Hello everyone! I'm back with the next chapter for you all. This one is a little bit shorter than normal, but you'll see why towards the end. I hope you guys enjoy this one, I can't wait to hear your thoughts!
Happy reading!
FORTY TWO
Gabby stood in the bathroom in Matt's apartment, clad in her bra and her unbuttoned shift pants as she brushed her teeth, Dawson going through her routine as she got ready for work. As she was rinsing off her toothbrush, she heard the shower faucet turn off, Dawson looking up through the mirror just as Matt pushed open the glass door, his body glistening as he reached for his towel, Gabby letting herself appreciate the view while he dried himself off.
It took no time at all for her stares to be caught, Gabby biting back a smirk as they locked eyes through the mirror, Matt chuckling as he shook his head, completing his task before tying the towel around his waist. As she placed her toothbrush back in its designated spot, Gabby saw Matt come up behind her, an involuntary shiver coursing through her spine when he placed his cold hands on her bare sides.
Without saying a word, Matt pulled her back against his hard chest, another chill shooting through her system as he moved his hands around to her stomach, her head resting back on his shoulder.
"You're cold." She murmured, his smooth skin still adjusting to the change in temperature since he got out of the shower, Matt grinning before he placed his lips on the top of her shoulder, pressing gentle kisses there.
"Sorry… But based on the way you were staring at me, I didn't think you'd mind." He replied against her shoulder, grazing his teeth over her skin as he trailed his way towards her neck.
Gabby smiled softly, leaning her head to the side to give him better access, feeling Matt's hand slide dangerously low on her stomach, his fingers teasing the skin just along the edge of her underwear, her unbuttoned pants giving him access as his lips continued their assault on her neck. "Well, you're nice to look at." She responded lowly, feeling him smile against her skin before he continued, Gabby taking a deep breath as she let herself melt into him.
"The same can definitely be said for you…" He started, suctioning her skin between his lips for a moment, hearing her breath catch in her throat. "Especially looking like this." Matt added, Gabby's teeth running over her bottom lip. "I think you should dress this way more often."
"Yeah, I don't think you'd want me going out like this." She responded with an amused tone to her voice.
"Absolutely not." He agreed, pressing another kiss to her skin. "But I wouldn't mind you wearing this around the apartment." He countered, Gabby shaking her head.
"Really?" She questioned, earning a hum from him in response. "I figured you'd just prefer me naked."
Matt pulled back slightly for a moment, a smug grin forming on his face as they locked eyes through the mirror, Gabby raising her eyebrows teasingly. "Well, you'd never hear me complain about it, that's for sure." He responded, the woman pressed into his chest shaking her head in amusement before he reattached his lips to her skin.
They stood together for a few moments, Gabby closing her eyes as she leaned into him, the combination of his lips on her neck and his hand teasing the skin on her stomach driving her crazy, but she knew they didn't have time to finish what he was starting, the paramedic aware their moments were fleeting before they needed to leave for shift.
Her eyes opened when she felt him start to slide a finger underneath the waistband of her underwear, Gabby watching as he sunk his teeth down into her neck, his actions pulling a low moan from deep within her chest.
"Matt…" She whispered, her voice barely audible as he continued his assault on her skin, Gabby taking a deep breath as she reached for his hand, keeping him from going any lower. "As much as I'd love to continue this, we really need to get to work." She breathed out, feeling him smirk against her neck.
"You sure?" He challenged, Matt biting down on her skin again before his tongue darted out to soothe the area he'd claimed. "...Because you know I can be quick."
A soft sigh left her lips as she felt his fingertips tease along her waist, just above where he knew she wanted him, Gabby forcing herself to stand her ground. "We can't be late…" She reminded him, slowly pulling his hand out from underneath her clothes, Matt trailing kisses along her skin as he moved his palm over her stomach. "And be careful with where you're leaving those marks." She added, Matt chuckling as he lifted his head up, catching her gaze through the mirror. "I think you already left more than enough last night."
A proud smile formed over his face as his eyes trailed down to her chest, seeing the remains of their fun last night painted over her skin. Small, purple marks littered the tops of her breasts and upper chest, Matt knowing there were even more that couldn't be seen, more that her bra was hiding from view. He had definitely taken his time with her when they stumbled into his apartment after they came back from dinner, Matt giving her body more than enough appreciation last night, the man having been mindful to keep his marks where they could easily be hidden by her clothes. But he hadn't been nearly as careful this morning, Matt knowing she was bound to have at least one mark on her neck now.
"You seemed to enjoy it…" He responded, wrapping his arms around her body, keeping her close as he rested his chin on her shoulder, his eyes focused on her chest as she breathed. "In fact I believe you enjoyed it multiple times." He continued, a smirk finding its way to his lips as he caught her gaze through the mirror, heat rising to her cheeks as she thought back to their previous evening together. "If my memory is correct, you enjoyed it four times."
"Yeah, I should've known you were counting." She replied with a slight scoff, his proud grin widening as he tapped his finger against her skin.
"It wasn't so much counting as it was… enjoying the experience." He told her, Gabby chuckling as she placed her hands over his arms, the two relaxing into one another as he turned his head to the side, placing a much more chaste kiss against her jaw.
"Mhmm, whatever you say." She responded, her eyes moving towards the clock hanging on the wall, Gabby blowing out a sigh before she tapped her palm against his arm. "We really do need to finish getting ready or we're gonna be late." She reminded him, her words causing him to groan before he reluctantly nodded, pressing another quick kiss against her skin as he pulled himself away from her.
"You're right." He murmured, running his hand along her bare back as he walked past her, Gabby watching him through the mirror. "But I can be ready in about ten minutes… What do you say about us riding into work together?" Matt offered as he got to the door, the man turning back around as he saw her smile widen. "I know we hadn't made any plans for tomorrow yet, and I've got that thing with your mom, but we could ride together if you want."
"I'd love to." She responded softly, Matt shooting her a warm smile before he nodded.
"Great. Well, you hurry up and put a shirt on before neither of us make it to work on time." He replied jokingly, winking at her before he stepped into his bedroom. Gabby shook her head in amusement before looking back at herself in the mirror, her eyes lingering on the proud marks he'd left last night before moving up towards her neck. Immediately, her eyes found the beginnings of another mark he left on her just moments prior, Gabby unable to stop the slight smirk pulling on her lips when she saw the location of the red patch of skin he'd left behind. It was something she knew she'd have to cover, knowing otherwise she'd never hear the end of it from Shay, but even despite that annoyance, she couldn't help but feel a weird flutter in her stomach every time Matt got so caught up in the moment that he'd leave blemishes behind on her body.
It happened often, more often than not whenever they were together, but she didn't mind, knowing how much Matt enjoyed it. He'd always been a little overeager when it came to having his lips on her, something she found out rather quickly when they first started sleeping together all those months ago, but even though she found it a little strange in the beginning, she never stopped him. She could tell he liked it, and there was no harm in it, so she never said anything, and she'd be lying if she said she hadn't enjoyed doing the same to him as well. And now that they were together, it only made it that much more fun.
If it were anyone else who spent the amount of time Matt did leaving his love marks on her, she would assume it was territorial. That he wanted everyone to know she was taken. But with him, she knew that wasn't it, or she at least knew it wasn't the main reason. Matt was Matt, he was sweet, and caring, and attentive, but he was also a guy, so she figured it was safe to say at least part of it was him claiming his territory, but she knew it was also more than that. It was him devoting his complete attention to her, it was him showing her how much he appreciated her, it was Matt doing whatever he could to constantly remind her just how much he loved every part of her.
It was Matt being Matt. And she loved that about him.
She loved everything about him. And the marks he'd leave on her were just a reminder that he felt the same way.
"God dammit, what did I say about putting a shirt on?" Matt groaned, his playful tone snapping Gabby from her thoughts as she saw him walk into the bathroom through the mirror, a genuine smile forming over her face when she watched him move towards the sink, clad in his clothes for work. "We're gonna be late, and I'm not trying to explain to Boden that the reason we weren't there on time was because I just couldn't control myself because you wouldn't get dressed." He continued as she turned to face him, his bright eyes shining back at her. "Now move, before we're really late."
Before he could chastise her any more, Gabby took a step forward, her hands reaching out to grab his face, guiding his lips to hers as they connected in a feverish kiss. Matt was stunned momentarily, not expecting the action, but he quickly recovered, Casey's hands moving to her waist, his palms running along her warm, bare skin as he kept her close.
They pulled back when air became an issue, Matt's chest heaving as he tried to replace the air his girlfriend has stolen from him, Gabby smiling softly as she found his gaze. "...What was that for?" He asked in between breaths, his words earning a slight shrug from her, her warm smile sending shivers down his spine.
"Just cause." She replied nonchalantly, Matt raising his eyebrows as his head tilted slightly, his hands roaming over her sides, Gabby comforted by the action.
"Just cause, huh?"
"Mhmm." She hummed, Matt's smile growing as she stroked her thumb along his cheek, the firefighter leaning forward to give her another kiss, this one much more gentle.
"You taste minty." He spoke against her lips, Gabby chuckling as she opened her eyes, pulling away from him slightly. "I like it." Matt added, leaning in to kiss her again, the two moving slowly as they stood in his bathroom. Her hands slid down to his neck, coming to rest on his chest as he pulled her closer, their bodies flush together as their kisses stayed soft and tame, Matt pulling back when he felt her smile. "...Okay, but for real this time, we really need to get to work." He whispered, Gabby chuckling as she nodded in agreement.
"I know." She murmured before stealing another kiss, Gabby putting a little more force behind this one before she pulled away completely, stepping out of his grasp.
"But I meant what I said," He told her, Gabby's eyebrows raising as he ran his tongue over his lips. "If you don't get a shirt on, we're both calling in sick."
Scoffing lightly, Gabby shook her head in amusement, patting his cheek lightly as she passed him, moving towards the bedroom, knowing she now had limited time to finish getting ready.
Dawson slid down out of Matt's truck, planting her feet firmly on the sidewalk and slinging her shift bag over her shoulder as she waited for him to come around to meet her, Casey locking up his truck before jogging towards her. As the couple started walking, Gabby reached for his hand, Matt glancing to her as she laced her fingers in his, the goofy grin onto his face filling her chest with warmth.
"You sure you don't mind?" He asked softly, tightening her palm in his as she shook her head.
"I don't mind." She assured him, Matt nodding in response. "You're my boyfriend, I want to be able to act like you are."
"You'll hear no objections from me." He replied, rubbing his thumb along the back of her hand as they walked up the driveway, moving in step with one another.
It had been a little over a week since the house found out about their relationship, and in that time, nothing had really changed for them. They still acted as they always had, they weren't all over one another all the time or trying to flaunt their relationship, they just weren't afraid to be close to one another, either. They definitely didn't shy away from being near each other, or touching one another, Matt taking every opportunity to rub over her back, or her leg; anything to be close to her that was appropriate for work, he'd do it. But only when he knew she was comfortable with it.
Just as he had with most things in the sharing of their relationship, he let her take the lead with how they acted around the house. Especially after everything Walker had said to her, he didn't want to do anything to make her uncomfortable, or make things harder, so he just tried to follow her lead. Even though the house knew, there was still a learning curve to all this, them figuring out how to navigate dating and working together. Luckily, they'd had weeks of practice, but everyone knowing changed things. They didn't have to hide anymore, which they both loved, but that meant they now had to find a new rhythm together. They had never done this before, so they were just taking it day by day, shift by shift, trying to figure out what worked best for them.
And Matt absolutely loved it.
He loved getting to sit next to her in the common room and not have to worry about being too close, he loved getting to spend all his time on shift with her and not have people question it, he didn't even mind the teasing that a few members of 51 had taken to since Walker abruptly announced their relationship, and he certainly loved getting to hold her hand whenever he wanted.
"Oh look at the lovebirds." Shay called from her seat at the squad table as Gabby and Matt entered the garage, her words earning a few laughs from the firefighters around them.
"Good morning to you too, Shay." Casey responded, Gabby keeping her hold on his hand as they got closer to the table.
"It is, isn't it?" She replied, Gabby raising her eyebrows as her partner stood up, coming to walk in step with them.
"You need something, Shay?" Matt asked as they got to the double doors, the firefighter dropping Gabby's hand to hold the door open, letting the paramedics enter first.
"No, I don't need anything." She answered with a shrug, the three friends rounding the corner. "Just wanted to see Chicago's most elusive couple."
Gabby's eyebrows furrowed while a look of confusion covered Casey's face, neither of them understanding what she was talking about.
"Oh, don't give me that look, it's practically impossible to drag you two out of bed and get you to do anything." She spoke, Matt shaking his head in amusement as they continued towards the locker room. "I know you both are in love and want to spend every single second of every single day staring into each other's eyes and probably engaging in some sort of inappropriate activity while doing it but I swear, that thing's gonna fall off, Casey if you two don't take it easy." Shay ranted, Matt's eyes widening in amusement as Gabby shot her friend a less than impressed look.
"Jesus, Shay." Casey muttered, the blonde paramedic waving him off.
"You know I'm right." She responded, the three of them turning the corner to their lockers, Gabby's steps slowing when she saw Bryan standing at his locker. His head was ducked behind the door, and while she couldn't be sure how much of Shay's words he'd heard, from how tense his body was, Gabby assumed he'd heard some of them.
The previously light feeling in the air was replaced with a heavy one, Casey silently moving towards his locker, making no effort to speak with his firefighter as Shay stayed by Gabby's side, her partner shooting daggers into Bryan's head.
The way Casey and Shay acted towards Walker wasn't unusual as of late, Matt only speaking to the man when out on a call, and Shay talking to him less than that. And the same could be said for many members of firehouse 51, most of the firefighters in the house wary of the man since his outburst towards Dawson a week ago. Some were trying to include him, knowing that despite what he'd done, he was still a member of this family, but Walker didn't seem too interested in the pity. He had kept to himself, he'd kept his head down.
And, thankfully, he'd left Gabby alone.
She didn't know what to expect from him after he blew up at her, and said those terrible things about her and their relationship, but if there was any more he was wanting to say to her, he kept it to himself. Walker hadn't spoken a word to Gabby over the last week, which was something she was grateful for. And she knew Matt was, too.
Without saying a word, Walker finished putting his things away, the man closing up his locker and leaving the room as quickly as he could, Shay glaring at him as he went, the three friends now stationed at their respective lockers.
"Anyway… Back to you being a terrible friend, Gabby." Shay spoke up jokingly, Dawson rolling her eyes before glancing to Matt, seeing his gaze moving back and forth between the best friends.
"Shay, what are you talking about?" Casey spoke up, resting his hand on the top of his locker door as he angled his body towards the other blonde.
"Well Casey, I'm so glad you asked." She started sarcastically, Gabby sighing loudly before she muttered something under her breath that Matt couldn't make out. "I mentioned to good old Dawson here that her and I should have a girls night last night, considering we haven't seen each other that much lately since you have been taking up all her time." Shay spoke pointedly towards the firefighter, Matt raising his eyebrows in amusement. "But anyway, we had talked about this, and then what does she do? Take a guess."
"Oh, I don't know Shay… she's with me, instead?" He asked with a teasing tone to his voice, Shay narrowing her eyes while Gabby chuckled softly.
"Precisely, Lieutenant." She responded. "She ditches me for her boyfriend, that's some cold betrayal right there-"
"Oh my God." Gabby huffed out, turning towards her friend, feigning annoyance. "Shay, you do remember how our conversation of making plans went, right?" Dawson asked, crossing her arms over her chest as Shay pursed her lips together, her eyes flashing to Matt. "When we discussed this, I believe my exact words were 'call me and we can figure it out'... then you never called." Gabby told her, Shay smacking her lips together as Casey chuckled, Shay narrowing her towards the firefighter.
"Okay you know what, that's irrelevant." She responded, waving her hand in the air. "The point is, Casey, you've changed Dawson."
"Oh boy." Gabby muttered, Matt raising his eyebrows.
"Oh, I have, have I?" He asked with a grin.
"Yes. Yes you have." Shay replied, her playful glare focused on Casey. "You, and your dick, probably, have put her under some sort of spell-"
"God, Shay." Gabby spoke, Matt shaking his head, unable to take the blonde paramedic seriously.
"You've turned her into the woman who ditches her friends for their boyfriend." Shay finished, Matt chuckling softly as Shay closed her locker. "Yes, I understand she's changed in good ways, too. You love you, you treat her right, she's happy, all that crap, but what about me?"
"Just tell me when you're done." Gabby spoke up, Matt smirking as he glanced to his girlfriend, Gabby going back to putting her things away.
"The point is, Casey you have stolen my best friend and I don't appreciate it." Shay repeated, Matt clicking his tongue against the roof of his mouth as he looked between the paramedics, a light chuckle escaping his lips before he walked towards Gabby.
"Babe, I think Shay's jealous." Matt spoke, Gabby laughing as he wrapped his arms around her, Shay rolling her eyes, but she was unable to stop the smile that fell onto her face, noticing the way Gabby immediately lit up as Casey turned her around. "Maybe you've been neglecting her." He continued the joke, Gabby smiling as she looked up at Matt.
"Well, you should tell her to pick up her phone next time." Gabby replied pointedly, sparing a glance at Shay, seeing her friend watching them with a soft smile. "But, seriously, I am sorry Shay. I should've called, but we could hang out tomorrow night if you want." Dawson offered, Shay smirking proudly. "Matt and I are going to help my mom at her church tomorrow afternoon, but in the evening, I'm all yours."
"Ah yes, Matt spending quality time with the parents, I remember reading those messages." Shay responded, Matt's eyebrows furrowing as he glanced to his girlfriend.
"What?" He asked, Gabby shaking her head.
"Don't worry about it." She told him before looking back towards her friend. "So, tomorrow night?" Gabby asked, Shay nodding in agreement.
"Tomorrow night." She agreed, the blonde walking towards the exit. "Now that I've guilted you into hanging out with me, I'm gonna get out of here before Casey starts moving those hands any lower." She teased, eyeing Matt's hands that were resting on Gabby's waist.
"Shay, we're in the middle of the locker room, what do you think we're gonna do?" Casey asked, Shay raising her eyebrows challengingly.
"I don't know, but considering the way you all look at each other like you're gonna rip each other's clothes off, I don't wanna be here when Casey puts his di-"
"Goodbye Shay." Gabby prompted, cutting her friend off before she got any more graphic, Shay smirking as she continued walking, Matt shaking his head while she left the room.
"She's in fine form this morning." Matt spoke, running his hand along her side before releasing his hold on her body, Casey knowing there was no guarantee of how long they'd have before someone else came in. "But I guess she might have a little bit of a point," He started as he moved to sit down on the bench in front of her, Gabby raising her eyebrows as she glanced at him. "I have been taking up a lot of your time lately." He said, Gabby shrugging lightly as she closed her locker, leaning her back against it.
"I guess… I know we haven't gone out to hang with everyone that much, but- I don't know, I just haven't really felt up for it." She responded, Matt nodding in understanding.
It was something he'd noticed, but not something he'd questioned, how Gabby didn't seem to really want to do much outside of work lately, at least not with anyone besides him. She went to Molly's once, only because she was scheduled to work, but other than that she never wanted to go out with their friends, Dawson opting to just be with Matt, usually at one of their apartments. It wasn't something he had thought much of at first, Matt knowing his girlfriend was more of a homebody anyway, but after their conversation with Shay, he couldn't help but think there was more to it.
"Cause of Bryan?" He asked softly, Gabby gnawing on her bottom lip before shrugging reluctantly, clenching her hands together in front of her.
"I guess, kind of, yeah…" She trailed out, blowing out a heavy breath. "I know it's stupid, but I'm sure he's been at Molly's a lot- he was there the night I was working, and I just… I don't want to put myself in a position where he could say or do something, if I can help it."
"That's not stupid." He responded instantly, Gabby running her tongue along her bottom lip as she met his comforting gaze. Despite his constant reassurances to her over the last week, Matt knew Walker's harsh words had stuck with her more than she cared to admit. He could tell there was a part of her that was holding onto what he said, he just hadn't realized it was keeping her from living her life, and he was annoyed at himself for not realizing it sooner. "Believe me, it's not stupid… I know it's hard for you to have to see him here, and while I don't think he's dumb enough to do anything again, I know you don't like being around him if you can help it. And it's completely fine for you to feel that way." He told her, holding his hands out, prompting her to come towards him, Gabby pushing herself off of the lockers. She grabbed ahold of his hands, Matt pulling her closer until she was standing in between his legs, Gabby focusing on his calming blue eyes. "But, I don't want you to feel like you have to hide because of him… or that we have to hide. Because we don't. You don't." He reminded her, Gabby nodding softly. "We did nothing wrong, you did nothing to him. He doesn't get a say in what you do… So if he's the reason you've only really wanted to stay home lately, I don't want you to feel like you have to. I know you don't wanna see him, or spend time with him when you can help it, I completely understand, but I also don't want you to shy away from your other friends just because of him."
"I know." She murmured, feeling him squeeze her hands comfortingly. "I don't want to, either… I guess things are just easier when it's you and me." She told him, his face softening as the vulnerable words left her lips.
"I get that, I do… And I felt the same way when all that stuff with Hallie and my old house came out." He told her, Gabby nodding understandingly. "And I like when it's just us, I'll never complain about getting to spend time with you, but I also don't want you feeling like you can't do things just because of him. What he thinks, that doesn't matter. Everything he said couldn't have been more wrong…" Matt repeated the words he'd said dozens of times, knowing it could never hurt for her to hear them again. "I know it hurts you, I know he hurt you, and I'm not saying you should just get over it, but I don't want him dictating what you do... I have the feeling he's done that enough already."
Gabby could sense his frustration, not at her, but the situation, the paramedic knowing Matt had been bothered by everything Walker had said to her, and how Bryan treated her. She knew his already low opinion of the man was even worse now after the scene he'd made last week. Even though they hadn't talked about Walker much, aside from when Matt would help her through her weaker moments about what had happened, she knew her boyfriend was angry at Bryan. That he felt a lot of contempt for the man who had hurt her, the man who kept hurting her.
"And plus, you know I'd beat his ass if he does anything like that again." Matt spoke up, his voice light to diffuse some of the heaviness in the room, Gabby shaking her head in amusement. "I know it might not be the most professional thing, but if we're off shift… fair game." He continued with a shrug, Dawson raising her eyebrows, Matt taking a deep breath before speaking up again. "But in all seriousness, you know I won't let him hurt you like that again… You can handle yourself, I know that, but you also shouldn't have to deal with that bullshit." Matt spoke, Gabby dropping his hands to place her palm against his cheek, stroking his skin softly. "So when you feel up for it, and you want to start hanging out with everyone again, just say the word… And if he tries anything, I'll handle it."
"So you'll be like my knight in shining armor, huh?" She asked with a soft smirk, Matt matching her grin as she slid her hand down to his neck.
"You definitely don't need one of those…" He chuckled, Gabby's smile widening. "But you can just think of me as the man who loves you, and who would do anything for you." Matt spoke, watching as she bit down on her bottom lip. "Including making sure jealous ex's leave you alone."
"Yeah, I know you can definitely get all protective when you need to," She responded, Matt raising his eyebrows. "...Shay thinks it's hot."
A soft chuckle escaped his lips, Matt shaking his head before meeting her gaze again, bringing his hand up to rest over hers against his neck. "Well, you can tell Shay I protect what's important to me."
His sincere words hit her harder than she anticipated, Gabby's body flooding with warmth as their eyes stayed locker on one another, the paramedic seeing nothing but love and truth shining back at her.
Without saying a word, Gabby leaned down, capturing his lips in a firm kiss, Matt smiling softly before reciprocating the gesture. Remembering where they were, they didn't stay connected very long, but Casey could feel her every emotion when she kissed him, Gabby pulling back first, stroking her thumb along his jaw. "I love you."
"I love you too." He replied, his words causing another smile to form over her lips, Gabby leaning down to give him one last quick kiss.
"Oh, isn't this sweet." Severide's teasing voice hit their ears, Gabby and Matt pulling back from one another, Gabby not moving very far from her boyfriend when she saw it was only Kelly. "Now I know why Shay told me to be careful before I came in here." He added lightly, Matt shaking his head before moving his hand to Gabby's side, rubbing his palm along her lower back.
"Good morning Severide." Dawson greeted, patting Matt's neck softly before dropping her hand, Gabby staying close to him.
"Morning Dawson… Mr. Dawson." He greeted them, Gabby chuckling as she glanced to Matt, seeing an unimpressed look on his face.
"You're as bad as Shay." Casey replied, Severide shrugging as he continued towards his locker.
"And you two are too easy to mess with… I swear, now that everyone knows, Shay's never had so much fun in her life." Kelly added, Matt pursing his lips together.
"Yeah, I can tell." Gabby responded, her words being interrupted by the sound of the bells going off, calling ambo and engine to assist at a house fire.
Casey rubbed over her back before she stepped away, Matt giving her a soft, supportive smile as she headed for the exit. "Be safe out there." He told her, Gabby giving him a nod and a little salute before she turned the corner, leaving the two Lieutenant's alone in the locker room.
"Things between you and Dawson seem to be going well." Severide spoke up, his head in his locker as he put his things away.
"Yeah, things are going great." Casey replied, Kelly looking over to see a content smile on his friend's face. "I mean, there's been some challenges neither of us really saw coming, everything with Walker… that didn't help anything, but things with us are good. Better than I could've ever imagined." He breathed out, catching the amused look on the squad Lieutenant's face. "...What?"
"She's got you so whipped." Severide responded with a laugh, Matt rolling his eyes. "It's nice, though. I'm glad you guys are good… I was a little worried after how everything went with Walker telling the house, and everything he said." Kelly spoke, Casey's eyebrows furrowing.
"Worried about me and Gabby?" He questioned, Kelly giving him a nod.
"A little bit, yeah." He replied, Matt waiting for him to continue. "I just… I didn't really recognize it at the time because I was so caught up in all the lies Walker told me about his and Dawson's relationship, but whenever things got hard between them she'd shut down." Kelly elaborated. "I was kind of expecting her to fall back into that, but I'm glad she's not. At least with you anyway."
"Yeah, I know what you mean." Matt replied, pressing his palms into his thighs. "I've seen her do it a few times, but I can only imagine how it was before I got here… It's something we're working on, though, the both of us. Her and I both do it." Casey continued, Kelly giving him an understanding nod. "Everything Walker said to her, it messed with her head a little bit, but we're working through it. She's doing alright."
"Good, I'm glad." Severide responded, taking a deep breath, Matt sensing his friend had more to say. "I… I never really paid attention to what all Walker was putting her through back then, I just didn't notice it, or I ignored it, I don't know. But after hearing what all he said to her, I can't imagine that was the first time he's talked to her like that…" Kelly trailed off, shaking his head as Matt gripped his legs tightly, trying to keep himself calm. "And, obviously this isn't about me, but I feel awful for not seeing it sooner, you know? Because looking back on it, I feel like there were a lot more signs to this kinda stuff going on that we all just ignored.."
Casey listened closely to Severide's words, hearing a slight frustration in the man's tone, Matt understanding this was something that was really bothering him. And Casey understood it. Hearing Walker's words to Gabby alone had set him off, but it wasn't just that one incident, it was the implications of what that outburst meant. It meant that this was something that Gabby had probably dealt with before, that she had been on the receiving end of in the past, and hearing Kelly's words only confirmed that. And while he didn't blame Severide, or anyone other than Walker, for things that happened in Bryan and Gabby's relationship, he hates hearing about how isolated she was. He hates the thought of her going through something like this on her own.
But he also knew Gabby, and he knew that even if someone reached out, which he could only assume at least Shay had, that she probably wouldn't have been very receptive to it. She didn't like to ask for help, she was wary to rely on people, and he was sure it had been the same before he got here. She always tried to handle things on her own, whether because she felt like she had no other choice, or she didn't want others knowing what was happening, Gabby didn't like depending on other people. He knew that from the moment they met. But it was a habit they were working on breaking, and Matt knew that was one thing that had gotten a lot better for her.
Even though he never found out much about the inner workings of her and Bryan's relationship, he's seen up close the way Walker has treated her since, and he knew that situation had left her a little broken, if not a lot broken. He didn't know the details, but he knew Bryan had put her through a lot. A lot that a person doesn't just get over. But things were getting better, she was getting better. And Matt was as happy as anyone to see that Walker's outburst from last week hadn't derailed her too much.
"But, regardless of what all happened, I'm just glad she has you." Severide spoke, his voice pulling Casey from his thoughts as Matt looked back towards his friend. "I don't know specifics, but I'm realizing now that Walker put her through a lot of shit… stuff she didn't deserve. I'm just glad to see her happy, yanno?" He finished, Casey unable to stop the slight smile that tugged on his lips.
"Me too, Sev." Matt responded.
"I'm glad to see you both happy, really. I know things haven't been easy for you, either." Severide continued, Matt raising his eyebrows. "I know, I know, I'm acting all soft this morning, I don't even know why." He breathed out, Casey chuckling softly. "I've just been thinking about it since everything that happened last week, it's nice that you two found each other after everything you've both been through... All I know is that I've never seen Gabby this happy before. So I think it's safe to say you have something to do with that." Kelly added with a laugh, Matt grinning as he shook his head.
"Well, I'm the happiest I've ever been with her, too, so it works out." He replied lightly, Severide flashing him a smile. "But really Kelly, thank you. That means a lot to me… and I know it does to Gabby, too." Matt added, Severide unable to respond as the bells rang out, instructing truck and squad to a car accident.
Casey stood up as Severide closed his locker, both men knowing their conversation was over for the time being as they both headed for the garage, Kelly patting Matt's back before they left the locker room.
Walker sat at the small circular table in the common room, his fork clenched tightly in his hands as he watched a certain paramedic and her boyfriend sit together at the long table across the room, the couple chatting with Shay, Severide, and Herrmann while everyone ate their dinner.
It had been a long day at Firehouse 51, everyone on the move since the beginning of shift, but it felt even longer for Walker, the firefighter feeling a mix of exhaustion and rage as he sat here moving his food around his plate. He was exhausted because of the busy day, the multiple back to back calls really taking it out of everyone. But the rage… that came from the scene playing out in front of him, Bryan feeling his muscles tighten as he had to sit here and watch Dawson and Casey throw their relationship in his face.
At first it hadn't been so bad. The first shift after everyone found out, nothing really seemed to change around the house. But then he started to notice little changes in how they'd act around one another. He'd notice the lingering touches, the longing stares, and how frequently they'd be together when they were both at the house. And Walker couldn't help but find it infuriating. Because they were flaunting their relationship in front of his face, and no one seemed to care.
Dawson and Casey, he understood. He knew whatever stunt this was, of course they'd show off in front of him, Walker's glare tightening when he saw what looked like Casey rubbing Gabby's back as they ate. He'd been expecting them to be all over each other, how else would Gabby try and make him jealous? He had been anticipating that… But what he hadn't anticipated was everyone in the house being fine with it.
He didn't understand that at all. He couldn't understand how everyone here, his friends, were fine with Gabby stabbing him in the back and fucking his Lieutenant. He could never understand that.
Gabby had betrayed him, and no one cared. In fact a few had even gone so far as to wish them well in their relationship, which was something that really had Walker seeing red. Everyone in this house had seen him and Gabby when they were together, they knew that Gabby was his, so for them to go and bless this sham of a relationship between the Lieutenant and Dawson was hurtful. Walker didn't understand how any of them could do that to him.
All he did know was that it made him so incredibly angry. And he wasn't sure how much longer he could keep putting up the front that this was okay, when everyone in the house knew it wasn't.
"So, Dawson roped you into hanging with the family tomorrow, huh?" Severide asked, Bryan hearing his voice clearly through the other chatter, Walker watching as Gabby turned to look at Casey, a soft smile forming over her face as her and Matt locked eyes.
"I didn't rope him into anything." Gabby defended with a laugh, Walker's hand tightening around the utensils in his hands as he watched Dawson squeeze Matt's arm. "He and my mom were talking and she asked him to come help, if anything I'm the one who got roped into going… I wasn't originally invited." She added, chuckles being heard from the firefighters sitting around them, Bryan watching as Matt leaned into her side for a moment.
"You've become best friends with the parents, eh?" Herrmann asked, Casey shrugging before taking a bite of his food.
"You should see him and my dad, I swear he's my dad's favorite." Gabby responded, Bryan not bothering to stop himself from rolling his eyes. Having had his fair share of run-ins with Ramon over the years, he knew first hand there was nothing special about being on good terms with Gabby's parents, the older Dawsons almost as insufferable their daughter. "I think my dad sees Matt as one of his best friends."
"Sounds like things are going well with you and the family there, Lieutenant." Herrmann added, Matt shrugging before glancing to Gabby, giving her a soft smile.
"Yeah, we have fun. Her parents are great." Casey responded, Gabby giving his arm another squeeze before she went back to her food, the conversation shifting elsewhere.
But Bryan couldn't keep his eyes off the couple, Walker clearly noticing how they were still sitting so close to one another, their arms touching as they ate, and he couldn't help but feel like Gabby was only doing that because she knew he could see them. She was throwing this fake relationship in his face every chance she got, and he was growing sick of it. He didn't even want her anymore, he wasn't going to take her back after this stunt, so she could stop trying. She didn't need to try and keep making him jealous, to try and get him to take her back. He refused to ever be with her again, not after she whored herself out to the first guy she knew would piss him off. He wanted nothing to do with her, all he wanted was for her to quit this charade her and Casey had going, because it was seriously irritating him.
Walker's harsh gaze met Gabby's uncertain one for a split second as her eyes moved around the room, Bryan seeing her immediate confusion as they accidentally locked eyes for a moment, Dawson looking away as quickly as possible. But Bryan kept his eyes on her, seeing how she shifted herself closer to Casey, her eyes darting around uncomfortably. And that alone told him all he needed to know.
That this was fake. This entire relationship, if you could even call it that, was nothing more than Gabby trying to make him jealous. He knew they weren't really together and that they were just putting on a show, but it had gone on for too long. Gabby had taken it too far by sleeping with Casey, and he could never forgive her for that. But regardless of whether or not Walker would take her back, that didn't mean Casey got to have her.
Because Gabby was his. It didn't matter if he didn't want to be with her anymore, she still belonged to him.
And he was gonna make sure everyone knew it.
"Ah dammit." Gabby breathed out as she and Casey got close to his truck, Matt glancing towards her, the man halting his steps when she stopped walking, the firefighter giving her hand a squeeze.
"What's wrong?" He asked, flipping his keys in between his fingers in his free hand, Gabby blowing out another breath.
"My phone, I think I left it in my locker." She replied, Matt nodding in understanding.
"Want me to go get it? You can get the truck started." He offered, Gabby dropping their conjoined hands as she shook her head.
"No, that's okay, I'll just run in a grab it real quick." She responded, Matt giving her a nod as he lifted his hand up to her shoulder, pulling her shift bag down to take it from her, Gabby shooting him an appreciative smile. "I'll be right back."
"Okay, don't take too long. I'm starving. And I'd love to have time for a nap before we go meet your mom." He practically pouted, Gabby shaking her head in amusement before stepping away from him, patting his chest as she passed him.
"I'll be right back, then we can go get you breakfast. And hopefully a nap." She assured him, her boyfriend smiling widely as he gave her a nod, Gabby chuckling before continuing towards the firehouse, Matt moving towards his truck.
As Dawson walked the familiar path towards the locker room, she greeted any of third shift's firefighters that she passed, all of second shift having cleared out by now. When shift ended around half an hour ago, Matt was in a meeting with Boden, the two discussing something about one of their calls from yesterday, Gabby having waited around for him in his office. And by the time he was done, all of second shift had been long gone.
Releasing a soft sigh, Gabby walked into the locker room, finding herself alone in the room as she moved towards the last row of lockers, clicking her tongue against the roof of her mouth while she moved to hers.
Within seconds, she had the door open, Gabby humming to herself as her eyes immediately found her phone sitting in the exact place she left it, the paramedic pocketing the device before shutting the door, making sure to lock it in place. Having completed her task, Gabby turned to leave, but didn't get very far as someone came barreling around the corner, Dawson stopping instantly, having been startled by the unexpected person.
They stopped, clearly surprised to see her as well, Gabby's neck clenching as he stared her down, his shock soon morphing into a look of anger, the paramedic taking a slight step back when she saw his eyes darken. He hadn't come into the room mad, but it was clear that the second he saw her, he couldn't mask whatever anger he was feeling.
"Oh, uh- sorry. I didn't see you coming." She replied after a beat of silence, the air turning thick around them as Walker's glare focused in on her.
She subconsciously took another step back, the rage in his eyes causing her heart rate to quicken in her chest, Gabby feeling nerves creep up her spine as she saw the complete and total anger he was holding onto. It was something she'd seen from him before, and from her experience, she knew what followed it was never good.
Gabby wasn't sure exactly what had him acting like this, although she figured it was about her and Casey. But what she didn't know was what had happened specifically to make him this upset, and she certainly didn't know what he was about to do. And in this moment she couldn't help but wish she'd had Matt come and get her phone, Gabby blinking quickly as she saw him take a step closer to her.
"I really should-"
"Shut up." He growled, Gabby biting down on the inside of her cheek, taking another step away from him. "Just shut up."
"Bryan-"
"I said shut up!" He shouted, grabbing Gabby by the shoulders and slamming her back into the lockers, a sharp cry of pain escaping her lips as her body collided roughly with the metal. Bryan kept her pinned to the lockers, Dawson pushing against him as she tried to get away, but he had about six inches and seventy pounds on her, Gabby unable to get out from his hold.
"Let go of me!" She yelled before Walker slammed his forearm against her upper chest, knocking all the air out of her lungs as she began coughing, Bryan using his weight to keep her pinned.
"I told you to shut up." He spat, his face inches away from hers, Gabby's anger and fight morphing into fear as she felt it becoming harder to get air into her lungs, the paramedic choking on her own breath. "And you're gonna fucking listen to me for once."
"Bryan, please, stop-"
"I swear to God, if you don't shut up right now." He repeated, Gabby swallowing the thick lump in her throat, Bryan smiling in satisfaction when she got quiet. "Good. Now listen to me, before you make me do something you'll regret." He warned her, Dawson doing what she could to breathe normally, but the pressure against her chest made it nearly impossible. "I know you're really proud of yourself for this little stunt you're pulling with Casey… I know you probably feel like you've won, that you got me jealous because you're fucking my boss, but this isn't over, Gabby. You haven't won. And I'm not gonna keep letting you make things harder for me around here."
"What are you talking about, I-"
"What all have you told him?" He cut in roughly, Gabby coughing again as confusion filled her features.
"What?"
"Casey. What all have you told him about what happened between us?" He asked again, Gabby continuing to push against him, trying to get out from under him, but it proved useless. "I'm guessing since he hasn't tried to bash my head in, you haven't said all that much? Although I doubt much of your relationship is talking anyway, considering all you know how to do is spread your legs."
"Walker, you're hurting me-" She choked out, Bryan pressing his forearm harder into her chest.
"Answer the question." He snapped, Gabby wincing as she sucked in a breath.
"I didn't tell him anything." Dawson replied quickly, Walker narrowing his eyes, clearly not believing her. "I swear, he doesn't know anything except for the cheating… but everyone found out. I didn't tell him."
"...And you're not gonna tell him anything... Right?" He added, but his words weren't really phrased as a question, Bryan removing his arm from her chest, Gabby sucking in deep breaths the second she could, her mind hazy as she inhaled some desperately needed air. "I mean, everything that happened… it only happened because you were making things difficult." He bit out, Gabby's fear-ridden eyes meeting his rage-filled ones, her mind racing as she tried to ignore the dull ache in her back. "And the last thing I need is for you to keep being difficult."
"Bryan…"
Before she could get another word out, he grabbed her body, slamming her back into the lockers again, a whimper of pain escaping her lips.
"Promise me you're not going to say anything." He spoke through gritted teeth, his voice dangerously low as Gabby shook her head, blinking back the tears forming in her eyes. "Gabby…"
"I-I won't… I promise." She stuttered out, panic taking over as Bryan released his tight grip on her shoulders, her skin burning where he'd just grabbed her.
The second he stepped back, Gabby scrambled to get away from him, Walker chuckling as she moved to the other side of the room. Her eyes darted around nervously as her back ran into the wall, Bryan shaking his head, an almost amused expression covering his face.
"I'm glad we had this talk, Dawson." He spoke, the light tone still present in his voice while he kept his eyes on her, Gabby flooded with a hundred different emotions as he moved towards the exit, Bryan stopping just before he was out of her line of sight, taking in the image of the frightened woman across from him. "...This stays between us, you hear me?"
Not knowing what else to say, she merely nodded, her voice caught in her dry throat as Bryan disappeared around the corner, leaving her alone in the locker room.
She felt unsteady, Gabby's legs feeling like they would collapse out from under her at any moment, Dawson glancing down, seeing her hands shaking as she held them out in front of her, the paramedic unable to control her body's reaction to what had just happened. She blinked back the tears sitting in her eyes, Gabby doing what she could to stop her hands from shaking as she registered the throbbing pain in her back and shoulder, Dawson knowing that feeling would likely only get worse before it got better.
Closing her eyes, she did what she could to steady herself, Gabby trying to focus on anything other than the fear she felt when she was pushed up against those lockers, and the feeling of his hands on her, her jaw trembling as she tried to will the thoughts away. But she couldn't. And not only could she not stop thinking about what had just happened, but it was bringing back other memories… Memories of times Walker had gotten a little too angry, and hadn't been able to control himself. Memories she never wanted to relive.
Her phone buzzing in her pocket pulled her from her headspace, Gabby jumping slightly at the unexpected noise before reaching in her pocket to pull out the device, seeing Matt's name and a picture of them on her screen. Shaking her head slightly, Gabby answered the call, wiping away the lone tear that had fallen down her cheek.
"Hello?"
"Hey, just called to make sure you didn't get lost." Matt's soft voice comforted her instantly, Gabby's eyes falling closed as she leaned back into the wall, the paramedic taking a slow breath. "...You okay?"
"Yeah, yeah I'm good." She replied, masking the fear in her voice. "I'm about to head out, just got sidetracked." She told him before she could even think of the words coming from her mouth, Gabby hearing him laugh softly through the phone.
"Alright, I'll see you in a sec." He responded lightly, Gabby nodding as she blinked furiously.
"Okay." She murmured, pulling her phone away from her ear and ending the call. Releasing a shaky breath, Gabby slid her phone back into her pocket before running her hands over her face, knowing she needed to compose herself before she went outside, or Matt would immediately know something was wrong.
It took her a few minutes, but once she got her breathing steady, Gabby shoved her hands in her pockets, knowing she hadn't quite gotten the shaking under control, Dawson ignoring the stinging pain shooting through her back as she walked out of the locker room, doing everything she could to forget about what Bryan had just done.