Well, there you have it my dear readers: We finally have the Casey Family home, but we also have the start of the pandemic. I hope you guys continue to read this story, as we embark on this new chapter of our story. A chapter which involves Matt and Gabby balancing their marriage, four kids, his PTSD, their friendships, COVID-19, and a business (with a lot of employees). Thanks for reading!
Chapter Three Hundred
Welcome Home
Casey Primary Suite – He decided that this was just going to be a quick shower, as he didn't want to take long. Not when he would much rather be in bed with Gabby, holding her in his arms as they shared a kiss with each other ahead of falling asleep in each other's arms; but that wasn't going to be the case, Matt just didn't know that yet as he ran his hands around his wet body with some soap. The father of four now really starting to get tired, as he just wants to go lay back down in his bed and take it easy ahead of a busy day tomorrow; because as much as he knows that his mom and Camila are going to try and keep the boys away from their room, he knows him, and Gabby aren't going to want that. Rather, they're going to want to be together as a family of six in their bed.
Because if there was one thing that was going to happen, it was that they were going to stay in bed with each other; because under no circumstances does Matt see himself leaving bed, not when he's going to be very comfortable with his wife and daughters. If the boys want to leave and go play, they can go ahead and do just that; but he can't leave bed, not when his back is killing him. And that was the real reason that Matt was in the shower right now, as he wanted to have the hot water try and relax his muscles to make them less tense; not that it was really working, as Matt is still tense. I mean, they're in the middle of a pandemic; and he also knows that he's' not really going to be relaxing much tomorrow, not when he's got things to do. He just hopes that he can do them in comfort, in bed.
And the truth was, that was exactly what Gabby was going to want him to do; especially since she's going to get back to work too, but with some easy stuff. As much as Matt might not want her to, Gabby is going to be working as well; because she has a bunch of new ideas for her clothing line, some of which are related to the pandemic. More specifically, she's going to be deciding some face masks that they can sell; and then they can give back to healthcare systems that they appreciate like the NIH, the Kapiolani-Tripler AMC (and it's charity), and many other people. But that doesn't mean that they might not keep a bit of the income, for production costs and everything. But that's not something that Gabby wants to talk about right now, not when it's the middle of the night.
Rather, Gabby was going to be doing something else; and that would be to join the man she loves in the shower, for the first time since she gave birth. Because yes, it's been that long since they've taken a shower together; and it's also been that long since they've had sex, which is something else that she's interested in. And that's why she's here, ready to jump in the shower with the man she loves; so that she can get all of that and more, while they welcome each other homme. And that all starts with her opening the door, and putting her hands on Matt's back, which is exactly what she just did, as she looked at the man of her dreams. After which, Matt turned around and looked at the woman he loves. "Hey, what are you doing in here? Is it the girls? They okay?" Gabby smiled and agreed.
After which, she turned him around. "They're fine Matt, just look at me and come here." Agreeing with Gabby, Matt got close to her and smiled as he wrapped his arms around her; meanwhile, Gabby put her hands on his arms and stepped close to the man she loves. Leaning up shortly afterwards, Gabby started to take things nice and slow with the man she loves more than anything in the entire world. "I love you." Matt agreed with Gabby as she said that, before kissing her once more. "I love you too, and I am so happy that we're finally home with each other and the kids; especially during this hard time." Matt agreed with Gabby as she said that, well aware of what she was talking about; after which, he proceeded to kiss her forehead softly while also looking down at his wife.
"Hey, can you look up at me for a minute Gabby? I want to remind you of something, which I already told you earlier today."
Looking up at Matt, Gabby agreed with the man of her dreams as she proceeded to listen to him this morning; well, right after she shared another kiss with her man. A kiss that she most certainly loves, due to the fact that it was really sexy. "God, I love it when you kiss me like that." Matt agreed with Gabby as she said that, before going to give her another kiss just like she wants; after which, he decided to pick her up in his arms and carried her towards the wall of the shower. And boy did Gabby love that feeling, as she wrapped her arms around his neck. "So damn sexy." Matt agreed with Gabby as she said that, while leaning in once more and taking things nice and slow with his beautiful wife. "Gabby, we're in this together; I want you to remember that, because it's the truth." Gabby agreed.
And she also knew what he was trying to tell her, which was that he wants her to talk to him, if she needs to talk to him. "I promise, I'm going to talk to you if I need to talk to you." Matt smiled as he heard Gabby say that, while leaning in again and moving to kiss the woman he loves; after all, he does love the fact that he doesn't need to talk to Gabby about that. "God, I love it when you can read my mind." Gabby smirked as she heard Matt say that. "And I think that I can say that I know what you want." Gabby agreed with Matt, while smiling as she bent down and kissed the man she loves more than anything in the entire world. "You most certainly can and do Mr. Casey, and I would love it if we just took things slow right now; because I want to celebrate being home, here in the shower."
Matt smirked as he heard Gabby tell him that, before leaning in and proceeding to kiss her softly. "Do you want to take things slow in bed? Or just here?" Taking a breath, Gabby sighed as she stared into Matt's eyes. "I think we should just do it here, as we don't want to wake up the girls. Plus, I am not sure whether I even want to go that long." And that was when Matt decided to set Gabby down on the ground, as he didn't want to make her feel like they had to go for it at all. "Then let's not go for it at all, as I can clearly see that you're tired." Gabby agreed with Matt as he said that, before cuddling up to him in the shower; at the same time, Matt wrapped his arms around her waist. Meanwhile, Gabby wrapped her arms around his back and held the love of her life close to her.
Moving one of his hands to her neck after she wrapped her arms around his neck, Matt smiled as he pushed her head up; after which, he bent down and proceeded to kiss Gabby softly just like she wants him to do. "I love you, and I am so glad that we're home with the girls. We have all of our kids with us again, and that's something that I am forever grateful for….and I am especially grateful to have you in my life, my beautiful wife." Gabby smiled as she heard Matt say that, before leaning in and kissing him again. "Get used to it mister, as you're stuck with me." Matt laughed as he heard Gabby tell him that, before putting his hand on the side of her face and moving to kiss her once more; after all, there's nowhere else that he'd rather be than stuck with the woman he loves.
She asked Matt to go make her some tea before they got back in bed, as she wanted to enjoy some as she calmed down and took it easy with him this morning; after all, she was already convinced that she wasn't going to go back to sleep anytime soon. Rather, she wanted to stay awake with Matt, and just take some time as husband and wife; time where they can talk as parents, and just do what they should've done prior to the two of them coming home. And that would be make a game plan for how this is all going to work, in the middle of the pandemic; not that she really has anything to worry about, as Matt plans on being there with her every step of the way. Because that's what a husband does, as does a father who loves his wife and children more than anything in the world.
Matt has never put work ahead of his family, and he isn't going to start now; and Gabby already knew that, as she had proof. During their entire stay in the NICU, Matt got countless e-mails that he could've responded to that were related to work; but he didn't, as he thought that it was more important that he put all of his love and energy towards his family rather than work. And it paid off, because things were resolved on their own; and the stress levels have gone down, with the exception of the ones that are currently between themselves and the Severides…who just so happen to be calling right now. Well, Kelly at least. Going to grab his phone, Matt sighed as he knew that he had a hard decision to make. Either he can answer the call, or he can ignore it; then again, they were family too.
Taking a breath, Matt proceeded to answer the call. "You better make this quick, because I am not sure whether Gabby is ready to let me talk to you guys yet." Kelly sighed as he heard Matt say that, well aware that there are still tensions between them. "First, I am going to apologize again. I just wanted to call and make sure that you're safe, because I know that you're either leaving or left the hospital today. I heard it from Antonio at our last meeting." Matt agreed with his best friend as he said that, hearing the concern in his voice, which was when he decided that this was going to be over with, for the sake of his friendship. "Okay, listen. Can we just agree to be civil during this health crisis? We still have stuff to work out, but I want to talk it out slowly." Kelly agreed with Matt.
"I feel the same way Matt, because I miss my brother; and I miss the friendship that our sons could have with each other and will have with each other while we're all living here in Hawaii."
Matt agreed with Kelly as he said that. "I think we just need a bit of space still, as we're still dealing with a lot. Heck, we literally just got home an hour ago." Kelly was shocked. "Wait, not last night?" Matt sighed. "We decided to leave in the middle of the night, to lessen the risk of us getting it at the hospital since there was less people there at night." Kelly thought about it and agreed with his friend. "Well, that most certainly makes sense. Smart dad, husband, and CEO there." Even though Matt and Kelly's relationship was still strained after the previous events, he knew that he needed to still be there for his friend. "How are you doing man? With your PTSD journey?" Kelly sighed. "Yeah, that's why I'm up. I called the hospital, as I felt it was something but…" Matt then reassured him.
"We're fine Kelly, we're all safe; and here at home, where the four of us belong."
Kelly agreed with his friend as he said that, glad that was the case. "Listen, I know it's early…I just needed to hear that you were safe, because you know that you're my only family." Hearing those words, Matt just knew that this was starting to weigh on him. "I know Kelly, and I promise that we're going to work this out." Kelly agreed with his friend. "Listen, can we talk soon? I want to know how you are, as I know that you haven't been at any of the latest PTSD meetings or even calling in. The ones that we had at the office until the pandemic hit, so I guess that was what I was really worried about." Matt agreed, before taking a breath. "I know, and we will talk now that you're reinstated. Kelly, we're going to need all hands-on deck." Kelly agreed with his bests friend, well aware that was the case.
"Me and Stella are ready to work, and we will do that. We just need to be told what to do."
Matt sighed. "Oh, you're the only one that's working; you, I can already forgive. Stella, she needs to earn her way back into the company. Sorry man, but that's something that I am not changing my mind about. Stella is not working for us right now, and she can concentrate on the boys." Kelly was a bit insulted as he heard that. "Matt…" Matt then snapped. "Kelly, it's the middle of the night and I literally just got home from spending three months in the NICU because of your wife. I wouldn't push it, when I am already reinstating you; so either shut up, or else I will demote you." Kelly agreed with his friend as he said that, not wanting to argue with him. "Understood." Taking a breath again, Matt sighed as he hated that he snapped on his friend once more.
"Listen, I'm just under a lot of stress still Kelly, and I need some time; I literally just got home with the kids, can you give me time?"
Kelly agreed with his best friend as he said that, well aware that he needs some time. "Of course. Just know that I'm just a call away if you ever need me." Matt agreed with Kelly as he said that, well aware that was the case. "I know that and appreciate that. Now I need to let you go, since I need to get to bed." Kelly agreed with Matt as he said that. "And stay in bed for a bit, get used to your bed at the penthouse again." Matt laughed. "Yeah, we're at our family home; and we are loving the fact that we're here right now. But listen, I need to go. Gabby wants to have some tea before she goes to bed, and I need to relax. Stay safe man." Kelly agreed with his best friend as he said that, before hanging up; meanwhile, Matt heard Gabby walk up behind him.
"Was it tense?"
Casey Backyard – They decided that they were going to share their tea that Matt just made for the both of them in the backyard, rather than go right back to their room after the conversation that Matt just had with Kelly; and let's just say that it was nice to finally be out here, rather than stuck in bed. And Matt now understands why Gabby wanted to be out here for a bit, as it was so that they could have a bit of distance from their children; something that they haven't had for a while, as they were always in the same room since the girls were born. "I have to say, I like the idea of us sitting back here for a bit." Turning her head as she heard Matt come out, Gabby smiled at the sight of her boxer-clad husband walking out with some tea for the both of them. "I like the idea too."
Matt agreed with Gabby as she said that, while making his way over to her; after which, he held out her cup of tea out so that she could grab it (which she did right away). He then leaned over her, and smiled as he went ahead and kissed the woman he loves more than anything. "Welcome home." Gabby agreed with Matt as he welcomed her home, before smiling as she put her hand on his face. "I just wish it was under better circumstances, and much less stressful ones." Matt agreed with Gabby,, as he felt the same way; after which, he went ahead and sat down with the woman he loves. Wrapping his arm around Gabby as he sat down, Matt smiled as he really was happy right now; after all, this is exactly what he wants to be doing right now as they held each other nice and close.
However, he also knew that they were going to talk about the conversation that he just had with Kelly, along with the question that she asked him. "How about you ask me the question again? Then we can talk about it, as we drink our teas." Gabby smiled as she heard Matt say that, before turning her head and looking up at the man she loves. "I'm happy to hear that you're open to talking about this." Matt agreed with Gabby as she said that, as he most certainly is open to talking about it. "Why wouldn't I be open to talking about it? You're my wife Gabby, and I know that you're worried." Gabby agreed with Matt, as she took a breath and sighed. "Of course, I am baby. I know that your relationship with Severide is still strained, and I don't like that." Matt agreed, and just nodded.
After all, that was how his and Severide's relationship was; it was strained, and it was all thanks to Stella and what she did to them. "I don't regret straining our relationship one bit though, as his wife could've done a lot of damage to my life; a life that I am very proud to live with you Gabby, and that will never change." Gabby agreed with Matt as he told her that, smiling at the same time as she went ahead and took a sip of her tea. "I'm glad that you made us tea, I need this to calm down." Matt agreed with Gabby as she said that. "I thought that we could do it before we get in bed, and you fall asleep; because that's what you need Gabby, you need to sleep."
Gabby agreed with Matt as he told her that, well aware that she needs to sleep; and there's a reason for that, which is that she hasn't been getting the best of sleep recently. And we can already all guess why that would be the case, which would be stress. "We just have so much going on, and I think we both know that things are just going to get even more stressed as we continue building the company and raising our family." Matt agreed with Gabby as she said that, well aware that was going to be the case; but at the same time, Gabby had to know that he would never put work ahead of her or their family. "Gabby, you already know this since I just said it; you and our family are my priority, not work. That will be the case for the rest of our lives." Turning her head, Gabby agreed with Matt.
After which, she took another sip of her tea as she cuddled up to him. "I do Matt, but I'm just glad that we're here instead of at the office during the pandemic; because this is where we need to be." Gabby agreed with Matt as he said that, before turning her head and looking at Andy as he walked up to the edge of the pool; after which, he proceeded to jump in to get cool. "Are we going to let Andy in the pool?" Turning his head, Matt agreed. "He can get cool, but still be nearby. I already set it up with a geo fence around the entire yard, so that he can't leave it; if he tries, then he'll get shocked before he can run away." Gabby agreed with Matt as he said that, before smiling as she turned her head and smirked at her smart husband. "Finish your drink, then I want something." Matt was confused as he heard Gabby say that, but just did as he was told to do; after all, he didn't want to make his girl mad.
Now this is something that Matt already liked the sight of, the sight of his wife nude as she got ready to join him in the pool for a quick skinny dip; because that's exactly what the two of them want, a bit of romance before they go to bed. "Now just remember to take it easy babe, because you need to relax and take it easy still." Looking at Matt, Gabby just glared at him. "Do you want me to grab my lingerie and walk back to bed nude, before getting dressed? Or do you want me to join you in the water?" Matt got a bit nervous as he heard Gabby say that, before extending his hands as he most certainly wants his wife to join him in the pool. "I am not going to say no to having you both in the shower, and in the pool." Gabby agreed as she proceeded to get into the pool with her husband.
"The shower was just to wash off the hospital, this is so that I can relax and clear my mind ahead of us trying to sleep."
Matt agreed with Gabby as he watched her swim over to him this morning, before extending his hands and waiting for her; after which, Gabby just made her way over to him so that she could be in his arms. Because at the end of the day, that's where she wants to be right now. "Thanks for getting us some towels, by the way." Gabby agreed. "Hey, if the girls need us we need to rush instead of worrying about your boxers." Matt agreed with Gabby as she said that, while also watching her swim right up to him; and boy did he like that feeling, because he loves the feeling of his naked wife in his arms. "Now this is exactly what I want right now." Gabby agreed with Matt as he said that, while wrapping her arms around his neck; after which, she stared into his beautiful eyes.
Because that's exactly what her husband has, he has gorgeous eyes that she loves to stare into. "We're home." Matt agreed with Gabby as he ran his hands around her body, as that most certainly was the truth; meanwhile, Gabby put her hand on the side of his face and leaned her forehead against his. Stroking his cheek, Gabby whispered to Matt. "Thank you." Matt was a bit confused when he heard Gabby say that. "Why are you thanking me baby?" Gabby sighed. "Matt, you have been my rock for the past year. Between having the boys early, the partial miscarriage, having the girls early, and then the boys being in the hospital; you have been there for me, and have done the unthinkable for me each and every day." Running his hand up Gabby's back, Matt agreed with her.
But at the end of the day, she has no need to thank him when that's his job; to be there for her, and to help her through the hard times. "Gabby, as much as I love the thank you; I don't need it, because what I did comes with my job as your husband. I vowed to love you through good and bad times, through sickness and in health, and until the day I die; and that's exactly what I did in the hospital, I followed through with my vows." Gabby agreed with Matt as he said that. "But now, it's my turn to do that for you baby." Matt was confused as he heard Gabby say that. "What are you talking about?" Gabby sighed as she looked into his eyes. "Matt, we're done having kids; we don't need worry about the stress on my body anymore." Matt agreed with his beautiful wife.
At the same time, he felt her kiss her and he just loved that feeling. "But Matt, that means that I expect something else now; and that's for you to talk to me, so that we can work out your mental health. Yes, you got new medicine at the hospital; you got a new dosage, and I want you to keep it. But that doesn't mean that your off the hook when it comes to talking to me, because that's not going to change. You're going to keep talking to me, and we're going to make sure that we get you the help you need during the pandemic." Matt smiled as he heard Gabby say that, before leaning in and proceeding to kiss the woman he loves. "I swear, I am not worthy of you; and I most certainly plan on earning your love more each and every day." Gabby agreed with her husband.
Yet at the same time, she doesn't exactly agree. "Matt, you've already earned my love; you are my husband, and that will never change. I love you more than anything, and I am extremely proud to call you my husband." Matt agreed with Gabby as she said that, while running his hands up and down her back; at the same time, he took things nice and slow with his beautiful wife because that's exactly what they both wanted him to do. They want to hold each other close and run their hands all over each other's bodies; especially since it makes them both feel extremely loved. And that's why Gabby just leaned in and started to suck on Matt's neck. "Oh baby." Smiling as she turned her head, Gabby stared into Matt's eyes before kissing him again. "You like that?" Matt agreed.
"Yes, because I love you; and I am extremely proud to call you my wife, and the mother of our children."
Gabby agreed with Matt as he told her that, while also moving her hand to the side of his face again. Just taking things nice and slow with him, Gabby smirked as she is very happy with her husband right now. "Now this is a nice feeling, one that I am not going to loose anytime soon." Matt smirked as he ran his hands up and down her back, as he felt the same way. "Good, now let's just enjoy this before the girls wake up and need us." Gabby agreed with Matt as he said that, well aware that was going to happen soon. "I might just wear my cozy robe today." Matt agreed with Gabby. "I love that idea. But maybe with some sexy Victoria's Secret?" Laughing, Gabby smirked as she got close to the man she loves and kissed his neck softly. "You are such a tease." Matt agreed.
At the same time, he ran his hand up and down her back as they both held each other close and enjoyed this time with each other.