When Gibbs pulled up outside the NCIS building he switched the ignition off and let his eyes slip closed. His head fell back to the headrest and he took a deep breath, holding it, then let it slowly out through his nose. No one got out the car, all of them stayed seated waiting for him. When he looked across at Kate he saw she was asleep, the hand she had had resting on her chest now lay in her lap. Looking in the rearview mirror he saw both Tony and Tim watching him, both of them looking tired and in need of clean clothes and food. Again his mind wandered back to the night before.
After his meeting with Ari, he was placed, forced, put under, whatever term the director had used, under the protection of one Caitlyn Todd, ex-secret service agent. The director ordered him to follow her instructions as if they were his own, and that was final. He knew Kate well enough to know what she would do, anticipated she would have his house set up like Fort Knox, guards everywhere. He remembers sitting in the squad room, telling them all he was not having them sit around watching him build a boat. When he said he was staying put and they could all go home now of them moved, all rooted to the spot watching him. Even when Kate made him say he was staying put, promise if he left the building he would call her they still never moved. Kate did eventually move, only to sit back at her desk and slip her shoes off.
Tony moved and sat at his desk, pulling out a pizza menu from the bottom drawer of his desk. McGee was last to move, looking back at Tony and Kate as he made his way to his desk. He saw Tony with the pizza menu and stood back up, glancing at Gibbs as he passed. Gibbs knew they wouldn't go home, knew they would stick to him like glue, even if it was only Kate that had been assigned to protect him. He pulled out some files from a pile and started to go over them, paperwork wasn't as relaxing as building a boat but it would have to do.
He kept looking up from the files on and off, watching one of them make their way for coffee, or put a file away. At least they were finally getting the backlog of paperwork done. He saw Tong sprint to the elevator, no doubt to go down and collect the pizza and whatever the others had ordered. He sat back and drained his coffee cup, throwing the empty cup in the trash when he was done. He couldn't help smile when he saw Tony round the corner and both Kate and McGee jump up from their desks. McGee took something wrapped in silver foil from on top of the pizza box, while Kate took the white styrofoam box. He saw McGee sit down and open up what look like a wrap of some sort while Kate opened the box she had to reveal a salad of some sort. Tony was sat happily chewing his way through a huge piece of pizza, cheese hanging between his mouth and the end of the pizza. He shook his head and smiled before turning back to the reports in front of him.
About two hours later he looked up to see the only lights on we're the ones around their desks. Picking his coffee cup up he let a small smile play on his lips as he took in the sight of his now flaked out team. Opposite him was, of course, McGee, the baby of the family, he was sat upright in his chair fast asleep with his jacket draped over him. Moving over to Tony's desk he wasn't surprised by the sight that greeted him. Tony sat back in his chair, feet on the desk, asleep with his hand in the pizza box. He managed to move Tony's hand out the grease without disturbing him. Turning around he looked at Kate's desk and saw it was empty, Kate was nowhere in sight. Moving back he looked around the desk to the floor space behind it. Sure enough, there she was lying half under her desk with a blanket over her, sleeping like an angel. He couldn't help it, he bent down and pulled the blanket back up to cover her, smoothing it down over her shoulders. If she wasn't his agent, wasn't on his team, then he would have happily have sat beside her and watched her sleep, tuned the protector into the protected. He couldn't shake the dream he had had early of seeing her in down in autopsy, seeing her cold lifeless body, a single shot to the forehead.
Standing up when he was satisfied she was covered and warm he made he way to the window, looked out into the night. He was out there somewhere, out there and after him and his team. He was going to find him.
"Let's get inside. I'm sure Abby and Ducky are waiting for us." Gibbs spoke quietly to the men in the back.
They both nodded and opened the car doors as quietly as possible, then closing them just as quietly. Gibbs turned to face Kate, his guilt coming back tenfold. It was his fault she was here, his fault she had been put through everything she had been through. The bullet still lodged in her jacket was meant for him, the pain she was in was his fault, everything was his fault.
"Kate, wake up we're back." He said gently as he reached across and placed his hand on top of hers.
Kate woke with a start, then groaned with the pain in her chest.
"What did they say when they checked you over Kate?" He asked when she finally opened her eyes.
"Nothing, I didn't let them look." Holding her hand up to silence Gibbs as she heard him start to protest. "Told them I'd been shot at, vest took the bullet, my chest was hurting a little with the impact. Not much they can do Gibbs, it's going to be worse by morning, you know that." Reaching to undo her seatbelt when she finished talking.
"Fine, Ducky will check you out, don't argue." He barked out, a little more harshly than he meant too.
"Okay, if it makes you happy." Agreeing just so she could get out the car.
Gibbs got out and made his way around to her side of the car, he held the door open and offered her his hand to help her. He knew she wouldn't take, not in broad daylight, right outside the NCIS building. After shutting the car door he stayed by her side until they reached the front door, stepping away so they could enter the building one behind the other. When they reached the elevator Gibbs told Tony and McGee to go and get freshened up, and grab some food if they could.
"Where you two going?" Tony asked as Gibbs and Kate didn't follow them into the elevator.
"Ducky, this one didn't get checked over properly." Tilting his head towards Kate.
"Gibbs do we have to do this now? I'm tired, dirty, and I hurt like hell. Can't I sleep first, then get checked over?" Her voice sounding groggy and just a little childlike.
"Nope, agents that get shot tend to need checking over. No acceptions Kate." He said as he guided her into the elevator as the doors opened.
Once inside, he pushed the button for autopsy and stepped back. Kate had leaned sideways on the wall, her eyes closed as she rested her head against the cool metal. When the doors opened again she opened them and stood upright, her mouth curving in a silent wince. Again Gibbs stepped up to her and slid his arm around her waist for support, pulling her gently towards him. Walking out the lift he stopped just outside the autopsy doors and his eyes locked on the black body bag lying on one of the autopsy tables. His nightmare came back full force and he had to steel himself against the rush of emotions. Kate sensed his hesitation, his body going rigid against her own.
"Gibbs, what's wrong?" She asked, the concern in her voice evident.
"Nothing, let's go," Gibbs answered, hoping she wouldn't push for more.
Kate knew he was lying, holding something back. She followed his gaze to the black bag on the table and then looked back at his face. He had closed himself off, buried whatever was bothering him.
"Gibbs, Kate, glad to see you both back in one piece. Where are the others?" The doctor asked as he peeled off his gloves and disposed of them in the trash.
"Upstairs, hopefully getting cleaned up and eating. Kate needs check over, tried getting her checked at the scene, she refused apparently." Helping Kate to one of the flat autopsy tables.
"What exactly happened? All we've heard is bits and pieces filtered through from the FBI and the TV." Looking at the way Gibbs had his arm around Kate and she was leaning heavily on him.
"Shot at, point blank range." Seeing the doctor pale at his words. "Vest caught it, thank god." The last bit slipping out before he could stop it. "We had to do a fair bit of crawling to, across a roof." Looking down at both his and Kate's scruffy pants knees.
"Okay my dear, let's get you on here and comfortable, then we'll take a peak," Ducky said in his sweetest voice to Kate.
Kate turned her back to the ME, Gibbs still at her side. Gibbs let go and stood in front of her as placed both hands on the table to push herself up but failed miserably. She was beyond tired, and she hurt everywhere. Gibbs stepped forward and placed a hand on Kate's hips, lifting her easily onto the table. When she was up he didn't let go, only loosened his grip.
Ducky stood and watched with a mix of wonder and trepidation. He had seen Gibbs like this before, tender and attentive. Yet he was married then, supposedly in love. This wasn't supposed to happen, he had made a rule so he wasn't supposed to let it happen. Yet now, watching as helped Kate up onto the table, helped her remove her jacket and vest, his fingers lingering a little too long on the shiny slug impaled in the vest. He had watched them from the start, saw how they both looked at each other. Heard how she stood up to him, challenged him, pushed him. He saw how badly he was affected when Ari kidnapped her, saw him push everyone until she was safe and back where she belonged. This was more than friendship, this was deeper, more tangible. He knew it wasn't one side, seeing Kate accept his offer of help proved that. Kate never let anyone help, ever. When she was finally settled Gibbs stepped back as Ducky slipped on his gloves.
"Right, where would you like me to start dear? Chest or knees?" Looking between Kate and Gibbs.
"Chest, Ducky. Scraped knees I can handle." Laughing a little as she spoke.
"Chest it is then." Reaching out for the hem of her top.
"I'll be just over there." Gibbs spluttered out when he saw Ducky take hold of the bottom of Kate's top.
He turned to walk away but was stopped by a hand on his wrist. He looked down at the slender hand wrapped around his wrist before looking over his shoulder at Kate.
"Stay, please." Was all she said as she pulled him back towards her.
He could never say no to her. Turning back around he moved his arm just enough so her hand slid down over his hand. Before she could pull it away he turned his over and linked his fingers through hers, squeezing gently as he did. Kate gave him a weak smile as his eyes locked with hers. Ducky still had his hands resting on Kate's stomach but hadn't moved her top. Kate looked at Ducky and nodded her confirmation for him to continue. Ducky slowly rolled the top up, revealing more and more of Kate's stomach. Gibbs kept his eyes locked with Kate's, he wouldn't look without her consent.
"Well dear, that's bullets definitely left its mark. That's some size bruise you have already. Maybe I should do a quick x-ray just to be sure. That okay with you?" Looking up at Kate as he asked the question.
"Sure, Ducky." Kate yawned in reply.
Ducky hurried off leaving Kate and Gibbs alone. Gibbs hadn't moved, he still had his eyes fixed on Kate. She knew he was doing it for her modesty, but she also knew he'd want to see the damage.
"You can look you know, I don't bite." Squeezing his hand for confirmation.
Gibbs nodded his head then slowly turned to look down at Kate's exposed stomach. What he saw made his stomach knot, his hands instinctively clenching as he fought against the lump in his throat. The problem with his hands clenching was he was still holding one of Kate's hands. Kate both saw his face and felt the vice-like grip on her hand when he saw her stomach and chest.
"Gibbs, bruises heal. I'm alive and so are you. That's what matters the most." Squeezing his hand back.
"That should have been me," his right hand coming up and hovering over the bruise covering Kate's stomach. "They were aiming for me."
"Yes, they were. And I did my job, protecting you. I will never be sorry for that." Bringing her left hand up and placing it on top of his still hovering right hand.
Keeping her gaze fixed with his she slowly lowered both their hands, watching for any sign of discomfort or resistance from him. When she saw none she placed his hand gently on the bruise and smiled a little.
"See, I didn't break. I'll heal Gibbs." Her fingers stroking the back of his hand where it rested on her.
He moved his thumb ever so slightly back and forth, stroking lightly over the black and blue skin. Her skin was so perfect and soft, excluding the bruise of course. He could make out a few tiny freckles running down her side, small enough to be missed if you went looking properly. His thumb continued its small movements, his blue eyes locked with her brown ones.
"I'm sorry, Kate." He whispered.
"Never say you're sorry, Gibbs, remember." Her voice a mere whisper in the empty room.
"Rules are meant to bent, or broken if the need is sufficient enough." A small smile playing on the corner of his mouth.
When they heard the swoosh of the autopsy doors open Gibbs reluctantly removed his hand from Kate, but not before he dragged the pads and tips of each finger over her skin as he lifted his hand. He saw the way she shivered slightly at the sensations his touched caused and couldn't hold back the smug grin. He wasn't the only one to notice either.
"Kate dear, are you cold?" The doctor asked as he stepped up to the table Kate was lying on.
Kate blushed slightly but recovered quickly.
"These tables aren't the warmest, Ducky. Then again, don't suppose you get many complaints about that do you." Covering her embarrassment with a joke.
"Funny enough no, and Jethro here never complains when he sleeps on one." The doctor looking at the still smiling Gibbs and Kate.
"Nope never had a problem with them." Laughing as he saw Kate shake her head.
"Rights, let get you next door for you x-Ray, then we can look at your knees, and anywhere else that's hurts." He added in knowing Kate was as stubborn as Gibbs.
"Here, let me help you." Gibbs offered as Kate tried to sit up.
Kate didn't get a chance to reply before she found herself with two strong arms around. He was so gentle with her as he helped her sit up, then lifted her clear of the table to stand up. When she swayed a little he didn't hesitate to scoop her up and carry her.
"Gibbs, put me down, I'm quite capable of walking." She said, trying to sound angry but failing when she yawned.
"Humour me, okay." He whispered in her ear as he settled her against his chest and started to walk across the room.
"Fine," she mumbled against his chest, the argument dying away as she nuzzled her face into his soft shirt.
Placing her on the X-ray table he stepped back until Ducky had placed all the plates in place so he could make sure he had covered her full chest and stomach. They both went and stood behind the screen so Ducky could perform the X-Ray. He was just about to press the button when he remembered something.
"Caitlyn, I almost forget to ask, you being alive and all. Any chance you could be pregnant?" Poking his head around the screen as he spoke.
Gibbs swallowed hard, the idea of Kate being pregnant did strange things to his inside.
"God no, Ducky. Definitely not." Kate responded laughing.
"Just checking dear." Ducky response before pressing the button.
"All done," Ducky called out as he stepped around Gibbs and went towards Kate.
Gibbs hung back until Ducky had cleared away the X-ray plates before walking up to Kate.
"Where do want her Ducky?" Gibbs called out as he rested a hand on Kate's shoulder to stop her getting up.
"She can stay there if she's comfortable, saves her getting cold on an autopsy table." Ducky chuckled knowing full well it wasn't the cold table that made Kate shiver.
Ducky disappeared to get the medikit leaving Kate and Gibbs alone again. Gibbs looked up at Kate and saw her eyes were getting heavy, the tiredness finally catching up with her.
"Hey, sleeping beauty, no sleeping yet. Ducky still hasn't finished with you yet."
"Just five minutes, then I'll get up." Her speech slurred with tiredness.
"No can do, soon as he's finished we'll get you home and tucked up in bed, okay." Reaching up and brushing her bangs out her eye.
"Mhhh," she mumbled as she turned her head into the hand moving her hair.
Ducky was stood in the doorway watching the exchange between them. He was touched by how gentle Gibbs was being with Kate, the tough ex-marine and NCIS agent shut away, if only briefly. Seeing the deep affection radiating from them was rather romantic, more so considering it was Gibbs. The man deserved some happiness, so did Kate, and so what if they found it together, he would be happy for them both.
He cleared his throat to make his presence known, watching as Gibbs quickly withdrew his hand from Kate's face. Stopping level what Kate's knees he rolled up one pant leg, then the other, not bothering to make small talk as he worked. Her knees were indeed grazed and bleeding, nothing a quick clean wouldn't sort out. He worked quickly and quietly, touching as little as possible. He swore blind at one point she had actually fallen asleep, her cheats rising and falling steadily. When he was finished he closed the medikit box and went over to dispose of the trash.
"Kate, time to wake up, you're all done." Leaning to whisper in her ear.
"I'll just sleep here if it's all the same." Turning on her side and reaching out for Gibbs as she did.
"Nope, you need your bed, come on." Unraveling his upper body from Kate's grasp.
With some coaxing, he got her standing up, or at least upright if leaning on him classed as upright.
"There's no breaks showing on the x-ray, Jethro, she was lucky," Ducky said as he followed them out the door and back through autopsy to the elevator.
"No Ducky, I'm the one who's lucky." His glance straying to the body bag on the table.
"I know you are Jethro. Take her home." Ducky said as he stopped at the doors to autopsy he watched as they entered the elevator.
