Author note: Hey guys, I want to check in with you guys I know I've been receiving some different opinions and reactions to the conversation Gabby and Matt had in the previous chapter. I just want to address this before going any further. Making you my readers uncomfortable is something I don't want to do and like I've said previously I appreciate that not everyone understands or expects the life style I am writing about, me and my husband have received our fair share of questions about it from friends outside of our immediate circle, so I get it believe me I do. When I first started my life as a sub I had my reservations too. In regards to the comments about abuse, I do understand your point and I would never tell you not to have your opinion because that just isn't me. People are entitled to think and feel what they want, I respect that you brought it up because it gives me the chance to try and explain a little.
So first off a little background, I wasn't with my husband when I started being a sub, and to be honest I'm not even sure when I made the choice or if it was a conscious one. It was with my first ever proper boyfriend that it started and at first it was a fun roll play type thing, I'd dress up and let him take charge, but then something happened and I won't say what because it's personal but it changed things. The way I felt in myself and the way I was looking after myself, after a few months of me closing myself off and not letting him in it came to blows. We had a huge fight, and it ended in me begging him to spank me because I knew it gave me a release. Not in a sexual way, but like relieved the tension I felt and had been feeling, he like Matt in this story had his reservations but after a week worth of researching we found ourselves a mentor and began the journey to accountability. It may sound like I let myself be abused but unless you've been there and experienced what I have you probably won't get it, the release a warm butt gives you, the guilt and anger all being dealt with, it's like, I don't really know how to explain it. For me it's the equivalent to someone giving you a massage. Now I know that sounds strange, but think about the roughest massage you've ever had, the way your body aches in a good way afterwards. For me that's what a good spanking does, it relieves the tension, it leaves me with a good ache and it makes me feel safe. That's kinda of how I'm trying to portray their relationship. It's not for everyone and I know that. Some people will be like well why can't she go out till stupid oclock partying, why can't she drink till she falls down. The reason I suppose isn't simple. but Gabby in this story, like myself finds it difficult to make the right decisions, decisions that will keep her in a job, happy relationship etc. I know it seems abusive to some, and I can only speak from experience that the two relationships I have practiced domestic discipline in have been the happiest and healthiest relationships I have had. And I know that sounds strange, but like I've said unless you've experienced it, it is very difficult to explain.
The reason she isn't happy about them spanking the children is more to do with me as a writer than it is to do with her, I see it this way, the way Matt and Gabby chose to live their lives is a mutual agreement, the rules and consequences were agreed upon in an adult discussion. I for one don't believe in spanking children, my own children have never been spanked and as far as I'm concerned never will be. The fact I am is neither here or there, it's just something I will not do to them. I made my decision to live this life, I asked for it and welcomed it. Same as Gabby has in the story. The two things are not interchangeable, what they practice is a mature decision and not one children can be burden with and consent to, where as Gabby has consented and asked for it. She is able to stop if she wants, Matt has made that very clear, she controls how far the relationship goes in this context and if she wants to stop they will no questions asked.
Anyway, I hope that kinda clears it up a little. And please do keep reviewing and telling me what you think. I think you'll see that having the children is going to see some big changes in their relationship, some good and maybe some not but who knows.
I will give you fair warning that this chapter is focused on something going on with their friends more than themselves and will lead me into the next part of changes the pregnancy and children will bring. Please bare with me and I hope you continue to read. :) Thanks again.
Shay and Gabby walked through the mall bags weighing them down the pair having been shopping for the most part of the day. Gabby calling her friend pretty early this morning asking if she was free and explaining that she needed some new maternity clothes and wanted to get started on getting the things the needed for the babies. Shay never one to turn down a shopping trip had told her she'd be ready in an hour, Gabby telling Matt the plans as he returned from his shower.
"My feet are killing me" Gabby moaned, as they made their way into the coffee shop. "I need a muffin and an iced latte!"
"I'll grab them you go sit down" Shay ordered.
Gabby grabbed a couple of seats in the back, pulling her phone out as she flopped down onto the sofa seats. Seeing she had some messages from Matt she smiled softly to herself, he was working construction today but always made a point of keeping in touch when he could.
Hey baby, just seeing how you guys are getting on. I miss you XOXO
I'm assuming you're busy shopping and haven't checked your messages, text me back when you get a chance.
PS make sure you stop and eat.
Hoovering her finger over his name, she looked up to see Shay watching her. Smiling over at her she pressed his contact and pulled the phone up to her ear.
"Hey" he said as he answered the phone almost immediately.
"Hey, I just got your messages. Hows your day going?"
"Slow, boring. Wish I was with you instead."
"I know, but it's nice to spend some time with Shay again. We don't get much time just the two of us anymore."
"I know" He said softly, aware that Gabby had been missing hanging out with her friend, his wife not really having had the energy in the first few weeks of her pregnancy and then them being busy with house hunting, she hadn't been able to just have a day with her in a while and Matt was pleased she was getting the chance now even if he missed her terribly. "How are you doing?"
"My feet are killing me, I can't shop like I used to. These babies, are wearing this mama out." she said rubbing her hand over her now more prominent bump, "I can't believe I'm seventeen weeks. This bump makes me look far further along."
"Well that's because there's two in there." Matt said laughing. "Have you got much done?"
"Yeah we brought some clothes for the babies, Shay insisted on buying them almost an entire wardrobe. I made sure it was all neutral colors though so it won't matter if they are boys or girls. I got some maternity clothes too, I'm fed up of leggings."
Matt agreed she had kinda been stuck in a rut clothes wise, it would be nice to see her in something different for a change. "That's good. And once we've been to the doctor tomorrow we can set to work on choosing colors for the nursery."
"Well we have to settle on which house we're buying first" Gabby said laughing, "No point deciding on the room decor if we can't decide which house we like best."
"Well we can discuss it later if you like?"
"Sounds good to me."
"Is Shay coming over for dinner?" Matt asked, knowing that, that was usually the plan when they'd been out shopping.
"Yea I think so." Gabby said, nodding at Shay as she approached the table, "Why?"
"No reason" he said quickly, "I may ask Severide to come over with Stella if you're ok with it?"
"Yea I won't make any argument against that" she responded smiling, they hadn't all hung out since Christmas, January having flown by so quickly the pair seemingly always busy with one thing or another. She couldn't quite believe they were at the end of the first month already. Looking up she saw Shay walking towards her, "Babe, I gotta go Shay's just got us some food."
"Alright baby, see you later. Love you."
"Love you too."
Placing her phone back into her bag she smiled at Shay, "Thanks for this."
"No worries, got to make sure you and those babies eat." she giggled. "Was that Matt?"
"Yea" Gabby nodded, sipping her iced tea. "He wants to talk about houses tonight, he asked if you are coming for dinner, I said you were. And he's asking Kelly and Stella over. I'm assuming for back up when we start disagreeing on houses again. So you best be on my side?" She said raising her eyebrows as she spoke the final words.
Matt and her had been disagreeing between the two houses they seen ever since they'd viewed them before Christmas, Clare phoning the other night to ask if they'd made any more progress in their decision, the phone call sparkly a lengthy debate into the pros and cons of each property and still they were no closer to coming to a mutual decision. She wanted to go for the one that was ready to move into, only thing for them to do was decorate and furnish it, but he wanted the fixer upper, saying it had so much potential and the backyard was better. Gabby agreed it did have potential but she was already seventeen almost eighteen weeks pregnant and they didn't have long to purchase and get the house ready for the impending arrivals. Shay and Gabby had been discussing it at length for the past couple of days, Shay mainly agreeing with her, but the yard was dividing them. The first house only had a small backyard where as the second one had plenty of space and the private gate backing onto the playground.
"Wouldn't dream of anything but" Shay said smiling, "now eat that muffin before Mr Casey gets mad about you skipping lunch.
"Technically I didn't skip lunch, we just had a lighter later lunch." Gabby smiled.
"You and your technicalities." Shay laughed.
Gabby smirked at her friend "what can I say" she threw her hands up and shrugged her shoulders.
They stayed in the coffee shop for half an hour before they were ready to continue their shopping. Gabby wanting to get a few bottles and some formula just in case. They made their way to the next baby shop where they brought bibs, muslin's, bottles, a prep machine, a sterilizer, and some more baby outfits. Gabby being unable to resist the cute Winnie the Pooh sets she found. With everything paid for they headed back to the car, Gabby texting Matt to say they were on their way back. Matt responding that he too was just leaving to head home and that Kelly and Stella were coming round at six giving them two hours to get dinner ready.
Matt pulled his truck up behind Gabby's car, before getting out and heading inside pulling his coat tightly around himself as the cold air hit him. The warmth from the trucks heater that had taken over his body on the short drive home making it all the more difficult for his body to adjust to the harsh coldness, the winter proving to be an especially bitter one. Pushing open the door to the entrance hall he hurried inside desperately trying to get his aching body out of the cold air and inside of his warm apartment.
"Gabby" he called walking through their front door, hearing laughter from the kitchen as he moved towards the sound of her voice.
"Hey baby" she said a board smile spreading across her face, "How was your day?"
"Long and tiring" he said placing a kiss on her head, "Hey Shay" he said turning to greet his wife's best friend, "How was shopping?"
"It was good." Gabby responded, stroking her hands down his side, burying her head against his chest as she wrapped herself into his embrace, Matt reciprocating the gesture by wrapping his arms tightly around her body.
"It was" Shay agreed, "Although I wouldn't look at the credit card bill if I was you, and I'd suggest closing your eyes when you go in the office."
Matt raising a eyebrow at the comment, "how much did you spend?" he asked Gabby, the brunette pulling her lip between her teeth before responding, seeing the uncertain look resting on his wife's face.
"Erm, a few hundred, maybe more" she said nervously aware that he wasn't one for spending loads of money at once. "But we are pretty much set apart from the big stuff and not all of that was on baby stuff so it wasn't like I went crazy, plus some of those bags Shay paid for." Matt chuckling at her rambling, kissing her head gently.
"Don't worry about it." he said taking her of guard, that hadn't been the response she'd expected. Her face clearly conveying her thoughts to him as he continued, "The babies are going to need stuff and it's going to cost money, we have two of them coming, it won't be cheap. I'm not completely naive to that."
Gabby smiled, "so you don't mind?"
"No" he said shaking his head, "just don't spend much more on clothes ok, we've still got cots and cars seats to buy as well as the buggy."
"Ok, do you need anything?" she asked changing the subject quickly.
"No I'm just going to shower, I smell like wood."
"That you do, but it smells good on you." Gabby said smirking at the grossed out look spreading across her friends face. Giving her husband one last kiss before he headed into the bedroom.
Gabby turned to see Shay's gaze focused entirely on her as she returned to cutting the vegetables to go with the steak dinner she was prepping. "What?" she asked when she noticed her friends intense glare.
"How did you get away with that?"
"What?" she asked again her confusion growing.
Shay laughing at the confused look her friend was giving her "you spent way more than a few hundred and you know it, and I wouldn't be surprised if Mr Casey knows it too" she said pointedly, "you spent a few hundred in the first shop!"
Gabby rolling her eyes as she continued to do what she needed to for dinner, "yea well as long he doesn't see the statements I'd say I'm safe because he won't actually know, he only suspects."
"Yeah and how isn't he going to see the statement, you know he's going to suspect something when he doesn't see one for a while."
"By which point I'll have paid it off and there won't be an issue." She shot back in a low voice, "now drop it before he hears you and decides he is no longer not mad!"
Shay nodded sensing it was better to let the fact Gabby had just made her an accomplice in her cover up, the blonde moving behind the counter helping her friend prep the dinner. The two chatting happily about anything and everything. Before either of them knew it, it was almost six, Matt having been showered for a while and deciding on packing up some less essential items while the two woman cooked and chatted. "You ok in here?" Gabby asked putting her head around the office door seeing Matt surrounded by several boxes and the entirety of her and Shay's earlier shopping trip.
"Shay wasn't kidding when she said you'd shopped a lot."
Gabby shaking her head, "no but it's done now so we will be more than prepared when these two come." There conversation being cut off when Shay appeared in the doorway, "what do you need Shay?" Gabby asked turning to see the sheepish look resting on her face.
"Erm I may have just burnt a hole in your dish cloth" she said holding it up, "I'm sorry, I didn't realized the hob was still hot and I placed it down while I sprayed some cleaning stuff on it and before I knew it there was a huge hole and a few flames.
Gabby shaking her head laughing softly, "it's ok, don't worry."
Matt scoffing behind her at the nervous look the blonde had about her. "Seriously Shay anyone would think you'd just burnt our apartment down the way your face looks. Don't worry about it." The three of them laughing loudly.
"Anyway I just thought you should know." Shay said, heading back towards the kitchen, Gabby following her glancing at the clock as she did.
"They're late" Gabby said as they came to stop in the kitchen, everything was ready and being kept in the warmer, all that was needed now was people to eat it. Gabby grabbing some glasses and a jug of water placing them down in the center of the dining table.
"It's unlike Severide he's usually pretty prompt."
Gabby nodding in agreement as Matt appeared at her side. "What's up?"
"Nothing" she said turning to face him, "I was just saying that Sev and Stella are late."
"Oh yea, sorry I meant to say" Matt said hitting his head gently, "Sev messaged not long ago to say they'd got held up and they were running slightly late."
Shay laughed, "Why did he call the one of us who never recalls information?"
"Hey, I'm not that bad." he scoffed, pushing the blondes arm playfully. Shay making a hmm noise before returning to helping set the table.
It was a little while later that the front door went indicating the arrival of the two friends, Severide apologizing repeatedly about their lateness, Gabby noticing a subdued look on Stella's face as she stood a little behind him, the paramedic noticing the backwards look Kelly gave his girlfriend.
"No worries" Matt said when Kelly apologized again, taking the couples coats and directing them towards the dining table.
"Beer Kelly?" Matt asked, heading towards the fridge.
"Yes please" Kelly replied positioning himself at the table across from Shay, Stella joining him. The two paramedics not missing the cautious way she lowered herself into her chair or the grimace that spread across her face as she made contact with the hard wooden surface. Giving each other a knowing look as Stella's eye remained downcast, the first responder obviously embarrassed about her current state.
"Stella, Shay do you want one?" Matt offered, grabbing two for himself and Kelly.
"Please" Shay said, glancing across the table at her still silent friend.
"Stella?"
"She's good Casey." Kelly said answering for her, Stella glaring at him from her seat as she finally raised her head.
"Actually Casey I would" Stella said not dropping her now narrowed gaze from the side of Severide's head.
"Erm ok" Matt said unsure about the atmosphere that was settling around them.
"No she won't" Kelly said firmly glaring back at her, "Don't push it" he whispered in her ear not nearly quiet enough as they all heard the warning tone.
Stella sighed, "Water's fine." She reached across the table and grabbed the jug pouring some water into her glass as a confused Matt handed Kelly and Shay a beer.
No one asked what was wrong but from the energy coming off the couple in front of them they could all take a pretty good guess at what had caused them to be late. Gabby finally being able to serve up dinner and taking her place beside Matt.
"So how did shopping go?" Kelly asked the girls, Shay glancing towards Gabby before answering his question.
"It was good thanks, Gabby here nearly brought the whole Mall" Shay teased, nodding towards her friends, Gabby's eyes meeting hers as they narrowed in on her, silently telling her to shut up. Matt adding that there were an awful lot of bags in the office and he was sure they needed the bigger house just to house it all. Everyone expect Stella, laughing loudly at his comment, the woman across from him seemingly lost in her own head as she concentrated her gaze on her plate in front of her. Matt glancing towards Gabby before directing the conversation towards houses now the subject had been brought up.
"So actually there was a reason I asked you to come, more than just to feed you and see you guys," He said collectively to the table. Everyone's ears perking up as he continued, "So as you know me and Gabby have two properties that we like, I like one more than the other and unfortunately Gabby likes the other one more, we have been struggling to decide on which house to chose so I'm calling in the back up" he waved his hand around the table at the friends, "I've set up a appointment for us to view both properties again tomorrow and was hoping that you could all come see them with us. Maybe help us chose between the two, fresh eyes to see the potential in both and give an honest opinion?"
"Sure we can do that" Kelly confirmed, Stella nodding silently beside him.
"I'd be more than happy too" Shay confirmed, Matt smiling happily at the friends.
"Good, so the appointment is at noon and I'll text you the address. Thanks guys."
Everyone nodding in acknowledgement the conversation changing again and they all continued their meals. Stella remaining silent for the entire meal, Gabby nudging Shay with a worried look covering her face. She didn't know what had gone on between them before arriving tonight but by Stella's silence, and uncomfortable shuffling around she could defiantly be sure of one thing, whatever it was that had gone on between the couple it had resulted in Stella having her ass handed to her. Finishing up her plate Shay stood up excusing herself from the table and nodding her head to the side at Stella, the other woman checking with Kelly before moving.
"No drinking Stella!" he said firmly landing a firm spank against her backside, the woman yelping as he made contact. "Just remember that if you get tempted" he said a stern look resting on his face. She nodded at him before following Shay.
Gabby excused herself following the two woman into the kitchen, Shay turning to face the young firefighter, "Spill!" she said crossing her hands over her chest.
"I... erm, well" Stella sighed loudly, "he caught me" she said, Shay's eyebrows furrowing upwards.
"Oh"
"Yeah, he came in and there I was sat at them table with them in my hand, well..."
"What did he say?" The blonde asked obviously knowing whatever it was Stella was talking about.
Gabby was watching the exchange between the two trying to work out what on earth she was on about and her mind racing with a million things Severide could have potentially caught her with that would result in the anger she'd felt cursing off him since he arrived, the man obviously not getting all his anger out with whatever punishment he had already dished out. The way Stella was acting she could assume that it hadn't been a light telling off her friend had received, and if she had to guess she would say that it hadn't finished, Severide probably making his point before they left with the threat of finishing it later.
"He went mental" Stella said, "I've never seen him so mad, I tried to explain to him that it wasn't mine but he didn't believe me and well I'm guessing you know what happened next."
"What did he catch you doing?" Gabby finally asked her curiosity getting the best of her.
Stella sighing as she turned to her friend ready to explain all, "A little while a go Grant came by telling me he'd got himself into some trouble."
"What trouble?" Gabby asked, aware that Stella's ex husband was bad news and anything he was involved in couldn't be good.
"He got in with some drug dealers, and was struggling to kick the habit. I've been helping him try and get clean again, I've been taking the drugs from him and I flush them when he gives into the temptation. Kelly came in today not long after Grant had left and there was a bag sat on the table because I hadn't got round to disposing of them and he went mental when he saw them, he assumed they were mine and I can't blame him, I mean I've done drugs before he had no reason to think they were anyone else's." Stella's eyes were filling up with tears and Gabby felt really bad for her, she could only imagine what Matt would do to her if he found a bag of pills in there home. "He told me he'd spoken to me about drugs before and if I wanted to take pills then he was going to show me exactly what would happen." She glanced to the entrance way to the kitchen making sure he wasn't coming through, "He pinned me against the kitchen counter and well lets just say my ass must be black and blue, I've never received anything like it. He just kept whacking his belt against my ass until I could barely stand, then he told me to hurry up and get ready as he'd already got to explain why we were running late."
"He still seems pretty pissed?" Gabby said in a questioning tone.
"Yea I'm pretty sure he hasn't finished talking about this."
"Are you going to tell him who's pills they were?" Shay asked.
"Are you mad!" she said, her arms flying open, "If you think he's mad now what do you think he'll be like if he realizes who I'm helping. I would like to be able to sit down this side of next year."
"You can't take the blame for this though" Shay started, Stella rolling her eyes at the blonde as they entered into a debate Gabby was almost certain they'd already had more than once.
"I told you Shay I'm not telling him which friend I'm helping."
Shay breathing out a frustrated breath as she admitted defeat, "Stella please, Grant needs proper help not just you. He's an addict and now he's dragged you into his mess. What do you think is going to happen when Kelly finds out who's they were?" Stella rolled her eyes at her, "Don't roll your eyes at me you know he'll find out. He'll beat your butt until you tell him if he has to, and you know it!" Shay kept her voice low but there was a firmness Gabby had never heard from her friend before.
"Shay.." Stella puffed out.
"No" Shay cut her off, "Either you tell him, and take whatever punishment he decides you deserve for keeping this from him or I will and you know it'll be ten times worse if it comes from me. I've covered this for you for long enough."
"Shay" Gabby said her mouth slightly open in shock at the ultimatum she'd just laid out.
"No Gabby, I already told her to tell him. Now she doesn't have a choice, he needs to know."
Gabby stared between her two friends, the shock on her face morphing into concern as she saw the taller of her friends shoulders slump, tears streaming down her face. Gabby moving forwards and wrapping her arms around her friend as sobs cursed through her body, Gabby staring at Shay with an annoyed glare. The blondes face remaining hard and determined.
"You think what your feeling now is bad? She asked, her voice level and serious. "I'm telling you if you don't tell him, it's going to be worse."
"I know" Stella sobbed, "But how do I tell him when he is that mad?"
"I don't know but maybe it's better if you do it now rather than later. At least now there's witnesses if he decides to murder you." Shay's voice softening as she spoke, trying to lighten the mood slightly, all the woman knowing no matter how angry he was going to be he would never do anything to permanently hurt her. Stella letting out a small shaky laugh as she nodded her head, her arms still wrapped round Gabby's body.
"Ok" she said after a few minutes, standing back up and wiping her eyes. Shay nodding her head, reaching out and placing a reassuring hand on her friends shoulder.
"Ready?" Gabby asked.
"As ready as I'm ever going to be."
"Come on, it's not going to be that bad." Shay said trying to calm the nervous energy cursing of her friends body.
Slowly the three of them made their way back to the table where Matt and Kelly were still sitting, deep in conversation about the construction job Matt had been working on, Severide seemingly interested in the new boat shed his friend was involved in building.
"Kelly" Stella almost whispered.
His head shooting up in her direction as he heard her small voice, "Yes?" he said, his gaze drifting between the three woman stood together next to him.
"We need to talk?"
"Not here" he said shaking his head.
"Yes here" she said a little more confidently, trying to let him see she needed to do this now. "Please?"
"Fine" he puffed out, "go and wait for me over there" he said pointing towards the couches. Matt raising his eyebrows at his wife, trying to get a sense of the situation. Gabby shaking her head at him gently as she indicated for him to follow her.
Matt pushed up from the table as Kelly did the same both men going in different directions, Shay following Kelly through into the living area and Matt following Gabby into their bedroom. "What's going on?" He said turning to face her.
"Stella's been helping Grant."
"What? Why would she have anything to do with him." Matt said shocked.
"I don't know, but apparently he got in with some drug dealers and Stella's been helping him. She's been making him hand over the drugs and flushing them, trying to get him clean again. Apparently when Kelly got home today, he'd just left and there were a bag of pills on the table, he's mad Matt. But he thinks there hers and there not. Shay and I have convinced her to speak to him, but she didn't want to do it alone."
Matt straighten his back against the door, his facing twisting as he remained deep in thought, going over all the information he'd just received. "Gabby I don't like this, you and Stella are good friends, and if she's back in with Grant."
"She's not"
"Let me finish, what if the people he's in with come after her and your with her?"
"That's not going to happen."
"How do you know that?"
"Because, Stella's not stupid." Gabby said raising her voice slightly, Matt's face quickly changing from a concerned glare, to a don't speak to me like that glare. "Sorry" she said quieter, "We've told her she needs to make him get proper help, and I'm sure Kelly will tell her the same but Matt we've got to help her. This isn't going to be easy, and Severide's going to be pissed when he hears she kept this from him. You need to keep him calm, please."
"I don't have any control over what Severide decides in her punishment Gabriela." Matt said firmly, Gabby wincing slightly at the tone and use of her full name.
"I know, but I was hoping you could at least try?" she asked.
Matt sighed deeply, "Look I'll try my best, but I don't know how much good it'll do."
"Thank you." Gabby leaned in towards him capturing his lips with hers, the two battling against each other as their embrace deepened, neither of them pulling apart until air became a absolutely necessary their chests heaving as they sucked in air. A small smirk was waiting for him when Matt finally opened his eyes, his hands roaming down her body squeezing her butt tightly, as he pinned her against him, Gabby grinding slightly as her crotch made contact with his. A soft groan escaping his lips.
"We erm best get back out there" he suggested pulling back slightly, aware that if he let her continue her movements they were going to end up on their bed before long and that wouldn't help Stella out in the slightest. Landing one final kiss to her lips, he opened their door and held it open for her as they returned to the main room in the apartment.
"So like I said, I didn't want to turn him away but I didn't know how to tell you." Stella was saying as they walked into the room.
"Ok" Kelly said, looking up and acknowledging the couples appearance with a nod, "I understand that you wanted to help, but Stella this is far too much for one person to be dealing with. And Grant is dangerous, last time you tried to help him he attacked you."
"I know, I know but this time it's different Kelly, he really wants the help."
Severide shook his head, taking deep breaths as he visibly tried to work on calming himself before speaking again, Matt sensing that whatever Stella had told him had worried him more than angered. Shay was sat holding Stella's hand in hers, they couple could see the nervousness rolling off her body as the blonde did everything she could to keep the other woman calm. "Stella I'm not mad at you for helping him" Stella's body relaxed slightly at his words, the tension across her shoulders releasing as they slumped down slightly, moving from the scrunched up position Gabby was sure they'd been in since Severide had arrived home earlier. "But I'm furious that you kept this from me and trust me when I say there are serve consequences for that, anything could have happened to you. What if the people he's involved in had turned up at the firehouse, or here when you were hanging out with Gabby. You should have told me."
"I know, I'm sorry. Shay said "
"Wait" Severide said his head snapping up at his girlfriend and room mate, "You knew?"
"I did"
"Why didn't you tell me?"
"Because it wasn't for me to tell you, Stella and I have been arguing about it for weeks. Ever since I found Grant in the apartment, but it wasn't my place to tell you Kelly."
He shook his head again, "I'm really not happy about this, but I do understand." Turning to Stella he wrapped his arms around her pulling her into a tight cuddle, "I love you but my god Stella you are so damn stubborn."
"I know, it won't happen again I promise."
Pulling back slightly so he had her complete attention, his eyes boring into hers he said "Oh I know it won't, I'll make sure of that at home." The brunette nodding softly at him to confirm she understood. Gabby's heart breaking for her friend knowing that if it were her in that position, sitting wouldn't be the only issue she was about to face. Turning to the young couples who's apartment they were currently in Severide said "Thanks for the dinner guys but I'm afraid we're going to have to cut this short and head off."
Gabby nudged her husband, her eyes pleading with him as he opened his mouth to speak, "erm yea ok but can I have a quick word first."
Severide nodding as he instructed Stella to get her coat on and say her goodbyes, before following Matt to the kitchen counter, the younger man leaning against the unit his eyes piercing his friend.
"What?" Kelly said when he noticed the look on Matt's face.
"Don't be too hard on her Sev please."
"Why not?" the older man said crossing his arms across his chest, "What would you have done if it were Gabby?"
"Probably the same as what you did before you got here." Severide's eyebrows furrowed, "don't give me that look, it was pretty obvious that she'd had her ass beat when you guys got her, and the way she was hoovering and shifting while we ate I'd say you laid it on pretty thick. She thought she was doing the right thing. God Kelly, you'd have done the same damn thing. Come on man."
Kelly pushed out a frustrated breath, "That doesn't change the fact she has lied to me for weeks Casey, I can't just let that go. It sets a bad president, she'll think she can get away with it if I don't show her otherwise."
"I know, I'm not saying don't deal with it, God if it were Gabby.." he let his words trail off, the man deep in his own thoughts of what he would do if it were Gabby, he certainly wouldn't go easy either. She'd be grounded and spanked until she couldn't take anymore for keeping something so dangerous from him. God he'd ban her from ever going out again for a year if it were her. But it wasn't and he knew first hand how badly coming down too hard could turn out. "Look all I'm saying is you've obviously already spanked her, hard by the looks of things. So maybe you don't need to lay into her butt again, or if you decide you do" he added quickly noticing the annoyed glare he was now receiving from his friend, "Maybe not a harsh session, just make your point and move on."
"Casey"
"I know Sev you don't tell me how to deal with my affairs and I'm not trying to do that to you but just be mindful that her heart was in the right place. I just don't want you to make the mistake I did with Gabby.."
Severide's face softening at the mention of the rough patch Matt and Gabby had worked through after the girls night out. "Ok, I'll keep it in mind" he said gently, placing his hand on Matt's arm, "Thanks Casey."
"No worries, anytime."
Severide smiled at his friend before turning back towards the front room, Matt following behind him quietly both men stopping only when they approached the woman stood at the front door. "You ready?" Kelly asked Stella, the woman giving him a firm nod, smiling weakly at their friends as she followed the man out the door, leaving Shay, Matt and Gabby stood in an awkward silence.
"Erm" Shay said after a few minutes, "can I erm, stay here tonight?"
"Of course" Gabby said quickly, "That's ok isn't it babe?" she said turning to face her husband finding his smiling face nodding at her.
"Of course, I have no objection."
"Thanks."
The morning started a lot later than planned Matt noticing how tired Gabby was the moment they had woken, her face pale and dark circles around her face telling him she was not ok, no matter how much she tried to tell him otherwise. After Stella and Kelly left last night the three remaining friends spent the evening chatting and watching a film, none of them making their way to bed until the early hours of the morning and Gabby struggling to sleep for the most part.
"Why don't you try and get some more sleep babe?" Matt asked as he watched her reach for another cup of coffee, making it the third one since the had woken. "We've got a few hours before the viewing, I can wake you up in plenty of time."
"I'm ok" she smiled weakly, taking a sip of her coffee, "I want to get the rest of the office packed up. Once we make a decision things are going to get a bit crazy round here and I don't want to be rushing too much."
"Babe I can do that?"
Gabby shook her head, "honestly I'm ok, I'll take a nap afterwards I promise."
"Remember wee're going straight to the hospital afterwards for our appointment" Matt reminded her gently "it's going to be a long afternoon."
Gabby smiled again, "I'll be ok." She lent forwards landing a soft kiss against his lips, her eyes closing as she melted into him, "I promise."
"You'll let me know if you're not won't you?" Matt said pulling back watching her, as she moved towards the hallway.
"Of course" she smiled, before disappearing round the corner, Matt sighing softly as his eyes landed on Shay. The blonde having watched the entire interaction between the couple with a soft grin on her face. It always filled her chest with a warm feeling watching the two of them together, sure she'd rib them something dreadful about how sickly they could be, but there was something about the warm way Matt looked at her best friend, and put her before himself no matter what that filled her with happiness. Gabby had, had a hard time of late what with the terrible previous year, and a rough start to her pregnancy, not to mention the near disastrous relationship Dawson had, had before her and Matt finally admitted they had feelings for each other. The couple appearing to take longer to realize their feelings for each other then everyone else around them. Shay being one of the first to tell Gabby that Casey was totally into her and that she needed to make a move before someone else did. Dawson scoffing at her friend telling her that she was seeing things and their was absolutely no way Matt had anything for her past a friendship. Of course Shay had been right as always and smugly told them that repeatedly in the early days of their relationship, but watching them together never got old. The couple appearing as much in love now as they had been at the start of their relationship something they both deeply deserved.
"You know she won't tell you that she's exhausted don't you?" Shay said looking over to see his eyes on her.
"I know" he sighed, "I'm going to have to force her to take a nap if I want her too, but is it even worth the fight?"
"What do you mean?" Shay asked furrowing her eyebrows.
Casey shaking his head "Nothing it doesn't matter."
"Casey?" Shay puffed out, "Come on what's wrong?"
Matt sat down next to her shaking his head slightly, "I'm not even sure"
"What?"
"After we had dinner with Gabby's family at new year we had a conversation and it's kinda thrown me slightly." Matt saw the confused look on Shay's face before continuing "So at dinner we were talking about Eva and the way she'd been acting out, well Ramon he was pretty adamant in how it should be handled, and Gabby and Antonio were really embarrassed. Afterwards she was really quiet and then we had this conversation about how we would discipline the twins. Gabby and I are on the same page, but I don't know it made me question this thing we have."
"Ok, what did she say?"
Matt went on to explain the entire conversation they had had on the waterfront that day, Shay saying it did sound like Gabby had some reservations too but the only people that could work it out were the two of them. The conversation coming to an abrupt end when Gabby appeared back in the kitchen saying she would take that nap if Matt came back to bed with her. Shay taking that as her notice of leave and making a shift exit, saying she'd see them both at the first property later.
"Come on you lets get you into bed." Matt said as Gabby let a huge yawn escape, the woman gently nodding her head as she took his hand and allowing him to guide her back to their bed.
"Hey" Kelly said as he saw them pull up.
"Hey" Matt responded moving to his wife's door to open it for her, holding out his hand to help her stand up.
"So this is it?" Severide asked looking up at the first property, smiling to himself as he saw exactly why Matt and Gabby liked it so much.
"Yea, this one needs new windows and a few other bits, but I think you'll be impressed.
It didn't take long for them to view the properties, Matt and Kelly discussing all the renovations that needed doing, Kelly saying he would be more than happy to help with them all. The girls walking round behind them discussing decor and living arrangements, Gabby showing them the amazing walk in closet she had fallen in love with the first time they viewed the property. By the time they reached the second property Gabby was fighting a losing battle over the houses, the girls quickly telling her the first house was the better choice. Gabby trying her hardest to prove to them otherwise, much to everyone's amusement, within twenty minutes of being in the second property everyone was back on the sidewalk the decision pretty much unanimous.
"So the first one then?" Matt asked everyone.
A round of yes's coming from everyone before he reached Gabby. "Yes, the first one it is. How long is it going to take for the work to be done?"
"Well if we put in for it today, we should be able to close before the end of next week and me and Kelly can get to work, we should be in and ready before you go on maternity."
"Ok" she said smiling at him, "let's get the paperwork done then."
They thanked their friends and told Clare they would see her at the office after they had their scan, Clare telling them she would get working on the paperwork as soon as she got back and wishing them good luck with their scan. Today was the day they were hopefully finding out if they were having boys or girls or one of each. Matt helped Gabby back into the car after one final goodbye to their friends.
"So are you happy with the choice?" he asked her as he pulled away from the curb.
"I really am" she smiled, "I actually see what you mean about it being the better of the two houses now I've seen it again." Matt's eyebrow raising as a small grin formed on his face, "Yes yes you were right" she said shaking her head in amusement, "but in all seriousness it is defiantly the better choice, it has way more natural light and the garden is miles bigger."
"I'm glad your happy."
"I am, now just make sure it's ready before these two come ok?" she asked laughing at his face.
The rest of the journey to the hospital went by quite quickly Gabby excitably talking Matt through all her decoration ideas for the house, flicking through some websites on her phone as she searched for furniture she liked. Matt listening to her intently as she excitedly redesigned what was soon to be there family home, her excitement filling him with a warm feeling as she took charge, the woman easily slipping into the role of mother as she viewed yet another crib. They finally made their way through the late afternoon Chicago traffic and pulled up outside the hospital, Matt once again helping his wife out of the car and into the hospital.
"Mr and Mrs Casey" the nurse said warmly as they approached the desk, "How are you today?"
"We're good thank you, ready to see these two again" Gabby said pointing at her belly.
"Take a seat it won't be long" she said pointing over to the few empty seats in the waiting area. Gabby flashing her a warm smile as they walked away, Matt insistently taking her hand as they sat down.
"Excited?" he asked beaming at her face, she'd been lit up ever since they left the house, ever since they had finally made a decision.
"I am" she confirmed, "are you?"
"I can't wait" he said kissing her temple gently.
Their tender moment interrupted as they got called through. "Hello, you both look well." Doctor Manning said as they positioned themselves around the bed, Gabby lying down and lifting her top up ready for the jelly. "You both ready to find out who we have in there?"
"More than ready" Gabby said.
"Ok then here we go." Dr Manning placed the cold jelly onto Gabby's swelling belly, the brunette tensing slightly as the coldness bit into her body. Dr Manning moving the probe around trying to get a decent picture, "they seem very lively" she commented smiling at the couple.
"Yea, they are. I've been getting some really strong kicks and movement recently." Gabby had experienced the first proper kick a few weeks back but they had been pretty intermittent until last week when she felt a really strong kick that had actually taken her breath away. Matt having immediately panicked when she'd let out a loud gasp in the common room, Gabby being quick to assure him that she was ok and it was just one of his children making their presence known. He'd even been able to feel a couple of the stronger kicks later on that day, the both of them locking themselves away in his office as the enjoyed the new milestone together.
"That's good" Dr Manning said as she settled the probe on Gabby's belly, "So let's see who we have here, Twin one is a girl" she said.
Gabby looked at Matt both of their faces baring huge grins, a little girl that was fabulous news. Gabby had always wanted a daughter, craving the relationship she held with her own mum to be passed down to the next generation. "And twin two?" she asked tearing her eyes away from her husband to look back at the screen.
"Twin two is a boy" Dr Manning said. Matt's grin almost exploding across his face as her words hit his ears, a son and a daughter he couldn't ask for anything better. Gabby watched as he thought over everything he was going to teach his son and daughter and how he now had someone to take to the games and teach to play all the sports he watched his brother in law enjoy with his nephew. His thoughts playing so loudly in his head that Gabby was sure she could hear them.
"You ok?" She asked watching him.
"Ok, I'm amazing. Oh my Gabby this is amazing. Oh baby I love you all so much." He lent forwards and kissed her, his hand cradling her head as he worked his lips against hers, both of them not caring about the doctor still being in the room.
Dr Manning resumed the scan as soon as the couple broke apart, taking some more measurements for both babies before telling the couple she'd see them in a couple of weeks. Making sure to tell them she was only a phone call away if they needed her for anything.