Ari leaned against the rail at the top of the stairs and bent over slightly, struggling to draw breath. It was only one flight up to Kate's apartment, and there was a lift, but he was refusing to use it. Even though just the simple act of climbing the stairs caused him to have to stop at the top for five minutes.

Stubbornly he persisted. He was better, but this was as good as it was likely to get for a long time. As a doctor he knew that he had to give himself time to heal, and that it would be a long road to recovery.

But at least he had a job. Quiet, restful and out in the open air. Using his Harry Todd identity he had walked into the job office, and walked out twenty minutes later with an introduction to a small garden centre not far from Kate's apartment. It wasn't the FBI, and the pay wasn't much, but the FBI was on hold until he recovered.

If he ever recovered sufficiently to pass the fitness test. He straightened, gingerly letting go of the rail, he headed down the hall to Kate's apartment.


They had finally discharged him, six weeks after Kate and Gibbs had found him half dead in the motel. Kate thought back to that experience as she watched him lay the table for dinner out of the corner of her eye. Looking after Ari had become her second full time job.

Since the chest infections, and the bout of pneumonia, he was different. Quieter, less cocky, and she found herself warming to him even more. Stripped of the arrogance that had fascinated her, she found herself drawn more closely to the gentle and intelligent man behind the arrogant agent that had played with her and tormented her.

He had been discharged with oxygen and a nebulizer, some nights were worse than others. Some nights she stayed up with him as he sat on the edge of the bed, bent over, elbows resting on his knees as his lungs struggled to draw air in. There was little she could say, his health was a subject they circled round carefully. So she sat next to him and said nothing.

He knew she was upset, her silence spoke volumes; but he didn't know what to say. So they pretended that everything was fine.

Curiously it brought them closer than ever. He had no doubt of his love for her or hers for him.


His job proved to be a godsend, he spent all day cultivating and caring for the plants, mostly alone in the polytunnels away from the main garden centre. He had declared his health issues to the owners at interview, explaining the physical limitations of the damage done to his lungs, and they put him to work where he could take things at his own pace.

So he spent his days amongst living things, nurturing the plants. Gradually his soul began to find rest.


Gibbs laid the piece of paper carefully on the desk in front of him and looked up at Vance.

"You're sure?" He queried. Hoping that just this once there was a mistake.

"Haswari's old cell are back." Vance leaned forward. "We've spent a year tap-dancing around this issue, now we have no time left."

Gibbs sighed. "Haswari's no threat, hell, the man can barely climb the stairs to his apartment."

Vance raised an eyebrow. "That is not the problem as you very well know. Everyone is all over this. I have SecNav calling me twice a day, wanting to know what we will be doing about the threat on American soil…" he leaned back, "the FBI, the CIA and denials that they are meddling." He scowled to emphasize the point. "You have to bring Haswari in. Whatever Agent Todd thinks."

Gibbs pushed his chair back and got to his feet. "I'll do it, doesn't mean I have to like it."

Vance nodded. When Haswari had attempted to leave, and was found by Gibbs and Kate in the motel, Vance had been kept informed of the situation. Discovering that Kate had opened her home to Haswari had given Vance concerns. Now her life was at risk again, and Haswari's too.


He found out from Harry's employer where he was working and headed towards the back of the property. Finding a vantage point he paused to observe the younger man.

Knowing that Haswari had seriously compromised his health in a misguided attempt to protect Kate was one thing. But seeing the evidence of the damage done was something else. Ari looked ten years older, even from a distance Gibbs could see that he was breathing with difficulty.

Gibbs walked up to the entrance to the polytunnel, "Ari."

The Israeli turned. "Gibbs." He carefully replaced the plant pot he had been holding, "I've been expecting you."

"Kate told you." Gibbs wasn't sure if he felt relieved or annoyed.

Ari shook his head. "No. She tried very had not to say anything. But I know Caitlin well, she is worried."

Gibbs listened to the quiet hissing breath between each word. Remembering the last conversation he had had with Kate, how hard she had fought to keep Ari out of the investigation. He had to admit she was right, Ari was physically incapable of being involved. He found himself pitying his former nemesis.

He half-turned knowing that Ari would follow.

"I must explain to my employers…"

Gibbs nodded, the regret in Haswari's tone surprised him slightly, but he recognized it for what it was. Haswari was weary of the past, and he had found a measure of peace in a simple job that required no sacrifice.

Along with the pity for Ari's health problems, came the realization that Gibbs envied him a little too. He thought back to Mexico and Mike Franks, how his old friend had just taken off for a simple life.


Tony watched Kate shuffle papers into a file and close it with a snap. She had not been like herself for two days. His attempts at teasing had met with a harsher response than usual. He was still confused by her continuing allegiance to Haswari, and the Israeli had been living with her since being released from the hospital. He couldn't understand it.

Or didn't want to understand it… Tim's words came back to haunt Tony. Admitting that McGeek was right was crushing Tony's soul, but he was right and however hard he tried, Tony had to admit it.

Admit it Tony, they're in love… McGee in the role of Mephistopheles. Now that was wrong! McGeek had one role in life, his probie! DiNozzo glanced across and caught the vaguest hint of a knowing smile on McGee's face. Dammit, the universe is all out of kilter.

The elevator doors opened and Gibbs stepped out. Kate looked up from her file, and Tony saw something that looked like fear flash across her face as she saw who was with Gibbs.

Irritably Tony acknowledged that McGeek was right, as Kate virtually flew into Ari's arms.