughed.
"Next time." She responded, Matt squeezing her arm before heading for the door, leaving her alone in the bathroom.
Casey quickly made his way back to the common room, hearing the quiet murmurs as he approached.
"Is she alright, Casey?" Mouch questioned, being the first one to see him enter.
"She's fine. She's been feeling a little under the weather lately, and the food didn't agree with her." He spoke through his teeth, making his way towards the counter to grab her purse and jacket.
"Anything we can do for her?" Boden asked, Matt catching his gaze.
"No, she's alright. But she's gonna head home, try and sleep it off."
"Well, tell her we appreciate her stopping by. I'm sorry she's sick." Kidd spoke, Matt giving the room a nod.
"I'll let her know." Matt responded, glancing to Kelly as he walked past the table, his friend giving him a supportive smile.
Casey barely made it out of the common room when he heard footsteps approaching behind him, Matt feeling someone reach out to grab his arm.
"Hey, you sure she's feeling okay?" Herrmann asked quietly, Matt turning to face him.
"Yeah, she's fine. Just needs to rest." Matt continued walking down the hallway, only making it a few yards before he was stopped again.
"Gabby's got me worried, Captain." Herrmann spoke, concern shining in his eyes.
Matt released a soft breath, shaking his head. "Herrmann…"
"I know you keep saying she's fine, ever since she was in the hospital that's all I've heard, but she's acting different. Something's going on." He said firmly, Matt keeping his face neutral. "I saw the bruising on her arm today, looked like she had an IV or something. And you ducking out for a few hours again today. You know I never really bought that her whole hospital visit was just exhaustion… something doesn't seem right here, Casey." Herrmann continued, crossing his arms over his chest. "She's not sick is she?"
From the tone in his voice, Matt knew Herrmann wasn't just referring to having a cold or the flu. He was asking if she was ill, if it was something serious.
Shaking his head side to side, Casey spoke up. "No, she's not." He answered quickly, Herrmann eyeing him skeptically. "I promise you, she's not. It's nothing like that. She just doesn't feel well right now, and she wants to go home."
"Alright." Herrmann replied, still unsure if he believed his Captain or not. "But I'm gonna call and check up on her tomorrow."
"She'd appreciate that." Matt replied, his words catching the older firefighter off guard. "Really Herrmann, you have no idea how much your calls meant to her while she was stuck at home. She was glad you reached out."
"Well, I needed to know she was doing alright. She really scared me…" He trailed off, shaking his head before changing the subject. "I'll let you get that stuff to her so she can get home, just let her know she'll be hearing from me tomorrow."
"I will. Thanks Herrmann." Matt replied before continuing his path towards the bathroom, the other man going back to the common room.
Gabby held her head in her hand as she rested her weight against the counter top, focusing on her breathing as she tried to get her nausea to pass, hoping that Matt would be back soon. It had been a few minutes since he'd left, and all she really wanted right now was to get home.
Hearing the door open, Gabby released a grateful breath. "Thank you for going to get that, I-" She cut herself off as she looked up, her spine straightening when she saw the blonde paramedic standing in the doorway.
"Sorry." Brett spoke, stepping in completely, letting the door swing closed behind her.
"It's fine, I was just expecting Matt." Gabby spoke, crossing her arms over her stomach. Brett nodded, the woman taking a deep breath.
"You feeling okay?"
"Yeah, I am. It was just…"
"Morning sickness." Brett supplemented, Gabby's tongue poking out between her teeth as she nodded. "Casey was telling everyone you're heading home, I just wanted to make sure you were okay."
"I'm alright, I've just had some pretty bad morning sickness so far. It's been rough." Gabby spoke lightly, a sympathetic smile falling onto Brett's face.
"How far along are you?"
"Ten weeks."
Brett nodded, taking a few steps closer towards her former partner. "I never got the chance to tell you, and I know you weren't really wanting anyone to find out yet, but congratulations." Sylvie spoke, hesitantly bringing Gabby into a quick hug. She reciprocated, the two pulling apart after a few seconds. "I'm so happy for you guys, I know how long you all have wanted this. This is great news."
"Thank you, Brett. Really, I appreciate it." Gabby responded, smiling softly.
"Hey babe, I got your stuff, are you- oh, sorry." Matt stopped himself as he got in the bathroom, not expecting to see Brett. He hadn't noticed her leave the common room while he was in there. "I didn't mean to interrupt."
"You're fine. Brett was just congratulating us."
"Yeah, I was telling Gabby how happy I am for you guys." Brett spoke, turning back towards her. "I'm really glad you're okay, Dawson. You had all of us worried. I'm glad the both of you are okay." She spoke sincerely.
"Thanks Brett. Me too."
"Alright, well I'll let you go. I am glad you stopped by, it was really good to see you." The blonde spoke, heading for the door. Gabby nodded in response, watching her former partner until she disappeared through the door.
She turned her attention to Matt, blowing out a heavy breath.
"You ready to go home?"
"More than ready." Gabby responded softly, Matt walking towards her, holding open her jacket for Gabby to slip into, her bag hanging off his elbow.
"I just told them you'd been feeling sick the last few days, and the food didn't agree with you. That you were gonna go home and get some rest."
"Thank you." She murmured, turning back around to face Matt. "For everything, thank you."
His eyebrows furrowed as Gabby wrapped her arms tightly around his waist, holding herself to his chest. "You know, this is the second time you've thanked me today." He murmured, bringing his arms around her and cradling her head against him, holding onto her for as long as she needed. "But you don't have to thank me for anything."
As he stood there holding her, he could tell there was something weighing on her mind, something he definitely wanted to discuss with her. And he wanted to talk to her about his conversation with Herrmann. But now wasn't the time, not when she needed to rest.
After nearly a minute, Gabby pulled away, stepping out of his arms but reaching out for his hand. "You ready?" Matt asked her softly, lacing his fingers with hers.
"Yeah." She replied, letting Matt lead the way as they left the bathroom, beginning the walk out of the firehouse.
Matt walked into the apartment, surprised to find it relatively quiet as he shut the door behind him.
"Gabby?" He called out softly, sliding off his boats and hanging up his coat, depositing his wallet and keys in the bowl next to Gabby's. When she didn't answer, Matt decided not to try again, figuring she was either asleep or distracted. Despite her exhaustion, he wasn't expecting her to be asleep already, with it only being a little after six. But he also knew she needed all the sleep she could get. Stopping in the kitchen to get some water, Matt walked further into the apartment, glancing into the living room to find it unoccupied. Turning left, Matt walked through their bedroom door, smiling softly as he saw her sprawled out across the bed, her body lying diagonally as her head rested on his pillow, her body tucked under the warmth of the covers.
After their relatively quiet morning together at the apartment once he'd gotten home from shift, he was a little surprised to see her napping so late into the afternoon, but he planned on letting her be. No matter how long she slept, he knew she'd sleep through the night with no issues, so he wasn't worried about needing to wake her. Placing his water down on the nightstand, he carefully leaning down to place a soft kiss to the top of her head.
He pulled back turning to head towards the dresser, but was stopped when he heard rustling behind him.
"Matt?" Her soft voice called him, Matt turning to face her, seeing her eyes blinking as she tried to adjust to the light, stretching her arms above her head. He couldn't help but smile as he watched her, finding her incredibly adorable in moments like this.
"Hey, sorry I didn't mean to wake you." He responded, sitting down on the edge of the bed, facing her as she smiled up at him.
"It's alright. How'd your job go?" She questioned, regaining her voice as she adjusted to lie on her back.
"It was fine, just had to fix a few shelves. Looks like you had a good nap while I was gone."
"I sure did." She spoke, placing her hand on his arm.
"Well, whatever sleep you can get before going back to work tomorrow is a good thing." He told her, Gabby sliding her hand up and down his arm, rubbing the skin softly.
"Mhmm." She responded, Gabby tucking her bottom lip in between her teeth, her hand sliding up towards his neck. Matt watched her closely, his eyebrows raised in question. Without a word, Gabby guided him down towards her, capturing his lips in a gentle kiss.
But that pace only lasted for a moment, Gabby quickly deepening their movements, opening her mouth as she held him against her. With each passing moment, the tension continued to build between them, Gabby's free hand sliding up his leg, Matt moaning into her mouth.
"Gabby…" He groaned as she pulled away, wearing a proud look on her face as his eyes fluttered open. She brought her hand down from his neck to join her other one, beginning work on his belt, Matt forcing himself to take a deep breath as she brushed her hands over him. "You're killing me." He mumbled under his breath, Gabby smirking as she pulled the belt off of him, tossing it to the floor.
Reaching for his shirt, she bunched it in her grip, pulling him back down towards her, kissing him feverishly as Matt's hand fell against the mattress behind her, holding himself up. He hovered over her, only pulling back when her hands moved towards his jeans, beginning to work on his zipper.
"Are you sure?" He questioned between his panting breaths, Gabby nodding immediately.
"It's been too long." She responded, Matt knowing better than anyone that was the truth. It had been way too long, the two of them not having been together since before finding out about her pregnancy. Neither of them were in a good place, between the uncertainty around this baby, the weeks they weren't even speaking, and then Gabby's stint in the hospital. It hadn't given them much of an opportunity to enjoy one another, the couple never having the moment to celebrate this pregnancy properly. But now there was nothing standing in their way. "I want you." She whispered, Matt needing no more convincing as he pushed himself up from the bed, beginning to shed his clothes. He slid his already open pants down his legs, kicking out of them as he pulled the t-shirt from his body.
While he moved, Gabby tossed the covers off of her, Matt's eyes darkening as he saw her in only her underwear and a thin tank top, neither piece of material doing much to hide her from him.
Stripped down to his boxers, he climbed onto the bed, hovering over her body as he captured her lips with his, taking special care to keep his weight off her. Their kisses started slow, but soon picked up pace, Matt tracing kisses down her neck as his hand moved up under her tank top, cupping her skin gently. Gabby's soft moans in his ear urged him on, continuing his kisses down to her upper chest, kissing any exposed skin he could find.
"You've gotta tell me if you need me to stop." He whispered against her collarbone, his hand sliding out from under her tank top before gently peeling the material from her body, tossing it aside aimlessly. "I don't want to hurt you." He spoke, placing gentle kisses over her chest.
"You won't hurt me." She assured him, her hand moving to grab ahold of his short hair, Matt kissing his way down her breast bone as he discarded his boxers. He continued moving his lips further down, hooking his fingers under the waistband of her underwear. But his kisses stopped as he removed the last item of clothing between them, taking in her bare form for a few moments before attaching his lips to hers again, Gabby sighing against him. "Don't make me beg." She whispered, Matt chuckling softly as she wrapped her legs around his waist.
"I won't… at least not this time." He teased, kissing her again. "Although that does sound like fun."
Gabby silenced him with a heated kiss, holding his bare body against hers as they began to move as one, relishing in the feeling of being together again, soft moans filling the otherwise quiet room as they held onto one another like their lives depended on it.
It felt right to end the chapter with some sweet Dawsey. Based on your reviews, I know how many of you enjoy reading their soft moments, and I definitely enjoy writing them.
I've noticed that I've been getting a lot of mixed reactions to everything with 51, and I understand it, I do. I know some people are surprised that things between Gabby and 51 aren't okay yet, and if this was being done on the show I know things between them would've been fixed in like an episode, but I have my reasons for why things are still not 100%. I'm not saying it's going to be like that forever, but I'm not doing it just because. There's a reason Gabby's still nervous around them, why she feels the way she does, and why they're still apprehensive around her (minus Herrmann and Kelly). I'm not saying things will never be repaired, but there's a lot of things that haven't been dealt with, and Gabby's already dealing with a lot. I know a lot of you are waiting for when 51 will find out about what happened to Gabby and why she left. I don't want to give too much away around the how or why, but it's coming.
Also, I want to let you guys know I posted the second chapter of Whatever Comes Next earlier today if you would like to go read it! It would mean the world to me if you all would check it out. I know AU's aren't everyone's favorite thing, but if you are interested, I would appreciate you all giving it a chance! The support I've gotten on that story already has been incredible, I am so thankful for you all.
As always, thank you for reading, I can't wait to hear what you all thought of this one. The fact that so many people continue to read this story and continue to review every chapter this far into it is mind blowing, I never imagined we'd get this far. I never expected so many people to enjoy this, and I'm so grateful for all of you.