Hello there everyone! Welcome back to the next chapter of this story. I hope you all are having a great Monday so far, and that you have a nice week ahead.

From what I could tell with the last update, you all seemed to like that one. Even if it was hard to read, with Dawsey fighting, I was still glad to see the response from you all and I hope you all enjoy this one as well. I don't want to give too much away, but there will be some progress made in all of this, as well as getting into more of Caitlyn's view of things, so I can't wait for you all to read this one and to hear what you think.

But other than that, I think that's all I've got for you guys. Thanks again for reading, and I'll see you next time!

Chapter One Hundred and Sixty Eight

Caitlyn sat up on her shins in her chair at the kitchen table, the little girl pushing some of her food around her plate with her fork while she and her family ate dinner. Though it didn't feel like a usual dinner did, as even Caity was able to see how different things were with her parents. How they were barely looking at each other, let alone talking. There was no going through their day with everyone, or her mom singing some of those fun songs to Sofia to get her to eat more. There was nothing like that, it was just quiet. Just like it had been all day.

The six year old wasn't sure what was going on with her parents, but she knew something had happened. That her Mommy and Daddy were upset with one another to the point where they'd been yelling, and she didn't know why. She had never really heard them yell at each other before, not like that, and it scared her. Because she didn't like when her parents were mad, and she never wanted to hear them yell again. Not at each other.

When she first walked in they tried to tell her everything was fine. That they were okay and nothing was wrong, and for a while that helped her. Just for a little bit this afternoon, while she played out in the living room with her mom, everything felt normal. And she was desperate for that feeling.

But it hadn't lasted very long, as the second her dad finally came back out to join them in the living room and she saw the way her parents were so standoffish with each other, she was reminded of what happened. Of the yelling she'd walked in on earlier, and how angry and upset they'd been. And once that all came rushing back, it was hard to forget, the realization hitting her hard as she was seeing up close how bad things were between her mom and dad.

She wasn't even sure how to describe it, but the little girl could see things weren't right between them. In how they would refuse to talk, or even look at each other, that alone telling Caity that they were both still mad at one another. And that they were sad, about whatever was going on. She just couldn't understand why.

But all she did know was that it made her sad, too. And as they continued to sit here at their table in the harsh quiet, she found it easy to keep to herself, as all she could think about was how she wanted her mom and dad to be happy again, like they used to.

Because right now they weren't.

"Do you want some more broccoli, sweetheart?"

Caitlyn looked up from her plate when she heard her mom's voice, the child finding her gaze across the table where Gabby was giving her a small smile, while also helping Sofia eat some of the last bits of her food.

"No thank you." Caity responded once she looked back down to her meal, her small fork still pushing the food around on her plate while her other hand was propping up her head.

But while Caitlyn had looked away, Gabby's eyes stayed put on her oldest daughter for a moment or two, her eyebrows furrowing while she continued to watch her move her food without taking a bite. "...You didn't eat much, baby." She spoke up once more, Caity continuing to look down at her plate before she shrugged. "Are you not hungry?"

"Not really." She answered quietly, Dawson pursing her lips together before breathing in slowly, her eyes then moving over to Matt to find him watching their daughter with the same level of concern she felt, before he slowly glanced towards her. Gabby wasn't sure if Matt had felt her stares, or if he just wanted to know whether she was feeling the same way about Caitlyn that he was, but either way the parents looked at each other for a second before Dawson returned her gaze towards her oldest.

"Alright, that's okay." Gabby assured her, hearing Caity let out a quiet sigh in response as she dropped her fork. "Just let me or your dad know if you get hungry later, okay?"

"Okay Mommy." She replied softly, pushing her plate away from her a little before leaning back in her seat, Caitlyn's eyes beginning to move around the table once more as the room went quiet. Her mom and dad were both eating silently, while Sofia was now just messing with her food more than eating it, but it was a sight that made Caity smile regardless, as no matter how sad she was she was happy to see Sofia was okay.

"Looks like you're gonna need a bath, baby." Dawson mused after taking the last bite of her food, Caitlyn turning to see her mom wince slightly as she took in all the food that was covering Sofia's face and clothes. But that look soon turned into a smile, Gabby not looking nearly as sad once Sofia grinned at her. "Yeah, does a bath sound fun? I think it does, you wanna go take a bath, Sof?"

"Baf!" She got out, Gabby and Matt both laughing softly at her pronunciation of the word while Caitlyn looked in between them, the six year old just relieved to see them smiling again. "Baf!"

"Alright, alright let's go get you in the bath." Gabby responded before she stood up, Sofia instantly lifting her arms up in the air towards her mom as a sign she wanted to be picked up, Dawson complying instantly as she unstrapped her youngest and lifted her out of the chair.

With a messy Sofia on her hip, she moved her attention back towards the table where Caity and Matt were sitting beside one another, the little girl watching her every move while Casey's focus was on his dinner.

"I, uh…" She started, gaining her husband's attention as he slowly looked at her. "I'm gonna go get her washed up and ready for bed. I can clean all this when I'm done, if-"

"I can do it." He cut in, though his words were calm and easy. Nothing like the hostility she'd been accustomed to lately as she gave him a weak, yet grateful smile.

"Alright, thank you." She replied, her throat clearing before she glanced back towards her six year old. "And you, little lady. Are you ready for your bath?" Gabby asked her, Caitlyn mulling over her words for a moment before she spoke up.

"Can I take a shower instead?" She questioned, Gabby's eyebrows furrowing a bit before she nodded.

"Yeah, of course honey." Gabby told her, Caitlyn giving her a small smile in response while Dawson glanced back at her husband.

"I've got her." He said, Gabby nodding before she started heading towards the hallway, carrying Sofia upstairs without another word.

Caity looked her way for a couple seconds, long enough to see until her mom went out of sight before she turned her focus back towards her dad, Matt giving her a gentle smile after taking a quick sip of his drink.

"You ready to shower yet, or do you want some more to eat?" He asked her, knowing that Gabby's earlier words had been true. That Caity hadn't eaten much of her dinner, which was pretty unusual for her. Though admittedly, he knew that wasn't the only thing that was different with their oldest daughter, as it wasn't lost on him how Caitlyn was acting a bit more reserved than she normally would. That she was keeping to herself, and not being as energetic as they knew her to be. And if he had to guess, he had a good feeling it's because of what happened earlier today, given how she'd been completely fine before his and Gabby's fight.

Which was a thought that made him sick to his stomach.

"I don't know." She responded with a shrug, Matt breathing in deeply before he nodded.

"Well is it okay if I eat someone, then I can help you get the shower ready?" Casey suggested, Caity meeting his eyes before she gave him a nod. "Okay, thank you." He replied, before getting another bite of his dinner.

They continued on for a few moments, the two sitting in relative silence while Caitlyn watched him eat, her eyes moving back and forth between him and his plate. Though from just one look at his daughter, he could tell it wasn't so much the food she was focusing on. Matt knew her little mind was a thousand miles away, a soft frown settling over her features as he felt that familiar feeling of guilt bubbling in his stomach.

That same gnawing ache that had been there all afternoon, whenever Gabby's words about their arguing affecting the kids would come into his mind. Mostly because he knew just how true they were.

"...You want some?" He offered after another minute, Caitlyn blinking a few times before she looked up at him, finding nothing but a soft grin waiting for her as she thought over what he was asking, before ultimately nodding.

After getting the confirmation from her that she wanted some of his food, he slid his plate a little closer to her, Caitlyn perching herself back up on her shins and leaning her body into his side while he gathered up a small bite of food on his fork, before guiding it towards her mouth. She ate it easily, Matt watching her for a moment before he got her another bite, the food on his plate no different than what she'd been given earlier. But he didn't care so much about that as it didn't matter to him whose plate she ate off of, as long as she was eating something.

"That's good, huh?" He asked her, Caity nodding before taking another bite, Matt waiting to give himself anymore until he knew she was done.

"Mhmm… Mommy did a good job." She replied, Matt smiling weakly as he held the fork out to her once more.

"Yeah, she did." He replied, reaching his other hand across to wipe off some of the food on her face while Caitlyn watched him, her wide, curious eyes never leaving him this time while he adjusted himself in his chair.

"...Daddy?" She spoke somewhat suddenly, the sound of her voice gaining his attention as he looked back towards her.

"Yeah baby?"

"Can I ask you something?" She questioned, his eyebrows furrowing before he nodded.

"Of course, Caity. You can always ask me anything." He told her, the little girl nodding slowly before her bottom lip fell between her teeth, like she was unsure of what she was about to say. But after another moment or two, she finally spoke up.

"Will you and Mommy be happy again?"

Her words felt like an immediate punch to the gut, Matt's lips parting before he quickly closed them while he tried to figure out what to say to her. But there were no words coming to his mind, as her question had completely knocked the wind out of him.

"I want you to be happy, I don't like it when you're upset. And I'm sad, cause you and Mommy are mad." She continued on when he had yet to say anything, Casey breathing deeply before meeting her shiny-eyed gaze. "And you look sad, too." She said, Matt's face falling as he pursed his lips together, knowing he had to handle this situation delicately for so many reasons.

Caity was upset, and the last thing he wanted to do was make that worse. Then he also didn't want to drag their daughter into his and Gabby's problems, so he had to be careful here in how much he told her. But he knew he had to tell her something, as it was becoming more and more clear to him how this issue between him and Gabby was weighing on their little girl. And that had to end, right now.

Taking in a slow, thoughtful breath, Matt put his fork down before turning himself in his chair so he could face his daughter, Caitlyn watching his every move while he reached out to grab ahold of her hands that were resting in her lap.

"Caity, your Momma and I… We're okay, I want you to know that." He started, waiting for her to give him a slow, somewhat hesitant nod before he continued. "We just had a hard day at work yesterday." Matt added, trying to explain this the best he could to his worried girl.

"But you're mad at each other." She interjected, Matt wincing slightly while she continued to look at him. "Work made you mad?"

"It did, honey… Or at least it was part of it." He told her, while quickly trying to figure out how much more to say.

She needed to know him and Gabby were alright, and get as much assurance as she could, but past that he was unsure of how much more detail to go into, as there were just some things Caitlyn didn't need to know. She didn't need to hear about the call or Gabby almost getting hurt, not after how badly Caity had struggled with something happening to her mom since the ambulance accident. The last thing she needed was to know how Gabby had been in danger, Matt sure that would only upset her further. But then he also didn't feel like she needed to know a lot about their fight either, as that was best just kept between him and Gabby, so while he wanted to do what he could to alleviate Caitlyn's worries, he knew it was best to keep things vague.

"Your mom and I, we… You know how she told you we had a disagreement?" He settled on, somewhat sidestepping the conversation as he saw Caitlyn's eyebrows furrow deep in thought, before she nodded. "Well, we were having a disagreement about work."

"You sounded really mad." She commented, Casey feeling his stomach sink even further at the implications of what she was saying. "You were fighting."

"Yeah, we were." He asked sadly, Caity's ears perking up for a moment before she responded.

"I don't like when you and Mommy fight, but me and Sof fight sometimes, when she takes my toys." She told him, Matt giving her a weak smile as he knew she was trying her hardest to understand what was going on. "And sometimes I get upset, like you are at Mommy."

"It's kind of like that, yeah." He answered her, knowing that was the closest analogy they'd have to help Caitlyn grasp what was going on.

"But we make up every time." She continued with a little grin. "Cause I love her, and I don't like to see her sad." Caity spoke, her words hitting Matt harder than he expected as they held so much more meaning than his daughter could even realize. "And I don't want to be sad either, so her and I share and we're okay. We're not mad anymore." She added on, Matt doing what he could to match her small smile before the look on her face soon fell, a heavy thought appearing to enter her mind as her entire demeanor shifted within seconds.

"...Caity?"

"Will you make up with Mommy, like me and Sof?" She blurted out, Matt feeling like his heart was being ripped from his chest as he heard the uncertainty in his daughter's voice. "Are you gonna be mad at Mommy forever?"

"No, no baby. No." He responded quickly, shaking his head while he spoke. "Of course not, I love your Momma so much. Right now, I'm just… I was upset, and so is your Mom. But everything's gonna be okay." Casey assured her, giving her small hands a gentle squeeze.

"You promise?" She pushed, disentangling their hands long enough for her to hold her pinky up towards him, Matt giving her a sad smile before he locked his finger with hers.

"I promise." He told her, the two sealing the promise with a kiss on their hands before they pulled back.

"Okay, Daddy." She replied before she reached her arms up towards him, that clear signal telling him that she wanted him to hold her for a minute or two as she leaned his way. And without a thought he reached out to pick her up, Matt pulling her into his lap and holding onto her while she nuzzled her little body into his chest.

And that was how they sat for a few moments, Casey letting her take the lead for how long she wanted to stay here as he could tell after all the uncertainty from today, his baby needed some comfort from at least one of her parents. And that was something he would always give her.

But while they continued sitting here, he couldn't help but begin to feel the effects of her words, as it all hit him over and over and over again. How she was so worried about him and Gabby, that she had to even ask him if they'd be okay. She was truly upset about what was going on and that destroyed him. Because it made him realize something he should've known hours ago.

And that was that he messed up. That no matter what Gabby had done, he made all of this so much worse by what happened today, to the point where it was not only affecting his wife, but his daughters. And that couldn't happen.

Gabby was right, and she'd been right in more ways than one. But this had to end, now. For all their sakes, him and Gabby had to find a way to work through this, just like she'd told him earlier today. They had to find a way to get past this, no matter what, as Matt now knew there was something very important he had to do before this night was over.

And that was to talk to his wife.

Casey tapped his fingers against his stomach while he sat laid back on the couch, the almost mind-numbing quiet in their living room surrounding as the only sounds to be heard were that of his breathing, while he sat down here by himself.

It was getting pretty late, past the girls' bedtime at least as after Caity's shower and some time spent playing earlier in the night, he'd gotten her to bed a few minutes early while Gabby had already put Sofia to bed maybe half an hour prior, which normally would've meant the two parents would finally have some time for themselves. Where Casey had every intention of talking things through with her. But any plans for a conversation were delayed when just moments after Matt got back downstairs from helping Caity to sleep, Sofia woke up, her loud cries soon prompting Gabby to go back upstairs and comfort her until she fell back asleep.

And that's where his wife had been for well over half an hour now, Matt having used some of that time to finish cleaning up around down here so neither of them would have to worry about it, before he took up residence on their couch where he had planned to wait for her. Though, truthfully, he hadn't expected her to be gone for this long. But this time to himself gave him a much needed chance to think over everything that had happened since yesterday afternoon, this entire situation leaving a heavy ache in his stomach as he'd come to the realization ten times over that none of this ever should've happened.

It never should've gotten to the point of having screaming matches at work, and here in front of their girls. It never should've resorted to yelling and not listening to what the other person had to say. And it most certainly should never have involved them scaring their daughter. Which is exactly what they did.

And it made him sick. All of it did.

Knowing his words and actions had hurt Gabby was bad enough, but to see what it had done to Caitlyn on top of that nearly destroyed him. To see her so worried, and quiet, it hurt him to know that his and Gabby's actions caused that. That his actions caused it. He just wished that he'd seen it sooner. That it hadn't taken upsetting their daughter, and his wife, for him to realize that he was causing more harm than good. Matt hated that it had come to this, and it was something he never wanted to happen again. Not for Caitlyn, and not for his wife, either. Because neither of them deserved that. Not when he was the one who was supposed to be protecting them, not hurting them.

During this time to himself, there was a little voice in the back of his head sometimes reminding him that all of this wasn't just on him. That Gabby wasn't blameless here, as she'd made her choices and pushed back just as hard as he did. But he also knew she was aware of that. That she knew she'd made a mistake and was trying to own up to that, and he wouldn't let her. Instead, he let his emotions get in the way. He let his worry for her control every single thing he did, to the point where he took this too far. Where he said things he didn't mean, and hurt her in the process, all because she was right.

She was right about all of it. That he was mad at her for doing what everyone else in that firehouse had done, and he was being harder on her than he would anyone else. That he hadn't been able to work through that anger at what she did, and how they wouldn't get anywhere unless he let go of it. But maybe the biggest thing she'd been right about, was that he was mad at her as her husband, and not as her Chief.

He was mad because he was scared, cause he let himself react to that call like her husband. And a part of him couldn't apologize for that, as she was always his wife first, paramedic second, but he also knew that that wasn't completely fair to her. That it wasn't fair to continue to be upset with her, and punish her for trying to help someone. For her doing something he'd done a million times, she didn't deserve him holding that over her all because he was worried. He wasn't that guy, and he refused to become that type of husband.

Now he just had to figure out how to explain all that to Gabby.

The sound of footsteps coming down the stairs gained his attention, Casey perking up a bit as he heard her moving towards him, his wife soon coming into view while she walked down the hallway.

Her eyes found him immediately, Gabby's steps slowing just before she came to a stop in the middle of their home, neither of them saying a word while they watched each other for a moment.

They hadn't really spoken much today, not since their fight in the bedroom earlier. Not unless they had to, because of the girls. Though he guessed there hadn't been much tension, either. At least not later in the night since dinner, as both their guards were slowly coming down, even if they hadn't voiced that to one another yet. And while Matt knew that the distance they had from each other today, along with Gabby's words earlier this afternoon, had helped him gain some needed clarity, he also didn't want to keep going on like this anymore. With them walking around one another, unsure of how to act. That was the last thing he wanted to do with Gabby, he just wished it hadn't taken him all day to realize it. And that he'd been ready when she'd come to him earlier.

"...Hey." She voiced after what could've been a full minute, Casey swallowing thickly before he offered her a small smile, the hesitance in her gaze impossible for him to miss.

"Hi." He responded, clearing his throat as he sat up a little straight on the couch, waiting to see what her next move would be.

"Sofia's down." Gabby told him, Matt nodding at her as he shifted his weight to the edge of his seat. "It took her a while to get back to sleep, I think she had a nightmare or something… She seemed a little spooked. But she's asleep now." She continued to explain, Casey frowning a bit while he listened to her before he nodded once more.

"Alright, well hopefully she's okay. Thanks for taking care of her." He replied, Gabby smiling weakly in his direction before she took a slight step backwards towards their bedroom.

"I think I'm gonna try and get some sleep." She spoke, Matt forcing in a deep breath while he continued to watch her. "I'm exhausted, it's been a long day."

"Okay." He murmured in response, Gabby giving him another small, unsure smile before she turned to head towards their room.

But as he watched her go, he couldn't ignore the sinking feeling in his stomach, Matt bringing his hand up to rub anxiously along the back of his neck before he blurted out the words sitting on the tip of his tongue.

"Wait- Gabby." He stopped her, lifting his head up just as she paused in their doorway, Casey noticing the way her shoulders tensed ever so slightly before she reluctantly turned around.

And the second she did, he saw it. Even across the room, he could see that she was preparing for a fight. One that she didn't have the energy for as she cautiously watched him, the look on her face nearly shattering his heart.

Because it was just another reminder of how this wasn't who they were. This wasn't what their relationship was, and he needed to fix this. As soon as he possibly could.

"I, um… I know you're tired, but I'd really like to talk. If you're up for it." He started, seeing the uncertainty written into her features only become more prominent. But she began to move away from the door regardless, giving him the cue to continue. "And I do mean talk. No yelling, no getting angry… Just talking." He promised her, Gabby drawing in a deep breath while he pushed himself up from the couch. But he didn't move towards her, not yet. "I heard what you said, about us not being able to talk this out until I was ready. And you were right… But now I am. I've had a lot of time to think about things today, and I'm ready to talk… If you are."

He finished his last words before going quiet, knowing this was up to Gabby now. Sure, he'd gotten to the point where he was able to let his anger fall aside and they could actually try to work through this, but Gabby was upset with him, too. Since their fight, she was holding onto those feelings, too. Meaning she also had to be ready to do this right now, or they'd never get anywhere.

But after a moment or two, he got his answer, Gabby pursing her lips together before she gave him a slow, yet sturdy nod.

He felt his muscles relax, Matt smiling softly in her direction while he wracked his brain for what to say next. But no words felt like enough in this moment, not as he continued to take in her worn down appearance, Casey letting out a quiet sigh before he did the only thing he knew to do. And that was to go to her.

Before saying another word, Casey took long strides across their living room towards the bedroom door, Gabby watching his every move with a curious look in her eyes, like she wasn't sure what he was doing. But despite her confusion, she stayed rooted in her spot just feet away from the wall as Matt came to a silent stop in front of her.

Quiet continued to fall over them, Gabby's gaze searching his while her eyebrows knitted together, Matt merely standing there in front of her, his eyes softening before he suddenly wrapped his arms around her in a tight, secure hug.

She was caught off guard to say the least, and after the last day or so had gone this was the last thing she was expecting from him. But when she felt herself fall into his embrace, she couldn't find it in her to think about it much longer as she was glad to have his arms around her right now. After how hard things had been between them, and all the distance they'd taken from each other, digging herself into his chest felt better than just about anything else could've as he tightened his grip around her back even more. Like he was afraid she'd go too far if he didn't.

But she wasn't going anywhere, Gabby letting herself breathe in his scent while her forehead pressed against his neck, her hands clasped together around his lower back before she felt him press a soft, yet loving kiss to the side of her head.

"I'm sorry." He finally spoke, Matt feeling her relax even more into his hold the second those few words hit her ears.

"I'm sorry, too." She responded, Casey smiling weakly against her head before placing another kiss there, his hands slowly sliding along her back while giving her body a squeeze every couple seconds.

They stood there like that for a few more moments, both of them needing this more than they realized as neither wanted to pull away. But after one last kiss to her head, they slowly did, the air around them already feeling lighter than it had since before that call as they locked eyes once more.

Giving her one last small smile, Matt leaned forward to press a kiss to her forehead before he led her back over to the couch, Gabby following easily behind him until they sat down, the couple facing one another as they left a bit of space in between them. But they were close enough for Casey to still hold onto her hand, the man lacing his fingers through her as he let out a heavy breath.

"I… I don't even know where to start, honestly." He said after a second, Gabby offering an understanding nod while rubbing her thumb along the outside of his hand. "This all became such a mess, and I made things harder than they needed to be. I didn't realize that's what I was doing, but I was." He continued, Matt just letting out everything that was on his mind as she listened to him. "But I am so, so sorry Gabby. For the way I acted today, and yesterday. For letting my emotions get the best of me, and taking that out on you… That's not okay. It's never okay, and you didn't deserve that. You and the girls don't deserve it." He spoke softly, shaking his head roughly from side to side. "I was just so upset, at what happened and the thought of losing you, I couldn't see past it. I couldn't let go of how you chose to stay in that building and how you made the choice to ignore my orders. It was hard for me to process all of that, so I just got angry. Because as your Chief, it felt like you thought you didn't have to listen to me. That you didn't respect me as your boss… But you were also right." He breathed out, catching her gaze for a moment. "I- I was mad at as your Chief, but it was always more than that… I was mostly angry because of us. Because I was terrified of almost losing you."

Gabby nodded once more with a sad look shining in her eyes, her hand rubbing over his while she shuffled a bit closer to him.

"I couldn't bear it. The thought of that happening again, it's like it paralyzed me. Like it would actually kill me if I went through it a second time... That's why I was so upset with you, because it felt like you didn't understand. Like you couldn't see how all of this was affecting me, and that it was hard for me. But I know it's not as simple as that, and my feelings aside you were still right. About everything." He continued on, needing her to know what all was going on in his mind and what he'd been thinking about all day. "You were right to call me out because I would've done the same thing you did. I have done the same thing you did, trying to help someone even though I knew it was dangerous. But when I did it, it put you and Sofia at risk in the process, so I never should've been so upset with you when I've been in that position before. Because I know how hard those split second decisions can be." He told her, Gabby wincing at the memory before he pushed on. "And I'm sorry for being harder on you than I would anyone else, all of that was true. I shouldn't have gotten mad at you for that, cause it's not fair to you as my wife or as a paramedic, and I'm sorry." Matt told her, before blowing out a soft sigh. "And I know none of that excuses the way I treated you, and the things I said. It doesn't excuse me being so angry with you, but I just… I want you to know where my head was at, and why I reacted the way I did." He finished, shaking his head a bit before meeting her eyes.

"I understand, baby." She murmured after a second, reaching her free hand up to brush along the side of his head before clasping onto his neck. "Maybe not at the time, because I was just so mad, that I felt like you didn't trust me. But I know now that's not what it was. I know you were scared, and me pushing so hard didn't help." She told him, Matt nodding in agreement while he relished in the warmth of her skin against his. "And you're not the only one who has apologies to make, because I messed up, too. I should've listened to you in the first place, then none of this would've ever happened. But I never meant to scare you, or make you feel like you don't matter to me out there, because you do…"

"I know." He cut in strongly, tightening his hold on her hand. "I know you do, I never meant to question that. I know you're always thinking about me, and the girls, when we're at work. It wasn't okay to try and say otherwise, and I'm really sorry." He continued, trying to make sense of all the thoughts running through his mind before he focused on her once more. "This whole thing just made me a little crazy, because I was so terrified of something happening to you. Of losing you right in front of me, again… But I handled it all wrong, and said things I never should've. I know I hurt you in the process, and I'm so sorry for that."

"It's okay." She assured him with a gentle smile, seeing him let out a slow breath before she continued. "Really, it is. I know this wasn't easy on you… And some of the things you said were hard to hear, but they weren't entirely wrong." Gabby spoke, seeing his eyebrows knit together in what appeared to be confusion, the look on his face telling her she needed to explain herself further. "After having some time to look back on all of this, and what happened between us. Thinking back on how it all got so bad, I've realized that you were right, too… Part of me didn't want to admit it, but you were. Because I went into that building thinking like a firefighter, not a paramedic. And I can't do that. It was stupid, and you had every right to be upset with me over that." She finished, Casey almost immediately shaking his head.

"But I still shouldn't have-"

"I messed up, Matt." She stopped him, watching her husband purse his lips together before he nodded back at her, silently prompting her to continue. "It doesn't excuse some of the things you said, or all the reasons you were mad at me. But we can't just ignore how my actions are what put us in this situation to begin with… This isn't just on you." She spoke strongly, Casey thinking over her words for a moment or two. "And like you said, maybe you didn't handle it the right way, but you weren't wrong to be worried the way you were. Or to be upset with me for what I did inside that building, because I stayed in there knowing I shouldn't and I scared you in the process… Even though I thought I was doing the right thing, I should've gotten out. I messed up and didn't listen to you, and that's what started to put this strain on us, not only at work but at home too. So even if parts of it weren't fair to me, I see now why you reacted the way you did. Because I know that call could've ended so much worse, if not for you. If you hadn't come in there to get me, there's no telling what would've happened…"

Casey's face fell as she spoke, before a slight frown started to appear over his lips while she shook her head, like she was trying to will those thoughts from her mind.

"But the point is, we're both at fault for how this ended up. We both did things we shouldn't have, said things we shouldn't… And we can't undo that, but we can move past it." She told him, Matt immediately nodding as he tightened his grip on her hand. "And that's what I want, I want to move past this. I don't want to be mad about it anymore, or mad at you."

"I don't, either." He agreed quickly, Gabby giving him a small smile before she leaned forward to give him a slow, gentle kiss. One that they both desperately needed after these long couple of days, the two moving easily together while getting that closeness they craved, only separating once they needed a moment to breathe.

When they pulled back, as soon as Gabby opened her eyes she saw that goofy grin resting over her husband's face while her hand slid over his neck.

"I love you." He all but whispered, Dawson soon matching his smile before she nodded.

"I love you, too." She responded, her thumb stroking lightly along his jaw while she took a steadying breath. "And I really am sorry, for all of it."

"I'm sorry, too." He replied, turning his head a bit to press a soft kiss to the inside of her palm, letting his lips linger there for a moment before he turned back to face her. "But I'm ready to just put this behind us, if you are."

"I am." She told him swiftly, Matt smiling at her once more before they two shared another quick kiss. "...Though this is something I need you to know." She continued on once they separated, Casey's head falling to the side while he watched her with a questioning stare. "I need you to know that what I did in that building, it had nothing to do with me not respecting you."

Matt swallowed thickly as the words left her lips, his chest rising a bit while Gabby gave him a strong, affirming nod.

"Me respecting you as my Chief, and especially as my husband. That's not why I didn't come out of that building, I need you to know that… I have all the respect in the world for you, baby. I always have." She promised, seeing his eyes lighten a bit as she could tell he needed to hear this from her. "When I was in there, I just- I forgot about everything else for a second. My instincts kicked in and I wanted to help that man, it had nothing to do with you or us. I didn't mean to be so stubborn, I'm sorry."

"I don't want you to apologize for that. That part of you, it's what I love about you." He was quick to reply as she met his gaze, seeing her smile light up a bit before she nodded back at him. "It's just that… As much as I love how strong-willed you are, there are some times where it hurts you, Gabby. And yesterday was one of those times." He spoke carefully, seeing her face falter for a moment as she took in his words. "Not that I didn't make mistakes too, because I did…"

"No, I get it. And you're right. I know I was wrong to stay in there." She eventually continued, Matt nodding sadly in response. "That it could've cost me everything… You, and our girls. And that's not something that I ever want to happen."

"I know you don't." He assured her, moving his hand down towards her leg before rubbing gently along her skin. "But that's why I was so scared when you weren't listening to me, because I could see how dangerous it was and I knew it wasn't safe for you to be in there… Cause that is all that matters Gabby, is keeping you and our daughters safe." He spoke strongly, tears starting to form in her eyes before she nodded. "That's my main goal, every day. Especially when we're on shift, from the moment we walk out that door, to when we come back home, all I can think about is making sure you're alright. That you make it back home to our girls. That is all that matters to me." He continued on, swallowing back some of the emotion building in his throat as she lifted her hand up to wipe underneath her eyes. "That's why this rattled me so much, because I know how close we came to something happening to you, and I would've never forgiven myself for that."

"Matt…"

"I know why you did it. I do, and I understand… I'm not mad anymore, but I need you to promise me that this won't happen again." He spoke softly, his voice a bit unsteady as he tightened his loving hold on her. "When we go to shift, I have to know that you'll listen to me when the situation warrants it. That when we're in a dangerous situation like that, you'll pull back if I tell you to. Not because I don't think you can do it, or that I don't trust you, but because it isn't safe… It's already hard enough trying to separate our marriage from this job when we're out in the field, to not put you above everyone else in that firehouse on calls because that's all I want to do. But I can't do that all the time. So I need your help. I have to know you'll listen to me, because if I don't, I can't do my job." He finished, Casey speaking quickly as he brought up the last thing they had yet to discuss. The same thing that had made him so crazy yesterday, as Gabby gave him a sturdy, teary-eyed nod.

"I will." She assured him, Matt releasing a breath he hadn't even realized he was holding. "I promise, I will… I don't want something like this to ever happen again." She finished, Casey's eyes locking with hers before he nodded. "And I think we should both promise to never let things get bad like that between us again... That if something does happen, we'll talk it out, instead of getting upset and hurting each other."

"I promise." He agreed quickly, Gabby letting out a soft breath before she leaned forward to wrap her arms around him in a hug.

The position was a bit awkward, and somewhat cramped from being on the couch, but they held onto each other regardless as Gabby dug her head into his neck, Matt circling his arms around her lower back before pulling her back towards him after a few seconds. Once he was leaned up against the arm of the furniture they were immediately more comfortable, Gabby now straddling his waist as she hugged him, while Casey kept a tight grip on her, the two needing this contact more than anything else as the weight of their fights and anger over the past couple days slowly lifted from their shoulders.

"...So, we're okay?" Gabby asked into the quiet air after a second or two, her voice muffled by his neck as Matt secured his hold around her waist, before promising back the very words he knew she needed to hear. The ones he meant more than anything, as no matter what happened between them they would never stop being true.

"We're okay… We're always okay."