Hi Readers: And welcome to a new day of chapters, one that is starting quite late if you couldn't tell; but I promise, I am going to make it worth your while by giving you nice LONG chapters (if I can). Chapters that are high quality, and filled with a bunch of things that you can only dream of including in a story. After all, we are almost three hundred and fifty chapters into this story; and we still have a lot left to go, because we can go many places. I have a lot of storylines that I can explore, including this latest one I started. And now, I am going to expand on it and see where it leads us; after all, who knows what can happen in the blink of an eye? Enjoy my dear readers.
Chapter Three Hundred and Forty-Nine
To Disclose or Not Disclose (the Fact that Kelly has PTSD)
"Can I ask you in which direction you're leaning?"
Taking a breath as he thought about which way he was leaning right now, when it came to whether or not he should disclose the fact that Kelly has PTSD to the fire department; Matt sighed due to the fact that this truly is a hard decision, as it puts him in a tough spot. A spot where he either has to disclose something that his friend isn't ready to disclose to the CFD yet, or doing something that could benefit the entire CFD, as well as the entire city of Chicago. Because as much as Matt knows that his friend knows how to cope with everything, he also knows that PTSD can strike at anytime; and that's the part that worries him the most. The fact that a PTSD situation can strike when you least expect it, and that means that it could easily happen in the middle of a fire. And that was really what Matt was thinking about at the moment, the fact that it could happen when you least expect it; and it can throw you off your game entirely.
Even though you get a bunch of training at the academy, and even more as you get experience in the field; there's one thing that you can never predict, and that's how you're going to react when you have PTSD during a hard situation. And that's the part that Matt is really struggling with, due to the fact that he did take an oath; an oath to the citizens of Chicago, to protect and serve the community. And while he is no longer a member of the CFD (with the exception of his honorary chiefdom)….and that was when he realized what he needed to do, due to the fact that he is being made an honorary chief. And that was why his answer seemed to start coming out easily, just as soon as he started to look at it that way. From the point of view of an honorary chief. "Well, I am going to think of it this way." Gabby was confused, as she didn't understand where Matt was going with this; after all, what way is he talking about.
"Okay, I'm confused and usure of just what you're talking about Casey."
Matt smiled as he heard Gabby say that, before turning his head and kissing her forehead once more. "I'm going to think about it from the point of view of an honorary chief." Gabby agreed with her husband as he said that, as that made a lot of sense. "And from that point of view, I know that I would want to know how my Lieutenant is doing in his mental state; and whether he's going to be in the best shape to do his job." Gabby agreed with Matt, as they both knew that was the right decision in this situation; but there is something else that they need to worry about, and that would be how their best friends are going to react. "Okay, now we need to talk about this." Matt agreed with his wife as she said that. "And what would that be?" Gabby sighed as she laid her head down again, while continuing to cuddle up to the man she loves here on their couch. And even better, her actions led to Matt kissing her forehead.
And god, does she love it when he kisses her forehead; it's just so sweet, and a great way for him to show her that he loves her (something that she will never doubt). She knows that her husband loves her and will always love her and their children; and god, the way he loves their children is incredible. He is just the best father in the entire world, and that makes her love him so much; how his heart is so big, that not only can he love her with his whole heart…but he can also love their children with his whole heart. But now, she needs to talk to her husband; especially since he just tried to get her attention once more, as he ran his hand up and down her back. "Okay, you're being quiet gorgeous. Do you need to talk to me about something?" Turning her head, Gabby smiled. "No, I'm just thinking about what I need to say right now. And that would be that we need to talk about what you're going to do." Matt agreed.
"I mean, I am just worried that I'm going to screw up; and that'll affect my friendship with Kelly."
Gabby agreed with her husband as he said that. Yet at the same time, he had to realize that no matter what decision they make together; he's still going to have a bit of tension with Kelly afterwards, only until he realized that he did the right thing. "I know, but we both know that no matter what we decide to do will affect your friendship with Kelly; but I think we both know that in the end, he's going to understand that you did it due to the fact that you love him as a brother." Matt agreed with Gabby as she said that, before turning his head and kissing her forehead softly; that was when he realized something, and that would be that there are other ways that they can approach this situation. "Well, there are other ways we can approach this situation." Turning her head to look up at Matt, Gabby was confused. "What are you talking about?" Matt sighed, as he looked down at the woman he loves this afternoon.
After which, he proceeded to explain to his wife how they can approach this situation. "Well, we can talk to Stella and ask her if they told Boden; and we can tell them that either they have to disclose, or we're going to do that." Gabby bit her lip as Matt said that, as that was something that worried her; after all, she works with Stella on a daily basis on Casey Apparel. And the last thing that she wants, is for them to be tension in between the both of them again; something that Matt understands, and just needs to realize thanks to his wife. "But do we really want to create tension between myself and Stella?" Matt sighed as he looked down at Gabby, before kissing her forehead once more. "I swear, it's like we can't win here. I'm just worried that something's going to happen, and I'm going to loose another friend." Gabby agreed with her husband as he said that, starting to understand where he's coming from.
"And then you'd partially blame yourself, due to the fact that you didn't let Boden know that he has PTSD."
Matt agreed with Gabby, as he ran his hand up and down her back. "I mean, Kelly would do the same thing. I mean, everybody knows that I have PTSD now; and I am not returning to the fire department, so this is all a hypothetical. But I just know that both you and Kelly would feel the same way." Gabby looked at Matt as he said that, not understanding what he just said. "I would feel that way?" Matt nodded. "Gabby, you would've wanted to do whatever you could to make sure that you protect me. And that means that you need to do whatever you can to help me stay safe, which would've included telling Boden that I have PTSD." Gabby agreed with Matt, as she understands what he's trying to say now; and she also knows that she most certainly would've told Boden that her husband as PTSD, regardless of whether or not he wanted to tell Boden. Yet, she'd have known that it was the right thing to do.
And that was why they both came to realize what they need to do, which is to disclose to Boden that Kelly has PTSD. "Well, I think we both know what we need to do now." Gabby agreed with her husband as he said that, well aware that was the case. "Do you still have his phone number on your phone?" Gabby bit her lip, as she doesn't think that she does. "I think I may have forgotten to put it back in when I got a new phone for Christmas." Matt agreed with Gabby as she said that. "Well, I still have the contact due to the fact that it's art of my contact for the reports." Gabby was confused as she heard Matt say that, before realizing that he was talking about the prototypes that are currently being tested at the firehouse. "OK. So that means that you need to go upstairs." Matt agreed with Gabby, before thinking about something; and that would be whether Gabby really wants to stay down here, when they're already upstairs.
"Are we coming back down here after we call Boden? Or are we going to stay in bed?"
Gabby snickered as Matt asked her that, as she was just thinking the same thing; whether she and Matt are going to stay in bed after they talk to Boden, as that most certainly is something that they normally do. "I think that we both know that we're going to stay in bed, and just hold each other close. Sure, we can stay here and be romantic with each other; but we can also do the same thing in bed, and we can just take it much easier in there. And I also want to listen to music, without bothering my mother." Matt agreed with Gabby as she said that, wrapping his arm around her back before bending down and kissing the top of her head. "I love you." Slipping up Matt's chest, Gabby smirked as she kissed him softly. "I love you too." She then proceeded to get up, which most certainly did tease her husband. "HEY!" Gabby smirked as she heard Matt say that. "Call Boden." Matt laughed. "I'll call him upstairs." Gabby agreed.
After all, she already knows exactly why he wants to do it upstairs; and that's due to the fact that he wants to do it while he's comfortable with her in bed, which is something that she wants too. "Well, I love that idea." Putting her hand out, Gabby smiled as she waited for Matt to grab it; after which, he did just that and got up with his wife's help. After which, he got close to her and smiled as he wrapped his arms around her; meanwhile, Gabby put her hands on his muscular chest and smirked as she looked up at the man she loves. Meanwhile, Matt put his hand on her neck and bent down so that he could kiss her softly. Taking things nice and slow with the woman he loves, Matt smirked due to the fact that this is perfect; it's exactly what he wants, and he just wants to hold his gorgeous wife close to him. "God, you're so beautiful." Gabby nodded as she heard Matt say that, before stepping close to her husband.
After which, she wrapped her arms around his torso and smiled as he cuddled up to her once more; meanwhile, Matt wrapped his arms around her and kissed the top of her head. "Let's go upstairs. I'll grab us some water bottles." Gabby shook her head. "No, go upstairs and make the call. The sooner that's done, the sooner we can get back to relaxing." Matt agreed with his wife as she said that, before tugging her body against his chest; after which, he bent down and smiled as he kissed the most beautiful woman in the entire world. "God, I love you so much. And I especially love it when you just wear these clothes for me." Gabby agreed with her husband as he said that, well aware that was the case; after which, she pushed him away to get him on his way upstairs. "Go upstairs." Matt agreed with his wife as she said that, before walking away so that she can get them some water. But first, Matt teased her.
He teased her by reaching down, and squeezing her ass; and in the process, he made her jump and turn around. "Matthew!" Smirking as he heard Gabby say that, Matt smiled at his beautiful wife. "I think we both know that you were expecting that." Gabby agreed with Matt as she walked over to the kitchen so that she could get some water for the both of them, while Matt looked at Andy. "C'mon Andy, let's go upstairs." Andy agreed with Matt, before getting up and proceeding to walk away with his human handler. That way, they can make sure that they both head upstairs ahead of Gabby; and that's due to the fact that they both want to just be comfortable and holding each other close in bed. And that's exactly what the two of them are going to do, they're going to hold each other close and just relax in bed with each other; but that's not all they're going to do, as they're also going to call Boden and talk about Kelly.
Casey Primary Suite – If there was one thing that Matt loved the sight of, as it was the sight of his beautiful wife in bed; especially when she's just wearing lingerie for him, which is exactly what Gabby is wearing for him. And not only is Gabby wearing it, but she's also teasing him by wearing it by standing at the end of their bed. "Oh, you are such a tease." Gabby smirked as she heard Matt say that, while watching him close the door to their room. "That okay?" Gabby agreed. "We want privacy after all." Matt agreed with his beautiful wife as she said that, and just shook his head due to the fact that she really looked sexy now that she was just wearing lingerie. "You stay right there, and I am just going to get Andy set up." Gabby agreed with Matt as he said that. "Who said that I was going to lay myself down in bed?" Matt agreed with Gabby as she said that, while walking over to Andy's area in their room.
After which, he went to call for him. "Andy." Walking over to Matt, as well as his bed, Andy smiled as he was ready to get comfortable. But first, he needed a drink of water, which is exactly what Andy went to get, just as soon as Matt set the water bowl down on the ground. After which, his human rubbed the top of his head and smiled as his dog was just the best. "There we go boy; you can enjoy that now." Turning his head, Matt smirked as it also meant that he had the ability to do something. "Meanwhile, I'm going to enjoy something else." Gabby smiled as she heard Matt say that, well aware that he's going to enjoy her; because he always enjoys her as she wears sexy lingerie for him, while also allowing him to run his hands all over her body. And that always starts the moment he walks up to her at the end of their bed, which is exactly what Matt just did; after which, she placed her hands on Matt's toned chest.
Meanwhile, Matt bent down and proceeded to kiss the woman he loves more than anything in the entire world. "I love you." Gabby agreed with Matt as he told her that he loves her, which is something that she most certainly knows; after which, she responded in the same way. "I love you too, and I am so glad that we're up here rather than downstairs." Matt agreed with Gabby as she said that, before bending down and kissing the woman he loves once more. "I think we both know why you're happy to be here, as you're alone with me; and you can run your hands all over my body, in this sexy lingerie that you love more than anything in the entire world." Moving close to Gabby, Matt agreed with her before moving his hands to Gabby's sides; after which, he bent down and kissed her softly once more. Just taking things nice and slow with his beautiful wife, Matt smirked as he held her close to him right now.
And boy was that a nice feeling, as Gabby just continued to kiss the man she loves; after which, Matt proceeded to pick Gabby up in his arms and wrapped her legs around his waist. He then proceeded to wrap his arms around her back, and smiled due to the fact that this is exactly what they both want to do at the moment. They both want to hold each other close, and just take it easy with each other in bed. Wrapping her arms around his neck, Gabby smiled as this is absolutely perfect; and it's everything that they both want to do right now, they want to hold each other close and just have fun in bed. "I think we both know that this is where we were always going to end up." Gabby laughed as she wrapped her arms around Matt's neck nice and tight, while also cuddling up to the man she loves even more; meanwhile, Matt ran his hands up and down her back while carrying her towards their bed. Where they want to be.
They want to be in bed with each other, and just holding each other close as they cuddle up to each other, which is something they always want to do, whether it be just the two of them…or with their kids. "I'm so glad that this is what we're doing, and we're doing it without the kids." Moving her hand to the side of Matt's face, Gabby smiled as she turned his head and leaned in to kiss him softly. "I think we both know that this is what we need to do, just take time as husband and wife." Turning her head, Gabby kissed the man she loves once more while he continued to carry her to bed; after which, Matt proceeded to open the covers and laid his gorgeous wife down in their bed. "Here we go." Gabby smiled as she felt the mattress under her, while also looking up at her man; the man she wants to cuddle up to, as they relax in bed with each other. "Get in here, as I want you to hold me again." Matt agreed and smiled.
After which, he proceeded to climb into bed with Gabby and got close to her; tugging her body against his right away, Matt smirked as he knew that Gabby loved the fact that he just brought her body right against his chest. "Comfortable?" Gabby agreed with Matt, as she most certainly was comfortable here in his arms. "I think we both know that I'm always comfortable, when we're in bed with each other." Matt agreed with Gabby as she proceeded to cuddle up to him some more, while wrapping her arms around his torso; at the same time, Matt tugged the covers up before rolling over onto his back. He then wrapped his arm around Gabby's back, rubbing it due to the fact that this truly is exactly what they both want; after which, he turned his head and kissed her forehead softly. That was, until he remembered the reason why they came up here in the first place. And that was so that they could call Boden and talk to him.
"So, before we get too comfortable; we both know that we have something to do right now."
Gabby agreed with Matt as he said that, before turning her head and looking up at the man she loves; after all, she already knows that. "Yeah, I know." Wrapping his arm around Gabby's back again, Matt smiled as he bent down and took things nice and slow with his beautiful wife. "So, are you ready for me to make that call?" Gabby agreed with Matt, before watching as he grabbed his phone; after which, he went ahead and opened it so that they could talk to Boden.
Answering the call shortly after seeing that it was Matt, Boden snickered a but before speaking to his former Captain. "Well, if this isn't a nice surprise. What can I do for you Casey?" Casey sighed as Matt proceeded to speak to Boden. "I'm just calling you ahead of Kelly's first shift." Boden agreed with Matt. "Yeah, I know. Squad is excited to have him back." Matt agreed with Boden as he said that, before taking a breath. "Okay, I need to ask you a question first though." Boden laughed. "Let me guess, you want to know if it would be okay if you come in and see the new Ambo?" Gabby smiled as she turned her head and looked up at Matt. "I would definitely like that idea." Matt agreed as he ran his hand up and down her back, while also turning his attention back to the call he was having with Boden. "But listen, I need to just check something. Have you spoken to Kelly recently?" Boden was confused as Matt asked him that.
"Casey, of course I have. I mean, he had to come get some more shirts."
Matt agreed with Boden, before taking a breath. "I mean, has he disclosed anything to you?" Boden then started to realize what he was talking about, and that would be that he has PTSD, which is something that he has disclosed to him, as it was part of his physical and mental health tests. "Let me guess, you're talking about Severide's PTSD?" Matt agreed with Boden, as that was exactly wheat he was talking about. "So, you are aware of the fact that he has PTSD." Boden agreed with Matt, as he most certainly was aware of it. "He still talks to Grissom sometimes, and he let me know when he told me that Severide was returning to the CFD; and he asked whether I wanted him back, as he didn't know that he was the one that quit." Matt agreed with Boden as he said that, as that made sense. "So, the commissioner knows he has PTSD as well?" Boden agreed, as he most certainly does know that he has PTSD.
And that's not only due to the fact that Severide disclosed it to Grissom, but he also disclosed it to him, and it was in his file. "Matt, I promise that we have it under control; and we are going to make sure that he takes it easy for a few shifts, as we monitor him." Matt agreed with Boden as he said that, as he really appreciated that. "I appreciate that Boden. But maybe just don't let him know that we had this conversation? I'm not sure if he'd be okay with me doing this." Boden then proceeded to reassure Matt that it was okay. "Matt, we both know that he would be fine with you doing this; due to the fact that he knows you're doing it to protect him, which is exactly what we want to do." Matt agreed with Boden as he said that, well aware that was the case; after all, that was exactly what he wanted to do. He wanted to make sure that his friend is safe. "Well Boden, I appreciate you letting me know about this." Boden agreed.
After all, he knew that Matt was worried for his friend. "I promise Matt, everything is going to be okay; we're going to take care of him, and we're going to make sure that he's okay. I think we both know that's something that we do here at firehouse 51, we take care of each other, and we make sure that everybody is safe here at the firehouse; I mean, look at what we did when Gabby was in the hospital. We come together, and we're there for each other." Gabby agreed with Boden as he said that, as that most certainly is the truth. "Well, that sure is the truth; and I really appreciate that you guys did that, and I am ready to do the same in the future if it happens to somebody else." Boden agreed with Matt as he said that, well aware that was the case. "I promise Matt, we're going to keep you in the loop if somebody gets hurt on the job." Gabby agreed with Boden, glad that he was going to do that for them.
"Thanks Boden, we really appreciate that; and I am just happy that you decided to answer our call."
Boden laughed, as that was always something that he was going to do. "Gabby, you are always guaranteed me answering your call; we're family, and I want to make sure that you guys are okay here. And if you're ever in the need of an ambulance, you call me and I will dispatch Ambulance 61 to you directly. Don't even bother with 9-1-1." Matt agreed with Boden as he said that, glad that was something that he could do. "Well, I love the sound of that; but I most certainly do not want to think about, as we've spent enough of our lives in the hospital. And in the current climate, I don't want to think about going to the hospital." Boden agreed with Matt as he said that, as that most certainly is the truth; and that's due to the fact that they don't want to get COVID, nor does anybody want to get COVID "No COVID, right?" Gabby agreed with Boden, as that most certainly is the truth; no COVID here in their home, yet.
"No COVID in our home yet, and we really appreciate that."
Boden agreed with Gabby. "Well, I'm glad that's the case. But listen, I hope that you guys can come visit sometime." Matt agreed. "Oh, we are going to be visiting sometime soon; I want to be there to see my prototype, and I may want to do a ride-along in the future." Boden agreed with Matt, as that would be something that he can enjoy. "Let me know when, and I'll work it out." Gabby agreed. "I think that can happen for the honorary chief. What's with that anyways?" Boden laughed. "He almost did all of his courses, and we wanted to thank him for the prototype; and I hope you know that you can always come back, and we will let you be Chief." Gabby laughed. "Boden, he is not going back. You already stole Kelly from the company, Matt is staying as Chairman and CEO for the long run." Boden agreed with Gabby as she said that, well aware that was the case. "Okay, well I'll let you guys go." Gabby agreed.
After all, she loves spending some quality time with her husband. "Thanks Boden. Stay safe." Boden agreed with Gabby as she said that. "Stay safe too." Matt and Gabby both agreed with Boden, before ending the call and setting it down on his side table. After which, he turned his head and kissed the top of Gabby's head. After which, he felt Gabby stroke his chest while looking up at him; he then decided to roll over onto his side, and bring the woman he loves close to him. "You have something on your mind." Gabby sighed, as she most certainly does have something on your mind. "I just hope that we don't get in trouble with Kelly and Stella." Wrapping his arm around Gabby's back, Matt brought her against his chest; meanwhile, she put her hand on his chest and smiled as she stared into his eyes. After which, he kissed his beautiful wife softly. "I will always protect my friend." Gabby agreed with Matt, smiling.
Because that most certainly is exactly what Matt just did, he protected his friend; and that was something that just made her love him even more. "God, I'm so lucky to have you as my husband." Matt agreed with Gabby as she said that, before rolling over and leaning over her; at the same time, Gabby slipped her legs in between his some more while placing her hand on his neck. Kissing her husband softly, Gabby smirked as she was extremely happy with him at the moment. She just loves her husband more than anything, and this is exactly what they both want to do right now. They both want to take things nice and slow with each other, as they relax.
Something that Jay and Alex are in the midst of doing as well right now, but not in bed; rather, they are currently spending time with Will and Natalie in their living room.