Kate was just sliding her silver bracelet back onto her wrist- the only time she ever removed it was in the shower- when there was a knock on the door.

She was nearly done getting ready for Noelle's baptism. She was dressed, and in her own eyes, presentable, but there was a tension in her shoulders that no quantity of deep breathing and hot water could erase. She just had to make it a bit longer, and then she'd be going back home. Back to Gibbs.

"Caitlin? Can I come in?"

She took a deep breath, steeling herself for the next confrontation. She opened the door, only to find Rosalie standing in the doorway. "Yeah. Come on in."

"Caitlin… I don't understand." Rosalie stepped into the room, looking around. "You've always been the only one in this family not content with settling down."

Kate froze in place, "You don't understand? That makes two of us." She reached for the coffee mug she'd balanced on the dresser, and took a sip.

"You don't want a family… is it because you're gay?"

Kate choked on her coffee, and then set the mug back down, staring at her mother, open-mouthed, "Oh my God, mom."

"Aren't you gay?" Rosalie asked, looking increasingly uncomfortable.

"What does me not wanting kids have to do with being gay? I know plenty of gay people who want kids, but can't have them-,"

"Well they should have thought of that before they decided on such unnatural relationships."

Kate threw her hands up, "This is bullshit."

"Caitlin!" Rosalie was staring in shock.

"You know what, mom? I don't want kids yet because I have a fantastic job, I make good money, and I work long hours, I don't want to cut back on that lifestyle just yet. And just for once I want you to give a damn about me and protecting the President of the goddamn United States of America instead of how many kids I'll have someday."

"But-,"

"You could at least pretend to be proud."

"I cannot deal with you when you're like this," Rosalie's arms were crossed.

"Dad!" Kate called over her mother's shoulders. He was usually the one she could talk into seeing reason. Usually. Or the one who would rein in her mother at least.

He appeared behind her mother, "Yes- oh Kate sweetheart, you look beautiful!"

"Thanks dad. I want an honest answer. Do you care if I have kids?"

"What?" he asked. He was looking mildly uncomfortable, probably because Kate had brought up the subject of sex again, and he really hated it.

"Do you care… if I have kids? Babies. More grandchildren for you and mom."

"Sweetheart, I'm not…" He trailed off, noticing that Rosalie was glaring at him, "Rosalie dear, can I have a moment alone with my daughter?"

"Fine. I'll be waiting outside."

"Probably eavesdropping on the conversation," Kate mumbled to herself and her father shot her a warning look.

Rosalie walked out, and Andrew closed the door behind her, before walking over to his daughter, "Kate, what's this all about?"

"I just…" But Kate, who was never reduced to being speechless was now finding herself without words. "She just came in here and asked if I didn't want kids because I'm gay."

He snorted, but took her hands in his hands, and sat the two of them down on the edge of Kate's bed, "Kate sweetie, you don't have to pretend around us you know."

"Dad, no, I-,"

"Oh come on Kate, don't lie to me." Andrew was someone who'd seen a lot in his job and even more in his own home. "I've been there for you your whole life. I know you so well, daughter of mine. I was there when you took your first steps, and I was the one who taught you how to fight, the one who didn't mind when you came home with rainbow-coloured hair, and the one crying when you stood up to speak as valedictorian. I'm the one who hasn't slept a wink since you started with the Secret Service, and I am, and always will be proud of you, no matter who you love, or how many kids you have."

"Really?"

"Without question. My daughter is a hero, how many dads can say that?"

She felt her eyes welling up, and she pulled him into a hug, "Oh dad!"

He pulled away after a few moments, smiling at her, "Don't let your mom get on your nerves, okay? I know it's hard, but… you're stronger than that. I mean, you're Caitlin Todd. You protected the President and dated a leather-wearing, motorcycle-riding girl for six years."

"You knew about Meredith and me?"

"Yes, of course I did! I'm a cop, you think I wouldn't notice it going on right under my nose? Especially when it was for six years! At the time I thought it was the happiest I'd ever seen you, so how could I complain?"

"Really?"

"Kate, the only other time I've seen you that happy was when you were here with Gibbs, proudly walking around with a badge on your hip. And I was so damn proud, because how many dads have a daughter like that?"

She grinned, "You're such a marshmallow."

He cleared his throat, "I only have one request."

"What?" she asked, sure that he was about to ask her to refrain from arguing with Rosalie, or ask that she try and make peace with Mike- easier said than done.

"Please don't talk about your fantastic sex life in front of me. I want to be able to look you and Gibbs in the eye."

She started laughing, and he was grinning too, as he stood up, before he said, "Kate, sweetheart, just so I get the terminology right, what are you?"

"I swing both ways," Kate said with a half grin, "And deliver a mean punch with either fist."

"That's my girl," he said, before closing the door.

Kate heard her phone beep, and reached for it absentmindedly, seeing that it was from the one person she wanted to see most. Only a few more hours, she knew until she did see him again, but still.

Gibbs: Morning, Katie. You up yet?

Kate: Have been for a while, don't know what you're implying.

Gibbs: Give my love to everyone. Flight time?

Kate: My flight gets in at 8.

Gibbs: I'll be there.

As she was sliding her phone back into her pocket, smiling at the thought of seeing him again, it beeped repeatedly.

Gibbs: Glad you're coming home.

Gibbs: I miss you, Katie.

Kate: I miss you too. See you tonight!

Gibbs: Can't wait.

She stood up, squaring her shoulders, and sliding her phone into her pocket, before heading downstairs, ready once again to face whatever came at her.

XNCISX

Kate was holding Noelle, who after screaming for most of the morning, had dropped into an exhausted nap right as they got to the church, and had decided to keep sleeping now that they were back at the house. Edie was opening the gifts, and she had just gotten to Kate and Gibbs' bag.

"And who's this from?" she asked, grinning over at Kate, "Surely not my dear sister-in-law's handwriting on the card- what do you know, it is!" She turned to the gift bag, and lifted it off the floor. "Jeez Kate! What did you buy her, a brick?"

"No, not a brick," Kate was grinning. "Just open it."

Edie pulled away the tissue paper, and lifted out a stack of books, "Whoa, Kate, what…"

Daniel grabbed them from her, and started looking through them, "Whoa, this is a flashback, Kate. The Paper Bag Princess, The Little Engine that Could, Where the Wild Things Are, The Very Hungry Caterpillar, Alexander and the Terrible Horrible No Good Very Bad Day…" He paused, staring down at the last book, "And the Dr. Seuss Sleep Book."

Kate shrugged at Dan. Andrew looked over, "I used to read that to you as kids."

"I know, dad, that's why I… I figured Dan should read it to his kids."

Andrew grinned, "That was one of your favorites, wasn't it?"

"Well every girl loves quality time with her dad."

"Kate, this is amazing," Dan was flipping through the books, "Wow, I remember all of these, they were such good books."

Edie looked them over, "My dad loved reading The Very Hungry Caterpillar to me. That and I know how the caterpillar must have felt."

"She's talking about her cravings," Dan said in a loud whisper, "She ate everything in our kitchen, but she was still hungry."

Edie nudged his shoulder, with a grin, but didn't deny it, "Kate, wow this must have been expensive."

"It doesn't matter. Every little girl should have her own library, so I figured I'd get Noelle here started."

Dan pulled her into a hug, "Sis, you're the greatest, I ever tell you that?"

"Once or twice."

"Oooh!" Edie was holding up the next bag, "A mystery gift! I don't recognize the handwriting."

Kate grinned to herself, "I'm going with that being Gibbs' present."

"Gibbs got her a present?" Edie was impressed.

"He's Uncle Gibbs now," Kate was grinning. "And cut him some slack, this is all the family he's got to spoil. Or he might start spending the money on me."

Dan grinned, "I don't really think you'd mind, sis."

Edie pulled away the tissue paper, Dan taking it and pulling it over his head so he was wearing it as a hat, and making faces at Kate, until Edie absentmindedly punched him in the shoulder. "Stop acting like a child."

Dan was affronted, "I will never stop acting like a child, Edith, you should've known that when you married me."

"Considering you did the chicken dance at our wedding? I should've known right then I wasn't marrying a stuffy old lawyer."

"Stuffy? How dare you-,"

"Oh wow," Edie said, pulling out the teddy bear, "It's so cute, Kate! Gibbs didn't have to."

"He insisted he did."

"It's a Marine, isn't it?"

"It is." Kate was smiling at the stuffed teddy bear, as Edie rubbed her hand over its fur.

"We don't want to give the kid a complex," Dan complained, "Giving her a US Marines teddy bear before she can ever walk. If she enlists, I'm blaming Gibbs."

"Dan, do you want to be the one to tell Gibbs that?" Edie asked, fixing her husband with a look, "Oh Kate, whatever your complaints are about the man, he's a marshmallow."

"I can't disagree." Kate nodded, and handed the baby back to Dan. She was grinning at the glossy spines of the books. Not only had Andrew read those to her, but copies of some of them had been included in little Kelly Gibbs' library, that Gibbs remembered reading to his daughter. Kate had used the list of books he'd given her, and her own memory of reading with her father, in order to put together the six she'd bought Noelle.

And somewhere inside her flickered the desire for Gibbs someday to read to another daughter. Another child even, but all she could picture was Gibbs with a little girl on his lap.

"Kate, there's an envelope on the kitchen counter for you," Dan said, "Might want to go grab it before mom sees. She's holding court in the kitchen, and the kids are in the den, so be sure to put it somewhere safe."

She stood, and walked into the kitchen, grabbing the envelope, opening it to confirm that the pictures Dan had taken over Christmas were in there. She went up and tucked the envelope into her suitcase, before heading back downstairs. Before she could walk into the living room again, she was intercepted by Andrew, who was holding a bouquet of carnations.

"What's up, dad?" she asked, looking at the flowers. He knew that her favorite flowers were roses, and Meredith had been the one who'd preferred carnations.

"Kate, I know you didn't get a chance to go last time, but I think you should pay her a visit. I saw Drew at church this morning, and I know that-,"

She took the flowers from him, and said softly, "Cover for me?"

He grinned, "Always."

She kissed him on the cheek, and went to grab her coat. Her destination was only a few blocks away and January had been a lot milder thus far than the December that preceded it. It hadn't snowed in a few weeks, thankfully, and it wasn't even windy as she walked, carrying the bouquet.

Walking over the muddy ground, she slowed as she approached, trying to make sure she was calm and collected. It would do no good to break down.

She found it, the stone already weathered.

Meredith Diane (Neal) Brennan

1976-2002

"Non sibi sed patriae"

"Hey Mer," she set down the carnations, "I won't bother asking how you've been, because you're probably up there laughing about how my dad knew about us. Jesus, I miss you. Remember that time he almost walked in on us and you climbed out the window?"

She was greeted with silence, and then continued, "I never actually realized how hard it would get. Being here. Alive. Without you. They say you never forget the first person you love, and since you were that person, you definitely don't have to worry about me forgetting you. I'm so sorry I didn't visit sooner, but visiting would make it feel real. Mer, am I doing the right thing?"

Of course there was no answer, but she was sure Meredith would remind her that they had broken up for a reason, and there was no shame in falling in love again, and soulmates weren't actually a thing but if they were- well.

"I'll try not to be a stranger anymore, and visit as often as I can, but you know how this town drives me crazy, Mer."

"I thought I'd find you here!"

She spun around, only to see Drew walking towards her, an eager smile on his face. He didn't look too bad, all things considered.

"Hey Drew," she walked over and hugged him, "It's good to see you. How are the boys?"

"As good as can be expected. How are you doing?"

"I'm pretty good. Home for Noelle's baptism, but I'm heading home tonight."

"And you decided to visit Mer." He was holding his own bouquet of carnations, "It was always the only thing I could keep straight about the two of you; you preferred roses, and Mer loved carnations."

"Seriously?" she asked, watching as he laid down the flowers, before placing a gentle hand on the stone. He still wore his wedding ring, she noticed, and that made her smile.

"Yeah I've always had a terrible memory." He grinned, turning back to her. "And how are you and Gibbs?"

"We're doing well, Drew. Keeping busy with work."

"And each other?" he asked, a smirk half-formed on his face.

"Yes."

"You know, Kate, I've got a business trip to DC coming up, how about we get together and do dinner? You can bring Gibbs, if he doesn't mind."

"He's not very talkative, but he is a good listener," Kate smiled.

"Not talkative, and yet he couldn't shut up about you. You have a very magnetic personality, you know that right? It's what drew in Meredith."

"Well Meredith didn't need drawing in."

Drew picked up the carnations, and handed one to her, "Here you go, Kate. I know you prefer roses, but Meredith wasn't the type to take no for an answer."

"She really loved us," Kate managed, through the tears in her eyes and the lump in her throat. "She was so happy to find you."

"I know. I will always know."

Kate wrapped her arms around him again, "Say hi to the boys for me. I just wanted to drop in and say hi to Mer."

"I'm sure she loves seeing you." He said truthfully, "Take care of yourself, Kate."

She waved as she walked away, feeling a bit lighter. Now back to the house to pack, and then to head home.

XNCISX

She knew, somewhere in her tired mind, that Gibbs was supposed to be picking her up at the airport, but after an entire party that afternoon, her flight home, and grabbing her luggage had worn her out more than she cared to admit, so walking into the airport, and looking for Gibbs felt like a monumental task. No doubt he would be leaning against a pillar, somewhere, armed with a sarcastic remark. That's when she saw him, and suddenly realized that even if they were in public, he would be the only one standing there, holding flowers.

Roses. Of course.

All the relief of being home, and seeing him again was suddenly coursing through her, as soon as she spotted him, and the time away had felt like an eternity. Their eyes met and she saw his eyes light up the second he saw her.

She was holding her bags, and could only hear her heartbeat as she started walking towards him, going faster with each and every step, until she dropped her bags a foot away from him, running and throwing herself into his waiting arms, her lips meeting his without hesitation. He wrapped his arms around her, picking her up as they kissed, clearly just as happy as she was that she was home, his arms strong and warm. She couldn't help but smile into the kiss, only just realizing how much she'd missed this, the comfort of someone to come home to.

He set her down, and she pulled away, hugging him again, and murmuring into his shoulder, "I hate leaving you, Gibbs."

He grinned, running his hand through her hair, "Then stay, Katie."

She looked up at him with a smile, "I missed you."

"Missed ya too. Come on, let's get goin'."

He walked over and picked up her bags for her, handing the flowers to her. There were only a few, but as she smiled down at them, he handed her a bag, and then grabbed her hand. Never mind that they weren't in private, he was clearly just too happy to see her again. And she was half-intending to just stay forever, if he would let her. Though judging by the welcome he'd given her, he would.

XNCISX

"Gibbs, what is this surprise you're talking about?" she asked, as he led her downstairs, into the basement. He hadn't blindfolded her, but was insisting that she not go into the basement without him.

"You'll see," he insisted. "Honestly, Kate, I really missed ya. I dunno how many times I wanted to turn and ask your opinion on the case, and it… I had to remind myself that you were gone."

"I'm back now," she reminded him.

"I don't want you to leave again."

"What do you mean?" she asked, distracted by his tone more than anything.

"… I can't let ya leave me behind. Calling for ya, and you not bein' there, it was like ya were dead."

"Gibbs," she said, staring at him, as they got to the bottom of the stairs.

"I made ya a present."

"Wow, you must've missed me."

"I did." He gestured to the workbench, "That's for ya, Katie."

It was a bunch of photo frames together, so that when they had photos in them, it would look like a collage. And right in the middle frame, was the photo she had given Gibbs for Christmas, the one of them laughing at the party.

"Wow," she breathed, running a finger along the wood of the frame, "Gibbs, it's gorgeous… and it reminds me."

"Reminds ya of what?"

She pulled the envelope from her pocket, "It's funny enough but I had a surprise for you too. And you're going to find this funny, I think."

He took the envelope, leaning against the edge of the workbench, opening it, his eyes widening as he flipped through the pictures. "Kate… these are beautiful photos. Where'd ya get 'em from?"

"Well, you have Dan to thank for it, really. They're all pictures he took at Christmas, and he told me to pick out my favorite ones."

"So…" he grinned, "I made ya a photo frame, and you got me photos?"

"It's a coincidence, isn't it?" she asked.

"Don't believe in them." He pulled her in close, so she was standing right in front of him, "Katie, was it weird bein' home again so soon?"

"Oh Gibbs, you know as well as I do, that Carlisle isn't home."

"Oh?" he asked, the hope barely masked in his eyes.

"You know damn well what I'm saying, because it was you that told me that I was all the home you needed. And by now you should know," she ran a hand down his face, "That it's the exact same thing for me. Crazy as it sounds, home for me, is wherever you are."

He leaned in and kissed her, cupping her face in his hands, and when he pulled away, he looked her over. "Well Secret Service, I've got the other half of your present for you too."

Her grin spread across her face, "Welcome me home, Gunny."

He kissed her again, "Welcome home, Katie."