The lift beeped and the team all looked in that direction. A familiar face appeared and strolled towards the stairs, looking smart yet pale, and, just, perhaps, a little tentative. Ziva and Tony stood and watched the Director start to walk up the stairs, whilst Gibbs hurried after her.

She was aware of this, but continued on her way, walking straight into her office without knocking, despite its current occupier, Leon Vance. Gibbs hesitated.

"Acting Director Vance, how nice to see you?" Jenny mused.

"Director Shepard." Leon failed to hide his surprise; she wondered if this was deliberate. "I wasn't expecting you back to work so soon."

"Oh I'm not, but I am still Director of this agency and am here to tell you that your services are no longer required. I am appointing a new acting Director for the duration of my leave. Thank you for taking on the role until now."

Vance was silent. He was about to say something in response when he saw Gibbs. He quickly packed his things and left, without a word.

"A new acting Director?" Gibbs asked, thinking the same as Jen.

That was too easy.

"Yes, you." Jenny replied.

"Me, no!" Gibbs replied, immediately.

"Yes, please." She made eye contact with him. "I can trust you, and you won't make such a mess of the agency."

"Hey!"

"I asked nicely." She teased.

"That wasn't asking." He said.

"I said please. But anyway, Director Gibbs, Tony and Ziva can manage her for the rest of the day. We are going home."

He didn't say no to this. He had to admit, he was feeling very protective of her, and really wanted to work at things as a couple. The shooting had been kept a secret, but Jenny's house had had to be burnt down to hide the truth. She had been living with Gibbs since being discharged from hospital, but yet, she was distancing herself from him; she wouldn't be close to him.

That evening the pair were laid in bed together, Jenny's head rested against Gibbs. He broke the silence.

"Jen." He spoke softly.

"Hmm?" She replied.

"Why won't you make love with me?" He asked. "Why won't you undress in front of me?"

Jenny sighed. She knew she was going to have to open up to Gibbs' sooner or later. She stepped out of bed and slipped off her dressing gown, then her night dress. She stood bare before him and he realised, wincing.

He moved across the bed and gently reached up to her. He ever so lightly touched one of her semi-healed wounds – the one on her stomach. She looked into his eyes before sitting down on his lap, wrapping an arm around him. He held her.

This was one occasion when she was allowed to cry.