Hello there everyone! I'm back here with the next chapter for you all. We've got some cute Dawsey moments in this one, as well as circling back to some of the things that happened in the last chapter, so I hope you enjoy it!
There is an M Rated scene in this update, just so you all know!
But that's pretty much all I've got. Happy reading everyone, and I'll see you next time.
ONE HUNDRED AND SEVEN
"You sure you don't need any help, Camila?" Casey asked as she all but pushed him and Ramon towards the living room. "I don't mind helping you clean up." He offered, but he was met by nothing but Camila shaking her head while she continued to gently guide him towards the couch.
"No, no, I've got it dear. You are our guests, so you just sit and I'll be back out in a few minutes." She told him, Matt drawing in a deep breath before he nodded.
"Alright, well thank you. Dinner was amazing." He complimented, earning a genuine smile from his fiancée's mother.
"Thank you, sweetheart. Now you sit." She lightly ordered once more, Casey chuckling softly before he placed himself down onto the couch, Ramon sitting down in the chair beside him as they put their half empty beers down onto the coffee table.
"You know, I don't think she's ever taken you up on your offer to help." Ramon spoke up with a laugh, Casey letting out a soft chuckle as well while the two men relaxed into the furniture.
"She hasn't, but I keep trying." He responded, Ramon nodding his head in a bit of amusement while he crossed his leg over his knee.
"Good man." He spoke softly, those few words causing the smile on Casey's to widen. "Although I can imagine Gabriela is a little different from her mother in that way…" Ramon added on, Matt unable to stop his laugh before he shook his head.
"She definitely is." The firefighter told him, both men sharing another knowing smile before reaching for their drinks.
Back in the dining room, Camila gathered up as many plates as she could before she began to make her way back towards the kitchen, the older woman juggling the dishes expertly as she came around the corner to find her daughter standing at the sink, already beginning to clean off a few plates.
"Gabriela, I told you you didn't need to do this." She chastised gently while walking towards her, Gabby turning around just in time to take some of the plates from her mother before she continued on with her cleaning. "You go back out there with Matthew and your father, I can clean up later."
"It's fine Mama, I don't mind helping." She replied with a gentle smile, Camila matching her look before she ultimately nodded.
"Well, alright." She gave in, seeing the pleased look from her daughter before they began to work in tandem to get the dishes done, Gabby taking on the task of cleaning them off before Camila would dry them.
"You know, this reminds me of when you were little." The mother mused after a few quiet moments, Gabby glancing her way before handing her another plate. "You always used to jump at the chance to help me in the kitchen, even before you could reach anything… It was precious."
The younger Dawson laughed softly, Camila placing the clean plate down on the rack before reaching for another one. "Well, I'm not sure how cute it is anymore, but I remember loving being in here with you." She replied, as her mother nodded knowingly.
"You did… You were the sweetest little girl, always wanting to help and learn how to do things. With me and your father both." She continued on thoughtfully. "And you're still the way, I think… Even if you're not so little anymore." She added on with a laugh, Gabby smiling softly as she met her gaze once more.
"Yeah, I guess not." She agreed with a nod, Camila reaching her hand out to rub over her daughter's back gently before continuing on with her task.
"Though if you ask your father, you'll always be his little girl." She continued, Gabby laughing quietly before she nodded. "You're all grown up, and about to get married, but you'll still always be his little girl to him." She told her, her words causing the grin on Dawson's face to widen a bit as she couldn't help but think about how much she loved her father, and the close relationship they shared.
"You're probably right about that." She replied lightly, Camila chuckling softly at her side. "But that's just Papa."
"Yeah, that's your dad." She echoed, the two sharing another look before they continued on with their task, the women able to get all the dishes cleaned up within a few minutes before they were ready to go back out there and join the men.
"Since you're here, do you mind helping me get dessert out?" Camila asked just before they were about to leave the kitchen, Gabby nodding immediately while she moved back towards the counter.
"Of course Mama." She spoke, Gabby reaching out to grab four dessert plates out of the cabinet while Camila worked on cutting the coffee cake she'd made.
"So…" The older woman started after putting the first slice of dessert on a plate, Dawson glancing up at her with curious eyes while she waited to hear what she had to say. "I was trying not to overwhelm dinner with wedding talk, because I know that's really the only thing we've been discussing lately," She said, Gabby biting back a smile as she knew it wouldn't take too much longer for her mother to mention something about their upcoming wedding.
She'd been waiting for it all dinner, as these last few months they'd hardly gone one conversation without their special day being brought up. Not until tonight, which Gabby had found odd as their dinner mostly consisted of talk about work and other things going on in their lives. But now as she stood here with her mom, she was realizing that had all been on purpose, as Camila clearly made an effort to not let their wedding monopolize the conversation the entire night.
"You could've talked about it, Mama… There's always something to talk about." She reminded her with a soft laugh, Camila waving her off before plating another piece of dessert.
"I know, I know… But I've been trying to do better about taking my own advice, and not letting you get overwhelmed by all of this wedding stuff. To just let you have time to enjoy what's left of your engagement." She told her, Gabby nodding understandingly. "But there is something I wanted to ask you."
"What is it?" She asked her, Camila pursing her lips together before placing the knife down onto the table.
"I was speaking with Nancy a few days ago, about some things for the wedding." She began, Gabby nodding softly as she knew of how frequently her mom and Matt's mom were in contact. "And I know we told you all we would deal with everything concerning the catering, with all the food and drinks, so we've been working on that." She continued, Dawson still unsure of exactly where this conversation was headed. "But before we put any last numbers down, I just wanted to check with you one last time and make sure the guest list you gave us was the final one."
A knowing look soon covered Gabby's face before she slowly nodded, knowing that the guest list they'd given Camila and Nancy was the same as it had been when they sent invitations out.
"As far as I know, it is. Yeah." Dawson answered her, her eyebrows furrowing when she noticed the almost pensive look on her mother's face, before Camila glanced towards her. "What?"
"It's nothing sweetheart, I just…" She trailed off, her eyes flashing back towards the doorway before her gaze returned to her daughter. "I was only checking, because when looking over the list I couldn't help but notice that the only person coming from Matt's family was his mother."
As soon as those words left Gabby's lips, her face faltered slightly, that familiar sinking feeling resettling in her gut as she was beginning to understand more and more of why her mom was bringing this up right now.
"And I didn't want to bring it up in front of Matthew, because I know everything with his family is a hard subject for him… That's another reason why I didn't want to talk about the wedding at dinner. But I did want to ask you about it, because I assume you'd know if there was anyone else he might want to invite." She continued on, Gabby having to swallow the thick lump forming in her throat.
"So is there anyone else you can think of? Any extended family he might want to be there?" Camila pushed on, keeping her voice hushed just in case Matt decided to come looking for them. "I know his father passed away, but are there any aunts or uncles? A cousin maybe… Or his sister, would he like to invite her?" She asked cautiously, seeing the uncertain look that almost immediately flashed in her daughter's eyes. And it was then Camila figured it best to take a step back, as she knew enough to understand that things with Matt's family were rocky, at best. And the last thing she wanted to do was overstep.
"...If there's no one else, that's fine." The older woman spoke up once more when her daughter had yet to answer her. "I just wanted to check and see, because I know you have a lot of our family coming and I- I don't want Matthew to feel… I don't know, left out or something." She spoke with a slight wince. "I'm sure those aren't the right words, I don't mean it that way, I just…"
"I get it, Mama." Gabby replied quietly, Camila's face softening before she nodded. "I understand what you mean, but uh… The list should be okay. Matt and I sat down and made it together. He knows it's just him mom, and I don't think there's anyone else to invite." She told her, seeing the sad smile that formed across Camila's lips as there was a sudden heavy feeling in the air around them.
Gabby knew her mom was concerned about Matt, and worried that it might affect him, having hardly anyone from his family at their wedding. It was something she understood completely, as she held the same feelings. But the problem was there just wasn't anything to be done about it. Not more than Gabby had already tried, as the one person that Matt would want there seemingly didn't want to come.
Or that's what her complete radio silence over the last couple weeks told Gabby anyway, as in the almost two weeks that had passed since she went to visit Christie she hadn't heard a word from her. The older Casey sibling hadn't reached out to her, or to Matt. And as the days went on, it was becoming more and more obvious as to why, as the woman's silence gave Gabby all the answers she needed. That Christie didn't want to come see her little brother get married. She couldn't put their differences and past aside for one day, to support her brother.
They would be having their wedding in a little less than two months, and Christie wouldn't be there.
And that was the entire reason Gabby never said anything.
No matter how much she hated keeping this from Matt, and how much it pained her to feel like she was lying to him, this right here is exactly why she knew she made the right decision in not telling him. Because regardless of the hurt she felt from keeping this from him, the pain that would come from knowing Christie was actively choosing not to come to their wedding was worse. For Matt, it was worse. And she refused to put him through that, knowing it would do nothing but crush him.
"Gabriela?" Her mother's voice registered in her ears, Gabby's brain snapping back into focus before she began to shake her head.
"Sorry, sorry I was just thinking." She replied, Camila nodding before placing an understanding hand on Gabby's shoulder. "But yeah, he um-" She stopped herself, Dawson clearing her throat before slowly shaking her head. "He doesn't have anyone else."
She had to fight off a grimace as the words left her lips, Camila watching her daughter with an almost pitiful look in her eyes. Like she felt bad for the man she loved like a son, the older Dawson drawing in a deep breath before she nodded.
"Alright, that's fine dear. I just wanted to check one last time before we finalized things." Camila told her sadly, Gabby forcing a smile as being reminded of how isolated and alone Matt was before they met was still hard for her to stomach. "I'm just glad Nancy will be there."
"Me too." Gabby replied, while Camila reached up to rub her back.
"And he also has us." She added on, Gabby lifting her head to meet her mother's gentle gaze. "We're his family, too. And we'll be there for him." She assured her, those words helping to alleviate some of the heaviness in her gut before she smiled softly.
"Yeah… We're his family, too." She agreed, the women sharing one last sad smile before they got the last of the dessert ready to take out there, Gabby doing what she could to push aside any lingering feelings about this conversation as all she wanted was to go out there and enjoy the rest of this evening with her parents and her fiancé.
"God, I'm so tired." Gabby huffed out as they walked into their apartment, Matt wearing a soft smile as he walked in behind him, the man making sure to close and lock the door behind them before following her inside. "I had no idea we were gonna be there that long."
Dawson wasn't entirely sure what time it was, she just knew it was late. Pushing midnight as she and Matt had stayed much later at her parent's house than originally planned. Though she was glad they had, as even after that somewhat depressing conversation she'd had with her mom after dinner, they'd gone on to have a wonderful night together.
"Me neither, but I think everyone had fun." He replied, echoing the words in her head as Gabby nodded in agreement before placing her purse down on the entryway table, the woman then beginning the process of slipping her shoes off
"Yeah you're right, everyone did have a good time… I'm glad we do those dinners." Gabby told him, Matt nodding back at her as she gave him a soft smile, before continuing further into their home.
Though she only made it a few steps before she began to peel her shirt from her body, Casey's head cocking to side in amusement as he walked a few steps behind her, the man having to dodge out of the way as to not get hit by her clothes and she began to toss them to the floor.
"Uh, babe?" He asked while she slowed down a bit to unbutton her pants, Matt's eyes roaming over the sight of his nearly naked fiancée while she got her pants off, before heading towards the hallway. "...What are you doing?"
"I'm going to take a shower." She replied like it was the most obvious thing in the world, Casey stifling a laugh as he maneuvered around her discarded clothes.
"And you needed to take your clothes off in the living room for that?" Matt questioned lightly from behind her, seeing her shrug before she reached back to unclip her bra, his mouth starting to dry out a bit as he saw her toss the material to the ground.
"If I wait until I'm in the bedroom, I'd just end up laying down… And then odds are I'll never actually make it to the shower." She reasoned just as she disappeared into their bedroom, Casey pausing for a few moments as he took a steadying breath while listening to her move around their room.
"Is it alright if I join you?" He called after her, Matt taking another breath before taking the step around the corner into their bedroom, his eyes darting around quickly until he found her over by the dresser. In the short time she'd been in here, she'd already managed to slip out of what little was left of her clothes, his position from the doorway giving him a much better view of her as she pulled out some pajamas.
Before she answered she glanced up at him, Gabby having to bite back a smile as she took notice of his clear appreciation for her, her body flooding with warmth knowing that even after all this time, he still looked at her like she was the most beautiful person in the world.
"You know I'd never say no to that." She told him, his grin widening as he finally met her gaze. "Though I wasn't lying about being tired." She added on pointedly, a knowing look crossing his face before he nodded, Matt taking a few more steps inside the door.
"Understood… Just a shower." He spoke, Gabby giving him a soft smile before he lifted his shirt up over his head, Matt gradually getting himself into the same state of dress as his girl.
Over the next ten minutes or so, the two quietly went through the routine before bed, Matt giving Gabby some time in the shower by herself to do whatever she needed before he joined her a little later, both of them just enjoying the time with one another while they decompressed from their long day. But the longer they were in the shower together, it wasn't lost on Matt how he kept feeling her eyes on him. Sometimes it was just for a few seconds, other times longer, but Gabby was definitely taking advantage of this opportunity she had to watch him. Though he'd never complain about that as he continued to wash his hair, Matt feeling her stares once more before he felt her hand come out to rest over his side.
After clearing the water from his eyes, Casey glanced her way, finding a look he recognized well staring back at him as his girl stood in front of him, both of them on full display for the other while she continued to rub her hand along his hip. Her fingers were moving lightly over some of the scarred skin that remained there, her eyes boring into his as a gentle, yet wanting smile appeared over her lips.
Wanting for him.
"Everything alright?" He asked her softly, matching her grin as she took a small step towards him, Matt practically able to feel her skin against his in the smaller space.
"Everything's great." She replied, moving her other hand up towards him before pulling him closer, their hips abruptly pushing together as Matt had to hold off on the groan trying to escape the back of his throat.
"I thought you were just wanting to shower and go to bed… Couldn't resist me, could you?" He questioned her yet again, her head falling to the side as she could already feel his evident desire for her pressing into her thigh, while his hands snaked around her back to push her chest into his.
"Oh, shut up." She muttered just seconds before she kissed him, her actions effectively stopping the chuckle he was about to let out as there was a need in her movements he hadn't expected. But he didn't mind it one bit as he tightened his hold on her body, Matt desperate to keep her near him as he gently and carefully guided her back until she was pressed up against the glass shower wall.
For however tired she may have been before coming into this shower, if the force of her lips on his told him anything it's that she wasn't necessarily feeling that exhaustion anymore, Matt letting her take the lead on how intense she wanted this as he still wasn't sure how far things would be going tonight. But he would enjoy every second of it while he could, Casey sliding one hand across her wet skin to rest over her chest before squeezing her body tightly, her flesh filling the palm of his hand perfectly while he continued to tease her.
He could feel her hands sliding up and down along his back, her harsh movements against his lips telling him just how badly she wanted this. But after their conversation moments prior, he still needed one last bit of confirmation from her before they went any further.
"Baby…" He breathed out when they pulled back, Gabby wasting no time in moving her kisses down towards his neck as he heard her hum softly. "Are you sure?" He asked her, those simple words causing her to smile before she lifted her head up to where he could see her, the two sharing a deep, understanding look as she nodded.
"I'm sure." She responded, her words being all he needed to hear before he hungrily attacked her lips once more, the air around them getting hotter by the second as they were desperate for one another.
His hands felt rough on her smooth skin, his heavy touch igniting something deep within her as her warm body was pressed into the cold glass, Gabby's head full of nothing but Matt as she hardly had the chance to breathe. But in this moment, she couldn't care less about that as his calloused thumb ran back and forth over her nipple, his other hand sliding down her hips towards her center while water ran over them.
Nudging her legs apart with his knee, Gabby complied without question before she felt his hand move closer towards her center, the woman nearly begging for his touch as he slowly ran one lone finger over her. A low moan left the back of her throat, but it wasn't nearly enough as she practically bucked up against him, the abrupt movement causing him to laugh softly while giving her chest another squeeze.
"Please, baby." She whimpered once they pulled apart, the two of them hastily sucking in air while he continued moving his finger steadily over her sensitive skin. "Please."
Though the sight of her so desperate for him was something he always enjoyed, he wasn't going to make her wait much longer this time as within a second he slid that single finger into her body. He felt her breathe sharply, like she almost hadn't been expecting it despite her pleas as he pushed in as far as he could, before slowly pulling back out. He repeated that movement a few times, while his lips were on hers once more, Matt able to feel exactly how ready and wanting she was before he added in another finger.
Another moan left her lips, this one deeper as he started moving at a gradual pace, Gabby's body reacting to him in all the right ways while she was fighting to keep kissing him. But when his ring finger joined the other two, and his hand began to move at a near blinding pace it was impossible for her to keep up, Gabby's head smacking back against the glass as she let out what he could only describe as a shriek. But she didn't even care about the dull ache forming in the back of her head while he continued his methods, Matt not slowing his movements as he angled his head down to attach his mouth to her neck, his lips yearning to be on any part of her that he could while he felt her reacting to him.
And just for a second, he found himself wishing they weren't confined to this shower, as it made it hard for him to appreciate her in all the ways he truly wanted. But Gabby didn't seem to mind one bit, especially not once his thumb began to rub against that overly sensitive spot outside her body, another yelp leaving her lips as he overwhelmed her senses.
Though he was just getting started, he could tell she was close, Matt able to read her body well enough to know the signs and when she was about to reach that high she craved. And he wasn't going to deny her that, Casey keeping his fast movements steady as he knew all he needed to do know was exactly what he had been, his lips marking her skin while her breathing got heavier and heavier before she tumbled over that edge.
Her release hit her quickly, Matt able to tell that it almost surprised her as he continued his movements, feeling her let go around him as heavy pants and cries continued to fall from her lips. Her hands were clinging to him while she caught her breath, Casey gradually slowing his hand as he stayed put, her tight grip telling him that she needed to feel him close to her while he placed gentle, open-mouthed kisses along the top of her chest and her neck.
"You okay?" He whispered against her, Matt asking the same question he'd seemed to ask her a few times tonight. But she knew he was doing it for her sake as he wouldn't go any further before getting an answer, Gabby having to suck in a few more breaths while her legs continued to tremble slightly.
"Yeah." She breathed out, Casey lifting his head up to find a lazy and content smile on her face, one that made it clear she'd enjoyed their shower together as he slowly pulled his hand away from her, before sliding his palm up over her side. "I'm perfect."
"Good." He spoke, his voice no louder than the water around them before he leaned in to steal a quick kiss. One that she did her best to reciprocate despite the weakness she was feeling in her limbs, Gabby unsure of how much longer she'd be able to keep herself up on her own.
Though, as she soon found out, she wasn't going to have to for much longer, as after a few more long, loving kisses from her fiancé he was sliding his hands down to the backs of her thighs, Matt lifting her legs up without warning as Gabby instinctively locked them around his waist. Her back pressing into the glass helped keep them sturdy, Matt holding onto her while his feet were planted securely on the ground, the two of them knowing exactly what to do as they'd been in this position more times than they could count.
With one hand firmly underneath her thigh, Matt reached in between them to line himself up towards her entrance, the air around them thick with steam and desperation as their eyes locked once more, Gabby giving him a slow nod before he could even say anything. And that was all he needed before he slowly slid into her, soft whimpers coming from her as their hips came to rest against one another, Matt giving her a moment before he began to move at a slow, steady pace.
But from their previous time together, that rhythm wouldn't stay for long as Gabby was more than ready for all he had to offer her. And by the way her nails were digging into his skin, he knew she wanted more from him. That she needed more, Matt using his hold on her hips to move faster with each second.
"God, babe-" She choked out as her head snapped back once more, the sight of her in front of him nearly enough to make him lose control right then. But he held back, Casey not wanting any of this to end prematurely as he tightened his hold on her waist. "...Faster." She pleaded, missing the devilish smirk that appeared over his lips as he slammed into her once more. "Please, faster baby- Faster."
Never one to disappoint, he gave in to her requests, Matt picking up to an intense speed that had them both fighting to hold on, Gabby's body moving up and down against the cold wall while his mouth moved to her chest once more. Every second between them was intense, and full of passion and desire, there not one single coherent thought coursing through Gabby's mind as all she could focus on was Matt, and the way he made her feel.
And that was all she wanted to focus on, the two never slowing down or stopping their movements as they stood together in their shower, Gabby and Matt determined to get as much out of this evening as they possibly could.
Which was exactly what they did.
It was dark in their bedroom while Gabby laid in the middle of their king-sized bed with Matt's t-shirt covering her body, the only light coming from the small lamp on the nightstand behind her as her body faced the wall, her chest rising and falling easily with each breath while she listened to the sound of Matt moving around out in their living room. He was going through his usual routine before bed, checking to make sure everything was locked up and shut, that all the curtains were drawn and the lights were off, before he'd finally make his way back to be with a glass of water for the both of them.
And based on the bare footsteps against their wood floors that she heard getting closer, she figured he was coming back to bed, Gabby hearing him flip the switch to turn off the hall light before he stepped into their bedroom. Even though she couldn't see him, she figured him to be going through the last few things he always did before laying down, Matt likely making sure his phone was charging while also placing the glass of water in a spot that was easily accessible, before he pulled back his side of the covers.
He was being quiet while he moved, like he couldn't tell if she was still awake or not, Gabby sure he was doing that for her benefit as despite their fun together in the shower earlier, none of her previous exhaustion had gone away. And he knew that as he carefully laid down behind her, Matt facing her before slowly inching towards her until he was pressed against her back. His presence was instantly comforting, Gabby instinctively relaxing back into him as he wrapped his arm around her waist, pulling her back towards him the rest of the way before placing a gentle kiss to her shoulder.
"I didn't know you were still up." He murmured, his lips tickling her skin as her eyes fell closed, Gabby resting her hand over top of his while cuddling deeper into their bed.
"Yeah." She answered just as quietly, feeling him kiss her skin once more while his thumb stroked lightly over her stomach.
"I figured after our shower, you'd be asleep by now. You should get some sleep, baby." Casey prompted, watching her nod against the pillow as her grip on his hand tightened.
"I will." She replied, her voice a bit far away as Matt lightly squeezed her body gently.
"...You okay?" He questioned once he noticed her strange tone, a soft smile forming over her face before she nodded.
"I'm okay." Gabby repeated his words, while focusing on the feeling of his hand moving over her stomach. "Just thinking."
"What about?" He pushed, the peaceful feeling in the air around them never wavering as Gabby drew in a deep breath.
"You, mostly." She told him, Gabby practically able to see the beaming smile that had formed over his face even though he was behind her. "And us. Our wedding.. All of it." She rambled on, hearing a soft chuckle come from the back of his throat as he nodded.
"All good thoughts, I hope." He teased, Gabby matching his laugh.
"They are." Dawson replied softly, while she relished in the feeling of his bare chest pressed into her back. "The best thoughts." She assured him, Matt placing another light kiss to her shoulder.
"Good."
The small smile never left her face as she listened to him speak, before he kissed her once more, Gabby able to feel his breath against her skin. It was warm, and comforting, Gabby feeling as content as she ever had before she carefully began to turn around. She had to move slowly, Matt loosening his grip as soon as he realized what she was doing, the two separating enough for her to shift to face him.
Neither one of them said anything for a moment, Matt more focused on making sure she was comfortable as he adjusted the covers over them before resting his hand over her side, their eyes locking as a soft grin appeared over his lips. But Gabby's face was a little more hard to read, as she was just watching him, the deep and loving look in her gaze hard to miss while she looked over him.
He didn't get a chance to question her though, as before he could even say a word her lips were on his. The movement caught him off guard, but the slow and sweet kiss was one he soon reciprocated, Matt lifting his hand up to cradle the side of her face for a few moments before they ultimately pulled back.
And once they did, he saw that same look still in her eyes. The one that seemed completely at peace, and full of love. One that made him fall even more in love with her, despite not knowing what was going on in her head.
"...You really love me, don't you?"
His eyebrows furrowed almost instantly when the words left her lips, his surprise evident as Gabby continued to watch him. Though even with his uncertainty, that look in her eyes never went away.
"Of course I do." He responded once he found his voice, seeing a gentle smile soon start to reappear over her lips while his thumb lightly stroked her cheek. "More than anything else."
Her smile grew a bit, but there was something behind it that Matt was finally picking up on, the darkness around them trying to hide it from him for a bit. But after he said those words, he knew for sure that this was something she needed to hear. He just wasn't sure why.
Though he supposed the why didn't so much matter, at least not right this second, as his immense love for her was an assurance he would always give her.
"And I will always love you, with everything I have." He continued on while cupping her face, Gabby relaxing into him before she gave him a slow nod. "That's never gonna change."
He saw her face soften, Gabby's eyes moving over his face once more before she gave him one last nod.
"...Where is this coming from?" He finally asked, his voice holding no judgement as he held onto her a little tighter.
"Nowhere really." She responded after a shrug. "After all this thinking about us, and our lives. Thinking about how we got here… I just like hearing it." She added on honestly, Casey soon matching her smile before he leaned in for a soft kiss.
"Well, then I'll make sure to tell you as many times as you want." He spoke against her, feeling her grin before they kissed once more.
And that was where the two of them stayed for a few more lingering moments, Matt putting actions behind his words as he made no effort to move until she was ready to go, their slow, sleepy kisses comforting them both as they spent what little night they had left wrapped up in each other's arms.
Casey and Dawson watched on in disgust as Otis shoved another bite of his lunch into his mouth, the man having been scarfing it down even since he sat himself down at the long table in the common room a few moments ago, as he was clearly worried about finishing before they got called out once more. But that didn't make the sight any less nausea-inducing as he got another large bite of casserole on his fork.
"Oh my God, Otis- Stop!" Shay huffed out from her seat beside Dawson, the blonde paramedic clearly as grossed out as the rest of them as her voice gained the attention of the room, a few sets of amused eyes looking their way.
"What?" He asked with his mouth full, Gabby grimacing before shaking her head slightly, while Shay stood up only to reach across the table and smack the top of his head with her newspaper. "Ow- What the hell?"
"You're eating like a dog who hasn't had food in days, would you slow down?" She chastised, more laughs being heard from around the room as the two bickered back and forth. "No one wants to listen to you shoving your face."
"I'm hungry, Shay. Sue me." He spoke back after swallowing, Otis clearly unfazed by her words as he took another large bite.
"You're so disgusting." She replied, Matt shaking his head slightly as he felt his phone start to buzz in his pocket. But with everything going on around them, he decided to ignore it, the man letting it ring while Shay and Otis continued on. "If you start choking, I'm not gonna save you."
"I'm pretty sure, legally, you have to." He countered once he'd taken a drink, Shay narrowing her eyes slightly. "And even if you don't, I know Dawson will."
"Yeah, not if you don't stop eating like that." Gabby chimed in, Shay smirking proudly as the first responders laughed once more, Matt simply eyeing his girl with an amused grin before he heard that familiar chime telling him someone had left him a voicemail.
"Oh come on, Dawson. You're not on my side?" Otis feigned hurt, Gabby holding her hands up in defense while Casey reached into his pocket for his phone.
"Sorry Otis, I'm with Shay on this one… No one's gonna take your food from you, you can slow down." She reasoned, her eyes flashing towards Matt before looking back to her friend. "And besides, it's not good for you to eat that fast."
"It's not good for me either." Shay added on dryly, Gabby biting back a chuckle. But their words didn't seem to deter him, as Otis took another big bite of his meal, Shay huffing out a heavy breath before glancing towards her partner. "I need to get away from him, can we go for a ride or something?"
Dawson shot her a knowing look, the PIC thinking over her words before she glanced towards Matt. But the second she saw him, her focus shifted, Gabby taking notice of the almost blank look covering his face while he stared at his phone, Matt clearly thrown by whatever he was seeing.
"Matt?" She asked him, her voice snapping him out of his intense thoughts before he looked up at her.
But when he did she was no less confused, Gabby's eyebrows furrowing deeply as she took in the look of clear shock and uncertainty covering his features.
"Uh…excuse me." He said quickly, more to the room than her as he quickly slid his chair back before walking away from the table.
His abrupt exit wasn't lost on anyone, everyone watching their Lieutenant move swiftly through the common room towards the conference room, worry starting to flood Gabby's system as she too got up from her chair.
"What's that about?" Shay asked, earning a mere shrug from her PIC.
"I have no idea." She replied. Though she was determined to find out as she couldn't remember the last time she'd seen Matt that caught off guard, Gabby quickly following in his footsteps while the rest of the firehouse watched her go.
When she got to the conference room she saw Matt moving back and forth, his phone up against his ear like he was listening to something as Gabby cautiously stepped inside, closing the door behind her in an effort to cut them off from the rest of the group.
She could tell he knew she was here, but clearly he didn't mind as he slowly pulled the phone away from his ear, Matt forcing himself to take a deep breath before looking towards Gabby.
From first glance, she was trying to get a read on him. But it was a little hard given the circumstances. She didn't think anything bad had happened, his reaction telling her he was more confused and surprised than anything else as his lips parted slightly, like he was trying to figure out what to say. But he couldn't.
"What was it, babe?" She finally asked him, Matt closing his mouth as his head tilted to the side thoughtfully, Gabby giving him a few seconds to figure out how to say whatever it was before he finally answered her.
"That was my sister… She wants to see me."