Hi everyone! I'm back with the next chapter for you all. I'm so sorry for the late upload, this chapter took me longer than usual, but I still wanted to get it posted for you all today. And I do wanna let you know I am still working on the If We Never Say Goodbye update. I apologize for it taking this long, I'm hoping to have it posted here within the next week.
And one last thing real quick before we get into it, I also wanna let you all know I had to go back and change a few things in the last chapter. Long story short, I messed up and there were some things that were inconsistent in the storyline that needed to be changed/altered, so I went and fixed them. I am sorry about that, with all the stories I'm working on, sometimes I forget things, but thank you to the reader who brought that to my attention, and I have fixed it. So I do recommend going back and rereading the last chapter at some point, just because some things have changed.
Again, I'm really sorry. I'll try to be better about that in the future.
There is a little M Rated section to this chapter, just so you all know.
I hope you all like this one. Thanks for reading.
FIFTY SIX
"Bryan wants to see you."
Casey's attention was focused solely on Gabby as the words left Antonio's lips, the firefighter's angry demeanor diminishing as he pushed all thoughts of Bryan out of his head, Matt watching as his girlfriend slowly digested the words her brother had said. He saw her immediate confusion, Gabby's eyebrows knitting together tightly before that uncertainty quickly morphed into fury, her face turning rigid while her spine straightened. And in the moment, Matt was sure he'd never seen her so angry. He'd seen her upset, he'd seen her broken, but this was a level of aggravation he was certain she'd never shown him before, though he couldn't say he didn't understand why she was feeling that way.
But despite her clear anger, she didn't say a word, Gabby's neck clenching tightly as her brown eyes darkened, her gaze zeroing in on Antonio as the spacious kitchen suddenly felt about ten times smaller.
"I guess, uh, he's been asking to see you." Antonio repeated when no words had been said, the sounds of the guests in the other room breaking through the obvious tension around them. "He wants to talk, I don't know what about, but-"
"Why are you doing this?"
The irritation in her voice was evident, Antonio's eyebrows furrowing together before he spared at quick glance to Casey, neither man really understanding her question.
"I don't-"
"Today, of all days." She cut him off once more, Gabby never taking her eyes off her brother as she moved forward, her arms crossing tightly over her chest. "Why are you doing this today?"
"Gabby…"
"No! Antonio, just stop." She interjected, shaking her head as she came to a stop in front of them, Matt able to get a better look at her now that she was mere inches away, instead of across the room. And as he took her in, he couldn't say he liked what he saw, the man seeing the pain and hurt she was carrying behind the anger she felt. Gabby was unable to hide her true feelings from him as her focus stayed on her brother, the frown that had fallen over the firefighter's face deepening when he noticed the unshed tears forming in her eyes. "Today is supposed to be about Matt." Her words were sharp, her hand extending out towards him for emphasis as she shook her head. "This is about him, it's not about whatever the fuck Bryan wants." She finished, Casey wincing slightly as her words got angrier by the second.
"Baby." Matt spoke softly, the simple word causing her shoulders to immediately relax before she took a slow breath, Gabby shaking her head before glancing towards him. "It's ok-"
"No, it's not." She cut him off, though her words were a lot less hostile than they'd been when she spoke to her brother seconds prior. "All that matters today is you, and you having a nice time with all our friends…" She told him, Gabby back straightening before she looked at Antonio. "You didn't need to do this today, I- I don't fucking care what he wants Antonio, alright?" She repeated, Antonio pausing for a moment before giving her a nod. "Whatever it is… It doesn't matter. I'm not wasting my time on whatever bullshit he's wanting to tell me. The last time I tried to give him the benefit of the doubt, he wrapped his hands around my throat and then nearly killed Matt, so I don't care what he's wanting, or why he wants to see me… I'm not going." She spat, both men knowing her frustration wasn't aimed towards Antonio, despite the death stare she was giving him right now.
"Okay." Antonio replied softly, Gabby drawing in another deep breath before she nodded. "I'm sorry for doing this here… I wasn't going to, but Casey asked and I just… I'm sorry. I should've left it alone. And honestly, I don't think I would've let you go, anyway." He admitted as he caught his sister's gaze, Gabby giving him one last nod before she returned her attention to her boyfriend. Before saying a word, she extended her arm out, Gabby reaching for his hand, which he immediately gave.
"Come on… I think Mama was wanting to cut the cake soon." She murmured, Matt nodding before letting her lead them out of the kitchen. But the second they were in the hallway, Casey halted his steps, the action causing her to stop as well as they stood just outside the living room, Gabby turning back to look at him before they locked eyes.
Neither said a word for a few moments, Matt taking the chance to look over her face, doing what he could to get a read on her before they went back out into the party and she had to put up a front for everyone, his frown returning when he noticed the nearly defeated look in her eyes.
"Do you wanna go home?"
Gabby's eyebrows furrowed immediately, those words being the last ones she expected to come from his mouth as she shook her head.
"Or do you at least wanna take a minute? I know all this-" He cut himself off, waving his free hand around in the air to emphasize something he wasn't sure how to voice. "I know this is a lot… So if you need to take a second, or you want to go talk about it, we can."
"I'm fine, Matt." She replied almost instantly, the tone in her voice telling him she wasn't trying to have this discussion right now, but he didn't let that deter him.
"Gabby…"
"I promise you, I'm fine." She repeated, their eyes locked on one another as they stood in the hallway, both of them making sure to keep their voices down as they knew they weren't exactly in private. "I… I wasn't expecting that, I don't know what Bryan's wanting from me, but I meant what I said in there. I'm not going, so it doesn't matter." Her words were much softer than they'd been when she spoke to her brother, Matt's eyes tracing over her face before locking with hers once more, seeing that, as far as he could tell, she wasn't lying to him. "I don't owe him anything." She added when her boyfriend had yet to say anything, Casey immediately nodding in agreement as he gave her hand a firm squeeze.
"No, you don't." He told her, Gabby smiling softly before she leaned forward and pressed her lips against his, the two meeting for a tame, fleeting kiss before she pulled back.
"Now come on, let's enjoy your party." She replied, stroking her thumb along the back of his hand before she started walking towards the living room. But she was only able to take a step before Matt pulled her back, Gabby glancing back towards him as she raised her eyebrows in question.
"We can go and enjoy my party," He prefaced, Gabby sensing there was more coming as she tilted her head to the side. "But if you need to talk about this… when you need to talk about this, I'm here." He promised, her face softening as she felt him give her hand a reassuring squeeze. "I don't care if it's ten minutes from now, or ten days from now. I don't care where we are, you can always come and talk to me."
"I know I can." She replied without hesitation, Gabby sensing just how worried this entire thing had made him. "And I will… If I need to talk, you'll be the first one to know. But I promise you, I'm fine. Right now, I'm good." She assured him, Casey pausing for a moment before giving her a nod, the man leaning forward to steal another quick kiss.
"Then let's go enjoy my party." He replied, his chest flooding with warmth when he saw the bright grin that lit up across her face, Gabby nodding in agreement before leading him out into the living room so they could join all their friends.
Despite the bomb Antonio had dropped on Gabby earlier in the evening, the rest of the night had been full of fun and laughter, everyone having gathered together in the living room to celebrate the truck Lieutenant for his birthday. Matt had spent most of his time perched on the couch with Gabby by his side, everyone talking and sharing stories as they enjoyed each other's company, Casey having spent the entire night feeling nothing but gratitude for the people who had become his family, even during their very off-key rendition of happy birthday they'd half sung, half shouted at him.
Though as the evening wore on, the more the guests started to thin out as it got later and later, their friends saying goodbyes to Matt, Gabby, and her family, Shay and Severide having been the last to leave when it got half past ten, those two having stayed to help Camila clean up, while Antonio left shortly after. But soon enough, there was no one left but Gabby, Matt, and her parents, the couple still sitting on the couch as they'd been instructed to not help clean, Gabby leaned comfortably into his side while his arm was wrapped around her shoulders.
"Ramon, don't forget this!"
They heard Camila's voice filter into the living room from the kitchen, Gabby chuckling softly as she could picture her dad walking back into the kitchen to retrieve whatever her mother was referring to, Matt tilting his head down to look at her when he felt her body shake slightly.
"What?" He questioned with a chuckle of his own, Gabby looking up towards him, the smile on her face growing before she responded.
"Nothing… I'm just picturing all the food my mom is gonna send us home with." She replied, Matt raising his eyebrows just as Ramon walked into the room, both of them looking towards the older man as he came walking in with his hands full of different containers, filled to the brim with leftovers. "Papa…"
"Oh, now you knew this was coming, Gabriela." He chastised gently, the man setting the containers down on the coffee table. "Your mother gave you both a little bit of everything, and she went ahead and gave you the rest of those skewers, Matthew… She knows how much you like them."
"You all didn't have to do that."
"Nonsense." He replied, waving them off just as Camila came into the room as well, the woman carrying yet another container in her hands.
"Mama, we don't need anymore…" She tried, but immediately closed her mouth when she was met by a challenging look from her mother, Camila shaking her head before adding it to the pile.
"This is some of Matthew's birthday cake, of course you're taking it." Her tone left no room for debate, Gabby nodding while Matt gave her a grateful smile.
"Thank you, Camila."
The woman's face softened the second Matt spoke up, the firefighter disentangling himself from Gabby before he stood up and walked the few steps towards her, the man wrapping her up in a tight hug.
"Thank you for all of this."
"No need to thank me, Matthew." She murmured, rubbing her hand along his back before they separated. "Birthdays are meant to be celebrated, and we wanted to make sure you had a nice time."
"I did." He assured her, Matt leaning forward to press a kiss to her cheek before he moved over towards Ramon, Gabby coming to take up Matt's previous spot in front of her mom.
"He looks happy." Camila mused as her and her daughter watched the two men, Ramon having just given Casey a tight hug.
"Yeah, he does." She responded, her voice barely above a whisper as a soft smile fell over her face, her eyes lingering on her boyfriend for a few more seconds before she turned back to her mother, finding the woman's eyes already on her. "But I think we're gonna get out of here, it's getting late."
"Yes, it is… You two are welcome to stay here, if you don't want to drive back to your apartment." She offered, Gabby flashing her a thankful smile before shaking her head.
"No, that's alright. We'll be fine to get home." She replied, Camila nodding as a knowing look shined in his eyes.
"Yes, yes, I know… Tomorrow's his birthday and I'm sure you have all sorts of things planned that don't include being in the same house as your parents." She spoke with an amused grin, Gabby ducking her head slightly before she shook her head.
"Mama…" She groaned, a light laugh escaping the older woman's lips as she rubbed her hand over her daughter's arm.
"Oh, Gabriela, how naive do you think your father and I are?" She questioned, tilting her head to the side, the look on her face telling Gabby she was having way too much fun teasing her about the topic they were tiptoeing around. "We both know you're wanting his birthday to be just the two of you, and it doesn't take a genius to understand-"
"Okay, I think it's time to go." Gabby cut her off, Camila laughing once more before pulling her in for a hug, the daughter reciprocating the gesture.
"You know I'm just teasing you, mija." She spoke, pressing a kiss to the side of her head before they pulled back. "Really, I'm just glad Matthew had a good day, and that he'll have a nice birthday… He deserves it."
"Yeah, he does." Gabby agreed, Camila squeezing her arm gently before her eyes moved over her daughter's face, Gabby noticing the near immediate shift in her mother's demeanor, a look of confusion covering the younger Dawson's features as her mother drew in a deep breath. "...Everything alright, Mama?" She questioned, Camila giving her a soft smile before nodding, the mother squeezing her daughter's arms once more.
"Yes, yes, of course, everything's fine." She confirmed, Gabby giving her a hesitant nod, watching as her mother's eyes moved towards Matt before quickly returning to her, Gabby's eyebrows furrowing slightly. "I just want to make sure you're doing okay."
Her confusion only grew when those words left her mother's lips, Gabby instinctively glancing back at her boyfriend, seeing him still happily talking away with her father, before she refocused her attention back on her mother. "I'm fine." She replied, Camila sensing her clear confusion by the tone in her voice. "Why wouldn't I be-" Gabby immediately cut herself off, realization covering her face before she crossed her arms over her chest. "Antonio." She spoke simply, her mother reluctantly nodding after a few seconds. "He told you about Bryan."
"He did." Camila confirmed, Gabby drawing in a deep breath as her mother squeezed her arm once more. "He told us before he left… Well, he told me. Your father still doesn't know."
"There's nothing to know." She spoke almost immediately, the older woman raising her eyebrows at the near forceful tone to her voice, Gabby sighing softly before shaking her head. "Sorry Mama, I just meant there's nothing to tell because I'm not going to see him." She spoke, making sure to keep her voice low.
"You're not?"
"No." Gabby answered. "I told Antonio that, did he not mention that part?"
"No, he did, I just… I guess I needed to hear it from you." Camila responded, Gabby taking another deep breath before she nodded. "So you're completely positive, you're not going to see him?"
"I'm not." Gabby answered without hesitation, seeing the look of relief that flashed in her mother's eyes. "I told Antonio, and Matt, the same thing. Whatever he's wanting from me, I don't care. Especially not right now." She added, nodding towards her boyfriend, a look of understanding covering Camila's face.
"Well, good. I'm glad you're not going." Her mother replied, Gabby's head falling to the side slightly as she waited for her to elaborate. "Bryan, he… Whatever games he's trying to play, it's best you just leave it alone." She continued, Gabby seeing the hint of anger her mother was trying to mask. "I just think it's the right decision, you leaving it be."
"I do, too." Gabby agreed with a soft nod, the woman's eyes moving back to Matt, her boyfriend completely oblivious to her stares. "Right now, I'm happy… Things at the firehouse are good, and so are things at Molly's… Matt and I are doing great. Everything's good right now, I'm doing better than I ever have been, and there's nothing I could gain from going to see him." She breathed out, Camila nodding in understanding as she ran her hand up and down her daughter's arm. "I think the best thing I can do now is just to keep looking ahead, with Matt, and let everything that happened with Bryan stay in the past… That's what I want to do."
"Then that's what you should do." Camila agreed with a supportive smile, Gabby matching her look before her mother brought her in for one last hug, the woman holding onto her daughter a little tighter than she had before.
"God, why did we let her give us this much food again?" Matt asked as he worked on finding space for all the leftovers in the fridge, Gabby sitting back on the counter top while he'd been standing in that same spot for almost five minutes now.
"Like she would've given us a choice, babe." She replied before taking a sip of the glass of water he'd gotten her, Gabby watching as he finally managed to get the last container into the fridge, the one containing his leftover cake, before he shut the door, Matt releasing a heavy sigh before turning around to face her.
"Fair enough." He replied, Matt shooting her a grin before he continued around the kitchen, Gabby's eyes never leaving his form as he moved to get his own glass of water, the man continuing the similar routine they did every night before going bed; he'd get her some water, then a glass for himself, then they'd go to bed. And the simple action couldn't help but bring a smile to her face.
As she sat on the counter, she couldn't help but continue to stare at him, her mind racing as she thought about how she felt having him here. How happy it made her the mornings they'd wake up together, how at peace she felt when he was around, how she secretly enjoyed the times he'd come over unannounced and use the key she'd given him to get it. How he just fit here, how he was comfortable here, with her. How, despite it being her apartment, this place felt as much his home as it does hers.
Because it did feel like his home. Being here, with him, she felt like she was home. Though there was a small voice in the back of her head telling her that it didn't matter where they were, all she needed was him for it to feel like home. And that same small voice had her wondering why they hadn't already taken that step yet.
The most logical reason she could think of was because of Bryan, and everything she'd been dealing with because of that. But she was past that now, as much as she could be at least, and she'd moved on from it. There was nothing left for her to say, there was nothing left to work through, it was just something that was a part of her. It was something that was part of her past, that she didn't want affecting her future.
And it was the only thing she could think of as to why they hadn't talked at all about moving in together.
They spent pretty much every single night together already, and the rare nights they didn't were only out of necessity, Matt needing to be home for one reason or another. But she knew that would stop being an issue for them if this was the place he came home to. If every night, regardless of the time, he was coming home here. He'd be coming home to her. And that thought alone made a rush of warmth flood through her entire body.
Them living in the same place, together, was something she wanted more than anything else in the world. And she could only hope he wanted the same thing.
"What are you staring at?"
His soft voice pulled Gabby from her thoughts as her vision snapped into focus, the woman finding the curious eyes of her boyfriend on her as he leaned against the counter opposite her, Gabby not missing the hint of amusement shining in his gaze.
"Get caught up thinking about me again? Can't say I'm surprised, but-"
"Move in with me."
She immediately stunned him to silence, cutting him off mid sentence as his mouth opened and shut a few times, Matt clearly trying to process what she had said to him, his eyebrows raising after a few moments when he finally started to digest her words.
"What?" He questioned, unable to hide the slight smile tugging on his lips as she swung her lungs back and forth.
"Move in with me." She repeated, though she was well aware that Matt had heard exactly what she said, his smug smile growing when the words left her lips a second time, Casey pushing himself up off the counter and slowly making his way towards her. "I want you to move in with me." She said again when he had yet to say a word, Matt coming to a stop just in front of her, Gabby widening her legs slightly to give him a place to stand before she reached out for him. He willingly took the last few steps towards her, his hands finding their familiar home on her hips while her arms wrapped around his neck, Gabby instinctively pressing her legs against his waist.
"You want me to move in with you…" He asked, but his words sounded more like a statement than a question, Gabby's bottom lip tucking in between her teeth before she nodded in response, Matt rubbing his hand along her hip, his eyebrows furrowing like he was deep in thought.
"I do." She replied after a beat of silence. "Or we can move into your place, if you'd rather stay there…" She continued, Matt running his tongue along his bottom lip as she rambled. "I just figured since my place is bigger, and newer, we could stay here, but I don't care where we are. I just want to be with you." She told him, her words completely honest as she ran her fingers along the base of his neck, Matt's smile involuntarily widening. "And, I mean, we all but live together anyway, if you really think about it." She kept going, her nose scrunching up adorably as she spoke. "Half your stuff is here, and I'm pretty sure I have just as much of my things at your place as you do." She joked, Matt chuckling softly before he shook his head, the man knowing just how true her statement was, Gabby having all but taken over his apartment with her stuff. But he'd never complain about it, though. "And you already have a key… It feels like we already live together, just not officially. And I hate the nights that we spend apart."
"I do, too." He murmured, continuing the soft patterns along her hip, Gabby smiling softly before she continued.
"I just feel like this makes sense for us… And I know I want to. I want you to always come home to me, just like I'll always come home to you... I want us to move in together."
Casey drew in a deep breath as she finished talking, a small smile forming over his face as he gave her hip a squeeze, Gabby unsure of what to make from his prolonged silence. All she knew was that it didn't feel great, the way he had yet to really say anything, her eyebrows furrowing together tightly when she saw a flicker of what she could only figure to be hesitation in his eyes.
"What is it?" She questioned after a few moments, Gabby all but ready to pull away from him as she had a gut feeling that she wasn't going to like what he was about to say, Matt giving her another soft smile before he spoke up.
"I would love for us to live together." He murmured, Gabby no less confused by his words, the woman sensing there was a pretty big 'but' coming. "And everything you said, about us coming home to each other, I want that. I do. There's nothing I want more than for us to live together, for me to wake up every morning with you…"
"...But?" She spoke for him when he'd yet to continue, Matt drawing in another deep breath before he spoke up.
"But I only wanna do this if you're sure this is something you really want." He told her, Gabby's confusion only growing as she tried to figure out what he meant. But after a few seconds, she slowly began to understand why he was a little hesitant. Why he was questioning her at all. And it had everything to do with what Antonio had told them earlier in the evening.
This was about Bryan. It was about Bryan, and Matt needing to know she wasn't doing this for the wrong reasons. That whatever feelings Antonio's admission earlier in the night had brought up for her, she wasn't using this as a way to distract herself from it. That she wasn't doing this on whim.
She knew he needed her to be sure.
And she couldn't say she blamed him.
But this wasn't what this was. This had nothing to do with him, and Gabby needed to make sure he knew that.
"I wouldn't have asked you if I didn't want to." She replied quietly, Matt's face immediately softening before he nodded. "This isn't about anything other than you and me, and how much I love you… How much I want to live with you." She continued, stroking her index finger along his hairline as she felt him give her hips a tight squeeze. "The only thing I'm factoring in here is you, and me. And what I think is the right thing for us… I think we should move in together, if that's what you want."
Her words hung in the air for a moment, Gabby biting down on the inside of her cheek nervously as she waited for any kind of response from the man in front of her, the thoughtful look covering his face causing her stomach to tighten in knots. But just as she was about to tell him to forget it and salvage what was left of her dignity, that soft grin she fell in love with appeared over his face, Matt's bright blue eyes shining in the dim room as he gave her a nod.
"Let's do it." He replied, Gabby unable to stop her smile from growing as his words washed over her.
"Yeah?"
"Yeah… Let's move in together." He confirmed before he closed what little distance there was between them, crashing his lip into hers in a heated kiss, his hands tightening on her hips as he pulled her closer to the edge of the counter, her body pressed against his. They went back and forth for a few moments, Gabby locking her legs around his waist as his hands slid up underneath her shirt, his palms moving all along her warm skin as their movements got more and more intense with each second that passed.
It wasn't until the sound of Gabby's clock in her in living room going off that they pulled apart, the chiming signaling it was midnight as they steadily worked on catching their breath, Matt's gaze drawn to her heaving chest for a few seconds before he trailed back up to her face, the man finding her dark brown eyes waiting for him, her fingernails scratching along the skin on the back of his neck as her head cocked the side.
"I guess it's officially your birthday." She spoke in between breaths, Matt releasing a heavy breath before he nodded, his hand continuing to move underneath her shirt along her lower back.
"I guess it is." He replied, Gabby smiling before she leaned back towards him, capturing his lips in a much tamer kiss, her soft movements flooding him with a sense of peace as they continued their slow, almost sleepy kisses.
"Happy birthday, baby." She murmured, Gabby having pulled back enough to get the words out as a content smile formed over his face, Matt pausing for a moment before he crashed his lips back into hers, the force of his movements nearly knocking her over before she regained herself and reciprocated the action. His hands went back to roaming her body, Gabby moaning into his mouth as she pressed her hips into his, her palm cupping his cheek to keep him as close as possible as they became more and more lost in one another, Matt only pulling away when air became a necessity.
Their eyes immediately locked on one another, Matt grinning softly before he moved his hand up to gently cup her neck, his eyes falling closed as he leaned towards her once more, pressing his forehead into hers while they caught their breath. "This is already the best birthday ever."
His choppy words caused a soft chuckle to leave her lips, Gabby pressing her forehead into his as he stroked his thumb along the side of her neck, his gentle touch filling her with nothing but warmth and security.
"Oh, you have no idea."
The tone in her voice caused him to pull back, Matt opening his eyes to find want and desire, and a whole lot of love shining back at him, the man grinning from ear to ear as she loosened her leg's grip around his waist.
"Is that so?" He asked, Gabby nodding without hesitation before gently pushing against his chest, giving her room to slide down off the counter, the woman who was eye level with him just moments ago now a few inches shorter as she reached for his hand. As their fingers laced together, Gabby began leading him to her bedroom, the path familiar while they turned off all the lights as they went, her apartment bathed in darkness as they stepped into her bedroom.
Without a word, they came to a stop beside her bed, Gabby turning around to meet his eyes while her hands immediately moved towards his belt. His breath caught in his throat when her hand brushed over him, Matt sure she was doing it on purpose as she slowly pulled the belt from his body, letting it fall onto the rug with a soft thud, before her hands grabbed a hold of his shirt.
The second he was free from the material, his hands immediately moved towards her shirt, but she swatted them away, Gabby having to bite back a laugh as he looked like a lost puppy, the man clearly not happy by her pushing him away.
"But-"
She silenced him with a kiss, Gabby's nails grazing over his bare chest before moving back towards his pants, the woman making quick work of the button and zipper before she pulled back and began to push the material down his legs.
"This doesn't seem very fair." He practically pouted as he kicked his jeans off, the man left in nothing but his socks and boxers, while she was still very much clothed.
"Trust me… You're gonna like this next part." She murmured, the honey-like tone in her voice sending all the blood in his body south as she ran her fingers lightly over his lower stomach, Gabby feeling his muscles tightening underneath her touch. "But I'm gonna need you to give me a few minutes… Just lay down, and get comfortable. I'll be back." She was practically whispering, Matt swallowing the lump in his throat as he nodded, Gabby leaning forward to press a soft kiss against his collarbone before she stepped away, the woman snapping the elastic band of his boxers as she went, Matt's eyes focused on her until she disappeared into the bathroom and closed the door behind her.
He wasn't sure how long she'd been gone, all he knew was that it felt like an eternity as he laid in the middle of the bed, the man having rid himself of everything except his boxers as he rested against the pillows, Matt having made sure all the curtains in the room were shut tight before he sat down, the man getting the feeling that whatever was about to happen wasn't something he wanted anyone else seeing.
And those suspicions were proven correct when Gabby appeared minutes later, his eyes immediately moving towards the door when he heard it open, Matt waiting desperately for her to come into view. And when she did, it was like all the air left his body as he took in the sight of her standing in the doorway, the slightly nervous look on her face only making him fall in love with her more as she waited for his reaction.
"Damn." He breathed out, the word quickly followed by a whistle as his eyes trailed up and down her body. While she wasn't naked, she might as well have been, her little outfit not leaving much to the imagination as Matt took her in, Gabby slowly stepping away from the bathroom and towards the bed, his eyes never leaving her body while she moved.
The completely see through little dress she was wearing, if you could even call it that, ended just below her waist, the black sheer material sitting delicately against her skin, the matching underwear that were barely covering anything causing his mouth to go dry. This wasn't anything he'd ever seen on her before, but he knew damn well he'd never be forgetting it now as he shifted on top of the mattress, Matt sure she was able to see the clear effect she had on him, his thin boxers doing little to hide his want for her as she came to a stop just beside the bed.
"Hi." She murmured, Matt having to clear his throat before he could even think of saying anything, all the moisture in his mouth long gone as he tried to form a single coherent thought.
"Hi." He repeated, his eyes moving back down her body, focusing on her visible chest, Gabby hiding her proud smirk as she saw him completely captivated by her. "You look… Wow." He continued, Matt shaking his head as he sat himself up on the bed, the man needing to feel her as he reached out towards her, his hand coming to rest over the surprisingly soft material covering her side.
"Thank you." She replied as he moved to the edge of the bed, his free hand sliding underneath the clothing, his palms moving along her sides. "I figured your special day deserved something a little different." She continued, Matt smiling softly before he nodded in agreement, his large hands gripping her waist as he felt his need for her continue to grow. "I'm just glad you like it."
"Oh, I more than like it." He breathed out, his hand resting underneath the material sliding up to cup her breast, Gabby relaxing into his touch as he gently stroked her skin. "In fact, I think we might need to leave it on." He added, Gabby raising her eyebrows as he continued to cup her skin, Matt raking his eyes over her body before blowing out another whistle. "...Yeah, we're definitely leaving this on."
Before she could say anything, Matt moved faster than maybe he ever had before, the man gently grabbing ahold of her and pulling her down to the bed, a squeal of surprise leaving her lips as she landed on top of him. Her legs instinctively straddled his hips, his hands roaming her near bare skin as his lips found hers, his movements quick and needy as she laid on top of him.
But even with as close as they were, that wasn't enough for him as within seconds, he had her on her back, Matt pinning her down to the mattress with his body on top of hers, his knee resting in between her legs as his needy kisses became even more desperate. It was like she could focus on nothing but him, his hands covering every inch of her that he had access to, his movements pulling moans from her as his lips trailed across her jaw and down to her neck. He could hear her panting in his ear while he attacked her skin, his hand ghosting over her covered center while his other one kept her arm down against the bed.
"Matt…" She moaned into his ear, the sound causing his spine to straighten as his teeth sunk into the top of her shoulder, her free hand moving to run over his back while he cupped her over her underwear. "This is for you." Her voice was barely above a whisper, the man's eyes opening when he felt her teeth graze his ear, Gabby feeling his desire pressing into her leg as she dug her nails into his back. "...Whatever you wanna do, baby. This is for you." She repeated, Matt nearly bucking his hips into her as he felt a jolt of electricity shoot through his spine, those few words having more of an effect on him than he'd care to admit.
But that was all he needed to hear as he slowly lifted himself up, his hands resting on either side of the mattress beside her head, Matt watching as she slowly bit down on her bottom lip, the little nod she gave him even more assurance as a soft smile formed over her face.
"I love you." He nearly whispered, his voice soft and gentle as her smile widened, Gabby guiding him back down towards her before their lips met in a slow kiss.
"I love you, too." She replied, her words no louder than his as he soon wore a smile that matched hers, the man leaning down to kiss her once more before he pulled back, knowing that despite the late hour, their night was just getting started.
Pushing himself up off her, Matt gently tapped the outside her thigh, nodding down towards the bed before he stood up. "Get in the middle of the bed."
There was a slight demanding tone to his words, but it was masked by that gentle voice he so often used with her, Gabby complying immediately as she slid to the middle of the bed, her head collapsing down onto the pillows as Matt watched her.
He didn't think there could ever be anything better than the sight of her walking out of the bathroom moments prior in this little outfit, but the second he saw her spread out across the bed, waiting for him, he knew in that moment that this was the greatest sight he'd ever seen, Matt taking a few long minutes to commit this moment to memory.
Drawing in a deep breath, Matt slowly climbed onto the bed, the man nudging her legs far enough apart for him to sit in between them, the man resting back on his heels as his hands ran up and down her thighs.
"You're so damn gorgeous." He breathed out, Gabby feeling heat rise to her cheeks as Matt leaned down to press soft kisses all over her thighs, his actions innocent enough as he didn't get close enough to where she wanted him, the man sure to leave a few marks in his path as he took his time with her. When he'd paid enough attention to her legs, he skipped over her center before landing on her stomach, Matt sliding the see through material up enough to be able to press open mouthed kisses to her skin. She was tensing underneath his touch, he could feel it, and as he moved one of his hands back towards her center, his finger trailing up and down over her with just enough pressure to drive her crazy, he could also feel just how much she was enjoying this.
"Matt-" She choked out when he applied more pressure against her, Gabby's hips lifting into his hand as his continued to press sloppy kisses over her stomach and rib cage, Matt using his free hand to push the material covering her just up over her breasts, his mouth immediately moving towards her sensitive skin as he continued to running his hand over her. He heard her draw in a sharp breath when he held her nipple in between his lips, his movements slow and deliberate as he felt her become more and more excited. "Matt." She spoke again, her voice barely audible as he looked up towards her, finding her wanting eyes already on him before he released his hold on her breast, Matt slowly moving up her body until he was eye level with her.
"...Yes?" He questioned, Gabby lifting her hand up to cradle his cheek, her thumb moving softly over his skin as his body pressed into hers. Before she said a word, she gently guided him down towards her, their lips connecting in a slow kiss, Matt smiling against her before he kissed her back, their movements familiar and comforting.
"Stop teasing." She murmured against him, her words bringing an even wider smile to his face before he pulled back, Matt seeing her bottom lip tucked in between her teeth, hiding her own grin as his hand moved up and down her side.
"But you said I could do whatever I wanted…" He countered, his voice low as his hand stopped just at the waistband of her underwear, his large palm covering her skin before he began playing with the edge of the material, Gabby sighing softly before slid her hand around to the back of his neck.
"Fair enough." She gave in, Matt chuckling softly before he leaned down to capture her lips in another kiss, their movements intensifying by the second as she bucked her hips up into his.
"God, I love you." He whispered, his lips returning to hers instantly before she had the chance to respond, his kisses becoming more and more frantic as his hands worked to free them both from the clothing standing in between them. He was able to get his boxers off relatively quickly, the man aimlessly kicking them off the bed before he reluctantly pulled back, Gabby missing his warmth instantly as he sat back on the bed.
Without saying a word, his hands moved to her waist, Matt practically ripping the underwear from her body in one swift motion, the man tossing it aside without a care in the world as his eyes focused on her nearly bare form. With that piece of lingerie still on, she wasn't naked, but she didn't need to be for him to be able to see her completely, his mouth nearly watering as he ran his hand along her thigh.
"I thought you wanted to leave it on?"
Matt's eyes snapped towards hers as those words left her lips, her raised brow and the challenging look in her eye sending a shiver through his spine, the man seeing her eyes flicker towards his painfully hard member before finding his gaze once more.
"This stays on." He nearly growled, his hand sliding up to rub over the silky smooth material over her stomach before he gently pulled her up, Gabby waiting to see what his next move was. And when he crawled past her, and laid down on the bed just as she had been moments ago, Gabby knew exactly what he was wanting, that dark look in his eye deepening even more as she turned to look at him.
Not needing any instruction, Gabby slowly adjusted herself to climb over him, her legs straddling his waist as she hovered over him, his hands immediately moving to her hips, rubbing up and down over her as her skin gently pressed into his. A light hiss escaped his lips from the pressure, Matt desperately needing more contact as he pushed her hips down against his, Gabby pushing her hair behind her ear as she focused on the feeling of him.
The air around them became thick as she slowly moved herself against him, Gabby leaning down to capture his lips in hers, his hands cupping her ass as she continuously ground down into him, their movements becoming quicker and less controlled, Gabby soon having to pull back to suck in air. His lips trailed down to her neck, Matt attacking her skin as she panted in his ear, his tight grip on her keeping her hips against his.
"Baby." She breathed out, pushing herself up slightly to put some distance between them, Matt releasing her skin from his lips as she slowly sat up on top of him. Their chests were both heaving, Matt's eyes raking her body as his hands ran over her sides, this angle giving him the perfect view of her as he took another moment to appreciate the woman on top of him.
"You know…" He started, the man drawing in deep breaths as he continued running his hands along her body. "This definitely is now the best birthday ever." He repeated his earlier words, Gabby biting back a laugh as she shook her head, the woman smacking his chest lightly as he chuckled.
"Really? We haven't even gotten to the fun yet…" She replied in between breaths, Gabby nearly melting into him as she focused on the feeling of his hands on her.
"Trust me, I know." He replied quickly, Matt drawing in another deep breath as they locked eyes with one another.
It was like there was a shift in the air the second he looked at her, Gabby seeing nothing but love and admiration looking back at her, the feeling nearly suffocating as his bright blue eyes focused on nothing but her, Matt slowing his hand down as he ran his palm delicately along her side.
There were no more words needed to be said as he guided her down to him once more, their lips connecting in a heated and passionate kiss, their movements slowly picking up speed as she reached in between them, Gabby grabbing ahold of him and lining him up to her entrance, both of them more than ready to be together, and celebrate his birthday properly.
Within seconds, she slowly sunk down onto him, moans and gasps leaving their lips as they adjusted to one another, that familiar feeling filling them both with a sense of comfort before they began moving together, the couple desperate to make this moment last as long as they could.
"Oh, I know that look… Someone had a good birthday."
Matt and Gabby's steps halted as they got inside the garage, the sound of Shay's loud voice ringing through the open space, Matt's proud smile never faltering while Gabby's morphed into a look of annoyance, the PIC shooting her partner a glare as she dropped her boyfriend's hand.
"Shay…"
"What? You two walk in here smiling like a bunch of idiots, we all know how you two spent yesterday." She continued as she stepped away from the ambulance and towards her friends, Matt shaking his head as a soft chuckle left his lips.
"I'm gonna head inside." He told Gabby, the woman giving him a nod as he leaned down to press a kiss to her cheek. "I'll see you in there… Pleasure, as always, Shay." He added jokingly, the blonde paramedic giving him a knowing nod before he walked away from them, Gabby's playfully narrow eyes focusing on her friend.
"You just can't help yourself, can you?"
"Not at all." She replied shamelessly. "But if I had to guess, I'd say you two didn't even leave your bedroom yesterday." She spoke, wiggling her eyebrows for affect before Gabby jokingly shoved her shoulder.
"Shay, I already told you my plans for his birthday…" She reminded her friend, knowing she'd told the blonde all about the tickets to the Cubs game she was surprising him with, as well as the reservations she'd made for them at his favorite restaurant.
"Yeah, I know… But I also know after that little number you bought for him, there was a good chance he wouldn't let you leave." She continued to tease her, Gabby's face heating up as she ran her tongue along the inside of her cheek, the PIC reaching into her pocket to grab her phone.
"I regret telling you that." She breathed out, Shay chuckling loudly as Gabby focused her attention on her phone for a moment, before she held the device out towards her friend, the blonde smiling when she saw the photo of Gabby and Matt at the game yesterday. From first glance it was obvious Gabby had taken the picture, both of them sporting Cubs gear while they had bright smiles on their faces, Matt's arm wrapped around her shoulders to keep her close. After Shay had enough time to look at the picture, Gabby swiped across to the next one, which was nearly identical, except this time Matt was kissing her cheek, Gabby's smile even wider than the one before.
"You two are adorable." Shay spoke, Gabby biting down on her bottom lip before she pulled her phone back, the woman locking her screen before shoving it into her pocket. "So I take it he was completely surprised?"
"Definitely." Gabby responded with a bright smile. "He had no idea, but he was so excited, it was cute." She spoke, Shay grinning as she saw how happy her friend was. "We had a great time at the game, and then dinner was amazing… It was just a really good day."
"Good, I'm glad." Shay replied, wrapping her arm around her friend's shoulder before leading her towards the firehouse, knowing she still needed to put her things away. "He deserved to have a nice birthday…"
"Yeah, he did." Gabby murmured, leaning into Shay's side as they walked.
"And I already know he got some extra Dawson-lovin', which could've only made the day better." She continued, Gabby groaning before pushing her friend away, the PIC rolling her eyes while Shay laughed. "Oh, it's too easy… I'm just glad you two managed to make it to the game."
Gabby bit her tongue as they continued towards the double doors, the woman knowing her friend had no idea how close they came to actually missing the game altogether. After their late night the night before, it came as no surprise that they slept well into the late morning, Matt waking up to an unexpected treat of Gabby sitting further down the bed with her mouth wrapped around him, the man barely even awake before she'd finished the task she'd set out to do. Then once he'd recovered, and she'd surprised him with the tickets to the game, it didn't take long before they'd enjoyed one another once more, then again in the shower when they were getting ready.
But none of that was anything her friend needed to know, Gabby merely shaking her head before they continued inside, the women giving a quick greeting to the men in the common room before heading around the corner. But they only got a few steps before Gabby stopped them, Dawson grabbing her friend's arm, Shay turning back to look at her questioningly as they stood in the hallway.
"What's up?" She asked, Gabby unable to stop her smile from growing as she thought about what she was about to tell her friend, the PIC having been wanting to tell her from the moment they got here, but she hadn't had a chance to with all of Shay's teasing.
"I, uh… I ask Matt to move in with me."
The second Shay registered her words, a bright smile spread across her face, the blonde shaking her head in amusement. "Finally!" She nearly shouted, her loud voice gaining the attention of the common room, everyone looking at them through the windows in confusion. But Shay simply waved them off before returning her attention to her friend, seeing the near giddy look covering Dawson's face.
"When did you ask him?" She questioned, Shay's excitement obvious.
"Uh, the night of his surprise party… When we got home. I asked him to move in with me."
"And what did he say?" She pushed, though they both already knew the answer, Gabby's smile widening before she nodded enthusiastically.
"He said yes."
Shay had her wrapped up in a hug before she could even get the words out, Gabby holding onto her friend tightly as they swayed back and forth.
"Man, I'm so happy for you guys." She spoke, Shay rubbing her back before they separated, Gabby nodding in agreement as she tucked a piece of hair behind her ear.
"Thanks, Shay." She responded, the blonde paramedic rubbing over her arms as the smiles never left their faces. "It wasn't really anything I planned, we were just in the kitchen, and… I don't know, it just felt right. So I asked him, and he said yes."
"And you're staying in your apartment?"
"Yeah." Gabby answered with a nod. "I mean, he all but lives there anyway… He was there to help me get the place. It feels like our home." She breathed out, Shay giving her a nod. "I don't know if that makes sense, but it's always kind of felt like our place to begin with."
"It does make sense." Shay told her, Gabby shooting her a soft smile. "I'm just glad you finally had the balls to ask him." She added, Dawson scoffing lightly as she tilted her head to the side. "Sorry, but Kelly and I have been waiting for this day… We both knew Matt wasn't gonna do it, just because he," She stopped herself, Shay pausing to figure out how to word her next thought. "He's always let you take the lead on things between you guys." She settled on, Gabby nodding understandingly, knowing exactly what her friend was talking about. And she was right. "So, I wasn't really expecting it to come from him… At least not yet. But I'm just so glad you finally asked him, I'm so happy for you guys."
Gabby nodded once more just as the bells went off, calling ambulance 61 out to a person in distress, the PIC placing her bag down on the ground beside the wall, knowing she didn't have time to put her things away just yet, before the paramedics hurried back out to the garage.
"You're gonna have a housewarming party, right?" Shay asked before they went around to their separate sides of the rig, Gabby raising her eyebrows as she climbed into the passenger seat, the blonde starting up the ambulance before pulling out of the garage.
"Let's just focus on getting him moved in, then we'll talk."
"Hello?"
Casey looked up from the box he was working on taping up, the man recognizing the voice instantly as he stood inside his living room, Matt seeing Antonio round the corner into his home.
"Hey, sorry, the door was open."
"It's fine, I appreciate you coming to help." Matt replied with a soft smile, Antonio matching his look as he continued further into the apartment.
"Of course… And, well, Gabby didn't give me much of a choice." He responded, Matt chuckling knowingly, the firefighter remembering the way he'd heard Gabby speak to her brother earlier this morning when they got off shift, his girlfriend having made it perfectly clear that Antonio would be coming by to help whether he wanted to or not. "Though I gotta say, it was nice to hear you two are finally moving in together."
Casey's smile widened at his words, the Lieutenant nodding in agreement as he finished taping up the box in front of him. "Yeah, I guess that's what Shay said, too." He replied, Antonio shaking his head slightly. "I didn't realize everyone was waiting for us to do it, though…"
"Yeah, I'm pretty sure everyone was." Antonio replied with a grin. "My parents included." He added, Matt raising his eyebrows as he head cocked to the side. "I dunno, I think we all saw how you two are with each other… You two act like a married couple, so I guess we all just expected it to happen sooner rather than later." He told him, an amused look covering the firefighter's face as he took in Antonio's words. "But this is a great thing, you two doing this. I'm glad you guys are happy."
"Thanks Antonio." Casey replied, the man's sincere words going straight to his heart as Antonio gave him a nod, the detective slowly beginning to look around the room.
"Of course, man… Is, uh- is Gabby here?" He questioned, the man having yet to see his sister, Matt soon answering his question with a quick shake of his head.
"She's not. Her, Kelly, and Shay took a few boxes over to the apartment. I stayed back to get a couple more things packed up." He explained, Antonio nodding in understanding before his eyes moved around the apartment once more, the cop raising his eyebrows before clicking his tongue against the roof of his mouth.
"...You're not trying to get all this done today, are you?" He asked, Matt shaking his head immediately as a light chuckle left his lips.
"No, definitely not." He answered, seeing the look of relief that flashed in the man's eyes. "We're planning on moving out a little at a time, Gabby just wanted to get a few things packed up before tonight."
"Ah yes, the last of your birthday celebrations." Antonio replied with a grin, Matt scoffing lightly. "The big blowout at Molly's is tonight."
"Yes, the party that's not at all necessary, especially after the surprise party I already had. But yeah, that's tonight… I told Gabby we didn't need to still do that, though. I've been celebrated enough."
"I don't think Gabs would agree with that… And my mom wouldn't, either." Antonio was quick to respond, Matt blowing a breath of air out between his teeth before he nodded.
"Yeah, I think you're right." He responded, both men chuckling before they got back to work, Antonio beginning to tape up a box that was already full of stuff.
They worked in a comfortable silence for a few moments, the two men alone in the apartment that was still pretty full of Matt's, and some of Gabby's belongings, Casey keeping a watchful eye on Antonio while they packed. He hadn't really seen him since his surprise party a few days ago, and though he seemed to be handling himself better now than he was then, Matt still had some questions. And he couldn't help but think that now was the perfect time to ask them.
"So, um…" Matt spoke up after a few minutes, Antonio lifting his head up when he heard his voice, "I didn't really get a chance to ask you about it, but this whole Bryan thing…" He started, not missing the way the detective's body tensed at the name, Matt completely understanding the feeling. "You don't know what he wants from her?"
Blowing out a heavy sigh, Antonio shook his head, the man turning his body completely towards Matt before answering. "No, I have no idea."
"...He just wants to see Gabby." Matt spoke hesitantly, Antonio nodding once more.
"Yeah, he does." He replied, his frustration at the situation evident. "Apparently he really wants to see her… He's asked again."
"What?" Matt questioned, catching Antonio's gaze. "He's asked to see her again?"
"Twice." Antonio replied simply, Matt's grip on the box tightening as his knuckles turned white. "He's been asking every day… So whatever it is, it must be important to him." He continued, Matt shaking his head as he took a deep breath. "Has Gabby said anything else to you about it? About going to see him?"
"Just that she's fine, and she doesn't want to see him." Matt relayed the information Antonio already knew, the older brother nodding as he crossed his arms over his chest, the men locking gazes before Casey spoke up again. "...What do you think he wants?" He questioned, Antonio shrugged slightly in response.
"I don't know…"
His uncertain words hung in the air around them for a few moments, Matt unable to stop himself from asking the question sitting on the tip of his tongue.
"If she, uh- if she doesn't go, do you think he'll try to get in contact with her when he gets out?"
Antonio drew in a deep breath, the man pausing thoughtfully for a moment before he opened his mouth to respond.
"I honestly don't know, man… I really don't. When he first went in, with the restraining order and everything, I thought there was no way in hell he'd be stupid enough to do anything. But if he's as serious about seeing her as it seems… I don't know what he'll do." Antonio replied, Matt wincing slightly before he nodded, both of them knowing there was no easy answer to that question, the air around them much heavier than it had been when Antonio first arrived, Casey blowing out a heavy sigh as the older Dawson spoke up again.
"But if he knows what's good for him, he'll leave her alone."