Hi everyone! Here's the next chapter for you all. You seemed to enjoy Dawsey's little much-deserved getaway together, and I hope you like this one, as well. I can't wait to hear what you think!
Real quick, I mentioned this in my I Won't Let You Go update, but I'm not sure if I'll have new updates next week or not. My birthday is on Saturday, so I might take some time, and give myself a little break, I haven't decided yet. Or I might try and finish up the next chapter of If We Never Say Goodbye. But either way, there might not be an update for this story next week, just so you all know!
Also, I missed it with my update last week, but it's been a year since I started this story, which is just insane to me. Thank you to everyone who's been reading this, whether you started from the beginning, or came along the way, I'm so grateful to each and every one of you. Thank you so, so much for all the support you've given me. It means the world to me.
I hope you all enjoy this one, thanks for reading!
SIXTY FIVE
Gabby adjusted her ponytail as she looked at herself in the mirror, the woman clad in a pair of leggings and a t-shirt while she grabbed the bobby pin from between her teeth, Dawson putting it in place in her hair before doing one last once over of herself. Releasing a soft breath, she turned around and headed for the chair in the corner, Gabby sitting down before she began to put on her tennis shoes, a slight frown forming over her lips as the reality of her and Matt's plans for the morning set in.
She wasn't sure why she'd said yes, when Matt asked her in bed last night. And at first she thought he'd been kidding, Gabby not expecting him to want to do much of anything during their last day here at the lake; or, anything that included more than them being in bed, or out in the water. But still, for whatever reason, he wanted to do this, and he'd asked her to go with him, Gabby now somewhat dreading this run they were about to do.
Under any other circumstances, she wouldn't care to get a workout in with him. But with this being their last morning of their mini-vacation, running a few miles around the lake and through some woods wasn't exactly how she'd want to spend her time.
Dawson looked up when she heard Matt's footsteps coming into the room, the man eating a banana as he was already dressed in his running clothes, Casey smiling brightly when he saw her getting ready.
"Hi beautiful." He spoke, Gabby scoffing lightly before she finished tying her shoes, the woman standing up and walking towards him. "You ready to go?"
Before she answered, Gabby grabbed his hand, Matt smirking softly as she guided his snack towards her mouth and took a bite. "...Yeah, I am." She replied once she'd finished chewing. "Though I'm not sure how you managed to talk me into this." Gabby added, his head tilting to the side in amusement as he raised his eyebrows.
"All I did was ask if you wanted to go." He responded lightly, Gabby narrowing her eyes before she shrugged.
"Yeah, but you knew I'd come." She shot back, Matt holding out his hand to offer her the rest of his pseudo-breakfast, Gabby's face softening before she accepted it with a grateful smile, Casey watching her as she took another bite.
"Well, I mean, I know you just can't stand to be away from me for any extended period of time," He teased, Gabby shaking her head while she ate, "so of course you'd want to go."
"Mhmm."
"What? We both know it's true." He continued as she finished off the banana before she stepped around him to place the peel on the dresser, Gabby making a mental note to throw it away before they left, Matt following her movements as she turned back to face him. "You just love me so, so much, being away from me kills you." He spoke smugly, Gabby crossing her arms over her chest, the man wearing a proud smile as he took another step towards her.
"Yeah, keep it up, Casey." She challenged, Matt stifling a laugh as his tongue poked out between his teeth.
"Am I wrong?" He asked back lightly, Gabby narrowing her eyes as his smile grew, Matt shaking his head before he reached out to rest his hand over her arm. "It's okay, you don't have to admit it." He spoke, the woman shaking her head as he gave her arm a gentle squeeze, Casey taking another step forward.
"You're on thin ice, buddy." She fired back, though she wasn't able to stop the slight smile that pulled on her lips.
"Buddy?" He questioned underneath his breath, Gabby's smile growing before she closed the distance between them, Matt's hands instinctively moving to her hips as her waist pressed against his, Gabby leaning forward to press a soft kiss to his lips before he could say anything more. The man smiled against her, Matt tightening his grip on her hips as he kissed her back, their movements slow and gentle. "But you know, you don't have to go with me… Though I think it will be fun." He told her once more, Gabby clicking her tongue against the roof of her mouth before she responded.
"No, no, I'll go… Though you and I have very different definitions of fun." She countered, Matt smiling softly before she continued. "But just a heads up, I don't want to hear you complaining when you have to practically carry me back here."
"I'd have no problem carrying you back here if you want, babe." He replied without hesitation, Gabby cocking her head to the side.
"Please, like you could."
"Oh, is that a challenge?" He asked as he slid his hands around to her back and down to her ass, Gabby raising her eyebrows as she felt him grab ahold of her.
"Maybe… Though it might just be what you have to do, because this run will probably kill me." She replied with a slight groan, Matt shaking his head before he gave her body a light squeeze.
"You'll be fine. But believe me, I'll carry you if I need to… I've had a lot of practice." He responded, wiggling his eyebrows suggestively as Gabby tried to suppress her laugh.
"Fair enough." She told him, Matt smirking proudly before he leaned down to press a soft kiss to her lips, Gabby reciprocating as she moved her hand up to cup his cheek. "But we really need to go, before I change my mind." She added once they pulled back as Matt nodded with a knowing grin, the man giving her body one last squeeze before they separated, Gabby grabbing the remains of the snack she'd taken from him before heading for the door. "And just so you know, I'm expecting a massage when we get back."
A light scoff escaped his lips as she disappeared throughout the doorway, Matt unable to keep his smile from growing before he shook his head, the man following her path as he knew this was bound to be an eventful outing.
"Yeah, we're leaving tomorrow."
Gabby's voice filtered into the bathroom as Matt continued drying himself off, the man having just gotten out of the shower while his girlfriend was already in the bedroom, clearly talking to someone on the phone, though he wasn't sure who it was. But, if he had to guess, he'd say it was her mom. Rolling out his neck, he tried to shake the tiredness from his body, their long day seeming to have finally caught up with him as the man was more than ready for bed, though he knew he wouldn't be able to for a little while longer.
Today had been a busy, yet great, last day for them here at the lake. After their run this morning, which Gabby had handled incredibly well, the woman having had no issues keeping up despite all her complaining, when they got home, they immediately decided to head out on the boat and spend their day there. And while they'd had a lot of fun, the couple wanting to soak in as much time as possible relaxing before preparing themselves to get back into reality, they were both worn out by the time they got back to the cabin, the long day out in the sun having taken more out of them than they realized. Then after a quick dinner, they'd jumped in the shower, the two of them just enjoying the company while they washed the lake off of them. And now that they'd both completed that task, Matt knew it was time for him to deliver on that massage Gabby had been not so subtly reminding him about all day, which, despite his exhaustion, was a request he'd never say no to.
"I'm not sure, I'd have to ask him."
The sound of her voice pulled Matt from his thoughts, Casey drawing in a deep breath before a heavy yawn escaped his lips, his focus moving towards Gabby, despite the fact he couldn't see her. He wasn't sure how long she'd been on the phone, Gabby having gotten out of the shower with him maybe ten minutes prior, but regardless, he went through his routine slowly, not wanting her to feel like she had to rush her phone call.
"We've had a great time, Mama," Her heard her once more, a soft smile forming over his face as his suspicions were proven correct, Matt tying his towel around his waist as he continued listening to her speak with her mom. "Yeah, it was great- We've spent a lot of time out on the lake, the owners have a boat so we've been out on that… No, Matt found it- Yeah, it's great. He did good." His warm smile widened, Matt glancing back towards the door to the bedroom. "Yeah, we have… We needed it, with everything going on [...] Yeah, I think so, too… No, I'm not sure. I know this week, uh- We might be a bit busy, I don't know, but Matt and I will be sure to come by for dinner, and we can tell you how it was in person… Yeah, I'll tell him."
Casey began moving towards the door, the man straightening out his spine just as he came through the doorway, the smile returning to his face when he saw his girl sitting in the middle of the bed, holding the phone up to her ear. She didn't notice him at first, Matt leaning against the frame as he stood there in his towel, the man taking the moment to drink her in as she tapped her free hand against her thigh. From his vantage point, he had the perfect view of who he thought to be the most beautiful person in the world, Gabby dressed in nothing but a thin tank top and a pair of underwear, with her hair pulled back in a bun while she leaned against the headboard.
Just as he finished looking her over, it was like she felt his eyes on her as she turned towards him, Gabby offering him a soft smile before she held her finger up, signaling she'd be another minute while she continued talking to her mom. But Matt waved her off, the man silently telling her to take her time before he walked over to the dresser, Casey pulling out a pair of boxers. Pulling the towel from his waist, the man slid on the clothing, stretching his arms out above his head before moving to take the towel back into the bathroom, Matt content to listen to Gabby speak on the phone until she was done.
"Okay, well I think Matt and I are gonna head to bed here soon… Yeah, I will- I will, I'll tell him." Gabby continued, her soft gaze catching Matt's as he stepped back into the bedroom, a bottle of lotion in hand as he grinned at her while walking towards the bed. "Alright… I love you, too. Tell Papa I love him. I'll talk to you later… Bye Mama."
She hung up the call just as he came to a stop beside the edge of the bed, Gabby looking up at him as she placed the phone down on the bed beside her, her eyes flashing towards the lotion in his grasp before finding his eyes.
"You ready?" He asked, Gabby nodding with a bright grin before she began to get situated.
Peeling the tank top from her body, Gabby slid down the bed and turned to lie on her stomach, not missing the way his eyes lingered on her before he grabbed her a pillow so she would be comfortable, the woman adjusting herself until she was in the most relaxed position possible while Matt climbed onto the bed beside her.
"How's your mom doing?" He questioned as Gabby's cheek was resting against her forearm, her eyes watching him while he lathered lotion on his hands.
"She's good, she told me to tell you goodnight by the way." She told him, watching as he nodded with a content grin. "And my dad said hi… And that he misses you." She added with an amused gleam in her eye, warmth rushing through her when she saw the genuinely happy look on his face. "They're having a movie night tonight." She finished, Matt raising his eyebrows as a slight smirk tugged on his lips.
"Without us?" He asked teasingly, Gabby matching his grin.
"Trust me, they would've loved for us to be there. That's part of what she kept telling me on the phone. But I told them we'd try and come see them soon." She spoke, Matt giving her a nod before he began to rub his hands over her back, Gabby shivering involuntarily at the abrupt change of temperature before she quickly adjusted, the woman waiting a second before saying her next words. "I, uh… I know this week, with everything…" She trailed off as she vaguely mentioned the anniversary of his father's passing, Matt pausing his movements for a split second before he continued on. "That comes first, and I know your mom was wanting to see you, so it might need to be next week… But just whenever there's a day you're feeling up for it, I think it'd be nice." She finished, Gabby unable to see the small, sad smile that was pulling on his lips as he continued massaging her back.
"Babe…" He started as he moved up to her shoulders.
"Hmm?"
"I'm okay." He reminded her, Gabby drawing in a deep breath before she pushed herself up to rest on her elbows, momentarily halting his movements as she met his gaze, Matt adjusting his positioning to sit down on the edge of the bed. "We can go and see your parents whenever you want, I'm good. You don't need to worry." He told her, Gabby eyeing him skeptically for a moment.
They hadn't really talked about it again, about everything with his family, not after that first night, and then when Gabby checked in on him that next afternoon. Those were the only times it had really come up, the couple just wanting to enjoy their time together as much as they could. But he knew it had been on her mind, Matt able to read her better than anyone else.
"Alright," She replied, Matt running his tongue along his bottom lip, "but you know telling me not to worry is pointless, right?" She asked with raised eyebrows, Matt smiling softly as his head tilted to the side. "I love you, and I'm always going to worry about you, especially with something like this." She explained to him, even though they both knew she didn't need to. "Just like you always look out for me, this goes both ways."
"I know." He murmured in response, Gabby giving him a quick nod as she watched his eyebrows furrow, Matt clearly focused on a thought in his head before he eventually spoke up once more. "But I'm good. Swear." He assured her, Gabby nodding once more. "Though speaking of worrying about each other… How are you doing?"
It didn't take her long to know what he was asking, the day of Walker's release getting closer and closer as it continued to hang over their heads, Gabby drawing in a steadying breath as Matt kept his eyes on her.
"I know we've been focused on me a lot lately," He continued when she had yet to say anything, Gabby locking her gaze on his, "but I know this can't be easy for you. And we haven't really talked much about it… I just wanna know how you're doing."
"I'm alright." She was quick to answer, Matt giving her a slow nod. "I'm just… Choosing not to focus on it right now. But I'm fine, I promise."
"Okay." He replied without hesitation, Casey knowing better than to press this any further. "But you'll tell me if that changes?" He asked, Gabby smiling softly before she nodded.
"I will… Just like you have to." She told him, earning a knowing look from Matt as she turned the conversation back around onto him.
"I will." He repeated, the two smiling softly at one another before Gabby returned to her previous position lying down on the bed.
"Good… Now let's continue this, shall we?" She asked, the light tone in her voice making him smile before Matt sat back up.
"Yes ma'am." He told her, Gabby biting back a laugh before he began running his hands over her once more, the two falling into a peaceful quiet as Matt gave her a massage, both of them wanting to enjoy their last night here as much as they possibly could.
"There's the happy couple."
Gabby slowly let go of Matt's hand as they walked into the common room for their first shift back at 51, finding most of their friends there already as they prepared for the day ahead, Gabby quickly catching Shay's glance, the proud smirk on her face causing Dawson to shake her head before she returned her attention back to the room.
"We were beginning to think you were never coming back." Herrmann spoke up from his spot on the couch, Matt raising his eyebrows as he secured his shift bag over his shoulder.
"Yeah, well, I won't say we didn't think about it." Matt replied without missing a beat, his words earning a few laughs from their friends. "I think we both wish we were still there… No offense." He added lightly, Herrmann scoffing in response.
While the first responders were happy to be back at work with their friends, there was a part of them that already missed the serenity their trip had provided, neither one of them necessarily ready to get back into the swing of things just yet. But they didn't have much of a choice, and regardless of their desire to still be up in that cabin with just the two of them, both Matt and Gabby knew it was time to get back into their normal rhythm.
"Well, we sure did miss you, too." Herrmann replied sarcastically, Matt laughing as Gabby looked up at him. "We barely got by without ya."
"Oh, don't cry Herrmann, we did miss you guys." Casey continued to joke, the room laughing once more as Dawson focused on the bright smile on her boyfriend's face, the sight of him so carefree filling her with warmth. "We are glad to see you all, don't worry."
Herrmann waved him off, Matt chuckling once more before he looked down towards Gabby when she placed a hand on his arm, the two locking eyes on one another as his smile only grew. "I'm gonna go put my bag up, want me to take yours?" She asked, Matt giving her a slight nod before he slung it down off his shoulder.
"Yeah, thanks babe." He responded, handing the bag over to her before he gave her shoulder a gentle squeeze, Gabby smiling softly before she headed for the hallway, while Matt moved over to the coffee pot.
"So, you two had a nice time, Lieutenant?" Cruz asked, Matt nodding as he got to the counter.
"We did… It was nice to get away for a little bit." He replied, not seeing Shay walk up to him as he prepared his coffee, the man only noticing her presence when he turned to head to the table, Casey jumping slightly in surprise.. "-Jesus Shay." He spoke quickly, his reaction causing some chuckles from around the room before everyone went back to their own thing.
"Hello to you, too." She responded, crossing her arms over her chest as Matt took a sip of his coffee, the man raising his eyebrows when he saw the unreadable expression in her eye.
"...What?" He pressed when she had yet to say anything, Shay cocking her head to the side.
"So, you didn't do it, huh?" She questioned, Matt's eyebrows furrowing in confusion.
"Do what?" He asked back, Shay smirking before she took a step closer to him, the woman dropping her voice to a volume only he could hear as Matt took another sip of his drink.
"Take a break from going at it like bunnies to get down on one knee."
Casey began choking harshly on his coffee, Shay biting back her amused grin as his hacking gained the attention of the entire room, Matt continuing to cough as his drink went down the wrong way.
"You alright over there, Casey?" Severide asked from the table, Matt nodding as Shay began tapping his back, the Lieutenant placing his mug down on the counter before finding the paramedic's gaze once more after he'd regained some of his composure.
Knowing they had the attention of the entire room, Matt shook his head before nudging her towards the door, Shay laughing lightly as she walked towards the side hallway, Casey following closely behind her, missing the confused looks from their coworkers as they left. Once in the hallway, Shay took a few steps to give a little more distance from everyone before turning back to face him, the look of amusement having never left her face as Matt stared at her with a tense gaze.
"So, there won't be a Mrs. Casey for a little while longer… Or a second Mrs. Casey, I guess..." She spoke once more, Matt shaking his head, ignoring her comment about Hallie as he took a deep breath.
"What are you talking about?" He questioned, Shay smirking softly.
"You proposing to Dawson… I figured that's what this trip was for." She replied like it was the most obvious thing in the world, Matt drawing in a deep breath before shaking his head.
"God, you and Severide have got to stop with this," He spoke under his breath, Shay clicking her tongue against the roof of her mouth. "I had no plans to propose to Gabby, this trip was for us to get away from everything, and have some time for us. It was in no way… that." He spoke, the man practically stumbling over his words as Shay watched him closely, Matt's eyebrows furrowing before he met her gaze. "...Why? Has Gabby said something to you?" His voice dropped slightly, Shay biting back a laugh as his curious eyes focused on her.
"Oh, I freaked you out, didn't I?" She asked with a bright gleam in her eye, Matt glaring tightly as he shook his head.
"Shay…"
"Fine. No, she hasn't said anything to me." She gave in, watching as Casey released a relieved breath. "I just figured with how serious you two are, you all living together, and how you made a big deal about making sure you and Gabby went on this little trip… I assumed it was something that was coming." She explained, her own gaze narrowing in on him as she was a bit thrown by his reaction. "...Why? Do you not want that?"
A look of confusion flickered over his face, Matt immediately shaking his head. "No, that's not it."
"Good." Shay cut in quickly, Casey seeing her protective best friend instincts starting to kick in, something he'd seen from Shay a few times since he first got to 51. "Because if you're not serious about this relationship-"
"You know how much she means to me." Matt was the one to cut her off this time. "It has nothing to do with that, I love Gabby more than anything, you know that." He assured her, seeing the small smile that formed over her face.
"I know… I just wanted to hear you say it." She told him, Matt shaking his head slightly as Shay's eyes flashed over his face, the blonde paramedic clearly wanting to say something. "But… What is the reason, then? Cause honestly, I'm kind of surprised you haven't asked her yet. I mean, I know you two haven't been together all that long, but since when have you and Dawson ever done things the conventional way?" She spoke, Casey drawing in a deep breath as he thought over how to best answer her, the man running his hand over his mouth before responding.
"That's just it, Shay… We haven't been together very long." He replied, the woman pausing for a moment before she nodded. "Is it something I've thought about? Down the line, yeah… Of course." Matt didn't miss the soft smile that covered her face as he spoke, Matt continuing before she had the chance to say anything. "But, it's exactly like you said. The months Gabby and I have been together have been great, but we've had so much going on, so much other stuff that we're dealing with… It's just not the right time. I don't want to rush anything, and potentially ruin things between us."
"I don't think a proposal would ruin anything…" Shay said, Matt meeting her eye.
"I'm not saying it would, I just don't want to go too fast." He countered, the paramedic nodding understandingly. "There's no reason too. Especially with our track record when it comes to things like this." He added, noticing the curious look on Shay's face. "My marriage, it went terribly, and Gabby's engagement… I know Walker's a piece of shit, but still- we just haven't had the best luck in the whole marriage department, so I don't want to do anything before we're ready."
Shay nodded as she listened to his explanation, the blonde shooting him an understanding smile before she reached out to pat his shoulder. "I get it… I just wasn't sure where you were at with all this. But as long as you've been thinking about it…"
"Yeah, you don't have to worry about that." He replied with a laugh, Shay smirking softly. "Gabby… She's it for me. I truly believe that." He told her without an ounce of hesitation, Shay seeing the shining look in his eyes as he spoke of her best friend. "And I want nothing more than to spend the rest of my life with her, and for her to be my wife… One day."
"Alright." Shay responded. "I guess I can accept that." She told him, Matt shaking his head lightly. "But, whenever you do pop the big question, I better be involved."
"Considering you're gonna have to help me make sure I don't fuck it up, yeah, you'll know." He told her with a laugh, Shay nodding in agreement before she patted his cheek.
"Good." She said shortly, Matt scoffing lightly as she began to walk away, though she didn't get very far before she stopped herself. "Although one thing I do not want to be involved in is the engagement night… You two can be freaky, and I want no part in that." She added, Matt glaring at her slightly. "And I haven't had the chance to talk to her today, but from what I heard from her while you all were at the lake, it's amazing Dawson's even able to walk." She spoke with a devilish grin, Matt releasing a heavy breath as he raised his eyebrows.
"Why are you so obsessed with our sex life, Shay?" He questioned, the paramedic shrugging as her smile widened.
"Just trying to make sure my girl is getting taken care of." She replied shamelessly. "But I know she is. And hearing the juicy details is about as much involvement as I'd like… So I'll leave the rest of that up to you."
"Yeah, thanks." He responded dryly, the woman chuckling before she continued to walk away. But she was stopped once again when Casey spoke up, the man finally saying what had been sitting on the tip of his tongue since this conversation started. "But, uh, Shay?" He started, Shay turning back around to face him with raised eyebrows. "Don't say anything to Gabby about this… About getting engaged." He requested, the woman pausing for a moment before she nodded. "I doubt this is even on her mind, and I don't think this is something she'd want right now anyway, but just… Don't bring it up."
Shay furrowed her eyebrows in confusion, a few of his words leaving an unsure feeling in her gut as she opened her mouth to disagree with him. But before she could, the bells above them rang out, calling all companies to an apartment fire, Matt breathing deeply before he shot her a thankful smile, the firefighter walking past her out towards the garage before she could get another word in.
Gabby glanced down the bar, her eyes soon finding her boyfriend as she checked in on him for what had to have been the tenth time this evening, the woman needing the assurance he was still doing alright while she worked. She'd told him over and over again he didn't need to come with her tonight, as well as offering to get Herrmann to cover for her, but he'd turned her down each time, Matt promising her he wanted her to come work, and that he wanted to come with her. So here they were, over two hours into her shift, Gabby having spent as much time with Matt as she could while also doing her job.
She didn't know what to expect from him right now; with the anniversary of his father's death tomorrow, she had no idea how he'd be handling that, especially after his admission during their little trip that this time of year was hard for him. But as far as she could tell, he'd been doing alright. He hadn't seemed to be acting any different, though that wouldn't keep her from continuing to check on him. Because while she'd seen him at some low points in his life, this thing with his family was something entirely different, and she refused to let him go through it alone. Even if he was alright.
"You should just go over there and mount him if you're gonna keep staring at him like that."
Shay's voice hit her ears, the brunette scoffing heavily before she turned to find her friend standing beside her, Gabby tilting her head to the side as Shay grinned from ear to ear.
"You never stop, do you?"
"No, because it's so easy to tease you two… Casey especially, he gets so embarrassed, it's kind of cute." She responded, Gabby raising her eyebrows. "Though really, why do you keep staring at him? There's no possible way you could be missing him, after you spent the better part of a week with his dick inside your v-"
"Shay." She warned, Gabby trying to ignore the stares of a few of the patrons seated at the bar that clearly heard what Shay had said, the blonde turning to look at them and shooting them a warm smile before she returned her attention to her partner.
"You're no fun." Shay complained, Gabby shaking her head before she reached for a new glass and began to fill it up. "But seriously… What's going on with you two?"
"Nothing." Gabby replied vaguely as she finished filling the glass, knowing she couldn't exactly talk about this with her friend. "I'm just gonna go give this to him." She added, Shay watching her with an unimpressed look before she nodded, Gabby placing her rag down on the counter before she walked down the bar towards her boyfriend.
He looked up when he saw her approaching, Gabby holding out the new drink with a soft smile before she placed it in front of him. "Figured you could use a new one."
"Thanks baby." He responded with a gentle grin, Gabby grabbing his near empty glass from him and placing it behind the bar.
"Did you ever hear from Severide?" She asked as she leaned forward, resting her palms on the side of the bar as Matt watched her, the man nodding.
"Yeah, he's not coming out tonight." He responded, Gabby nodding as she spared a quick glance down to her friend before looking back at him.
"Do you wanna come sit down there with me and Shay?" She offered, her eyes shining at him. "Shay will probably embarrass us, but at least you'll have some company."
"Sure, yeah." He accepted, Gabby's smile nodding before she nodded, Matt pushing himself up off his stool. But just as they were about to walk back towards their friend, his phone began buzzing in his pocket, the noise stopping them both as Casey put his drink down and reached for his cell phone.
"Is it Severide?" She questioned, Matt's eyebrows furrowing before his tongue poked out between his teeth, running along his bottom lip.
"No… It's my mom." He answered, Gabby drawing in a deep breath as she nodded.
She knew she probably should've been expecting this phone call, with Nancy having wanted to see Matt tomorrow. But when they hadn't heard from her again after her initial call, Matt assumed she'd changed her mind. Or fallen back into her old ways, and wasn't really thinking of him at all. But clearly, that wasn't the case.
"I'm gonna go take this." He told her, nodding towards the door as Gabby gave him an understanding nod, Matt answering the call as he began to head in that direction. "Hello?"
"Hi Matthew."
"Hi Mom- Uh, hold on a sec." He spoke as he tried to escape the buzzing bar, Matt pushing the door open and immediately was met by the quiet night just outside Molly's, the man going down the steps towards the sidewalk.
"Everything alright?"
"Yeah, yeah- I'm out with Gabby, and it's pretty loud in there."
"Oh, I'm sorry, I can let you go."
"No, it's fine… Um, how are you doing?" He asked, hearing her take a deep breath before she responded.
"I'm alright. How are you? How'd your weekend with Gabby go?"
"It was good, great… We had a lot of fun. And I'm okay, too. Gabby and I both are."
"That's great, honey. I'm glad to hear that… So, I, um… I'm sure you know why I'm calling. With tomorrow."
"Yeah…" He responded after releasing a soft sigh.
"Have you, uh- Have you heard from your sister?"
"No." He spoke. "Her and I don't really talk." He reminded her, his mom pausing for a moment before she continued.
"Yeah, I called her, but I never heard back... But I was thinking about it, about what to do tomorrow, and I- I was wondering if you'd be able to meet me at the cemetery?" She requested, Matt's eyebrows furrowing. "I know we don't… We haven't really been there. Or I haven't, but I'd like to go. And I want you to come with me."
There was a heavy silence that filled the air around him, Matt pursing his lips together as he thought over her words, the man a bit surprised by what she'd asked of him. And he could tell she sensed that.
"If you don't want to, or can't, I understand… I just wanted to ask."
"No, uh… I'll go." He answered before he could talk himself out of it.
"Yeah?"
"Yeah, I will… What time?" He questioned as he brought his hand up to run along the back of his neck, his head hanging down towards the ground.
"Eleven? We could go have lunch after, if you're up for it."
"That's fine, Mom." He responded, Matt looking up when he heard the door open, Casey seeing Gabby come into view, his girlfriend seeing him instantly as she began to walk towards him.
"Alright… We'll, I'll see you then, sweetheart."
"Yeah, I'll see you… Bye mom." He told her just as Gabby got to him, Matt waiting for his mother's response before he hung up, the man looking up as he slid his phone back into his pocket. Before either said a word, he was immediately met by the compassionate look in Gabby's eyes, the woman reaching out to grab his arm as she stood in front of him.
"How is she?" She questioned, Matt breathing deeply.
"She sounded okay, considering." He told her, Gabby giving him a nod. "But she, uh… She wants me to go to the cemetery tomorrow… To see my dad." Matt spoke, Gabby's eyebrows raising slightly in shock she recovered.
"Really?"
"Yeah." He breathed out, Gabby giving his arm a squeeze as he met her gaze.
"Are you going?" She questioned, earning a nod from her boyfriend.
"I am… I don't know if it's a good idea, but- I told her I'd be there." He replied, Gabby giving him a sympathetic smile, a look she couldn't read flashing in his eyes before he spoke up once more. "Would you… Will you come with me?"
Her face softened as the words left his lips, Gabby rubbing her hand along his arm before sliding her palm to his chest. "Of course I will." She told him, Matt releasing a soft breath before he nodded. "If you want me there, I'm there… As long as you think it'll be okay." She added, his eyebrows raising slightly. "I don't want to intrude on this, with you and your mom."
"You won't be." He all but cut her off, Gabby biting down on the inside of her cheek before she nodded, sensing just how much he needed her to come with him tomorrow. "I want you to be there."
"Then I'm there." She promised, Matt swallowing thickly before he gave her a nod of his own, the man pausing momentarily before he leaned forward and wrapped her up in a hug, Gabby reciprocating the action as she held onto him tightly.
They stood there for a few moments, Gabby rubbing her hand along the back of his neck as Matt breathed her in, the woman letting him decide when he was ready to pull back, which he eventually did. With her hand on his cheek, Gabby's eyes traced over him, the woman seeing a look of exhaustion that hadn't been there before, Matt breathing deeply before he spoke up.
"I think I'm gonna head home." He told her, Gabby nodding with an understanding look before she glanced back towards the bar. "I just… I'm kinda tired."
"Okay… I'll go tell Shay we're leaving." She replied, Matt immediately shaking his head.
"You don't have to, I don't want you to leave because-"
"I want to. Otis is here, Shay will be fine. Just give me a minute." She told him, giving him no more room to argue, Matt nodding before she ran her hand over his cheek, Gabby offering him a warm smile before she headed inside. Drawing in a deep breath, Matt kicked his foot against the pavement, the man waiting patiently for Gabby to come back as he leaned against the side of the bar, Casey more than ready to just get home with his girl and get some sleep.
Casey put his truck in park before they looked around at their surroundings, Gabby drawing in a deep breath as she took in all the headstones around them, the woman wincing slightly. She's always hated cemeteries, she had ever since she was a kid, but she kept that to herself as she undid her seatbelt, knowing nothing about today was about her. This was about Matt, and making sure he was okay.
"You ready?" Gabby asked softly as she looked up to him, Matt giving her a soft nod before unbuckling and getting out of the truck, Dawson following his lead. She waited by her door as he walked around to her, Gabby grabbing for his hand as soon as he was within reach, the woman using her free hand to hold onto his arm before they began walking.
Dawson wasn't sure exactly where they were going, so she let Matt take the lead as she looked around, Gabby feeling his grip on her hand tighten every so often, the woman just trying to give him as much silence reassurance as possible. And soon, Nancy came into view, Gabby and Matt seeing her before she noticed them, the woman standing off on the path by herself.
"Hi Mom." Matt spoke up when they got close enough, Nancy turning towards the voice the second she heard it with a soft smile on her face. A smile that faltered when she saw he wasn't alone, despite the fact she quickly tried to mask it, though Gabby couldn't say she was surprised by the reaction.
Her and Nancy hadn't seen each other in awhile, not since that day at the firehouse all those weeks ago where they got into it, and Gabby could only assume she hadn't expected her to show up with her son today. But despite how awkward things were between them, Gabby pushed all that aside, not wanting to do anything to make things harder for Matt.
"Hi Nancy." Gabby greeted, the woman offering her a weak smile.
"Gabby, hi… I wasn't expecting to see you today." She spoke, Gabby glancing towards Matt, who spoke up before she could.
"I asked her to come." He replied simply, Nancy nodding in understanding before she turned her complete attention to her son.
"Well, I'm glad to see you… Both of you." She spoke before giving her son a hug, Matt stepping away from Gabby long enough to hug her back.
"You too, Mom." He replied, Nancy rubbing his back before they separated, Matt drawing in a deep breath before his gaze moved off to the side.
"Are you, uh… Are you ready?" Nancy asked him, Matt running his tongue along the inside of his cheek before he nodded.
"Yeah… But can I- Can I have a second alone first?" He questioned, Nancy's eyebrows furrowing before she immediately nodded, Gabby mimicking her action.
"Of course." The older Casey spoke.
"Yeah, baby, whatever you need." Gabby murmured, rubbing his back comfortingly before he nodded, the man giving them both a small smile before he walked off into the grass. She kept her eyes on him as he maneuvered his way around, until he came to a stop at what she assumed to be his father's headstone maybe ten yards away from them, Gabby having to force herself to look away from him as she didn't want to feel like she was intruding, Dawson crossing her arms over her chest as she kept her eyes to the ground.
There was an uncomfortable silence around them, Gabby unsure of what to say, if she should even say anything. Not only had they not really resolved things between them, aside from Matt telling her his mother had apologized, but with everything going on today, Gabby didn't want to make things harder on her. So she opted to stay quiet, though it soon became clear Nancy wasn't going to take the same approach.
"Thank you for coming with him."
Gabby looked up when she heard her voice, meeting Nancy's eyes as they stood on the pavement.
"This entire thing, today… It's not easy. I appreciate you being there for him."
"Of course." Gabby replied without hesitation, the older woman nodding before she spared a quick glance to her son, Dawson seeing her shake her head before she continued.
"...I'm guessing you know now." She said, Dawson furrowing her eyebrows slightly as she waited for the woman to elaborate. "About what happened to his father." She spoke, realization covering Gabby's face before she nodded, Nancy drawing in a deep breath.
"He told me." Gabby murmured, Nancy pursing her lips together as she paused for a moment more, Dawson waiting to let her take the lead.
"I… I can't imagine what you must think of me." She eventually said, a look of confusion covering Gabby's face, Nancy sparing a glance back towards her. "But his father… I'm not sure how much you know. I'm guessing Matt told you everything. But what I did, I-" She cut herself off, Dawson's face softening as she took a deep breath.
"You were hurting." Gabby spoke up, her words taking Nancy by surprise as the woman raised her eyebrows. "I think you were hurting, and you just wanted it to stop." She continued softly, Gabby sparing a look towards her boyfriend before speaking once more. "And I think you were worried, that one day he'd start hurting Matt, and Christie." She finished, Gabby tearing her eyes away from her boyfriend to find Nancy watching her closely, the older woman taking a few steadying breaths.
"I… Thank you, Gabby." She said quietly, Gabby shaking her head.
"You don't have to thank me for anything. What you were going through… I know what that does to a person." She breathed out, Nancy's eyebrows furrowing as she heard the tone in Gabby's voice, the older Casey not sure what to make of it. "I'm just sorry that happened to you. But you don't have to explain yourself to me."
Nothing else needed to be said between them, at least not now, as Nancy nodded while Gabby's words hung in the air, though the two women felt a little better around each other now that they'd had a moment to talk. But as silence fell over them, Gabby wasn't able to focus much on Nancy anymore, her attention moving back towards her boyfriend as she watched him shifting on his feet while he continued to talk to his dad. And while she had no idea what he was saying, she didn't need to know, Gabby just hoping that whatever conversation was being had, it would help Matt begin to let go of some of the heavy emotions he'd been holding onto for most of his life.