Hello there everyone! I'm back with the next chapter for you all, and I hope you all enjoy it. It was great seeing your all's reactions to the last chapter, and I can't wait to hear your thoughts for this one, too.

Thanks so much for reading everyone, I hope you all have a great week and I'll see you next time!

One Hundred and Fifty Six

Casey stood back by the picnic table with a soft grin on his face as he watched his girls run around the busy park, the bright sun beating down on them providing them with a warm summer day while they played with their mom, Jemma, and Severide, as well as a few of the other kids who had come to barbecue that was in celebration all the changes happening at Firehouse 51.

The gathering wasn't too large, just all of second shift and their families, but it was enough to form a crowd, as the first responders and their loved ones had hung around all afternoon eating and playing games, the picnic for their firefighters having gone better than expected. Especially seeing as how all of this had just come together in the last few days, as a few people in the firehouse had wanted to have a proper send off for their Chief, while also congratulating Casey and Kidd on their recent promotions in the past couple weeks. Because while Boden was moving on and up within the department, and Casey had officially become a Chief, Kidd had also passed her Lieutenant's exam, meaning there was much to celebrate for everyone at the firehouse.

Which is exactly how they'd found themselves here at the park, Matt taking another long, slow sip of his beer while Severide chased Caitlyn in the grass maybe twenty yards in front of him, the godfather hopefully getting some of her energy out while Sofia was playing a much less intensive game with Jemma. But the two girls were having a great time regardless, and that was all Matt cared about, as their giggles and screams of joy could be heard all the way over by the tables.

"Hey Casey." A familiar voice greeted, Matt being pulled from his thoughts as he turned to find Boden now standing beside him, the smile staying on his face as Boden took a sip of his own drink.

"Hey Chief." He responded, before Boden shot him a look.

"I should be calling you that." He replied without missing a beat, Casey ducking his head slightly before he nodded.

"Yeah, I guess it is official now, huh?" He said, the older man smiling softly before he nodded.

"I'd say your ceremony the other day made it official." Wallace responded, his words causing Matt to draw in a deep breath as he thought back to that day not even forty eight hours ago.

The ceremony for his promotion hadn't been anything too fancy, just second shift in their dress blues at the firehouse, along with their families. But with all his girls there, it had been incredible nonetheless, as Becca made sure to bring Caitlyn and Sofia by to be a part of the festivities. And, as a surprise to Matt, Ramon had tagged along as well, his father-in-law wanting to be there to see Casey become a Chief.

Overall, it had just been a great day for the entire Casey family, even if it had left them all a little more emotional than they expected, as Matt knew it was a day he wouldn't soon forget.

"Fair point." Matt responded after a moment, Boden laughing softly before he looked out towards the crowd of first responders, the air around them slowly shifting until the former Captain spoke up. "So… it's your last shift tomorrow, yeah?" Casey questioned carefully, his words causing the Chief to look away from his firefighters towards Matt, before he slowly nodded.

"It is. I've got one more shift to go, then the house is officially yours." He replied, Matt wearing a sad smile before he looked back out towards his family.

"...It feels like this has all happened so fast." He breathed out, Boden wearing a sympathetic look as he followed Casey's line of sight.

"Well, in some ways it has… But we knew once you had your ceremony, and officially got your promotion that it was only a matter of time." The Chief reminded him, Casey drawing in a deep breath before he nodded. "But it's the right time… For all of us." He added, that statement regaining Matt's attention before Boden gave him a firm look. "It's time for me to move on, and it's time for you to take over… As far as I'm concerned, tomorrow's a technicality. The house is yours, Casey."

Matt watched him closely for a moment before he nodded, that small smile reappearing over his face as Boden reached out to clasp his shoulder.

"The second you decided to become a Chief, we knew this day was coming… But you're ready Matt, I truly believe that." He assured him, Casey nodding back at him without hesitation. "And I know you're going to be an amazing Chief."

"Thank you, Boden. I really appreciate that… Though it will still be weird without you there." He added on lightly, Wallace chuckling softly before he shook his head.

"Well, I might pop in from time to time. I won't stay away forever… But all of this, all these promotions and you becoming a Chief, it's the right thing for the house. And for the both of us." He repeated, Matt running his teeth along the inside of his cheek before he nodded, Boden patting his shoulder one last time before he glanced back out towards their friends. "Although it might not be the right thing for truck." He spoke jokingly, Casey unable to stop the slight laugh that left his lips.

"Yeah, we'll have to see how Herrmann handles it these next few shifts… While headquarters figures out who they want to fill the position." Matt spoke, Boden nodding in agreement before both men turned their focus back out to the group.

"I'm sure he'll be fine… You all will be fine."

Boden's words held more meaning than just about their temporary truck Lieutenant, and Casey knew it, the new Chief drawing in a deep breath before he looked back towards his old boss, finding Boden's gaze still trained forward while a content look covered his face. One that told Matt he truly believed what he was saying, which helped Casey believe it too.

Cause deep down he knew Boden was right. Even with all these changes, the house would be alright.

And that belief, in a strange way, made Matt even more excited for everything that was to come, as here in just a few short days, he'd be the Chief at Firehouse 51.

Casey secured his belt into place as he stood in front of the dresser in his bedroom, the sound of little voices starting to filter into the room along with the movie he could hear playing out in the living room, as the familiarity of their morning routine brought a smile to his face while he finished up getting ready for work.

Though as he looked over himself in the mirror, there was nothing familiar about the uniform now covering his body, the new, somewhat stiff white shirt something he knew would take some getting used to. He'd been a Chief, officially, for a few days now, but this was the first time he'd put on his new clothes for work; the clothes he'd seen Boden in for years now. And he'd be lying if he said he didn't feel a little out of place in them, the material feeling strange against his skin as it was nothing like the white polo he'd been wearing for years now.

But he also knew he didn't have too much time to linger on any of these feelings, as they couldn't matter today.

Because today was his first shift as the Chief at 51.

Blowing out a soft sigh, he finished up adjusting his clothes before he made his way over to the bed, Matt placing himself down on the edge of the mattress while reaching for his shoes and beginning that quick process of putting them on. But as he finished getting dressed, he didn't hear the sound of small feet scurrying into the room, Matt's head down towards the ground while he tied up his shoes. It wasn't until he noticed movement out of the corner of his eye that he lifted his head, Casey smiling softly when he found Caitlyn standing less than a foot away from him with a bright grin on her face.

"Hi Daddy." She greeted happily, the six year old taking the last few steps towards him while he sat up straight, her feet not stopping until she was directly beside him before she leaned her body weight into his leg, her hands tapping his against his knee as he looked her over.

"Hi Caity." He responded, his words causing her smile to widen before she leaned more into him. "How are you? Did you finish your breakfast?"

"Mhmm." She hummed, Casey nodding before his eyes moved down slightly, it not taking long for his brain to register that her clothes looked a little different than they had when he was last out in the kitchen, Matt seeing her usual nightgown had been replaced with a matching set of Christmas pajamas, which certainly weren't typical for this time of year. "But I spilled my milk." She continued on, her words unintentionally answering his silent question before he nodded.

"That's okay baby, it happens… Did you help your Momma clean it up?" He questioned, the little girl immediately nodding as her stomach rested against the side of his leg.

"Yeah! I was a good helper." She spoke proudly, Matt offering her a soft smile before he leaned forward to press a kiss to her forehead.

"I'm glad, thank you for helping Momma." He responded, Caitlyn nodding once more before she took a slight step back, but only to come and sit beside him as she started to climb up onto the bed. But with her short stature, it was a little hard for her to get up onto the mattress, Matt chuckling underneath his breath as he watched her try her best, before he reached out to help her when she began to release a few heavy breaths.

"Thank you, Daddy." She spoke as he helped her sit down beside him, her body leaning into his side while her legs hung off the edge of the bed, Caitlyn starting to swing her feet back and forth while she looked up at him. She didn't say anything at first, but the almost expected look covering her face made him laugh as he could only imagine what was going on in her head.

"...Do you need something, honey?" He asked her after a moment, Caity's smile widening as she reached out to grab onto his hand.

"You start your new job today?" She questioned back, Matt hesitating slightly before he nodded, watching as she continued to play with his hand while she worked through her thoughts. "But you're at the firehouse?"

"I am." He responded as he rubbed her leg gently, Caitlyn offering him a small smile before she continued.

"And you're still working with Mommy?"

"Mhmm, I'll be there with your mom." Casey replied as they locked gazes. "I still work at the firehouse, I'll just be in a different office… You know how I used to be in the room where all the beds are?" He asked her, Caitlyn thinking over his words before she nodded. "Well now, I get to work in a different part of the firehouse, in a bigger office. But I'm still at 51, I haven't gone anywhere." Matt reminded her, as he knew there were parts to this Caitlyn still hadn't completely grasped yet. "The next time you and Sof come to the firehouse, you can see it." He added on, seeing her smile begin to grow before she nodded.

"Are you moving the pictures?" She asked back rather quickly, Matt's head tilting to the side slightly. "The pictures of all of us, I see them in your office." She continued on when he had yet to say anything, a small grin tugging on his lips while she patted the top of his hand. "Do you get to take them?"

"I do." He assured her, seeing that recognizable gleam in her eye. "I get to take all my stuff, so all our pictures will be in there… But you know what?"

"What?"

"My office is so much bigger, that I think I'll need even more pictures." He responded with a soft smile, Caitlyn's eyes widening in excitement before she nodded.

"Can they be with me and Sof? And Mommy?"

"Of course! I want pictures of my girls all over my office." He responded, Matt unable to miss how happy his simple words made her as she leaned back into his side slightly.

"I can't wait to see your new office." She replied with a newfound excitement, Caitlyn continuing to tap against his hand while gathering her thoughts, before she eventually spoke up once more. "I like that you're having a new job, Daddy." She said, somewhat suddenly, her words catching him off guard for a moment before a small smile appeared over his face. "And I like that you have a new office. It's fun." She added on simply, Casey chuckling softly before he nodded.

"It is fun, you're right. And thank you, sweetheart." He responded before placing another kiss against her forehead, Caitlyn nuzzling into his arm as the father and his eldest daughter enjoyed these last few moments together before it was time for him to leave. "I like that I have a new job, too."

"And Mommy likes it." She told him, Matt's grin widening for a moment as he nodded.

"Yeah, she does." He replied as Caitlyn began to pull back slightly, the look on her face surprising him a bit as her eyebrows were knitted together tightly, almost like she'd just thought of something she wanted to ask him. "...You okay?"

"Are you leaving with Mommy?" She questioned, her words quick just like they had been a moment prior as his eyebrows raised slightly. "You and Mommy always leave in the mornings, and you come home together… Do you leave like always?" She pushed, Matt slowly coming to understand what she was asking him before he gave her a sturdy nod.

"I am, I'm leaving like always." He repeated her phrasing, Caitlyn looking over him for a moment before she nodded. "Your mom and I are leaving together here in a little bit, and we'll come home together tomorrow, like we always do." He promised her, Matt giving her some time to truly hear his words. Though while he waited, neither of them noticed the new presence in the room, as Gabby had come to check on him once she'd finished feeding Sofia. But when she saw the scene in front of her she decided to hang back in the doorway, a small smile forming over her face before Matt continued. "I know I had to work a lot extra lately, but even starting my new job today, it's still normal… I'll be home in the morning with your Momma, okay?"

"Okay." Caitlyn responded after a second, Gabby watching as Matt leaned down to kiss the top of her head, warmth beginning to flood through her chest at the sight of the two of them. "I'll see you after one sleep."

"Yeah, just one sleep." Matt echoed as Dawson began to walk further into the room, her feet taking her in the same path Caitlyn had gone before she stopped by the foot of the bed.

It took no time at all for Casey to see her, a small grin appearing over his lips before Gabby matched his look, Matt winking softly just as Caitlyn spoke up once more, the six year old having yet to notice her mom standing behind her.

"Okay, one sleep. And then you'll be home, like always." She repeated, Matt tearing his attention away from Gabby before he nodded.

"That's right… Me and your mom, both." He assured her one last time, Caitlyn thinking over his words before she looked back towards him, the somewhat curious look in her eyes almost catching him off guard.

"Will you keep Mommy safe?"

Neither parent had expected those words to come from her mouth, Gabby instinctively taking a step towards them as Casey's eyebrows furrowed deeply, both of them a little confused as they weren't sure what the young girl meant. But Caity continued on before either of them had the chance to ask.

"You and Mommy said you take care of all the people now, not just the firetruck. You take care of everyone, so you take care of Mommy, too." She explained as best she could, Matt's face softening before he glanced back towards his wife, seeing a similar look in her eye as a sad smile appeared over her features. "So you will keep her safe?"

"I will." He answered as strongly as he could after meeting his daughter's gaze once more, Caitlyn waiting for a moment before she nodded. "I'll always keep your mom safe, baby."

"Okay." She responded, like she was satisfied with his answer, before Gabby came up to them and placed her hand over Caitlyn's shoulder. The movement caused the six year old to look her way, Caity only now realizing her mother was here as a slight grin started showing across the little girl's face. "Hi Mommy."

"Hi sweetheart." She greeted as she gently held onto Caitlyn's chin, while caressing her jaw.

"Daddy said he's gonna keep you safe."

That small smile returned to Dawson's face before she nodded, her eyes flickering past Caitlyn towards her husband for a second. "I know, I heard… Your dad always keeps me safe, just like he does for you and Sofia, too." She replied, Caitlyn nodding happily before she glanced back towards her father.

"And you be safe too." She added on, Matt releasing a soft chuckle as he nodded.

"I will, I'll be safe." He promised, Caitlyn seemingly content with his response as she gave him a nod back, while her legs continued swinging off the side of the bed.

"Okay… Can I go play before you leave?" She asked, the swift change in subject causing Gabby to bite back a laugh as Matt nodded.

"Yes honey, you can go play." He replied lightly, Caity flashing him a bright grin before she slid down off the bed and hurried around her mom, before making her way out into the living room to play with her sister.

"Our daughter is something else." Dawson commented as she moved towards the bed, Matt's head cocking to the side while he watched her come to a stop in front of him, his legs instinctively widening to give her room to come closer.

"She is." He responded while reaching out to her, Gabby complying almost instantly as she came to stand between his legs, his hands soon moving to her hips while she rested her arms around his neck. "But she definitely gets it from you."

"Oh, does she?"

"Mhmm." He hummed with a devilish grin, Gabby tapping her fingers along the back of his neck as they grinned at one another, Matt's hand rubbing gently over her hip, while also being careful to not mess up her tucked-in shirt. "She's just like you… And I love it."

"Nice save." She replied before leaning down to capture a quick kiss from him, Gabby feeling him smile against her just as she pulled back. Her eyes moved over him for a moment while she continued messing with the hair at the base of his neck, Matt keeping his attention on her as she spoke up once more. "So, did you mean what you said?" She questioned teasingly with an almost challenging gleam in her eye. "...You're gonna keep me safe?"

As soon as those words left her lips, his grin began to widen, Matt instinctively tightening his hold around her waist while pulling her in closer. "There's nothing I wouldn't do to keep you safe."

His voice was a bit firmer than it had been moments prior, Gabby leaning into his hold as she stroked her hand along the back of his neck, before moving forward to kiss him once more. "I love you."

"I love you too." He responded quickly before stealing another quick kiss, Gabby relishing in this feeling for a few lingering seconds until she finally pulled away, the couple sharing one more look as Matt tapped her hip.

"You still feeling alright?" She asked him after a breath, before they locked eyes. "With starting today, and everything?"

"I think so, yeah." He answered, earning a supportive smile from Gabby. "I mean… I'm nervous, I can't pretend I'm not. Though I guess anyone would be when starting a new job like this." He reasoned out loud, Dawson nodding slowly while rubbing her hands along the tops of his shoulders. "But I guess there's that added bit of nerves… Just because this is different. It's 51, and it's Boden, and it's how everyone feels about Boden being their Chief, and I- I don't know, I guess I'm just a bit nervous that I can't live up to that." He ultimately admitted, Matt finally saying the words out loud that he'd been tiptoeing around for a while. Words Gabby knew, but he'd never voiced.

"Babe, I know anything I say can only help so much, but I don't think this is something you need to worry about." She told him, running her hand through his hair as he met her gaze once more. "Boden had been leading the house for a long time, of course people are gonna miss him. But no one is gonna expect you to be him." She told him, watching as he took a slow breath before nodding. "They're expecting you to be Casey. They want you to be Casey… And the Chief Casey I know, he's one hell of an officer." She added, seeing the small smile that began tugging on his lips. "He's someone who deserves this, and who will lead this house to the best of his ability. So just focus on that… Cause you don't need to try and be Boden, baby… You just need to be Matt."

Her words resonated in his head for a moment before he slowly nodded, Casey smiling softly up at her as he slowly pulled her back into him, Gabby leaning into his movements before he gave her a slow, sweet kiss. One that neither of them ever wanted to end.

"Thank you." He murmured against her, his wife grinning against him before she stole another kiss.

"You're welcome… Now let's get out of here, Chief."

Dawson shouldered her shift bag as she walked by herself through the hallways of firehouse 51, the trek one she wasn't necessarily used to making on her own while she continued towards the locker room, Gabby offering a few smiles and greetings to the first responders she passed on the way. But other than that, she stayed quiet during her walk, Gabby taking this time to herself to mentally prepare for the day ahead as she knew how important this shift was. Even if nothing was necessarily changing for her.

As she got closer to the locker room, she could hear the chatter from a few of her friends, it not taking long for Dawson to make out the voices as she recognized Norris, Severide, and Kidd almost instantly, soon followed by Herrmann and Cruz as there seemed to be quite the crowd in there this morning. Though with it being close to the beginning of shift, that wasn't necessarily surprising, Gabby adjusting the strap over her shoulder while she continued into the room.

"Hey, there she is." Herrmann greeted as she came around the corner, the older man being the first to see her as Gabby slowed her steps, the paramedic offering up a warm smile to her friends before she started towards her locker. "Morning Dawson."

"Good morning, guys." She responded, Jemma patting her arm as she passed her before Gabby got to her destination, while Herrmann began to look behind her.

"You flying solo this morning?" He eventually asked just as Gabby got her locker open, the PIC raising her eyebrows slightly before glancing his way. "The Captain-Chief," He corrected himself, Dawson shaking her head lightly as he continued. "Is he here somewhere?"

"He is, he went to his office." Dawson replied, a knowing look soon covering Herrmann's face before he glanced back towards Severide.

"Ahh yeah, Casey's above all this now." He joked while his hand gestured around the room, the first responders laughing softly while Gabby put her things away. "He won't be seen with us lowly people anymore."

"Oh brother." Dawson muttered under her breath, Severide stifling another laugh as he leaned back against Kidd's closed locker.

"I guess our fearless leader will have to come and clear his locker out soon." The firefighter continued on before tapping his knuckles against the door with Casey's name on it, Gabby rolling her eyes at the nickname after she hung up her bag.

"You're enjoying this too much, Herrmann." Severide cut in, Gabby scoffing in agreement before turning back to look at them, seeing the proud looking shining in Herrmann's eyes.

"Maybe a little. But I can't say all this to Casey now or he might write me up, so I'm stuck saying it to Dawson." He continued on, seeing Gabby narrow her eyes in his direction.

"You know I can still get him to write you up, don't you?" She challenged, all eyes in the room moving towards Herrmann as he opened his mouth to respond, before slowly closing it, Severide and Kidd both unable to hide their laughter as Christopher shook his head.

"Yeah, you better watch yourself, Herrmann." Norris teased. "If Dawson said to write someone up, he'd do it."

"Don't I know it." The man scoffed, Gabby suppressing a laugh before shaking her head slightly. "He'd do anything she said, I need to remember that." He added on lightly, a few more chuckles being heard from their friends before Herrmann moved his attention back towards Dawson, his face softening slightly before he spoke up once more. "But in all seriousness Dawson, how's he doing?" He questioned, seeing the curious look flash in Gabby's eyes. "Is Casey still feeling alright with this?"

"He is." She answered with a soft grin, feeling everyone in the confined space watching her. "There may be a few first day jitters, but he's good. He's excited."

"Good." Herrmann replied as he reached across the aisle to pat Gabby's shoulder gently, before glancing down to check the time. "Well, it looks like we might want to get out of here cause shift's gonna start soon… Wouldn't want to be late on Casey's first day." He spoke, Dawson smiling back at him before a few of the first responders began to filter from the room, Gabby hanging back for an extra moment to wait for Jemma before the two paramedics followed in their path.

It didn't take them long to get to the conference room, Gabby seeing almost everyone already in the room while they waited for their morning briefings; everyone except one certain person in particular. But she wasn't expecting him to be here yet, as she knew he'd want to be the last one in, Gabby knowing from their conversation on the drive in this morning that he was feeling a bit unsure about his first meeting.

Though she also knew he had no reason to, as everyone was just so excited for their new Chief, Dawson unable to wipe the smile from her face as she and Jemma made their way to their usual table.

"So, are you ready for today Mrs. Chief Casey?" Norris asked lightly as they sat down, Dawson unable to stop the slight scoff that left her lips before she shot her a knowing look. "What? Everyone's asking about Casey, which is fair, but you're an important part of this, too."

"Hardly." Gabby responded, Jemma shaking her head before her friend continued. "But no, I'm good. I mean, this is a big day for Matt, and I want it to go well, so I am a little nervous… Mostly just because he is." She breathed out, keeping her voice a little lower as she wasn't blind to how so many of their friends were close by. "But overall, I'm just excited… Excited for him, and proud of him for doing this, and being able to take this next step in his career. I know how incredible of a Chief he can be, and I'm glad the department recognizes it, too." She finished, Gabby ducking her head slightly once her words caught up with her. "...Sorry, I know I'm rambling."

"Don't apologize." Jemma told her almost instantly before nudging her shoulder. "You're proud of your man, and you should be… And you're right, Casey's gonna be an incredible Chief."

Dawson nodded with a soft smile as she took in her friend's words, the two sharing one last look before their attention was pulled elsewhere when Cruz spoke up.

"Oh there he is, our new boss." Joe teased as they all turned towards the windows to see Casey approaching the conference room, a determined and stoic look on his face that Gabby was sure he was using to mask any nerves he was still feeling. Though as she watched him walk to the room, it just cemented the fact that he didn't need to be feeling those at all, as he was more than ready to take on this job.

"There's our Chief." Otis added just as Matt got the room, immediate cheers and whistles coming from the first responders the second Casey stepped inside.

Gabby could tell he'd been caught a little off guard, his eyes widening slightly before he looked around the group. Though his features began to soften as the cheering continued, Casey smiling softly before he playfully waved them off, that gesture only encouraging them further while he continued into the room.

"Look at him, Chief Casey." Herrmann called from his seat in the back, Matt scoffing as Christopher's teasing earned a few laughs from the room. "It was only a matter of time."

"Yeah, there's the man of the hour." Mouch chimed in, Casey shaking his head before he got to the front of the room, his eyes soon finding Gabby as they watched each other for a couple seconds, before she winked softly. But no one else in the room noticed their moment, as they were too busy continuing on with their cheers and praises.

"Alright, alright." Matt spoke as he held his hands out in an effort to get them to quiet down, Gabby doing her best to mask her laughter at the light feeling in the room, while she couldn't help but admire him while he stood up there.

He'd been up there before, hundreds of times. But this time it was different, and Gabby felt an overwhelming sense of pride at that. As her husband stood up there, in his new Chief's uniform, and addressed his firefighters. It was a feeling she'd never really experienced before, one she couldn't pinpoint, but it was one she loved all the same, as she was sure she'd never been more proud of him.

"I know we're all excited, and I appreciate it, but we do need to get shift started." Casey continued on as they had begun to quiet down, everyone complying with his words almost instantly, as they all gave him their undivided attention.

And truthfully, it was a little weird to him, how the air in the room shifted almost immediately, and they were now focused solely on him. But he didn't hate it, as he could practically feel the respect they had for him now that he was their Chief, Matt slowly coming to realize this was just another thing he had no reason to worry about as he offered the room a soft smile.

"Now, there are a few things I have to talk about with you all, but before we get into that, I did want to take a moment to thank you all," He spoke, Matt seeing a few curious faces staring back at him. "I know all of this- me being your new Chief, it'll be an adjustment for everyone. Most of us have spent a lot of years here, and there's been a lot of change… But the one thing that was always constant was Boden, so I know it'll take some getting used to. And I know there's gonna be some changes on truck, while we try to figure out a replacement for me on 81. Which, Herrmann- I appreciate you filling in in the meantime." He said, the older firefighter responding with a grateful nod before Casey continued.

"But the point of all this, is to say that I understand there's a lot of change happening around here, change that's already happened… And there's more coming. But what hasn't changed is you all." He spoke sincerely, Matt doing his best to look at everyone in the room. "Which is why I know we'll be able to withstand all these changes. Because this house… it's something special. And I feel so incredibly lucky to get to lead you all."

Casey's words were met by a few wide smiles that were soon accompanied by a few more claps and quick cheers, Matt shaking his head softly before finding Gabby's gaze once more, seeing nothing but pride shining back at him.

"Yeah… I'd say you've got this Chief thing down, Casey." Herrmann spoke up, the room soon agreeing as Matt couldn't hide his appreciative smile. "Boden made the right choice."

"He definitely did." Gabby echoed from her spot back at the table, Matt glancing at her again as the two of them shared another grin.

Though before Casey could respond, their meeting was cut short when the bells rang out above their heads, calling truck and ambo out to a house fire, Matt staying put while he watched his firefighters begin to get up and head out of the room. But it was a bit of a strange feeling for him, given his body's natural reaction to run out there the second the bells went off while a bunch of movement started happening around him, his inability to go out on this call only further showing all of the changes going on inside this house. How, for the first time in forever, Casey wouldn't be going out on a call with 81, because it wasn't his rig anymore. And that realization hit him a little harder than he thought it would.

But there was nothing for him to do about it now except embrace these changes, Matt knowing this feeling would pass as he met Herrmann's eyes just before the older man left the room, the two men sharing a strong, reassuring nod, before the firefighter's went their separate ways.

Casey leaned back in his chair while he sat at the desk in his new office, 51's new Chief having just finished getting himself situated as it had taken him the better part of the morning to get all of this things put away. Between wanting to make this office his own, along with it taking a little while for Matt to shake off the feeling of this place still being Boden's, it had taken some time for Casey to get acclimated. And truthfully, it would likely take a few shifts for this office to feel more like his, but for now it would do, Matt letting his eyes fall closed as he took a few steadying breaths.

But his quiet moment was soon interrupted when he heard a couple soft knocks on the door, Casey opening his eyes to find his wife standing in the doorway with a gentle smile on her face, Matt soon matching her look before he waved her inside.

"Sleeping on the job already?" She asked playfully, Casey stifling an eye roll while she walked towards him, Gabby gradually making her way into the room and around the desk before coming to stand right beside him, Matt looking up at her as she leaned her weight down against the furniture.

"Could be… I'll never tell." He answered back lightly, Gabby shaking her head in amusement before she reached out to brush her hand through his hair, Casey leaning into the movement while he breathed in deeply.

"You know, I almost went to your old office." She mused after a few seconds of silence, Matt glancing up at her with raised brows. "When we got back, I started walking to the bunk room before I realized… I guess it'll take some getting used to, coming here instead of there." She finished, Casey nodding in agreement as he let himself relax back into his chair.

"Yeah, it's a little strange." He agreed while she stroked the side of his head.

"But it's good, though." She confirmed, seeing his grin widen. "Because now my man has his own big office." She added, Matt giving her a knowing look before he nodded. "Though I think it'll be a little harder to draw the blinds and spend time together in here."

Her bottom lip fell between her teeth after she spoke, Matt scoffing lightly before he reached out to place a hand over her thigh. "Well, there's only one way to find that out." He challenged back, Gabby laughing softly before she tapped the side of his head softly. "But we'd have to do that later… How was your call?" He expertly changed the subject, seeing Gabby shoot him a playful look before responding.

"It was fine, pretty easy." She answered simply. "And there were no serious injuries, so all in all it was alright."

"That's good." He responded, Gabby offering him a small smile.

"What about you, how are things here?" She asked him, his eyes glancing down towards his desk before looking back towards him, watching as he sighed softly before speaking up.

"It's been good… A little busy, but nothing too bad. It's been strange not going out on calls, so I guess I'm just waiting around until they need me" He replied, seeing her give him a small smile before she nodded. "And I'm still just settling in, trying to get my feet under me and everything."

"Yeah, that's good babe." She said, Gabby glancing around one last time while Matt continued to rub his hand over her leg. "Well, I won't keep you any longer, I don't want to distract the Chief on his first day." She spoke with a gleam in her eye, Casey chuckling softly while he gave her thigh a squeeze. "I just wanted to come and say hi, and remind you that I'm proud of you."

"Thank you, baby." Casey spoke, Gabby's nose scrunching up slightly before she leaned down to give him a quick peck on the lips.

The action was harmless enough, one they'd done a million times as Gabby had pulled back almost as quickly as she leaned in. But despite the speed of her actions, Casey couldn't pass up the opportunity to tease her.

"That's not very professional, Mrs. Casey." He replied as her hand rested over the side of his neck, Gabby cocking her head to the side for a moment before slowly leaning down back towards him.

"...Maybe my Chief should punish me then."

His breath caught in his throat as the sudden words left her lips, Gabby smirking softly before she leaned forward to steal another kiss, Matt keeping her closer to him a bit longer than he probably should've before reluctantly pulling away.

"You better get out of here before I take you up on that." He breathed out, that sly grin returning to her lips as she felt him continuing to rub her leg.

"Understood Chief." She said one last time, Matt biting back a groan as he couldn't help his reaction to the way she spoke. And Gabby knew it.

But they also knew they'd both had their fun, at least for now, as Dawson got up from the desk and began walking towards the exit, the air a little lighter around them as Matt watched her go.

"But also, if you can, try not to stay cooped up in here all day, alright?" She told him as she stopped in the doorway, Matt's eyebrows raising slightly in response. "The guys and I miss you."

Casey flashed her a bright grin before he began to nod, Gabby matching his look as she took a slight step out of the room. "I'll keep that in mind… I love you." He told her, seeing his wife blow him a quick kiss before she continued on her path out of his office.

"I love you, too."