Hello there everyone! I'm back with the next chapter for you all and I hope you enjoy it! I don't have much to say ahead of this one, but thank you all so much for reading and I can't wait to hear what you think!

See you next time.

ONE HUNDRED AND THIRTY SEVEN

Dawson's eyes were focused out through the windshield while her husband drove down the rather busy streets of Chicago, the quiet feeling in the air of his truck the same as it had been ever since they left headquarters maybe ten minutes ago, both Gabby and Matt still trying to process what all had just transpired as they followed behind Boden back to the firehouse.

They hadn't expected this. Out of all the possible scenarios of why Chief Hayes would want to meet with them, neither of them ever imagined this is what it was. That Matt getting a promotion, that the department wanting him to be a Captain would ever happen. At least not now.

But it had, and Gabby was over the moon for him. Even if she could tell he was still a bit overwhelmed by all of it.

"Which is why we want to promote you, Casey… We want to make you a Captain."

Chief Hayes' words likely would've knocked them over had they not been sitting down, Casey still feeling that lingering disbelief in his system while he tried to grasp what was going on. Instinctively, he looked back towards his wife, only to find her smiling wide towards him with proud tears forming in her eyes, clearly thrilled for him as she gave his hand a tight squeeze. Silently, she wished there was more she could do to celebrate this moment, but given where they were she knew they couldn't. So holding his hand would have to do, the smile on her face never faltering while Matt slowly began to match her expression.

"Lieutenant." Chief Hayes prompted, causing Casey to tear his eyes away from Gabby and look back towards the District Chief, the older man still wearing that same easy look on his face. Though as the seconds ticked by, it became clearer to Matt that he was meant to say something.

"Sorry, I'm sorry. I just…" He cleared his throat, all the officers in the room watching in real time as Casey tried to let this sink in. "You're saying you want to…"

"Promote you to Captain, yes." Chief Hayes replied, while the Commissioner nodded from his spot beside the desk. "We believe you're the right fit for this type of position, and that you would handle it extraordinarily well. It's something we've thought over and discussed extensively, but at the end of the day every single person in this room came to the same conclusion I did… That this is a promotion you deserve." Hayes continued on strongly, the intensity of his tone proving he meant every word he was saying as Gabby felt more pride swell within her chest. "And frankly, it's something that should've happened a while ago."

That caused Dawson to grin wider, because it was the truth. This is something that should've happened a long time ago. And even though everything the department put him through couldn't be taken back, she was glad to see them attempting to right their wrongs now, and award him with something he's earned multiple times over.

"You have been an asset to this department, Lieutenant. You've given your everything to this job, and you should be recognized for that. You deserve to be rewarded for the incredible work you've done throughout your career." He added, never taking his attention off of Casey as Matt drew in a slow, steadying breath. "So, if this is something you'd be interested in, it's on the table."

"Babe."

Gabby snapped out of her headspace when she heard her husband's voice, her eyes blinking quickly while her vision adjusted to her surroundings before she realized they were parked up against the curb outside the firehouse. She didn't know they'd made it back already, Dawson evidently having zoned out longer than she realized as she straightened out her back a bit before returning her gaze to her husband.

"We're back." He repeated, Gabby smiling softly in his direction before she gave him a nod, the quiet feeling between them continuing as they both undid their seatbelts and got out of his truck.

Gabby waited for him on the sidewalk while he came around the front of his vehicle, his hand reaching out for hers once he was close enough as they laced their fingers together before they headed up the driveway. When they got near the firehouse, they were able to see all the rigs still in their rightful place, telling both Dawson and Casey that everyone should be right inside those walls, no doubt waiting for their return.

Though surprisingly enough, none of them were sitting outside, Boden the only other person out there after Gabby and Matt had made their way through the garage, while their boss was waiting for them next to the squad table.

"Well, are you ready to head in?" He asked as they took the last few steps towards him, Matt offering him a soft grin before he nodded.

"Yeah, I guess so." He responded, the prideful look on Boden's face never faltering as he reached out to clasp his hand over Casey's shoulder. The two men had already had their moment of congratulations outside of Hayes' office, but that didn't do much of anything to diminish the excitement Boden was holding for his firefighter now, as he knew how big of an accomplishment this was.

"Are we sharing the good news with everyone?" He pushed on, their Chief wanting to make sure they were all on the same page as Matt paused momentarily before glancing towards Gabby, who merely nodded, silently telling him it was his decision.

"I think we should, yeah." He ultimately replied, the grin on Boden's face widening even more before he matched his firefighter's nod. "They're gonna want to know what happened, and I want to tell them."

"Alright." He responded, the two officers sharing a knowing look before the Chief headed inside, leaving the married couple to follow behind him.

When they stepped inside, everyone was about where Casey expected them to be, all of them gathered around at the tables while they waited for their next call of the day.

"Hey, there you guys are." Mouch spoke up, his spot on the couch allowing him to be one of the first to notice their presence.

"Oh, they're back… And they don't seem angry. So maybe that's a good sign." Otis joked, Gabby letting out a soft scoff while Casey merely shook his head, both of them noticing how they had the attention of almost the entire room.

"Hey guys." Matt replied to their greetings, catching Severide's curious gaze while he sat back at the table beside Shay.

"So…" The blonde paramedic started, looking between Dawson and Casey, both of who were trying to hide their smiles. "Don't leave us hanging. What did headquarters want?" She voiced the question everyone wanted an answer to, not bothering to waste any time as they were sure all their friends had been anxiously waiting for their arrival.

"Go ahead, Casey." Boden prompted with a firm nod, Casey taking in a steadying breath before he looked back out to their friends, his hand still clasped tightly in Gabby's as he felt her eyes on him, patiently waiting for him to say the next words out loud for the first time.

"...The department wants to promote me."

You could almost hear a pin drop after he spoke, his statement needing a second to settle in before varying levels of surprise and elation covered his friends' faces.

"They want to make me a Captain."

A loud chorus of cheers soon broke out through the room, Casey's smile growing while all the other first responders started to get up and come towards him, each wanting their chance to congratulate him.

"Hey, congrats Lieutenant!"

"That's so great, Casey."

"I knew it was something like this, you're too good to not get promoted."

"Congratulations!"

Matt was passed around the room, getting hug after hug from all their friends as they shared this joyous moment together, Gabby content to sit back and watch him get all the love and appreciation he deserved from their firehouse family.

"This is such great news, Casey." Herrmann told him, patting his shoulder before Severide came up to give him a tight hug.

"Congrats man." He spoke genuinely, Matt's smile widening while he patted his back. "I'm so happy for you."

"Thanks Sev." He replied, his voice soft as hearing that from his best friend hit a little closer to home, the two holding onto each other for a few seconds longer before they pulled away, where Shay was waiting her turn to get to Casey.

"Come here, Mr. Dawson." She spoke brightly, Matt letting out a quiet laugh before he hugged Shay. "Congratulations, Matt. If anyone deserves something like this, it's you."

"Thank you, Shay." He responded, rubbing over her back until they pulled apart, where he saw a sly smirk already resting on her lips.

"I'm happy for you, and for Dawson over there. Because now with this promotion, that means you can take care of my girl even better." She joked, Matt and a few of their friends laughing while Gabby shook her head from across the room.

"Yeah, yeah.. Message received, Shay." He played along, the two sharing another smile before Herrmann's voice came back in.

"So Casey, you gotta tell us what happened… Cause before you left, it wasn't looking good. Walk us through it."

"Yeah, we wanna hear everything." Cruz echoed, Matt taking a step back and crossing his arms over his chest before he nodded, understanding that they all were bound to be curious after how things went today.

So over the next ten minutes, he and Boden both took them through what all happened over at headquarters, the room hanging on his every word with amused smiles and looks being shared between them, all of them listening happily while they explained this unexpected change in Casey's life.

But just as Matt got them caught up, the bells rang out above their heads signaling squad and engine out to a call, prompting those men to say a few last 'congratulations' to their newest Captain before they headed out. With the amount of people left in the room cutting into half, after a few more exchanges between Casey and his firefighters they all began to disperse, Boden giving Matt one last handshake before he headed for his office.

And it didn't take long for Casey to follow suit, as maybe a minute or two later he finished his conversation with Mouch and went out to the hallway, Gabby assuming by his direction that he was heading for the bunk room. At first she debated on whether or not to follow him, as Shay was currently in the middle of teasing her about one thing or another, but after there was a break in her words she decided to excuse herself and head that way, knowing she wanted the chance to talk to her husband. Because they hadn't really been able to.

Not with just the two of them at least, they hadn't had a moment to talk about this promotion, and what it meant. There had been no time, as they exchanged nothing more than a congratulatory hug and kiss once they'd left headquarters, and the ride back to 51 hadn't been the moment for it either, given how they were both still pretty shocked by today. But now that that had started to wear off, she wanted to take the time to truly discuss this with him. To see where his head was at after the insanity that today had become.

With her hands shoved into her pockets, Gabby picked up her steps as she made her way down the hallway towards the bunk room, the paramedic seeing exactly who she was looking for as once she stepped inside, as Matt walked into his office. From his demeanor alone she knew he didn't realize he'd been followed, but he left the door open regardless as he took slow steps towards his desk, Gabby able to pick up on his contemplation already while she moved closer to him.

Thankfully, the room was otherwise empty aside from them, Dawson slowing her steps down until she came in through his doorway. Almost like he could sense her presence, Casey turned around a second later, a small smile soon covering his face as his piercing blue eyes locked on her deep brown ones.

Neither of them said a word at first, Gabby opting to just move closer to him while he stood by his desk, letting his weight fall back into the hard furniture before he spread his legs slightly. Enough for her to be able to stand between them as she brought her hands up to rest against his neck, her gaze tracing over his face.

"...You okay?"

His brows furrowed at the question, Matt not expecting that to be the first thing from her mouth. But he nodded regardless.

"I know you're excited and everything, I am too." She continued on when she noticed his confusion, his mouth turning up into a smile as her thumb stroked along his neck. "But you were pretty quiet after our meeting, and in the car… This has all been crazy, and we haven't had a chance to talk about it, so I just wanted to check and see where you were at." She explained, a look of realization flickering in his eyes as he lifted his hands up to rest over her waist.

"Yeah, I get what you mean. We definitely need to talk about it, cause out of all the things we prepared to walk into, we didn't talk about something like this." He breathed out, Gabby nodding understandingly as his legs leaned against hers, effectively holding her body closer to him while he focused on the cool metal of her wedding ring pressed against his skin. "But I'm fine, baby. Just trying to take it all in… This whole thing was so unexpected, and it hasn't entirely hit me yet, I don't think. The department wanting to promote it, it's…"

"Incredible." Gabby finished for him when he never completed his thought, the smile resting over his lips softening as she gave him a supportive nod. "This is so incredible, Matt. I'm so proud of you." She spoke as the elation she was feeling for him rushed through her words. "You have deserved this for so long, Chief Hayes was right. This is something that should've happened a long time ago, but this is so amazing, baby. I'm so happy for you."

The thoughts were coming out quickly as she was finally getting the chance to say everything she'd wanted to back in Chief Hayes' office, where she'd had to hold back to retain that sense of professionalism. Even if all she wanted to do was wrap him up in her arms and let him know how so incredibly proud of him she was.

"You just… You deserve this so much. More than anyone. And I'm so glad everyone else is finally seeing what I do." She told him, the smile on his face widening as his hands rubbed up and down along her hips before he kissed her. It was soft, and fleeting, but they both put every feeling they'd been holding onto into it, his grip on her waist tightening as Gabby slid her hand around to the back of his neck. "God, I'm just so happy for you." She murmured once more after the pulled back, her forehead resting against his as she felt him take in a deep breath. "And I love you so much."

"I love you, too." He repeated, stealing another loving kiss before they separated enough to see each other, that supportive grin reappearing over his wife's mouth before she spoke up.

"So you're feeling okay about this?" She checked, as it dawned on her that he hadn't really answered her earlier question. "This promotion, everything that comes with it… This is something you want?"

Although she already knew the answer, she felt like she needed to ask. Just to be sure, before this went any further, as after the news of his impending Captaincy was sprung on them, she needed to hear from him that this is what he wanted.

"It is." He replied sturdily, the conviction he spoke with in just those short words flooding her chest with warmth. "I… I guess I didn't realize how much I wanted this until I had it, but I do. I want to do this." He continued on, while his hands slid around her waist down into her back pockets. "I never let myself even think about something like this being an option for me, not after what happened with Hallie and Jacobs. I never dreamed this was in the cards for me, but it is." Matt spoke, Gabby smiling sadly as she nodded. "And now that this is in front of me, with people who believe in me and support me. People who think I can do this job, I just… I want this. I really do."

She continued to nod after his assurances, that loving feeling swarming her body only getting deeper as her eyes traced over his face.

"And I know it'll be an adjustment for us, that I'll be having to take on more work here within the department…"

"It might be, but we can handle it." She promised him, seeing him smile back at her while pulling her closer, until her chest was practically flushed against his. "We can handle anything, especially when it's something as wonderful as this."

"Yeah, we can." He echoed, the two mimicking each other's bright smiles.

"And whatever I can do to help you, I will." She continued on, the genuine joy written into his features nearly making her fall in love with him all over again. "No matter what it is, I'm right here, baby. With you through all of this, and I just- God, I'm so proud of you." She said again, like she was unable to contain herself as she leaned forward to hug him, Matt immediately melting into the contact as there was nothing quite like the feeling about being wrapped up in his wife's arms.

"I love you." He too repeated his earlier words, Matt pressing a kiss to her neck before he dug herself into her embrace, both of them content to just keep holding onto one another while they decompressed from the whirlwind of emotions today had brought them.

Right now, part of this still didn't feel real. That the department wanted to promote him, of all people. But they did, and as that continued to sink in, he couldn't help but be so indescribably happy.

Happy that his bosses, and his bosses bosses, thought so highly of them, that after nearly blackballing him from the job entirely they were seeing how capable he truly was. He was happy at the idea of getting to continue the work he loves, while doing more for not only this department, but the city as well.

But maybe most of all, he was just happy because no matter what was to come with this promotion, he knew he'd have his wife here by his side the entire time.

And that made him feel like the luckiest man in the world.

Dawson pulled her keys from the lock before pushing open the front door to their apartment, the immediate quiet she was met with hitting her first as she stepped inside and shut the door closed behind her, making sure to turn the lock before continuing into their home. It wasn't too late, maybe a little after nine as she hadn't been scheduled to work the closing shift tonight at the bar, Gabby just glad to be home now where she could, hopefully, get a little bit of time with her husband before they'd need to go to bed.

Though in order to do that, she'd need to find him. And right now he was nowhere to be seen as she walked further into their empty living room, her eyes bouncing around the silent space while she dropped her purse down onto the couch. She knew her husband was here, considering his truck was still parked in its usual spot out front. And it's not like he could've gone far, as there were only so many rooms in their apartment. But still, she hadn't expected him to not be out here when she got home.

"Matt?" She called out after a moment of not hearing anything throughout their apartment, Gabby sliding her boots off before she headed back towards the hallway to their room. "Babe?"

"In the bedroom, baby." He replied back, a soft smile forming over her face while she walked the few remaining steps to the master before stepping in through the open doorway, where her husband was sitting in the middle of their bed on his laptop. "Hi." He spoke brightly, sliding the computer back off his lap as she grinned his way before moving towards their bed.

"Hey babe." She repeated, sitting herself down on the edge of the mattress as he shifted closer to her. "Whatcha doing?"

"Just been looking at some properties." He replied, tilting the laptop her way while she nodded knowingly. Though they were still trying to find their perfect home, the search had gotten put on the backburner a little bit. Especially since getting the news of Matt's upcoming promotion a couple weeks ago, they hadn't put too much effort into looking for a house. Just when they had the time, they'd check around and see what was available. Which, clearly, is what Matt had spent his night doing once he finished his work for the department.

"Find anything promising?" She questioned, watching his face soften in response before he began to nod.

"I think I might've." He answered, her interest piquing before he turned the screen towards her fully and clicked on the right tab.

"Oh wow." She got out the second she saw the home he'd found, Gabby immediately impressed by what she was looking at.

She had only seen one photo, but solely from that she already had a good feeling about this place. The home was beautiful, beyond it, as the outside of the house was covered in dark blue stained wood, with bright stone accents all around the first floor, the contrast between the two making the home stand out beautifully. And as Matt continued through the photos, she found herself becoming more and more intrigued by this property.

The decent-sized front yard was already fenced in, the combination of stone and black metal securing the property along with the gate that separated the street from the walkway up to the home. And the backyard was even better, the fenced space much larger than they ever could've imagined they'd find. But it was something that would be perfect for them, especially once children were in the picture.

And as the photos moved to the inside of the house, it got even better, the five bedroom, three bath home seeming to check off everything on their list, complete with the garage parking in the back and the updated kitchen. Every part of it just seemed perfect, the smile on Gabby's face growing with each picture he clicked through.

"And the neighborhood it's in is great, it's right where we wanted to be. Pretty close to the firehouse." He added on, Gabby nodding quickly as he got to the last picture of the back of the house. "So… what do you think?" Matt asked her, though the look on her face was enough of a giveaway to how she was feeling about this place.

"I love it." She answered without a thought, Casey matching her grin as it wasn't lost on him how he hadn't seen her this sure about any other place they'd seen yet.

"Yeah?"

"Yeah, it's beautiful… It has all the space we're looking for, in the location we're wanting. I love it."

"That's what I was thinking, too." He replied, Gabby nodding happily as her eyes found him once more. "It hasn't been on the market too long, just a few days… But I figured if you liked it, I could call over and schedule us a showing." Matt suggested.

"That'd be great. I'd love to go see it." She told him, his eyes crinkling up while he smiled before he began to match her nod.

"Alright, good.. I'll call tomorrow, set something up." He responded, Matt pushing the computer from his lap and setting it on their nightstand before returning his full attention to his wife, who was still watching him with an easy smile on her face. He took a moment to look over her, his eyes tracing her features while his hand came up to cup her cheek, the warmth radiating off of him spreading through her body before she instinctively shifted closer to him. "...How was work?" He changed the subject, her grin softening as she shrugged in response.

"It was fine.. Busy, but fine." She told him, Casey nodding understandingly while his thumb stroked along her jaw. "Everyone missed you."

"Oh yeah?" He asked back lightly, with that familiar grin tugged on his lips.

"Mhmm." She hummed. "You were all I heard about the entire night. Everyone was expecting you to come out before the big day tomorrow." She continued on as he chuckled.

"Ah, and what big day would that be?" He played along, Gabby scrunching up her nose while he let out another laugh.

But she never gave him an answer, Gabby instead looking over him before she suddenly started to move across the bed towards him. He wasn't entirely sure what she was doing, but he soon figured it out once she hooked her leg up over his waist, Gabby not stopping until she straddled his hips. Her weight was pressed into him, her legs resting on either side of his body while his hands moved to rest comfortably over her sides, the closeness more than welcome after their long evening apart.

"I think you know exactly what's happening tomorrow." She finally responded, the smile on his face never faltering as he gave her waist a squeeze before closing the minimal distance between them to steal a quick kiss.

"Maybe.. But how about you remind me?" He kept on, causing Gabby to scoff as her husband continued to play coy about what would be happening tomorrow during their shift. Though she knew he'd never forget what was coming, as it was a day that would change their lives forever.

Because tomorrow was the day he was officially being promoted to Captain.

It had been about two weeks since they found out about his promotion, and their lives had been a whirlwind since then. Between all the talks they'd had about this over the last fourteen days, how they'd shared the good news with their friends and family, along with all the meetings Matt had gone to at headquarters while his promotion went through the proper channels, it felt like their lives were going nonstop since Chief Hayes told them this news. To the point where it still felt surreal to them at times, but that didn't take anything away from how excited they were for this.

For Matt to take this step in his professional life, and get the recognition he so dearly deserved. They were beyond thrilled for this, tomorrow would just finally be making it official.

"Well, since you can't seem to remember," She started, Matt's beaming grin focused on her while he hands slid over her waist. "Tomorrow is the day of your Captain's ceremony." She told him, as his lips parted slightly.

"Oh, right." He responded sheepishly, Gabby letting out a soft laugh before she shook her head. "That."

"Yes, that." She replied, before giving him another kiss. One they both put their all into as their soft movements quickly became heated. "The day where everyone gets to see just how amazing you are. Where we all get to celebrate you." She added on after they separated, speaking between breaths as Matt flashed her that grin she fell in love with. "And I heard back from my parents, they're definitely gonna be there. Said they wouldn't miss it for anything."

His smile widened, Matt giving her hips a squeeze before he pressed another kiss to the side of her mouth. "Well, that sounds like a great day."

"It will be." She told him, grabbing ahold of his jaw to kiss him once more. "They're so proud of you, we all are… I'm so proud of you." She said again, Casey's features softening as no matter how frequently she'd told him this over the last couple of weeks, he hadn't gotten tired of hearing it. And he never would. "And I'm gonna show you that as much as I possibly can. Tonight, tomorrow, and every day for the rest of our lives."

Casey was beaming as he sat underneath her, his hand coming up to gently resting over her neck before he leaned in to capture another loving kiss, their bodies pressed together while they focused on nothing but each other.

"I love you." He murmured, while her lips trailed across his mouth towards his jaw, the intensity picking up between them as the minutes gradually ticked by, her movements helping him to realize that he was likely in for another evening of them celebrating this wonderful change in their lives. Just like they had most nights since hearing of his promotion.

"I love you, too.. More than anything." She told him moments later, her lips dancing over his skin while his body relaxed back against the headboard, the hand still on her waist tightening around her as she ground down into him. Her hands were cupping his jaw, keeping him close while he gripped her shirt tighter within his palm, before beginning to tug on it. "Baby." She moaned, her nails raking over his throat as she pushed down into him again, the movement causing his breath to catch in his chest before he recovered. "Matt…"

After giving her one last bruising kiss, he adjusted their bodies quickly. Faster than Gabby could even register as she was suddenly lying on her back underneath him, her weight pressed into the mattress while Matt hovered over her, his lips attached to her skin with a desire and force that drove her crazy.

"What do you want?" He asked after a moment, his words heavy and needy as he pulled back just enough to see her, the dark look covering both their gazes filling the bedroom with even more heat before Gabby let out a soft pant.

"Matt…" She said again, chest heaving as his eyes traced over her before he all but ripped her shirt from her body and tossed it to the ground, the black lace bra covering her chest causing his mouth to go dry.

"Tell me what you want." He repeated himself, the firm tone in his voice sending a flood of warmth through her stomach as she couldn't help but love when he got like this. So demanding and present, Gabby letting out a soft whimper before their gazes locked one last time, Matt giving her an encouraging nod to say whatever was going on in her mind. So she did.

"...I want you to do whatever you want to me."

His eyes darkened further as the words left her lips, his entire body tightening while an involuntary moan escaped his throat, Matt having to force himself to take another breath before he carefully lifted her hands up and pinned them to the mattress above her head, the movement catching her off guard. But the gleam in her eye told him exactly how much she liked it, as his palm gently held onto both of her wrists.

"Whatever I want?" He questioned before things went any further, Gabby's bottom lip tucking beneath her teeth as she nodded back at him.

"Whatever you want, Captain."

That word falling from her lips sent all the blood in his body south, Matt hardening underneath her touch before a devilish smile appeared over his face, his thoughts running rampant until he leaned down to give her another hard, yet passionate kiss. One that left her a bit lightheaded as he continued to hold her arms above her head, Gabby completely at his mercy while her chest moved up and down rapidly.

It was hard for her to think, to focus on anything other than Matt while he pushed into her until suddenly he was moving again, taking her with him as within seconds he had her flipped onto her stomach, her face pressed into their pillows while his hands were working on removing her jeans, anticipation swelling within her stomach as she had no idea what to expect next from her husband.

But she had a good feeling that whatever was coming, she was going to like it.

Casey blew out a heavy sigh as he stood in the bathroom of 51, his hands working on the tie around his neck while he scrutinized his appearance in the mirror. The dress blues covering his body were precisely in place, exactly where they were supposed to be once he finished adjusting his tie before he reached for his cap that he'd placed down on the counter, Matt taking in another steadying breath as he tried to mentally prepare himself for today.

He was nervous for today, there was no denying it, as this was the biggest thing to have happened in his career maybe ever. But he was also incredibly excited, and he couldn't even hide it, Casey taking one last look over himself to check everything was up to code before he turned around and headed for the exit.

He barely got a step into the hallway before he saw Severide coming his way, his friend dressed similarly to him as his steps slowed down once he noticed him, the two sharing a smile before Kelly spoke up.

"Well if it isn't the man of the hour." He joked, Casey scoffing lightly while shaking his head. "I was sent to come and get you, we're all ready out there."

"Yeah?"

"Mhmm… All the big guns from the department are out there, every Chief I can name. Dawson's parents, and your mom are there, too. Hell, there's even some press here." Severide told him, Casey's eyebrows raising before his gaze moved past Kelly towards the exit. "You're apparently a rather important guy, Casey."

"I'm not so sure about that." He went along, Severide letting out a soft laugh before he clasped him over the shoulder.

"Well, you're at least a well loved guy." He joked back, the friends chuckling once more before Matt shook his head. "So, are you ready for this?" Kelly asked, the mood between them shifting as Casey caught his gaze. "I mean, once you go out there, there's no going back… You're gonna be a Captain forever." He told him, the smile on Matt's face widening before he nodded.

"Yeah, I'm ready." He replied, Severide matching his grin as they slowly started back down the hallway.

"Well, that's good. Cause Dawson's nearly killed herself to make sure all this goes well." Kelly said back, Matt holding back his grin as he knew just how true Severide's words were. "And everyone's already out there ready to celebrate you, so let's do this." He continued on, Casey giving him a nod before they walked down the familiar path in the hallway. But just as they got to the far set of double doors Kelly stopped once more, his hand coming out to halt Matt's steps as well before he spoke up. "Just, before we go out there… Have I said how happy I am for you?" He questioned, his genuine words causing the slightest bit of emotion to begin to swell in Casey's throat.

"You have." He responded.

"Well, I'm saying it again. Because I am… Truly." He told him, the best friends nodding at one another before Matt pulled him in for a hug, the strength of their actions saying more than words ever could as Severide patted against his back, the two not stepping apart until they heard the door in front of them open.

"Oh, brother.. So this is what you two were doing in here this whole time? Everyone's waiting on you, Casey." Shay breathed out exasperatedly, Casey and Severide letting out a soft laugh while the blonde grabbed ahold of Matt's arm. "If you two are done making out now, we're ready to start this." She added on, while pulling him towards the door.

"You realize you're rushing Casey to his own ceremony, right?" Severide pushed back, Shay merely waving him off before the group of three headed out of the firehouse towards the driveway.

And, just as Severide alluded to, this was a much bigger ceremony than Casey anticipated, with so many people here to celebrate the occasion, Matt giving himself a moment to take in everything before his eyes found Gabby.

She was standing off to the side over by Boden, her gaze already on him as she stood there in her own dress blues. But the conformity of their uniforms weren't enough to hide her proud smile, Gabby unable to do anything more than give him a wink before the firefighters lined themselves up, Chief Hayes standing at the front of the group while Casey found his spot a few steps beside him. The two men shared a look, the District Chief giving him a sturdy nod before he began the ceremony.

Chief Hayes went through the usual spiel, thanking everyone for coming and explaining why they were here today, before going into Casey's career as a firefighter and why he was receiving this honor. And while Matt appreciated it, it was a little strange to him to stand here and listen to Chief Hayes boast about him, especially in front of all these people. Even though he was surrounded by everyone he loved, it just wasn't the type of person he was, but he knew this was all part of it. And, if he were being honest, it was a nice feeling to know his work was appreciated. So while the District Chief went on, Casey stood there stoically, fighting the urge to watch Gabby the entire time.

Though there were a few moments he couldn't help himself, Matt's eyes finding his wife every now and then before giving her a soft smile; one she always reciprocated as Chief Hayes continued on.

"Recently, I had gotten the privilege of seeing Lieutenant Casey work up close. Of seeing how strong of a leader and firefighter he is, how he's been such a noble officer for our department, and has the makings to be one of the best Captain's our department has seen." Hayes continued on. "And while there's an endless amount of things I could say to the type of first responder Casey is, and there are many people here who could attest the same, there is one person in particular who I think can shed that light best on the Lieutenant… His wife, Gabriela Dawson."

Casey's eyebrows raised slightly when he heard Hayes introduce her, as he hadn't been expecting anything other than the District Chief to speak on his behalf. But clearly that wasn't the case, Casey doing his best to regain his straight face while Gabby stepped away from Boden, after grabbing something from him.

"As many of you know, Mrs. Casey is our Paramedic in Charge here at Firehouse 51, and we couldn't think of anyone better to present our newest Captain with his bugles… Dawson."

"Thank you, sir." She told him, before stepping over towards her husband, Matt swallowing thickly as he kept his hands clasped behind his back, his gaze following his wife as she came to a stop in front of him.

All eyes were on them, but all Matt could focus on was the love of his life in front of him as she held his badge in her grasp, the smile on her face endearing to him as he did his best to keep it together.

"Lieutenant Casey," She started, clearing her throat as Casey couldn't help but smile down at her, Gabby matching his look before she continued on. "There's only so much I can say that hasn't been said a dozen times. About you, and the work you've done. But there truly is no one more deserving of this than you." She told him, fiddling with the badge in her grasp as she did what she could to gather her thoughts. "I've seen firsthand the way you have always put the lives of others ahead of yourself. How you give your all to helping as many people as you possibly can. How you've saved countless lives, mine included." She spoke, Casey having to blink back the tears forming in his eyes as she nodded.

"You give everything you have to this job. To the people you go and help everytime the bells go off. That's the type of firefighter you've always been; completely and wholly devoted to this job and the people you save. And I have every faith in the world that'll only continue as a Captain." She continued on, her voice strong and full of love. "Everyone here, your friends, your family, we are all so incredibly proud of you for all you've accomplished. All you'll continue to accomplish, and selfishly I'm so glad to be with you every step of the way." She told him, breaking through the professionalism as she couldn't help but say what all was going through her mind, Matt only nodding in agreement while he continued to try and keep his tears at bay.

"You just… You were meant for this, Matt. You have earned this, and I can't wait to see you continue to be the most incredible firefighter this city has ever seen. So let me be the first to tell you congratulations, Captain Casey."

A tear slid down his cheek as those last few words left her lips, Gabby unable to hide her bright smile before she stepped forward to clasp the badge onto his chest, Matt fighting to remain stoic as all his friends and family started to clap and cheer around him. He felt so much love and so much gratitude in this moment, but right now all of those feelings were directed towards one person in particular as she stood in front of him, his eyes moving over her before he closed the distance between them and wrapped her up in a hug.

He held on as tight as he could, thankful tears flowing from them both as they vaguely registered everyone else beginning to crowd around them, eager to congratulate the newest Captain on his well-deserved accomplishment. But just for a moment, he drowned all of that out, Matt focusing on nothing but his wife and the feeling of her wrapped around him as he relished in having her here with him. By his side, like he always wanted.

As he continued to hold onto her, with his closest friends and family sharing in this incredible moment, he couldn't help the little voice in his head telling him to soak all of this in, as Matt knew this was bound to be one of the best things to ever happen to him in his life.

And he was determined to enjoy every second of it.