Hello hello hello fellow Dawsey fans, I'm back with the next update for you all. I want to take a second to thank you all for 600 reviews on this story. That's so crazy to me that so many of you are enjoying this little AU that's been in my head for over two years now. Your support truly means the world to me, just thank you all so much. But I know you all are eager to see what happens after how that last chapter ended, so let's get into it.

Also, there is a little M-rated scene in this one. It's nothing too crazy, but it's there.

I hope you enjoy. Happy reading!

FORTY THREE

Gabby sat at a table down in the dining hall of her mother's church, her hands clasped tightly in her lap as she stared straight ahead, her gaze focused on Matt, but her mind a thousand miles away as her thoughts kept going back to what had happened this morning.

She didn't understand it. She didn't understand what Bryan had done today. Why he had been so angry, why he threatened her the way he did, why he slammed her into the lockers, multiple times. She didn't understand why he'd done that, and a part of it didn't even feel real. It didn't feel like it actually happened, especially when Walker knew how short of a leash he was on.

But if the tingling pain that had yet to leave her shoulder or back was any indication, it was very real. If the rush of fear she felt course through her system at just the thought of having to see Bryan again told her anything, it was that there was nothing fake about what had happened in the firehouse.

It had definitely happened. And she wouldn't be forgetting it anytime soon. Not when his words were still ringing around in her head. Not when she could still feel his arm pressed against her chest as her back dug into the unforgiving metal lockers. Those memories weren't going away, and she knew the fear probably wouldn't either.

Bryan was angry. She knew he was, that he had been for awhile, she was well aware of that fact. He'd been angry with her long before he found out about her and Matt, and then the news of their relationship only worsened that rage. It wasn't the anger she was hung up on, but rather how he wasn't keeping it in check anymore. What happened today at the firehouse, him pinning her against the lockers, him hurting her without a care in the world, that told her that things had changed. Something with Walker had changed to where he now didn't feel the need to control that anger. He wasn't trying to hide it anymore, and that scared her. It scared her almost as much as what he actually did today, because she knew it would only get worse.

Throughout their relationship, Bryan had done a masterful job at hiding his rage, at least from everyone else. There'd be many times, more than she could count, where he'd get very angry with her. Whatever the reason, she'd done something to set him off, and he couldn't control his need to release his frustrations with her. But he'd rarely let it bleed into the firehouse. For as angry as she knew he could get, he tried not to let it affect them at work. Aside from one incident, he never brought it to shift with them.

But now that's changed. His anger had boiled over to the point where he couldn't stop himself, and that terrified her. Because if being in a busy firehouse wasn't enough to deter him from hurting her, nothing was.

They were surrounded by people, by first responders, people whose entire life is dedicated to helping others, and he had no issues hurting her. Matt was just outside, and Bryan didn't care about threatening her. And that's what scared her. Because she knew that meant nothing would stop him. If he managed to get her alone again, he'd have no problem hurting her, no matter who else within earshot, and that was something she didn't know if she could handle.

Across the room, Matt stood with Camila and a few of her friends who attended this church, all of them going over the plans for what else needed fixing around this older building. It was all relatively easy stuff, nothing that would take him more than a few days to finish, but it was a long list nonetheless, and Matt knew he'd have to spend most of his free time around here over the next couple of days to get these things done for Camila.

"Now are you sure you don't mind, Matthew?" Camila asked, Matt looking up from the piece of paper in his hands, finding the eyes of all four women on him, his gaze quickly moving towards Gabby's mom. "I know this is more than we originally discussed, I just didn't realize how much stuff there was to get done." She added regretfully, Matt shooting her a warm smile.

"It's fine, Camila." He assured her, the woman placing her hand on his shoulder, rubbing his back gently.

"You're positive? I don't want you to feel pressured to help. I know you're busy." She gave him another out, wanting to make sure he truly didn't mind, but Matt simply smiled, shaking his head.

"Really, I don't mind. It's nothing that should take me too long." Casey responded, a soft smile of her own forming over Camila's face. "I'd say I could probably have this stuff done by the end of the week, as long as it's okay that I pop in and out."

"Oh, of course." Linda spoke, Casey's eyes moving towards the older lady he just met earlier today, the woman giving him a nod. "We just appreciate you helping us out… I know most of the stuff to do around here is more the work of a handyman, and Camila told us you usually do more construction work, but we're so grateful you agreed to come help. The first person we asked was trying to charge us an arm and a leg just for a few of those things."

"It's no problem." He replied softly, feeling Camila rub over his back again before dropping her hand. "They're all easy fixes, I'm happy to help however I can."

"Oh Camila, he's just wonderful." One of the other ladies gushed, Matt's ears turning pink as he glanced down towards the list in his hands, Camila shaking her head in lightly.

"Yes, he is." Camila agreed, Matt lifting his head to look towards her, finding a gentle smile waiting for him, Casey reciprocating the gesture before taking a slight step back, lifting the piece of paper in his hands up.

"Some of these things I'll be able to go ahead and get done, and I can already mark off fixing the doors," He started, his eyes running over the list. When he and Gabby had first arrived here an hour ago, his first task, the task he knew he was coming for, was to tighten up some of the hinges on the doors, as well as replace a couple of the locks. Since he'd been aware of those fixes, he had all the necessary things to complete it, he just hadn't expected everything else they wanted him to do. But he meant what he told Camila, he truly didn't mind to help out, it would just be more of a task than he originally realized. "But some of the other stuff I'll have to get the materials for. I'll get everything done as soon as I can, though."

"There's no rush, Matthew. Just whenever you find time. You're kind enough to be doing this already." Camila responded, Matt giving her a nod before he took another step backwards, his eyes moving across the room towards Gabby before he looked back at the women in front of him.

"Alright. Well, I'm gonna go ahead and get started on some of this, I'll do what I can today."

"Thank you, sweetheart." Camila spoke, Matt giving her one last smile before turning around and walking away from the small group.

"Are you sure he doesn't mind not to be paid?" Linda questioned once he was out of earshot, Camila peeling her eyes from Matt's retreating figure to look back towards her friends.

"He said he didn't want any money." Camila replied with a gentle shrug. "Believe me, I tried. All he asked was to be paid back for the materials he has to buy, but other than that he refused anything… Although that might change now that we've given him a longer list." She spoke jokingly, her words bringing some smiles to her friends' faces.

"Well, that we can definitely do… But, uh, Matthew seems like a great young man." Linda responded, Camila giving her a nod.

"He is." Camila agreed instantly, matching her friends' smiles. "He absolutely is. He's an amazing man, Ramon and I both love him… I think Ramon practically sees him as a second son at this point."

"Really? ...Already?" Linda asked, unable to hide her surprise as Camila nodded. "They haven't been together all that long, have they?"

"A little less than two months, yes… But it's complicated."

"What do you mean?" She pressed, Camila crossing her arms over her chest as she took a deep breath before responding.

"Gabriela and Matthew… They've been in love with each other longer than they've been together. It's kind of a long story, but they've had strong feelings for one another for awhile, two months ago is just when they decided to do something about it." She spoke, earning a few understanding nods from her friends. "So when we first met him, I don't know how to explain it, but it just felt like they had already been together for awhile… And, my sweet Matthew, he is such a kind and genuine person, Ramon and I never stood a chance." She added lightly, hearing a few laughs from around the group.

Admittedly, though she knew how long they'd been together, Camila didn't know all that much about her daughter's relationship with the firefighter before they became official, but she had a few ideas about what the situation was there. Between vague comments and explanations from her daughter, and Antonio's inability to keep anything from her, Camila had a pretty clear understanding of had been going on between Gabriela and Matt, and while she couldn't say she agreed with it, they were adults and she knew they could handle themselves. And though it wasn't the most conventional, she knew everything that had happened between them led them to where they are now, and that's what mattered.

"And they work together?" Linda asked, Camila glancing towards her friend. "They work with her ex?"

"They do." She confirmed.

"I'm sure that can't be too comfortable for any of them."

"Yeah, it was hard on Gabriela at first. Before her and Matt got together, just being there, working with him, it was difficult… But she's happy now, her and Matt both are, and they're my only concern here. I'm not sure how he feels about the situation, and if I'm being honest I don't really care." Camila spoke, a hint of bitterness in her tone, the woman still holding onto a good bit of resentment towards her daughter's ex. She knew she should let it go, that Gabriela was out of that relationship now, and had moved on to, in her opinion, a much better man than Bryan could ever dream of being. But it was hard to forget how much pain and suffering Bryan had put her through. "Gabriela's happy, she's doing well, and in a much better relationship now. That's what's important." Camila finished, her words earning a few nods from her friends, all of the women knowing not to push the topic any further.

Out in the main dining area, Matt took a detour from his original path to walk towards Gabby, seeing his girlfriend seeming lost in her own head, the woman staring off into space as he approached her.

Casey wasn't blind. He knew something was going on with Gabby. She was acting a bit off, and she had been since they left the firehouse. When she'd gotten out to his truck, she was distant, and she seemed uncomfortable, he just didn't know what was causing her sudden change in behavior. She had been fine when they were leaving, she was just Gabby. But when she'd come back from retrieving her phone, it was like a switch had flipped. Something was bothering her, something had caused the immediate shift in her demeanor, but if the way she brushed him off when he asked about it earlier was any indication, it wasn't something she wanted to talk about. At least right now.

So he left it alone, opting to provide some silent gestures of reassurance throughout the morning instead of trying to get her to talk. Matt was hoping that once they got some food, and they got back and were able to get some sleep before coming to meet her mom that she'd feel more open to talking about whatever it was, but that hadn't been the case. If anything, it was the exact opposite, Gabby seemingly more closed off than she had been earlier in the day.

It worried him, and he wanted to know what was going on so he could try and help her with whatever was affecting her so badly, but he knew better than to force it out of her. Even though Gabby was doing much better about opening up to him, and relying on him when something was bothering her, he still knew she did better when he let her come to him. While she had made a lot of progress in trusting herself with him, they hadn't quite broken all of those old habits, and Matt knew it was easiest on her to just let her take the lead. But what wasn't so easy was him having to sit by and watch her struggle on her own, especially when all he wanted to do was help her.

Walking up towards her table, a slight frown pulled on his lips as he came up in front of her and he still hadn't gotten her attention, Gabby not registering his presence as he continued towards her.

"Gabby." He spoke softly, gripping her shoulder as he came up beside her.

But his frown deepened when he heard a sharp hiss escape her lips, Gabby all but ripping herself from his grasp, pulling away quickly when he had put pressure on her shoulder, like he'd hurt her. Without another word, he pulled his hand back, watching as her eyes darted around the room, like she was confused as to where she was, Gabby bringing her hand up to rest over her shoulder.

"Are you okay?" He asked immediately, Gabby's eyes coming into focus as she looked up, finding Matt's worried gaze on her.

Plastering a smile onto her face, she nodded, trying to hide her grimace as she rubbed over her sore shoulder. "I'm good." She replied, her words met by instant skepticism from her boyfriend, Matt pulling out the chair beside her and sitting down, his gaze flickering towards her shoulder before he met her eyes.

"Is your shoulder okay?"

"Huh?"

"Your shoulder." He repeated, even though he knew she heard him. "Did you hurt it?" He asked her, concern shining in his eyes as he glanced back towards it, watching as she continued to rub over the area he'd grabbed onto.

"Oh, uh… Yeah, I guess I did." She spoke vaguely, Matt clearly waiting for more of an explanation, Gabby's next words spewing from her lips before she had even thought them through. "We had kind of a rough patient yesterday, he was out of it and I got knocked back into the ambulance." She blurted out, Matt's eyebrows furrowing as a frown formed over his lips. "I fell kinda hard, and my shoulder and back are a little sore."

Seeing the clear worry covering his face, a heavy feeling settled into her gut, guilt flooding her body as he lifted his hand up, gently rubbing along her back.

"Does that hurt?" He asked, wanting to make sure he wasn't making anything worse, Gabby immediately shaking her head.

"No, no it doesn't, I'm fine. My shoulder took the worst of it, but I'm alright." She responded, wincing slightly as she saw his frown deepen. She hated lying to him, she didn't want to lie to him. But if she told him the truth, that look of concern would morph into one of anger and she knew this wasn't a conversation to be had here.

Truthfully, she didn't know if this was a conversation to be had anywhere.

She didn't know what to tell him about what had happened earlier today, or how to tell him, Gabby knowing that would open up a whole new aspect to her and Bryan's relationship that Matt had no idea about. And she didn't know if she could do it. She didn't know if she could relive that again. She didn't feel like she could, she didn't feel strong enough. Because that's what Bryan does to her, it's what he's always done; he makes her feel weak. Even after all this time since their split, that hasn't changed. And she absolutely hated it.

"I'm sorry, babe." He murmured, Gabby shooting him a soft smile, reaching out to grab ahold of his hand. "Why didn't you say anything?"

"I, uh- I kinda just forgot about it." She covered, feeling more guilt flood her body as she continued to lie to the one person she never wanted to lie to. "It didn't hurt so much yesterday, but today it's kind of sore." Gabby continued when he kept looking at her, knowing Matt would want as many details as possible of the incident that never occurred.

"You sure you're okay?" He asked, sliding his hand up to rub along the back of her neck, Gabby giving him a reassuring nod as she squeezed his hand.

"I'm fine. Promise." She replied, Matt's eyes tracing over her face before he reluctantly nodded, leaning forward to press a kiss to the side of her head.

"Good." He murmured against her hair, pressing another kiss to her head before pulling back. "I know you can get rough patients sometimes, but I'm really sorry that happened." He told her, Gabby simply nodding, unsure of what to say. "...Although if something like this happens again, will you tell me?" He requested softly, Gabby catching his gaze. "I mean, I know you're alright and everything, but I'd like to know when something like this happens."

A soft smile pulled at her lips, Gabby giving him a nod in response. "Yeah, I will."

"Thank you." He replied, leaning in to kiss her again before he stood up, holding his to-do list in his grip. "As long as you're okay, I'm gonna get to work here…"

"I'm good, Matt." She assured him again, even though she knew he probably would still worry regardless.

"Alright, good… Now, I'm not sure how long this is gonna be, but you can take the truck and get out of here if you want. I know this isn't the most fun thing in the world." He told her, Gabby shaking her head as her smile widened.

"I don't want to leave you stranded… You keep your truck. But I might have my mom take me back to your apartment to get my car." She responded, Matt nodding understandingly. "I love you, but I don't want to sit here and watch you work all afternoon."

Chuckling softly, Matt placed his hand on the back of her head, rubbing over her hair gently before leaning down to kiss her, feeling Gabby smile against him.

"I get it." He told her, giving her another innocent peck before standing up straight. "And I love you, too. Just say goodbye to me before you leave."

"I will." She promised, Matt wearing the grin reserved only for her as he began walking away.

But he didn't get very far, Matt stopping his path abruptly as he turned back to look at her, Gabby raising her eyebrows in question. "Oh, I almost forgot. Are you still going out with Shay tonight?" He asked, Gabby nodding in response.

"I think we're just hanging out at her and Severide's place, but yeah." She replied, Matt giving her a nod.

"Well, I hope you two have fun. I know she's missed you." He spoke with a gentle smile. "Maybe you and I can meet back up for dinner or something tomorrow? I'll probably be over here most of the day, but we could meet up to get some food tomorrow night, maybe go out, or order in. Whatever you wanna do." He offered, Gabby giving an immediate nod.

"Dinner sounds great." She agreed.

"Good. It's a date." He replied, his words causing her eyes to light up, Matt seeing a happiness in her he hadn't seen all day. "...But now I've really gotta get back to work." He added, lifting up the list in his hand for effect.

"I know, you're in high demand around here." She joked lightly, Matt shaking his head in amusement. "But really, thank you for doing all this… I know my mom really appreciates it."

"Nothing to thank me for, I'm happy to help." He repeated the words he said earlier to her mom, Matt taking a quick glance around to see if anyone was paying attention to them before walking back towards her, Gabby raising her eyebrows as he leaned down to steal another kiss.

"I thought you said you had to get back to work?" She teased, Matt chuckling as he pulled back.

"I do, but I just wanted to kiss you again, and remind you that I love you."

"You already told me that." She replied, gripping his forearm as he stood beside her chair, Matt shrugging softly.

"Yeah, I know, but I figured it couldn't hurt to tell you again." He told her, Gabby's chest filling with warmth as they locked gazes, his bright blue eyes shining down at her, showing her nothing but love and admiration. "So I'm gonna say it again, I love you." He repeated, Gabby biting on her bottom lip as heat rose to her cheeks, Matt happy to see her in much better spirits than she had been a moment ago.

"I love you, too. Now get to work."

"Yes ma'am." He responded, giving her a salute before he turned in the direction of his next task, Matt glancing back at her one last time. "Remember to say goodbye before you leave." He reminded her, Gabby shaking her head in amusement at her boyfriend, waving him off just as he turned around the corner, disappearing out of sight.

"Whoa, easy there Dawson." Shay spoke as she walked back towards the couch, seeing Gabby already finishing up her first glass of wine; the glass that Shay had just poured her thirty seconds prior.

"It's been a long day." She muttered, Shay's eyebrows furrowing as she reached for the wine bottle, expertly pouring her friend another glass.

"What happened?" The blonde asked, watching as Gabby took a sip of her freshly refilled glass, this one much smaller. "...Was it something with Casey?" Shay pressed, Gabby immediately shaking her head as she made herself comfortable on Shay's couch.

"No, no, Matt and I are good… We're great, actually." Gabby responded without missing a beat. "Things with Matt are better than I could've ever imagined."

"Then what's the problem?"

"There's no problem, it's just been a long day." Gabby replied weakly, taking another sip of her wine, seeing Shay's unimpressed look out of the corner of her eye.

"Mhmm." She hummed, clearly not buying it. "...You sure nothing's going on with Matt?" She checked, Gabby sucking in a deep breath, shooting her a glare.

"Matt and I are fine, Shay. Why do you just automatically assume something's wrong?" Gabby questioned, Shay responding with a knowing look of her own.

"Because you're acting all weird, and anytime in the past you acted like this, it was usually because something happened with Walker," She started, Shay missing the slight grimace that flashed across Gabby's face. "So I just figured it'd be the same now-"

"Matt isn't Bryan." Gabby bit out quickly, her forceful tone taking them both by surprise, Shay's eyes widening slightly as she glanced towards her friend. Taking a deep breath, Gabby shook her head, placing her wine glass down on the coffee table. "Sorry, I'm sorry…" She added, the blonde watching her closely.

"It's okay." Shay replied carefully, pursing her lips together as she thought over her next words. "...I wasn't trying to say I think they're the same, because they're definitely not."

"No, I know you weren't… I'm sorry, I didn't mean to snap at you, I'm just-" She cut herself off, running her hand over the side of her face. "I'm just tired, I'm sorry."

"No need to apologize, it's fine." Shay assured her, reaching out and rubbing her hand over Gabby's leg. "I know the whole Walker thing is a sore subject, I'm sorry for bringing it up… You've got Matt, your relationship with him is nothing like what you had with Walker, I shouldn't have even mentioned it."

"You're fine, Shay. Really… I didn't mean to get so defensive. I know what you meant, I'm sorry." She replied, Shay nodding understandingly. "But, uh, since we're already on the subject…" She prefaced, her partner watching her curiously. "Has Walker said anything to you?"

Shay's eyebrows furrowed at her friend's words, the blonde eyeing Gabby closely as they sat next to one another on the couch. "...About what?" She questioned, unsure of what Gabby was wanting to know, Dawson releasing a soft sigh before continuing.

"About me… Matt and I." She clarified, Shay shaking her head.

"No. Not to me, at least. Though from what I can tell, he hasn't really been talking to anyone these days." She replied, Gabby giving her a nod before reaching for her wine glass, taking another sip. "...Why?"

"Just curious." Gabby responded vaguely, Shay's eyes staying locked on her friend as Gabby shifted in her seat, the blonde trying to get a read on her. But she was having a little bit of trouble figuring out what was going on in her head. From the second Dawson showed up here tonight, she seemed a little off, and Shay wasn't sure why. But it was clear something was on her mind.

"...Did something happen?" Shay asked after a few minutes, Gabby furrowing her eyebrows as she glanced to her partner.

"What?"

"I'm just wondering why you're asking about him." Shay spoke with a shrug, Gabby's gaze staying on her. "He didn't do anything, did he?"

"No." Gabby answered before the blonde could even finish getting the words out, Shay's eyebrows raising at how quickly her friend responded. "He didn't, I just wasn't sure if he's said anything to you or Kelly about it." She added, Shay keeping a close eye on her for a few more seconds before shaking her head, relaxing back into the couch.

"Well, good." Shay replied, seeing Gabby take an extra long sip of her drink. "Because if he does mess with you, I'll kill him." She added lightly, even though they both knew she was serious, her words gaining a weak smile from Dawson, the PIC's demeanor raising some more red flags in Shay's mind. "Are you sure you're okay, Gabby?"

"Yeah, yeah I'm good."

Before Shay could question her again, the paramedics heard the door open, both women glancing towards the entrance to the apartment just as Severide came inside, Shay immediately huffing out a breath.

"What are you doing here, Kelly?" She asked, annoyance laced in her voice.

"I live here, Shay… Hey Dawson." Severide greeted, Gabby giving him a nod as Shay placed her glass down on the table.

"I know you live here, but what I don't know is why you're here, I thought I told you to get out." She groaned, pushing herself up from the couch, following him towards the kitchen.

"I know you did, and I did get out. But then I came back." He spoke with a smirk, Gabby only able to make out bits and pieces after that as they went into the kitchen, the paramedic shaking her head before focusing her attention back on her wine, Gabby feeling a bit thankful that Severide appeared when he did. Had he not, she knew Shay would have continued to press her on why she was acting so strange, and that was a conversation she didn't have the energy for. Especially not tonight.

Dawson released a heavy breath as she ripped the keys from her ignition, Gabby grabbing her purse from the passenger seat, making sure she had all her belongings before climbing from her car. After double checking that she'd locked her vehicle, she made her way up the familiar path towards his front door, holding her keys in her hand as she was surrounded by the crisp night air.

She hadn't planned on coming here tonight, especially not this late, Gabby knowing it was well after midnight last time she looked at a clock, but when she left Shay's around half an hour ago, it didn't take her long to come to the conclusion that she didn't want to go home. The last thing she wanted to do tonight was sleep in her big bed alone, the thought of Matt's warm, inviting one, preferably with him in it, much more enticing. She just wanted to be with him tonight, and she followed that feeling here.

Climbing the steps to his front door, she found his apartment key on her key ring, sliding it into the lock. Gabby knew he wouldn't be expecting her, not after they had only made plans to meet up tomorrow night, so she wasn't going to wait around and hope he'd hear her knocking. For starters, she was sure he was asleep by now, Gabby knowing he usually went to bed early the nights after he'd worked a long day. And, regardless of if he was awake or not, she didn't need him to let her in, the key she'd had since his accident all those months ago having come in handy more than once.

With the door unlocked, Gabby slowly walked inside, being met by a completely quiet apartment, the woman softly closing the door behind her and locking it back into place. Being as quiet as possible, Gabby left her shoes and jacket by the front door, placing her keys and purse down next to his wallet before she slowly walked further into his home, intent on heading straight for the bedroom, Gabby wanting nothing more than to curl into bed with him and fall asleep.

From her position in the foyer, she could see the light from the TV in the living room, Gabby assuming Matt had left it on by accident before he went to bed. But as she walked further inside his apartment, her steps slowed when she saw the real reason for the television being on, a soft smile pulling on her lips when she saw her boyfriend asleep on the couch. She almost missed him, Gabby not noticing him at first in the dark living room, Dawson changing her path to walk towards Matt, her grin widening as she saw the content look covering his face. She was surprised to see him out here, Gabby not expecting him to be asleep anywhere other than his bed, but from the state of things in his apartment, it was pretty clear that he had unintentionally fallen asleep out here.

Taking a step closer, her eyes moved over his sleeping form, seeing his hand resting across his stomach, while his other arm was raised up on the pillow, propping up his head as he laid on his back. He didn't have a blanket or anything, that being another clue that he'd fallen asleep accidentally, his pajama pants and t-shirt being the only thing keeping him warm. Releasing a soft sigh, she debated on whether or not to wake him, Gabby not wanting to disturb his peaceful rest. From their many texts throughout the day, she knew he'd been working hard over at her mom's church, and that he had been there all afternoon and well into the evening. And the last thing she wanted to do was wake him up when it was obvious he needed the rest, but selfishly, she wanted to be with him. Wherever he was sleeping, that's where she wanted to be, but she knew there was no way to do that without waking him up in the process.

Before she thought about it too much longer, Gabby moved the rest of the way to her boyfriend, resting her hand on the back of the couch for support before she carefully climbed on top of him, Gabby straddling his hips as her body weight covered him. She felt him stir immediately, Matt subconsciously moving his hand off his chest to get it out of the way, his hand blindly moving to her hip as her chest pressed into his, Gabby feeling his other arm come down to circle her waist.

"Gabby?"

His voice was thick with sleep, Gabby hearing his confusion as she nuzzled her head into his neck while she laid on top of him, Matt lazily running his hands up and down her back, the tired man barely applying any pressure.

"Hi." She murmured against him, pressing a soft kiss to his neck, Matt pulling her closer to him, trying to clear the haze his mind was in.

"What are you doing here?" He asked, clearing his throat as he felt her breath hitting his skin, Matt still not having opened his eyes.

"I just missed you…" She responded quietly, Gabby feeling his palms come to rest below her hips, his hand sliding into her back pocket. "I'm sorry I woke you up, though… I wasn't expecting to find you out here."

"It's okay, I didn't mean to fall asleep here anyway." He replied, his voice clearer as he slowly became more alert. "What time is it?"

"After midnight." Gabby answered, feeling him nod against her, Matt sliding one of his hands up along her lower back, her shirt moving up as he stroked her back. "Hope you don't mind me stopping by."

"Never." He responded without missing a beat, feeling her smile against his neck. "I wasn't expecting you, but I'm glad you're here." Matt told her, Gabby nodding before she cuddled herself further into him, feeling Matt adjust his position under her to make himself more comfortable.

A peaceful quiet fell over them, the only sound coming from the soft murmur of the television Matt had left on, his hand still lazily moving over her lower back while his other stayed in her back pocket, Gabby feeling his breathing slowly begin to even out, his steady heartbeat calming her down.

"You wanna go to bed?" He asked after nearly five minutes of silence, Matt doing what he could to stay awake, the firefighter expecting her to agree to his suggestion.

But instead of responding, Gabby turned her head to the slide, Matt's eyebrows raising when he felt her start to press kisses against his neck. At first they were slow and gentle, but her kisses soon became more intense, Matt groaning when he felt her sink her teeth into his skin before she soothed the area with her tongue.

"Gabby…" He spoke softly, his voice unsteady as she continued kissing his neck, Matt feeling her hand move down his chest, slipping in between their bodies as she continued down towards his waist. His breath hitched when she gripped him through his pajama pants, Gabby smiling against his skin as she felt the effect her simple actions had on him.

She trailed his kisses around to the front of his neck before moving towards his jaw, Matt doing what he could to keep his breathing steady as she tightened her hold on him. His palm gripped her ass tightly, pressing her hips down into him, the added pressure sending shivers through his spine as she continued stroking over him, Gabby's lips trailing across his face until she found his, the two connecting in a heated kiss.

Every movement was full of passion and want, Matt's hands moving to the ends of her shirt, pulling at the material hastily, trying to urge her to help him get it off, Gabby releasing her grip on him as she sat up straight, her hips grinding down into his. Without him needing to prompt her again, she quickly pulled her shirt off her body, Matt's eyes darkening when he saw her heaving chest, his hands immediately finding her bare skin as his palms ran over her sides and her stomach, Casey just needing to feel her.

Moving quickly, he unbuttoned her jeans, his hand ghosting over her center before sliding back up her torso, his fingers creeping up underneath her bra. Matt gripped her breast in his palm as he cupped her flesh, Gabby breathing deeply as he held onto her sensitive skin.

"I could just get that out of the way for you." She spoke lightly, Matt brushing his thumb over her nipple before he slid his hand out from under her bra.

"That's my job." He nearly growled, his hands sliding along to her back, searching for the clasp of her bra. But before he could find it, his hand pressed into her upper back, Gabby immediately shying away from his touch, a grimace covering her face as she tried to move away from the pressure.

His mind cleared instantly, Matt dropping his hands down to her thighs as he saw the look of discomfort on her face, the firefighter immediately remembering what had happened earlier today when he touched her shoulder, remembering how she'd gotten hurt the day before. "You okay?" He asked, concern shining in his eyes as their gazes locked, Gabby giving him a weak smile as she nodded.

"Yeah, I'm fine." She replied, Matt raising his eyebrows skeptically, waiting for her to elaborate, which she reluctantly did. "My back is just sore, that's all. But I'm fine." Gabby repeated, his eyes narrowing in worry as his gaze moved towards her shoulder, the woman straddling him shaking her head before grabbing his chin, getting him to look at her. "I'm okay."

"You're sure?" He asked, Gabby nodding as she stroked her thumb along his jaw.

"I'm alright, I promise." She assured him, Matt taking a deep breath before nodding, his hands running along the top of her thighs.

Sensing his hesitation, Gabby leaned back down, her hands cradling his cheeks as she kissed him, this one much more tame, both of them relaxing into each other as his hands slid around to her lower back.

"Does that hurt?" He asked as they pulled back, Gabby shaking her head.

"It's just my shoulder and upper back that's a little sore, but I'm fine." She assured him, Matt stroking his thumb along her lower back, just above her waistband.

"Okay… I just don't want to hurt you." He murmured, Gabby's face softening before she leaned down to kiss him again, her fingers scratching lightly over the side of his head.

"You won't hurt me." She promised, Matt nodding as she lifted herself back up, Gabby's hands snaking around her back and unhooking her bra, the material hanging loosely off her chest before she removed it, tossing it to the ground. His eyes darkened when he stared at her bare chest, Matt's body tightening at the sight of her, Gabby pulling at his own shirt, desperate to get the material off. With her help, Matt managed to sit up slightly, Gabby all but yanking his shirt off, throwing it in a similar direction before she collapsed down against him, their bare chests pressing into one another as their lips connected again, their kisses picking up speed as their hands roamed each other's bodies.

Within a matter of minutes, they had both managed to get the rest of their clothes off, every movement deliberate as Gabby trailed her kisses from his lips back down to his neck, Matt sensing a bit of urgency from her he didn't necessarily understand, but he didn't question it either, not when he felt her hand snake down in between them and grab ahold of him, his breath catching in his throat as she stroked him quickly.

The combination of her lips on his skin, and her impossibly tight grip on him were enough to send shivers down his spine, but it was nothing compared to the feeling seconds later when Gabby sunk down onto him, a low moan escaping his mouth as she took all of him, her chest rising and falling quickly as her body adjusted.

When she was ready, she slowly began grinding her hips into his, Matt's hands flying to her waist to help aid her movements, the two easily falling into that familiar rhythm with one another, the air thick around them as they gradually picked up speed.

Despite his surprise at this being where his night ended up, it was impossible to tell he'd just been woken up so abruptly moments prior, Matt giving her everything she wanted, and more, as he helped her begin to move up and down, their quick pace taking them both by surprise.

He wasn't sure what it was, but something about this definitely felt different. It reminded him of how they used to be, how moments like this were back before they'd gotten together. It was hard to explain, but something about her just felt off, and he couldn't figure out why. But he wasn't able to focus on that too long as she tightened around him, nearly strangling him as she moved up and down, a loud moan escaping his lips as she continued her assault on his body.

"God- baby." He choked out, Gabby digging her nails into his chest before she increased her speed, their pants and moans filling the dark room as their rough movements continued.

He could feel her body starting to give out, that she was nearing her release as her thighs began trembling around him, Matt having to do most of the work as he tightened his hold on her hips, a surprised gasp escaping her lips as her nails dug in harder into his chest. She was barely holding it together at this point, Gabby doing all she could to remind herself to breathe as he thrust in and out of her, her body overwhelmed as he brought her closer and closer to the edge.

Her release hit her hard and fast, Gabby's entire body going numb as Matt continued sliding in and out of her, never letting up his relentless pace, cries of pleasure escaping her lips as she rode out her high. Within seconds, Matt followed her lead, rough groans leaving his mouth as he held her down against him, releasing deep inside her as they finished what Gabby had started.

Her legs were shaking as Matt held onto her, the two trying to catch their breath as they recovered from their unexpected evening together, Gabby all but collapsing down against his chest. His hands carefully moved over her body, trying to calm her down as he felt her still trembling, Matt biting back a groan as she kept clenching around him.

Slowly, they disconnected from one another, Gabby not moving very far as she cuddled herself into his chest, Matt's hands moving lightly along her back, applying barely any pressure, not wanting to risk hurting her.

"Well… that was definitely worth coming over here." Her unsteady voice spoke, Gabby still trying to catch her breath, a grin tugging on his lips as he ran his hand down to her lower back.

"So, you're just coming by for the sex, huh?" He asked, feeling her body vibrate as she chuckled, Gabby tucking her head into his neck as an unexpected chill coursed through her.

"I came here because I wanted to see you… this was just an added bonus." She replied lightly, Matt smiling before he pressed a kiss to the side of her head, her body heat keeping him warm as they laid together on the couch.

"I'm very glad you came by." He murmured, kissing her head again as she curled deeper into his embrace, something he didn't think possible. "...Do you wanna stay here, or go to the bedroom?" Matt asked her, knowing they'd need to make a decision here soon if the way her breathing evening out was any indication.

His question was met by a heavy sigh from his girlfriend, her lips tickling his skin as she shifted her head against his shoulder. "We should probably go to bed." She answered, Matt giving a nod as he continued rubbing her back, a smile tugging on his lips when she made no effort to move.

He gave her a few more seconds to see if she was going to get up, but when it was clear she wasn't, he tapped his hand against her waist, his action being met by a groan from her. "...What?"

"I think for us to be able to sleep in my bed, we actually have to get off the couch." He reminded her, Gabby groaning again before slowly pushing herself up, ignoring the different aches present through her body. Some were good, her body euphorically achy after the time her and Matt spent together, but there were some that were not nearly as pleasant, Gabby grimacing as she felt that similar stinging moving through her shoulder, the needle-like pain reminding her of exactly what had happened this morning.

"Your shoulder still hurting you?" He asked, seeing the clear look of discomfort on her face as she moved off of him, Gabby getting up off the couch as Matt moved to sit up.

"I'm fine, just tired." She responded, Matt watching her closely before giving her a reluctant nod, Gabby already moving towards the hallway, not bothering to grab any of her clothes as she walked towards his bedroom. Sighing softly, Matt turned off the TV before following after her, knowing they could clean up their clothes tomorrow, the firefighter hurrying to catch up with her as they walked into his room.

As he stepped in behind her, he saw the outline of her body as she moved towards the lamp beside his bed, flipping it on so they had some light to get around. But the second he got a look at her, his eyebrows furrowed, worry flooding his system as he took in the sight of her back, Matt looking at the deep bruise along her shoulder blade, and the lighter bruising over her upper spine.

Gabby started to move towards the bathroom, but he didn't let her get too far, Matt gently grabbing ahold of her arm, stopping her movements as she glanced at him with curious eyes. But he wasn't focused on her face, Matt moving around to stand partially behind her, his fingertips trailing along her discolored skin.

"...Is this from that guy pushing you?"

His voice was soft, barely above a whisper as the words left his lips, Gabby taking a deep breath as she felt him tracing his thumb over her shoulder . "Oh, uh, yeah I guess so… I haven't gotten a chance to look at it." She replied, suddenly feeling very self conscious knowing his eyes were on her battered skin. Taking a slight step forward, Matt immediately dropped the hold he had on her arm, following her towards the dresser.

"It looks pretty bad, babe." He murmured, Gabby shrugging as she pulled out one of his t-shirts, throwing it over her body, Matt following her actions as he grabbed a new pair of boxers for himself.

"It's okay." She assured him for what felt like the hundredth time that day, feeling a little more relaxed once his shirt was covering her. It wasn't that she cared about him seeing her naked, that obviously wasn't a concern, but him seeing those bruises on her, bruises she hadn't even seen herself, when she couldn't tell him the real reason for them, it all left a heavy feeling in the pit of her stomach. And she didn't want him focused on it any longer than he already had been.

"Do you want an aspirin or something? It might help you sleep better." He offered, Gabby glancing towards him just as he brought his hand up towards her face, brushing some loose hair behind her ear. "If you're back is hurting, it'll probably help."

"Uh, yeah, sure I'll take some." She replied, Matt nodding immediately before he stepped around her towards the bathroom. "It couldn't hurt." Gabby added, earning a soft smile from her boyfriend before he disappeared through the doorway, leaving her alone in his bedroom as she heard him shuffle around his medicine cabinet, followed by the sound of him turning on the faucet, her mind wandering as she heard the water running.

She had done what she could to try and not think about Bryan, she had tried so hard to not let him consume her thoughts all day. But it was becoming nearly impossible. It felt like there was this weight on her chest, a weight she couldn't get to ease up no matter how hard she tried. And it was almost suffocating. This entire thing, what he'd done to her this morning, what she was afraid he'd do next, it was like she couldn't focus on anything other than him. She couldn't stop thinking about his hands on her, and the fear she felt being pinned up against those lockers, and the longer she thought about it, the more it felt like it was getting harder and harder to breathe.

She didn't know what to do, she didn't know how to handle this. She wasn't sure what to tell Matt, or even if she should tell Matt, and she just felt like she was losing control. It felt like she didn't have a handle on any of this, and that all of this would only get worse. That Bryan wouldn't stop, that his one threat wasn't enough.

She couldn't help but feel like he was just getting started, and that thought alone terrified her.

The feeling of a hand sliding along her waist pulled her from her thoughts, Gabby immediately jumping at the unexpected action, her arm swinging around as she practically ripped herself from his grasp, her forearm crashing into his chest, causing him to drop the pills and the glass of water within his grasp. Her eyes widened almost instantly when she realized what had just happened, Gabby feeling water hit her leg as the cup hit the floor, Matt's entire body rigid with concern as his eyes moved across her features.

"Gabby…" He spoke carefully as he kept some distance between them, knowing how badly he'd frightened her, even though that was in no way his intention.

"I- I'm sorry, God, I'm sorry." She stuttered out before she squatted down to pick up the glass and look for the pills he'd dropped, Matt shaking his head as he bent down beside her.

"I can get this, it's fine." He said calmly, hoping his soft voice would keep her grounded, Matt seeing her hands trembling slightly as she picked up the cup.

"I got your floor all wet, I'm sorry." She repeated, Matt not sure she had even heard him. She sounded upset, like she was worried he'd be mad at her for this, and that didn't sit well with him.

"It's just water." He replied softly, Gabby finally looking up towards him, finding his warm blue eyes waiting for her, the sight instantly relaxing her. "It's fine, nothing to worry about."

With a slight nod, Gabby stood back up, placing the empty cup on his dresser as he found the two pills he dropped, placing them beside the glass as he got up. "Why don't you sit down, I'll get you some more." He prompted gently, Gabby doing nothing more than giving him a nod before moving towards his bed, sitting down on the edge as he moved back towards the bathroom.

He was gone for all of thirty seconds, Gabby finding his gaze as he came back into the room, shooting him a small smile as he handed her the aspirin and water. "Thank you." She told him, Matt giving her a nod as he sat down beside her, waiting to make sure she took the medicine and was done drinking before he took the glass from her, placing it on his nightstand. "I'm, uh-" She cleared her throat, Matt watching her closely. "I'm sorry about that, I just didn't hear you." She murmured, earning a nod from her boyfriend.

"It's okay." He was quick to assure her, even though he wasn't sure if he believed her reasoning. She'd been acting off all day, and it seemed to only be getting worse; he just didn't know what was causing it, and he was worried. She seemed genuinely scared when he touched her, and he had no idea why. But now wasn't the time to talk about it, not when it was one in the morning. "I shouldn't have come up behind you." He added, Gabby pursing her lips together as she looked down to her hands in her lap, Matt rubbing his hand along her lower back, knowing he wasn't going to get anymore out of her tonight. "...I know it's pretty late, are you ready to get some sleep?" Matt questioned as she glanced back towards him.

He wasn't sure if she was expecting him to want to talk about what just happened, but based on the look of relief that flashed in her eyes, Matt couldn't help but think that was exactly the case. He could see her entire body relax when she realized he wasn't even gonna ask her about her little freak out that just happened, and all that did was make him worry more. Enough to almost make him want to bring it up. But he stopped himself immediately, her reaction telling him that whatever was going on, all him pressing her on it would do was make this worse. And he didn't want that, he never wanted that, especially not when it was clear she was struggling with something already.

"Yeah, I am." She replied, Gabby finding her voice as Matt gave her a nod in response. Wordlessly, Gabby shuffled her body across the bed, Matt turning off the lamp before making himself comfortable as well. The room was completely dark, Gabby lying on her side as she settled underneath the covers. Moving carefully, Matt came up behind her, making sure she had time to feel his presence before he placed his hand along her side, wrapping his arm around her stomach.

"I'm not hurting you, am I?" He spoke into the darkness, Gabby shaking her head as she pressed herself back against him, immediately comforted by his hold on her.

"You're not." She responded softly, Matt giving her stomach a soft squeeze in response before leaning forward to press a light kiss over her shoulder. "I love you." Her voice was barely audible, but he heard it in the otherwise silent room, Matt stroking his thumb over her stomach.

"I love you, too… Try and get some sleep." He prompted, feeling her nod before she let herself relax into him, it barely taking any time for her exhaustion to take over.

Matt, on the other hand, didn't find sleep nearly as easily, Casey forcing himself to stay away until he was sure she was asleep. He could feel her steady breathing underneath his touch, Matt making sure to keep as tight of a grip on her as he possibly could while she slept, having the strong feeling that she needed it.

Well.. What are your alls thoughts on everything? Obviously, Gabby hasn't told Matt what happened yet, and she's not sure if she will. Though it seems like he pretty aware that something's going on with her. And then there's Walker on top of everything else, I'm curious as to what you all think about him, do you think he's done messing with her? Or is he just getting started? I'm interested to hear your thoughts on that.

I hope you guys liked this one, and I'll see you all next week for the next chapter. All I'm gonna say is settle in, cause things are gonna get a little crazy here soon.

Thanks for reading!