Hello there everyone! I'm back with the next chapter for you all, and even though it is a rather short one (I'm sorry for that, I've just been so, so busy), I still really like how it turned out. And I hope you all will too, as we're gonna get a glimpse into some of what Gabby and Matt have been up to on their honeymoon.

That's pretty much all I've got for you all, but thank you so much for reading! I can't wait to hear your thoughts on this one, and I hope you enjoy seeing more of Dawsey.

I'll see you all next time!

ONE HUNDRED AND SIXTEEN

Dawson sat out on the small patio off their room, her eyes focused out on the wide-open spaces surrounding them while a warm breeze blew past her, the wine glass in her hand nearly empty as she continued to soak in as much of this amazing view in the Tuscan Countryside as she could.

They had been here since early yesterday morning, this being the third stop on the couple's twelve day honeymoon as Matt had them following his pre-planned itinerary closely, the newlyweds eager to enjoy every possible second of their time traveling as her husband had somehow managed to fill in so many incredible stops for them here in Italy. And this was just one of them.

Their honeymoon had started off in Positano, which was an amazing city just off the Coast, Matt figuring that the best place for them to start after doing what Gabby had learned to be endless research, the two of them spending their first couple days there just getting the lay of the land and recovering from their travels. Whether it was doing some shopping, lounging around on the beach, or going on the boat tour Casey had planned for them, they made the most out of their few days there before it was time to head to their next stop, which was Rome.

And their time there was nothing short of remarkable.

Though Gabby wasn't sure to expect at first when Matt told her of their second destination, they'd spent their days there being complete tourists, taking as much time as they could to see everything that Gabby had ever dreamed of. From the Colosseum, and Roman Forum, to the Trevi Fountain. As well as touring the Vatican, the Sistine Chapel, and St. Peter's Basilica, they certainly made their couple days in Rome well worth it, her husband somehow knowing every single place she wanted to visit as some of these sights were the exact reason she'd always wanted to travel here to Italy. And getting the chance to see all of it in person was better than she ever could've imagined.

Now they were at the penultimate stop on their honeymoon, in the Tuscan Countryside. And while they wouldn't be here as long, this had maybe been Dawson's favorite place so far as the little town they were staying in was one of the most romantic places they had ever been. As Gabby soon found out shortly after their arrival, they hadn't come here for the more tourist-y type of things, like they had on their first two stops. But instead they came here as a chance to recharge, and get some peace and quiet together after their honeymoon had been pretty nonstop up to this point, their day yesterday only proving how necessary that had been as the slower place helped relax them both. From the moment they got here, to them getting to their hotel, before going to visit a few different wineries around the area, all of that had been so great for them. And it truly had been one of the most perfect days during their trip. One that Gabby and Matt were beyond grateful for.

And they were thankful for that today as well, as they were eager to have more of that same easy pace for the rest of their time here. At least as far as she knew anyway, as Matt hadn't told her of any big plans for the afternoon. Maybe they'd go out and look around the town some more, or check out some of the beautiful countryside they had here at their disposal, Gabby wasn't sure. All she did know is she was looking forward to whatever they had planned, as she was sure it would be one more relaxing day for the two of them before they'd head off tomorrow for the last stop of their honeymoon in Venice.

Which, truthfully, a part of her couldn't believe they were nearing the end of their trip already. And while she continued to sit here and regroup, and prepare for the last little bit of their time here, she couldn't help but think back over all of it. How these days with her husband were going by too fast, while simultaneously feeling as if time was standing still, Gabby knowing all of these experiences with him were something she'd remember forever. Even if there was still a part of her that had a hard time believing this was all really happening.

It was the same feeling she had on their wedding night when he first told her of his plans, where she couldn't quite grasp the magnitude of this trip. And that feeling hadn't faded, as there were still moments where Gabby was unable to fathom what all he'd done for her. How he had gone to all this trouble, and expense, to give her the most perfect honeymoon she could've ever imagined.

That he'd gone above and beyond for her a million times over, doing more than she would've ever expected or asked for, and more than he maybe should've, Gabby having mentioned more than once that he didn't need to do all of this. Though he was insistent, Matt repeating himself just as much that he wanted to do this for her, and them, and how he wanted this time together to celebrate their marriage.

Which is exactly what they had done, as despite Gabby's worry that he'd gone to too much trouble, she made every effort to show him just how much she appreciated him. Over, and over, and over again she'd proved how much this meant to her, as whenever they weren't out seeing the sights, they spent their time in the bedroom, the couple making the most of every moment of their trip as they didn't want to take a second of this for granted.

And she was sure the same would continue in their last few days here.

"Good morning."

Gabby jumped slightly at the unexpected voice before turning back to see her husband standing just inside the door frame, his body covered by nothing but a pair of boxers as he offered her a soft smile.

"Sorry." He murmured soon after once seeing her reaction, Gabby shaking her head slightly before placing her late-morning glass of wine down on the small table beside her.

"It's okay, I just didn't hear you." She all but whispered in response, both of them content with the quiet they were in as Matt took a few more slow steps forward. "How'd you sleep?" She asked as he came to stand beside her, before crouching down beside her chair.

"Pretty good… Would've been better if I woke up next to you, though." He responded, Gabby fighting off a smile as she let her head fall down a bit, Matt watching her with nothing but love in his gaze before he leaned up to press a soft kiss to her cheek. "You haven't been up long, have you? It was a late night."

Dawson felt heat begin to automatically rush through her chest at just the mention of their previous night together, the married couple stumbling in rather late before shedding their clothes and falling into bed, just as they did most evenings. Though you'd hear no complaints from either of them.

"You okay?" He questioned when she had yet to say anything, Dawson letting her teeth run over her bottom lip before she glanced his way.

"I'm good. I was just thinking about how… enthusiastic you were last night." She told him with a raised brow, Casey letting out the chuckle caught in his throat before offering her a coy smile.

"It was definitely a great night." He agreed while reaching out for her hand, stroking his thumb over her skin while letting his forearm rest over the chair. "But you didn't answer my question." He prompted, earning a small smile from her before her chin rested down against her shoulder.

"I haven't." She replied, her eyes on him while she focused on the feeling of his skin against hers. "I've been up maybe an hour or so, I don't know." Gabby continued on, seeing him smile back at her. "I haven't really bothered to check the time or anything."

"Well, I'm all for that." He spoke, before pushing forward to kiss her covered arm. "It's been so great to be kind of off the grid these last few days."

"It has." She agreed while relaxing back into her chair, before reaching out for her wine glass. "I wish we could do it more often." She added after a sip.

"Me too… But with our jobs, I don't think it's very practical." He told her with a smirk, Gabby huffing out a playful breath before taking another drink. "But I think we should take as much advantage of it as we can before we head home. Though we probably need to call our parents again sometime soon."

Gabby scrunched up her nose a bit while mulling over his words, as she knew what he was saying was true. Though they'd made a point to not be on their phones much on their honeymoon, they'd stayed connected enough to check in with their families, and Shay, just to let everyone know they were alright and having a great time, as well as staying safe. But aside from those few texts and occasional calls, all their phones were used for was to take pictures, the break from reality being nicer than either of them realized.

"Yeah, I think you're right." Gabby said after a moment. "It's still pretty early there though, so we'll call them later tonight." She added on, Matt giving her another small grin before she finished off the last of the wine in her glass.

"Want some more?" He asked, nodding over towards her drink before she gave him a slight shake of her head.

"I think I'm good for now, maybe later." She started while catching his gaze. "It's probably too early for another glass of wine."

"I don't know if there's such a thing as 'too early' in Italy." He countered with a smirk, Gabby letting out a soft chuckle before reaching to place her hand over his.

"I appreciate that, but I'm fine babe… I may not exactly know what time it is, but I know it's not even noon. But thank you." She replied, Casey nodding once more before he slowly began to stand up straight.

"Alright, well let me know if that changes." He said as he angled himself to stand behind her, his hands sliding to rest over her shoulders while they both looked out at the view in front of them.

They were overlooking some of the beautiful countryside, nothing but wide open spaces and some vineyards in the distance as they were almost completely isolated here. Which, admittedly, was something they both wanted, the nice breeze still in the air keeping the mood calm while Matt kept rubbing her shoulders.

He wasn't moving with too much pressure, but enough for her to feel it as he continued to help her muscles relax, Gabby letting out a few appreciative groans here and there while her head rested back against her seat, Matt fighting off his smile more than once while he tended to her.

"More?" He asked, referring to the amount of pressure he was giving her as she gave him a soft nod, before he started to push his hands deeper into her muscles. And based on the way her body responded, he was hitting all the right spots.

"That's perfect." She breathed out while leaning back into his touch, the movement causing the robe she was wearing to loosen just a bit. Not enough for him to really see much, but enough for him to know that piece of clothing was the only thing she'd put on after getting out of bed this morning, the thought making him smile while he continued on.

"You know, I could probably get a better angle inside." He murmured, hearing her laugh softly before that sound turned into a soft moan. "And give you another full body massage, like I did the other night…" He suggested.

"Oh yeah?" She asked lightly, hearing him hum in response. "I don't know, cause no matter how much I enjoyed that massage, the position you put me in afterwards had me needing another one." She teased softly, a heavy laugh escaping the back of his throat as he continued on with the steady movements over her shoulders.

"What can I say, I was inspired." He said after finding his voice, Gabby soon matching his laugh. "Though we can always save the massage for afterwards, if you'd like."

"Uh huh… I think I'm seeing now why you sound so eager to get me inside, babe." She told him with a smile he could practically hear, Matt laughing once more as he lightened the pressure over her shoulders. "But I'm not opposed to it." She added on, Casey's smile widening before he leaned down to press a kiss to the top of her head. "As long as it won't be keeping us from anything you have planned today, since I don't really know what we're doing." She finished softly with a gentle, yet pointed tone in her voice as it was no secret how she often didn't know about much of their plans.

While Casey had given her a basic overview of what all they'd be doing before they left, with as precisely as he'd planned everything Gabby really didn't know much about the day-to-day of what they were doing. All she knew were the towns they'd be traveling to, everything else was in Matt's hands.

Though regardless of her teasing, she found herself loving it. It wasn't often she liked to relinquish basically all control, but with Matt, it was different. It always had been. But with this especially, he had put so much work into planning everything and done so much to get them here, she was perfectly content to let him lead the way each and every day, while he made sure they got to experience as much of Italy as they could during their stay.

"It won't, I don't have much of anything planned for today." He told her easily, Gabby nodding as he began to lessen the pressure against her body before coming to a complete stop. "I want today to be just for us, to relax and have some time together… I mean, I know we did a lot of that yesterday. And every day," He said with a chuckle, while Dawson smiled gently. "But I wanted another day where we didn't have anywhere to be, and today felt perfect for that… So our schedule is open, whatever you want to do, we'll do."

"Whatever I want, huh?" She asked back, Casey nodding before he moved to kiss the top of her head once more.

"Whatever you want." He repeated, his hands starting to rub easily over the front of her shoulders and her upper chest, while he felt her relax underneath his touch. "We can stay in all day, or we can go out and see some more of the town."

"That sounds nice." She mused, letting her head fall back once more as he hunched forward enough to where his chest brushed against her hair. "I'd like that… Maybe we can go out for an early dinner, then go look around. I was thinking about going out in the country a bit."

"Sounds perfect, baby." He responded, feeling her breath hitch slightly when his hand moved over her chest in the opening of her robe, Matt continuing on with his steady movements without saying a word.

And that was how they sat for the next few minutes or so, that familiar silence falling back over them while relaxed with one another, Matt and Gabby both in no hurry to move while his hands continued to roam freely over her.

"...Have I said thank you recently?"

Her voice surprised him, Matt slowly coming to stop momentarily while he pulled his head back enough to look at her, even though she couldn't see him.

"For the massage?" He asked softly, feeling her laugh beneath him before she shook her head.

"No, not that… Although you do deserve thanks for it. But I was talking about this, our honeymoon." She spoke, his smile starting to grow before his hands kept on with their slow movements. "For everything."

"You have." He replied after a beat of silence. "Many times."

"Well, it still doesn't feel like enough." She breathed out soon after, while his smile grew even wider. "This is, by far, the greatest thing anyone's ever done for me, and every day here with you has made me the happiest I've ever been." Gabby spoke, her words causing his chest to flood with warmth before he leaned down to easily wrap his arms around her, his chin resting over her shoulder while his hands held onto her body.

"I feel the same way, babe." He voiced, turning his head to press a kiss against her jaw. "It's like every day, I'm falling more and more in love with you. Which I didn't even think was possible." He said, hearing her laugh once more as she relaxed back into him. "But this trip, it's as much of a gift for me as it is for you… Getting this time with my girl, getting to celebrate our marriage is the greatest gift I could've ever gotten. So you don't need to keep thanking me." He finished while giving her body a soft squeeze, knowing his wife often needed some extra reassurance when it came to things like this. And it was something he was always more than willing to give her, Matt holding onto her while she mulled over his words, before ultimately nodding.

"Okay." She told him, her voice barely above a whisper. "But I'm still gonna say it from time to time, because I love you." She added shortly, Casey chuckling a bit while he hugged her once more. "And as your wife, it's my job to pester you."

"As your husband, I can live with that." He promised, seeing a smile begin to grace her lips from his spot beside her, Gabby then nuzzling back into him as he rested his hand across the top of her chest.

"I really do love you, you know." She spoke into the air, while Matt turned to press a kiss on the skin behind her ear.

"I love you, too." He replied soon after, before he continued peppering kisses against her.

They were all innocent enough at first, Gabby relishing in the feeling of him around her until she noticed his hand slowly starting to slide further down her body, his fingers teasing the edge of her loose robe while his lips glided along her skin.

"Matt…" She said underneath her breath, feeling him smile against her before he continued his movements, Gabby's stomach starting to tighten when he reached down to undo the tie around her waist, prompting the material to open even further before he returned his warm palm to the center of her chest.

He heard her whimper softly as he took control, Gabby giving in to every move he made as he gradually slid his hand further down her body, while his mouth trailed down to her shoulder before moving back towards her jaw.

"Matt." She panted once more with her eyes closed, her head lulled to the side to give him more access as she felt his hand dangerously low on her skin.

"Yes?" He asked before lightly grazing his teeth over her neck, the action pulling another moan from her as she reached out to place her hand over top of his to stop him from going any lower.

"...I think I'm ready for that massage now."

Casey pulled back once he registered her words, the sly grin on his face showing just how eager he was to hear that from her before he carefully removed his hands from her, Matt leaning in to give her one last tame and gentle kiss before he stood up, the husband grabbing her hand and helping her up before he lead her back to their bedroom where he planned to spend the next few hours doing nothing but worshiping her.

"Hey babe?"

Casey opened his eyes and glanced over towards his wife, where she was laying out on the sand beside him, his gaze instinctively raking over her bikini-clad form before he met her gaze.

"Yeah baby." He responded, watching her through his sunglasses as the afternoon sun beat down on them.

"Can you help me with this?" She asked, holding up the bottle of sunscreen in her hands as to say she needed some assistance with reapplying it, a soft smile forming across his face before he nodded back at her.

"Of course, come here." He prompted, sitting up a bit and taking the bottle from her before she turned away from him, Gabby sitting up on her shins so he'd have access to all the areas she couldn't reach.

After so many trips to the beach, and time spent in their bathing suits over the last week and a half, they'd fallen into a good rhythm with helping one another with this specific task, Matt skilfully applying the lotion all along her back and shoulders, as well as the back of her neck and arms, Casey making sure to pay special attention to her lower back too as he continued to help her.

Though he was dragging out the process more than he needed to, his hands lingering over her shining skin like they so often did as he couldn't help but want to touch her, and be close to her, just like always. And he'd done the same the first time around too, as they'd been here at the beach long enough for Gabby to need his help a few times, the couple having spent the last few hours here after their busy morning.

It wasn't their first day in Venice, but it had been one of their busier ones as Matt and Gabby wasted no time in getting up early and going on a few tours throughout the city, the couple then stopping to get some food before deciding to come here to the beach. And this is where they had been ever since, both of them happy to spend their afternoon here relaxing under the sun as it was just warm enough this time of year to keep them comfortable.

"Babe." She murmured, her voice snapping Matt from his thoughts as he glanced up to the back of her head, right before she turned back to look at him. "If you keep that up, we'll have to head back to the hotel." She told him with a laugh, Casey matching her grin before he slowly stopped his hands moving along her body, the husband beginning to realize that Gabby had a point, and his movements were likely becoming a little too much for being out in public.

"You say that like it's a bad thing." Casey huffed back lightly, rubbing along her side one last time before pulling back, while Gabby adjusted her positioning to face him, her nose already scrunched up before she replied.

"As much as I love you baby, I think I'd like to spend our last couple days here in other places besides our bed." She told him, Matt mulling over her words with raised brows before he conceded.

"Fair enough." He told her, before a devilish look slowly began to take hold of his features. "And besides, we'll have plenty of time tonight." Casey reminded her, Gabby letting out a light laugh before reaching out to rub her hand over his stubbly cheek.

"I have a feeling I'm gonna like whatever you have in mind." She responded, earning a strong nod from him in response before her head fell to the side. "Although if we keep up this pace we're on, I may start to have trouble walking here soon." She teased lightly, Matt wearing a smug look in response before he gave her a shrug.

"I'd carry you." He answered like it was the most obvious thing in the world, Gabby having to hold back her laughter as she shook her head.

"Yeah, I know you would." She replied, stroking her thumb along his cheek before she continued on. "But while we're on the subject, of the hotel room at least, we probably should actually head back there soon- No, not for that." She clarified when she saw the grin that flashed across his face, Matt letting out a chuckle before she continued. "So we're not late for dinner." Gabby reasoned, Matt tilting his head back a bit before giving her a soft nod.

"We have a little bit of time, I think." He assured her, with her eyes on him. "We'll head out soon, but I think before we go I'm gonna get in the water for a bit." He said, Gabby glancing out towards the peaceful waters before looking back at him. "...You wanna go in with me?"

She bit her bottom lip softly, recognizing the wanting look in his eyes before she nodded back at him.

"Let's go." Gabby prompted, Casey's grin growing wider before he began to get up.

Once they were both on their feet Matt reached for her hand, their fingers locking together before he led them out towards the water.

It was a little cool, but nothing too unbearable as Casey took the first step in before Gabby followed behind him, the two walking slowly while they gradually disappeared deeper and deeper beneath the surface, until the water was up to their chests.

They decided to stop there, Matt and Gabby managing to find a rather secluded spot as they let the calm water move their bodies, their hands still intertwined while they watched one another.

Neither of them said anything at first, Casey merely smiling at her before he reached his other arm out towards her and slowly pulled her towards him. She gave him a similar grin back, Matt not stopping until their bodies were pressed together underneath the water, his arms wrapped around her bare lower back while hers made a home for themselves around his neck, their chests pressed together as her legs instinctively hooked up around his hips.

"Hi." She spoke while they got settled, the water aiding their movements as they clung to one another.

"Hi." He repeated before leaning in to give her a quick kiss, the action rather innocent despite the position they were in as Matt tightened his grip on her. "Thank you for joining me." He added on with a goofy grin, Gabby letting out a soft laugh before she leaned in to steal another kiss.

"Any time." She spoke against his lips, kissing him once more before she moved to rest her head down on his shoulder.

Her body sunk down into his, Matt placing his head against hers while she traced her finger lightly over his shoulder, the light waves around them occasionally bumping into them while they stilled in the water. And at this second, right here with her husband, a part of Gabby couldn't help but wish they could stay here forever. Trapped in this moment in time, where everything was perfect and it was just the two of them.

And she had a feeling Matt was feeling the exact same way.

"It's gonna be weird," Gabby finally spoke up after what had to have been minutes. "Heading home soon and leaving all this."

Casey nodded against her, signaling that he agreed with her while he ran his hand along her back underneath the water. "Yeah, it will be."

"But this entire trip has been incredible." She added on, Gabby repeating the words she'd told him often throughout their time here, her appreciation for him becoming stronger with every passing day.

"It sure has, Mrs. Casey." He told her, feeling her smile against his shoulder before she tucked herself deeper into his embrace.

And that was where they stayed for as long as they could this afternoon, the couple holding onto one another while they soaked up some of the remaining time here they had on their honeymoon, both of them knowing how soon they'd be brought back into the normalcy of their lives in Chicago.

Though while they were here with each other, clinging together underneath the warm Italian sun, Gabby knew everything back home would be far from normal when they returned. Because now, they had a new normal. One that included them stepping back into their lives now as husband and wife, where they would continue to navigate the world together.

And despite her desire to stay here, she couldn't wait for that.