3 years later…
It's an ordinary Christmas Eve right now for me: I came home from work at 17:00, went to the bar with the team and then caught a taxi home to my apartment to binge watch old crime show Christmas specials on Netflix (I never make much of an effort on Christmas- I don't really have anyone to celebrate it with, but this year I did decorate, hoping that I wouldn't be alone this year). However, the second I woke up this morning, I couldn't help but feel Kate's lips up against my ear, whispering her one last piece of information before vanishing via private jet to somewhere foreign across the ocean.
When she left, she whispered a date- today's date. I've been on edge all day, recalling her departure over and over again, waiting for the door to swing open and her to stand in the doorway.
Back at work, every time that I heard the elevator ding or someone walk down the stairs behind me, I almost jumped out of my seat in hope that she'd come at last. When we were at the bar, every time I heard the door open, I had to hold back the urge to run to it just to see whether she'd returned.
However, both of those instances turned out to be disappointing, as Kate didn't show and now I'm by myself, as I always seem to be on Christmas Eve.
I withdraw my eyes from the TV and glance at the vintage clock that's ticking on the wall. Almost 10pm. Sighing, I switch off the currently playing Christmas Movie that I've barely been watching and slump back in my chair. It appears that Kate isn't coming, despite the date that has been echoing around in my head for 3 years. In despair, I close my eyes and fall into a light slumber.
I'm awoken with a start barely 15 minutes later by a loud knock to the door. Although I've almost completely given up hope on Kate arriving at all, I rush to the door, turn the handle and open it.
This time when I open the door, she is standing in the doorway. Her once chocolate brown locks are now honey blonde and nearly down to her hips, her eyes have dark circles under them (but are still the perfect shade of hazel I recall them being) and a large scar runs down her cheek bone (presumably from a dangerous incident). She has the same slender figure and short status, and is dressed in dark clothes, obviously not to draw to much attention to herself.
"Home alone, DiNozzo?" She smirks, her eyes filled with joy and longing.
"You know I am, Katie," I reply, so glad that she's home at last.
She laughs slightly before flinging herself at me in the best hug that I've ever received in my life. As I lift her up, she wraps her legs around my waist and locks her feet together around my back. Now that I know that she's back for good, I crush my lips against hers; kissing her like I've never kissed anyone else before.
We step through the door and I kick it shut behind us.
I guess I won't be alone for Christmas Eve after all.
A/N: Hey! That was the final chapter of this fic! Aria will be uploaded tomorrow (yes I've been slacking so much and I'm so sorry!), so stick around!
Louise :)
