Hello there everyone! I'm here with the next chapter for you all, and I hope you all enjoy it.
Before we get into it, let me apologize again for no updates last week. To be completely honest, work and this new schedule I'm on has been kind of kicking my ass, and I don't have time for much these days. But I am still committed to writing, and finishing these stories. I just hope once I get used to this schedule, it'll be a little easier for me to find time to write and do the things I enjoy.
But for now, I'm glad I was able to get this chapter done for you all. Thank you so much for reading, and I can't wait to hear what you think.
Chapter One Hundred and Ninety Six
Dawson rolled out her neck after stepping down from the ambulance, the rather cool March air blowing in through the open garage door as her and Jemma had just returned from their third call of the day. It was a pretty easy one, nothing more than a simple transport of an elderly woman who had unfortunately fallen and given herself a nasty cut. One that would need a few stitches. But other than that she appeared to be fine, Dawson and Norris dropping her off with ease and finishing up the call in under an hour. Which was fine with Gabby these days, the shorter calls like a godsend to her and her growing body as her sore and tired muscles usually thanked her for quicker trips out of the firehouse.
"God, I can't believe we missed lunch." Jemma huffed out after shutting the driver's side door, Gabby stopping as she got around the back of the rig to wait for her friend to catch up, Norris then shoving her hands into her pockets while stepping towards the PIC. "Or rather that I missed lunch," She continued on, her pointed words causing Dawson to smirk before the partners began walking towards the double doors. "I didn't see anyone shoving their sandwich into my hands before we left."
Dawson couldn't help but laugh as Jemma's words brought back the memory of just barely an hour ago inside this firehouse, where they'd been called out only seconds after sitting down to eat their lunch. And while neither of them had time to start on the soup Otis had prepared for lunch, Gabby was the only one who had been given something to go, as before she could even register it Matt had taken the chicken sandwich off his plate and handed it to her, insisting she take it with them so she could eat before the call. Which was something Gabby was more than grateful for, as she wasn't sure how well she would've made it through that call without getting some food into her system.
And clearly, Jemma was feeling the same way.
"Well, I'm sorry about that. But the pregnant lady has to eat." Gabby responded lightly, Norris then rolling her eyes playfully before locking their arms together. "And I tried to tell you we could stop and get something on the way back."
"Yes, but if we'd done that then I couldn't be dramatic right now." She told her without missing a beat, Gabby letting out another laugh before they made their way through the doors into the firehouse, finding a few of their coworkers sitting inside the common room.
The room wasn't full by any means, as from the lack of a rig outside in the garage Gabby figured Squad 3 to be out on a call, the paramedics offering the few first responders an easy smile before Dawson continued off down the hallway. And, to her surprise, Jemma followed her. After her light complaining, Gabby was expecting her to break off into the kitchen and get herself something to eat, but instead she continued with her through the hallway while Dawson headed for her husband's office.
"Ah yes, of course." Gabby played along with her previous words, Jemma offering her an easy smile as they rounded the corner. "Although speaking of food, don't forget we're all having dinner tomorrow night." She reminded her as their steps halted just inside the bullpen of the firehouse, where there were a few civilian employees working on their desks. The same place Gabby would be working sometime soon.
"How could I forget?" Jemma asked back lightly. "I would never miss a big Dawson-Casey get together."
"Yeah, it'll be a good time." Gabby agreed, seeing her friend nod in agreement.
"It always is. And besides, me showing up is the only way I'm gonna find out the gender of my third godchild."
That familiar smirk returned to Gabby's lips as she looked at her friend, cocking her head to the side before lifting her arms up to rest over her chest, Jemma merely shrugging despite the somewhat amused gleam in her eye.
This has been a topic of discussion multiple times in the few days that had passed since the Caseys' last doctor's appointment. How they had yet to share the gender of their baby with anyone, as Gabby and Matt wanted to be able to tell everyone closest to them together, meaning they had to wait for a time where they were all free. Which just so happened to be tomorrow night.
And while everyone was beyond excited to find out what Gabby and Matt were having once they all got together, that hadn't stopped Jemma, or Severide, from pestering them about it these last couple days.
"So that's the only reason you're showing up, huh?" Gabby teased, the two women staying put in the middle of the bullpen while others worked around them.
"Oh, for sure." Jemma deadpanned, prompting Gabby to laugh. "The second you tell us you're having another little girl, Marcus and I will be out of there." She joked, Dawson shaking her head in amusement while shifting her weight between her feet.
"Why are you so sure it's a girl?" Gabby went along, keeping her face neutral so as to not give anything away.
"I just have a feeling about these things… For a while, I wasn't sure. But now I know, you two are having another girl." She said defiantly, so much so that if Gabby didn't know any better, she'd say Jemma knew for sure the gender of their baby.
"You know?" She challenged lightly, Jemma looking over her features like she was searching for any sign of an answer. But Dawson was giving her nothing.
"Yup. I know." She answered, causing Gabby to laugh once more. "If for anything, because I think you're incapable of creating a boy at this point. Or Casey is, whichever one of you is responsible for that part." She rambled out, as Dawson bit back a smile. "But either way, I think you two are only able to make girls… It's that, and how Casey has been running around here like the happiest man on the planet ever since that appointment. And I think we all know what that means."
Those last few words caused Gabby's smile to widen, her head ducking down towards the ground as she knew there was a lot of truth to what Jemma was saying. So much so that it was fruitless to argue it, as there was no denying the shift in Matt's demeanor since finding out the gender of their baby.
For Gabby, the shift in him had started from the moment they were at Dr. Tanner's office and she told them they were having a little girl. Ever since then, there had been a noticeable change in her husband. How he seemed more light, more excited than before- like there was an extra bounce in his step. He was just so beyond thrilled about this baby. And he'd made sure to show her that over and over again the night after their appointment, when once their girls had gone to bed he spent most of the night with his wife. With her increased energy levels at this point in her pregnancy, she wasn't at all opposed to it, as quality time with her husband, celebrating their daughter was something she always wanted.
But past those intimate moments together, Gabby knew everyone else around the firehouse had been able to sense the change in their Chief, too. They noticed the unwavering gleam in his eye, and that almost overwhelming amount of excitement radiating off of him. And given how it was no secret to anyone that Matt so surely wanted another little girl, Gabby wouldn't have been surprised if, like Jemma, the rest of the house was able to put together the gender of their baby. That they at least had their suspicions.
Though to their credit, no one had pushed them on it. Aside from some lighthearted teasing from both Jemma and Severide, everyone respected them waiting to share the news in their own time. Which Gabby knew would make that moment all the more special.
"I swear, he hasn't stopped smiling. Since I've seen him, at least." Jemma continued on knowingly, Gabby biting down on her lip before she looked back up at her. "Hell, even now he looks happy." She added on, gesturing towards his office at the back of the room, Gabby instinctively glancing that way as her friend spoke to see Matt sitting at his desk, working on paperwork. But even then, Jemma's words held a lot of truth as just the mundane task of completing paperwork had him with a smile on his face. "He looks just as happy now as he did when first finding out you were pregnant, maybe even more. So yeah, I feel pretty confident that you two are having a girl." She finished, Gabby letting her gaze linger on her oblivious husband for a few more moments before returning her gaze to Norris.
"Well, if you think so." Gabby said with an unreadable shrug, Jemma's eyes narrowing just slightly before she huffed out an exasperated breath.
"You're really not gonna tell me, are you?" She asked, Dawson suppressing a smile before shaking her head.
"You'll find out with everyone else tomorrow, Jemma." She replied lightly.
"...Doesn't seem fair to me." She murmured underneath her breath, Gabby unable to stop her smirk this time as she moved her hands down to her hips.
"Do you really want to know?" She asked her, Jemma matching her smile as the two friends joked around. "Or do you just want to keep being dramatic?"
"Oh, well I definitely want to know… But being dramatic sounds fun, too." She teased, Gabby scoffing lightly before Jemma shook her head. "No, no I'm just messing around, Dawson. I'll wait and find out with the rest of the family." She told her, Gabby nodding understandingly before Norris reached out to rub a loving hand over her friend's protruding stomach. "As long as little baby Casey here remembers that aside from their Mom and Dad, I love them the most." She finished, pulling a laugh from Gabby while continuing to rub over her stomach.
"Yeah, I'm sure you won't have anyone fighting you on that." Gabby said back, Jemma giving her a knowing look before refocusing her attention on the youngest Casey.
"I think we both know your Momma is talking about Uncle Kelly, but I can take him." She joked while talking to her stomach, Gabby letting out another laugh as she shook her head.
At some point during their conversation, Casey must've noticed them out in the bullpen as Gabby soon saw him coming their way out of the corner of her eye, Dawson looking towards him after he stepped from his office. There was a curious look on his face at first, his gaze almost amused as he glanced between his wife and Jemma, who was still rubbing her stomach.
"Hey guys." He greeted once he was close enough, Norris patting her small bump once more before looking up towards Casey. "Everything alright?"
Gabby's nose scrunched up a bit, Jemma letting out a soft laugh before she nodded. "Everything's fine."
"Yeah, we're good… Jemma was just trying to get me to spill the beans about baby Casey." Gabby explained, Matt's lips parting slightly before that knowing gleam returned to his eyes, while Jemma let out a playful scoff.
"Ahh."
"Mhmm. And she's also mad you didn't give her a sandwich."
Casey chuckled softly, his head moving side to side once more while stepping closer towards his wife, before wrapping his arm around her shoulders. "Sorry Jemma, I only had one."
"Yeah, yeah." She replied with a wave of her hand, while Gabby leaned her weight into Matt's side. "But since I didn't have some nice Chief making sure I ate, I guess I am gonna go get some food." Norris told them, her body beginning to move backwards while glancing between them. "I take it I won't see you unless we get a call?"
Matt fought back a smile at Jemma's insinuating words, Gabby smirking as well before she glanced up towards Casey. "Yeah, most likely."
"Mhmm, I figured." Jemma responded playfully, reaching out to squeeze Dawson's arm before she headed back for the hallway, leaving the couple on their own while a few other employees worked around them.
"She's in fine form today." Casey commented with a light tone to his voice, Gabby feeling him rub his hand over her shoulder as she glanced back up at him.
"Well, you know she gets cranky when she's hungry." Dawson quipped, Matt's smile widening before she adjusted his body to face her.
"Yeah, she's not the only one." He teased, leaning down to give her a quick kiss before she could respond to him. She smiled against his lips, Gabby feeling his free hand come down to cradle her stomach as he pulled away. "So, how's the mother of my girls feeling?"
Her grin widened, a rush of warmth moving through her as he continued to rub soothing patterns over her belly. "You're just hoping I'll ignore that comment, huh?" She asked him, Matt smiling shamelessly before he slowly began to lead her through the bullpen back towards his office.
"Maybe." He responded with a shrug, Gabby shooting him a look before she reached over to lightly pinch his side, the two sharing a laugh while continuing to the seclusion of his Chief's quarters. "But really, how are you feeling? You doing okay?" He asked her, his voice a bit more serious than moments before as he led her through the door, before pulling it closed behind them and effectively cutting them off from the rest of the house.
"I'm fine, the mother of your girls feels alright." She repeated his words, seeing his smile grow while he guided her to the couch, letting her sit down first before he made himself comfortable next to her. "A little sore, but good."
"Where?"
"My legs, mostly." She replied, Matt glancing down between them for a moment before he nodded.
"Come here." He murmured while adjusting his positioning on the couch, Gabby raising her eyebrows as he carefully guided her legs up onto his lap. "What?" He asked her after seeing the look on her face.
"First I get lunch, and now a massage?" She asked rhetorically, Matt smirking her way as he began to rub her tense muscles. "What did I do to deserve this?"
"You're carrying my child, you're an incredible mother to our children. I'd say that's more than enough of a reason to take care of you." He told her easily, Gabby offering him a small smile as she lifted her hand up to rub over his cheek. "And plus, I just like you."
Gabby let out a soft laugh, stroking her thumb along his cheekbone while he massaged her sore legs. "...You sure you're not too busy?" She checked, Matt glancing towards her and catching her gaze for a moment before he turned to press a kiss against the inside of her palm.
"For you? Never."
His simple words made her smile, Gabby nodding before letting herself relax back into the couch and focus on the feeling of Matt's hands moving over her, the couple more than content to sit here and enjoy this time together for the next little bit until it was time to go back out into the city.
"Hey Matt?" Gabby called from their bedroom, causing Casey to look up from the counter in the kitchen where he was preparing a quick snack for Sofia.
"Yeah?" He asked back, just before she stepped out through the doorway. With one glance, though she had already gotten dressed for their dinner it was clear to Matt that she wasn't completely ready yet. But she looked stunning to him regardless.
"I just heard from my mom, they're gonna be at the restaurant in about forty minutes or so." She explained while putting her earrings in. "And Jemma will be there a little before, so we probably need to leave soon."
"Sounds good, babe." He responded with a smile, Gabby nodding back at him before her eyes moved down towards the small plate of food in front of him. "Sof's getting hungry." He answered her silent question, Gabby smirking a bit as she glanced over towards their youngest, who was sitting at their table playing with Stella sitting beside her. "And since it's gonna be a while before we actually eat, I figured feeding her was better than dealing with a grumpy toddler."
"Good choice." She agreed with a chuckle, Matt mimicking her nod before she took a step back. "I should only be a few more minutes."
"That's fine, take your time." He responded easily, the two sharing one last smile before Gabby disappeared into their bedroom, while Casey moved around the counter with Sofia's snack.
"Yeah, she'll be half an hour. Easy." Severide commented from his place on the floor, the man sitting across from Caity while she played with a few of her dolls.
"And that's fine if she is." Casey replied swiftly, Kelly raising his brows while Matt placed the food down in front of his two year old, Sofia's eyes widening excitedly before she ditched her toys and began to eat. "However long she needs, we'll leave when she's ready." Matt added on, rubbing his hand along Sofia's back as she worked on the crackers Casey had broken up for her.
"Oh brother." Severide responded, Stella holding back a laugh as she got up from her seat.
"What? You really think I'm gonna rush my pregnant wife? I'm not stupid, Sev." Casey told him, Kelly raising his hands up in defeat while Kidd walked past them.
"Smart man, Chief." Stella commented lightly as she moved by the table. "I think I'm gonna go sit with Dawson, see if she needs anything."
"Thanks Kidd." Casey replied, the two firefighters sharing a nod before Stella disappeared into the master bedroom, leaving Matt and Kelly alone with the kids. "Alright Caity, you think you can go and get your shoes for me, baby?" He asked, the six year old nodding as she dropped her toys before pushing herself up from the ground and hurrying towards the garage door.
She was only gone for a few seconds, Matt barely able to give Sofia another piece of her snack before the soft sounds of Caitlyn's feet scurrying across the floor filled the room. "I got my shoes, Daddy." She spoke proudly, Casey glancing back to see her hurrying towards him with two pairs of small shoes in her arms. "And I got Sof's, too."
Casey smiled, reaching out to grab Sofia's shoes from her before pressing a kiss to the top of her head. "Thank you, princess." He replied, her beaming smile never diminishing as she skipped her way back over to the floor where Severide was sitting, Caitlyn plopping herself down next to him before beginning to put her shoes on.
Severide was moving some of the toys back towards the chair, trying to clear the walkway a little bit as he knew they'd be leaving soon, while Casey was taking care of Sofia, Caitlyn skilled enough to be able to put her shoes on by herself while the four of them continued getting ready to leave.
"Uncle Kelly?" Caity asked after getting her shoe in place, Severide glancing over to see her shifting up to sit on her shins, the six year old adjusting her dress while smiling up at him.
"What's up, squirt?" He asked her, as she started to bounce excitedly on her legs.
"I have a secret." She giggled, Severide's eyebrows raising before his head tilted to the side, the man then glancing back to see Casey watching them both with a curious, yet equally as amused look on his face. Before Kelly could say anything, Matt merely shrugged, silently telling the Lieutenant that he had no idea what Caitlyn was about to say, Severide nodding before returning his attention back to the six year old.
"Oh you do, huh?" He played along, Caitlyn laughing once more as she nodded.
"Mhmm."
"And what is this secret?"
Caitlyn looked around, bringing her hand up to cover her mouth until she leaned closer towards him, holding onto his shoulder before she whispered in his ear. Though her voice wasn't all that quiet.
"I'm gonna have another little sister."
Severide's eyes widened once he registered her words, Caitlyn still giggling happily as Kelly looked back at Matt in almost disbelief, who was merely shaking his head before letting out a soft laugh.
"Caity, remember we said we were gonna wait to tell everyone at dinner?" Matt reminded his oldest daughter even though it didn't matter much anymore, Caity letting out another laugh while shifting her weight on her shins.
"But I promised Uncle Kelly I would tell him." She replied, Severide continuing to watch his friend while the news sunk in. "And it's not nice to break promises."
Matt opened his mouth to respond, but then quickly closed it as her statement washed over him. "That… is a fair point." He muttered, hearing his daughter continue to giggle.
"...You all are having a girl?" Severide's voice finally broke through, Matt hearing the amazement in his words as the two friends locked gazes. Before saying anything, Casey offered him a bright smile, his head nodding up and down while running his hand along the back of Sofia's hair.
"We are, she's a girl." He replied, Severide letting out a soft breath as he began to stand up, Matt glancing back towards the bedroom before he continued. "Please don't say anything until we can tell everyone, because Gabby's all excited to tell our family together. But our baby's a girl." He said again, Severide shaking his head happily while he made his way over to his friend.
"I won't say anything, but that's… God, man. That's incredible." Kelly breathed out happily, letting out a soft laugh before he brought Casey in for a hug. One Matt instantly reciprocated. "I'm so happy for you guys."
"Thanks Sev." He replied just as lightly, patting his back before they pulled apart. "We're so excited, even though I'm not sure if it's really sunk in yet."
"Yeah, I know this is what you all wanted." Kelly replied, Matt grinning knowingly as his head dipped down towards the ground. "Congratulations."
"Thank you." Casey said again, Severide clasping him on the shoulder just as Caitlyn hurried over to them. "And you, missy.. I know you were keeping your promise, but let's not tell anyone else until dinner, okay?"
"Okay Daddy." She responded while hugging herself to his leg, Matt releasing another soft laugh before cupping his hand against the back of her head.
"Alright, alright I think we're ready." Kidd's voice came into the room before both men turned back to see her and Gabby walk out of the master bedroom.
"How late are we?" Gabby asked him.
"We're not." Casey replied after clearing his throat, doing his best to conceal all signs of his and Kelly's previous conversation. "We've got plenty of time."
"Good answer." Stella said, Severide shaking his head as the group slowly started to break apart, Kelly still feeling like he was in a bit of shock from the news. "But we probably should get out of here soon."
"Definitely." Gabby agreed, smoothing out her dress before she glanced back over to Kelly and her husband, her head cocking to the side when she saw a few looks she couldn't place.
"..What?" Casey questioned a little too quickly, his response only piquing in interest in whatever conversation they had walked in on.
"Nothing." Gabby replied softly after a moment, the couple sharing a look before they all started to gather their things.
It took a little while with the kids, and Sofia finishing up her snack, but soon enough they'd managed to get everything together and put into the car, Severide and Kidd currently helping out with putting the kids in the vehicle while Gabby and Matt did one last once over throughout their living room, making sure they weren't forgetting anything they'd need for the next few hours.
"Alright, I think we're good." Casey spoke as he turned off the light, Gabby nodding in agreement as they headed for the exit. But before they got there, Matt stopped her. "Oh, and uh.. So you know, Caity told Kelly, by the way." He said rather suddenly, Dawson biting down on her bottom lip to keep herself from smiling while she watched her husband. "About the baby."
Gabby shook her head a bit, though from her demeanor alone Matt could tell she wasn't all that surprised, his wife's small grin turning into a smirk before she shook her head. "So I guess that's what those looks were about." She mused, Casey letting out a laugh of his own as he nodded.
"Pretty much." He said before placing a kiss to the side of her head. "But she was just excited."
"I know, and it's okay… It's good to see her so happy about this." Gabby replied, Matt nodding in agreement as they took a few more steps towards the garage. "But we should probably get to dinner before she tells anyone else." She added on with a chuckle, Casey matching her smile as he wrapped his arm around her waist.
"Yeah, definitely… Let's get out of here."
"Daddy, can I have cake?" Caitlyn's voice filtered across the table as the group of family and friends sat inside the restaurant, Matt glancing over to his oldest daughter, who was perched up on her shins between Antonio and Ramon. The entire group had been looking over the dessert menus for a few minutes, attempting to decide what all they wanted to finish their meal as there was evidently something that had caught Caity's eye. Though Matt had a feeling the large photo of the dessert is part of what swayed his daughter.
"Yeah baby, you can have cake." He told her while absentmindedly rubbing his hand along Gabby's thigh as she sat next to him, seeing the beaming grin that came from his little girl before she nodded. "Do you think you could share some with Sof?"
Caitlyn turned her head to look at her little sister, who was currently being held by Jemma and Marcus a few seats down, before she nodded, Matt smiling thankfully as he set his own menu back down onto the table.
"Thank you, baby."
"You're welcome." She said easily, before looking back towards Ramon. "Abuelo! Daddy said I can have cake!" She continued on excitedly, Matt shaking his head a bit before letting his eyes move around the table that was currently filled with almost all of his family, and those he saw as family.
Their dinner out was currently winding down, but over the last few hours they'd all had a wonderful time together. Just getting some uninterrupted time to catch up, and spend this night as a family, it was great for all of them. Especially those who hadn't seen each other that much lately, as Jemma and Severide both had spent a good chunk of the night talking with Ramon and Camila. And while most of the night had been a lot of separate conversations, Matt and Gabby were still loving it just as much; the only thing that could've made it better is if his mother was here, but he knew it wasn't all that easy for her to get to Chicago. And with his plans to call her later, and share the news they were giving everyone else tonight, he wasn't dwelling on it too much right now. But instead focusing on the here and now, and getting to spend this time with the majority of his family.
"Have we made our decisions?"
Matt was pulled from his thoughts when he heard the waiter's voice from behind him, seeing a few of them start to nod before they went down the line and ordered their desserts. Ramon took care of getting the cake for Caitlyn and Sofia, everyone else getting what they wanted before they got to Casey.
"I'll have the key lime pie, thank you." He told him, the man nodding while taking the menu from him.
"Ma'am?" He asked Gabby, who merely shook her head while resting her hand over her stomach.
"I'm alright, thank you." She replied, earning another nod from the waiter before he made himself scarce.
"You don't want anything, Gabriela?" Ramon asked, Gabby shaking her head again as she reached for her water, her mind partially focused on the feeling of Matt's palm moving back and forth gently over her leg.
"I'm not hungry, I already ate way too much." She breathed out, Ramon smiling sympathetically as his eyes subconsciously moved towards her growing stomach. "Baby Casey in there is already taking up so much room, I don't want to make myself sick."
"That's smart… Though we could get you something to go, if you'd like." The father offered, Gabby smiling gratefully before she nodded.
"Yeah, maybe.. Thank you Papa." She replied, before Camila spoke up.
"I remember all of that pretty well," She commented, gaining Gabby's attention. "How you and your brother took up so much room." She added on, nodding towards her daughter's pregnant stomach as Gabby let out a soft laugh.
"Oh yeah, it's no joke." Gabby agreed with a smile, not noticing how the entire table was now listening to their conversation. "It was the same way with Sofia, even with how tiny she was… There was still nowhere for anything to go." She told her, patting her stomach for effect as Camila chuckled.
"That's something that never changes with pregnancy, unfortunately… Growing another human takes up a lot of space." She replied, seeing her daughter nod. "But at least now you have more of an idea what to expect."
"Yeah, I do… I mean, this pregnancy is a little- or a lot different than my first," She spoke, not noticing how Matt's hand faltered against her leg for a moment. "But a lot of it is also the same, almost like muscle memory, if that makes sense." She continued on, Camila nodding almost immediately.
"Oh, it does Gabriela. It makes perfect sense, and you're right. That's kind of what it's like." She responded in agreement. "But even with how similar it all is, I know it's nice to get to experience a pretty regular pregnancy." She spoke carefully, Gabby merely smiling before giving her a nod.
"Yeah, it is." She told her, the mother and daughter sharing another look before they continued on with their conversation about this pregnancy.
And while they did, sitting on the other side Dawson, Severide was content to sit there and listen to them talk, Gabby and Camila mostly chatting about how things had been going for Dawson now, compared to how things were with Sofia. It was a pretty easy discussion, nothing too serious or harrowing despite the harsh memories of that time during Dawson's pregnancy with Sof.
But while they were talking, Kelly soon noticed how quiet Casey had gotten all of the sudden. And with one glance at him around Gabby, it was impossible to miss the almost far away look in his eye. The same one that Severide would notice almost every time the topic of Dawson's first pregnancy came up, and in that moment Kelly couldn't help but think back to all the times he'd seen this from his friend over the last few weeks. It would come in flashes, and disappear seconds later, but still Severide saw it. Over and over again, he saw Matt getting caught in his head about something with this pregnancy.
And if Casey's reaction now was any indication, whatever was bothering him hadn't gone away.
But Severide didn't have much more time to dwell on it, as Gabby's voice soon broke him from his thoughts.
"And, uh, I guess while we're talking about this baby, there's something Matt and I want to tell you all." She spoke up, regaining the focus of the entire group as the mood around them shifted, Severide seeing that bright smile return to Casey's face almost instantly before returning his hand to Gabby's leg. "You guys all kind of already know why we wanted to get together, that Matt and I had our appointment with Dr. Tanner a few days ago…"
"Oh finally." Antonio cut in, gaining a few laughs from everyone at the table as Gabby shot him a look. "...Sorry sis." He added on sheepishly, Casey shaking his head in amusement before Gabby continued on.
"Anyway, the point is that I know you all are eager to know what we're having, and you've all been surprisingly patient this whole night." She teased, seeing a few smirks and grins from her family. "And at first we weren't sure if we wanted to do a big reveal or not, or just tell you all individually… But we felt like this was best to do it this way." She continued to explain, Matt nodding in agreement as she looked towards him. "...Do you wanna tell them?" Gabby offered, Matt's grin widening before he glanced across the table towards Caitlyn.
"Tell them, Daddy!" She encouraged, excitement coming off her in waves as most everyone let out a few laughs.
"Alright, alright… I guess I'll just say it." He breathed out, giving Gabby's leg a squeeze as he looked between all his friends and family. "...We're having another girl."
Soft gasps were heard around the table, accompanied by bright smiles and looks of complete happiness as Gabby let out a soft laugh.
"Mommy's having a girl!" Caitlyn repeated brightly, her body practically bouncing in her seat as Severide reached out to rub Gabby's back.
"Oh, mija." Camila got out.
"That's wonderful news!" Ramon added on.
"I knew it!" Jemma told them, getting some chuckles from the group before she passed Sofia off to Marcus and got up to give her best friend a hug. "I'm so happy for you guys, congratulations." She said, wrapping her arms around Gabby as best she could. "This is amazing."
"Thank you, Jemma." She responded, before Norris moved to give Matt a hug.
"Congrats, you guys."
"Another niece, I can't believe it." Antonio breathed out, shaking his head with a soft smile. "But I can't even say I'm surprised, a part of me had a feeling it was a girl."
"Yeah, I think everyone did… But we're all so excited." Matt replied as Jemma made her way back to her seat.
"I'm having another sissy!" Caity interjected while leaning into Antonio's side.
"Sissy!" Sofia copied her word, the two girls endearing to everyone around them as the adults released a few laughs.
"So I guess the girls are happy, too." Ramon spoke rhetorically, Gabby smirking before giving her father a nod.
"Maybe more than anyone." She responded lightly, Ramon nodding knowingly before Dawson turned her attention towards Severide, after feeling him tap lightly against her back.
"Congrats, Dawson." He told her softly, Gabby's smile widening as she started to nod.
"Thank you, Kelly." She responded, the two friends leaning in for a hug. "...Even though you already knew." She whispered, Severide chuckling deeply before they separated.
"Casey told you about that, huh?"
"He did… But I know Caity was excited to tell you." Gabby responded, Severide giving her a nod while squeezing her shoulder. "Although if I were you, I'd make sure Jemma doesn't know you found out before her. Or you'll never hear the end of it." She joked, Kelly laughing once more as Gabby matched his grin.
"Yeah… I'd say you're right about that." He responded, the two friends sharing one last knowing look before they returned their attention to the rest of the group, where everyone was more than ready to spend the rest of their night celebrating the newest addition to the Casey family.
Severide shoved his hands into his pockets as he made his way through the hallways of 51, the relatively quiet morning matching the mood around the firehouse as there hadn't been much going on so far this shift. But you wouldn't find anyone complaining, Kelly letting out a soft sigh as he moved through the bullpen, towards Casey's office.
He wasn't sure if his friend was busy, or would have a chance to talk, but with this lull in their morning Severide figured now was his best opportunity to try as there were a few things they needed to talk about. Things Kelly needed answers to, and their dinner the other night did nothing but solidify that.
They'd all had a good time, they'd been able to celebrate little baby girl Casey, and enjoy that moment together. But for most of the night, Severide's mind was elsewhere as he couldn't stop himself from thinking about Matt, and whatever it was that was bothering him. Whatever was happening, whatever it was about this pregnancy that was upsetting Casey, their dinner just proved it wasn't going away. That Matt wasn't dealing with it, and Severide couldn't let this go on any longer. Not at least without trying to help him, and figure out what this was.
Which is exactly why he found himself outside Casey's office now, Severide drawing in a deep breath before he brought his hand up to knock on the doorframe.
When he heard the sound Casey looked up, giving Severide a soft smile before waving him in.
"Hey man." Kelly spoke after opening the door and stepping a few feet inside.
"Hey Severide, what's up?" The Chief asked, Kelly forcing another steadying breath before responding.
"...You got a minute to talk?"
Casey's eyebrows furrowed, sensing the somewhat serious tone in Severide's voice before he nodded. "Yeah, of course." He replied, Kelly nodding before he shut the door and headed for the desk. "Everything okay?" Casey checked, Severide grimacing just slightly as he sat down across from his friend.
"Truthfully? I was just about to ask you that." Kelly replied, Casey no less confused as he clasped his hands together in front of him on the desk, his head falling to the side in response.
"What do you mean?" Casey questioned, Severide getting the sense that he was completely caught off guard by this conversation.
And quite frankly, Kelly wasn't sure if that would make this easier or harder.
"I, uh… I don't even know how to start this, so I'm just gonna say it." He prefaced, seeing Matt's spine straighten ever so slightly. Like he wasn't sure what to expect to come from Severide's mouth. "But is there something going on?"
Matt's brows knitted together deeply, the look on his face telling Kelly that not only had he not expected that from him, but he also wasn't sure what he was asking him. "What?" He questioned, voicing his uncertainty out loud before Severide released a quiet sigh.
"Is there something going on with you…" He said again. "And this baby. The pregnancy." Kelly elaborated, seeing Matt's defenses slowly start to rise. Even though he still wasn't sure what this was.
"I'm not following, Kelly. What do you mean, about my baby?" Casey questioned back sharply, like he was ready to protect his family if need be.
Pursing his lips together, Severide took a moment to gather his thoughts before he continued. "I'm talking about the way you've been acting, every time someone brings up what happened during Dawson's pregnancy with Sofia, and this pregnancy now. You get all weird." He spoke clearly, Matt's entire body tightening before he swallowed thickly, the two men never taking their eyes off of one another. "It's that, right there.. That's exactly what I'm talking about."
"Severide…" Matt spoke, almost like a warning. But Kelly didn't listen.
"I noticed it at dinner the other night, and I've noticed it a handful of other times. Something is bothering you, I can tell." He pushed on, missing the way Matt's fist tightened on top of the desk. "It's like you get all.. cagey. Whenever this pregnancy comes up, and especially when stuff about Sof comes up. And I don't know if there's something going on with this pregnancy now, that you're just not telling us-"
"No, there's not." Casey cut himself off, shaking his head roughly. "There's nothing going on, Gabby's fine. The baby's fine, we're all fine."
"Okay, good. I'm glad about that. But something is clearly still bothering you." Severide pressed, not willing to give in as Matt drew a deep breath. "…What's going on, Casey?"
Things went quiet between the two friends for a moment, Casey's eyes moving down to his desk as he fought to control his breathing. That familiar tightness in his chest was returning, his heartbeat starting to quicken as the feeling Matt had gotten a few times over the past couple months was coming back full force. The same one that would make itself known every time this conversation came up. The one he was desperate to avoid. And the last thing he'd expected today was this, for Kelly to come in here and ask him about that.
But he had, and Casey wasn't sure what to say.
"Matt…" Severide spoke up again, Casey letting his eyes fall closed before his head started to move back and forth.
"Kelly, I don't want to talk about this." He spoke, giving one last effort to try and make Severide move on from this.
"Okay, you might not want to. But I think you need to." He countered, Matt forcing in another breath before he reluctantly looked his way, seeing the evident worry still present in Kelly's gaze. "And if you don't want to talk to me, okay. But you need to talk to someone, because almost every time someone brings up Dawson being pregnant, you get upset. At least when it's about Sofia."
Casey avoided his eye contact once more, Severide's brows furrowing as he leaned forward in his chair.
"Is that what this is about?" He questioned, his words forcing Matt to look back up. "Is this about what happened when she was pregnant with Sofia? Because you just said everything was alright, and man, I know that was terrifying, but if they're both okay-"
"It's not that." Casey cut him off quickly, Kelly's lips pursing together before he nodded. "It's not about that. I mean, of course I'm gonna worry about Gabby during this pregnancy. I won't be able not to, especially because of what happened with Sofia, but that's not- It isn't…" He trailed off, his words getting jumbled in his mind as he brought his hand up to run over his face.
Severide could see his friend getting worked up, his demeanor only making him more concerned when he noticed Matt's jaw tensing.
"What's going on?" Severide repeated, refusing to leave things like this as Matt made himself take another breath, in an effort to gather his thoughts.
There was so much he could say, so much part of him wanted to say, as he needed to get this off his chest. But he knew once he said it, once he admitted it out loud, there would be no going back. And he wasn't sure if he was ready to face that.
"Matt." Kelly repeated, breaking the heavy silence they were in as Casey ran his hand over his mouth, before looking back at Kelly.
"…This pregnancy, the baby… I'm so excited. More than anything, I can't wait to meet my daughter. It's not about that, I want to make that clear." He explained, waiting for Severide to nod before he continued. "But every time it comes up, the pregnancy and our pregnancy with Sofia, I just… can't stop thinking about it. About what I did, when Gabby was pregnant then." He admitted quickly, though his words weren't making much sense to Severide.
"What are you talking about, what 'you did'? What does that mean?"
Matt paused, the words sitting on the tip of his tongue as he forced in another breath, before saying what had been plaguing his mind for almost as long as they've known about this pregnancy.
"…I mean I can't stop thinking about how I wanted to get rid of my daughter."
Well, looks like we're finally going to get into what's been bothering Matt. As I'm sure you all realize, the topic of abortion will be mentioned a lot in the next chapter, just so you all are aware. This was something I always wanted to come back to, Matt's feelings at the beginning of their pregnancy with Sofia, and how he feels about that time now, so I'm looking forward to writing this and you all getting to read it.
But for now, that's all I've got. I hope you all have a good week, and I'll see you next time.