Hi Readers: Sorry for the delay, and so much for not getting distracted. But now, I'm back and ready to write a bit. I hope that you guys can forgive me, because this time around I really got distracted; and I most certainly did not do any story planning, so I aim not going to use that excuse. And now, I am not going to waste anymore time than I already have, as I haven't posted that much today. So, I am just going to get to it, and get this one out to you guys; with the hopes of me being able to get another one before the finale.
Chapter Two Hundred and Thirty-Two
Family Night…Or Not
Casey Headquarters – 26th Floor: Kitchen and Dining Room
They were finally ready to be here, with the boys and all of their friends and family; or should they say, just their family. Because that's what the Dawsons, Caseys, and Severides all consider themselves: one big, happy family. And that didn't just apply to their friends and family that are currently here, but also to the Halsteads; whom they also invited (at least, Will and Natalie), but they informed them that they were busy watching the Halstead kids. But they were more than okay with that, as it meant that Jay and Alex must be getting some time alone. And frankly, Gabby understood why; she needed that time alone with Matt after being stuck in the hospital for so long, and she really took advantage of their family to get some. But someday soon, that isn't going to be the case; as she knows that when the girls are here, there isn't going to be much time for that type of time: time where she and Matt are alone and taking it easy with each other in bed. That time is going to be reserved for when they are in bed together at night, and they are okay with that.
Just like Gabby is more than okay with getting a hug from behind from her best friend. "God, I am so glad that you invited me to spent some time with you." Turning around to face her best friend as she said that, Gabby smiled as she went and hugged Stella. "Girl, it's a new rule. If we have a family dinner, then you're here with us. You're family girl!" Stella agreed with Gabby as she said that, before smiling at her; but little did Stella know, that she wasn't the only one that was smiling at Gabby. "We mean it Stella, you're not just my friend and former protégé; you're my sister-in-law, and I mean it." Stella agreed with Matt as he said that, smiling at him. "You better not talk business with my husband tonight, because I already pumped; and I don't care if your wife is pregnant, tonight is my night to drink some wine!" Gabby just looked at her best friend as she said that. "GIRL!" Stella just looked at Gabby. "Honey, I'm surrounded by three boys all day, and all night. I haven't had any chances to get away because you've been busy with your husband!" Gabby agreed.
"I know, and I'm sorry about that girl…" Taking a breath, Gabby sighed as she looked at Matt. "Things have just been crazy around here, and I am trying to get things in order ahead of the baby coming." Stella agreed with Gabby as she said that. "Let me guess, your emotions and hormones are through the roof." And that was when Antonio came over. "Seriously? It's not enough that I had to KNOW that was what you were doing, but I need to hear you talk about it now?" Gabby just looked at her brother as he said that, before shaking her head. "Antonio, shut your mouth before we make you pay for Diego to come here for Christmas. Speaking of which, where's my Sobrina! I haven't seen her in a while? Or did she go back to Chicago because school's done?" Snickering, Antonio shook his head. "No, she's here. Upstairs in the playroom/living room with the boys." Gabby shook her head as she heard Antonio say that. "Seriously? You let her come here, without telling her to come see me first? By the way, where's Emily?" Antonio snickered.
"Where do you think?" Gabby smiled as she heard Antonio say that, before turning to look at Matt; after which, she proceeded to get close to him before wrapping her arms around him. Kissing him softly, she smirked as she was really happy. "Help my mom and brother with getting everything ready for me, would you babe?" Matt agreed with Gabby as she said that. "I already know why you're asking me this, so go ahead and get some girl time in." Gabby laughed as she heard him say that, before turning around to look at the three gentlemen. "If I hear you guys talking about any business, you guys can all stay here and take care of the two sets of twins; while me and Stella, we go stay in the Severide home for the night." Turning to look at his wife, Matt shook his head. "Nice try Gabby, you know you're staying here in case something happens like earlier today." Taking a breath, Gabby realized that could very much be a possibility. "Stella, go down for a minute? And guys, go into the kitchen; Kelly, there's some beers in the fridge. Get two."
Kelly was confused as he heard Gabby say that. "Why?" Gabby sighed as she turned to look at Matt, after which she got close to him; before wrapping her arms around his torso and just looking up at him, that way she could talk to him quickly. "Baby, they both already know about it. Remember?" Matt agreed with Gabby as she reminded him about what Kelly and Antonio already know. "Talk to someone else about it and get it out baby. I think we both know that you hold back when you talk to me, because you want to keep my stress levels down." Matt bit his lip as he heard Gabby say that. "I'm sorry." Gabby shook her head. "It's okay, just promise me that you talk to them about it? Get it off your chest ahead of tonight, I want you to take it easy; and just not think about it too much later. But if you don't…" Moving his hands to Gabby's neck, Matt bent down and proceeded to interrupt her by kissing her softly; and let's just say that Gabby really liked that, as she loves it when he does that. Kelly and Antonio, not so much; even though they do it at times too.
"I promise, I'll grab a beer and talk to them about it." Gabby agreed with Matt as he said that, glad that he was going to talk to someone other than her about it. "I think it's time for you to go see someone too baby." Matt agreed with Gabby as she said that, as he couldn't disagree with that suggestion; it is starting to get worse, and he needs some more help. "Okay, go relax. That's the only way that I promise to talk to them about it." Gabby agreed with Matt as he told her that, before going to walk away so that she can go talk to Stella; meanwhile, Matt turned to look at his best friend and brother-in-law…both of whom were concerned. "Okay man, what the hell was that about? And I'm not just talking about the kiss." Matt sighed as he heard him say that, before turning to look at Gabby. "Hey Gabby?" Turning her head before she went down the stairs, she looked at her husband. "Yeah baby?" Matt sighed. "Rooftop okay? I'll bring my phone." Gabby agreed. "Go ahead, I think you talk better out there. I'll text you when supper's ready."
Matt agreed with his wife as she said that, before turning to look at his best friend and brother-in-law; one of whom was still not understanding why they were going up to the rooftop deck, while the other did remember why. And that would be Antonio. Talking a breath as he looked at his brother-in-law, Antonio made his way over to him before wrapping his arms around him; he then went ahead and rubbed his back. "PTSD?" Matt nodded in agreement, as that was exactly what he needs to talk to them about; especially since he doesn't want to stress Gabby out, when they've already lost one baby. He doesn't know if they can deal with another. "Yeah." Antonio sighed as he heard his brother-in-law say that, before rubbing his back. "You go upstairs, and me and Kelly will join you." Matt shook his head. "We all go together." Kelly agreed with Matt as he said that, as he knew that was exactly what his friend needed right now; to go upstairs and talk to him and Antonio. But still, he couldn't help but feel horrible that he had PTSD today.
He just wonders what type of PTSD it is because he knows that it was the four-year anniversary recently…the four-year anniversary of them loosing their first child. "Matt, is it related to the baby?" Turning his head, Matt shook his head. "Worse." Hearing something in Matt's voice this (late) afternoon, Antonio just knew that it wasn't a good idea to keep talking about it; until they were upstairs, and out of the penthouse. That way, Matt could look at the ocean, and relax a bit; because that was the entire reason why they go outside, so that he can clear his head. And that was also why Matt went ahead and grabbed them some beers for him and Kelly, and some cigars for the three of them; and that was due to the fact that Antonio tried them recently and came to realize that he actually likes them. So now, they share some too at times; and it's great, as it means that they can really bond over something that they can both enjoy. After all, it's not like Antonio can drink; he's an alcoholic, and alcohol is a no go for him. A cigar, not so much.
Casey Headquarters – 30th Floor: Rooftop Deck and Pool
It was not lost on Matt that the last time he, Kelly, and Antonio had a rooftop conversation with cigars; was also a time where they all spoke about PTSD. But this time around, Jay was not going to be joining them; as he was doing his own thing, with Alex at their place. Because like them, he was told that they had the weekend alone; at least, that was the case, until Matt and Gabby decided that they didn't want the weekend alone anymore. But still, it wasn't lost on him that this was similar; and it turned out, it wasn't lost on Antonio either. "Okay, are you guys experiencing a bit of déjà-vu or is it just me?" Turning his head to look at his best friend as he said that, Kelly snickered a bit as he most definitely was feeling a bit of déjà-vu; and he knew exactly what time he was talking about, which was when they were going to talk about how he has PTSD. "Just the wrong house." Matt agreed with Kelly as he said that. "Yeah, we were at the other place last time. But still, same thing." Walking over to his two brothers, Matt smiled at the both of them today.
"Here we go Antonio, a cigar for you." Antonio agreed with Matt as he said that, knowing that he wasn't drinking; after which, Matt walked over to Kelly. "And a beer and cigar for you." Kelly agreed with Matt as he said that, grabbing them as that was something that he wanted; after which, Matt got the lighter out. "Okay, put them in your mouths. I only brought one." Antonio and Kelly both laughed as Matt said that, before holding out their cigars so that they can get them light; and that was exactly what Matt did for the both of them, he lit their cigars so make sure that they were appropriately lit. But now, it was time for him to sit down and just relax, because that's what he needs. He needs to sit down, and he needs to relax now; and thankfully, Andy was here to help him. Something that he only realized after he sat down in his favorite chair, as Andy was sitting next to it. "Hey bud, you decided to join us up here?" Moving his hand to the top of Andy's head, Matt smiled due to the fact that he was really happy to have him here with all of them.
Putting his feet up, Matt smiled as he went ahead and looked at the guys; at the same time, he lit his cigar and went to take a puff of it. "God, now if that isn't what I need." Antonio smiled as he heard Matt say that. "I think you've been needing it for a lot longer than you thought, maybe since you learned the news." Matt agreed with Antonio as he said that, as that was something that he most definitely something he believed as well. "I am not going to disagree with you there, but my first priority was making sure that Gabby was okay." Antonio agreed with Matt as he said that, glad that was the case; after which, he went ahead and took a puff of his cigar. Meanwhile, Andy laid down and just got comfortable. "I swear, that damn dog of yours is so adorable at times." Looking down at Andy, Matt smiled. "Yeah, he is." Kelly smirked as he heard Matt say that, before thinking about something. "By the way, I've been meaning to ask. Have you spoken to Heather? Do you know whether they're moving here to work here again? Or they staying in California?"
He was about to take another puff of his cigar as Kelly asked him that, but he soon stopped as he wasn't sure. He didn't know whether she was coming here. "You know, that's a really good question." Antonio took a breath. "Can I put in my two cents?" Matt agreed, before snickering. "Has me saying no ever stopped you before? Heck, you've been doing it since BEFORE I was your brother-in-law! Or do we have to revisit the whole 'I was still grieving for my lost baby' conversation when it comes to Louie?" Kelly smirked as he heard Matt say that, well aware of just what conversation he was talking about; because he was there when they had it, or at least he heard about it. "Antonio, my suggestion is to treat lightly." Kelly then turned to look at Matt. "That reminds me, I need Thursday morning off." Matt was confused as he heard his Deputy CEO of Casey Fire say that, as he didn't know why. "Uhm, why? I was going to go back to work here at the office this week." Kelly sighed as he heard Matt ask him that, before deciding to come clean.
"I'm going to see Dr. Kloefer this Thursday." And just then, Matt instantly knew what he was talking about; because he knows that doctor, because he's also a patient of his. It's the PTSD specialist at the local hospital, which can only mean one thing; Kelly is going to try and get his official diagnosis, so that he can start getting medication. "I'm glad you're finally going to see him Kelly, you really need to go see him; then you can get help, or at least some medication. Trust me man, I would take the medication if he can give it to you; because it's done wonders, but not enough for me to not need Andy. God, he's amazing." Kelly agreed with Matt as he said that.. "Me and Stella are not there yet. But she said that she is not letting me get a big dog like that if we do need one, we're going to get a small dog if I need one." However, Antonio was just all confused. "Okay, back up the truck for a moment. Listen, you guys probably know who the doctor is; because you go to him Matt, and you're going to go to him Kelly. But who in the world is this Dr. Kloefer?"
Matt smiled as he looked at Antonio. "Psychologist specializing in PTSD." Antonio turned to look at Kelly as he said that. "You think you have PTSD?" Kelly agreed. "Same reasons as Matt. Ex-firefighter, Andy's death, stuff like that. But not as bad as him. I think I would just need medication, and not have a dog. I swear, Matt has it way worse than me." Matt agreed with Kelly as he went ahead and took another puff of his cigar. "Tell me about it, especially my last round of PTSD." Antonio agreed with Matt as he said that, before realizing that he didn't even ask what it was about; that is, if he wanted to share. "Do you want to tell us what the last round of PTSD was about?" Taking a breath, Matt sighed as he looked at the both of them. "My childhood trauma." Antonio and Kelly were both about to take a buff of their cigars, until they heard what Matt's last round of PTSD was about: the abuse he had at the hands of his father. "How bad?" Matt sighed as Kelly asked him that. "The last thing I said before waking up, was: No dad. Stop. I don't want this."
Stopping in his tracks as he went to take another puff of his cigar, Antonio just looked at his brother-in-law after he said that. "Oh, God."
He's heard those words before, when he was questioning victims in the past, victims of sexual abuse, at the hands of their own father. And based on what he just heard; the former detective knew right away (without even asking him) what his PTSD was about. "Oh, god." Matt agreed with Antonio as he said that, because he knew that he could clearly tell what he was referring to. His best friend, not so much. Turning his head, Matt just looked at Kelly who looked lost. "You still lost in the cloud there Kelly?" Kelly took a breath as Matt asked him that, because he didn't know what his friend was talking about. He didn't know what he was referring to, and what he was dealing with just a little while ago. "Okay, I am going to sound like a jerk for this; but I am really lost." Taking a breath, Antonio went ahead and leaned over; that way, he could tell him (and spare Matt the need to). "Idiot, he's talking about his dad molesting him." Kelly then realized that, and just turned to look at his best friend. "Oh shit." Matt agreed with Kelly as he said that.
After which, he proceeded to take another puff of his cigar, which is something that he needed, as he needed to make sure that he got a good puff in ahead of the two of them talking about it some more. At the same time, Matt felt Andy come join him on the couch; probably due to the fact that his pet knew that he needed him close right now. And that most certainly was the case, as he truly did appreciate the feeling of him being close; especially when he was right next to him, which his head in his lap. It was almost as comfortable as Gabby cuddling up to him, while not wearing a bra. "Yet me guess, that guy is cozy right now." Matt agreed with Kelly as he asked him that, before rubbing Andy's head and smiling at him. "He most certainly is, and he's just glad that he's getting to spend some time with us guys. He doesn't like to spend time with the girls." And that was when he heard his wife come upstairs. "Seriously? Did you really just say that Matthew?" Turning his head, Matt smiled at Gabby. "Love you." Gabby agreed with Matt.
At the same time, she carried some snacks over for them; because things were going to take a while before they can eat now that they are down a couple hands. But that didn't mean that things weren't okay, as Stella and Eva were helping. "I swear, your daughter really knows when to step up Antonio." Antonio snickered. "I told her that she had to help, or else I'm not dropping her off at her friends' place for the night." Matt snickered as he heard Antonio say that, before looking up at his beautiful wife; after which, he moved his hand to her neck and smiled as she leaned over her. Bending down, Gabby smiled as she kissed her husband softly. "I love you." Matt agreed with Gabby as she told him that. "I love you too and remember to take it easy and relax; you need it, for the sake of our beautiful daughters." Gabby agreed with Matt as he said that, before standing up; after which, she kissed his forehead. But not before she went ahead and whispered to him. "Talk to Kelly about Clarke." Matt agreed with Gabby as she said that.
"And promise to call me if you need me in relation to the boys, I want to be there if you need me." Gabby smiled as she heard Matt say that. "My dad's here to help too." Bending down, Gabby smirked as she kissed him again. "See you soon." Matt agreed with Gabby as she said that, before watching as she swayed her hips as she walked away. "Fuck you Gabriela Casey!" Turning around to look at Matt, Gabby smirked. "You already did." Matt smirked as he heard Gabby say that, as he most definitely did get some action from the woman he loves, which was something that Antonio didn't want to hear, as it was related to his baby sister's sex life. "Okay, can we please not talk about this? You're my sister Gabby!" Gabby then went ahead and looked at her brother. "Do you want me to share what you did when you went to visit Eva, when you guys all stayed at our place in Los Angeles over Thanksgiving?" Antonio gulped as he heard Gabby say that, well aware of what he did. "Yeah, I'm going to shut up now." Gabby agreed with Antonio.
"By the way, you better not have stayed in our room and did that." Antonio gulped as he heard his sister say that, which made Matt mad. "Seriously Antonio! You have sex in the same bed, which I made love to my wife in!" Gabby just looked at her husband as he said that, about to say something; but Matt beat her to it. "Oh Gabby, it's our bed! It's no secret that we have sex in OUR BED!" Gabby thought about it, and just agreed with her husband when he said that. "Fair point." Matt just agreed with Gabby as she said that, before smiling at his wife. "I love you." Gabby agreed with Matt as he said that. "By the way, I just got an e-mail from the Puerto Rico team. Fundraiser, next Saturday night at the Hilton Waikiki Beach. I'm going to work it, and you need to clear your schedule; because I need a hot date to go to it." Matt smirked as he heard Gabby say that. "As long as we get babysitters for that night, then I will most definitely be there next Saturday night…and reserve the Presidential Suite for Saturday Night." Gabby smirked.
Turning around, Gabby walked away while swaying her hips once again; and once again, boy was that a turn on. "You're going to pay for that next weekend!" Gabby laughed as she heard Matt say that, well aware that was going to be the cases. "Oh, shut up, and just talk to the guys." Matt agreed with his wife as she said that, before watching as she walked away; at the same time, Kelly looked at his best friend. "I can see that things are still pretty…steamy in your marriage?" Matt smirked as Kelly asked him that, as they most definitely were still steamy in his marriage. "No comment." Kelly just looked at his best friend as he said that. "Kelly, my wife could choose to not stay at a hotel next weekend; because she wants her own bed…." That's when Matt realized something, maybe that was the better plan. Turning his head, he thought that Gabby was still going to be up here; but instead, she wasn't. Rather, she was already in the elevator making her way back to the kitchen where she was making supper with the help of her mother and best friend.
Casey Headquarters – 27th Floor: Casey Penthouse Living Room/Playroom
Coming out of the elevator after reaching the twenty-seventh floor, Gabby smiled as she walked in to see her two little angels crawling around her father; whom has yet to even come say hi, which is not something that she was happy about. And she was going to say as much because she's been downstairs for a while now. "You know, it'd be nice for my father to come say hi to me; even though he's playing with my sons and making sure that they're entertained." Turning his head to see his daughter, Ramon Dawson smiled as he got up so that he could make his way over to his baby girl. "Sorry baby girl." Gabby agreed with her dad as he said that, well aware that he was sorry. But still, she did want a hug as an apology. "Come here." Ramon Dawson agreed with his daughter as she said that, making his way over to her so that he could hug her this evening. "Glad that you could come for supper." Ramon laughed as he heard his daughter say that, as he was not going to miss out on this chance. "And miss out on a chance to spend time with my grandsons?"
Walking up to Gabby, Ramon smiled as he hugged her and just held her close. "How are you doing sweetheart? Feeling better?" Taking a breath as she heard her dad say that, Gabby knew exactly what he was talking about. "Yeah, I am. However, while we're here…I think it's time we have a good talk with each other." The father was confused as he heard his daughter say that. "Is everything okay sweetheart?" Taking a breath, Gabby looked at her father as he asked her that. "I want everything to be okay, but I have been biting my tongue and just trying to get past something for a while; but I think it's finally time me and you have a good chat. In fact, I am going to get Antonio; because he needs to be here for this." Ramon was confused as he heard his daughter say that. "What are you talking about?" Gabby sighed as she looked at her father, because she was shocked that he even asked her that.
"You're going to tell me why I couldn't reach you, to tell you some of the best news in my life…when I learned it!"
He didn't know why he was asked to join both his father, as well as his sister in the living room; but he knew one thing, and that was to never question his sister. If she wants him to be here, then that's exactly where Antonio Dawson is going to be; because he wants to do the right thing by his sister and help him in whatever way he can to make sure that she stays calm for the sake of her baby girls…his nieces. But little did Antonio know that he was actually going to need to be here for other reasons; reasons that he's been waiting to talk to his father about as well, as he is just as concerned. The truth is, Antonio has been a bit distant with his father ever since he did what he did to their mom; and that hasn't changed in the years since, even though they are around each other a lot more. But still, Antonio had no clue whatsoever why he was here; rather than downstairs, helping to make supper. So, he decided to ask his sister. "Okay, I am a bit confused. Last time I checked, I was supposed to be helping with supper." Gabby sighed, agreeing with her brother.
After which, Ramon got up and smiled as he walked over to his son. "How are you my boy?" Antonio smiled as he heard his father say that, before going to shake his hand; after which, he hugged him and smiled. "Really good, in a much better place compared to how I was in Chicago." Gabby agreed with her brother as he said that, really happy that was the case. "I'm really happy that's the case by the way Antonio." Antonio agreed with his sister as she told him that, already well aware of that. However, there was still one thing that he wasn't aware of; and that was the reason behind him coming to join the two of them up here, when he could instead be helping with making supper. Then again, maybe this was her way to get him out of helping with supper; not that he would really complain, because he loves the idea of getting some more time with his nephews. "So, is there a reason why I was summoned up here?" Turning her head, Gabby looked at her brother. "It's because I want to give you a chance to get the same answers that I want to get from dad."
Antonio was still a bit confused when his sister said that, before looking down at Matteo and Noah. "I swear, those two boys are really growing like weeds." Gabby smiled, agreeing with he brother; however, she'd really like to not be sidetracked at the moment. And that's due to the fact that she knows that he wants answers to the same questions that she has for her father, and she wants to do them now; while they have a chance to do it, because it's been long enough. She's waited all the time that she's going to wait without her father giving them some answers. "Okay, Antonio; concentrate." Antonio agreed with his sister as she said that, before turning to look at her; after which, he went to look at his sister. "Okay, so what are we talking about right now?" Taking a breath, Gabby looked at her brother as she really wanted to talk about this. "Can you just sit down and join us? I would like to have this conversation before supper, then it's over; like I said, I've had some things on my mind for a while now." Antonio agreed, before walking over to sit down.
After which, he smiled as he got comfortable in the living room chairs that they have there. "I swear, these are really comfortable." Gabby snickered, agreeing with her brother as he said that. "Tell me about it. But now, like I said; I have some things that I want to know from the both of you, especially you dad." Ramon just looked at his daughter as she said that. "Okay, what's going on Gabby?" Gabby sighed as she looked at her father. "Dad, I don't know if you know this; but me and Matt had a vow renewal on our anniversary last year." Ramon sighed as he heard Gabby say that. "Yeah, I saw the invitation in the mail." Antonio and Gabby then both turned to look at Ramon as he said that, which was something that surprised them. "Sorry, did you just say that you saw the invitation?" Ramon looked at both of his kids, agreeing with them. "Yes, but I…" Gabby just looked at her dad as she said that, before deciding to get up; because she couldn't deal with this…the idea that her father saw the invitation to her vow renewal but decided not to come.