Hello there everyone! I'm back with the next chapter for you all. I really enjoyed seeing your reactions to the last one, and what you all thought about everything with Boden. We're definitely about to get a lot more into that now, and I'm eager to hear your thoughts on all of this as well.

As always, thank you so much for reading! I appreciate all of you who are still sticking with me and this story, it means so much to me. Hopefully you all enjoy this one too, I'll see you next time.

Happy reading!

Chapter One Hundred and Fifty One

The low drone of the television was the only sound to be heard throughout the firehouse as Casey sat quietly on the couch in the common room. It was pretty late, sometime in the middle of the night, the rest of the firehouse fast asleep while Matt was out here, his eyes focused on the TV as some old reruns were playing over and over. But despite his gaze locked in that direction, his mind couldn't be farther away, Casey hardly paying attention to the show in front of him as he couldn't stop thinking about what had happened earlier today.

About what had happened in Boden's office, Matt unable to get their talk out of his head as he still didn't know what to make of what all had been said between them.

"And I want you to take over for me."

There was a loud buzzing in his ears as the Chief said those words, Matt sure his mind was playing tricks on him as a hundred different emotions flooded through his system.

The Chief, their Chief, was leaving.

He was leaving, and he wanted him to take over.

And Casey didn't know what to make of it.

"I can only imagine what you must be thinking right now." Boden started after a couple seconds of quiet, Matt sure he wasn't actually processing any of this as he found the Chief's gaze. "And I didn't mean to just drop this on you, but truthfully there was no good way to have this conversation. I've been wanting to talk to you about it for a few weeks now, to give you time to-"

"To take over for you." Casey stated, finally finding his voice as Boden gave him a soft nod. "But Chief, I'm not a…"

"You're not a Chief, I know that." He replied quietly, Casey pursing his lips together as Boden leaned forward towards his desk. "But you could be… You could be a great one." He added on, Casey staying silent as a stoic look covered his features.

"I meant what I said just now, Casey. You are an incredible firefighter- an amazing Captain. And you could be a great, great Chief… If you wanted to be."

Things went silent between them once more, Matt's throat feeling a bit dry as he did what he could to process what all was being said to him. But he was having a hard time grasping the magnitude of this, as his Chief had been right about one thing- that Matt never saw this coming.

"All of this, it wouldn't be happening for a while. A few months, at least." Boden continued on when he came to realize his Captain wasn't going to say anything, or that he couldn't say anything. "There are still things I'd have to take care of, get a few ducks in a row, that sort of thing. And, depending on your answer, I'd be helping to find someone to take over for me, but all of this won't be happening for a while… This wouldn't be immediate."

Casey nodded slowly, his hands running over his thighs while his leg shook up and down rapidly, his mind trying to focus on one thing at a time as he slowly looked back towards Boden.

"This… You leaving, is this because of a promotion?" Casey asked, Boden raising his eyebrows slightly. "Or is it retirement."

The Chief pursed his lips together, Boden clenching his hands a little tighter before he responded. "As of right now, I'm not sure." He answered him, Boden releasing a soft sigh when he saw the look of confusion on Casey's face. "I… I've been approached about some opportunities to move up. But I've also thought about retiring, I've been talking a lot about it with Donna, so I'm not entirely sure what I'd do yet. But that's part of what I meant, with figuring things out." He explained as best he could, Matt pausing for a moment before he nodded.

"But none of what I do affects your decision here." He said, gaining Matt's gaze once more. "Whether I choose to retire, or look into what headquarters is offering, I won't be here regardless. So this position here, it'll be open if this is something you want. If a promotion is something you'd be interested in, because I also know there are people at headquarters who have been keeping their eye on you, and are jumping at the chance to promote you." He added, Boden not missing the slight look of surprise that formed over Matt's face.

"Wait, what?" He pressed, Boden giving him a nod.

"You're on a short list, Casey." He told him, Matt breathing in deeply while he waited for Boden to continue. "Headquarters is always keeping their eyes on their officers, and who they think would be a good fit for any promotions that come up… You're on that list. And they'd made it known to me that when I do step down, if a promotion is something you want, and you're willing to take those steps to become a Chief, you're first in line for who they want to replace me." He finished, Casey gnawing on the inside of his cheek for a moment before he finally replied.

"I… I don't really know what to say." He breathed out, earning an understanding nod from his boss. "All of this, it…"

"I know." Boden answered sympathetically. "And that's why I brought it to you now, to give you time. Because while I think you'd be great at this job, I also know this is not something we've ever really talked about. Your plans, and your future in the department…" He spoke, his leading words causing Matt to release a soft sigh.

"Yeah, honestly I don't really know either, Chief." He responded, Boden nodding softly. "It's not something I've thought about."

"I understand, Casey. Like I said, I know this is coming out of nowhere for you, so just take some time and think about it." He told him, Matt hesitating for a second before he nodded. "And just so we're on the same page, even though you taking over 51 is something I'd like, I don't want you to do this if you don't want to." He spoke clearly. "This job is a lot, and has been on me for years, I know you know that. It would definitely be a shift from what you're used to. So I completely understand if you decide you don't want to take this on right now, especially with the girls… Don't feel like you're obligated to say yes, because you're not." He continued on, Matt giving him another nod. "This has to be what you want, Casey. Or this job will drown you."

"I understand, Chief." He replied, Boden nodding with a slight smile.

"So just take some time, think it over. Talk about it with Dawson… Do whatever you need to." He instructed, the two men looking at each other. "And let me know what you decide."

"Hey handsome."

Casey was pulled from his thoughts when he registered the familiar voice, Matt blinking quickly a few times before he looked over towards the entrance of the common room to find Gabby standing there. Her hands were in the pockets of her jacket while she watched him, Matt able to tell from first glance that she had just woken up. From the exhaustion in her voice, to the obvious tiredness hiding in her eyes, he knew she wasn't entirely awake. But regardless, she stood there with a soft smile on her face.

And the sight was certainly a welcome one, as it had been a while since he'd seen his wife.

In fact, it had been hours since he'd really seen her, as Matt hadn't been able to have a moment alone with her since he spoke with Boden. The house had been out on a few calls all afternoon and evening, 61 and 81 mostly missing each other throughout the day. And then once truck returned from their latest call tonight, Gabby was already fast asleep in her bunk, so Matt hadn't had a chance to talk to her then either.

"Hey baby." He greeted after a second, Matt adjusting his positioning on the couch as she began to walk towards him. "What are you doing up?"

"I woke up to go to the bathroom, and when I came back I noticed you weren't in your office." She told him as she sat down next to him on the couch, Gabby resting her leg up against his as her foot was on the cushion, her body as close to his as she could get. She was angled towards him slightly, Matt reaching out to rest his arm over the inside of her leg while Gabby looked him over. "When did you guys get back?"

Casey shrugged slightly, his hand rubbing over her shin as he gave her a soft smile. "An hour or two ago, I'm not sure." He answered honestly, Gabby's eyebrows furrowing slightly at the odd tone in his voice.

Even through her exhaustion, she knew something was bothering him. Or at the very least there was something on his mind. She'd seen it some throughout the day, and it was impossible to miss now as the minute she got into the room, it was like he wasn't even here. His head was completely elsewhere, and he hadn't snapped out of it until she'd spoken.

There was something weighing on his mind, she just wasn't sure what it was.

Drawing in a deep breath, Gabby placed her arm along the back of the couch before reaching out to rest her hand over the back of his neck, her fingers playing with the ends of his hair in an effort to relax him.

"Is everything okay, Matt?" She asked quietly, the uncertainty in her voice causing him to release a sigh of his own, his gaze moving forward as he looked back to the television. "What's going on?"

Casey took another breath as he stayed silent, his mind doing what it could to think over everything before he glanced back towards her, finding her unsure eyes on him. "That conversation with Boden earlier, there were some things we talked about…" He started, Gabby giving him an encouraging nod to continue. "And he, uh… God, I guess I just need to say it. Boden wants me to be the new Chief."

A range of different emotions started to play out over Gabby's face, Matt giving her head a second to catch up to what he'd said as her mouth parted slightly, like there was something she wanted to say. But as quickly as it opened she closed it, that strong look of confusion reappearing across her features while Matt gave her leg a soft squeeze.

"He… What?" She finally got out, Casey nodding slowly as a small smile graced his lips. "Boden wants you to become a Chief?"

"He wants me to become the Chief." He clarified, her eyes narrowing slightly like she was trying to understand what he was saying. "He wants me to become a Chief and take over his job, be 51's Chief."

"I… I don't even know what to say, what's happening to Boden?" She questioned, Matt running his tongue along the inside of his cheek before he began explaining what all had been talked about in Boden's office.

He did his best to walk through everything, Casey making an effort to not leave anything out, though with the late hour his mind was a little foggy. But he'd managed to get all of it out, Gabby hanging on his every word as he explained what was on his mind.

"And I guess I'm on some short list… A list of officers they've been keeping an eye on." He continued on, not missing the proud smile that began to form over his wife's lips, the immensity of this beginning to hit her now that she was more awake. "People they're wanting to promote."

"That's amazing, baby." She spoke softly, stroking her thumb along the back of his neck as her smile widened, Matt unable to stop himself from matching her look before giving her leg another squeeze. "It's not surprising, because you're incredible at what you do. You're an amazing Captain, and I'm glad you're being recognized for that."

"Thanks babe." He murmured, feeling her press her leg into his gently. "And yeah, I guess the job is mine, if I can meet all the qualifications... Boden wants me to take the job, and headquarters wants that, too." He breathed out, Gabby's smile weakening slightly as she was beginning to understand some of his hesitation.

She had always been able to read him well, and if you were to ask her, she knew him better than anyone. Which meant she was able to see what was bothering him right now, before she even said anything.

"...And what do you want?" She asked him, Matt pausing for a moment before he huffed out a heavy breath.

"I don't know." He answered honestly, Gabby nodding almost immediately as she continued running her fingers along the back of his neck. "I really don't."

"Okay." She replied softly, Gabby keeping close to him as the air around them hung heavy. "That's okay… This is a big thing, and I know I wasn't expecting it. I can't imagine you were, either." She spoke, making an effort to voice as many of her thoughts out loud as she could, Gabby not wanting him to feel alone in his uncertainty. "But I'm sure you've thought a little bit about it now, at least since you and Boden talked." She pushed, Casey clicking his tongue against the roof of his mouth before he nodded. "...Where's your head at, baby?"

"I… I don't know, it's kind of all over the place." He voiced, earning another nod from her before he continued. "You're right, I definitely wasn't expecting this. At least right now, so it's not something I've really thought about, now with everything we have going on… I mean, obviously I've thought about it in the past. And I know we talked a few times years ago, when I was promoted to Captain, but it was never any actual conversations." He rambled out, Gabby staying quiet to let him get all of this off his chest.

"So I'd never really considered it, not seriously at least. But now… I don't know. I'm not sure what to do here, if this is something I want. But on the other hand, I don't know if this is something I could pass up. This is an amazing opportunity, and with headquarters wanting me to do this, and Boden…" He trailed off, releasing a heavy breath. "No matter what he says, I know he'd be disappointed if I don't do this. Maybe not in me, but just the circumstances… And having to bring in someone new, and risk throwing everything off."

"Baby, it's not your responsibility to worry about that." She interjected, her words causing him to glance her way. "And if it's just about someone new coming in, that's not a reason to take on this sort of job if you don't want it."

"No, I know that, but it's just… It's what all I've been thinking about." He explained, Gabby giving him a nod before he spoke up once more. "I've just been trying to think over all of this since Boden talked to me about this, and right now- I don't know. For the longest time, I didn't really know if this was something I'd want for me, for us, but now with where our lives are at…"

He went quiet for another moment, Gabby waiting to see where he was going with this as she continued to be a silent, supportive presence by his side.

"I know this would be a huge change for us, that I'd be taking on a lot more. And with the girls being so young, I don't know if it's a good idea. But then they're also a big part of why I think maybe I should do this." He told her, his head falling to the side slightly while she saw the pensive look on his face. "Me taking this job would mean less running into burning buildings, it would be more working from the sidelines… I know it's not a guarantee, and Boden still puts his life on the line every shift, it's still dangerous. But it's not the same thing."

Gabby's eyes closed as she slowly took in what was being said to her, his words holding a lot of truth to them as she knew that being a Chief was inherently a little safer than what he was doing now. And it was something she'd considered a lot over the years, especially ever since he became a Captain. Though if she were being honest with herself, the thought had been in her mind even before then, ever since that factory fire all those years ago, the same one that almost took him from her. That one that nearly debilitated her with fear. Ever since then, the thought had always been in the back of her mind, that if one of these days he moved up the chain of command, it would help lessen her worry for him every time the bells went off, even just a little bit.

But she kept quiet about that now, as she didn't want her concern for him to dictate his decision. She never had, because it wasn't fair to him.

But if his words now were any indication, it was something weighing on his mind, too.

"Me taking this job would be a little safer, and with you and our girls it's definitely something to consider." He spoke up again, Gabby opening her eyes to find him looking down in between them, his gaze focused on her leg while he drew soft patterns over the top of her pants with his finger. "I love my job, and I'd never want to stop being a firefighter unless I felt like it was something I needed to do. But I've had a few close calls in my time… Too many close calls." He breathed out, Gabby wincing slightly as a few of those calls were already fresh in her mind.

"And every time I run into one of those buildings, or even just going out into the field, we know how dangerous it can be. For the both of us, especially after everything you just went through." He spoke knowingly, Gabby taking a breath before she nodded. "But when I go out there, when I go into those fires, I know what I'm putting at risk… I'm risking more than just me. I'm risking everything." Casey reminded her with a slight shake of his head. "But then on the other hand, I don't know if my job is something that I'm ready to give up. I don't know if I want to take that next step up, or if I'd be better off staying where I am. And it's all just… I don't know, I know I'm rambling but there's so much to consider here. More than me, more than the girls. It's just a lot."

"No, you're right. It is." She murmured, Matt looking back up at her before nodding slowly. "It's a lot… There are a lot of factors here."

"This would change everything." He reiterated after a moment, Gabby drawing in a deep breath. "...With me, and our family."

"And what it would mean for us." She added on, her words causing a curious look to cross his face.

"What do you mean?" He pushed, watching as she bit down on her bottom lip, like she was unsure of whether or not to say what was on her mind, before she eventually spoke up.

"I just mean… You taking this job, becoming the Chief here, likely means that I would have to transfer houses."

The second those words left her lips, she saw the uncertain look in his eyes. Like he wasn't sure why she was even talking about this, Gabby realizing this wasn't something that had crossed his mind. But, selfish or not, it had hers. And even though Matt was watching her with an almost overwhelming amount of confusion in his features, as the seconds continued to pass she saw when he truly began to understand what she was saying, and why she was saying it.

And she could tell he didn't like it.

"With me being the PIC, you'd be my boss again. So I'm not sure how that would work… And after all the trouble we went through when I was a firefighter, with us not technically even supposed to be engaged, let alone married, this is kind of the same thing, isn't it? You being my boss… I don't know if they'd let us keep working together." She voiced, Matt frowning slightly before he began shaking his head.

"They better, or I'm not doing it." He spoke with a recognizable strength in his words, Gabby's eyes closing for a moment as she sighed heavily.

"Matt, that's not what I meant-"

"I'm serious." He cut her off, Gabby mimicking his actions before bringing her free hand up to rub over her temple. "If we couldn't figure something out, then I don't want to even consider it." He spoke with that determination she knew so well.

But she wasn't going to give in that easily, either.

"Babe, I'm sorry but that's a bit ridiculous." She tried to reason, Matt cocking his head slightly as she ran her hand along the side of her face. "You're not going to stall your career just because of me, I won't let you do that."

"And I wouldn't want to further my career if it isn't what's best for our family." He countered, Gabby opening her mouth to protest, but he continued on before she could. "You being at a different house, and possibly on a different shift, that's not what's best for us. You and I both know that." He reasoned, Dawson's mouth slowly closing as she knew he had a point.

"And even more than that, I won't let my work affect you like that. That's not fair to you." He continued on, his hand rubbing over her leg once more. "...If I wanted to be a Chief that badly, maybe it would be more of a discussion. Or I'd move houses before you had to, but if you would have to be moved to another house then this is not something I want… Hell, I don't even know if I want this at all. So I'm certainly not going to put you through that because of this."

Gabby huffed out a soft breath as she thought over his words, knowing she really didn't have much she could say to refute him. At least not now, not in the middle of the night, Dawson biting down on the inside of her cheek while she tried to gather her thoughts.

"Okay, well I do appreciate that." She told him, Matt nodding softly as she leaned back into the couch. "You considering me in all this."

His eyebrows furrowed slightly, Matt looking over her face before he responded. "You say that like you're not the most important thing for me to consider, here." He replied with a slight laugh, Gabby shrugging slightly as she scratched the back of his neck.

"Well, technically I'm not… There's two very special little girls at home who are at the top of that list." She corrected him, Casey grinning sheepishly before ducking his head down a bit.

"I count you all equally." He defended, Gabby released a soft chuckle. "You and the girls- my family, you're what I consider first. For everything."

"I know that, and I love you for it… But we don't need to decide all this out right now. Not tonight." She reminded him, Casey sucking in a slow breath before he nodded once more. "It's late, and this is a big thing… Something that's gonna take more than one conversation. But whatever you decide, I'll always support you. You know that." She continued on, the smile on his face confirming her words. "And we'll figure it out… We always do."

"Yeah." He agreed, leaning back into her touch. "We always do."

His voice was soft, barely audible, but Gabby made it out regardless, that genuine smile returning to her face before she slowly leaned in to press a kiss to his lips. It was fleeting, but enough to relax him before she pulled away, Gabby scratching his head gently while his eyes stayed closed.

"But I am so proud of you, you know?" She spoke up, Matt opening his eyes slowly to find her watching him with nothing but love and admiration in her gaze. "I know I said it already, but I am… No matter what you decide, I'm so damn proud of you for this, baby. And I'm just so glad everyone else is recognizing how incredible you are."

"Thank you." He replied quietly before leaning forward to kiss her once more, the two staying connected for a few lingering seconds before Gabby ultimately pulled away. "And I love you, too." He added, Gabby giving him a soft smile before glancing off towards the dim hallway.

"...You ready to try and get some sleep?" She questioned, knowing their conversations about this possible promotion were done, at least for tonight, as Matt shrugged softly.

"I'm probably gonna stay here for a bit longer, but you go. Get some sleep." He encouraged, Gabby giving him a slight smile before she shook her head.

"I'll stay." She murmured, Casey matching her grin before he lifted his arm up behind her.

"Come here." He spoke, Gabby turning her head to press a kiss to his arm before she adjusted her position on the couch, her legs curling up underneath her as she rested down against his chest. His arms wrapped around her protectively, Gabby cuddling into the warmth he provided as he pressed a kiss to the top of her head.

It was quiet, just like it had been for most of the night, Casey sitting comfortably in his seat while Gabby leaned into his side. And within moments, he could tell that she'd fallen asleep, a small smile appearing over his lips as he felt her breathing evening out, Matt pressing another kiss to her head as he was just grateful for her to get some rest. And hopefully soon, he'd be able to as well.

"Casey… Wake up, man."

Matt slowly came into consciousness when he heard his name, the person in front of him repeating their words as they began to tap against his arm in an effort to wake him up, Casey wincing slightly when he became more alert.

"Shifts almost over."

He eventually recognized the voice to be Severide's, Matt opening his eyes only to begin blinking quickly in an effort to adjust to the light around him, it taking a few seconds for the Captain to make out his surroundings before he glanced up towards Kelly.

"Well, good morning sunshine." Severide teased, Casey glaring slightly as he realized he was still out on the couch in the common room. That he'd been here all night. And from the weight he felt against his chest, and the body underneath his arms, so had Gabby, Matt glancing down to see her still fast asleep against him.

"Shift's almost over?" Casey repeated Kelly's words once he found his voice, Severide giving him a nod as he patted his shoulder once more. "Did we never get another call?" He questioned, trying to gather his bearings.

"Nah, it was a quiet night… We tried to let you all sleep as long as we could, but there's some breakfast if you want it."

Confusion washed over Casey before he started looking around the room, only to find more people in here aside from just Severide. In fact, from what he could tell, most of the house was here, silently eating their breakfast while the TV still played softly in the background.

"Good morning, Captain." Mouch said from back at the long table, Matt's neck craning in that direction to see him sitting with a few other firefighters.

"Hey guys… Sorry about this, you could've woken us earlier." He replied after clearing some of the exhaustion from his throat, Herrmann waving him off from his seat beside Mouch.

"Nah, it's alright. You all looked like you could use the rest." Herrmann commented, Casey shooting him a grateful smile before he turned back to face forward, his eyes moving down towards Gabby once more as he started rubbing her arm.

"Gabby…" He murmured, Matt taking a deep breath before adding a little more pressure to his movements, in an effort to wake her up. "Babe, it's time to get up." He added on quietly before a soft groan left her lips, like she was fighting against waking up. "It's almost time to go."

It took her a few moments, but eventually Gabby began to gather herself as Matt continued rubbing her arm, the woman making no effort to move her head up from his chest as her hand slid down to his stomach. "What time is it?"

"Uh, about a quarter till shift change." He answered after glancing down towards his watch, Gabby sucking in a heavy breath before she began to push up from his side.

"Morning Dawson." Norris called from the table once she noticed her friend was more alert, a few more greetings being heard from the room as she gave a soft smile.

"Morning." Gabby replied before beginning to stretch out her arms and her back, it slowly starting to dawn on her that sleeping out here wasn't the best decision they'd ever made. Especially when they always made an effort to keep things somewhat professional at work. But she also knew her friends, and knew none of them would care, Gabby finishing rolling out her neck before she glanced over towards Matt.

"You want anything to eat?" He asked her, Casey reaching out to brush down some of her hair that had gotten messed up while they slept, before she shook her head.

"No, it's okay… We can just eat at home with the girls." She replied, Matt giving her a smile before they began to get up off the couch and head out of the room to get ready to leave.

The last few minutes of shift were thankfully uneventful, third shift beginning to filter in while Matt and Gabby got all their things together, the calls for this morning graciously waiting until after shift change as they were able to head out the door right on time.

"I wonder if the girls are up yet." Gabby spoke as they headed down the driveway, Casey offering her a small smile while his arm was resting over her shoulders, Gabby holding onto his hand as they moved in sync with one another.

"I'm not sure, it's always impossible to know. Especially with Sof." He responded, earning a knowing nod from his wife at the mention of their youngest daughter's sleeping habits. Though, luckily, they were getting better than what they had been weeks ago. "But we haven't heard from Becca at all yet, which usually means they're still sleeping."

"Yeah." She agreed with a gentle grin, Gabby leaning into his side slightly when they approached the sidewalk. "Maybe we'll get home in time to be there when they wake up." She added on, Casey matching her smile as he knew how much they both enjoyed getting to be with their girls in the morning.

"Maybe, yeah." He replied, pressing a kiss to the side of her head before they continued towards his truck.

"Casey!"

Both Gabby and Matt slowed their steps when they heard his name being called, the couple turning to find Boden walking out of the firehouse, his shift bag swung over his shoulder while he continued making his way down the driveway.

Pursing his lips together, Matt dropped his arm from around Gabby's shoulders, their connected hands falling as he glanced back towards her. "Can you give us a minute, babe?" He asked as Boden continued in their direction, Gabby looking between the two men before she nodded.

"Yeah, of course." She answered, Casey offering her a small smile before he handed the keys out to her just as the Chief got closer, Gabby giving him a quick nod before heading off towards the truck.

"Hey Chief." Casey greeted, the firefighter still holding onto both his and Gabby's bags as Boden came to stand in front of him.

"Hey Casey… Sorry to stop you like this. I'm sure you two are trying to get home, so I won't keep you long. But I was just wondering if you'd had a chance to speak with Dawson?" Boden questioned, his eyes flickering back towards the truck behind Matt as Gabby got into the vehicle.

"I did, we talked about it." He replied, Boden offering a small smile before he nodded. "...I'm still gonna need some time, though. To figure things out." He added, the Chief soon shaking his head.

"No, of course. Take all the time you need, I was just curious." He commented, Casey giving him a weak nod before Boden started walking past him. "I meant what I said Casey, there is no rush here… I guess I'd just like to be kept in the loop, when you do figure out what your plans are."

Matt nodded slowly, adjusting the straps of their bags on his shoulder before Boden mimicked the action, the two men sharing an understanding look before the Chief started walking in the opposite direction.

"Wait- Chief." Casey stopped him abruptly, Boden turning back around to face him before Matt took a few steps forward, to take back the distance between them. "I, uh… Before I really sit down and think this through, there is one thing I need from you." He told him, his conversation last night- or early this morning, rather, with Gabby ringing around in his head.

"What is it?" Boden pressed, his eyebrows raising slightly as Casey sucked in a deep breath.

"All of this, it's a big decision. One that's gonna affect more than just me." He spoke while nodding back towards the truck where his wife was waiting for him, Boden pausing for a moment before giving him the signal to continue. "But before I even consider taking this job, I need assurance from headquarters that Gabby will not be moved out of this house."

A soft sigh left Boden's lips, the man bringing his hand up to rub over his mouth as the true meaning of Casey's words began to wash over him, Matt clearing his throat in an effort to regain the Chief's attention before he continued.

"You pretty much told me that headquarters wants me to take this job, that they want me in this position, which is something I really appreciate. But they also know our situation." He prefaced, Casey watching as more and more realization started to dawn on Boden. And in that moment, it became clear to Casey that his boss hadn't really thought about this.

And that's what Casey was afraid of.

"They know Gabby and I are married, and that she's the PIC here… So they know I'd be put into a position where I'm her boss." He continued on, Boden giving him a slight nod. "And… You know us, you know we can remain professional at work. That we go out into the field, and everything's fine… But I also know that headquarters has had their issues with us before." He spoke honestly, as both men were well aware of the hoops they'd had to jump through in the past when it came to him and Gabby, when they were in a position where he was in charge of her.

"I don't know what the rules are, or how this would work… If it even could work, but I just want to make sure everyone is on the same page here. I'm not doing this if it means Dawson is removed from the house." He finished, Boden mulling over his words before he spoke up.

"I understand." He replied, Matt looking him over before he nodded. "And I'll be honest with you, it wasn't something I had really considered when going over all this." He added on, though by the look on Casey's face, Boden knew his firefighter was already aware of that. "But I'll talk to my bosses, and see what would have to happen, if anything."

"Thank you." Casey responded, earning another nod from Boden.

"Like you said, you and Gabby worked together while you were together before, for a long time, and aside from a few bumps along the way, everything was fine." He said, Matt drawing in a breath as he glanced back at his wife. "And even though you're not her boss now, you still have seniority over her in the house… She already answers to you out on calls when I'm not there, and there have been no issues."

"Yeah, we'd be fine." Casey echoed clearly. "We've been working together for years, and I… I'm not blind to the fact that this would change our dynamic here. That it would be an adjustment for us, I understand that. We both do." He told him, Boden nodding in agreement. "But we'd be able to handle it. I'm not worried about that, I'm worried that they won't let her stay because of me… And if that's the case, I don't want this job."

"I understand, Casey." Boden replied, both of them sharing a look before he continued. "And truthfully, in your position, I'd likely do the same thing. So let me talk to them, and see what they have to say… I know about the rule of not letting spouses on the same rig, and I imagine that applies to Chief/PIC relationships in the house. But I just don't know… This isn't a typical situation, so there might be some leeway there."

"Yeah, it's not… It's like you said, this isn't a normal situation." Casey repeated, doing what he could to gather his thoughts. "I understand them not wanting to bring spouses into the house, and having them work under officers. I get that. But that's not this… Gabby is already here, and has been for years. This is her home, just like it's yours and mine." He said, Boden nodding strongly in agreement. "And I won't make her have to leave it."

"I know, Casey. And you're right." He replied, Matt pursing his lips together before he nodded. "So I'll see what we can work out… Since you all have proved that you're able to work together, and headquarters wants you to take this position, maybe it won't be an issue. I'm not sure. But I'll find out, and let you know."

"Alright Chief… Thank you. We both appreciate it." Matt responded, Boden nodding before reaching out to pat his shoulder.

After a few quick goodbyes, the men went their separate ways, Boden heading towards his car in the parking lot, while Matt walked down the sidewalk to his truck. As he passed her door, he gave her a soft smile, one she reciprocated before he tossed their bags into the truck bed, Casey making sure they were secure before heading around to the drivers side door.

"...Everything alright?" Gabby asked as he got in, Matt glancing her way after shutting the door behind him.

"Everything's fine." He answered, Dawson looking over his features before she nodded. "We were just talking more about this job… He said he's gonna talk to headquarters, about you and I, and what it would mean for you to be able to stay here if I did this… And that he'd get back to me." He explained, Gabby beginning to gnaw on her bottom lip before nodding once more.

"Alright." She answered after a moment, Matt smiling softly at her before reaching out to grab ahold of her hand, the man squeezing her palm supportively. "You ready to go home?" She asked him, Casey lifting her hand up to press a gentle kiss against her skin before he nodded, the thought of spending time with his family and being able to forget about all of this for a while sounding perfect to him right now.

"I am." He told her, giving her hand another kiss as she offered him a warm grin. "...Let's get home to our girls."