Hello there everyone! I've got the next update here for you all. There's a little bit of everything in this one, from Dawsey to stuff at the firehouse, so I hope you enjoy it. And I'll see you all next time.

Happy reading!

ONE HUNDRED AND THIRTY THREE

The sound of the news playing on their television droned throughout the otherwise quiet room while Casey sat at the dining table, the pen in his hand tapping up and down against the hard wood as he went through the stack of mail in front of him, while occasionally sipping on his half-empty cup of coffee. This was a usual routine for him and his wife, with Matt being the one to sort through their bills and take care of their finances. Ever since they began to combine their expenses, it was what worked for them. And Matt didn't mind it one bit. He and Gabby both, neither of them had any issue with him being the one to make sure their bills were up to date and paid off.

And, if the statements in front of him were any indication, they all were. Their typical monthly expenses had been taken care of a couple weeks ago at the beginning of April, and after Casey got the last check from his construction job earlier in the week, he and Gabby had been able to pay off the rest of her medical bills.

That certainly wasn't something they were expecting would happen so soon, but with the budgeting they'd done over the last few months, combined with the hefty paychecks Matt was getting from his work at that house, and then Gabby picking up some extra shifts at Molly's, they'd gotten the money together to pay the last of her hospital bills. Which had been a huge relief to the both of them, knowing it was the last thing they needed to take care of to completely put the shooting behind them. Now because of that, they were in a place where they could continue to move forward while navigating through life together.

And as far as Casey was concerned, things had been going pretty well for them as of late. Work at the firehouse was good for the both of them, and Matt's construction was going well too as he had finished up his work at Theresa's home early last week. It was a job that had certainly kept him busy, but by the time it was all said and done he was immensely proud of what he'd accomplished at that property, as the house looked incredible. And Theresa and Jamie loved it too; so much so that not only had they paid him a little extra for his time, they also recommended Casey's name to all of their friends who might be in need of his skillset.

To anyone they could think of, they'd spread his name around, while also showing off the work he'd done, which is something Matt was extremely grateful for. Especially seeing as how it was the whole reason he already had another construction job lined up so soon. Matt hadn't been expecting the quick work, but one of Jamie's buddies needed someone to come and redo his back deck, and Casey accepted the job immediately. It was good work, even better money, and after going to the property yesterday once he got off shift, he knew it was a job that wouldn't be too tedious. And on top of all of that, Jamie's friend- Thomas, seemed like a great guy. So Matt had no problem taking this on, knowing the extra cash couldn't hurt either.

And while Casey was getting back into the swing of things with his construction, Gabby had also been keeping herself busy by working most of her nights at Molly's, that giving her the chance to get out more and spend time with their friends while Matt was busy. Which was something she thoroughly enjoyed. Then along with that, she had also been going to see Adrian a few times here and there, his wife coming to the decision that even though they felt like she didn't need to go, it was still beneficial for her to see him. Just to have another person to talk to, Matt very glad to know that she was doing this for herself and it was helping her.

Overall, their lives were just going really well at the moment. Him and Gabby were settling into their new routine nicely, finding ways to manage their new busy schedules while continuing to spend as much time together as possible. It was working well for them, and that was something Casey could only hope would continue.

With his body still seated comfortably at the table, Matt looked up from his tablet when he felt a pair of hands suddenly rest over his shoulders, a soft smile soon tugging on his lips as Gabby came up behind him, pulling him from his thoughts while her warm palms ran over his skin down to the front of his chest. His grin started to widen, Matt leaning back in his chair before she pressed a few soft kisses against the side of his head, then down to his neck.

"Good morning." She whispered, her lips continuing to brush against him while she trailed over to his ear, before running her teeth over him.

"Morning." He replied with just as much enthusiasm, Matt letting himself relax in his seat while he focused on the feeling of her hands roaming his bare chest, before they settled next to his breastbone.

"You been up long?" She asked, messing with the lobe of his ear for a few more seconds before she returned her lips to his jaw, Casey practically able to feel the smile on her face while she moved.

"A while…" He answered her, bringing his hand up to hold her forearm while she leaned down close to him, until her head was next to his. "I was going over our bills, and planning out the next few days." Matt explained, pressing a kiss to the side of her arm as she stayed draped over him.

"Anything I need to know about?" She questioned, Matt giving her a shrug before tilting his head back to rest against her shoulder.

"Nope, we're all good." He assured her, waiting until she nodded before he kept on. "I was able to work out my schedule with this new job… It's gonna keep me pretty busy, but it shouldn't take too long to finish."

"Sounds good, baby… Though I hope you scheduled at least one night with your wife in there." She teased him, feeling his chest shake beneath her touch while he laughed.

"Eh, I'll see if I can squeeze you in." Casey played along, Gabby biting back her smile before resting her head against his. "And besides, I figured you'd be working a lot, too."

"Yeah, I probably will be." She responded, their voices staying soft so as to not disrupt the easy feeling in the air. "It's been fun getting to spend more time there at Molly's lately." She added on while Matt nodded knowingly, the man well aware of how good it had been for her to get that time working at the bar.

"Do you have a shift tonight?" He questioned after a moment, feeling her shake her head.

"No, I don't.. I don't work there again until the night after next shift." Gabby explained to him. "What about you? Do you have to do anything for your job today?"

"I've gotta go pick up some wood later, if you want to come with me." He replied while starting to stroke his thumb over the side of her arm. "But other than that, no. Not today."

"I'll go with you, yeah. When do you start work?" She asked him as they continued to catch up with one another, their busy schedules as of late not giving them much time to do so.

"In a couple days. It should only take me about a week or so, though. Two weeks tops." Casey told her after placing another kiss to her warm skin. "Nothing like the work I just finished, so don't worry, I'll have plenty of time for you." He assured her, his light words causing her to smile before a soft laugh escaped the back of her throat.

"Good, cause you know how needy I can be."

"Oh trust me, I know." He joked, the couple sharing another laugh while he continued rubbing his hand over her arm. "But that's alright, I don't mind it."

"Yeah, I know you don't." She replied quickly, Casey biting back his grin before a comfortable quiet fell over them, the two continuing to stand together as her body rested over him. It wasn't until moments later that Gabby finally spoke up again. "So…" She started, regaining his attention as the tone in her voice told him their conversation was about to shift elsewhere. "When I woke up in our big bed all by myself this morning, it gave me some time to think about something." She baited him, his lips pulling into a smirk as he tilted his head back.

"Oh yeah?" Matt spoke.

"Yeah…"

"And what would that be exactly?" He pushed on, Gabby drawing in a deep breath before she stood up straight, the movement causing him to turn around in his chair in order to get a look at her for the first time this morning. And the sight in front of him nearly made him fall in love all over again, her disheveled hair and baggy clothes just making her all the more beautiful to him as her eyes focused on his scruffy face.

"...I think we should finally start looking for a house."

His mouth softened into a noticeable grin as she spoke, her words washing over him while her bottom lip fell between her teeth, like she wasn't sure of what his response would be. But the beaming look on his face was enough to tell her how excited he was, Matt immediately starting to nod while she brushed her hand through his short hair.

"You do?" He clarified, causing her to mimic his nod.

"Yeah." She repeated, his wide smile growing even more as nothing but love shined in his gaze. "I know we've talked about it here and there, but I think it's time to seriously try and find a place for us… Or at least starting looking. If that's what you want-"

She could hardly finish getting the words out before he was pulling her down into his lap, loud laughs coming from her as she sat down on his legs, his arms wrapping instinctively around her waist while hers went up around his neck. His lips were on hers the moment she was settled, Gabby feeling his hands tighten against her body in an effort to pull her closer while they moved together, neither of them separating until air became a priority.

"So… that's a yes?" She asked between breaths, her chest heaving while he gripped onto the shirt covering her body, which he just now realized was his.

"Of course it's a yes." He replied without missing a beat, his excitement evident as Gabby knew this was something he'd been waiting on.

Ever since they first had the conversation last month, Matt let her take the lead in their discussions about the future, as this was something they both knew they couldn't rush. That she had to be ready for this next step before going any further. But now, she was. And he couldn't have been happier.

"I'd go and buy you a house tomorrow if I could." He continued on, Gabby scrunching up her nose in amusement while her hand began to tease the hair at the base of his neck.

"Well, I don't think we need to do that. But we should definitely start looking." She replied lightly, the smile on his face flooding her chest with warmth as his palm ran over her back. "Things have calmed down, everything with us is steady. I think now is the time for us to try and find our forever home." Gabby added on, his features lighting up even further. Which was something she didn't think possible. "Or at least the home we're going to be in for a long time."

"That sounds perfect." He breathed out as he pulled her closer. "Our forever home, where we can live with our ten kids."

A deep laugh came from her chest as he spoke, Gabby shaking her head lightly while Matt's proud smile widened.

"What?" He continued on playfully.

"Yeah, yeah… Let's start with one, and we'll go from there." She redirected him, Matt pretending to mull over her words before ultimately nodding.

"Deal." He agreed, seeing her laugh once more before she leaned in for another kiss, the couple moving together slowly as there was a palpable excitement between them. "...So we're doing this?" Matt asked her once they separated, his eyes locking on hers. "We're looking for our house?"

"We're doing this." She agreed, the eager grin soon returning to his lips as he pulled her in for another kiss, his hands roaming over her while she pushed herself closer to him. Both of them were fully caught up in the moment, nothing but pure bliss between them as the rest of the world drowned out, Matt's palm sliding up her back underneath the shirt covering her while her hands cupped his neck.

Their heated movements suddenly stopped when Matt gripped her hips before pushing himself up from his chair, Gabby letting out a surprised squeak as he stood with her in his arms, Casey supporting her weight while getting to his feet. He'd moved so quickly she hadn't expected it, but it didn't take her long to realize what he was doing as his hands supported underneath her before he stepped away from the table, Gabby's legs wrapping around his hips while she pulled herself closer to him.

"Where are we going?" She asked through the soft laughs leaving her lips, though Gabby already had the answer to her question as he started walking them both back to their bedroom.

"To celebrate." He replied knowingly, the sound of her joyous laughter continuing to filter through their apartment while he carried her, as Gabby knew that she was bound to enjoy whatever he had in mind.

And she absolutely had, all morning long.

"I was wondering when you two were gonna get back."

Dawson rolled out her neck as she and Shay stepped through the double doors into the firehouse, the sound of Cruz's voice hitting them almost immediately while she looked over into the common room where most of the house was sitting. Nearly all of truck was in here, and some of squad- aside from the few who were sitting outside at their table, Gabby's eyes continuing to move around the room until they landed on her husband, who was in his usual spot at the head of the table.

He hadn't looked up at first, his attention focused down on the laptop in front of him, but when he registered what Joe had said he glanced up, an immediate smile forming over his face when he found Gabby's gaze.

"You guys were gone for hours."

"Yeah, we ended up being called in as backup at a car accident." Shay explained, earning a few nods from the guys while the two women continued inside.

"Oh right, that bridge accident, right? We saw something about it on the news."

"That's the one." Gabby echoed, letting her hand run along Matt's shoulder as she passed him on her way to the counter. "It was pretty rough." She breathed out, Casey grimacing while she spoke as he hated the idea of her having to deal with a hard call. It was a casualty of the job, something they couldn't avoid. But there were still times he wished he could protect her from it.

"Any casualties?" Mouch prodded, Shay shaking her head while Gabby grabbed an apple from the fruit basket before heading back to the table.

"There were some nasty injuries, but everyone got out alive… Should make full recoveries."

"Good." Cruz interjected while Gabby took up her usual spot beside Matt, the Lieutenant turning towards her with a soft smile as their eyes met.

"Hey." He greeted quietly, Gabby matching the look on his face as she scooted her chair closer to him.

"Hi… Did I miss anything exciting while we were gone?" She questioned, her gaze moving between him and his open laptop before she took a bite of her apple.

Before giving her an answer, Casey took a moment to look over her. Just to make sure she truly was alright after her last call. Though from what he saw, she was, Matt's eyes crinkling ever so slightly as he started to nod.

"I found a few places while you were gone." He replied, seeing her face brighten up before they both looked back at the screen, where he had a few different tabs open. All of which held the information to different houses, as now that they had decided to start seriously looking for a new place to call home, they didn't want to waste anymore time.

And that had never been more clear to Gabby than it was yesterday as after their morning spent celebrating the beginning of this new phase in their marriage, Matt had made a call to a realtor he knew. The man who helped him find his old apartment, from what Gabby understood, as her husband had asked for his help on where they should start their home search.

He'd given them some suggestions, pointed them to what he thought were the best neighbors given what they were looking for, and even where to avoid. He had also offered to help them navigate the home-buying process if they needed, Gabby sure they'd take him up on it as neither she nor Matt really knew enough about any of this. But before they got to any of that, right now they were just trying to figure out what it was they wanted.

Which is exactly why Matt had spent the last day looking at various houses online.

"You did?" Gabby asked him, prompting him to nod.

"He did." Kelly responded from his spot at the opposite table, his words gaining the attention of the room as the firehouse was certainly interested in the Caseys decision to buy a house together. "Wouldn't shut up about it, too." He added on, Matt waving him off before returning his full attention to Gabby, while she merely watched him with an amused grin.

"Anything good?" She questioned after Severide finished teasing him.

"There are a few ones I think might be worth a look." He prefaced while pulling up the correct tab, before starting to show her one of the properties.

It was an older-style home, with three bedrooms and two baths, the design alone making Gabby nearly fall in love with it. But just from the photos, she could tell it was a little more outdated than they were wanting. That Matt would have to do a lot of work inside and out to get it where they wanted, and while he was willing to do that, she certainly wanted to look around at all their options before making any decisions.

The next one he showed her was a bit more modern, Gabby liking the open floorplan better already as he went through each picture with her, the space certainly intriguing to both of them. And it was that way with the rest of the places he showed her, Gabby liking bits and pieces of each one, but not necessarily falling in love with any of them. But that's exactly why they were doing this, so they could get a feel for what they did and didn't like.

"I know none of these are probably the house, but it's a place to start." He voiced, like he was inside her head as a soft smile appeared over her lips.

"Yeah, baby, that would be great… I definitely think we should go and see some of them. Especially this one." She said, nodding towards the last house he had shown her.

It was the most updated of the three, the rooms big and open while also having enough space for them, the decent-sized yards certainly a plus as it had been the closest to what Gabby was envisioning in her head.

"I thought you might like that one." Casey spoke with a soft grin, his eyes focused on her while she continued to look over the photos. "I can set up an appointment for us to go and look at some of these places, if you want."

"That would be great." Gabby agreed.

"Yeah, it would be." Shay chimed in, the sound of her voice startling Dawson as she hadn't noticed the blonde come up behind them, her reaction pulling a few laughs from the rest of the room as their coworkers were evidently paying more attention to her and Matt than she realized.

"Jesus Shay." Gabby breathed out, Casey biting back his smile as their friend leaned down in between them, her hand resting on the table to support her weight while she looked at the computer screen. "Make a noise next time."

"Not my fault you couldn't hear me while you two were too busy gazing into each other's eyes." She fired back, Gabby hearing their friends continue to laugh as Shay put her entire focus on the laptop. "Wow, this place looks nice." She commented, while starting to scroll through the photos. "Is this the new casa de Casey?"

"Probably not, we're just looking around." Matt replied with a shrug. "Trying to figure out what we want, but it's a great home."

"Looks like it." Shay agreed, Gabby shaking her head in amusement at her friend's insistence on being a part of this before she looked past her towards her husband, who was merely smiling her way. "Sheesh, four bedrooms. Do you all need that many?"

"We might, who knows." Casey answered proudly, Shay unable to fend off her smirk while more of the room began to gather around them.

"We want the room to grow into a place, and not be cramped… Matt and I don't want to have to keep moving if we need more space." Dawson explained further.

"So you and Casey are having three mini-Matt's, good to know." Shay replied dryly, pulling chuckles from the rest of their friends while Gabby rolled her eyes, before reaching her hand up to lightly smack arm. Though Shay wasn't fazed. "Oh, the kitchen is nice." She added on, her sudden shift in conversation grabbing Gabby's attention too, as she quickly began to nod.

"It really is, and it's so big… I know Matt and I got lucky with our apartment and we have a great kitchen. After having that, I don't think I could go back to a small one. Not with as much as I cook." She told her, Shay nodding knowingly while Matt just sat back and let them talk. "It won't be a deal breaker or anything, but I'd love to have a big kitchen wherever we move. And the big living room, so there's space for everyone when we have people over."

"Makes sense." Shay agreed while moving through the next photos of some of the bathrooms, before the outside of the property showed up. "That's a nice backyard." She commented, Gabby's eyes widening ever so slightly with a hint of excitement as she looked at the laptop.

"Isn't it? Wherever we move definitely needs to have a backyard." Gabby told her, Matt swallowing back his laugh before his eyes met Kelly's across the room, who was clearly entertained by what was going on.

"What did you get yourself into, man?" He asked, his voice quiet but still loud enough for Casey to hear as Matt merely shook his head.

"The backyard at my parent's house is so nice, it's made me always want one." Gabby continued on, Shay smirking before she turned her head towards Casey, prompting the man to look up at her.

"Who knew your wife was such high maintenance?" She joked, Gabby scoffing from beside her while Matt grinned.

"She's not high maintenance, she just knows what she wants." He was quick to reply, the look on Dawson's face turning up into a smile while Matt shot her a noticeable wink.

"Good answer, Lieutenant." Mouch called from his spot on the sofa, Shay rolling her eyes in response before looking back towards the laptop.

"You two really are made for each other." She spoke under her breath, her words only causing Casey's smile to widen while Gabby gave her side a shove. "Hey, I'm just kidding. I'm just kidding.." Shay defended herself, the two friends grinning at one another before the blonde stood up straight. "You make Casey here find you the perfect house, it's what you deserve babe." She continued on, her words now much more genuine as she placed a loving kiss to the top of Gabby's head.

"Thank you." Dawson agreed happily, Matt watching on happily just as the bells went off above their heads.

'Ambulance 61, person in distress. 2109 State Street.'

Gabby pushed her chair back while Shay moved around the table, the paramedics mentally preparing themselves to head back out into the city as they knew all conversations about her and Matt's new home would have to wait.

"Be safe." Casey spoke as she stood up, Gabby giving him a soft smile before leaning down to press a kiss to his cheek.

"I will." She promised, the two sharing a knowing look before she followed Shay out of the room, Matt watching her as she went.

Even after she disappeared through the doors, his gaze lingered there for a moment or two, the smile on his face never faltering as he eventually moved his attention back to his computer to look for more homes. But as he did, he couldn't help but feel someone's eyes on him, Casey soon looking up to find Herrmann watching him with the slightest smile across his features.

"...Yeah?" Matt asked quietly, his head tilting to the side.

"Nothing… it's just nice to see."

"What is?"

"You and Dawson." He answered simply, Matt's lips twitching up into a grin while he relaxed back into his seat. "You two settling down, getting a house… It's good seeing you both so happy together." The older firefighter further explained, his statement earning some agreeing nods from the other men in the room as Matt couldn't help but feel completely grateful for his friend, and how supportive they were of him and Gabby. How supportive they had always been.

"Thanks Herrmann… That means a lot to me." He responded, the two men nodding at one another before they went back to what they were doing, Herrmann watching television as Matt continued to look at a few more properties, everyone in the room content to kill time until they'd inevitably be called out again.

"Truck 81! Squad 3! We need you inside, now!" Boden barked while he stood in front of the terrifying scene, with flames shooting out from inside the tall apartment building and flying up into the dark night sky. It was hard to hear their Chief's voice through all the screams and sirens, multiple companies having been called to what was no doubt a gruesome fire while people were running from all directions, desperate to get as far away from the building as possible.

"61, help with triage! We don't have time to waste, people!" Boden continued to order, Dawson giving him a nod while a rush of firefighters went past her.

"You heard him, 81 with me. We're going in." Casey said strongly, him and his firefighters pausing to mask up before they ran inside the flames, while everyone else was trying to get out.

The scene was chaotic, and continued to be as the minutes ticked by, the men and women of 51 doing all they could to help as many victims as possible. Though it was brutal, as people were coming out quicker than the ambulances could take them away, with multiple burns and injuries, everyone in desperate need of assistance.

But they were doing all they could, the paramedics and firefighters both, Gabby doing her part in focusing on each patient that was brought to her and getting them the help they needed, while at least a dozen other medics were doing the exact same thing around her.

"Shay, I need more gauze!" She called, her partner nodding from inside the back of the ambulance before tossing more pads her way just seconds later, a deep frown setting in across Dawson's face as the woman on the gurney in front of her continued to cry out. "I know, honey… I know it hurts. But we're gonna get you some help, alright? You'll be okay." She promised, doing all she could to assist her before handing her off to an ambulance that was heading for Lakeshore.

"Shay, you got anyone else?" Dawson called out once she released the woman into the car of other medics, the insanity around her making it hard for the partners to communicate. But they were doing the best they could.

"No, but I'm sure here in a second…" She trailed off, Gabby nodding at her before she turned back towards the blazing fire, well aware that there would likely be more people coming out any moment.

"Chief!" Casey suddenly came through the radio, the sound making Dawson stop abruptly as she'd recognize the desperation in his voice anywhere. And it made her stomach sink. "Chief, I need an aerial up to the south side window, fourth floor.. I'm trapped in here with a woman and her baby." He explained, his words rushed while Gabby's eyes immediately moved up towards the fourth floor, like she was hoping she'd somehow be able to see him. But she couldn't.

All she saw were flames.

"We're on it Casey, Mouch!" Boden nearly screamed across the crowded road, but the older man was already moving as he climbed up onto the rig and began to position the aerial where Matt needed it.

"Chief, let me go up and help." Severide spoke, Gabby not even realizing he was back out here amidst the chaos.

"Alright, go." Boden agreed, Kelly racing over to Truck 81 while Gabby's body moved closer and closer to Boden.

He could see her out of his peripheral vision, but couldn't focus on her right now as his main objective was getting his firefighter, and that woman and child, outside safely.

"Casey, Severide's coming up.. We're gonna get you all out, just leave your radio on for me."

"Got it, Chief." He replied, both Boden and Dawson able to hear the cries from this woman and her child while Matt did what he could to comfort them. "They're coming, okay? We're gonna get help, you both will be fine."

He was repeating those words over and over, Gabby's eyes falling closed for a split second as she let herself focus on the sound of his voice.

"Casey, man I'm almost there. Are you by the window?" Severide came through, Dawson forcing herself to look up as she saw Kelly climbing the ladder up towards the building, with another firefighter following behind him.

"We are, it's already broken out… I've got her baby.. I need you to get her out first-"

"I'm not leaving my child!" The woman's voice interrupted him.

"Ma'am-Ma'am, I've got her. I promise.."

"I won't leave her!"

"I'll be right behind you, I promise you." They went back and forth, Matt clearly trying to keep her calm. "I will get her out of here, but I cannot do that with you still in the building. My friend Kelly, he's going to help you out and get you down safely, but I need you to go for me to help your daughter."

Gabby felt her throat tighten while she listened to her husband's voice, his steady nature still amazing her as even during a situation as terrifying as this, he was able to keep a level head. Not only for himself, but everyone else around him. It's what made him such an incredible firefighter, and an even better man.

"...You'll get her out?" The woman checked one last time, her tears evident.

"If it's the last thing I do."

Those words made her breath catch, Gabby biting down roughly on the inside of her cheek while Boden reached out to place his hand over her shoulder as a form of reassurance.

"Okay…"

"Casey, I'm up here.. Send them out." Severide spoke, Dawson forcing herself to steady her breathing while she watched the scene unfold in front of her.

There was some back and forth over the radio, but eventually she saw the woman start to climb out from the window, her movements slow as there was nothing easy about evacuating from a fourth story floor. But they had managed to get her securely on the ladder and past Severide, the firefighter behind him then helping her down the aerial while Kelly stayed up by the window.

"Alright Casey, you next."

"Take the baby, I'll come behind you." Matt replied, Gabby's jaw tightening as she refused to look away from the building. It was hard for her to see much through the growing fire, but it was enough to now make out Matt's form through the busted window.

"Matt…"

"You need to take her. It's not safe for me to climb out with her, you get her then I'll go."

There was a hesitation between them, Gabby able to sense from all the way down on the ground that Severide didn't want to leave him. But with more and more fire shooting out from the building, and the smoke getting darker, he didn't have much of a choice.

"Alright. But don't waste any time, you- Shit! Casey, get out!"

A loud bang came from the building seconds later, right where the aerial was as Severide suddenly reached out to the window, thick smoke covering them while the woman further down the ladder began to scream.

"Casey!" Boden shouted into the radio, Gabby gripping hers a little tighter while her wide eyes waited for the smoke to clear. "Casey, report!"

"Chief-" Matt coughed out seconds later, his voice sounding strained while the smoke started to clear up by the building. But he was answering, and that in and of itself was a relief. "I'm okay, I'm-.. I'm fine."

"Casey, hold on!" Severide shouted, Dawson's chest getting tighter as she was suddenly able to see what had happened once the smoke fanned up into the sky.

She could see Severide clinging to the ladder, his body slumped to the side almost like he was holding something- or someone, while there was another person attached to the aerial.

But they weren't on top of it, they were hanging from it.

"God dammit." Boden breathed out, while he and Gabby watched as Matt hung from the aerial, working desperately to pull himself up.

Kelly was trying to help him, but with the child in his arms he wasn't able to do much without risking her life, everyone knowing that a fall from that height would be fatal. For Matt and the child.

"Come on, baby…" Gabby whispered, Boden gripping onto her shoulder even tighter while they watched the scene unfold in front of them. "Come on."

"I got you Case, get up man."

It almost seemed like slow motion, but eventually her and Boden saw Matt start to regain his grip, Severide able to help pull him up before he was safely back onto the ladder. Gabby released a heavy breath once he was stable, the tension slowly releasing from her body while Matt, Severide, and the child began to safely descend the aerial.

"He's okay, Dawson." Boden spoke up, Gabby giving him a nod while blinking back a few of the stray tears filling her eyes. "He's alright."

"Yeah… he's okay." She repeated, hating this feeling settling within her stomach as she did all she could to push it away.

Matt was fine, her husband was okay, and that's all that mattered.

Everything around them seemed to begin to calm down, the other officers on scene ordering that water be put on the flames now that everyone was out of the building, Gabby staying a few steps back from everything while Severide and Casey got back onto solid ground. Kelly wasted no time in reuniting the sobbing woman with her baby, the squad Lieutenant saying something to Casey that Gabby could barely hear, along the lines of 'Great fucking save, man', before he lead the mother and daughter over to where Shay could take a look at them. But knowing there was no one else for her to help right now, that entire time Dawson's eyes stayed focused on Matt.

He was moving a bit stiffly, but after hanging off a ladder four stories above the ground she couldn't say she was surprised, Matt shaking out his limbs as Boden moved towards him, along with another Chief. Gabby hadn't noticed him at first, but looking back on it she knew he'd been beside her and Boden almost the entire time Matt was trying to get that family outside, Dawson only now recognizing him to be the newest District Chief for the CFD.

"Casey." Boden spoke up first, reaching out to pat him on the back while Matt let out a few coughs. "You alright, Matt?"

"Yeah, yeah I'm good." He said after drawing in a few breaths, a mix of sweat and soot dripping from his face while he looked back and forth between Boden and the District Chief. "Chief Hayes." He spoke to the older man.

"Lieutenant." He replied, stepping forward to shake Casey's hand. "That was a hell of a save you made there, Casey."

Matt nodded, before shrugging slightly. "I was just doing what I had to, but thank you." Matt responded, Boden giving her shoulder a squeeze.

"Yeah, Casey here is one of our best officers."

"That's what I've heard." Chief Hayes complimented, Matt offering them both an appreciative, yet tired smile as he was still trying to take in all what had just happened. His adrenaline was running a little bit, but even he knew how close he came to something awful happening to him.

He knew he could've died, and that Gabby had been here to see it.

"Casey, how about you go let Dawson check you over. Make sure you're alright." Boden suggested, like he had been able to read his firefighter's mind. And Casey wasn't going to argue with him, Matt immediately nodding before he started to step away from them, his eyes then finding Gabby's as she was standing maybe ten feet away.

He could see it in her face that he'd scared her, but she seemed to be alright now as she gave him a slow, somewhat weak smile.

"I'm okay." He breathed out before he could even get her to her, Gabby's head nodding up and down while she pulled him into her arms the second she could. "I'm alright."

He repeated those words over and over, as much for her benefit as his as the longer he held onto her, the more the weight of this continued to sink in for him. But he was trying not to dwell on any what ifs, and instead focus on the feeling of Gabby's arms around him as the couple held onto one another as tightly as they could, the contact needed after what had just happened.

Back by the rig, Boden and Chief Hayes watched on at the two of them for a few moments, neither man saying a word at first before the District Chief eventually spoke up.

"...That's his wife, right?" He questioned, Boden drawing in a slow breath before he nodded.

It was one of the worst kept secrets within the department, the relationship between his truck Lieutenant and his PIC. Something that everyone knew about, but didn't draw attention to unless necessary as they were working within a gray area here. There were no rules about spouses working in the same house, but it was frowned upon, causing the higher ups to look the other way until given a reason.

But, in Casey and Dawson's case, they were never given any. The only problems that had ever come up were back when Walker was still in the house, but at that point they hadn't been married. And even then, any issues had all been caused by Bryan, so there was nothing to be done.

"Yes, she is… Our PIC, Gabriela Dawson- or Gabriela Casey, rather." Boden replied after a beat of silence, Chief Hayes keeping his gaze on Casey and Dawson before he nodded.

"And does that cause problems within the house? Their relationship?"

"No, it doesn't." Boden answered him quickly, leaving no room for interpretation or doubt with his answer.

"...Alright." Chief Hayes replied, his tone causing Boden's eyes to narrow before looking his way.

"Why do you ask?"

"No reason." He responded, though Boden knew it wasn't that simple. But he didn't bother pushing it now, the two Chiefs merely exchanging a few nods before going their separate ways, knowing there were more important matters at hand here as they still had to deal with the aftermath of this horrific call. That, thankfully, wasn't as bad as it could've been.