Author: JenShepard87
Title: Hardest Shot
Spoiler: everything up to 'Lost and Found'
Summary: Someone wants to take out Gibbs' team and the Director of NCIS…Jenny is the only one who knows so far and is ready to do everything necessary to protect them…I suck at summaries so, just take a look!
Disclaimer: I own nothing except the idea for this FF…you know it!
A/N: FINALLY !! Took me long enough to get the first chapter online but the story sort of…grew g it got larger and larger and I've written 23 pages so far. These are the first 7 – hope you enjoy it and please…let me know it ok? ;)
Hardest Shot
Leroy Jethro Gibbs was sitting on the steps of his back porch, starring at his garden with a glass of bourbon beside him. He had learned many years ago to control his feelings whether they concerned his job or private life. But the last case had been anything but easy for himself and his team…and especially for the Director at the end. Thinking about her brought his mind back into reality and Gibbs placed one hand on his chest, right above the heart where he had been shot…by Jen.
2 weeks before
Stepping out of the elevator with a new cup of coffee in his hand, Gibbs walked straight to his desk where another cup already waited for him. Curiously Gibbs raised an eyebrow and looked around the bullpen to find just a few agents busy with themselves and their cases. At this early hour it was pretty empty and even McGee and Ziva would need another half an hour before starting to work. No one looked as if they placed this cup on Gibbs' desk and as a result he began to ascend the stairs with a grin on his face, heading for the Directors office. Passing by an already annoyed Assistant, also known as Cynthia, he walked right through Director Shepard's Office door only to be greeted by a very pale and sick looking Jenny. As always, she sat behind her desk which was filled with case files, the sunlight from outside streaming into her office and the TV on the opposite wall with the current news. As soon as Jenny was aware of Gibbs, she composed herself and slipped back into what Gibbs liked to call 'Directors-Mode'.
"What can I do for you Agent Gibbs?", she said with a calmness which was obviously forced.
"Agent Gibbs? What did I do this time to piss you off Jen?", he asked and Jenny closed her eyes only to open them a few seconds later with an unspoken apology visible in them.
"What's wrong Jen? You look like hell!" and despite the situation Jenny had to laugh at this comment and gave Gibbs one of her unique smirks.
"Typical Jethro. Always knows how to flatter a woman. Seriously…it's nothing. I just…maybe I just caught something I don't know. There is no need to worry Jethro." He watched his former partner closely, noticed the tiny twitch of her right eyelid but decided to leave it. For now. Pushing Jenny Shepard to hard was definitely the most stupid thing you could do.
"If you say so. As for what I'm here – I found another cup of coffee on my desk and wanted to thank you Jen." Very pleased with himself, Gibbs grinned at the surprised look on Jenny's face and took a sip of his favorite drink.
"Well, you're welcome Jethro. Still…what do you want? You never came to me only to show how grateful you are over a cup of that much you call coffee." She stated smiling while raising her right eyebrow. The smile didn't reach her eyes and Gibbs decided to try again even though he knew her answer wouldn't satisfy him.
"Jen. What's wrong with you? And don't lie to me again…please." Jenny let out a small sigh because she knew that it was most likely useless trying to lie. On the other hand she just couldn't tell him the truth – Jen had to protect him. Gibbs had taken a seat in the chair in front of her desk and was apparently concerned about her behavior.
"Jethro I really appreciate it that you care about my welfare, but there is nothing to tell. As I said I'm not feeling well physically but that's all. Maybe I should leave a bit earlier than usual and rest."
Gibbs' gut told him that there was more to it than just some physical sickness, but this time her eye didn't twitch and he knew that she wouldn't give him more.
"Okay. Maybe you're right but I will hold you to that! Go home as soon as you can and rest." With that he left Jens office not noticing her desperate expression.
Jen held the photo in her shaking hands trying to control her feelings. The picture, some sort of a grotesque collage, showed Gibbs's entire team including himself and Director Shepard with a sniper target on top of it. Someone wanted to take them out and she had no idea who it could be. Too many people had a reason to kill them so her only option was to contact one of the sister agencies. But were they really trustworthy ?
Jen reached for her cell phone only to stop before she could type the first number. Thankful that even as a Director her skills as an agent didn't let her down, she walked out of her office surprisingly fast in her heels and headed towards the elevator.
Loud music welcomed her on the floor of Abby Sciuto's lab and seconds later she was greeted with the sight of the always happy goth almost dancing around the room.
"Abby?" the music seemed to swallow every other sound. How the hell is this girl able to work like this?
"Abby?!" she tried again but failed and headed straight to the player in order to turn the volume down to a tolerable level. As expected, Abby turned around confused and froze in place at the sight of a slightly annoyed Director.
"Oh! Director…sorry I didn't hear you but…that you knew of course since you turned the music down…eh…well, what can I do for the greatest Director of all times? Or…at least as long as I'm here which isn't that long now that I think about it-"
"Abby! Take a breathe once in a while okay? And thank you for your well meant compliment. I need you to take a look at my cell phone I have to know if it is still secure. Please ask no questions and more importantly – don't tell Gibbs in any way about this. Are we clear ?" Abby bit her lip and fumbled nervously with her hands but nodded after a few seconds under the Director's glare.
"oookkaayyy…so no questions and Gibbs isn't allowed to find out. Gimme the sweety!" Abby bounced to one of her computers, connected it with the cell phone and started typing on the keyboard. Meanwhile Jenny waited patiently behind her, looking around the lab and saw the table full of evidence-bags. At the beginning of her carrier as Director there was some kind of respectful distance between the two of them, but after a year they had gotten used to each other and even talked about their private life. Well, Abby talked about it and Jenny listened but nevertheless the goth started to consider Jenny as a friend. So the redhead appreciated this gesture even more after seeing that Gibbs' favorite had a lot to do at the moment.
"Director? Everything's fine – nothing hinky about it !" Abby grinned from ear to ear whereas Jenny blinked slightly confused "Hinky?"
"Oh yeah well…you know, strange, weird, odd, creepy-"
"Okay I get it Abby and thank you for doing me this favor. I'll make sure to get you a new Caff-Pow next time. Bye" said a laughing Jenny before getting back into the elevator leaving a more than a little worried Abby behind.
Back at his desk, Gibbs simply couldn't concentrate on the rather boring paperwork in front of him and let his mind drift back to his earlier conversation with Jenny. There was definitely something wrong with her and the hasty retreat from her office to the elevators only underlined Gibbs gut feeling.
His team was working as usual: Tony and Ziva occasionally threw tiny pieces of office utensils at each other, while McGee worked his way dutifully through his reports.
"I need coffee." Gibbs mumbled more to himself than to anyone else and stormed out of the bullpen, in his bin the already empty cups. His team followed the retreating figure with their eyes, obviously confused.
"It's not even 0900 and he's going for the fourth?!" DiNozzo looked from McGee to Ziva and back.
"Maybe he has got some private tissues we don't know about? Like another anniversary, yes?"
"Issues Ziva but other than that…you might be right. What do you say, Probie?" Tony said earning a death-glare from the slightly offended Mossad Officer.
"No idea Tony but I'm sure it is none of our business. You should go back writing your report Gibbs will be back soon."
Their boss walked along the rather deserted street back to the Navy Yard deep in thoughts and with a new hot coffee in his hand when he noticed Jenny's car. The fact that it was her private car, without Melvin behind the wheel and no Security Detail following Jenny, got certainly his attention and he ran for one of the NCIS-cars at the parking lot.
Jenny Shepard was on her way to the garage while dialing the number of the most likely only FBI-Agent who didn't hate the NCIS…at least not always.
"Fornell."
"Agent Fornell this is Director Shepard. I need you to do me a favor!"
"Jenny? For God's sake what the hell did Gibbs do this time? He didn't intervene one of our cases – again, I might add, did he?" Surprise and annoyance reached her ears and if the situation hadn't been this serious it would have made her smile.
"No Agent Fornell this is not about him. Well actually it is but he didn't do anything. I got a very interesting letter this morning and wondered if you know anything about it ? Since the FBI is so close with the CIA ?", Jenny pulled the front door open with force as she reached her car and heard another surprised sound.
"Hm? Our Agency and the CIA ? That would be a new one, but what letter ? Sorry I've no-"
"Damn it Tobias ! The nice collage of Gibbs' team and me with the target on it ! Who sent this? Was it someone in the CIA ?" Jenny nearly screamed into the phone while pulling up to the gate on the Navy Yard. She made it clear to the guard that he didn't see her or the car and drove off.
"You mean Kort? Sorry to tell you that Jenny but I have no idea what you are talking about. Honestly. Someone wants to kill you off?"
Director Shepard knew most of the time when people were lying and Tobias was definitely telling the truth. She stopped at a red light and rubbed the bridge of her nose.
"Okay I believe you and yes, someone is after us Tobias. Can we meet? I really need your help. We need your help Tobias."
"Alright. Anacostia Park in 15 minutes then?"
"Thank you. Bye."
Jenny drove off again, worried about the fact that even the other agencies seemed to know nothing about the threat. She wasn't even aware of the car that followed her a few cars behind.
Gibbs let out a sigh of relief when he saw her car at the end of the street and tried to follow her as obscure as possible. He could see her talking on the phone and got more and more curious.
After a while they reached the Anacostia Park and Gibbs' curiosity turned into worry as he saw Jenny's car pulling up to another very familiar car. He observed the scene in front of him with his former partner and Agent Fornell talking to each other. Jenny almost seemed desperate and Fornell laid one of his hands on her shoulder as a comforting gesture.
Gibbs couldn't hold back any longer, got out of his car and walked straight up to the suddenly very quiet friends.
"Okay what the hell is going on Jen? First, you looked as if you saw a ghost this morning, then you just drove off and now you're here with FBI Agent Fornell !"
"Good morning to you too Jethro." Tobias saw the upcoming catastrophe but couldn't help himself. Jenny rubbed her eyes and looked tired at Gibbs.
"Believe it or not, you don't have to know everything. It has nothing to do with you so there is no need for fishing Jethro!" She said and turned her back at him.
"Fine Director. You wanna tell me what this is all about Tobias?" came the rather aggressive question and Fornell rolled his eyes in annoyance.
"Oh please I know better than to get between the two of you! You should have a little more faith in your Director. Our conversation was about something totally uninteresting for you. Politics to be specific."
It wasn't until now that Gibbs noticed Jenny's tensed figure but she turned away and got back into her car before he could do anything.
"She's worried Jethro."
"Care to tell me why? And don't bring up political problems that don't exist!"
"Sorry but that's need to know. She can handle it and it's nothing of your concern" Fornell said and watched her car in the distance.
"Bullshit! What do you mean?"
"So many women and you still haven't learned your lesson? Do you think she would do something behind your back?"
"Wouldn't be a first."
"Just trust her Jethro. She's way better at politics than you and you should be grateful for all this, how did you put it once? Oh yeah, ass-kissing."
With these words he walked to his own car when Gibbs tried one last time.
"What the hell did she want?" There was undeniably more than just worry in his voice.
"Wanted me to keep my eyes and ears open." Fornell wouldn't tell Gibbs what their conversation had been really about. Jenny trusted him and maybe it was actually better for Gibbs to not know. She wanted to have the opportunity to 'meet' the person responsible for the threat in order to stop them before they could hurt the people she loved. Even if I have to die in the progress. I have to protect them Tobias. I have to…I don't want to lose him again. Jenny's words were still present in his mind and the sadness and regret that swung with them.
The next two days went by with nothing unusual and Jenny started to get seriously restless in her office. She was on her way to MTAC when her cell phone went off.
"Shepard."
"Director this is Agent Fornell. Listen, I got this message just a few minutes ago and it doesn't seem to be a fake." Jenny stopped right in the middle of the landing, her heart began to race and she had to hold onto the railing.
"What?"
"You were right with your suspicion Director. It's Kort and he prepared a bomb near Norfolk in an empty warehouse. According to my contact he wants to lure 'some people' into it and…well you know what will probably happen."
"And these 'people' are us. How the hell did your precious contact get this information and why isn't the CIA acting on it?!" It was hard for Jenny to keep her voice down, but since Gibbs already looked up to her with a curious expression, she tried to stay as calm as possible.
"My contact isn't CIA anymore but he knows where to get what you want to know and before you ask, yes I can trust him. Kort is still too valuable for the CIA and they think it's just fake. You know how thick-headed they can be and they are certainly not ready to give up their little pet for nothing. Sorry Director this is all I got and I can't confirm it's actually you he's after."
Jenny was back in her office and went straight to the bar, preparing herself a glass of bourbon. She didn't have Gibbs famous gut feeling but somehow there was no doubt about them being his target. The top priority was to protect Gibbs and his team, so the only option for her was to give Kort what he wanted…partly.
"Tobias? Do you have the exact address? Is Kort still there?"
"Yes and he's still there. Jenny what do you have in mind? You can't just go in there!"
"It's not your problem Tobias. Thank you for the information I really appreciate it. Just make sure that Gibbs doesn't find out!"
The silence on the other end was becoming unbearable until Fornell found his voice again.
"Alright. I'll give you what you want but you owe me Director." Jenny hung off, grabbed her gun und passed by a slightly surprised Cynthia who was talking on the phone.
"Director SecNav wants to-"
"Not now Cynthia."
As soon as she descended the stairs she noticed the empty desks of Gibbs team and entered the elevator where she met the Medical Examiner Dr. Mallard and his Assistant Mr. Palmer.
"Oh Director what a pleasure. Unfortunately we rarely have the time to see each other." Ducky detected right away that something was absolutely wrong although she tried to mask it as always.
"Ducky, Mr. Palmer. Yes I know what you mean and I'm sorry about that. It comes with the job I'm afraid. On the way to a crime scene?"
"Actually yes. Jethro got a call about a dead Petty Officer only moments ago. That poor boy was apparently left to die in a warehouse at Norfolk." At this, the Directors face grew as pale as it could and she turned to Ducky with an expression that could only be described as horrified.
"WHAT?! Norfolk? Is Jethro already there?"
"Well he is on the way with Anthony, Ziva and Timothy of course. Why, is something wrong my dear?"
"You and Palmer stay here at NCIS are we clear? Try to call him off ASAP!" With that the Director ran out of the elevator which had reached the garage level and sprinted to her car, taking off her heels while doing so.
Ducky was left behind in the company of an equally stunned Assistant and did what he had been told by pulling out his cell phone.
"Jethro?" Ducky was finally able to reach someone on the other end instead of the voicemail.
"I apologize but, no, this is not Special Agent Leroy Jethro Gibbs. However, we've met before under very different circumstances I'm afraid." Ducky recognized the voice even though he couldn't remember the name.
"Ah yes, you were…the gentleman at that small airport where I had a very interesting conversation with Monsieur Benôit. To my misfortune I must confess that I seem to have forgotten your name."
"Not important. Sorry to cut you off, but I have…guests who need my entire attention. My good wishes to your Director." Palmer glanced at his mentor and was about to ask what was going on, when Ducky turned to him.
"I hope Jenny knows what she is doing. I do not want to bring one of our friends back here in a body bag."
Kort grinned back at his 'guests' who were held at gun point by his companions.
"Let's hope for you that Doctor Mallard got the massage and informs the lovely Director about this short exchange."
"You bastard can't possibly think that she swallows your excuse of a bait." Despite the dangerous situation, Gibbs couldn't help himself and laughed at Kort. He and his team stood in the middle of an empty warehouse with hands on their heads.
There had never been a case involving a dead man, it was just a trap for the team and Gibbs felt guilty for not seeing it coming. They had entered the warehouse, everything had looked like a crime scene with two Policemen near the supposed to be dead body but as soon as Gibbs and his team had reached them, they were greeted with two guns. To shocked to react, they had had no other choice than to throw away their SIGs, one by one. The 'body' had turned out to be the well known Trent Kort who was now looking at Gibbs with one of his cruel smirks.
"No ? Well I always had the impression that our beautiful Director of NCIS was very fond of you. Is she as good as she looks? In bed I mean?" At these words all Gibbs wanted to do was to kill that bastard in front of him, but he had to hold back for the sake of his team. He knew Kort wanted to provoke him, but he wouldn't let it happen.
Tony bit his tongue. Not because he would have said one of his usual sexual comments, but because he wanted to blow Kort's head off. Tony and Jenny had come close in the time of Gibbs' 'Margarita Safari' and he had started to see Jenny as a good friend not only as Director. After the whole thing with Jeanne their friendship had been practically ruined, but right now this just wasn't important anymore.
Ziva was ready to explode. She had over a hundred different ways of torturing Kort in her mind, but kept her mouth shut. McGee looked nervously at each of his co-workers, hoping that they would be able to control their temper.
Simultaneously another car pulled up outside. Jenny stepped out as quiet as possible without closing the door and spotted the NCIS – Truck beside one of the six warehouses. She knew Kort expected her, the pictures belonged to his sick game, but his plan had it's weakness. Men of his kind had always underestimated her and today wouldn't be different. Jenny Shepard was well known within the alphabet for her skill to negotiate whenever necessary, but none of them were aware of her skills as a field agent let alone as a shooter.
Jenny knew that she could take her time – Kort wouldn't do anything without her and so she carefully rounded the warehouse, looked through every significant window in order to analyze the situation and had to suppress her laughter. This is ridiculous…this whole show and he only brings up two other assassins ? But why did she have the same bad feeling as two years ago when Tony and Ziva had been undercover?
Unfortunately, through none of the windows she could shoot without putting one member of the team in danger, so she stayed nearby a broken window in hope of hearing something useful while thinking of a way to get in there unnoticed.
Meanwhile Kort pulled some sort of remote from a small box.
"Somewhere in here I set up a nice little bomb. As soon as the Director is here, she will have to make a choice. No matter what her decision may be, I win." Kort said grinning again as he put the small device into Gibbs' breast pocket, his own gun trained at Gibbs' head.
"My friends installed some motion detectors next to these doors and as soon as Director Shepard comes in, the bomb will be activated and detonates after 2 more minutes. The only thing that will shut the bomb off is that thing in your pocket." At this moment, Gibbs realized that Jen must have known about this. Why did you talk to Fornell instead of me Jen?
"Nice. You know that it will kill you too or are you really as stupid as you look?" Gibbs retorted with his unique smile, although he was desperately thinking of a way to get his team out alive.
"Oh yes I'm well aware of that. Lets just say…I pissed of the wrong people and they are after me. But why should I just die by their hands, when I have the opportunity to take all of you with me? My death doesn't matter as long as I can kill you and your team Jethro."
"Your people are ready to die too Kort?"
"They are targets as well and owe me for taking care of their families. Not that it's your business." He wanted to say something else, but suddenly the door opened up and the sound of five shots rang through the building. Kort react quickly enough and grabbed Gibbs, using him as a living shield in front of him while pointing his gun at Jenny who had just killed his companions.
"One wrong move and I will execute her right in front of you" Kort whispered into Gibbs' ear.
Tony, Ziva and McGee had acted on instinct the moment right after the first shot and jumped aside. It wasn't their fault, they had just reacted, but now no one was close enough to help Gibbs. Jenny stepped slowly further into the warehouse, her green eyes fixed on the ones she still loved so much.
"Well done Director Shepard. To bad that it's not going to help you. Either you shoot your lover to stop the bomb, or you wait until all of us get killed. What's it going to be? You have a little more than a minute to think."
Gibbs' team looked back and forth between their bosses, feeling absolutely helpless. Jenny struggled to get her heavy breathing under control, still holding contact with Jehtro's eyes. She couldn't shoot Kort without putting a bullet through Gibbs' head and knew that he wouldn't do anything as long as Kort pointed his gun at her. She closed her eyes, knowing that there were only a few seconds left. Even if she wouldn't survive, she couldn't risk the lives of all these people that were like a family to her. Maybe there was no bomb at all, but she didn't have the time to find out. Maybe it would detonate even after destroying the fuse. They would still need the time to get out of here…Jenny had to make a decision – now.
The redhead met Ziva's eyes, hoping that she would understand, and pulled the trigger.
The shot echoed through the area and everything seemed to happen in slow motion…Gibbs went down with a bleeding hole in his chest, Kort was to stunned and didn't defend himself as Jenny fired three rounds at him. He obviously never thought that she would really take the shot.
Tony and McGee were to shocked to act, both looking horrified at Jenny who shouted at them with tears streaming down her face.
"GET OUT !"
Zive had used the time to move Gibbs towards the exit. The second Jenny had glanced at her she had understood. They had been in a similar situation before in Cairo, but Ziva had never expected Jenny to shoot Gibbs.
All of them ran out, Tony helped Ziva with Gibbs while McGee grabbed the Director who had nearly frozen on the spot. They made it barely behind the NCIS-Truck as the bomb blew off the entire building. Ziva was able to move first whereas her co – workers starred behind her, fear and shock still clearly visible. The Mossad Officer dared to turn around and found her best friend kneeling beside Gibbs, tears ran down her cheeks and dropped on her hands which desperately tried to stop the bleeding.
"C'mon Jethro! Don't do this to me…don't die on me ! Hold on…please." Jenny screamed and pleaded helplessly. She knew that she'd done the right thing – Jehtro would have done the same in order to save his team. The second she'd seen Jethro going down, everything in her went cold and hot at the same time. Jenny didn't know how she had found the strength to warn DiNozzo and McGee – all she had seen was the unmoving body of her former lover. She didn't notice her tears, just concentrated on her hands which were full of Gibbs' blood. Jenny felt his weak pulse and saw him taking rapid, short breaths and hoped that he would be able to hold on.
McGee had recovered and called the ambulance, Tony observed the area around them in case other assassins were still there and Ziva went over to Jenny and put a comforting hand on her shoulder.
"He will make it Jenny. You did the right thing…and you know it. He survived worse." The redhead appreciated the support of her friend, but right now the only thing she wanted to do was to switch places with Gibbs. That son of a bitch! If Jethro dies because of Kort… she couldn't finish her thoughts when she felt him stop breathing.
"NO ! No Jethro…don't…JETHRO!"
From a distance they could hear the sirens of the paramedics and the fire trucks and McGee, who had been starring at his boss just like his teammates, let out a sigh of relief.
Once the paramedics were there, Zive had to pull Jenny away from Gibbs so they could start doing CPR and held her in a tight embrace.
"Ok he's back, now quick !" announced one of the paramedics and as soon as they got him into their truck, Jenny climbed in and took Gibbs' hand.
"Ma'am you can't-"
"Yes I can!"
The responsible doctor wanted to say more but was stopped by Tony.
"Let her. She… she's his girlfriend." He met Jenny's eyes which were full of surprise and nodded once before the doors closed and the truck drove off to Bethesda.
For a minute the three Agents watched the firemen attempting to put out the fire and walked back to the nearly unharmed NCIS – Truck.
"Tony I'll get the Director's car back to Headquarters. May I have your cell phone? I think I lost mine in there." DiNozzo looked confused but gave it to her whilst MeGee already climbed into the truck.
"Don't look at me like that. Do you really think I let her stay at the hospital alone?" She said and dialed a familiar number.
"Ducky? I need you to do me a favor…or rather, the Director needs you."
Jenny sat outside of the ER, her face buried in her hands. By now, she'd pissed off two nurses and one of the doctors because she wouldn't move, but despite the situation she'd managed to put enough authority into her voice to get rid of them.
One hour and still nothing new! What's taking them so long?! God Jethro…
She didn't hear the faint footsteps until someone stopped near her chair and sat down with a heavy sigh.
"Oh, dear Jennifer. Jethro surely knows how to get himself into trouble." Ducky stated and pulled the still crying woman into his arms, surprised at the fact that she let him. He'd always known that his old friends had more in common than they'd like and being utterly stubborn was definitely one of these attitudes. Both of them were stronger than most of the people Ducky was familiar with, but it just couldn't be good to always swallow the pain they went through. He held Jenny, softly patted her back and waited until she was able to compose herself.
"Thank you. How did you know we're here?" She wiped away the last tears with the tissue Ducky had offered.
"Oh yeah, Ziva had called me once the ambulance brought you both to the hospital. She explained what happened and I apologize for leaving you by yourself for so long, but Abby needed to calm down first. Jennifer…it might sound cruel, but Jethro would be very proud right now." Although Jenny was devastated she nodded and a sad smile graced her features.
"I know Ducky. He'd probably say that it's good to know that, deep down, I'm still a damn good field agent. So good actually that I may have killed him." Her voice broke at the end and new tears threatened to come.
"Stop torturing yourself my dear. If you hadn't risked his life, all of you would be dead now! Jethro has escaped death so many times before and now it will not be different, believe me." Jenny shook her head and as Ducky observed her, he knew that there was more to it than the obvious.
"Three days ago I'd received an envelope with a picture in it. It showed his entire team and me with a target on top of it. I wanted to handle it myself, lied to Jethro and contacted Agent Fornell. I got the information I needed just this morning and…was on my way to take care of it. And then I met you in the elevator."
"You were on your way to this warehouse? So you-"
"I knew it Ducky, yes. But I hadn't expected such a turn of events. He wasn't supposed to be there dammit!" She cursed, stood up and began to pace back and forth.
"But you were, Jennifer? You realize what might have happened if you had gone there on your own?" Ducky asked, disbelief written all over his face and Jenny stopped in tracks.
"I do Ducky." She replied and looked straight into his shocked eyes.
"And I would have had the chance to protect them. To protect him."
"You would have been killed Jennifer!"
The only answer he got was a knowing smile.
"Guys we're supposed to be in the hospital!" Abby walked restless around the bullpen and glanced every so often to the elevator. Tony, Ziva and McGee sat at their desks, didn't know what to do except waiting for Ducky to call them and tried to stay calm. Sure, Gibbs had survived so many times and the Director had missed his heart, but even someone like their boss ran out of luck at some point.
"Abby I understand that you wanna be there with him. I really do. But the boss wouldn't want that. Ducky is there – and Jenny too. I think…she's what Gibbs needs most." Tony stated and caught Ziva's raised eyebrow.
"Oh…how is the Director doing? I mean with this whole 'My-God-I-had-to-shoot-my-ex'-thing?", Abby asked whilst squeezing Bert the hippo.
"Never saw her like this before. We all had the chance to see her angry or frustrated, but…this was different. She cried Abby." McGee replied starring ahead.
"I have seen her like this a few years ago. Crying I mean." Ziva whispered and three pairs of stunned eyes turned towards the usually controlled Mossad Officer, literally begging her to elaborate.
"Well…as you know, Jenny and I worked together before I joined NCIS after she became Director. We had this mission in Cairo and something…went wrong. I saved her life and we managed to accomplish the mission with success. In that night we celebrated, Jenny got pretty drunk – if you tell her that I-"
"We won't"
"Okay, so…she got drunk and spilled her heart out."
"Poured. She poured her heart out."
"Yes, thank you McGee. Anyway, Jenny cried and told me how much she regretted her decision to leave Gibbs. That maybe she should have taken-"
"WOAH wait a minute! She told you? You KNEW ?! I mean it's pretty clear that something happened between Gibbs and the Director but you KNEW ?!" Tony said taken aback, eyes nearly falling out of his head. By now, McGee's stood beside Abby looking like a goldfish and the forensic goth grinned from ear to ear, absolutely happy about the fact that their two bosses once really were 'mommy and daddy'.
"Yes Tony I knew. And ? I promised to never tell anyone and I trust you to stay quiet. Jenny didn't say a name, but that she had had a relationship with her former mentor. She cried all night long…I asked her why she had left him and she said that-"
"Her carrier." All eyes were suddenly fixed on Tony who smiled a knowing but also sad smile.
"Just before the boss came back last year, Jenny and I had an interesting talk. She didn't say much, only that she should have taken it slower regarding her carrier at NCIS. Sounded to me as if there are things she regrets. Guess we've got the answer."
"That's so sad." Abby gave Bert another squeeze but no one cringed at the improper sound at this point.
"Yeah. It's somehow like 'Bodyguard' as Whitney Houston leaves Kevin Costner for her carrier."
The room went silent, everybody thought about the horrors of the day and the dramatic love story between their bosses and practically jumped at the sound of Tony's Office phone.
"Special Agent DiNozzo."
"Ducky here. Anthony are the others with you?"
"Yeah. Abby too."
"Good. Listen, Jehtro is still asleep, but he will be fine. I'll stay a bit longer with the Director and…she asked me to tell you that you are in charge for as long as Jethro has to recover. I have also been told that you have the order to go home now." Tony showed his team a 'thumbs-up' which was rewarded with an extremely happy Abby hugging the visible relieved McGee. Ziva sat back in her chair, grabbed her necklace and smiled at Tony.
Ducky hung up, turned back and watched Jenny who sat in a chair nearby Gibbs' bed, holding his hand in hers.
"Jennifer you should rest a bit. Jethro is not going to wake up for the next two hours at least and you are tired."
Jenny was grateful for Ducky's concern and support but she would stay with Jethro just like last time he'd been in a hospital.
"I am and I know that he'll sleep for quite some time, but what if he wakes up and I'm not here or asleep? No. As long as I can, I'll stay awake and I won't leave his side either."
The doctor let out a sigh and patted her shoulder. He could only imagine what she was going through and was sure that Gibbs' former partner was just as stubborn as ever.
"Fine. Can I get you a coffee then?"
"That horrible instant stuff they have here? Thank you, but no. I can hold on…just like Jethro."
"May I ask who runs your agency by now? I know you want to stay with him but-"
"I already informed my Assistant Director and Noemi will be here in about one hour to bring some things over." Ducky raised an eyebrow even if Jenny couldn't see it right now and he gripped her shoulder a bit harder. Of course she could not call Anthony with all this unreasonable guilt she feels right now. Oh my dear, what are you doing to yourself?
The redhead fought with the tears that wanted to spill from her eyes and knew that her friend understood when she felt the soft pressure of his hand. She knew she made the right choice back at the warehouse, but it didn't make it easier for her. She'd been so relieved when the surgeon came up to her after three hours in the ER to tell her that everything went well. Suddenly her cell phone rang and Jenny hoped that it wasn't one of Gibbs' team.
"Shepard." Her voice sounded hoarse and tired.
"Jenny? Fornell here. I've heard what happened to Kort and Gibbs. How's Jethro doing?"
"He will be fine, thank you Tobias. Actually I'm sitting right next to him but he's still asleep."
"Lucky bastard. Even death doesn't want him" At that Jenny couldn't suppress a small chuckle and was glad for him trying to lighten up the mood.
"Heard that the warehouse was blown off. Would make the third explosion that got him in the hospital. The rest of his team ok?" She glanced at Ducky who was watching her curiously and took a deep breath before replying.
"We're fine."
"We?"
"Tobias…I followed them right after your call. We managed to get out before the detonation."
There was silence at the other end and Jenny could almost hear the wheels turning in Fornell's head.
"But if you got out-"
"He was shot." At this, her voice was about to break and she unconsciously stroked Gibbs' hand.
"By Kort?"
"By me."
Jenny heard Fornell taking a sharp breath and just wanted to end this conversation.
"Well…I guess you had a good reason for that. A joke on finally being able to give him something to think about for undermining your authority all this time would be to inappropriate?"
This time she nearly laughed and wiped away one of the tears that had managed to spill.
"I think so. Thanks for your call but I'll have to cut you off since one of the nurses just came in. Bye Tobias." He will understand.
"Goodbye Jenny."
She put the cell away and trained her eyes on their entwined hands. I won't leave Jethro. I promise I will be here when you wake up.
Ducky had gone home at 2 am but got Jenny to change her clothes. Noemi had brought enough for a week just in case. The redhead entered Gibbs' room after a quick visit to the Ladies room and took her place on the possible most uncomfortable chair she'd ever sat on. God I really need coffee.
"Director?" a soft voice came from the door. Jenny closed her eyes for a second, knowing that it would probably be hard to talk to Gibbs' favorite right now.
"Hello Abby. I'll wait outside so you can-"
"No! No, it's totally okay. For me…is it okay for you too if we both just stay?" The older woman smiled because of Abby's babbling and finally turned to her. Forensic scientist looked worried which wasn't a surprise, but what got Jenny's attention was the fact that Abby seemed to be more worried about her than about Gibbs.
"Alright. Just let me get you another chair."
After both settled nearby Gibbs' bed, Abby fumbled with her bag and glanced nervously at the Director.
"What is it Abby? You want to kill me with something in there?" The goth's eyes widened at that comment and she quickly opened her bag, a thermos jug in her hands.
"God no! Why would I do something like this?"
"'Cause I almost killed him?" She sounded bitter and strokes Gibbs' hand softly.
"That wasn't your fault! They told me what happened…okay, you pulled the trigger but it's not like you really had an alternative Director. Well I…eh…I thought you could use this." Jenny's expression was unreadable but at the sight of the thermos jug in front of her face, she looked confused at the young woman.
"Coffee! Jamaican blend with milk and sugar. Gibbs once mentioned that you like this stuff…eh…was he wrong?" Jenny was…speechless. Coffee? My favorite? Thought she would rather see me dead and instead of that I get…coffee?
"Eh…no, no he was right. Thank you Abby that…I don't know what to say."
"Your very welcome! I know this has to be hard for you. I mean…Gibbs was your partner and you're really good friends so…is there anything I can do for you Director?"
"Jenny. Off the job I'm just Jenny. I'm fine. Don't look at me like that Abby it's okay." She said taking a sip of her drink.
Abby watched Gibbs' ex-lover closely, noticed the thick red eyes and the dark rings, struggling with what she wanted to say next. Okay, we promised Ziva to stay quiet but this thingy between them has been going on for far too long!
"Di…Jenny? Maybe, after Gibbs wakes up, it's time for a…change?" she whispered cautiously and met two puzzled but very interested green eyes.
"Well…Colonel Mann has gone to Hawaii and Gibbs is single again…" Jenny was shocked but didn't even get the chance to reply.
"Oh please! For God damn sake, it's an open secrets that you two were close! And you're good together trust me. And you'd be the first girlfriend of him I really really like!" Abby had a hard time keeping her voice down and Jenny laughed at her last comment. Is there anybody who doesn't know about us?
"That's…nice of you. Think I can stop denying it, but it's complicated Abby."
"Yeah that's what they all say. But I think that Gibbs has still feelings for you! And I know that you do. I mean, you're familiar with the term 'if looks could kill…'? The Colonel would have died at least 15 times! And then your hair…you do realize that it's more blonde than red, right?" Abby smiled at the blush that spread over Jenny's face and laid her hand on top the entwined ones of Gibbs and the redhead.
"Give it a chance. You never know what could happen. Ducky once said something like 'Yesterday is gone and tomorrow might never come'. I should go now it's pretty late and my coffin's waiting for me. Good night Jenny."
"Good night Abby. Thank you for everything." She watched her leave, took another sip of the now nearly empty jug and thought about just how true these words were. I could have lost you forever Jethro. Maybe Abby is right…maybe we should give it a try.
Sleep had finally taken over. Jenny's head laid on Gibbs' stomach, her hand was still holding his and she was snoring quietly. All of a sudden someone started stroking her hand, she frowned still half asleep. After another second her head shot up and she reached for her gun when she heard a very familiar chuckle beside her.
"There's no need for that Jen."
"Jethro?" Jenny whispered, tears glistening in her eyes.
"The one and only. Hey…" his thump caressed her cheek, wiping away the wetness. She leaned into his touch and met his crystal blue eyes.
"When did you wake up?"
"Few minutes ago. How's my team?" Typical Jethro. His team comes first.
"Don't worry they're fine."
"What happened after you shot…Kort." She turned her head, couldn't look at him but was grateful that he'd referred to Kort, not himself.
"We…well I wasn't sure if destroying the device would be enough, so we ran out. Ziva and Tony carried you. We barely got behind the truck before the detonation. It didn't make a difference that you…" she took a shaking breath and squeezed her eyes shut, trying to block out the flashbacks of Jethro going down. Gibbs studied Jen and didn't know what to do or say. In some weird kind of way he was proud of her.
"That fucking bastard and his sick game."
"Why didn't you tell me Jen?"
"What do you mean Jethro?"
"Jen. I'm not stupid. You talked to Fornell because someone warned you right?" Jenny let out a sigh and played with the bed sheets. Yeah why didn't you tell him?
"I wanted to protect you. And your team. Guess that backfired. Jethro… I'm so sorry…so sorry. I never meant-"
"Don't apologize, how often do I have to tell you?"
"To hell with your rule! You could have died Jethro and if I'm sorry for almost killing you and it means that I'm weak, then yes – I am!" she stood up, paced back and forth in the small room running her hands through her hair.
"Jen?"
"WHAT?!" that definitely sounded annoyed.
"Could you get me something to drink…please?" Jenny smiled sheepishly at him and moved quickly out of the room only to come back with a coke and a nurse on her heels. She failed hiding her amusement under the Gibbs-glare as the nurse checked on everything. The redhead remembered just to well how much Jethro hated hospitals and especially the personal working for them – almost as much as divorce attorneys.
"You enjoyed this right Jen?" Once they were alone.
"A lot." Sharing a smile, she handed him the coke and rolled her eyes by his look.
"You really want to have that muck they serve here?"
"Yeah well it sure smells like coffee here so it can't be that bad." Jenny placed his drink on the beside table and picked up the thermos jug.
"I wouldn't know, because Abby was so kind to bring me my favorite coffee about two hours ago. Said you told her how I like it. The coffee I mean." She quickly added, recognizing that special glimmer in his eyes. Fell right into that I guess.
"May have mentioned it once. So…Abbs brought you coffee? Didn't know the two of you were close." Jenny resumed stroking his hand whilst Gibbs finally drank the coke, thought about the conversation they had and felt more relaxed than a couple of hours ago. No one treated her like an enemy and Abby's support meant a lot to Jenny.
"Things change. Some experiences do that to people." Gibbs had a hard time catching the last, almost inaudible part, but felt the tension between them suddenly rise. He could imagine what she was really talking about, but now certainly wouldn't be the right occasion for it. Since his last visit at her house he wondered if he'd made the right decision. Should he have stayed? Would it have been just a one-night-stand? The same second he dismissed that thought – not with Jen…she'd never want something as superficial as that.
"You should go home and rest Jen. Your agency doesn't run by itself."
"Oh suddenly it is my agency? Strange…I had the impression you believed it was yours. Good to know we're on the same page at last, Jethro." Said a grinning Director quite enjoying the annoyed look of her former partner and lover.
"Don't worry. My Assistant Director takes care of it for as long as I'll be taking care of you. And no, I so don't want to hear your protests ! I'll take care of you and you're going to let me. Jethro, you're in this bed because of me…please let me help you." As tears started to fill Jenny's eyes she turned her head and tried to get her feelings back under control. Gibbs not only saw her desperation but also felt it when her soft grip on his hand unconsciously hardened. He didn't think he'd need any help it wasn't the first time he'd been shot and it wouldn't be the last. On the other hand he just couldn't turn down her request so he responded, keeping his voice low.
"Okay."
"Did you say 'okay' ?" She asked disbelieving and starred at Gibbs open mouthed.
"Things change. Some experiences do that to people." At that moment Jenny really wanted to kiss his soft lips, expressing what she wasn't ready to say with words. Right now with so many things left unspoken it would be wrong, so she settled for stroking his cheek and giving him a shy kiss on the forehead.
For once Tony, Ziva and McGee stepped out of the elevator together the next morning and were greeted by a rushing black bat, also known as Abby, who threw herself into Tony's arms.
"HE'S AWAKE, HE'S AWAKE !!"
"Umpff…eh…that's great Abby…but could…you please let…me go?" mumbled the almost suffocating Senior Agent whilst ignoring the amused looks of his teammates.
"Oh ! Sorry. But Gibbs is back ! Well not back, because he's still at the hospital but back you know?" said the bouncing and overjoyed goth. They walked to their desks to drop down their stuff and focused their attention back on the happy grinning lab rat.
"You were there when he woke up Abbs?"
"No. I was there at…I don't know but it was late and only Jenny was there. She called-"
"Jenny? Since when do you call the Director by her given name?" asked a slightly stunned McGee just spilling the question that Tony and Ziva also would like to have an answer to.
"Yesterday. Or today since it was pretty early this morning. I brought her coffee considering how horrible it had to be for her with that whole shooting and blowing-up thing and she said, off the job I could call her Jenny! Anyway I didn't stay long, but she gave me a call a couple of minutes ago, saying that my silver haired fox is awake!"
The three agents looked at each other positively surprised. When Jenny Shepard had started as Director, Ziva was the only one close to her beside Gibbs since they'd already worked together and the rest of them respected her, but kept her at distance. Tony got closer to Jenny as a friend after Gibbs 'retirement' and McGee never had a real connection to her. They knew that Abby and Jenny talked with each other occasionally but the forensic scientist had never called her Jenny.
Ziva smiled absently, feeling happy for her best friend that she'd managed to 'join' the team in some way. The Israeli was sure that even McGee held more than just respect towards her as for being the Director.
"She called him silver haired fox?" Ziva snapped back into reality and rolled her eyes whilst Tony and Abby slapped the back of McGee's head.
"NO ! Only I'm allowed to call him that! She also said that if we don't have a case, we can come and visit Gibbs!"
"Maybe later Abbs. Think it's best to leave our little lovebirds alone for a bit."
Gibbs starred out of the window, still laying in bed and thought about last night. He'd been surprised at first at the sight of Jen by his side with her small hand holding his. Last time he'd woken up in a hospital he imagined to see Shannon leaning over him and had been disappointed to see another woman he didn't recognize right away. This time he was lucky to have Jen although it was hard accepting her help. Just as Gibbs' thoughts drifted back to the loving kiss she gave him, she entered the room with a cup of coffee.
"Hey. It's not from the shop you usually go to but better than that instant stuff they have here." Jenny received a grateful smile and took her place on the chair. God my butt's going to be sore when I get out of here. As if Gibbs could read her mind, and sometimes she had the feeling that he really could, he moved to the left nodding to the space next to him.
"C'mon Jen you don't have to sit there all the time. That thing must be a pain in the ass."
Jenny laughed and hesitantly stood up, blushing as she carefully sat on the edge of the bed.
"Literally. Thank you Jethro."
"You know…you can make yourself comfortable I don't bite. Unless you want me to." Gibbs said smirking. He expected her to be even more embarrassed but met her sparkling eyes as she gave him a sly grin. Oh oh…
"If I remember correctly, it was you who liked being bitten and scratched. Marseilles ring a bell?" She lay down on her side and watched Gibbs taking a sip noticing the corners of his mouth twitch. Oh yeah he remembers.
After one of their…more passionate nights, he'd had a problem to hide the bite marks on his throat and the scratches on his right cheek. He'd been lucky that no one could see his back.
"How are you feeling Jethro?" she asked quietly and observed him.
"I'm okay. Hurts a bit but nothing I couldn't cope with. Stop blaming yourself and be proud of you Jen, please. Because of you all of us got out of there alive and thanks to your shooting skills that you missed my heart. You know how I feel about you being Director and not a field agent anymore but haven't lost your spirit I'll give you that."
Jenny listened carefully and met his intense gaze, feeling warm inside. How can a bastard like him be so damn wonderful at the same time?
Gibbs put his arm around her shoulder whilst taking another sip and pulled her closer to him as Jen placed her head on his chest. Even after nearly a decade without being close to each other it felt familiar to them but neither wanted to put a name to it both aware that they needed to talk at some point.
"I wanna get out of here Jen." Gibbs was grumpy and Jenny really wanted to fulfill that wish but he'd only been in the hospital for one day. This is going to be tough…
"I understand Jethro I hate hospitals probably as much as you, but not even 24 hours ago you got hurt. I'll see what I can do to get you out I promise, however you're staying at least a week."
"Jen I never stayed that long and you know it! Hell I wasn't even in a hospital every time I got shot!" Jenny lifted her head up from the very comfortable place on his chest and narrowed her eyes before answering with her best director tone.
"And that also got us into trouble more than once Jethro! You're staying for as long as I think it's necessary are we clear?" Gibbs clenched his teeth and watched the streams of sunlight falling into the room. He considered his options.
Well with Jen being here I can't just sneak out and that thick-headed woman won't let me go. Maybe it's time to play out my charming card…
"Fine. If you wanna take care of me, how about doing it at your place or mine?" he asked trying to sound as innocent as possible but sensed he was failing.
"Oh no you're not going there Jethro. A deal maybe? You keep on enjoying the nurses attention for a week and after that we can negotiate about that other part?"
"Not good enough Jen. Either it's a few days here and then the rest at home or…"
"Or what Jethro? Want to walk around the building in your…sexy gown to get out? There are no clothes for you." She replied, a smirk firmly put onto her face.
"Well I had some when I got here Jen!" Jenny went silent and walked over to the window admiring the view of the park.
"I…I threw them away. I'm sorry Jethro but I couldn't look at them after what happened. I'll drive to your house to bring you what you need. Don't worry I…I'll buy you new clothes if you want."
Gibbs sat speechless in his bed. Until now he'd had no idea of how much it had affected her.
"Jen…"
"Like I said I'm sorry. If you still want to get out of here now just tell me and I'll talk to the doctor." Her voice low and somewhat hollow, a sound Gibbs didn't like at all. Sometimes after a couple glasses of bourbon she'd talked like this and for a second he wondered if Jenny was even aware of her surroundings.
"Don't apologize. Think I can stay for a bit…but only if you bring me real coffee now and then!" It was meant as a joke and the woman in front of the window gifted him with a grateful smile.
One week later Jenny gave him permission to leave after being with him 24/7 making sure that everything's fine. During the day she'd stayed in his bed watching over him, talking about anything that didn't concern their relationship or just enjoying the comfortable silence. Gibbs had wanted her to stay there at night as well but she'd ask one of the nurses for another bed, saying there was to little space for both of them. Thinking about that chat while driving him home made her blush…
"Oh c'mon Jen just stay." He tightened his arm around her as she tried to worm her way out of his grasp.
"Jethro we can't sleep in this small bed!"
"Since when is lack of space a problem? It's not like we haven't shared less space then that, remember?" Jenny's face reddened and she playfully swatted his arm.
"What? It's true…always liked to sleep on top of me, right Jen?" Just as she was about to look away embarrassed, she decided that attack was the best defense.
"Yes." She leaned in closely to whisper into his ear "But doing that would mean being the only one getting sleep… since some part of you has always been quite… responsive, right Jethro?"
It felt good being able to tease each other again but Jenny had no idea of what was going to happen now that Jethro has been released. She glanced at him every so often unable to read his mind and pulled up his driveway.
"Here we are. You want me to come in ?" Gibbs knew he should agree considering their newfound closeness. Nevertheless he wasn't sure about the true nature of it…has it just been the circumstances? Wouldn't it be all the same once they got back being Agent and Director? Gibbs needed to make up his mind and for that, he needed to be alone.
"Thanks Jen. I appreciate you bringing me back and taking care of me the last days, I really do. It's just…I think I need some time for myself."
Jenny struggled to keep her face straight and nodded the disappointment clearly visible in her eyes. Of course…how could I even think about getting somewhere with Jethro? We're back in real life, back to being professional and pretending nothing happened. God Jethro, why can't you make things easy for once?!
"Right, I understand. Remember to rest and call me if you feel ready to work or…if you need my help."
Gibbs looked at her with such intensity it nearly made her stop breathing. Just as he was about to get out of her car, he turned back to Jen and cupped softly her cheek leaning in to kiss her forehead like she'd done after he'd woken up.
"Thanks again. Take care Jen." And with that he walked up to the front door and got in without looking back. Jenny starred ahead of her still lost in her own little dream world when a sudden beeping noise brought her back. That irritating sound came from her cell and she took a deep breath before answering.
"Shepard."
"Oh Jennifer it's Ducky. Is Jethro with you?"
"Not anymore I brought him home and he just got into the house. Why, is something wrong?"
"No, no my dear I only wanted to make sure that everything is fine. How is he?"
"Said he needed some time alone but other than that I think he's okay. Listen Ducky, I don't want to be rude but I have to get back to my house and get some stuff. I'm planning on getting back at Headquarters today." Ducky detected easily that something was definitely wrong with the Director and betted that Jethro was the cause of it. Boy you never learn what is good for you do you?
"Of course Director. We will be all happy to see you again! Especially Abby I might add she kept telling us about how well you took care of Gibbs. Until later Jennifer."
"Bye Ducky and thank you." Jenny shut her cell off and allowed herself to smile while thinking about Abby. She had been the only one visiting besides Ducky, probably Gibbs' team knew how much he hated the attention and Abby and his old friend were the only ones getting away with it. The goth had been so kind to bring Gibbs his coffee and gave Jenny updates concerning the agency. The redhead shook her head trying to get her mind back on track and looked at Gibbs' front door one last time before pulling out of the driveway and driving to her townhouse.
Present
He hasn't seen her since yesterday morning – couldn't make up his mind. He took another sip of bourbon and ran his hand through his silver hair. Gibbs had to admit that it had felt great to have Jen by his side although she'd caused him the pain. At the hospital, they hadn't been Director and Agent but friends and old partners who enjoyed each others company. There had been a healthy mixture of serious and casual talk, flirting and arguing and tears and laughter. Then and particularly now they just ignored that huge pink elephant between them, afraid of what might happen if someone brings up the topic of their relationship. Gibbs didn't call her and Jenny left him alone. How do I feel about you Jen?
He'd asked himself that question many times for the last two days without a conclusion and started to get frustrated. Yes, she meant a lot to him but how much? Was it just about memories or a crush? Was is simply sexual tension because of what he knew about how good they had been? Gibbs knew it wasn't love…at least not the same feeling, the same love he'd felt 9 years ago but then again, people change and so their emotions. There were times when Jen reminded him so much of his Jenny, the carefree, loving and humorous woman. On the other hand there were times when he didn't recognize her and she showed her serious side, the cold one and her obsession about work. No, she wasn't his Jen anymore…but what about himself? Was he the same man as 9 years ago?
"Jethro?" Gibbs' body tensed at the soft voice behind him but relaxed after realizing who it was. Jenny sat down beside him taking the glass from his hands and swallowed the rest before placing it between them.
"Thought I'd stop by and see how you're doing."
Jethro stayed silent and glanced at the woman who looked at anything but him. He didn't know if he wanted her to stay or to leave and answered after a few minutes.
"I'm fine Jen. Why are you really here? Thought I made it clear that I needed some time alone." It came out harsher than he'd intended and Jenny's shoulders slumped in defeat.
"It was a bad idea to come…I just…I should go." She replied standing up, hoping that he would stop her. She made her way back to his door, looked back and said quietly before leaving "We can't ignore it forever Jethro. It might be to soon in your opinion, but if you're honest with yourself we should have talked about it way before you got hurt."
Gibbs heard her retreating steps fading in the dark of the night and buried his face in his hands. I know Jen but right now, I can't give you the answer you probably hope for.
Jenny walked back to her car, silent tears streaming down her face. She barely made it into the car when it started raining and switched on the radio wishing for some distraction. After listening to the first lines she broke down and didn't care about the sobs that shook her body.
Hello, world, hope you're listening
Forgive me if I'm young or speaking out of turn
But there's someone that I've been missin'
And I think that they could be the better half of me
They're in the wrong place, tryin' to make it right
And I'm tired of justifying, so I say to you
"Come home, come home
'Cause I've been waitin' for ya, for so long, for so long
And right now there's a war between the vanities
But all I see is you and me
And the fight for you is all I've ever known
So come home"
I get lost in the beauty
Of everything I see, the world ain't half as bad as they paint it to be
If all the sons, all the daughters, stop to take it in
Hopefully, the hate subsides, and the love can begin
It might start now, or maybe I'm just dreamin' out loud, but until then
"Come home, come home
'Cause I've been waitin' for ya, for so long, for so long
And right now there's a war between the vanities
But all I see is you and me
And the fight for you is all I've ever known
So come home"
Everything I can't be, is everything you should be
And that's why I need you here
Everything I can't be, is everything you should be
And that's why I need you here
So hear this now
"Come home, come home
'Cause I've been waitin' for ya, for so long, for so long
And right now there's a war between the vanities
But all I see is you and me
And the fight for you is all I've ever known
So come home
Come home"
Jenny needed some time to compose herself and made her decision. It may be a rather desperate move, but she didn't care and drove off to visit someone who would help her and Jethro for sure.
The next morning Gibbs woke up on his boat with a hell of a hangover and ascended the stairs to make coffee. While waiting for the machine to finish the drink that was supposed to bring him back to life he walked to the front door to get the newspapers when he found something on top of them. There was a burned CD and a small note attached to it with a handwriting he would be able to recognize everywhere.
I want to come home Jethro…
Jen
PS: I know you have a CD-Player and know how to use it, so no excuses.
He smirked at the last comment and moved to his living room putting the CD into the player and listened to the soft piano.Gibbs picked up a photograph from a drawer looking at himself and Jen smiling at the camera whilst listening to the song. You know it's not that easy Jen…
Of course he wanted another chance with her, but at the same time he was afraid of the outcome. He's had 4 wives, a few more lovers and most relationships ended because of Gibbs inability to open up, to trust and he had no idea if he was ready for this. It would be their last chance not only as lovers, but also as friends. Gibbs was sure that if it didn't work out, their relationship was going to be exactly like the ones he had to his Ex's and most likely worse considering her as his boss. Great options. Staying friends, return to lovers and get lucky or return to lovers and become enmies