The noise of a cellphone vibrating on the coffee table jolted them all. Gibbs motioned with his head, to indicate it was Sam's. She glared at him briefly, realising that he must have turned the volume off so she wasn't disturbed this morning, before answering.
"Carter."
"Hi Daniel, I'm fine. ... Is everything OK there? Do you need me to ... No everything is OK, I just decided to stay with a friend, instead of at the hotel. ... Sorry, but my phone was switched to vibrate, so I didn't hear it go off earlier." She managed another impressive glare at the nonchalant Gibbs. "I am sorry for worrying you. ... Just a friend, Daniel." Her tone changed, "Sir, sorry I didn't let you know earlier. ... No, fine. ... No, Sir, I didn't set mine to tape 'The Simpsons'. ..." She rolled her eyes, "Yes, it's a tragedy, Sir. ... I'm fine Sir, I'll be back on base by 18h00."
"Damn it, LJ. There could have been an emergency."
"You needed to sleep." he said simply.
Their eyes met and duelled. Arguments that couldn't be spoken out loud were held in the clash of blue on blue. Telling of duty and responsibility, of the need to be out there doing what needed to be done. Reminders of the need to allow yourself to heal, to be able to be fit to fight again.
And she found she couldn't fight against the caring in his eyes. Eyes soft, all she could say was a quiet, "Thank you."
"It was nice to meet you, Jen, and to get to know you a bit better." They exchanged smiles and farewells and then Jen stepped back to allow them time to say goodbye. She had seen the unspoken communication between them, the depth of their bond, had glimpsed the pain and the newly started healing only because she had been witness to this private moment. Truthfully, she had to admit she was a little envious of the connection they shared, but after her briefing by Sam yesterday, bare though it was of any real detail thanks to the "need to know" principle, she was glad that this woman she had quickly come to admire, had Jethro's support.
Gibbs examined her face one last time, there was still pain hiding in her eyes, it wasn't going to disappear anytime soon, but she looked a lot lighter than she had the day before. He brought a hand up to cup her cheek and brushed his thumb gently along her cheekbone.
"You know where I am, Sam. Don't leave it so long, next time." He held her gaze, making sure she understood everything that couldn't be said in a busy departures lounge. He would always be here if, no, when she needed to talk. She bit her lower lip, and nodded, her eyes expressing her thanks for everything he had done for her. Satisfied, he pulled her into his arms and held her tight for a moment, laying a gentle kiss on her forehead before letting her go. Briefly she touched her hand to his chest, the middle two fingers held against her palm and he returned the gesture. With a brilliant smile, and a wave for both of them, she left to board her flight.