Hello there everyone! I hope you all are having a great start to your week so far.

I've got the next chapter here for you, and we're gonna get more into Matt's decision and some reactions to that, so I hope you enjoy it. As always, I'm very eager to hear what you think.

Thanks so much for reading, I'll see you all next time!

Chapter One Hundred and Fifty Four

"...I want to be a Chief."

The words almost felt strange leaving his mouth, as this was the first time he'd voiced these thoughts out loud. But the second he said them, Matt couldn't ignore how surprisingly right they felt. Like it was the most natural thing in the world, for him to not only want this, but for him to take on this job.

And by the growing smile on his wife's face, Casey had a strong feeling that Gabby felt the same way, that proud look in her eyes causing him to duck his head slightly as she stroked her hand through his hair. The action was soothing to him, Matt drawing in a slow breath before finding her gaze once more, Gabby giving him an encouraging nod as her thumb rubbed gently over the side of his head.

"I just… I've thought over all of this, and looked at all sides of it. I've taken everything I can think of into consideration, and every time I do that I end up back at the same place… That I want to do this." He told her honestly, Dawson nodding once more as he began to rub his hand back and forth over her thigh, her close proximity helping to calm his nerves as they both were aware of how big of a deal this was.

How this was a huge, life-changing thing Matt was deciding. But with Gabby by his side, he knew they'd be able to handle whatever changes were thrown at them.

"And today out on that call, it just solidified all of that for me. Any doubts I had about it, everything today kind of… it gave me some clarity, I guess." He started once more, Gabby staying quiet as she let him get this all out. "That being a Chief, I want to do it. And that I could handle doing what Boden did out there today… And after that call, I know Boden believes it, too." He breathed out, Dawson offering him a soft smile before he continued.

"Because it was a lot. It was a pretty rough call, but it showed me that not only does Boden really believe in me to do this, but I think-" He stopped himself, Casey grimacing for a moment before he spoke up once more. "Today put some things in perspective for me… things I've known for a while, and that we've talked about. But today was a close call- closer than I would've liked," He told her, Matt not missing the wince that graced her features as he gave her thigh another squeeze. "And I'd do it again… to save that little girl, I'd do it 100 times if I had to. But it was like the second I saw her, all I could think about was Caity. And Sof." He spoke honestly, a look of pure understanding covering Gabby's face as he continued to rub his thumb in soft patterns over her leg.

"But it was more than just seeing them in that little girl, because I know that happens a lot in calls with kids. You and I both, it's hard to separate sometimes," He said, Gabby nodding slowly. "But this was different… Because when that building flashed over, it was like all I could think about was what would happen if I didn't make it out of there. What would happen to the girls, and to you… And it scared me. For a second, it scared me. And I haven't felt that way in a long time." Casey breathed out, the seclusion of his office giving him the strength to be as open and honest with his wife as he could be.

"And I don't know if it was because it was a close call, and that little girl just had our girls in my mind. Or if it was something more than that… If it- I don't know, if it was me realizing that I don't have to do that anymore." He spoke, Matt catching her gaze for a moment before his eyes started to move down towards her neck, stopping when he took notice of the pendant hanging there. The same one she wore every single day, without fail, Matt unable to stop the small, yet somewhat sad smile that came to his lips when he looked at the 'S' and 'C' letters imprinted on the jewelry. "...If I was realizing that putting myself in that position isn't something I have to keep doing, because I'm being given this chance." He told her, Matt doing the best he could to voice what all was going on in his head.

"Boden's job is still dangerous, I can't pretend it's not. But it's safer than what I'm doing out there now. And I know we've talked about that, how I shouldn't just do this because of something like that… but it's a factor, I can't pretend it's not. And being in Boden's position, I wouldn't be running into nearly as many burning buildings. I wouldn't be doing what I did today, not all the time at least." He spoke, his voice getting a bit softer. "...There are no guarantees, we both know that. And we know how things can change in an instant with this job. That's what we signed up for… But right now, with this opportunity right in front of me, I feel like today was a sign that I need to take it. That the call today was something telling me that this job, becoming a Chief… I need to do this. For our family… for Caity, and Sof. And for you," He said, not missing the small smile that formed over her lips. "It's the best decision for us. And it's what I want to do."

Gabby nodded slowly as the air around them went quiet, the paramedic needing a second to truly take in everything he was saying, as all of their conversations up to now had been leading to this moment. They had been leading up to him making this decision, and even before he had explained himself, she knew it was the right one, his words now only further proving to her that this was the right thing for them. It was the right thing for him, and that's what mattered to her.

"And it's all more than that, it's not just me trying to be a little safer, but it's… it's everything." He continued on when she had yet to say anything, Dawson responding with an assuring nod. "Everything we've talked about, all the pros and cons to this… it just feels like this is what I'm supposed to do. That this job is something I can handle. And I know it'll be different than what I'm used to, but I think I've done pretty well as a Captain, and people at headquarters seem to think so, too… They want me to take this job, they think I'm capable of it, and that's definitely a factor here. And I think all my time as an officer in this house, I've done a good job." He told her, Gabby immediately offering him a supportive smile before nodding once more. "And I'm not saying that to sound like I'm full of myself or anything, but just that I think I've done alright…"

"You're an amazing Captain, baby." She spoke up for the first time in a few minutes, her immediate words causing Matt to grin up at her before he slightly leaned into her hand. "You're right, you have been an amazing officer in this house, even when you were a Lieutenant. You've always been the best leader and firefighter you could be." She said, Casey thinking over what she was saying before he turned to press a kiss against her palm. "You're allowed to acknowledge that, and be proud of it… And it's not a bad thing to be glad other people are recognizing it, too." Gabby reminded him as they locked gazes. "If anything, it's about time you're being considered for a position like this."

Her light words caused a gentle chuckle to leave his lips, before he placed another kiss against the inside of her hand. "Thank you." He murmured against her, grinning from ear to ear as he turned back to look at her. "And you're right, about the first part at least." He teased back, Dawson shaking her head in amusement before he continued. "It's just kind of weird, to talk about yourself like that… But I am very proud of the work I've done, and that my bosses see that. That they think this is something I can take on." Casey continued, Gabby responding with another supportive smile. "Because I do think I can handle this job… Or I hope I can-"

"You absolutely can." She encouraged him without a bit of hesitation, the grin on his face widening slightly before he nodded. "There's no one better I can think of for this position, and there's no one Boden, or the people at headquarters, want more than for you to be the one to fill it… That was the choice they made, because they know how good you are. How good you've always been. And they know this is something you can handle."

Drawing in a deep breath, Casey nodded once more as his wife's reassuring words washed over him, Gabby stroking her thumb along the side of his head before dropping her hand down to his shoulder, both of them staying close to one another as their eyes locked once more, before Dawson slowly spoke up.

"Everyone at headquarters, and Boden… they have all the faith in the world in you being able to do this job. And so do I." She told him, the smile on his face hard to miss as she began to run her hand along the side of his neck. "You'd be incredible at this, babe. So if this is truly what you want to do, then I think you should."

Casey nodded once more, his eyebrows furrowing for a moment, like his mind was racing through any last moment doubts he may have had, the man taking another breath before he replied. "...You sure you're okay with this?" He asked her one last time, like he needed an answer before they went and did anything that couldn't be taken back. But the smile on her face told him what he needed to know before she could.

"I am… One hundred percent." She responded, Casey gnawing on the inside on his cheek for a thoughtful moment.

"And you think this is the right decision?" He pressed, Gabby seeing a few flashes of uncertainty in his eyes. Feelings she hoped would disappear soon, as she never wanted to see him doubt himself. Especially not with this.

"I do." She promised, Matt squeezing her thigh softly once more before he nodded, while Gabby used the leverage of her hand on his neck to pull her down closer to him, before pressing a gentle, loving kiss to his lips, the action meant to ground him more than anything else. And thankfully, it seemed to work before she pulled back far enough to see him, Matt meeting her eyes almost instantly as a soft grin formed over her face. "I really do believe it is. Obviously, it was your decision to make. But I do think it's the right one, for all of us… As long as you want it, then it's the right choice."

He let himself take in those last words before he slowly nodded, the soft smile forming over his lips causing one to appear over Gabby's face as well, before he leaned in to give her another kiss.

"Alright… Well, I guess we need to go tell Boden."

The Chief was sitting in his office looking over a few various pieces of paperwork when he heard a soft knock on his closed door, Boden not bothering to look up as he was in the middle of a sentence, as a loud 'come in' left his lips. And while his attention was still on the papers in front of him, he was able to register the sound of the door opening and a couple sets of footsteps walking in, it becoming clear to him he had more than one visitor now in his office. But it wasn't until he heard the familiar sound of his Captain's voice, that he finally looked their way.

"Hey Chief." Casey greeted as he closed the door behind him, Gabby coming to a stop a few feet away from their boss while Matt came up to stand beside her, Boden now looking between the both of them before pulling his glasses off his face.

"Casey, Dawson." He responded, his spine straightening slightly as he continued to look between his first responders, Boden not expecting to see his Captain and PIC in here during the middle of shift. But with everything going on, he had a pretty good idea of what they were here for, Boden clasping his hands together on his desk as Matt took a slight step forward. "What can I do for you?" He prompted, seeing the spouses exchange a meaningful, yet quiet, look before Matt faced him once more. "...Is everything alright?"

"Yeah, everything's fine." Casey assured him, Boden eyeing the two of them before giving him a slow nod, his body leaning back in his seat slightly as he saw Dawson reach out to place her hand on Matt's back. Almost like she was trying to remind him she was there. "We're good, we just wanted to talk to you… About everything. With the promotion- me becoming a Chief." He rambled out quickly, Boden's face softening before he nodded once more.

"Ah, yes… I take it you've given it some more thought?" He questioned, Gabby and Matt both nodding as Dawson moved to stand beside her husband.

"We have. We've thought about it a lot… Talked about it even more." Casey breathed out. "But I've come to my decision- or we have. And I've figured out what I want to do." He prefaced, seeing Boden's expectant eyes watching him. "...I want to become a Chief, I want to do this."

As soon as those words left his lips, a wide grin broke out across Boden's face, his reaction causing both Casey and Dawson to relax slightly as the older man let out a heavy breath.

"You do?" The Chief pushed, Matt soon nodding as he felt Gabby continuing to rub her hand along his back.

"I do… I want this job." He reiterated, Boden nodding slightly before he pushed himself up from his seat, Casey angling himself in his direction as the Chief came around his desk to stand in front of them. "And this isn't something I've decided lightly, I've thought a lot about this… Gabby and I both have. But we came to the decision that this is what's best for us right now. And it's something I want, and I don't want to let this opportunity pass me by." He continued to explain, Boden hanging on his every word.

"I know there's a lot of work I'll have to put in, even before taking this job. But it's all work I'm willing to do, because I feel ready for this." He continued on, Casey seeming that same proud gleam in the Chief's eyes that he had seen earlier today at the call. The same look that proved to Casey that he was making the right choice. "And whatever headquarters needs from me, I'll do it. I know I'm still only a Captain, and there are things I'd have to do before becoming a Chief…"

"There are." Boden responded, his voice a bit softer than Casey was expecting. "There are a few things you'll need to get done, before being able to take this job. But I can help you get through a lot of it, I wouldn't be worried about that." He assured him, Matt drawing in a deep breath before he nodded. "And we can get into all of that here soon, the specifics and everything. And what the department needs from you." He added on, Casey offering him an understanding look in return. "But for now, I… I'm honestly just so glad to hear this, Casey."

There was a truth to Boden's words that caught Matt a little off guard, like the Chief was relieved that Casey would be taking this on, but after a few seconds the Captain began to regain himself, knowing that Boden's reaction wasn't something to be surprised by. Because despite what he said, Casey knew how much Boden wanted him to take over his job. How much he wanted him to become the new Chief of Firehouse 51, as even though the older firefighter hadn't pressured him, he couldn't hide how much he wanted Casey to fill his shoes. And now that Boden knew he would, Matt could only imagine what all he was feeling.

"Really, I am… Even though whatever decision you made would've been fine, but it's so nice to know that you want to do this. To know 51 will be left in good hands." Boden breathed out, Gabby and Matt unsure of the last time they had seen him as anything less than stoic. But right now felt a little bit like that, as Boden looked between them with a wide grin on his face, before he reached his hand out towards Casey. "Congratulations, Casey." He told him, Matt smiling softly as he shook his hand back.

"Thanks Chief, I appreciate that… But I haven't exactly done anything yet." He joked, Gabby laughing softly as a slight scoff left Boden's lips.

"No, I suppose not. But still, congratulations are in order. Because all that's left are some formalities." He replied, patting Casey's arm. "As far as I'm concerned, I'm looking at the next Battalion Chief of Firehouse 51." Boden continued on, his words causing a bright, pride-filled smile to form over Gabby's face as she looked to her husband. "Which is why I wanted to be the first to congratulate you, just like I had when you were promoted to Captain." He spoke, the two smiling at the memory before Casey gave him a nod.

"Thank you, Chief." He replied, Boden offering him a small smile before he brought him in for a quick hug, the tender moment between the two men one they both appreciated.

"You have no idea how proud of you I am, Casey." Boden spoke, Matt clenching his jaw tightly just before they pulled apart, Gabby standing back slightly with her arms resting over her chest, as she was just glad to be a part of this. "Truly, I am… I know this is something you were hesitant of at first, but there is no person better to run this firehouse once I leave. I could not have asked for a better officer to come after me, and knowing you'll be here makes it all the easier for me to move on." The Chief confided, Casey swallowing the lump beginning to form in his throat before he nodded.

"...You've earned this, Casey. Even if there are still some things to work out, you have earned this promotion. And I am just so beyond proud to see what an incredible firefighter you've become."

Boden's words hit a little closer to home than Matt anticipated, the man nodding slowly before he brought his Chief in for another hug, Boden laughing softly as they embraced once more. But this one felt a little different, their actions now holding more weight than they once had, as they knew this was the beginning of the next phase of their lives. And the two very different paths they were about to set out on, the one that Matt knew he never would've gotten to if not for Boden.

And for that, he would always be grateful.

"Thank you, Chief." Casey spoke as they pulled back, Boden offering him a strong, supportive smile as he clasped him on the shoulder once more. "...For everything."

"You all need any more to drink or anything?" Gabby called to her friends as she stood in the kitchen in her and Matt's home, her eyes moving out towards the living room while she waited for a response. But they all merely shook their heads.

"We're good, Gabby… Now get back over here." Jemma said, Dawson smiling softly before grabbing her fresh glass of wine and heading back over to the small group seated around the living room. They were all in the same positions they'd been in before she left to go put Sofia to bed, Jemma, Severide, and Kidd all seated on the couch, while Norris' boyfriend Marcus was currently on the ground playing with Caitlyn and her dolls.

Dawson wasn't entirely sure how Caity had managed to rope him into playing with her for this long, but the man was being a great sport about it, Marcus seeming just as interested as Caitlyn was in whatever little game they were playing. And Gabby was thankful for that, as she knew how much it meant to the six year old.

"He's so good with her." Gabby commented as she moved to her seat on the end of the couch next to Jemma, Matt reaching out to run his hand along her waist while she walked past the seat he was in beside the couch, the married couple sharing a few soft smiles before Dawson sat down.

"Yeah, he is." Jemma responded with a shy grin, her and Gabby both looking back towards the adorable scene in front of them, as Marcus and Caitlyn both were completely focused on their game.

Jemma's long-term boyfriend wasn't someone Caitlyn, or Sofia, had been around all that often, but Caity knew him well enough to remember him whenever they'd cross paths. Though Gabby had a feeling the young girl's trust in him came from seeing how close he was to Jemma, as well as the relationship he had with her and Matt. But whatever the reason, it never took Caity or Sofia long to warm up to him, tonight especially as soon after they finished their dinner Caitlyn had drug him off to play with her toys. And even though Gabby and Matt both made it known to him that he didn't have to, Marcus didn't seem to mind one bit as he helped to keep Caity entertained.

"He's always been that way with kids." Norris added on, Gabby raising her eyebrows suggestively before nudging Jemma's arm, the gesture earning a few laughs from their friends as the youngest woman began to shake her head. "Yeah, I know what you're thinking and no… Not yet, at least."

"No, I know… Though it may not be as long as you think if you keep looking at him like that." Dawson continued to tease, her words earning another laugh from Kidd while Jemma let out a playful scoff.

"Mhmm, well as fun as this was, I think it's time to go." Norris responded jokingly, Matt and Severide chuckling softly as Jemma began to pretend to get up. But she didn't get very far before Dawson stopped her.

"Nope, you're not going anywhere." Gabby reminded her, Jemma shooting her a look before settling back down into her seat and taking another sip of her drink.

"Yeah, you can't leave yet… We still haven't figured out why Casey and Dawson decided to have this dinner with us tonight." Severide replied, earning slightly confused looks from the married couple.

"What do you mean?" Casey pressed after taking a sip of his beer.

"I mean that you obviously brought us all over here to tell us something… I've been to many a dinner like this with you all before." Kelly continued on, his narrowed eyes moving between Gabby and Matt. "From how eager you two were yesterday on shift that Kidd and I both be here, and Jemma and Marcus… And the weird looks you've been giving each other all night, I know you both well enough to see what this is. You all want to talk to us about something." He continued on, Matt releasing a heavy scoff as he placed his drink down on the end table.

"Since when did you become so observant, Sev?" Casey asked him lightly, his words earning some more laughs at Kelly's expense.

"It's something I've had to learn being around you two for so long." He shot back, Matt chuckling softly as Kidd took a sip of her drink. "But this I can't really figure out… At first I thought Dawson might be pregnant again," He started, seeing the unimpressed look that crossed Casey's face as Gabby couldn't help but roll her eyes. "But the wine is kind of a dead giveaway to that question."

"Yeah, it's definitely not that." Gabby replied without a thought after shaking her head, Severide shooting her a smug smile from the other end of the couch.

"But it is something?" He challenged, her words proving to him that his assumptions had been correct, Gabby and Matt sharing a knowing look as they knew they now had their perfect opportunity to share the true meaning for this dinner. The same dinner they'd planned shortly after speaking with Boden yesterday.

During their conversation with the Chief, they hadn't exactly come to a decision on how to tell the rest of the house what was happening. Mostly because Matt knew a lot of this depended on Boden, and when he felt ready to share the news that he was leaving. But what they did come to an understanding on is that Casey could go ahead and tell Severide and Jemma the news, as the two of them, and Kidd, were the first people he wanted to know about what was going on.

Kelly and Jemma especially, it was important to Matt that they knew before anyone else, because they were two of his best friends. They were so important to him, and to his family, that it wouldn't feel right if they found out with everyone else, so that's why they were here now. For Casey to tell them what all was going on, and he couldn't have been more excited for them to know.

"Yes Severide, it is something." Matt finally replied, Kelly's sly grin never leaving his face before he nodded.

"Not another kid though, right?" He teased once more, Matt mimicking his wife's actions as he roughly shook his head.

"No, not another kid. I think Gabby and I have our hands full as it is." He joked back, earning an agreeing nod from Dawson before he continued on. "But there is something I want to tell you guys, or talk to you about I guess… Something that's been going on for about a week now." He continued on, his words gaining all of their interests as Jemma spared a quick glance towards Gabby.

"It's nothing bad, is it?" Kelly questioned, Dawson smiling softly as Matt released a light laugh.

"No, no it's not… Or at least I hope not." He replied, Severide and Jemma both nodding as they waited for him to continue. "But it's about work, and the firehouse… There's something Boden approached me about last week." He breathed out, seeing the first responders across from him no less confused than they had been moments ago. "But he came to me, talking about a promotion." Matt said, his body relaxing when he saw the immediate smile that began to form over Kelly's face. "...About becoming a Chief."

"Really?" Severide asked, Matt nodding as Jemma's wide eyes moved between the couple.

"That's amazing, Casey. Congratulations." Norris replied, Kidd echoing a similar sentiment as Matt's own smile began to grow.

"Thanks you guys, really. I appreciate it… It was definitely unexpected, but I guess people at headquarters have been keeping their eye on me, and have me on a short list for officers they want to promote." He continued on, Matt glancing towards Gabby to find her watching him with that same proud gleam in her eye. "And I had no idea any of this was going on, but apparently Boden's been talking with the department about it for a while… About me, becoming a Chief. They think I'd be suited for the job."

"You absolutely would, Casey." Jemma replied the second he finished, Severide and Kidd immediately nodding in agreement.

"Definitely, man. I can't think of anyone better, and I'm not surprised at all that the higher ups want you for something like this." Kelly spoke sincerely, the two men sharing a sentimental look before he continued. "You'd kick ass at this job, Case."

"Thanks Severide." He responded softly, Kelly giving him a strong, encouraging nod in response.

"So you just found out?" Kidd pressed, Casey nodding as he spared another glance towards Gabby.

"Yeah, Boden came to me about it a few shifts ago, but it took me some time to figure out if this was something I wanted… Just because of the girls, and everything. It's a big decision." He explained, earning understanding nods from all three of his friends. "But I realized this is something I do want, so I told the Chief yesterday and we're gonna get this whole process started."

"That's so great, Matt." Jemma repeated once more, earning an appreciative smile from Casey.

"Who all knows?" Severide asked.

"Just Boden, and Ramon." Casey answered him, Gabby nodding in agreement.

"Yeah, we kind of talked things through with my dad when we first found out… But other than that, we haven't told anyone. Not until tonight." Dawson added on, Jemma reaching out to pat her leg gently before Kelly spoke up once more.

"So I guess this explains why you've been acting all weird lately." He teased, Casey scoffing lightly before giving him a soft shrug.

"I don't know if I'd call it weird… Distracted, maybe. But yeah, this is why. It was a lot to figure out, but we came to a decision. And I think it's the right one."

"It is." Kelly agreed, Jemma nodding as well.

"Yeah, Kelly's right." Kidd spoke up once more, before a slight grin started to tug on her lips. "Though all of this, you know this means the Captain is gonna be two ranks above you now, babe." She added on as she spoke to her boyfriend, Severide waving her off as Matt suppressed a chuckle.

"Yeah, and Kidd here is about to be a Lieutenant, too." Jemma added on, the woman beside her grinning from ear to ear before looking back to her boyfriend.

"Sounds like you need to get to work." Stella continued to joke, Kelly scoffing lightly as his friends laughed, before he shook his head.

"Yeah, yeah, you all are so funny. But I'm happy where I am, thank you." He told them with a soft smile. "I like my job, I'll leave the promotions to you all." Severide added on, Stella giving him a small grin before patting his leg.

"Yeah, I guess there are a lot of promotions going on right now at 51… Seems like there will be a lot of changes happening soon." Jemma prompted, Gabby drawing in a deep breath before she nodded in agreement.

"Sounds like it, though I guess- Wait." Kelly stopped himself, his eyebrows furrowing slightly as a thought suddenly entered his mind, his eyes almost immediately moving back to Casey. "You becoming a Chief, and getting this promotion… I guess that means you won't be at 51 for much longer. That you'll be moved to another house." He said, Casey pursing his lips together as suddenly everyone was watching him.

But his eyes were soon only focused on Gabby, his wife giving him a supportive nod encouraging him to continue before he finally spoke up.

"Well, um… No, I actually wouldn't." He started, seeing their almost immediate confusion from his words. "I'd be staying at 51."

"You're taking over Boden's job?" Jemma asked him with widened eyes, Casey drawing in a deep breath before he nodded.

"I am." He replied, Matt pausing for a moment to gather his thoughts before he continued, knowing his friends needed an explanation.

So he gave them one, Casey explaining everything he knew. How Boden had been wrestling with the idea of retirement or moving up in the department, and how even though he still didn't know what he was doing, he would be leaving Firehouse 51. And how both he and the department wanted Casey to be the one to take over for him and run the house, Matt doing his best to explain all he could of this situation, while also not speaking for Boden.

And by the time he finished, there were a lot of conflicting emotions in the room, as even though everyone was beyond excited for Casey, they were sad to hear their boss would be leaving them soon. Which Matt and Gabby both completely understood, because they had felt the same way.

"But yeah, that's kind of been what's going on… Boden is going to be leaving soon, and when he does he wants me to become the next Chief." Casey finished before releasing a soft sigh, his eyes moving around between his friends while he waited for some sort of response.

But he wasn't left waiting for very long, as that smile soon returned to Severide's face. "Well, I hate to see Boden go, but having you take over for him is about the best thing they could've done." Kelly spoke, his genuine words bringing a grin to Casey's lips. "It'll definitely be weird without him, but if he wants to go, then he should."

"Yeah, I agree… I'm glad it's his choice, but Severide's right- 51 is gonna be lucky to have you as their Chief, Casey." Jemma echoed, Kidd nodding as well. "And selfishly, I'm glad the house won't have to lose you."

"Me too." Gabby added on, Matt giving her a warm smile.

"Yeah, this is a great thing, Casey." Severide continued on. "The house won't be the same without Boden, but it wouldn't be the same without you, either… So congrats man. I'm so happy for you."

Similar sentiments continued to come from around the room, as Matt sat there with a warm smile on his face, the man just so glad at how well received this news had been.

And he could only hope that when the time came, the rest of the house would be just as receptive to his new standing within the firehouse, as he knew that even with all the changes 51 had gone through recently, there were about to be a lot more coming.

But this, it was a good change. One Matt was excited for. And it meant so much to him that his friends were excited for him, too.

"Can we read one more, Daddy?" Caitlyn asked as she laid in the middle of her bed, the little girl tucked up underneath the covers while Matt sat on the edge of her mattress. It was pretty late, well past Caitlyn's bedtime as she had stayed up later than usual with all the company. But now it was time for her to get some rest, as even though they weren't doing much tomorrow, it was still important for them to keep her on her schedule when they could.

"I don't know, baby. I think it's time to go to sleep." He said as he reached out to place a hand over her stomach, Matt glancing towards his wife who was currently laying on the other side of Caitlyn, Gabby propping her head up in her palm as she rested between their daughter and the wall.

"Mommy, can we?" Caity asked, Dawson chuckling softly as Matt shook his head.

"I think we need to listen to your dad, honey." She agreed, Casey shooting her a thankful look as a slight pout began to form over Caitlyn's lips.

"But I'm not tired." She tried, even though as soon as those words left her mouth, a heavy yawn followed, Gabby and Matt both biting back a laugh as Caitlyn's hands came up to rub over her eyes. "I can stay awake for another one."

"I know, sweetie. But it's time for bed." He reminded her gently, the six year old taking a breath before she reluctantly nodded.

"Okay Daddy." She responded, before reaching her arms up towards him, giving him the sign that she wanted her few last hugs and kisses before bed.

Which Matt immediately gave her, Gabby watching on with a small, loving smile as they went through their routine. But this time things took an unexpected turn as Caitlyn suddenly spoke up when Matt began to pull back.

"Daddy?" She asked him, Casey resting his palm down on the bed beside her to hold up his weight as his eyebrows raised slightly.

"Yeah princess?" He questioned back, Gabby biting back a smile at the gentleness to her husband's tone, as she never got tired of being reminded how their girls had him wrapped around their little fingers.

"What were you talking to Uncle Kelly about?" She pushed, a small bit of confusion starting to form across his features as his head tilted to the side slightly. "You were talking about work, and leaving." She continued on, Casey pursing his lips together as he nor Gabby realized Caity had been listening to their conversation from tonight.

But they should've known better, because more often than not, Caitlyn was paying attention to what was happening around her.

"Are you going somewhere?" She continued on when he had yet to say anything, Matt soon shaking his head. "Are you not gonna be a firefighter anymore?"

"No, baby, no. I'm not going anywhere." He assured her, his hand rubbing over her stomach in soft motions, Matt coming to realize that they would be having this conversation tonight, even though he and Gabby hadn't really talked about how they were going to tell the girls everything that was going on. "I'm not leaving the firehouse, and I'm still going to be a firefighter."

"Good." She responded with a bright smile, despite the tiredness in her eyes. "Cause if you're not a firefighter, who's gonna save all the people." She added on simply, Gabby smiling softly before she leaned down to press a kiss to the side of Caitlyn's head.

"I'll still be there to help people, honey. Don't worry. Me and your mom both, we're not going anywhere." He promised her, Caitlyn thinking over his words for a moment before she gave him a nod, clearly content with his answer. "But, what me and Kelly were talking about… my job will be changing." He started, Matt unsure of how to explain this to her. But he would do his best to try.

"Why?" She asked, her eyebrows knitting together in confusion as Matt and Gabby shared a look, before the latter gave him a nod to continue.

"Because I'm getting a promotion… do you know what that means?" He questioned, Caitlyn soon shaking her head as she had never heard that word before.

"No. Is it good?" She pressed, Matt unable to stop the soft chuckle that left his lips before he nodded, his reaction causing that familiar smile to return to Caitlyn's face.

"It is, baby. It's really good… Basically what it means is I'm getting a new job, with new responsibilities and things I have to do at work. I'll still be a firefighter, but I'll just be becoming a different type of firefighter." He explained to her as simply as possible, but he and Gabby both could tell she wasn't fully understanding most of what he was saying.

"You know how you've heard people at the firehouse call him Captain?" Dawson started, Caitlyn turning her head towards her before she nodded.

"Captain Casey." She responded proudly, Matt biting back a laugh as Gabby nodded.

"Yeah, that's right. He's Captain Casey… But once he gets this promotion, he'll become a Chief. So he'll be Chief Casey." She told her, Caitlyn continuing to ponder over her words. "And you know how he has the firetruck? And he's in charge of everyone on it?" Gabby continued, waiting for confirmation before she kept going. "Well now instead of being in charge of just that firetruck, he's in charge of the entire house, and all the firetrucks. He gets to look after everyone." She spoke, Caitlyn's eyes soon going wide before she looked back at Matt.

"Wow." She spoke in wonder, her reaction causing his own smile to grow, Matt rubbing her stomach once more as Gabby continued on.

"Because your Daddy has done such a great job as a firefighter, they want to promote him, and make him a Chief. So he'll still be a firefighter, but his job is gonna be a little different."

"Because Daddy is good at his job." She repeated in an effort to process what was being told to her, Gabby and Matt both nodding as Caitlyn's smile widened. "Like when I did good in school, I got stickers." She added on as a way of showing she understood them, the parents laughing softly before they nodded. "You did good in the firehouse, so you got Chief!"

"Yeah, it's kind of like that, baby." Casey told her, Caitlyn never losing that beaming smile written across her face before she began to push herself up from her bed.

"I'm proud of you, Daddy!" She spoke excitedly before all but launching herself into his arms, Matt thankfully able to steady himself as she wrapped her arms around his neck, Caitlyn making herself comfortable in his lap while she gave her dad a big hug.

"Thank you, sweetheart." He responded, holding onto her as tight as he could while she rested her head down against his shoulder, Gabby's heart warming at the sight in front of her.

"You're the bestest Chief ever." She continued on, Matt's eyes falling closed as he couldn't help but get emotional from her words, Gabby reaching out to rub his back as he pressed a kiss to the side of his daughter's head. "And the bestest Daddy ever. I love you." She added on, Matt kissing her head once more before she pulled back slightly, her arms still around his neck while his hands were holding onto her to keep her steady.

"I love you, too." He told her before pressing another kiss to her forehead. "Now, we can talk more about this tomorrow if you have more questions, but right now you need to get to bed, alright?" He reminded her, Caitlyn pausing for a moment before she nodded.

"...Can you stay until I sleep?" She asked, Matt immediately nodding as that was a request he and Gabby would never say no to.

"Of course, honey." He told her, Caitlyn giving him one last hug and kiss goodnight before she climbed back down onto the bed, Gabby shifting closer to the wall to give her husband more room before they all started to get comfortable on their daughter's bed.

Caitlyn had tucked herself up against Gabby's chest while laying in between her parents, Matt resting his head down on her pillow while they adjusted some of the blankets over all of them, Caity insisting they get underneath them so they wouldn't 'get cold'. But soon enough, they were all comfortable, as Caitlyn was resting up next to her mom while her hand was holding onto her dad's, both parents knowing it would be a challenge to get out of here once she fell asleep.

But it didn't end up mattering given how Gabby and Matt never managed to make it back downstairs, as both of them had drifted off soon after Caitlyn did, the parents and their daughter cuddled together on the mattress while they slept soundly throughout the entire night.