Hey there everyone! I'm here with the next chapter for you all. We're getting further along into Gabby and Matt's recovery in this one, and we're also gonna check in on a few characters and see how they're doing. So I hope you all enjoy it, and I'll see you next time!
****UPDATE 7/6: Hey everyone, just wanted to let you all know that I won't be able to get a chapter posted for you this week. Something with my family came up today and I don't have time to finish the next chapter that's supposed to be posted Thursday. I'm really sorry for the late notice, but I should be back next week! Thank you all for understanding.
ONE HUNDRED AND TWENTY SIX
A soft groan left Gabby's lips as she slowly came into consciousness, her eyebrows furrowing deeply while a yawn escaped her throat, Dawson's body giving her clear signs that she wasn't necessarily ready to wake up yet. But her mind didn't seem to get the message, as her eyes started to slowly open despite her desire for sleep.
She wasn't sure what time it was, but by the winter sun that was filtering in through their curtains she figured it couldn't have been too early, Gabby drawing in a slow breath before she stretched her legs out underneath the covers, her skin brushing up against her husbands while he laid beside her.
Dawson could feel his body heat surrounding her, a soft smile forming across her face before she carefully turned to face him, being mindful of her shoulder as she rested flat on her back, before being met by the sight of him already watching her with an easy grin on his lips.
She hadn't expected him to be awake, her lips parting slightly as his smile widened, before he moved to give her a quick kiss.
"Good morning." He murmured against her, feeling her smile before they kissed once more.
"Morning." She replied when he finally pulled away, her voice a bit groggy as his hand came out to gently rest over her tank top covered stomach. "What time is it?"
She'd cleared her throat before she spoke, the sight of her still trying to wake up endearing to him as he started to rub slow and soft patterns against her torso. "A little after eight thirty." He told her, watching her nod before she brought her hand up to rub over her eyes, while keeping her healing arm down by her side. "How are you feeling? Do you want your pain meds?" Matt added on a beat later, Gabby's face softening before she shook her head.
"I'm okay, my shoulder feels fine. It's not too sore right now.." She replied with another yawn, while moving her hand to rest over his. "...How long have you been up?"
"A while, maybe an hour or so." He responded, Matt lifting himself up to rest on his elbow so he could get a better look at her, where he then saw her nose begin to scrunch up in amusement.
"Please don't tell me you've been watching me the entire time." She teased him, Casey smirking in response as he tapped his thumb against her.
"Guilty. I can't help it if you're pretty." He answered her easily, the smile on her face growing despite the playful eye roll she gave him. "And I didn't want to get up and wake you." Matt continued, knowing how she likely would have woken up had he tried to move. Especially with the medications she was on, as some of them had made her into a lighter sleeper than normal. "You seemed to sleep well."
"I did, yeah." She replied, focusing on the cool of the wedding band against her palm as he gave her a smile, before leaning down to press his lips to hers.
The kiss was soft, and familiar, Gabby having to hold back the displeased whimper in her throat when he eventually pulled back.
"You should try and get some more sleep." He suggested, rolling a bit closer towards her while he continued his movements over her stomach, Matt inadvertently moving her tank top up a bit in the process. "You don't have to be anywhere until later, why don't you rest."
He moved to give her another kiss, Matt anticipating her to try and sleep a bit more once he began to pull away. But he wasn't able to get very far before Gabby guided him back down to her, the desperation in her movements clear as she deepened the kiss.
"Baby…" He breathed out between breaths, her lips back on his in a second while he tightened her grip on his hand.
"I don't want to sleep." She murmured, Matt letting out a deep, guttural moan before they continued on with their movements.
It was like nothing else mattered to them in that moment, Gabby and Matt both focusing on the other while he hovered over her. He was mindful of her shoulder, just like he had been ever since the shooting, Casey making sure to not put any pressure on her while their lips moved together, their kiss deepening every few seconds while Gabby held onto him tightly.
They were both completely entranced in each other, the heat building between them with every passing second. It wasn't until Gabby began to guide his hand down her body beneath the covers, only stopping till she got just below her waist that his mind began to clear, Casey groaning softly as he felt her soft skin covered by nothing but the thin fabric of her underwear.
"Gabby…" He got out between kisses, his wife not stopping their frantic movements. "Baby, we shouldn't."
Matt could feel her release a deep sigh before pulling back, regret already filling his gaze as she gave him a knowing, yet somewhat annoyed glance. Sliding his hand up towards her hip, he rubbed over her side for a few moments before placing another soft kiss to her swollen lips.
"I don't want to do anything until you've gotten the all clear." He reminded her, those words something she'd heard a few times in the weeks that had passed since they'd come home.
"Matt, I really don't think that's necessary." She tried with an almost desperate tone in her voice, that prevalent sense of desire deep in her stomach continuing to make its presence known. "Just because I'm not cleared to work yet doesn't mean I can't be with my husband." Gabby told him, though she could still see his hesitance. "And besides, it's not like we haven't been in this position before… In fact I remember one time where we were both much more hurt than we are now, and we barely waited until we were out of the hospital."
A slight grin began to tug on his lips, Gabby matching his look as he continued to rub against her side, his hand partially up underneath her tank top while his warm touch comforted them both.
He knew exactly what she was referring to, and while the memory of that building collapse wasn't necessarily a good one, what happened afterwards was. When they laid everything out on the line and made their true feelings known, when they stopped hiding from themselves and each other, before coming into this same bedroom and celebrating the new status of their relationship.
That was a night he would never forget, and he knew she wouldn't either. But while that evening was a defining one for them, he also knew their inability to wait to sleep together had ended up hurting them a little bit, physically anyway. And he didn't want that to happen again.
"It's been almost a month now since the shooting," She kept on when he had yet to say anything, Casey pursing his lips together while meeting her eyes. "We've been home for two weeks, and I'm doing fine. My shoulder feels good, I feel good, so that's not something I want you to worry about… You're not gonna hurt me, you know that right?"
The small smile returned to his features, his face softening before he leaned down to press a gentle kiss to her shoulder, right over the newly formed scar covering her delicate skin.
"I do know that." He spoke, placing another kiss against her before lifting back up. "But still, I don't want to risk it just yet… There's no rush." He told her, his last words earning a somewhat unimpressed look from her, which caused him to laugh. "Okay, you know what I mean… You have another check up today, so let's just see what the doctor has to say and we'll go from there." Matt tried, tapping against her side while he gave her that signature Casey grin.
"Fine." She reluctantly agreed, the proud look on his face growing before he moved to kiss her once more. "But if she says I'm okay, the second we're out of there we're coming home and getting right back into this bed."
He chuckled lightheartedly as she spoke, even though he knew she was completely serious, Matt conceding with a sturdy nod before she stole another kiss. "Deal."
"Good." Gabby responded quickly, the two sharing a few more kisses before he had to physically drag himself away from her and out of bed, knowing if he didn't he'd likely give in right now. "...Where are you headed off to?" She asked, readjusting the covers over herself now that her husband was up, Matt offering a small smile back in her direction before continuing towards the dresser.
"I'm going to the gym with Antonio." He reminded her, Gabby nodding knowingly before she let herself relax back into the pillows.
"Oh, right." She breathed out, Casey smiling once more before he started searching through his clothes, looking for something to wear. With the fierce winter weather outside, he knew shorts were out of the question, Matt deciding on a pair of sweatpants and a t-shirt before he shut the drawer and began to change.
He peeled his pajama pants from his body, Casey feeling a pair of eyes on him while he moved before glancing back towards their bed.
"Now you're just teasing me." She murmured while taking in the sight of her naked husband, Matt letting out another chuckle before he pulled his boxers up into place.
"Sorry babe." He told her with a wink, while continuing to get dressed. "But I'm all yours later."
"You better be." She replied without a thought, the two sharing another smile before Casey continued getting ready.
It didn't take him too long, Matt getting dressed and getting all his things together while Gabby stayed in bed, watching every movement he made.
"Is Antonio picking you up? Or are you meeting him there?" She asked after a few quiet minutes, Casey glancing back at before continuing to tie his shoes.
"We're meeting there, he's gotta get to the district pretty soon after." He explained with his back to her. "That's why we're going so early. Antonio was already gonna go get a workout in, and with Severide on shift today I figured I'd go with him. And that way we'll be done in plenty of time for your doctor's appointment."
Gabby nodded at his words even though he couldn't see her, her mouth staying shut for a few more moments before she continued on.
"You've been doing that a lot." She commented.
"Hmm?"
"Going to the gym." Gabby elaborated, prompting him to look back her way. "You've been going a lot since we got home."
"Yeah, I guess I have." He responded with an easy shrug, before his head fell to the side. "What? You don't like me being all jacked?" He teased, Gabby rolling her eyes while letting out a soft laugh.
"You're alright to look at, I guess." She joked back, Matt mimicking her chuckle. "But no, it's fine. I'm glad you're going, I just wasn't sure if there was a reason."
"Not really." He spoke truthfully, Casey adjusting his body to get a better look at her. "It just feels good to be up and doing something, since I'm not at work… Making sure I stay in shape for the job and everything."
Gabby nodded, her eyes instinctively moving down towards his leg before she met his eyes. "You're not pushing yourself too hard, right?" She asked him, Matt drawing in a deep breath before he shook his head. "You're being cautious with your leg? Cause with as worried as you are about me, the same could be said for you. It's only been a month since you were hurt too, baby."
"I'm not doing too much." He assured her with a gentle smile. "I'm being careful, and making sure to overexert myself. Not doing anything the doc said I couldn't… And honestly, I think it's helping my leg now that I can use it a little more. Regaining some of the strength I lost and everything." He finished, Gabby thinking over his statement before she nodded.
"Alright… Well please, just keep being careful." She said, Casey giving her a knowing grin before he leaned down onto the bed to give her one last kiss.
"I will. Promise."
Shay walked through the bullpen of the firehouse with her hands in her pockets, the paramedic navigating her way through some of their civilian employees before making her way to Boden's office.
"You wanted to see me, Chief?" She asked as she came to a stop in the doorway, Boden looking up from his desk with a small smile before nodding her in.
"I did, come on in Shay." He said, Shay taking the invitation and coming further in before sitting down across from him.
"Everything okay?" She asked after a moment, the Chief smiling softly back at her.
"Everything's fine, I just wanted to check in. See how you're doing." Boden explained while leaning back into his chair. "You've been back on shift for a week now, and everything seems to be okay. But I wanted to just see you, and make sure you're alright." He offered, watching his paramedic draw in a deep breath as it was well known around the house how Shay was struggling a little more than everyone else.
"I'm doing fine, Chief." She told him with a small smile on her face. "The first shift was a little rough, just cause it felt like… That day, you know, what happened to Gabby. It's hard to work past." She got out, earning an understanding frown from her boss. "But it feels good to be back, it's helped."
"Good, that's good… I'm glad to hear you're doing alright. That's all any of us want." He told her, Shay nodding a bit while clasping her hands together in her lap. "And I'm glad that being back on shift seems to be helping you, even if things still feel a little off around here."
She winced a bit, knowing just how true his words were as despite how she felt better about the shooting, there was still a feeling that was hard to place about being back here. The house just felt different right now, and everyone sensed it. Like they hadn't been able to get back to normal since that awful day.
Though, admittedly, it was no secret that 51 wouldn't feel complete until every person was back here and ready to work.
"There's just been so much change happening recently, and with Casey and Dawson gone for the time being it hasn't been easy to fill their shoes." Boden continued on, Shay sighing softly before she nodded. "But that's partially why I wanted to speak with you, aside from checking in… I spoke with headquarters this morning, and they believe they'd finally found Dawson's temporary replacement." He said, earning a slow nod from Shay.
In the three weeks that both Shay and Dawson had been out, there were floaters in and out of the positions on 61. And even once Shay came back, she'd still had a different partner every shift, which wasn't how Boden liked to run his rigs. He liked stability, with people who were able to work well together. And with the personnel constantly changing, that was hard.
"Her name is Natalie Willis, she's from Springfield. Been on the job for a while. And according to her file, she's an outstanding paramedic." He boasted, Shay merely nodding as she crossed her ankles together. "I think she'll be a good fit… I know things won't go back to normal until Casey and Dawson are back, but since we don't know when that is, I believe Willis will be able to fill in well in the meantime."
"That sounds good, Chief." She replied easily, Boden drawing in a slow breath while he continued to watch her.
"...Have you been talking to Dawson at all?"
"I have, and I've seen her a few times." She started, sensing he was waiting for more. "She seems to be doing well. In good spirits and everything, which is a little surprising after what happened. But she's handling everything… Ready to get back to her life, but she's good."
"That's good, I'm glad she's doing alright. Hopefully sometime soon, when she's ready, we'll be able to get her back." He said, Shay nodding once more before Boden's eyes moved behind her, like someone had gained his attention before he waved his hand. "But until then… Shay, this is your partner."
Shay turned around to find a younger woman now standing in the doorway, with a bright yet hesitant smile on her face before she continued further inside, her brown hair pulled up into a high ponytail on her head as she came towards them.
"Hi." She greeted brightly, Leslie offering her a soft smile before she stood up to shake her hand.
"Shay, this is Natalie Willis. Natalie, this is your new partner Leslie Shay."
"It's so nice to meet you, I'm excited to be here." She added on.
"Welcome to 51." Shay told her, the young paramedic's smile growing even wider before they turned back to Boden.
"Shay, I trust you can show her the ropes." Boden stated, earning a nod from his temporary PIC before she took a step backwards.
"Yeah, it's no problem… You wanna go see the rig? Then I can show you around the house."
"Sounds great." Natalie replied, the two sharing a smile before they made their way out of Boden's office and through the firehouse.
"Damn Casey, you're making me look bad."
A deep chuckle left Matt's lips as Antonio continued to prod at him, the firefighter keeping up his steady pace of lifting weights while the men worked out together.
"Well, maybe you should try a little harder then." Casey responded once he finished his rep, placing the weights down on the ground before lifting his shirt up to wipe away some of the sweat that had formed above his brow.
"Yeah, yeah. I'm gonna let that comment slide this time just cause you took a bullet for my sister." He joked back, Matt scoffing a bit before shaking his head.
"Thank you… I think." He played along, Antonio smirking his way before he picked up his water bottle and began to take a drink. "So, what's next?" Casey asked him, seeing his brother-in-law mull over his words for a moment before he nodded across the relatively empty room.
"Probably gonna do a few miles on the treadmill." He answered, Matt grimacing a bit until he nodded. "Which, I take it you can't do."
"Shouldn't do." He clarified, Casey reaching down to rub over his leg while sitting on the bench. He could feel a bit of soreness moving through his muscles, especially over the wound that had scarred over. "I think I've pushed all I can for today, if I do anymore your sister will kill me."
Antonio released another laugh, using a towel to wipe away some of his sweat before he nodded. "I believe that. Especially because she sent me a text before we got here, telling me to make sure you didn't overdo it or she'd killed me too." He replied, Matt grinning in amusement as he glanced down towards the floor. "So yeah, for both our sakes it's probably for the best you take it easy. Or I'll never hear the end of it." He finished, while Casey offered him a knowing look.
"Don't worry, I think I'm done for the day… I'll just sit here, and watch you kill yourself on the treadmill."
"Hilarious, man." He deadpanned, while Casey choked back a laugh. "Or you could go ahead and head out of here, I'm sure my sister wouldn't mind you coming home early." He suggested with a cocked brow. "I mean, from what I can tell you two don't get much time to yourselves lately, seeing as how your apartment's been like a revolving door since you got home."
Casey shook his head a bit, wiping more of the lingering sweat away while he thought over Antonio's words and just how right he was.
Between Gabby's parents and his mom coming to see them quite often, along with Antonio and Christie, then all their friends stopping by, Gabby and Matt hadn't really gone a day being alone since getting out of the hospital. Though they didn't necessarily mind it, as it was always nice to be reminded of how many people cared about them.
But Antonio was also right, in how this wasn't at all how he or Gabby expected to be spending the beginning months of their marriage. And this was just yet another reminder of that.
"Yeah, you're not wrong there." Casey finally spoke up. "But it's been nice, and I know it's helping Gabby… It's good for her to be around people. Whether that's at home or not." He explained, earning a nod from the older man. "It's definitely helped her feel better, all on fronts. And not focus so much on what happened."
Antonio paused for a moment before he nodded, his eyes tracing over his brother as he drew in a slow breath.
"Yeah, I've noticed she seems to be handling everything pretty well. Better than I would've thought. And I know her shoulder is doing better." He began, catching Casey's gaze. "...What about you? How are you holding up?"
"Eh, my leg is fine." He responded easily, Matt pressing into his muscle a bit more while earning an uncertain look from Antonio.
"That's not really what I was talking about." He countered, Casey sighing softly before he shrugged.
"Yeah, I kind of figured that.. But I'm doing fine."
"Yeah?" Antonio checked, Matt shifting his weight back and worth ever so slightly in his seat as he didn't love the attention being on him. But after Antonio had seen him at his lowest during all of this, especially that first day at the hospital, he couldn't fault the man for being worried. "I know everyone's kind of been focused on Gabby, but this wasn't easy for you, either."
"I'm good Antonio.. Or trying to be, I guess. I'm as okay as I can be." He breathed out honestly, knowing there was no point in lying. Not to him. "I mean, thinking about all of it is hard, so at this point I'm just trying to forget it. But that's easier said than done, I'm finding out." Matt told him, his voice almost in a whisper as Antonio took a few steps closer to him. "All of it, it's just a lot to work through if I'm being honest. Because knowing how close I came to losing her kills me. The thought her being gone, losing her would kill me. And if this nightmare showed me anything, it's that I don't think I can survive without her."
Casey's sudden admission hit Antonio hard, like neither of them had expected him to say it as the reality of what had happened to Gabby still wasn't easy for the older brother to stomach. And clearly, it hadn't gotten any easier for Matt, either.
"But thankfully, she's alright." Casey spoke after clearing his throat. "She's doing well, she's handling all of this the best she can. Mentally and physically, she seems to be doing okay, which is all I want… If she's alright, I'm alright. That's where I'm at."
It went quiet between them for a few seconds, Antonio needing a second or two to take in what all Casey was saying before he started to slowly nod at him.
"Alright man… I know you all went through hell, but if you're good that's all that matters." He thoughtfully responded, before coming over to clasp him on the shoulder. "But if you ever need to talk about any of this, I'm here."
"I know you are." Casey told him, Antonio offering him a supportive smile and quick squeeze on the arm before he headed off across the room to finish his workout, leaving Matt on his own on the bench.
"Alright, now lift your arm right here for me." Dr. Lewis spoke while holding onto Gabby's injured arm, her patient lifting up a bit higher to where she wanted it, while keeping her limb as steady as possible. "...How does that feel?"
"It's a little tight, but I don't really feel much pain." Gabby replied, her doctor nodding before slowly bringing her arm back down to her side.
"Any lingering numbness throughout the day? Or sharp pains?" Dr. Lewis asked, pulling the hospital gown she'd had Gabby put on down off her shoulder so she could continue on with her exam. Her eyes moved over the former incision sight and bullet wound, that was now slowly healing into a somewhat noticeable scar. But given what happened to her, cosmetically her arm looked better than expected.
"Not really, no." Gabby said while glancing towards Matt, who was standing close by her side. "Maybe some mornings they'll be a little numbness? But I'm not sure if that's from me getting shot, or just sleeping." She explained, getting an understanding nod from her doctor before she started to close up her gown. "And the pain isn't so bad anymore… I've cut back on my pain meds, like you said. When I felt like I could, and I've been doing fine. I might have a moment or two here and there where I can feel it, but it's nothing unmanageable."
"So you're feeling good?"
"I am." She answered without an ounce of hesitation, missing the proud grin resting across Casey's face.
"Alright, that sounds good Gabby." She responded with an easy smile before stepping back to grab her chart. "And you've been doing your exercises at home?"
"I have."
"Religiously." Casey added on, Gabby trying to hide her smirk while the doctor looked towards him with an amused expression on her face. "Every morning and night, she's doing them. She's been working really hard. Hasn't missed an appointment with her physical therapist, either."
"Yeah, that's what I was just about to say. I spoke with Amy earlier, she said you've been doing very well… That you're one of her most dedicated patients." She said brightly, prompting Gabby and Matt to share a knowing look. "And after getting a chance to look at you, her and I both agree that you're making great progress. Your range of mobility is looking excellent, and the fact that you're almost able to move your shoulder like normal with minimal pain is a great sign. The recovery for your type of injury can sometimes be all over the place, depending on the patient. But given how it's been a month and you're already this far along, you're doing much better than I think any of us anticipated. So just keep doing what all you're doing." She explained, Gabby drawing in a deep breath before she nodded.
"And you, Mr. Casey," Dr. Lewis started once more, glancing towards the only man in the room as he caught her gaze. "I know I wasn't your doctor, but from what I've seen it looks like you're doing alright, too." She spoke, her words earning a soft smile from Gabby. "A few weeks ago, you definitely couldn't have stood here the whole time. I take it your own recovery is going well?"
"It is, yeah." He responded with a soft grin. "My leg's healing nicely, and I'm feeling good."
"That's great to hear. Have you gotten the all clear yet?" She pushed on, while placing down Gabby's chart.
"Not for work, no." He answered, before getting a knowing glance from her. "But with everything else, yeah. I'm able to get around fine, my doc just wants me to give it another week or so to be safe. Because of what the job is." He told her, Dr. Lewis nodding almost immediately.
"That makes sense, and I agree. Being cautious is always better." She said, her words somewhat pointed as she turned back to Gabby. "Which is exactly why I still want you to take it easy." She told her patient, prompting Dawson to nod. "You're doing well, we all can see it. And I know recovery isn't always easy. Especially at this stage; where you feel like you're able to take on anything. But your body still needs time." She told her, her eyes moving between the husband and wife while she spoke. "So I want us to wait a couple more weeks and see where you are then, and then we'll talk about the possibility of when you can return to work."
Pursing her lips together, Gabby let out a soft sigh before she slowly nodded once more. "Okay."
"And during that time, I think it's best to continue on with your therapy. Here with Amy, and at home… Continuing to strengthen that shoulder will only help you, and get you back on your feet quicker. So, as I said, just keep doing everything you're doing. And if you feel up for a little more, that's great. Just don't push yourself too hard."
"I won't." Dawson promised, Dr. Lewis giving her another smile in response.
"Alright, well I think that's all I have to go over with you today. I'll get one of the nurses in here to schedule you another appointment in a few weeks, then we'll get you out of here.
"Okay. Thank you, Dr. Lewis."
"Yeah, thank you." Casey echoed, while resting his hand over his wife's thigh.
"You're welcome… I'm glad you're both doing so well, I'll see you in a couple weeks." She said, the three of them exchanging a few last goodbyes before she exited the exam room.
Over the next ten minutes or so, they sat around waiting for the nurse to come in and schedule Gabby for what would hopefully be her last appointment, before they got ready to go. Matt helped where he could while Gabby got dressed, the two making sure they had all their things before leaving the room and heading for the exit.
"So, how are you feeling?" Matt asked her as they walked through the hallways of the hospital, their fingers laced together while she glanced up at him.
"Pretty good. It went about as I expected." She responded, earning a nod from her husband. "And hopefully the next time I'm here, I'll get cleared for everything. Or we can at least talk about it."
"Yeah, I hope so too." He responded, Gabby nodding back at him before a sly grin formed over her lips.
"But we both heard her say that I can do whatever I feel up for," She started, Matt biting back a smirk as he knew exactly where this conversation was headed. "So I think it's time for you to make good on your promise from this morning."
"Is it now?" He asked playfully while squeezing her hand.
"It definitely is." She replied with a raised brow, Casey letting out a soft laugh before pressing a kiss to her head.
"Well, then I think we should get out of here." He told her, Gabby's smile widening as she leaned into him before they continued down the hall.
There weren't too many people around, at least not on this floor, giving Matt and Gabby a clear path to the elevators. But the closer they got, Matt was the first to notice a familiar face standing at the nurses station, Gabby seeing the woman seconds later as the couple took in the sight of Hallie just a few feet away from them.
She hadn't noticed them, her head down while looking over a chart and speaking with one of the nurses, so if they wanted to just keep walking they likely could've. But something in the back of Gabby's mind stopped her, her steps slowing as Matt looked down towards her.
They hadn't seen Hallie since the day of the shooting; or in Gabby's case, she hadn't seen her at all, as she hadn't been conscious when she was brought here to Lakeshore. But in all the time they'd spent here at the hospital, they hadn't run into her again, Gabby and Matt both feeling like that was likely on purpose. That she'd kept her distance for a reason. And, given their history, they appreciated it.
But now that she was standing in front of them, Dawson felt like she should stop and say something. Especially after Matt had told her about what all Hallie had done to help her that day, and that she was in surgery with Dr. Lewis, Dawson wanted to speak to her. Because it wasn't lost on Gabby how without Hallie, she likely wouldn't have been standing here right now.
"Hey Hallie." Dawson spoke up first as her and Matt came to a complete stop just a few steps away from her, the doctor looking up at the sound of her voice.
They could tell she was surprised to see them there, but after a moment a polite smile formed over her face as she set her chart down and walked towards them.
"Hey Gabby, Matt." She greeted, Casey giving her a weak nod while keeping a hold of Gabby's hand. "How are you guys doing? You look well. A lot better than the last time I saw you guys." She added on lightly, Gabby nodded a bit while smiled back at her.
"Yeah, we're doing good, all things considered. We were just here seeing Dr. Lewis."
"I thought I saw you on her rotation today." Hallie responded with a soft look. "Your recovery is going well?"
"It is. I'm not cleared for work or anything yet, but I'm feeling good."
"Yeah, she's doing great." Matt added on, prompting Hallie to smile at the both of them.
"Good, that's good." She responded, before a noticeable quiet fell over them, none of them sure what else to say.
There was no animosity between them anymore, and there hadn't been for a long time. But it wasn't like they were the best of friends either, the three of them unsure of what exactly to say now that they were together.
"Well, um- I'm sorry for stopping you. We just saw you when we were leaving…" Dawson trailed off, Hallie waving her hand in the air as the gentle grin stayed locked on her face.
"No, I'm glad you did. I wasn't sure how you guys were doing after everything, so it's nice to see that you're okay." She replied, her words genuine as Matt gave her a nod, just before they all heard her pager start to go off. "That's, uh- I've gotta get going, but it was good to see you… I hope your recovery and everything keeps going well."
"Thank you." Gabby replied, Hallie giving them one last smile before she started to head past them. Though she only got a few steps before Dawson's voice stopped her. "Hallie?"
The doctor turned back, finding a somewhat unreadable expression waiting for her as Gabby pursed her lips together.
"I, uh… I know I didn't see you when I was here, but Matt told me everything." She started, Hallie's eyes flashing behind Dawson towards Matt before Gabby continued. "He told me how much you helped me, and him. Everything you did for us that day. I know I was in bad shape when I got here and Matt said you dropped everything to help me. And we never got the chance to properly thank you… So thank you, for what you did." She breathed out, Hallie's face softening as Gabby gave her a gentle smile. "Really, it means everything to us."
Hallie paused for a moment, taking a steadying breath before she eventually responded.
"...You don't need to thank me for anything, Gabby. I'm just glad you're okay, that the both of you are." She told them, Gabby and Matt both nodding at her before she turned and left without another word, Hallie's presence clearly needed elsewhere.
Taking in a deep breath, Gabby turned back to Matt, who was now watching her with a soft look across his features. "You okay?" He asked her, Gabby nodding as she ran her thumb along the back of his hand.
"I am… Are you?" She repeated, knowing her words were somewhat of a loaded question.
"I'm good." He assured her, Gabby smiling gently before she began to lead him over towards the elevators.
"Good… Now let's go home."