Hello hello hello, here's the next chapter for you all.
But before we start, for those of you who read my other story, I do want to let you know I won't be getting the next chapter of I Won't Let You Go up today. It's been a hectic week, and I just didn't have enough time to devote the attention to it that I wanted, so just plan on the next update for that being on Monday, as usual. I am sorry about the delay, I hate to miss a day, but I just didn't have the time this week to complete it. I hope you understand.
But I hope you guys enjoy this one. There is an M-rated scene in this chapter, so be on the lookout for that. Happy reading!
TWENTY NINE
"Dawson, get your pretty ass down here!" Shay called from the other end of the bar, Gabby raising her eyebrows as she caught the blonde's gaze. "I need some help."
Blowing out a sigh, Gabby tossed the white rag over her shoulder, glancing towards Casey and Severide as they sat at the bar, nursing their beers. "I'll be right back, boys." She told them, winking at Matt as a giggle escaped her lips, the paramedic sauntering down towards Shay. Casey knew she was putting a little more sway in her step because he was watching, but he wasn't complaining as his eyes stayed locked on her retreating figure, Matt blowing out a heavy breath before taking another sip of his beer.
"Is she drunk?" Severide asked in amusement, Matt glancing towards his friend, chuckling softly.
"As far as I know, she's completely sober." Casey replied with a shrug, Kelly shaking his head before taking another drink.
"Well, she's in a very good mood for being sober." Severide laughed, Matt looking further down the bar, seeing Gabby laugh at something Shay was telling her as they served the large group of customers, her demeanor bringing a smile to his face.
"Yeah, she is."
"How has she been doing, by the way?" Kelly asked, regaining Matt's focus. "Since this Walker stuff… she's seemed to be alright, from what I can tell."
"She is, she's doing good. Really good, actually." Casey responded, seeing a hesitantly pleased look cover Severide's face. "I don't know, I think Walker being out of the house has been good for her." Matt continued, looking back towards Gabby, a soft smile growing across his lips when he saw her maneuvering around behind the bar without a care in the world. "She's been a lot less tense this past week, a lot more carefree without him around."
"Yeah and I'm sure you've benefited from that." Severide joked, Matt rolling his eyes as he let out a slight scoff.
"No comment." He responded, taking a long sip of his beer. "But anyway, it's been nice seeing her like this… I'm not sure I've ever seen her so relaxed at work. And, aside from a few days in there when she was sick, she's been feeling great." He breathed out, his eyes locked on her form. "I just hope that doesn't all go away when Walker comes back."
Severide drew in a deep breath, following Casey's gaze as he looked at Dawson, his eyes moving back and forth between the two paramedics as they worked the bar, unable to keep his gaze from going back to Gabby. He knew Matt was right, he'd noticed it since Walker had been out of the house; Dawson had been acting like her old self. It wasn't sudden, but gradually she'd been reminding him of the Dawson he used to know, the Dawson he hadn't seen in a long time.
"Yeah, me too." Kelly responded, looking back towards Casey. "But you know everyone will be looking out for her… Even though they never found out what happened, they still know Walker did something, no one will let him near her." He added, Matt nodding as his head tilted to the side, knowing there was a lot of truth to Severide's words.
He was right, no one ever found out what Walker did, they had stopped asking after the first day of Bryan's suspension, but Casey had noticed the change in demeanor from some of the firefighters where Gabby was concerned, especially Herrmann. The man took every opportunity to check in with Dawson, and there were many times where Matt would find him watching her, just to make sure she was doing okay. If Gabby noticed the change in the man's actions, she never voiced it, but Casey knew everyone in the house was worried about her, especially Herrmann.
"And then with me, and you, and Shay all keeping an eye on him, and Dawson, I think she'll be fine." Severide added. "Walker may be a prick, but he's not stupid. He knows how close he came to losing his job, he won't mess with her again."
"I hope you're right." Casey breathed out, taking another sip of his beer.
From across the bar, Gabby stood next to Shay as they served the seemingly never ending customers coming up to them, Dawson filling up another glass of beer before handing it to the man waiting for it.
"Thanks beautiful." He spoke deeply, shoving a few bills into the tip jar, Gabby raising her eyebrows as he gave her a wink before walking away.
"God, that's like the tenth time you've gotten hit on tonight." Shay groaned, earning a chuckle from Dawson, the latter shaking her head.
"I can hit on you, if it would make you feel better."
"No, because I know you don't follow through." Shay responded quickly, smacking her towel against Gabby's ass, Dawson sending her a glare.
"Hey, no touching."
"Yes, yes I know. As it's been established, that's Casey's, not mine." She spoke, putting her hands up in defense, Gabby snatching the towel from her hands, tossing it down onto the bar.
"Yes, it is." Gabby responded, keeping her voice low as Shay's mouth parted open slightly, a scoff escaping her lips, her stunned reaction earning a laugh from Dawson as she slid past the blonde.
"Man, what has gotten into you lately?" Shay asked as she turned around, Gabby slowing her steps as she looked back to her friend. "I mean, besides Casey." She smirked, heat immediately filling Dawson's cheeks.
"Shay." Gabby spoke, but Shay shook her head.
"I'm not wrong." She added, Gabby rolling her eyes. "I mean it's nice, don't get me wrong, I love seeing you like this, but I guess I just wasn't really expecting you to be so happy after everything that happened."
"Well, I am." Gabby responded with a shrug. "Things with me are good, things with Matt and I are good, things at work are good. I'm just good."
"Uh huh." Shay replied, narrowing her eyes in amusement. "His dick must really be something, huh?" Her words earned an eye roll from Dawson, Gabby crossing her arms over her chest.
"Why is it always about sex with you?" She asked lightly, the blonde shrugging as she took a step closer to her friend.
"Because most things are… but fine, leave me hanging. Although I know Casey must have stepped up his game, you've been all lit up like a Christmas tree for the past few days." She responded with a chuckle, Gabby cocking her head to the side.
"Believe me, Casey doesn't need to step up his game." Gabby replied quickly, Shay smirking widely. "But really, it's not any one thing, I'm just feeling good, Shay… There's nothing more to it." She finished with a shrug, the blonde nodding as her eyes flickered past Gabby, a soft chuckle escaping her lips at whatever she was seeing.
"What?" Dawson asked, following her gaze.
"Poor Casey's not having nearly as good a time as you are." Shay responded in amusement, the paramedics seeing Jenkins standing over by the two Lieutenants, the woman practically hanging all over Casey. "Man, she's desperate." Shay spoke, Gabby glancing back towards her friend.
"She's harmless, Shay."
"She's also practically straddling him, jeez just get a room or something." She breathed out, seeing Gabby's eyebrows raise as Shay waved her off. "Oh please, I'm joking. But really, Matt looks so uncomfortable."
Gabby looked back over to Matt, seeing just how true Shay's words were, Casey clearly trying to be polite as Jenkins spoke with them. She bit back a chuckle as she watched him try and slide away from Jenkins' touch, Matt standing up from his seat and walking towards the back, Casey finding her gaze as he got closer to her and Shay.
"Looks like you have a fan, Case." Shay spoke when he got closer, the firefighter blowing out a heavy breath as he narrowed his eyes.
"Yes, we all know you've always had a thing for me, Shay." He shot back, the paramedic picking up her towel and throwing it at him over the bar, Casey laughing as he tossed it back, shooting Gabby a wink before he continued to the back towards the bathrooms.
"See? Even Casey's hitting on you. God, that makes eleven." Shay breathed out in fake annoyance, Gabby shooting her an unimpressed look. "Although Casey doesn't have to do much, you'll be going home with him regardless." She added, Gabby rolling her eyes before paying attention to another customer that had come up to them, Dawson beginning to make his drink while Shay's attention was elsewhere.
"She's really just waiting for him to come back." Shay commented, Gabby focused on the task at hand.
"What?"
"Jenkins. She's waiting for Casey." The blonde clarified, Gabby glancing over towards Matt's previous spot, seeing Allison sitting next to Severide, the two chatting while Casey was gone. Breathing slowly, Gabby flashed the patron a smile as she handed him the drink, turning back towards Shay once he was gone. "God, she really does follow him around like a puppy. It would kind of be endearing if it wasn't so sad." Shay spoke softly, crossing her arms over her chest.
Glancing back towards Jenkins, Gabby couldn't help but think over her past week at 51. She was a sweet girl, there was no doubt about it, but she had been fawning over Casey the entire time. It wasn't anything too obvious, at least until tonight, but she was attached to his hip during shift all the time except for when he was in his office. And Gabby knew Matt was getting a little frustrated. It hadn't interfered with the job, she was always professional on calls, and most of the time she was at the firehouse as well, but she definitely had a thing for her Lieutenant, and Gabby had seen how uncomfortable it made him.
But, Matt being Matt, hadn't said a word, Casey usually just trying to direct her attention elsewhere. It didn't impact the job, so he left it alone, not wanting to embarrass the girl or hurt her feelings.
"I don't know, I'm not sure if she realizes how obvious she's being. But really, she's harmless, Shay. And seeing Matt get all antsy is kind of cute." Gabby spoke, turning back to look at her friend, seeing Shay watching her with raised eyebrows.
"Okay, who are you and what have you done with Gabriela Dawson?" She asked, placing her hands on her hips.
"What do you mean?"
"The old Gabby would've gone over there and set her straight the first time she did anything, and now you're just suddenly all zen about it…" She elaborated, Gabby shrugging softly.
"What's there to be upset about? I know Casey doesn't like her, and like you said, I'm the one going home with Matt, so what do I care?"
Shay narrowed her eyes, bringing her hand up to feel Gabby's forehead, Dawson rolling her eyes.
"Shay…"
"Just checking to make sure you're not still sick." She mused, Dawson swatting her hand away. "You're acting very un-Gabby like, it's weird."
"What are you wanting me to do? Casey doesn't like her, I have no reason to feel threatened by a crush." She reasoned, Shay cocking her head to the side. "And it'd be a little hypocritical of me to fault her for liking him, don't you think?"
"And yet I remember multiple times where if a woman would even look at Walker, you'd be all over him in a second, letting everyone know he was taken. Although it never stopped him, but still." Shay countered, Gabby sighing deeply as she crossed her arms over her chest. "You never had that approach then, so I just figured it would be the same now."
Gabby took a step away from the bar, Shay following her movement as they stood against the back counter, Dawson looking around to make sure no one from 51 was in earshot before continuing. "Do you think I liked being like that? Being so… insecure all the time? Because that's what that was." Gabby explained, Shay's face softening. "I never felt like I had him, even after we got engaged. Doing that was me trying to remind him of our relationship as much as it was me wanting other women to back off. Trust me, I don't miss that… feeling like I had to fight for my fiancé just to pay attention to me." She breathed out, not missing the look of sadness that flashed in Shay's eyes. "I hated the way I was when I was with him, and I'm not gonna be that person again... Matt doesn't give me any reason to feel like I need to be that person." She added, Shay wearing a sympathetic smile as her hand came out to run comfortingly over Gabby's arm. "With him… I don't know, I know I can trust him. When he tells me something, I know I can believe him, because even in times when he could've, he's never lied to me. I have no reason to doubt what he says." Gabby finished, Shay gnawing on her bottom lip as she thought over her friend's words.
"Speaking of Matt… did you ever bring it up again?" Shay asked softly, Gabby raising her eyebrows in question. "Telling him how you feel?"
Releasing a soft breath, Gabby shook her head, her eyes falling to the ground. After Gabby nearly confessing her feelings to Casey last week, it took no longer than five minutes into their next shift before she blurted everything out to Shay, walking her friend through what had happened. She hadn't even planned on telling her, but it was driving her crazy and she needed Shay to be her sounding board, to help her work through everything before she went back to try and talk to Matt.
But the second part never happened. Dawson never brought the subject up again, even though her and Matt had spent more days together than apart over the last week. She talked herself out of it every time, too afraid to mess up the comfortable relationship she and Casey had built.
"I don't know how to bring it up… I know that I need to, but it was a hell of a lot easier when he was the one who started the conversation." She breathed out, running her tongue along the inside of her cheek. "Me having to be the one to bring it up, I don't know, it's just a lot harder. I keep chickening out. I don't want to mess things up."
"You won't, honey."
"You don't know that." Gabby replied quickly. "Like I said, Matt's always been honest with me. Which means if he doesn't feel the same way, he'll tell me, and this will be over…"
"You don't know that-"
"Matt won't keep doing this if he knows how I'm feeling, we both know that. If it's just sex for him, but he knows that I like him, he'd never continue this."
"I meant you don't know how he feels." She clarified, Gabby taking a deep breath. "Which, as I've told you a hundred times, from an outsider's perspective, that boy is in love with you…" She spoke, Gabby giving little reaction to her words. "I'm not gonna give you my whole spiel, you don't listen to it anyway and I have nothing new to say… Except I think you should tell him soon. You'll always find excuses to put it off, you just need to rip off the bandaid, and deal with whatever happens. You need to talk to him."
"I will." Gabby responded, Shay eyeing her closely.
"Like tonight, soon." Shay pressed, Gabby narrowing her eyes.
"I'm closing tonight, Shay."
"You can do it once you get back to his place." She countered, Gabby rolling her eyes.
"Yeah, because having an in-depth conversation about our relationship at 2AM when we have shift the next morning just has all the makings for that to turn out well." She responded sarcastically, Shay chuckling lightly.
"Alright, fair point… But you'll do it soon?"
"I want to, yeah." Gabby told her, Shay shaking her head.
"That's not an answer." She responded almost immediately, Gabby's gaze flickering away from Shay, seeing Casey walking back towards them.
"Well, it's all the answer you're getting right now." She spoke quickly before stepping back to the bar just as Matt came to stand across from her. "Hey there." She told him, Matt's smile widening.
"Hello."
"You two are gross." Shay commented from behind Dawson, Gabby lifting her foot to give her a slight kick. "Ouch."
Casey chuckled softly, shaking his in amusement as his eyes flickered back and forth between the two paramedics before settling on Dawson once more.
"Can I get you another drink or anything?" She offered, Casey shaking his head.
"No, I'm good. Still got mine over there."
"Then what are you still doing here, besides checking out Dawson?" Shay asked with a grin, taking a step forward, wrapping her arm across Gabby's shoulders.
"Just wanted to say hi." He responded, Gabby's teeth running over her bottom lip as her eyes locked with Matt's, the two unable to look away from each other.
"You know, if you keep eye-fucking each other, I think people are gonna start to realize you two are more than just coworkers… So either pony up or get out of the way, Casey. We've got paying customers in here." Shay spoke, leaning forward to pat his cheek, effectively breaking his eye contact with Gabby.
"I'm a paying customer, Shay." He countered, the blonde glancing towards Gabby.
"Yeah, not so much lately. Don't think I didn't notice, Dawson." Shay spoke as she heard Herrmann calling her name, the older man signaling for her help, Shay tapping Gabby's ass before walking away. "Don't distract her, Casey." Shay warned, Matt flipping her off as she walked away.
"You two are children." Dawson spoke with a laugh, Matt grinning as he glanced back towards her, leaning his weight into the bar.
"Maybe…"
"Hey Dawson."
Both Gabby and Matt turned towards the deep voice, surprised to see Boden walking up towards the bar. Although he visited some, he wasn't a frequent patron at this establishment, so whenever he came out it was always a surprise.
"Hey Chief." She greeted, Boden giving her a nod as he clasped Casey's shoulder.
"Weren't expecting you here tonight." Casey added, Gabby grabbing a beer glass.
"You want a drink?" She offered, Boden holding up his hand, shaking his head.
"No, no I'm okay. I'm not staying long." He responded, Gabby nodding in understanding as she put the glass bar down. "I actually came here because I need to speak with you Dawson, if you have a minute."
Gabby's eyes flashed to Matt, seeing the same confusion in his gaze that she knew hers held before she looked back to the Chief, giving him a slow nod. "Yeah, of course."
Casey pushed himself away from the bar, flashing Gabby a supportive smile before beginning to walk away, not wanting to intrude on the conversation, but Boden's voice stopped him before he got more than a few steps away.
"Actually Casey, you stay. You're gonna need to hear this, too." He added, both Gabby and Matt's confusion only growing as the Lieutenant stepped back beside the bar, facing his Chief.
"What's going on?"
"I got the word from headquarters about an hour ago... the rest of Walker's suspension has been lifted."
Gabby's face fell the second the words left Boden's lips, Matt's gaze immediately moving towards her as he saw the blank look covering her features. Her finger tapped nervously against the bar top, Gabby blinking quickly as she pursed her lips together.
"He won his appeal." She stated, Boden sighing deeply as he nodded.
"He did, he won't have to serve out the last two shifts of his suspension."
"Which means he'll be back with us tomorrow." Matt clarified, Boden giving them another reluctant nod.
"He will." He verbally confirmed, Matt drawing in a deep breath as he looked back to Gabby, seeing she still hadn't reacted much, and he couldn't tell if that was a good thing or a bad thing. "I wanted to let you know tonight, I didn't want you coming in tomorrow and being blindsided by him being there, but Walker is back at 51."
"Okay." She responded softly, giving him a tight lipped smile.
"I know this isn't what any of us were expecting, I didn't think they'd actually decide to have him come back early. But I meant what I said to you, Dawson. He will be on a very short leash… He does anything to you again, he's gone. No matter what I have to do."
"I appreciate that, Chief." She murmured, giving him a nod as she avoided Matt's gaze. "Thank you for coming to tell me."
"Of course. I'm sorry headquarters saw it fit to shorten his suspension, I wish there was something I could've done."
"It is what it is." She responded with a gentle shrug, her tongue poking out between her lips. "It's fine, Chief. Really. I just appreciate the heads up." She repeated, Boden giving her another nod before he began stepping back.
"It was no problem, Dawson. I'm sorry I didn't have better news, but I'll let you get back to work… Casey." He spoke, giving his Lieutenant a nod goodbye before walking away, Matt watching as he headed straight for Jenkins, no doubt going to share the news that her services would no longer be needed at 51.
Clenching his jaw tightly, Casey glanced back to Gabby, watching as she busied herself with some of the glasses around her, Dawson having already turned her back to him while she worked.
"Gabby…"
"I'm fine, Casey." She responded before he could get another word out, Matt giving her a pointed stare even though she couldn't see it. Her voice was surprisingly steady, Matt not expecting her to be so calm after finding out Walker would be returning sooner than planned, but from what he could tell, she did seem to be alright.
But he also knew who he was dealing with, and Gabby made a habit of putting up a front around people. Matt had just gotten very good at seeing right through it.
"Gabby." He spoke again, keeping his voice gentle, seeing her shoulders rise and fall as she took a deep breath, Dawson turning around to face him, her eyes finding his instantly.
"Matt, I promise I'm fine." She tried again, watching as his eyes ran over her features, clearly looking for any signs of deception. But he found none. "Really, it's alright. We knew he'd be coming back eventually, and this was always a possibility. I swear, I'm okay." She assured him, taking a step towards the bar, leaning forward slightly. "You and Boden have both said you're gonna be keeping an eye on him, and I trust that you're gonna do that-"
"Of course I am." He responded without missing a beat, Gabby smiling softly.
"Exactly. So I have nothing to worry about. I'm good, Matt." She told him one last time, Casey releasing a deep breath before reluctantly nodding.
"Alright… But I'll be right down there if you need anything." He spoke, nodding off towards his seat.
"I know, thank you."
"Always." He responded, taking her in one last time before he walked away, Gabby going back to work.
The night wore on quickly, Casey and Severide having moved around the bar a few times while Shay, Herrmann, and Gabby all served the multiple patrons who'd come for some drinks tonight. The bar had been pretty busy all night, but the crowd was slowly thinning out as the evening continued.
Casey and Severide had made their way back to the bar, Shay and Dawson standing across from them as they all chatted during the lull, the four friends focused on each other as they enjoyed their evening. Things had gotten a little tense when Shay found out about Walker's suspension being lifted, but Dawson and Severide had managed to change the subject enough times to get her to let it go, and they ended up being able to talk about more enjoyable topics. But their conversation soon halted with a fifth person came up to them, the woman clearly a little tipsy.
After she'd been told she would no longer be needed at 51, Jenkins had consumed quite a bit of alcohol, taking to drowning her sorrows in booze. And she was clearly feeling the effects of it now. She wasn't plastered, Gabby could tell she still had at least some of her sense, but she was definitely under the influence.
"Well… I'm guessing you all heard the news." She spoke loudly, Matt and Severide both wincing when the high decibel of her voice hit their ears, Shay biting back a chuckle as Gabby watched the woman with wide eyes. "I'm done at 51, which is a shame because I was really looking forward to finishing my shifts out there." She breathed out, Matt clicking his tongue against the roof of his mouth.
"Yeah, we all really liked having you around." Severide responded, Jenkins sliding her hand across Matt's shoulder, Casey's eyebrows raising, his eyes quickly moving towards Gabby, finding a nearly amused look on her face.
"I know, me too." She replied defeatedly, her hand sliding behind his neck, Matt's body tensing.
"Uh, Jenkins-"
"No, no it's okay. I've just always wanted to…" She trailed off, Matt unsure of what was happening until suddenly her lips were on his.
His eyes widened in shock, Casey pushing her away as gently yet quickly as he could, Shay, Severide, and Dawson all stunned to silence. Matt looked towards Allison, seeing realization settle over her features as she slowly understood what she'd just done, her face turning red while her eyes widened more so than Matt's.
"Oh my God." She murmured, taking a step away from him, Shay's mouth parted in shock as Severide's mind cleared from the unexpected action, Kelly trying to hold back his laughter. "Oh my God, I'm- I'm so sorry." She rambled out before practically running from the bar, Casey still stunned.
Matt's eyes immediately turned to Gabby, finding her watching him with an unreadable expression, Casey tuning out Severide's snickers at his side, Shay finally regaining herself as she closed her mouth.
"And you said she was harmless?" Shay asked Dawson, the latter having not yet reacted.
"Hey Dawson!" Herrmann called, Gabby's eyes snapping into focus as she turned towards the voice, seeing him waving her towards him. Without a word, Gabby set her rag down on the bar, walking towards Herrmann, leaving the group of three to process the events of the last few minutes.
"What the hell just happened?" Casey asked, shaking his head as he wiped the back of his hand over his lips.
"She really just went in for it, didn't she?" Kelly asked rhetorically, his laughs turning into cackles as Shay began laughing as well, Matt glaring between the two of them.
"What the hell was that?" Matt asked again, his words earning louder laughs from his friends, Casey waving them off. "You two are useless." He murmured, his eyes moving towards the back of the bar just in time to see Gabby disappear into the back room. Blowing out a sigh, he pushed himself up from his bar stool, ignoring Severide and Shay as they continued laughing at his expense.
Making his way across the bar, he waited until Herrmann was distracted before he slipped in through the swinging door, his eyes immediately finding Gabby, Dawson standing at the far wall with her back to him.
He waited to see if she would notice his presence, but she hadn't; or if she had, she was ignoring him. "...I'm sorry about that."
Matt's words got no reaction out of her, her body language telling him she knew he was there, but Gabby didn't turn around, or say a word. She just stood there, continuing to work.
Sighing softly, Casey took a few steps closer to her, his tongue running over his bottom lip as he tried to gather his thoughts. "I don't know what she was thinking… although by the amount of alcohol I could smell on her, I don't think there was much thinking involved." He spoke up, Gabby staying quiet. "I don't know if I encouraged her somehow, I tried to make it clear to her I wasn't interested…" He tried, but still, she gave him nothing. "Gabby…"
It wasn't until he saw her shoulders begin to shake that he felt truly concerned, Matt's eyebrows furrowing as he took another step towards her, placing his hand on her back. "Gabby, I'm sorry, I- I pushed her off, I didn't want her to kiss me, I'm-"
Matt was cut off when she turned around, his worry morphing into annoyance when he saw the grin on her face, Gabby doing what she could to keep her laughter at bay as she met his eyes. But her smile only grew when she saw the look on his face, Gabby shaking her head as her laughs got louder, her hand resting over her stomach.
"Oh, that was too good." She chuckled, wiping the tears brimming her eyes as Matt's gaze morphed into a glare, Casey crossing over his chest. "I was just fucking with you, God you should've seen your face."
Once her laughs calmed down, Gabby shook her head as she saw his glare still focused on her. "That was mean." He finally spoke up, his pout making her laugh some more as Gabby reached out, placing her hand on his chest, gently rubbing across his collarbone.
"I don't know, I thought it was pretty funny."
"Clearly." He responded quickly, trying to fight the smile pulling at his lips, but he was failing.
"...And that was quite a show out there." She continued, another chuckle escaping her lips, Matt playfully narrowing his eyes once more, bringing his hand up to rest over her hip.
"I was just kissed, without my consent, and then you go and make me think you were upset, and now you're making fun of me, that's not nice Dawson." He spoke lowly, Gabby biting down on her tongue to keep herself from laughing again.
"I'm sorry." She murmured, rubbing her thumb against his chest. "What can I do to apologize?" She questioned, her voice light as she tried to not tease him too much.
"Well…" He brought his other hand up around her waist, pulling her closer to him so there was no space left in between them, his hands gliding over her hips. "For starters, I'd take a kiss. You know, one from someone I actually want kissing me." He suggested, Gabby scoffing lightly as she slid her hand over his chest, leaning forward slightly, their faces inches apart.
"Would that really make you feel better?" She whispered, Matt nodding, his nose brushing against hers as his head moved.
"It would."
Smiling softly, Gabby closed the distance between them, her mouth on his in a second as their lips connected in a heated kiss. Casey was a bit stunned by the immediate force of her movements, but quickly caught up as his hands began roaming over her covered body, sliding down past her hips and landing in the back pockets of her jeans, cupping her tightly. Gabby let out a low moan against his lips, deepening the kiss as she opened her mouth, Matt gently backing her up until they were against the wall, a gasp escaping her lips as he pressed his hips into hers.
She felt herself getting lost in him, soft pants escaping her lips as his kisses moved across her jaw, moving down to neck her, Gabby gripping the back of his neck tightly. When she felt him ground his hips into hers again, it took all her willpower not to just have him finish what he started right here, but the sounds coming from the patrons just a few feet from them brought her back to reality, Gabby gently pushing against him.
Matt stopped immediately, his eyes wide with curiosity as his chest heaved up and down, Gabby chuckling as she noticed some of her lipstick smeared across his face. "What's wrong?" He asked in between breaths, Gabby's face softening as she brought her hand up to his face, wiping her thumb over his bottom lip.
"We can't do this here… anyone could walk in." She murmured, Matt nodding in understanding as he sucked in deep breaths, Gabby sliding her hand gently across his jaw.
"Yeah, no you're right… Guess I just got a little carried away." He replied, turning his hand to press a kiss to the inside of her palm, Gabby smiling softly, gently pulling him back towards her, Matt's head tilting to the side. "But you just said…"
"A couple more minutes can't hurt." She replied, silencing him with a kiss as her hands gripped onto him again, Matt quickly resuming his previous actions as his hands roamed her body, swallowing her moans as they made use of the time they had.
Gabby shut the door behind the last people to leave the once crowded bar, a heavy sigh escaping her lips as she slid her keys in the lock, securing the door in place ensuring that no one could get in. Turning back around to face the empty bar, Gabby slid her hands over her jeans as she saw Matt still working on putting the stools up on the tables.
"Thank you for helping me close up." She spoke softly, breaking the comfortable silence they had found themselves in, Matt flashing her a smile. "I know it's late and we have work tomorrow, but I really appreciate it."
"It's no problem. And plus we rode together, I wouldn't just leave you here stranded." He replied jokingly, Gabby returning his smile as he put the last chair up.
"Can you go and check the back door? Make sure it's locked? I'm pretty sure Herrmann mentioned he checked it before he left, but just to be sure."
"Yeah, of course." He answered, Gabby watching him until he was out of sight. Drawing in a deep breath, Gabby moved behind the bar, flipping the switch that turned off the bar sign outside as she glanced around, double checking that she had done everything she needed to before letting herself relax into the bar top. With her hands braced against the wood, her tired eyes fell closed, Gabby waiting for Matt to get back so they could leave.
She wasn't sure how much time had passed when she unexpectedly felt hands grip her waist, Gabby smiling when Matt began pressing kisses against her shoulder. "I didn't hear you." She murmured, feeling his breath against her skin as his kisses moved closer to her neck.
"Well, I'm stealthy." He responded back, gently kissing her skin while simultaneously moving her hair out of the way, Gabby relaxing her body back into his. His movements stayed innocent until she felt his teeth graze her skin, Gabby smirking as he captured her in between his lips, surely leaving a mark behind. A soft moan escaped her lips when he bite down on her again, his tongue soothing the area instantly before Matt used his leverage to turn her around, using his body to pin her against the bar.
Within seconds, he found her lips, the two battling for dominance as they grasped at whatever part of one another they could. Gabby felt his hands moving all along her waist and back, her hands quickly finding their way to his belt buckle, beginning to undo the item standing in their way. She had just gotten the belt undone and open when his hands found hers, Matt pulling her away from his waist.
"What is it?" She breathed out, Matt dropping the hold he had on her hands.
"Are you sure you wanna do this?" He questioned, Gabby's eyes narrowing in confusion as she placed her hands against the bar behind her, her curiosity and slight annoyance getting the best of her.
"Why do you always ask me that?" She asked, Matt's head tilting to the side.
"What do you mean?"
"Why do you always check to make sure I want to have sex, when I clearly do. I wouldn't be trying to get your pants off if I didn't." She elaborated, Matt taking a deep breath. "I guess I just don't get why you always question it."
Pursing his lips together, Matt brought his hand up to the side of her face, pushing back some of the hair that had fallen forward, Gabby's curious eyes waiting for him to answer her. "Do you remember that night a few months back…" He started, Gabby's eyes narrowing in confusion as she waited for him to elaborate, "it wasn't long after we started this, and you came to my place. You were upset, like really upset." He saw recognition flash in her eyes, Matt taking another breath before continuing. "Well, we slept together, and then as soon as we were done you burst into tears, cried yourself to sleep."
"I remember." She murmured, Matt sliding his hand up and down her arm.
"I never want to do that to you again." He spoke firmly, confusion settling back across her face.
"You didn't do anything, Matt... I was upset because of Bryan, not you." She tried, but he shook his head.
"I slept with you when I knew you were upset, and I shouldn't have. I took advantage of you being vulnerable." He replied, Gabby releasing a soft sigh. "After that night I promised myself I'd never do that to you again."
"Matt…" She started, but he shook his head.
"I should've never slept with you that night, and I knew it. You were about to break down before you even got there, I never should've done that."
"I didn't give you much of a choice, I practically threw myself at you."
"It doesn't matter." He responded without hesitation. "I could have stopped it… I should've… But that's why I always ask you, because I want us both to be sure. And after everything tonight with Walker, then the thing with Jenkins, I don't want to do this if you're upset. I never want to do anything to make you uncomfortable, or hurt you, or-"
"You haven't." She cut him off, Matt meeting her eyes. "I swear, you haven't." Gabby assured him, Matt nodding as he felt her hands move back towards his hips, using her position to pull him back towards him. "Every time we've done anything, I've wanted to. I promise."
Nodding again, Matt let Gabby lead him back to her, his lips finding hers as he pressed her body into the bar. Their movements started out much more slow and gentle than they'd been moments prior, Gabby gripping his button down shirt in her hands, keeping him close to her as they moved together.
Her hands slowly moved down his chest, Gabby landing back on his waist as she began to unbutton his jeans, Matt picking up their movements as she worked quickly on his pants. Within seconds, she'd gotten his pants halfway down his thighs, Matt groaning into her mouth as she gripped him through his boxers.
"Gabby…" He moaned against her, Gabby moving her kisses across his jaw, landing on his neck as he felt her slide her hand into his boxers, his breath catching in his throat when she grabbed ahold of him. Her hand moved at a painfully slow pace, Gabby taking her time as she occasionally ran her thumb over him, sending a jolt of pleasure through his core every time.
Gradually, she began picking up her pace, continuing to place kisses over his skin as she heard him panting in her ear, Gabby smirking against his neck. His hands had come out to rest against the bar on either side of her body, Gabby grazing her teeth over his skin while she did as much as she could being confined by his boxers, Matt's body tightening as she continued to move her wrist faster.
His hips involuntarily bucked against her, Matt reaching down to grab ahold of her arm, effectively stopping her speedy movements, Gabby chuckling as he tried to calm himself down.
"You stopped my fun." She murmured, Casey shaking his head as he leaned back, pulling her hand from his boxers.
"You were about to end all of our fun." He growled in her ear, earning another laugh from her as he dropped the hold he had on her arm, Matt's hands quickly finding their way to her pants.
"What exactly do you have in mind?" She asked, her bottom lip falling in between her teeth as she leaned back into the bar, Matt silently unbuttoning her jeans, pulling the zipper down slowly.
His dark eyes met hers, Gabby taking deep breaths as she felt an intense warmth pool in her stomach, seeing his complete lust and desire for her shining in his eyes. Without a word, he spun her around, pressing his chest up against her back as a gasp escaped her lips, Gabby feeling his hand grip her hips while his other arm slid around her front, teasing the skin right above her underwear.
"You'll see." His voice was deep, Gabby feeling a shiver run through her spine as he pulled himself back from her, his hands tugging her jeans down her legs roughly, only moving them enough to get them out of the way before he placed his hands back on her legs, Gabby's eyes falling closed when she felt his rough hands moving along her bare thighs.
"Matt…" She whispered, Casey shaking his head, pushing against her back until she was bending over the bar.
"Shh." He replied, using one hand to hold her in place while his other caressed her body, Gabby gnawing on her bottom lip roughly. "Stay here." He spoke, Gabby feeling him remove his hand from her back, hearing him shuffling around behind her, but she wasn't sure what he was doing. There was nothing keeping her bent over the bar, she was free to move however she wanted, but she didn't. She stayed put, the anticipation of what Matt was about to do driving her crazy.
She knew he hadn't left, he was still behind her, but she had no idea what he was doing. Gabby tensed when she suddenly felt his hand running along her inner thigh, Matt pushing her legs apart before he ghosted over her center, Gabby swallowing a moan as he barely touched her.
"Matt…" She pleaded, feeling him apply a bit more pressure before he'd pull back, his teasing nearly unbearable. "Please."
Before she even registered what was happening, Matt had pushed her underwear to the side, exposing her to him as she felt his length pressed against her entrance. Whatever he had been doing a few moments ago must have included ditching his boxers, Gabby's breath catching in her throat as he slowly teased her, whimpers occasionally her lips as he moved back and forth over her.
"Matt."
The second his name left her lips, Casey sunk into her, filling her completely as a long, loud moan escaped her lips, Gabby smacking her hand against the bar as she took all of him in.
"You good?" He asked gently, his hand moving in circles at the base of her spine, Gabby nodding, craving the painful pleasure her body was experiencing as her hips rested against his. "Just relax, you're okay." He spoke soothingly, moving his hands slowly over whatever skin he could find, Gabby's mind clearing as she listened to his words.
Matt didn't move an inch, giving her time to adjust, knowing that when they were in this position she usually needed some extra time before she was ready. But that moment came soon enough, Gabby suddenly pushing back against him as she began to lift herself up off the bar, but Matt pushed her back down, Gabby landing on her elbows.
With a hand on her back, Matt began moving steadily in and out of her, picking up his pace every few thrusts, feeling her body encouraging him on as whimpers and moans escaped her lips.
Within minutes, Casey was slamming in and out of her, her body pressed in between him and the bar, no doubt leaving bruises behind on her hips as Matt moved at a relentless pace. Sliding his hand down from her back, he used both to grip her waist, giving him more leverage while he moved as quickly as he could, the support of the bar aiding his movements.
"God, Matt-" She cut herself off, Gabby pressing her hands down into the unforgiving wood as she felt her body start to give in to the pleasure he was giving her. He refused to slow down when he felt her clench around him, Casey drilling into her repeatedly, focusing on the signals her body was giving him.
He knew she was close, Gabby pulling him right to that edge with her as he felt her legs start to give out, Matt using his grip to keep her upright as he thrust through her finish, a loud shriek escaping her lips as her release hit her full force.
Matt kept his movements steady as Gabby's body collapsed against the bar, Casey unable to hold off his own release any longer, a low groan coming from the back of his throat as he gave in, relishing in the feeling of Gabby's body trembling around him.
Releasing a heavy breath, Matt slowly pulled out after a few moments, Gabby trying to catch her breath and regain feeling in her extremities, Dawson slowly straightening her spine as she stood up. With her chest still heaving, Gabby began adjusting her clothes, doing what she could to work through her trembling muscles as she made herself presentable, turning around to see Matt fixing his belt.
"You good?" He asked as he met her eyes, a soft grin resting on his face, his demeanor a complete shift from the man who had her pinned to the bar moments ago.
"I'm good." She replied, flashing him a similar smile as he took a step back towards her, leaning in to place a soft, lingering kiss against her lips.
Casey pulled back after a few seconds, stroking his thumb over her cheek, Gabby letting her eyes stay closed for a few moments longer before she slowly opened them, finding his warm gaze waiting for her.
"Let's go home."
"Are you still feeling sick?" Casey asked as he walked into his apartment, Gabby's tired body following close behind, Matt seeing her give him a shrug.
"Yeah, a little." She responded, Matt frowning as he shut the door behind them, locking it into place. "I really thought I had gotten past whatever bug this was." She breathed out, Matt following her into the apartment.
On the way back to Casey's place, Gabby got hit when a sudden wave of nausea, the paramedic having to sit with her head between her knees at one point it had gotten so bad, Matt rubbing comfortingly over her back while she took deep breaths. He offered multiple times to pull over, but Gabby declined every time, knowing that a random street in the middle of the night in Chicago wasn't the safest place for them to stop. Luckily, after a few long minutes, the feeling passed, Gabby able to sit back up while Matt kept a hand on her thigh, doing what he could to comfort her while also paying attention to the road.
"Maybe you should go to the doctor." Casey spoke up as the got into his bedroom, a soft chuckle escaping his lips when she automatically began pulling her clothes off, her body reeking of exhaustion. "If you're not feeling better in the morning, it couldn't hurt." He suggested, Gabby giving him a shrug.
"Yeah, maybe."
Casey followed her lead, beginning to strip down to his boxers as Gabby pulled one of his t-shirts over her head, letting it fall over her body before she wordlessly moved towards his bathroom, continuing her routine before bed.
Matt joined Gabby in the bathroom a few moments later, seeing her standing at the counter, washing her hands. Quietly, he walked up behind her, sliding his hands across her waist, Gabby leaning up to see him directly behind her, her back running directly into his chest.
"Hi." She chuckled out, Matt grinning as his hands slid around to her stomach, resting dangerously low on her abdomen.
"Hi." He repeated, pressing a kiss against her neck.
"What? You didn't get enough earlier?" Gabby teased, relaxing into him as she felt his mouth move over her skin.
"Never." He murmured, hearing her release a soft sigh as her body pressed into his.
"We need to go to bed." She replied quietly, focusing on the feeling of his hands moving over her stomach. "And I don't think I'm up for any more tonight, especially after earlier."
Something about her words had him pulling back, Gabby looking at him through the mirror, surprised to see a frown on his face.
"What?"
"I didn't hurt you, did I?" He asked, worry laced in his voice, his concerned tone causing her face to soften.
"No, you didn't." She was quick to assure him, not liking how unsure he looked. Although their fun at Molly's had been a little rougher than usual, it was nothing she didn't want. If she was uncomfortable, she had every opportunity to stop him, and she knew he would've immediately. "I very much enjoyed everything about tonight, I'm just tired." She told him, leaving out how she did feel a little sore, knowing he'd get caught up on that and not be able to focus on anything else.
Matt nodded, gently squeezing her stomach as he rested his chin on her shoulder while her eyes fell closed. "Okay, good." He murmured, leaning his head against hers. "But if there ever is a time it's too much, or you want me to stop, I want you to tell me. I don't want you to be uncomfortable, or I accidentally hurt you or something."
Her eyebrows furrowed as she opened her eyes, Gabby placing her hand over his on her stomach. "I know." She responded softly, rubbing her thumb across the back of his hand. "I'd tell you, don't worry." She assured him, Matt giving her a nod.
"Good, cause I know sometimes I can get a little carried away." He spoke lightly, earning a soft chuckle from her as she turned around in his embrace, Matt's hands settling on her lower back.
"Yeah, I know. But it's always wanted." She responded, rubbing against his bare chest. "But, speaking of all this, I do want to thank you…"
It was now Matt's turn to look confused, Gabby bringing her hand up to run her fingers through his short hair, lightly scratching his scalp as his head tilted to the side. "For what?"
"That thing you said earlier, about why you always ask me before we sleep together…" She elaborated, realization settling over his face. "I never got to thank you for that."
"You don't need to thank me." He responded quickly, earning a shrug from the woman in front of him.
"I do, though. No one's ever-" She cut herself off, a deep frown etched into his features as she spoke, Matt rubbing his hand over her back. "I'm just not used to it." She rephrased, rubbing her thumb over the side of his mouth, trying to wipe his frown away. "That's why I didn't really know why you always asked me, but I want you to know I appreciate it." She finished, Matt giving her a slow nod before he brought her into his body, Casey holding her to his chest for a few quiet moments.
"Well, I still don't think you need to thank me for that." He responded softly, Gabby sliding her hands across his back, both of them knowing there was nothing else that needed to be said.
The two stood together for a few more seconds, Gabby thoroughly enjoying the warmth his body gave her, his hand running over her back nearly lulling her to sleep.
"Gabby?"
"Mhmm?" She hummed, feeling his chest vibrate underneath her cheek as he chuckled softly.
"How about you finish up in here and we can get you into bed, it'll be a lot more comfortable than standing here for the rest of the night." He told her softly, feeling her nod against him before she pulled back.
"Yeah, I guess you're right." She murmured right before a yawn escaped her lips, Matt rubbing over her hip before he began walking towards the bedroom.
"And hopefully you'll feel better in the morning, maybe sleep off whatever this is." He referred to her nausea, Gabby giving him a nod before turning back towards the counter, beginning the process of brushing her teeth.
Within a few minutes she'd finished, Gabby reaching for his mouthwash, only to see the bottle was gone. "Hey Matt?" She called out into the bedroom, her hands resting against the counter.
"Yeah?" He answered back.
"Do you have any more mouthwash?"
"Oh yeah, sorry, I meant to put it out. There should be another bottle under the sink." He responded, his voice flowing into the bathroom.
"Thank you."
Gabby crouched down onto the ground as she opened the cabinet, her eyes moving around until she saw the familiar bottle. Reaching inside, she grabbed ahold of it and began pulling it out, misjudging the room she needed as the bottle hit into something, Gabby seeing her box of tampons that she kept here hit the ground, its contents spilling out onto the floor.
She immediately froze, her body going rigid as her eyes widened to twice their normal size, Gabby feeling her heart rate pick up in her chest.
She'd left this box here not long after they started their arrangement, Gabby not wanting to have to carry it around all the time, and Matt not caring that she kept it here. She had kept it under the sink so it was out of the way, there for whenever she'd need it. But when they spilled across the floor, she was reminded that she hadn't needed them. She hadn't needed them in a while, when she definitely should've.
She was late.
Very late. And she had no idea how she didn't realize sooner.
The weight of what this could mean felt like it was crushing her, Gabby's breath catching in her throat as she felt her legs begin to tremble underneath her, her chest heaving as she tried to steady herself, trying to get her mind to focus. But there was only thing she could think of right now, one thought that made her feel like she was suffocating.
She could be pregnant.
She could be pregnant with Matt Casey's baby.
And she didn't know what the hell she was gonna do.
Now, before y'all get mad at me, I urge you to wait and see what happens in the next chapter. Remember, whenever I do something it's usually for a good reason. So.. what do you guys think, do you think she's actually pregnant? Obviously, I'm not gonna tell you, but I will say that you'll find out one way or the other in the next chapter.
Also, I have seen a lot of your reviews talking about how you want Matt and Gabby to talk to one another about what they're feeling, and I get it. I do. Unlike my other story, I've had this one mapped out for over a year, so there's things I've planned in this that need to happen in a certain order. Trust me, there are times it's frustrating for me as well, but I promise it's coming soon. Because I know there are some of you who are just waiting for them to admit whatever they're feeling, and others who are liking where the story is at right now. But that discussion will be coming up here soon. It won't be the next chapter, but it's not too far away. I promise.
Reminder: No new chapter of I Won't Let You Go today, but it'll be up on Monday. Thank you for your patience.
I hope you guys enjoyed this one. Next chapter, obviously we're dealing with what happened at the end of the chapter, but we've always got Walker back, which is always something to look forward to. I'm eager to hear what you think, thanks for reading!