A/N: OK, I lied. You're getting one from me today. Procrastination, while a bad thing for my other projects, is a good thing for this one because this is how I procrastinate. And I think you all will see with this chapter that I do indeed listen to feedback. So hopefully that encourages you to keep giving it. Thanks!

***JIBBS***JIBBS***JIBBS***

After their food was delivered and eaten, Leroy Jethro Gibbs and Catherine Jones decided to conserve their energy for what was likely to be a long evening ahead, so they decided to sleep for the remainder of the flight. They were now in Mary's car, having just arrived at Cat's home in Albuquerque.

"So, mind if I come in and hang out for a while?" joked Mary.

"Yes," replied Cat and Gibbs in unison.

Mary was pleased with herself. "Marshall did a sweep of your house about an hour ago, so it should be fine. You two behave yourselves. Call me if you need anything."

Gibbs, with their bags in hand, leaned down to speak with Mary. "Thank you. I'm glad she's had you in her life."

Mary would have been touched by his comment, if she were the type to have feelings. She locked eyes with Gibbs. "I'm trusting that you will take very good care of her."

The corners of his mouth turned upwards. "Count on it."

"Thanks, Mary," added Cat. "Call you soon."

Mary nodded and drove off.

Gibbs surveyed the modest home in front of him. It looked to be about 2,000 square feet, with most of it on one floor but there was a small second floor. He hoped her bedroom was there, for security reasons, since it's easier to defend.

"It's temporary, while I'm having to deal with testifying. Once that's done, I'll be moved to my new permanent location, which I believe will be in another state," she said sadly. "Can't get attached to anything."

Gibbs walked over to her, put their suitcases down and pulled her into his arms. "We'll get through this."

Her heart almost burst through her chest upon hearing him say "we." She leaned into his embrace, drawing on his strength - because she was almost afraid to hope that he meant it. "Let's get inside," she managed.

"Good," he said as he picked up their suitcases and headed to her front door. Once inside, he put the suitcases down and locked the door. He motioned for her to set the alarm, which she did.

"What do you have weapons wise?" He wanted to make sure she was set. He should have known better.

She pointed to the vase with dry flowers at the entry way. "Knife taped inside there, knife taped to the back of the toilet in the bathroom, knife taped underneath the end table by the couch over there. Bedroom is upstairs, same deal for the toilet up there and I cut out a hole in my mattress by my side of the bed and have a Glock in there. And I have a Baretta in my purse."

"Nothing in the kitchen?"

She rolled her eyes. "I figured my cooking was lethal enough."

He smiled. "Good point."

She swatted him on the shoulder and then headed for her couch in the living room, which was just off the entryway. She sat down, motioning for him to join her.

"I'd say you trained me well but I think it was more Ziva's influence," she said, smiling as she allowed herself to remember her friend.

He sat down next to her, taking her hand in his. "Whatever it takes."

She turned to face Gibbs, pulling her legs onto the couch, her arm up, resting her head in her other hand as she stared at him. "I still can't believe this is real, and you're actually sitting here in front of me."

"You can't believe," he said, overwhelmed. He looked in her eyes, as he gently reached out to caress her face. "In so many ways, I can't believe it's really you. I mean, I know it is, but there's something… you seem different."

She was intrigued. "How?"

He smiled. "Lighter. It's like when we first worked together. The armor isn't there. You're more open, which considering the situation, is pretty surprising."

She considered what he was saying and snorted. "You'd be lighter too if you didn't have the lives of an entire federal agency weighing on you anymore. I also no longer have to work so hard to hide my feelings from my lead agent. Or try to prove I deserve my position and am damn good at it."

He thought about all she said - and understood. "You were damn good at it."

"Really? I often thought you felt the opposite. It's probably what made me dig my heels in deeper. And fight with you more."

He laughed. "Yep."

She released his hand, moving hers along his arm. "You seem lighter too."

Gibbs looked at her and nodded. "Same as you. It's a relief to not have to hide from what I'm feeling. It's incredible to be able to look in your eyes and tell you how much I love you."

"I love you too," she said, as she leaned in to kiss him.

He cupped her face in his hands, deepening their kiss. He felt her unbuttoning his top shirt so he returned the favor. It wasn't long before the two were completely naked and entwined in each other's arms. Finally. Their lovemaking began on the couch but before he knew it, they were on the floor, spread out after kicking the coffee table to the other side of the room. He grabbed the blanket from the couch on their way down as well as some pillows. Their passion was as strong as ever and after they were done, they settled into each other's arms.

"That was…amazing," she said, almost out of breath.

"You're killing me, lady," he panted.

"Come on, old man. You managed to keep up," she said wickedly.

"I'll show you old man," he said, grabbing her as he rolled over on top of her, sending her into squeals of laughter.

"Just don't tickle me again," she begged, though her plea fell on deaf ears. He loved hearing her laugh. He quickly stopped, opting instead to simply hold her. The two enjoyed basking in the afterglow of their lovemaking, laying in each other's arms. It wasn't long before they gently drifted off to sleep.

Gibbs continued to feel sleep tugging at him, but in his reverie, he felt his ear being suckled. It was a bit intense but he smiled, giving in to the feeling. But confusion overtook him when he swore he heard giggling coming from the other side of him. Instincts told him he should open his eyes. He was startled when he saw Jenny looking down at him, almost unable to contain her laughter. He turned his head towards the suckling and jumped with a start.

"What the hell?"

Jenny laughed. "Jethro, I want you to meet Mikey. I'm afraid he was weaned a bit early from his mother and now has a habit of sucking on people's earlobes."

"You have a cat?"

"It appears that way. Why, do you not like cats?" she said, almost daring him.

"Well, they're not dogs. Dogs are great."

She rolled her eyes. "Dogs are great, sure, but they need a lot of work. Mikey is very self sufficient," she said proudly. Her voice then softened. "He's been a lifesaver. He's kept me sane."

He turned over to give the yellow tabby a better look. "Hmm. Well, okay then. But no more sucking on my earlobes, got it?"

She laughed. "I don't think your patented Gibbs glare is going to work on him."