Take 2 Chapter 10, a ncis fanfic

Extreme Prejudice

Kate was pulled to her feet by Chuck and Balboa as the fire crews rolled in and started taking control of the site. The ambulances parked and teams of Paramedics ran out to help everyone they could.

"Kate we should get you checked out" Balboa said as he noticed her cut up hands and knees. She just shook her head. It was pretty clear she was in shock at what just happened.

"Kate" Chuck tried again and she ignored him. They heard people calling out, both Balboa and Chuck looked towards the building and saw two figures coming out. One was Gibbs and the other Abby. Gibbs called for a paramedic, who came and took Abby to get checked out.

"Kate, it's Gibbs" Balboa said urgently. Kate instantly turned around and in the distance, amongst the dust and rubble she saw her husband. She instantly let go of Chuck and Balboa and started running towards him. She pushed past a few people, but she didn't care.

"Jethro" she called as she got closer, which made him turn around. Once he saw her and couldn't help but rush towards her too. When she was close enough, she through her arms around him and buried her head in his neck and cried. He wrapped her arms around her tight and kissed her head.

"Shhh it's okay. I'm okay" he said to her. She took a deep breath and got her composure back and pulled back to look at him. Her eyes roamed his face and spotted the small cut on his forehead and then the blood in his ear.

"Jethro, you need to get looked at" she told him. He shook his head and kissed her softly.

"I'm okay" he then did the same to her. His blue eyes searching every inch of her for any sign of injury. He noticed her hands and knees.

"You need to get cleaned up" she shook her head and cupped his face. She really thought she was never going to see him ever again.

"I'm fine. I thought I lost you" she said as she felt the tears come back. He pulled her too her again, hugging her tightly.

"Go get checked out. I have to find the others" he told her. This made her pull back again.

"You don't know where they are?" she asked and he shook his head.

"I got Abby out. Tony, Ziva and McGee are still inside" he explained turning to look at the building.

"Let me hel-" she started but he cut her off.

"No. You get checked out and then stay with Abby" he ordered. He kissed her once more then walked off so she couldn't argue with him. She sighed and went to find a Paramedic, like he asked.

Gibbs was down stairs when Fornell turned up. He got them a beer then sat down next to Gibbs at the table.

"You never dress up for me anymore" Fornell commented trying to lighten up the mood. Gibbs just gave him a small smile and continued the list he was working on.

"Call your father and tell him you're all okay?" he then asked. Without looking at him Gibbs said said.

"Kate okay?" he then tried. Gibbs finally looked at him.

"Upstairs with Samuel. Hasn't let him out of her sight" he said, but then went back to the list. Fornell watched him for a moment.

"You take a break now Jethro, you're home now" he told his friend.

"The Navy yard is my home too. It didn't stop him Tobias" Gibbs sat back in his seat, grabbing his beer. "He hurt my family".

"I know" Fornell paused "Brought cannolli" he pushed the take away container towards Gibbs who just smiled.

" What's next huh? What if Dearing's done?" Gibbs asked, knowing he wouldn't get a real answer

"Cant just walk away"

"Oh yeah he can, sure he can he can go under" Gibbs stated.

"No. Every federal agency is on alert. Will you let me take the reins on this one Jethro? The president said to proceed with extreme predudice. I'm proceeding" Fornell stared at Gibbs, who eventually nodded. He knew his friend would do everything in his power to get this bastard. He just wants it to be him.

When Fornell finally left he made his way up stairs to his bedroom. He opened the door as quietly as he could and looked at his family asleep in his bed. He walked over and sat on the edge and watched them for a moment. He reached out and caressed both their arms. Kate stirred and opened her eyes. She smiled sleepily when she saw him.

"Come to bed" she said softly. He moved her hair out of his face.

"Too much work to do" he told her. He leaned down and kissed her forehead.

"Get some rest" she nodded and closed her eyes. He then kissed Samuel's cheek before leaving and heading down to the basement.

Kate was sitting out in the Navy yard on a bench under a tree. She finally went on her lunch break under the orders of Balboa. She sat looking at the yard. The clean up already so great you would have never thought a bomb went off. She was busy going through her emails when a shadow over came her. She looked up and saw Ducky standing in front of her.

"Ducky. It's so good to see you here" she instantly stood up and hugged him.

"It's good to come back, even if it's just as a visitor" he smiled.

"Please join me" she gestured to the bench and he took her up on the offer. They both sat down.

"So what brings you here? Or did you just miss us all that much?" she asked as she sipped her ice tea.

"Jethro asked a favour from me" he said as he looked out at the Navy yard. He really did miss this place.

"And what favour would that be?" she asked curious. Ducky turned to look at her and sighed.

"My opinion on the body thought to be Harper Dearing" he told her. Kate sighed and sat back on the bench.

"Please Ducky, don't tell me" she said softly. Ducky nodded.

"I'm afraid so my dear" he reached over and patted her hand.

"Trust my husband's gut to never be wrong" she smiled and squeezed Ducky's hand.

"Well he certainly wasn't wrong about you, now was he?" he grinned, which made her laugh.

Vance dusted off a seat before he sat down and accepted the glass of bourbon from Gibbs.

"I've got an idea" Gibbs said as he sat opposite his boss "You're not going to like it".

"Try me"

"I go. Alone" Vance took a sip of his bourbon.

"You're right, I don't"

"This isn't about bombs on ships anymore. Dearing knows what he did. And he knows what has to happen next"

"And you think that you're the mane for the job?"

"We both made decisions. Both made mistakes. Dearing knows that. He's waiting for me"

"Where?"

"The house where he and Victoria raised Evan"

"And you know this because?"

"Because that's where I would go. That's where the memories are. The ones that are important anyway. The ones that Dearing holds onto. He wants these to be his last"

"There's no way I should let you do this"

"No, you shouldn't"

"But I am. For the record, if anything should happen" Vance downed the last of the bourbon, got up and put his jacket back on.

"Kill him" Gibbs stared at him.

"Glad to" Vance said with a nod before turning and heading out of the basement.

Kate makes her way to the squad room as she see's Gibbs getting his gear ready. She can tell the team is not happy about this plan either.

"What's a four letter word for surviving a terrorist attack?" Gibbs asked. He stopped when he saw Kate standing there.

"Luck" she answered him.

"Look after each other" he told them, but did not take his eyes off Kate. She followed him to the elevator where they waited for it in silence. When the doors opened he let her step in before him. They watched the doors close and she quickly turned and hugged him so tight. He wrapped his arms around her and kissed her head.

"You need to come home. I can't do this alone" she told him. He kissed her head again, and held her tighter.

"I'll be home" he told her softly. The doors dinged open, announcing their goodbye had finally come to an end. She pulled back to look at him and gave him a small smile.

"I love you" she told him. He smiled and kissed her before finally stepping out of the elevator. She took a deep breath and then pressed the button for her floor.

Gibbs walked across the Navy yard to the small memorial piece that they put together in memory of that horrible day. That horrible time really. He read it over a few times to really let it sink in. As he looked across at the people walking by, he spotted Abby and McGee walking arm in arm happily chatting away, Vance walking down one of the many paths talking on his cell. He observed all these happy people laughing and talking as they sipped their coffees. This is what he does what he does. So these innocent people can live and be happy.

"Hey, you ready?" he heard a voice next to him. He turned to see Kate standing next to him smiling. She looked beautiful in the suns glow. She no longer looked exhausted like she did months ago. He smiled and nodded. He wrapped an arm around her shoulders and pulled her in close, kissed her head as one of her arms snaked around his waist and they made their way down the small hill towards one of their favourite coffee stands.

After the events of the previous weeks, they decided they needed to have regular coffee dates in the mornings. Although they live together, their schedules sometimes just didn't match up. This was one way to overcome that and reconnect.

Gibbs watched Kate as they walked, she was talking about starting to look at schools for Samuel, but all he could focus on was her. This is why he did what he did. So he could keep his family safe.

Recovery

Kate finally came home and put her bag down on the bench near the front door. She walked to where she heard voices in the kitchen and stopped in the door way as she saw Gibbs helping Samuel rinse his hands in the sink, after what looks like a very messy cooking lesson.

"Hey you two" she said with a smile. Samuel's eyes lit up when he saw her and he jump off his little stool and ran over to her for a big hug. She bent down and picked him up, kissing him on the cheek.

"Mommy we made dinner for you" he told her excitedly.

"I can see that, thank you" she said with another kiss to his cheek. She let him down and he ran over to the oven to watch the food cook through the little glass window. Gibbs walked over and kissed her softly.

"How was it?" he asked her softly and she sighed.

"A shrink wanting to talk about one of the top three most traumatic moments of your life, how do you think?" she said sarcastically. He looked at her and she sighed and hugged him.

"Sorry. He just kept pushing and it just really pissed me off" she explained. Gibbs wrapped an arm around her and kissed her head.

"Well your sister sent him so he must be good" he said. They stood there for a while watching their son cheering on the food.

"Are you okay?" Gibbs eventually asked. She looked up at him.

"I almost lost my husband and my friends, but I didn't so I am fine. Honestly" she said, leaned up and gave him another quick kiss.

"Now while you two continue to take care of dinner, I am going to go up and take a long hot shower" she said and turned to head up the stairs.

Kate and Gibbs were cuddled up in bed, sound asleep when Gibbs' phone rang. He groaned as he rolled over and answered it.

"Abs, it's 3am" he said as he looked at the glowing numbers on the bedside clock. He listened to Abby for a few minutes before she finally said goodbye. He hung up and rolled back over to cuddle up to Kate.

"Abby?" she asked sleepily. He nodded as he kissed her shoulder.

"Another nightmare?" she asked again.

"Mmmhmmm" was his reponse.

"You should talk to her" Kate said through a yawn. Gibbs' arm wrapped tighter around her, pulling her closer to his body.

"She's your best friend" he stated. Kate didn't reply for a while, which made Gibbs think she was asleep again.

"She looks up to you" she finally replied.

"Talk about it tomorrow" he said wanting to just go back to sleep.

"So it was the girlfriend of the ex-boyfriend" Kate asked as she sat across from Gibbs on the couch. Gibbs nodded as he faced her.

"Apparently the bomb made him realise what he lost all those years ago" he explained. Kate shook her head.

"Some people I will just never understand their actions" she looked down, thinking about Midge and the last time she saw her smiley face. Gibbs reached out and took her hand, giving it a small squeeze.

"I think we need a drink" he said getting up from the couch and going to the fridge. He grabbed two beers and popped the lids off both, closed the fridge door and headed back for the couch, when Abby barged through the front door, spotting him first she bounded over to him.

"Gibbs. Gibbs. Gibbs. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you" she said happily as she wrapped her arms around him in a tight hug. Gibbs smiled as Abby took his arm and dragged into the lounge room where she saw Kate.

"Kate come here" she urged as Kate got up off the couch and joined her husband.

"Guys, this is Kyle, my brother. " Abby said with a big smile as young man, with very similar features to Abby stood in front of them.

"This is who I've been telling you about. This is Leroy Jethro Gibbs and Caitlin Gibbs" she introduced them excitedly.

"Hey Kyle" Gibbs said and extended a hand in greeting. What he didn't expect was Kyle to throw his arms around him in a hug.

"Thank you Leroy" Kyle said as he hugged him.

"It's Gibbs. Call him Gibbs" Abby corrected him quickly. Kate couldn't help but smile at what she was witnessing.

"Who knew hugs were in your blood Abby" Kate said with a smile. Kyle then let go of Gibbs and turned to hug Kate, who hugged him back. When he finally pulled back they stood there smiling at each other.

"Well this is worth celebrating. Want a beer?" Gibbs asked. Both Abby and Kyle nodded.

"Yeah"

"Sounds good" they both answered. Gibbs handed both the already opened beers to Kate, who gave one to Abby and they turned to go sit on the couch, while the men went into the kitchen to grab two more.

"What a day" Kyle said to Gibbs, still the smile never leaving his face.

"Yeah, I'll drink to that" Gibbs opened the new beer and handed it to Kyle.

"I had a feeling when I saw Abby last year, we had a connection you know. If it wasn't for you she might of never come back" he said.

"Nah, it's all her" he said as he opened the second one and closed the fridge.

"It's a lot to take in that's for sure. Having a sister you never knew existed. Isn't that right Abby?" Kyle called as they both turned to look at the couch, but Abby had lied down on the couch, her legs resting in Kate's lap.

"Shhh" Kate told them as she looked at her friend, running her hand up and down her calf. Kyle and Gibbs smiled at them.

"Too family" Gibbs said as he and Kyle clinked their beers together in a cheers.

The Namesake

Tony looked at the paperwork for the medal as the woman kept talk. This couldn't be right. He looked over at Gibbs.

"Leroy Jethro Moore. What are the odd?" he said with a chuckle. But Gibbs wasn't laughing.

"That's my dad's best friend" Gibbs finally said. He looked at Tony, who's smile was starting to fade.

"I was named after him. Did he say why he needed the money?" Gibbs asked the woman, who shook her head no. It seemed like he had a phone call to make, and possibly not a pleasant one.

Gibbs was making his way back to the office after getting what felt like his 30th cup of coffee today, when Kate was walking out and spotted him.

"Hey" she said with a smile as she walked over and kissed his cheek in greeting.

"Going to lunch?" he asked as he spotted her wallet in her hand. She nodded and sighed.

"Well grabbing something to eat before we head out. So, I heard about your namesake" she jumped right in. Gibbs laughed and shook his head.

"No secrets around here" he said as he lead her over to the shade so they could talk, because knowing his wife, she would ask many questions.

"You've never mentioned him before" she said taking a step closer to him so anyone walking past hopefully wouldn't hear their conversation.

"It's complicated" was all he said. Kate stared at him until he finally gave in.

"He's a great guy. On point Marine. He's an honourable man. Never talked much about what happened in the war" he started.

"When did you last see him?" Kate asked.

"Sophomore year. He just left. Something happened between him and my dad. My bull headed father won't talk to me about it" Kate couldn't help but take his hand.

"Have you tried to contact him?" she asked softly. Gibbs looked down at their joined hands and nodded.

"I wrote him to congratulate him when he was awarded the medal. Never heard back" he said with a shrug and that small smile he gives when he is trying to hide how he is really feeling. Kate squeezed his hand.

"Perhaps now is a goo d time to try again" she said softly. She wanted to say more but she was interrupted by her phone ringing. She sighed and pulled it out of her pocket.

"Well, no lunch for me. Walk me back in?" she asked and he nodded. They both turned towards the building, hands still together.

"Sorry you missed lunch" he told her as they waited for the elevator.

"It's okay. I think I have a protein bar in my desk" he gave her a small smile as the doors dinged open and he let her step in first. They both pressed their respective buttons and as the doors closed Gibbs put his arms around Kate's shoulders and kissed her head.

Gibbs was in the basement still playing around with Kate's idea. He stopped and decided why the hell not. He pulled out his phone and dialled his dads number.

"Hello"

"Hey dad"

"Jethro? It's not Sunday, is everything alright?"

"Yeah, yeah everything's good. Um, you got a minute?"

"Yeah, I got nothing but time. I hardly sleep anymore"

"Yeah. Hey I ran across something today. Are you aware that LJ tried to pawn his medal of honour? Dad, you know anything about that?"

"Nope"

"You ever going to tell me what happened between you two?"

"I told you never bring up his name?" with that Jackson hung up. Gibbs sighed and put his phone back in his pocket.

"How did it go?" Kate asked as she stood at the top of the stairs. He turned and looked up at her and shook his head.

"Well he hung up on me, so what does that say?" he told her. Kate nodded in understanding. She had to hold her tongue for making a comment. She smiled.

"So since you have dealt with that, can you come deal with your son please?" she asked sweetly. This made Gibbs finally smile.

"Yeah" he headed up the stairs and stopped when he got to her.

"You just got to be more tough on him" he said with a grin and started to walk away.

"Oh yeah? This coming from the man who gave him chocolate for dinner because you couldn't get him to eat anything else?" she asked as she crossed her arms over her chest. Gibbs stopped and turned to look at her.

"Hey, it was on a sandwich. What did you want me to do, let him starve?" he replied with a grin.

"Daddy" Samuel called out from upstairs, making Kate laugh.

"Go, before we get done for neglect" she shooed him away.

Gibbs found LJ at the seniors centre. They grabbed a coffee and headed back outside to the picnic table to catch up.

"You married?" Gibbs asked as he headed for the table in the shade.

"I tried it a couple of times. It didn't work out for me. It put a smile on my face when I heard you joined the Cor Leroy" they took a seat, sitting opposite each other.

"Well you had a lot to do with that. You were my hero long before you go the medal of honour"

"Oh"

"Ewo. Mont Ford Point Marine"

"Well truth be told, I wanted to be a Marine 'cause of that snazzy blue dress uniform with that red stripes. Real sharp" they both laughed and Gibbs looked at his already almost empty coffee.

"I see a ring. You married?" LJ asks pointing the band on Gibbs' finger. Gibbs smiled and nodded.

"Going on 6 years now" Gibbs told him with a beaming smile. Whenever anyone mentioned his wife or child it was like his eyes automatically lit up.

"Good on you Leroy" LJ said with a smile and a nod. They both fell silent for a moment, until Gibbs finally brought up the reason that he was there.

"Why did you pawn off your medal of honour?"

"Well it meant a lot to me when I finally got it, but I had no family to share it with and over the years it was just collecting dust on a shelf. When the lift broke down, a lot of people couldn't go in and out of the building. They didn't have enough money to fix it, so I put the medal to good use" Gibbs didn't ask any more questions about it. It's certainly something that the old LJ would have done as well.

"You haven't asked about my father" Gibbs said.

"Well you haven't said anything about him. He alive?" LJ finally asked.

"Yeah. He hasn't changed much. Still got the store" LJ just nodded. They again went silent.

"Why did you leave Stillwater?" Gibbs asked.

"Well I am sure your father and I have different versions of what happened, why don't you ask him?"

"I have, he won't talk about it" Gibbs waited for what he hoped would be an answer, but what he got was an excuse for LJ to leave.

"I've got a poker game about to start and if I don't referee, a fight is liable to break out" LJ started to get up from his seat. Gibbs quickly grabbed one of his cards from his wallet and handed it to him.

"If you need anything " LJ looked at the card and took it.

"Well it's been good catching up" LJ reached over and shook Gibbs' hand.

"If you wana talk" Gibbs pushed as LJ walked away. Gibbs sighed as he watched his old friend continue to walk away.

Gibbs came home, threw his keys on the bench by the door and walked into the house, making his way to the kitchen as he heard the fridge door close. He stopped when he saw his dad with milk in one hand and Samuel's sippy cup in the other.

"Don't look surprised to see me?" he said as he walked over and put the cup on the table.

"Yeah well the old pick up truck in the driveway was a dead giveaway" Gibbs said as he walked over to the cupboard and got himself a cup.

"Was just getting the little fella some milk to help him sleep" Jackson explained as he put the lid back on the cup.

"Why'd you drive down?" Gibbs asked.

"Because of that brazen message you left on my answering machine. You need to show a little more respect Jethro, I am still your father. And I told you never to bring that man's name up again" Jackson said.

"It was 40 years ago dad" Gibbs said as he took a seat at the table. Kate came down the stairs and saw them. She gave Gibbs a quick smile.

"Hey, your home" she said in greeting then turned her attention back to Jackson "He's all tucked in and ready for his milk and story from his grandpa" Kate said with a smile. Jackson nodded and picked up the cup.

"I'll be right back" he said as he made his way up the stairs. Kate sat in his seat and looked at Gibbs.

"You didn't think to warn me that he was here?" he said to her.

"Well if you had answered your phone or returned my calls then maybe I could of" she said crossing her arms across her chest. They stared at each other for a while, Gibbs being the first one to look away.

"I caught up with LJ" Gibbs told her. Kate nodded and waited for him to continue.

"Didn't say much. Certainly didn't explain what happened between him and dad" he said looking at his cup.

"Well perhaps you need to ask him and not stop until you get an answer" she suggested making him chuckle.

"And you play mediator" he looked at her. She was serious and nodded.

"If that's what it takes" she got up, walked over to him and kissed his head.

"He wouldn't be here if he didn't want to tell you face to face" she said before going into the kitchen to clean up after dinner. Jackson came back down and sighed as he walked over to Jethro, took the empty seat and looked at his son.

"What happened between you and LJ?" Gibbs finally asked after a moment.

"Some things are better left unsaid"

"He was your best friend. He was your business partner. You named your only son after him. I think I deserve an explanation" Gibbs looked at his dad. Kate tried her best to be quiet in the kitchen as she put away the dishes, but she also wanted to hear what they were saying.

"He killed your mother Jethro" Jackson finally said. This made both Kate and Gibbs stop.

"Mum died of cancer"

"She had cancer, but that's not what killed her"

"I know what happened dad. She took her own life" Jackson sat back in his chair, shocked that Gibbs actually knew the truth. Kate had completely stopped what she was doing. Gibbs had never spoken about how his mother died, this was the first time she had heard it.

"You knew?" Jackson asked.

"Yeah dad, I knew"

"Well I never told you, you were only 14"

"Why do you blame LJ?"

"Your mother was in pain Jethro. She didn't want to fight anymore. She confided in LJ that she was going to overdose. He didn't stop her. And he didn't tell me. She had time left Jethro, and I wanted every last minute of it. He cheated us. We deserved to have that time with her" in his anger and frustration, Jackson knocked over Gibbs' cup off the table, breaking the handle. The sound made Kate jump and she was brought back to the present as she quickly finished putting the last of the dishes away.

"That drive knocked me out. I'm going to bed" Jackson said and got up and went up to his room. Kate finally came to stand next to Jethro. It took a moment for him to look up at her, and he wished he hadn't. He saw the hurt and pity in her eyes.

"Jethro, I'm so sorry" she said softly. Gibbs nodded.

"It's okay" he said in a small voice.

"Is there anything I can do?" she asked and he shook his head. Kate knew he would bottle up how he was currently feeling and talk to her when she was ready.

"I will clean this up and head to bed too" she told him as she turned and bent down to pick up the broken cup. Gibbs watched her and a wave of guilt washed over him. He turned and put his hand on her shoulder.

"Go up to bed, I will take care of it" she didn't argue as she stood and put the broken cup on the table. Before she turned to leave he pulled her into his arms and held her tight. She let out a deep breath and relaxed into him.

"If anything was to happen to me, I would want as much time as I could with you and Samuel. I just want you to know that" she told him and he hugged her a little tighter. He kissed her head and she pulled back and gave him a small smile.

"Don't stay up too late" she said before turning and heading up the stairs.

Kate had not long gotten him with Samuel. They were busy putting his latest drawings on the fridge when Gibbs came home with a visitor. Samuel was the first one to see him.

"Daddy, look what I did" he said happily as he ran to his father, who picked him up. Kate turned to greet her husband and saw another man standing next to him.

"Samuel, this is Grandpa and my very best friend, LJ" Gibbs said to the little boy in his arms. Samuel smiled and held out his little hand to the older man, just like he had seen his dad do multiple times. LJ smiled and took the small hand in his big one.

"So very nice to meet you Samuel. You sure do have your daddy's eyes don't you" LJ said with a smile. Samuel nodded.

"Mummy says they get me into trouble" he grinned and looked at Kate. She smiled and walked over to the three men.

"Kate, this is LJ" Gibbs continued the introductions. Kate held out her hand and LJ took it and shook it.

"So very nice to meet you finally" Kate said with a smile. LJ nodded, clearly taken aback at how young she was.

"Like wise" he finally replied.

"You're father is done in the-" she started until she was cut off by Jackson.

"Down here Jethro" they heard him call out. Gibbs kissed his son cheek before putting him back on the ground.

"Be right back" he said to Kate as he lead LJ down to the basement. Kate sighed and looked at her son.

"How about we get dinner ready while the men talk" she said with a smile and Samuel nodded.

Gibbs was down in the basement cleaning off his bench. He grabbed the bottle of bourbon and looked for a cup. He found the mug his father broke, all glued together. He smiled and cleaned it before pouring some bourbon in it. He smiled to himself, pleased at the end result between his father and LJ. He didn't hear the small footsteps and only realised he was no longer alone in the basement when he felt two arms wrap around his middle and a kiss be placed on his back. He covered her small hands with his own before turning around in her arms to face her.

"It ended up being a good result after all" she said with a smile. Gibbs nodded and took a sip of his bourbon before putting cup on the bench. He wrapped his arms around her and pulled her closer.

"Took them 40 years" he smiled and leaned down to kiss her softly.

"Well I certainly see where you get your stubbornness from" she laughed. He grinned.

"I had no hope" she looked up at him, into his deep blue eyes. She had so many questions now and didn't know where to start.

"Ask, Katie" he tells her softly.

"Why didn't you ever tell me what happened?" she asked running her hands up and down his back.

needed because she understood. She knew what it was like to lose the person closest to you. She nodded and rested her head on his chest and closed her eyes. He leaned down and kissed her head. They stayed there in the basement like that for a few minutes before finally moving up to their bedroom for the night.

You Better Watch Out

Gibbs and Tony returned to HQ, but Gibbs needed to make a stop via Kate so he told Tony to go ahead. Gibbs stepped out of the elevator and walked over to her desk. She was on the phone and waved to him while she finished her conversation and hung up.

"So that was the manager from the Toys R Us store down the road. She said the train set Samuel wants just came in and she can hold it for us until tomorrow, so I thought" she started but Gibbs cut her off.

"That's great, but I need your help. Did you ever work with an Ashleigh Winter?" he asked. Kate looked at him.

"Jethro, that was years ago and unless I worked directly with her I wouldn't" she started, he leaned down on her desk and looked into her eyes.

"Can you find out about Ashleigh Winter?" he asked. Kate thought for a moment and slowly nodded.

"I can ask around from old friends, but I can't promise anything" she said which seemed to be a good enough answer for him as he leaned in, kissed her cheek before standing back up and heading for the elevator.

"I will pick up the train" he called back to her as the doors dinged open. She watched him and shook her head.

"Typical man. Gets what he wants, then leaves" she said to herself as she picked up her phone and started to call around to her old Secret Service friends.

Kate was on her way out for lunch when the elevator doors opened and there stood Gibbs and a woman with jet black hair and piercing eyes. She looked to Gibbs then to the woman. They stepped inside and the woman could not take her eyes off Kate and it was starting to make her feel uncomfortable.

"Can I help you with something?" she asked.

"Are you Caitlin Todd?" Agent Winter asked her. Gibbs looked at the two.

"Yes, we formally. I go by Gibbs now" Kate answered. Agent Winter looked from Kate to Gibbs.

"You two?" she asked and both Gibbs and Kate nodded.

"You don't remember me do you?" Winter asked. Kate shook her head.

"Sorry, no I don't" even seeing her face, Kate could not picture her at all.

"You taught a self defence class for all the women new recruits. I was in that group" Winter explained. Kate thought about it and it started to jog her memory and she smiled and nodded.

"That was a fun day" she said, this made Winter smile.

"Yes it was. Thank you by the way" Winter said. Kate smiled and looked over at Gibbs, before back at Winter.

"You're very welcome" Kate replied as the doors dinged open. Winter stepped off first, leaving Kate and Gibbs to follow. Gibbs stepped closer to her.

"I thought you didn't know her?" he asked softly and Kate shrugged.

"I don't. Well not until she reminded me of that. It was about 10 years ago now" she looked towards Winter.

"Watch her. She sneaks up on you" she smiled, squeezed his hand and walked off towards her favourite café for lunch.

"Merry Christmas everyone" Snr said as he walks towards Tony. Tony smiles and held up the ring on his finger.

"Got your present. Merry Christmas Dad" Tony said. Snr smiled and hugged Tony.

"Love you son" Snr told him. Tony smiled. That was something he hadn't heard in a very long time.

"Love you too dad" Tony replied. Gibbs and Abby smiled as they watched them. The doors to MTAC then reopened and Kate walked in with Samuel.

"Daddy Merry Christmas" the little boy squealed as he ran straight for Gibbs' legs. Abby too squealed when she saw the little boy, immediately bent down and picked him up and kissed all over his face.

"Aunty Abby, stop" he giggled. Kate walked over to them with a smile. She spotted Snr and walked over to him to give him and hug hello.

"Alright, are we ready for this movie or what?" Tony asked as he took the remote from McGee.

"Yes, play the movie" Kate said as she walked over and took a seat. The rest followed her actions, Gibbs sitting next to her and taking her hand. He kissed it and smiled at her. Samuel sat with Abby and Ziva as the movie started to play.

Shabbat Shalom

Ziva ran out the back to call Gibbs, he answered on the second ring.

"Gibbs, my father killed Tyler Wilks" she started but was cut off by the gun fire that ripped through the house, causing her to take cover on the ground.

Gibbs could hear it through the phone and looked at Kate. He pulled a quick U-turn and headed for the Directors house. Kate not asking questions.

"Gibbs" she came back on the line.

"Ziva, what was that?" he asked as he sped down the road.

"I have no idea. There was a shooter. I went after him" she told him breathless.

"Get back to the house" he ordered. Kate was quickly messaging Abby who was looking after Samuel so they could have a night out.

"He is bleeding. I can't lose him" Ziva said as she stared at the stained airbag.

"Stay there, we are coming to you" Gibbs hung up and put his foot down even more. The trip there was quiet, both their hearts pounding not knowing what they would find.

Gibbs pulled up next to a crashed car where Ziva was waiting. He jumped out and stopped to look back at Kate.

"You go, I will go meet Tony and McGee at the house" she climbed across the console, closed the door and took off in the sound of the sirens, leaving Gibbs and Ziva to follow the blood trail.

Ziva and Gibbs made their way back to the house, he saw their car there and McGee was out the front.

"Mrs Vance was hit" McGee told them as they headed for the house.

"And my father?" Ziva asked, but McGee couldn't answer her. She went straight inside where she saw Kate and Tony, standing in the living room.

Slumped against the door frame was her father. It was clear he had taken at least one shot to the chest.

"Aba" Ziva called out as she broke down and made her way over to him. Kate couldn't watch it. She wanted to give her friend space. She walked out of the room, right past Gibbs and McGee as they walked in. Tony walked over to them.

"Who did this?" he asked. He didn't get an answer, Gibbs walked out, followed by Tony and finally McGee. All giving Ziva her time to grieve.

Gibbs stood staring at the door of the emergency doors. Kate and Tony were all standing around waiting for news. McGee finally walked in and headed over to Tony.

"Any word on Mrs Vance?" he asked softly. Tony shook his head.

"Still in surgery"

"It's been two hours"

"He hasn't moved"

"He hasn't been answering his phone either. SecNav started calling me"

"Did you answer?"

"No, I didn't know what to tell him. He wasn't supposed to know Eli David was in town"

"No one was"

"You know if the wrong people found out what happened, this could be taken as a declaration of war"

"Maybe that's what it is"

"Israel/Iran. US/Iran. US/Israel" Tony nodded his agreement. Tony was the first to notice Abby walk in with Ducky. She had a sleeping Samuel in her arms.

"Tony, McGee" Ducky said. Kate walked over and grabbed her sleeping boy from Abby.

"We came as soon as we heard" Abby told them. Gibbs looked at the group but didn't move.

"Let's wait in the lobby" Ducky suggested. They all moved to follow the older man, Kate looking at Gibbs for a moment longer before finally following the others, holding their son tight to her body, afraid to let him.

It wasn't long after they left that Vance finally came out of the doors. His shirt still covered in blood.

"Leon?" Gibbs asked softly. It was like saying his name pulled him out of the trance he was in.

"She's dead" was the first words out of his mouth.

"My wife is dead Gibbs" Gibbs could tell he was trying to keep it together. Gibbs knew exactly what Vance was going through and there was no words that could make it better.

Shiva

Kate walked down the stairs after putting Samuel to bed. She paused at the second step and surveyed her house. Pictures of Vance's shot up house ran through her mind. The vision of finding Jacquie and Eli in pools of blood appeared in her own living room. She was jolted out of her thoughts at the closing of the front door. She turned to see Gibbs standing there. Without saying a word, it was just that look that he has, it caused her to finally break. He walked over to her and wrapped his arms around her tight as she clung to him. He kissed her head and tried to soothe. She finally pulled back to look at him.

"When will this end Jethro? Haven't we lost enough people?" she asked in a strained voice. He wiped the tears from her cheeks.

"I don't know" he whispered. She tried to stop the tears but they just kept coming.

"Those poor kids, Jethro. And Leon, he's been through so much already and now this" she continued. Gibbs didn't know what to say, so he just pulled her back into his arms. He knew she felt safe in her arms and most of the time it did help her. She had finally started to calm down when Gibbs' phone rang. They both sighed as they pulled apart once more so he could answer it. He looked up at Kate, then hung up.

"Got to go back. Mossad is here" he told her, and turned to head for the door. Kate reached out and grabbed his arm to stop him. She walked over to him and kissed him deeply. Kissed him like it was the last time she would ever kiss him, before finally letting him go.

Kate led Samuel inside, with Gibbs following them behind them. She sent Samuel upstairs to get changed as she hung up her own jacket. Gibbs helped her with it then took his own off. He watched her closely as she walked off towards the kitchen.

"Coffee?" she called out as he heard her go through the cupboard. He followed her and stood in the door way, but didn't say anything. She could feel his eyes on her and stopped. She took a deep breath before speaking.

"Jethro I am fine. I don't need you watching me just in case I fall apart" she said, finally looking at him. He took a step towards her.

"Making sure you're okay" he told her softly. Kate nodded and looked into his eyes.

"I am okay. I'm certainly not pleased or happy about everything, but I am okay" she told him and for the first time in days he believed her. He nodded, leaned forward and kissed her forehead.

"Daddy, can we go build now" Samuel asked as he ran into the kitchen. Gibbs smiled and turned to face his little boy.

"Sure little man. Let me go get changed and we will go down" he patted his son's head and made his way up the stairs to change. Samuel looked up at Kate and smiled.

"Mommy, will you come down with us? You never come" he said with the sweetest smile. He was certainly his fathers son.

"Sure baby, for a little bit. Then I have to get started on dinner" she told him and nodded. She heard Gibbs come down the stairs and soon enough he was there in jeans and a jumper and she could help but smile. He took Samuel's hand and they headed for the basement.

"Wait" she said quickly, causing them both to stop and face her.

"I love you. Both of you so much" she said as she rushed over and kissed and hugged them both. Samuel giggled and Gibbs hugged her back.

"Love you too" he told her.

"Love you mommy" Samuel said with a grin as she let them go so they could continue down to the basement.

Hit And Run

"Hey, Abby what's going on?" he asked but she lost it.

"I made a mistake Gibbs. I'm sorry. I'm not perfect like you are" she didn't look at him. Gibbs stood next to her, just looking at her waiting for her to continue, but she never did. There was certainly something going on with her. He decided it best to let her be and walked out of the lab. He walked into Kate as she came off the elevator.

"Hey" he said grabbing her attention. She looked up and smiled.

"Hi, I was about to message you. I heard about the fight in your squad room" she said with a smile, which quickly faded when she saw Gibbs' serious look.

"What's happened?" she asked immediately. Gibbs pulled her aside and stepped closer to her so if anyone came they wouldn't hear.

"Can you try and see what's up with Abby?" he asked. Kate looked at him confused.

"Why? What's wrong with her?" she asked now concerned for her friend.

"Well she just blasted me because she made a mistake" this in itself was so very unAbby. Kate nodded.

"I will certainly try my best" she smiled softly and headed into the lab. Gibbs watched them from where he was standing, until he was interrupted from his ringing cell.

Gibbs was just finishing up his interrogation when Kate called him.

"Hey, are you heading home anytime soon?" she asked, and he heard Samuel squeal in the background.

"I will be heading out soon. Just finished"

"Okay, see you soon" she said before hanging up. He hung up his phone and headed to the squad room. He went straight for his desk to gather his things to go home when he saw someone sitting on the ground near McGee's desk. When he looked to see who it was, it was Abby sitting with her legs crossed and something in her hands.

Without saying a word he walked over and sat down right beside her. That's when he noticed the small pink heart she was holding between her fingers.

"What is it?"

"Its from a bear that I had as a kid. I took it everywhere. I loved it so much that it fell apart. And this is all that's left"

"Looks like you got the most important part"

"That's what my mum said. I was trying write McGee an apology letter and then I was going to start on you next"

"Abs just tell me" he said in a soft voice. She needed to talk and he was not going to move until she did.

"Im trying to figure out a way with trying to not be enough"

"Enough what?"

"Enough good" her voice broke as she tried to hold back her tears.

"Well then you're not counting the hit and runs"

"The what?" she finally looked at him.

"The good kind. You do something good now, you're not always around to see the difference it makes later"

"I don't know Gibbs"

"Abs, first day we met"

"It was a Thursday, 70 degrees, mostly sunny. What about it?"

"What you give me?"

"I had chinese food and I gave you the fortune from my cookie"

"Because?"

"Because I wanted it to be about you" Gibbs took the fortune out from his pocket and unravelled it before handing it over to Abby.

"Your fortune. You kept it"

"Things you do, mean something to people" Gibbs said, leant over and kissed her cheek before getting up and heading for the elevator. Abby smiled as she had the fortune in her hand. She finally read what it said.

'Today's new friend, is tomorrow's family' she smiled and held it close, as it was true. Gibbs then came to interrupt her.

"Come on, let's go home" he called to her. With a smile she jumped up, grabbed her things and followed Gibbs out.

Gibbs walked into the house, with Abby following close behind. The house seemed oddly quiet, compared to when he was on the phone with her earlier.

"Kate?" he called out and he put his keys down on the bench.

"Shhh you will wake him" she said coming out of the kitchen, wiping her hands on a tea towel. Abby came to stand next to him and Kate smiled.

"I could have used you half an hour ago" Kate told her best friend. Abby looked at Gibbs and then at Kate.

"Why?"

"Because apparently you are our 4 year olds favourite person in the world" she put her hands on her lips and smiled. This made Abby's smile widen even more. They were silent for a moment before Abby finally spoke.

"Kate, I just wanted to say I'm sorry for how I spoke to you before and I hope-" before Abby had a chance to finish what she was saying as Kate walked over and hugged her tight.

"No need to apologise" she kissed her friends cheek and pulled back to look at her.

"Just next time, remember you have us. We will always be here for you and ready to listen. No matter what" with this Abby smiled and nodded as she looked from Kate to Gibbs.

"I know. Means a lot you guys" she smiled and nodded.

"Is it okay if I go up and see the little guy?" she asked softly. Kate smiled and nodded.

"Of course" Abby left to head up stairs to Samuels room. Kate turned to Gibbs and smiled.

"What did you say to her?" Kate asked. Gibbs walked over and wrapped his arms around her and kissed her head.

"Told her she was enough" was his only answer. He chose to ignore her questioning look and just enjoyed the silence while they could.

Prime Suspect

Gibbs sat in his usual chair at his long time barber. They were watching the news update on the slasher killings.

"So I think Kate has chosen a school for Samuel. Not that I get much of a say" he said with a chuckle. Frankie smiled but before he could add a comment the news report showed a sketch of the suspect.

"I cant hear anymore of this" he walked around and turned the TV off, then went back to trimming Gibbs' hair.

"How was the fishing trip?" Gibbs asked changing the subject.

"Didn't go"

"What? You look forward to that every year"

"Yeah, just didn't feel like it I guess"

"Something wrong?"

"I'm worried about Cameron. I don't know, since he got out of the Navy he hasn't found work, he's very depressed"

"Ah he's a kid Frankie. He will figure it out"

"Yeah. He's been acting really strange too" Frankie had stopped cutting and now brushed Gibbs' hair to make sure it was all even.

"Have you talked to him?"

"His mother had a way of getting through to him, I don't "

"You did a great job of raising him after she died" Frankie didn't say anything. He put the brush down on the bench in front of Gibbs.

"What's t he problem?"

" You saw the police sketch of the Dead Rose Slasher?" he asked Gibbs, who just nodded.

"It looks just like Cameron"

"It looks like a lot of guys, Frank" Gibbs patted down his hair.

"It's not just that. The murders started four years ago when Cameron was a Senior at Hamilton. First victim was a co-ed there. And then they stopped for three years when he was away in the Navy, but then they started again since he's come back home" Gibbs could tell his old friend had thought about this quiet a lot.

"It's probably just a coincidence"

"I thought you didn't believe in coincidences Gibbs. Do you remember when he left college in Sophmore year?" Frank asked.

"Yeah he got hurt. Lost his scholarship. The best left handed quarterback to come out of the DC high schools"

"I was too ashamed to tell you the truth. Cameron was accused of date rape. Now eventually all the chargers were dropped, but he was thrown out" Frank walked stepped back over to Gibbs and started brushing all the hair clippings from the apron.

"That was a long time ago Frank"

"Cameron wasn't at home the night of the last two killings" he pulled the apron off from around Gibbs.

"What do I do Gibbs? I mean I can't go the police and say I suspect my own son. What would you do if it was Samuel?" Frank asked. Gibbs got up from the chair, took some money from his wallet and handed to the man.

"Yeah, maybe that can give you a little peace of mind. I can ask around, get Metro PD to give me something that eliminates Cameron as a suspect" he pulled on his jacket and headed for the door.

"Can you do it without mentioning his name? Because if I'm wrong and he finds out it will be the end of whatever is left our relationship" Frankie pleaded with him. Gibbs smiled and nodded, before turning and heading out.

Vance left and Gibbs headed back up stairs to find Kate on the couch flicking threw the TV channels. She noticed him and smiled, turning off the TV.

"You don't have to stop 'cause of me" he said as he walked over to her and she moved so she could sit down next to her.

"There was nothing on anyway. Leon okay?" she asked. Gibbs nodded.

"He's getting there" was all Gibbs said. She nodded and watched him.

"Jethro is everything okay?" she asked, a little worried. Gibbs nodded and gave her a small smile.

"Yeah. Just asking about my interest in the Dead Rose Slasher case" Kate nodded as she played with the hair on the back of his neck.

"Do you really think it could be Frankie's son? I mean I have only met him a few times, and yes he does seem troubled but I couldn't see him going as far as murdering those women" Gibbs nodded and looked at her but didn't say anything.

"What?" she asked with a smile. He just shook his head and looked away from her. He normally did that when what he wanted to say would probably upset her.

Kate wasn't going to take that as an answer. She moved to sit in his lap, forcing him to look at her.

"What is going on in that head of yours?" she asked again. Gibbs' hands ran up and down her legs and he sighed, knowing she wouldn't give up until he spoke.

"What if a murder suspect seemed like Samuel?" he asked, and this took Kate totally by surprise. This was certainly not what she was expecting from him. She thought for a moment before smiling softly.

"Well, having two parents as Federal Agents, I'm pretty sure that won't happen. And" she paused to kiss him softly.

"If anything was to happen to me, you have a whole village that would step in and help you" Gibbs nodded and wrapped his arms around her.

"I know. Was just something Frankie said" he said softly. Kate nodded and kissed him once again. She then ran her hands through his hair.

"He does do a good job on your hair. I would like to see you grow it out though" she smiled and Gibbs laughed.

Squall

The heavy rain started just after dinner, and it certainly made it hard to get Samuel to go to bed.

"So it looks like we will have an extra one in our bed tonight" Kate told Gibbs as she walked into their bedroom with son in her arms. Gibbs smiled as he pulled his shirt over his head.

"That's okay" he walked over to them and took his son from her arms.

"Took me a while to get used to storms" he told him. Samuel had his hands over his ears.

"It's too loud" he said and closed his eyes. Both Kate and Gibbs smiled.

"You too get comfy, I will go check the windows and doors and be right up" she told them and headed back down stairs. She checked the front door and the windows, before heading to the back. She saw the flash of more lightning followed by the low rumble of thunder. She was about to walk away when she heard a loud crash come from behind her. She let out a small startled scream and turned to see a tree branch through the window.

"Fantastic" she said to herself. She then heard Gibbs come up behind her.

"You okay?" he asked and she nodded.

"Yeah, just startled me is all. So, we wouldn't have tarp handy would we?" she asked pointing to the broken window. Gibbs looked at it and sighed.

"Yeah, in the shed" he left, grabbed his jacket and headed out for the shed. Kate sighed and went looking for the dustpan and broom to start cleaning up the glass.

"Mummy?" she heard Samuel call from behind her. She stood up and looked at him.

"Baby stay there, there is glass everywhere" she told him and he stood still. Kate quickly finished cleaning up the last of the glass and walked over to her son.

"Come on, let's go back up to bed" she walked with him back up to their bedroom and she tucked him in. She lied with him for a few minutes and he finally dozed off to sleep. When she was sure he wouldn't wake up, she went back down stairs to find Gibbs taping up the window.

"Hey, you should of called me to come help" she told him as she looked at his wet body. He put the last bit of tape and looked at her.

"All done. No tarp, but this will hold until tomorrow" he told her. She couldn't help but laugh at the hair stuck to his face.

"So I take it it's still raining out there" she grinned. Gibbs walked over to her and stood in front of her.

"Just a little bit" he smiled.

"Well how about you go take a hot shower and I will meet you in bed" she suggested. He nodded, kissed her cheek and headed up the stairs.

Kate walked into the squad room and saw Stand, Tony and Ziva.

"Stan, it's so good to see you again" she said with a big smile. He came out from behind Tony's desk and hugged her.

"Good to see you too. You look fantastic. Motherhood really agrees with you" he complimented. She smiled and stepped back too look at her old friend.

"Tell that to the bags under my eyes" she said with a laugh. She knew Tony was going to make a comment.

"Shut up Tony. So how have you been?" she quickly asked. Ziva couldn't help but laugh at Tony's face.

"Yeah good. Engaged actually, so my time as an Agent afloat may be coming to an end" he beamed at her.

"I'm so happy for you. So we could be seeing more of you around then" Stan went to reply, but was stopped when Gibbs walked in. He spotted Kate and walked over to her.

"Everything okay?" he asked and she nodded.

"Yeah, I just wanted to give you an update on the window. They can't come out until tomorrow morning, but it will be all covered by insurance" she explained. He nodded.

"Good. You okay to come in late and wait for them?" he asked and she nodded.

"Sure. Well you seem busy, I will let you guys get back to it" she smiled and looked back to Stan.

"Great seeing you again" she said. Stan smiled and nodded.

"You too Kate"

Kate was heading towards one of the interrogation rooms with a suspect and Chuck, when she saw McGee come out of the observation room.

"Go ahead, I will meet you in there" she said turning to Chuck, who continued on down the hall to the next available interrogation room. They normally wouldn't come down here, but the one on their floor was already occupied.

Kate walked over to McGee. She could tell something was up just by his body language. As she got closed she could see the glassy eyed look he had. Though all traces of the tears were gone.

"Tim, is everything okay?" she asked coming up next to him. He looked at her and nodded, clearing his throat and standing up straighter.

"Hey Kate, yeah. Just uh" he stopped and looked at her. There was no point in lying to her.

"Gibbs just interrogated my father" he admitted. Kate crossed her arms over her chest.

"Wow, how did that go?" she asked, now wishing that she too could have seen that. McGee never really spoke out his family, especially not his father. She got the feeling their relationship was very strained, especially when he would refer to him as Admiral.

"Well he didn't do it, which is a good thing" he nodded, it was more like he was trying to convince himself that it was.

"But?" Kate prompted.

"Turns out my father has cancer. Stage four" he finally said. Kate's heart sank. Finding out a loved one is sick is hard enough, but to find out while your boss interrogates your father, that would be the hardest.

"I'm so sorry Tim. I couldn't imagine finding out like that. Please let me know if you need anything. You know me and Jethro are always here for you" she said as she reached out grabbed his arm and gave it a small squeeze. McGee nodded and gave her a small smile.

"Thanks Kate. I should get back" Kate nodded and watched McGee walk away. She sighed and headed down the hallway towards her own interrogation room. She took a deep breath and stepped inside.

Gibbs and McGee were the only two left in the squad room.

"So, what did you decide?" Gibbs asked McGee, as he stared at his computer screen.

"Nothing yet. I-I don't even know what kind of cancer he has. I don't even know how long the doctors are giving him. I guess maybe the best thing I could do is call him and try and get him to talk to me" McGee answers as he stops what he is doing. Gibbs stops and looks over at the younger Agent.

"McGee I was talking about the kid"

"Oh Adam" McGee says realising his mistake. Gibbs nodded.

"I decided to stay on as his big brother. I'm actually taking him to a midnight screening of Zombie planet from galaxy Jay tonight" he said a bit more excited.

"Well that sounds awful. I think he's a lucky kid" Gibbs laughed. There was a silence that fell over them again and Gibbs looked over at McGee. It was clear there was a lot going through his head at the moment.

"Boss do you think I made the right decision with my father?"

"To be the bigger man? Maybe it's time he learned from you McGee" they were interrupted by McGee's cell ringing. He looked at the caller ID. It was his father. McGee looked over at Gibbs.

"Just don't be late for the movie" Gibbs told him. McGee got up and gathered his things. On his way he ran into Kate coming off the elevator. He said a quick hey as he got on the empty elevator and hit the button. Kate didn't think anything of it as she continued towards the squad room. She smiled as she saw Gibbs watching her approach. He sat back in his chair with a smile.

"Ready to go?" she asked and he nodded.

"Yeah. Let's go home" he closed down his computer, not bothering to finish what he was working on, figuring it could wait until tomorrow. He grabbed his jacket and walked over to Kate. He wrapped and arm around her and kissed her head.

"You and McGee seem to be in a better mood then before" she stated and he nodded.

"Yeah" was all he answer she was going to get. She eyed him suspiciously but didn't push it.

"Let's go see a movie" he said as they waited for the elevator. Kate looked at him, clearly surprised by his suggestion.

"Do you mean, let hire a dvd and watch it at home with beer and popcorn, or actually go out to a movie theatre?" she asked.

"Go out to a movie theatre. Get someone to look after Samuel and have like a date night" he suggested. He could tell Kate was looking at him with a shocked expression, but he didn't care. With the recent events he was starting to feel like life was short and Kate had always been asking him to go out, so why not tonight.

"Sure, I will check what's on tonight" she finally said with a smile. The doors dinged open and they both stepped in. When the door closed, Gibbs turned to Kate and before she could even ask what, he kissed her.

Revenge

Gibbs got the call about Tony and Ziva's accident just as he climbed into bed next to Kate. Although Kate couldn't initially here what the person on the other end was saying, she knew by Gibbs' body language, whatever it was it wasn't good.

"What is it?" she asked as he hung up with a sigh. He got up from the bed and went over to pull on some clothes.

"Ziva and Tony are in the hospital. They were in an accident" he told her. Without looking he could tell she was up and out of bed within seconds. She too pulled on a pair of jeans, shirt and jacket.

"Kate you don't need too-" he started but of course Kate cut him off. She pulled on her shoes and grabbed her bag.

"We can drop Samuel off at Abby's on the way" she said and walked out to Samuel's room.

"You make sure that vest is on tight. Gibbs will have my head if anything happens to you" Balboa said as he followed Gibbs' sedan that was speeding up ahead of them. Kate zipped up her jacket and looked at him.

"I have done this a few times" she looked back out the window.

"Besides, he will have his own head if anything happened to me" she looked up at the blue sky. It was such a beautiful and calm day. To nice to be chasing down one of their most wanted men. Balboa pulled the car up next to Gibbs' and they all got out. Chuck was first to the boot, opened it and handed out their weapons. The Agents did their checks and walked over to meet up with Gibbs, McGee and Dakota.

"McGee and I will take the lead. Break off in pairs. Kate you and Balboa, Dakota you and Chuck" they all nodded their understanding so far. They did their finally checks and started to head for the residence.

They took their position, Gibbs making sure they all had cover and a clear shot if needed, before finally trying to make contact with whom ever was inside.

"NCIS. Come out with your hands up" he called, but there was silence. It was only a few seconds, but to them it felt like minutes. He signalled Dakota to let off a flash bomb inside the house. It seemed to do the job as gun fire started from inside the house.

The Agents returned fire and only stopped on Gibbs' call. Again after Gibb's instructions they made their way for the house, searching the house and every room.

"Clear" Kate first called out. Then came Chuck and another from Gibbs.

"Boss, in here" McGee called out. They all made their way to the room McGee was in and saw the body.

"Call Ducky" Gibbs instructed. McGee nodded and left the house to make the call. Gibbs turned to the others.

"Search the place for any evidence of anyone else staying here" he ordered and they all nodded and started to split up. Kate went to turn to follow the others when Gibbs stopped her.

"You okay?" he asked her softly. She gave him a small smile and nodded.

"Fine. Was nice though" she said looking at him.

"What?" he was clearly confused.

"Taking orders from you again" she grinned and walked away before he could comment.

Kate opened the front door to see Tony standing there holding a plunger.

"Do we have a plumbing problem I don't know about?" she asked with a raised eyebrow. Tony grinned.

"Funny. No, returning it" he walked in held it out to her. Kate shook her head and took a step back.

"Oh no, you can take it down stairs thank you" she said with a laugh.

"Jethro is down there too" she added. Tony nodded and headed for the basement. He made his way down the stairs to where Gibbs was seated in the middle of the room. He placed the plunger on the bench.

"Brought back your plunger" he said cheerily.

"You had it for two years. Why now?" Gibbs asked looking at him.

"Just an excuse to talk to you about something" Tony said now serious.

"After all these years you need an excuse"

"Im worried about Ziva"

"Why?"

"How about she let me borrow her car. Which is actually pretty good. It's pretty roomy on the inside. After Eli's death I noticed it. She became secretive, more focused. Ziva wants"

"Revenge. Yeah I know that" Gibbs finished the sentence for him. They stared at each other for a moment before Tony finally spoke again.

"She not going to let it go boss"

"Its out of her hands DiNozzo"

"Speaking of hands, did you notice her knuckles?"

"No. How was she in Berlin?" Tony stopped and thought for a moment.

"Anything you didn't tell me about Berlin?" Gibbs asked taking Tony's silence as hiding something. Tony didn't get a chance to answer when Gibbs' cell rang.

Kate was in bed already waiting for Gibbs to come home. He had called her hours ago saying that they had finally got him, but Ziva had been pretty beat up from the fight. She heard the front door open and close, followed by his footsteps up the stairs and finally into their bedroom. She gave him a small smile and put her book down. He didn't say anything and she didn't ask any questions. He kicked his shoes off, pulled off his clothes and went over to the bed. He didn't even bother getting under the covers, he just laid on top of Kate, his head resting on her chest and he let out a big sigh. She smiled and reach over to put her book down on the bedside table and ran a hand through his hair.

"Is Ziva okay?" she asked him softly. Her only reply was a soft snore. She smiled to herself, leaned over again to turn the lamp off and rested against the pillow.

It wasn't the most comfortable position for her to fall asleep, but at this point she didn't care. As long as he finally got the rest he needed.

Double Blind

Gibbs pulled up behind Ziva's nice new red convertible.

"Everyone needs a hobby. You're new ride Ziva?" he asked. Kate smiled and shook her head. Trust the men to admire a new car. But she had to admit, it was hot.

"Uh huh" Ziva answered proudly.

"Nice" Gibbs replied. Kate laughed.

"And that is my cue to leave" she leaned over and kissed Gibbs quickly before getting out of the car.

"Hey, get in the car" Gibbs said to McGee who looked at Kate then Gibbs, a little unsure.

"What about us boss?" Tony asked. Gibbs shook his head.

"No, you guys head up to the office" once McGee was in the car Gibbs took off with a quick wave of the hand.

"So Ziva, any chance of a ride?" Kate asked as she too ended up checking out the new car.

Kate quickly ran down to Gibbs' squad room. She saw him sitting at his desk and made her way over to him.

"Hey" she said softly. He looked up at her and gave her a small smile.

"Hey. Why are you whispering?" he asked trying not to laugh. Kate looked around to make sure they were alone.

"I just saw Tony. He said a guy from DOD is here questioning you about Bodnar's death" Kate said. Gibbs would normally be surprised with how Kate got her information, but over the years he learned she had certain ways to get information out of people. Especially men.

"It's true. And under the circumstances, somewhat warranted" he answered. Kate nodded.

"Yes, I get that, but Bodnar was Mossad. I feel like he isn't here just to dot the I's and cross the T's" she said. Gibbs leaned forward on his desk.

"Katie, this is my problem, not yours" he told her. She leaned down on his desk so they were eye level.

"And you are my husband, so your problems are my problems" she told him. He couldn't help but smile. This was certainly one of the reasons why he loved her. He leaned in and kissed her softly.

"I will keep you informed" he told her. She nodded and stood up.

"You better" and with that she left.

Kate was making her way t o Gibbs' squad room to go home. She entered the squad room to find them all huddled in front of Gibbs' desk.

"Parson's isn't after Ziva or Vance" she heard McGee tell them.

"Then who is he after?" Kate asked as she came to stand next to them. Before McGee could answer the ding of the elevators grabbed their attention. Four men in suits, plus Parsons stepped off the elevator and headed for the squad room. The team turned to face them, certainly feeling uneasy.

"A lot of man power" Gibbs said standing up to Parsons. Kate looked from one to the other.

"Your reputation proceeds you" Parsons said as he stared at Gibbs. Both Kate and Ziva looked at Gibbs as they finally realised who he was really after.

"Don't look to surprised. Or did I not give you enough time to prepare" he held up his cell phone, Tony and McGee shared a look. It was all clear now. They had all been played.

"You got something to say, say it" Gibbs said, not taking his eyes off the weasel in front of him. Kate wanted to reach out and take Gibbs' hand, her way of telling him to stop being so arrogant, but she was frozen to the spot. Her heart beating at what felt like a million mile an hour.

"Special Agent Leroy Jethro Gibbs, you manipulated evidence and you've obstructed justice. Do you take full responsibility for the actions of your team?" they all looked at Gibbs.

"What do you think?" he answered. Parsons nodded and finally smiled.

"That's what I thought. Let's go" he said. The men around him went for Gibbs.

"No need" Gibbs said as he headed out of the squad room, Parons' following. Kate still didn't move from her spot. It was like history was repeating itself. As they waited for the elevator, Gibbs turned to look at his team and his wife. The doors dinged open he stepped inside. When the doors closed it broke Kate's trance. She swayed on her feet, Ziva and Tony were by herself in a second, while McGee grabbed his chair as they helped her sit down.

"I'll get you some water" McGee said rushing off. Ziva knelt down in front of Kate.

"I'm okay. Just uh, can't believe this is happening again" she said with a sad laugh.

"We will fix this Kate. We wont let him go down for this" she told her. Kate nodded and looked at her.

"I know" she sighed and rubbed her forehead.

"Do you want me to take you home?" Tony asked, resting a hand on her shoulder. Kate shook her head and looked up at him.

"No, I should go pick up Samuel. Let me know if you guys hear anything" she said and stood up, now more steady on her feet. Without another word she left the squad room.

Damned If You Do

"You talk a good game, Parsons. But you got nothing" Gibbs said as he stood across from the DOD Agent.

"How far back do you want to go? Director Shepard or all the way to NIS? What do you call that?"

"I call that desperation"

"Yours or mine? You know what, don't answer that. Wait until your lawyers present"

"I don't have one" Gibbs said with a smile. He always hated lawyers.

"Sure you do. They just texted me, he's on his way up" and as if on cue, the door opened and in walked an older man.

"Sorry I'm late gentlemen. Gibbs, you can stop talking now" he ordered as he made his way over to Gibbs.

"I never started"

"A.J Chegwidden" the man introduced himself to Parsons, handing him a business card.

"As in the Judge Advocate General?" Parsons asked.

"Ah that was a long time ago. Uniform barely fits these days, I'm in the private sector now. I would like some tea" Chegwidden said as he got his files ready.

"You'll be defending Special Agent Gibbs?" it was like Parsons couldn't believe what was going on.

"Well if he will have me. Our paths crossed back in the day. We got a little catching up to do" Chegwidden said finally addressing Gibbs.

"I didn't call you Admiral" Gibbs admitted. He was a little confused at what was going on.

"No, your wife did"

"Pulling out the big guns I see. Well let the games begin" Parsons sat down and sipped his coffee.

"A man's career is in the balance and you think it's appropriate to have a dig at him?" Parsons didn't answer. It was clear he was starting to feel intimidated.

"For what it's worth I don't like losing, never have" Chegwidden finally sat down. Gibbs smiled and sat down in the chair next to him. He told Kate no lawyers, but right now he couldn't help but think she has just saved him.

"Nice to see you again Gunny" Chegwidden said as he looked over at Gibbs. They shared a small smile, before Gibbs looked at Parsons again.

Gibbs walked into the house with Chegwidden right behind him. They surveyed the living room, which had been turned upside down. He could see Samuel's toys thrown across the room.

"Are you sure there was nothing worth taking?" Chegwidden asked. Gibbs walked over to the TV and turned it on and the screen lit up to an old movie.

"Still works" he said somewhat impressed. He was about to say something else when he heard the back door open. He instantly drew his weapon and headed for it. He stopped when Ziva came around the door, her weapon was also drawn.

"Gibbs, you okay?" she asked as she holstered her weapon. Tony then came in through the front door.

"Wow Boss, this place has been pulverised" Tony said as he looked around.

"You think?" Gibbs answered as he kicked a book that had been on the coffee table that was now upside down. Ziva stood next to him and eyed Chegwidden.

"Who is he?"

"Kate got me a lawyer" he told them, both taking Tony and Ziva by surprise.

"What about rule 13?" Tony asked. Chegwidden looked at Tony.

"Never heard of it"

"Wait a second, I know you"

"I used to hang around the Navy yard" Chegwidden admitted. But this wasn't good enough for Tony.

"Oh it will come to me" Tony went on.

"We need to find you and your family a safe place to stay. A hotel someplace where we can talk openly" Gibbs smiled and looked at him.

"Oh I know a place. But first, I need to call Kate" he said and walked out the front to call his wife. He knew she wouldn't like this idea.

Gibbs took a deep breath before punching in her numbr.

"Hey how are you? Did the lawyer turn up?" Kate said quickly as she answered.

"Yeah he's here" Gibbs said.

"He was the best I could find and I know-" she started, but he cut her off.

"Kate our home has been ransacked. I need you and Samuel to go to Rachel's until this is over" he told her. For a moment she went silent.

"What about you?" she finally asked.

"I will be safe. I need to make sure you two are" he said softly. It was not safe to disclose where he would be going over the phone.

"I will meet you at the house soon. Don't leave until we get there" she ordered him. He couldn't disagree.

Kate pulled into the driveway, got out then helped Samuel out of the car. They both walked up to the front door where they met Gibbs. Kate wrapped her arms around him and pulled back to look at him.

"Are you okay?" she asked and he nodded, giving her a small smile.

"Yeah. Go up and pack, I will stay here with Samuel" he told her softly. She looked past him to their house.

"That bad?" she asked and Gibbs just nodded. She headed inside and up the stairs to their rooms and packed a small bag for both her and Samuel.

Gibbs sat on the front step with his son in his lap.

"Why can't you come with me and mummy?" the little boy asked as he played with a frayed thread of Gibbs' jeans.

"I've got a lot of work to do here. But don't worry it's only for a few days. When you come back we will go away for the weekend. Just you, me and mummy" he kissed his son's head. Samuel just nodded. It was clear he didn't want to leave his father.

Kate finally came out with the two bags.

"Okay, we are ready to go" she said putting them down. Gibbs turned and smiled at her. He kissed Samuel's head one more time before getting up. He grabbed their bags and took them to the car. He then helped Samuel into his seat and closed the door.

"How save will you be?" she asked as he turned to face her. He closed the small gap between them and wrapped his arms around her tight. She let out a sigh and rested her head on his chest.

"Our first holiday safe" he told her softly. Kate though for a moment as she tried to remember their first holiday. Then she remembered the small cabin in the woods and smiled.

"So very safe. You need to contact me when it's safe to do so" he nodded and kissed her head. She pulled back, leaned up and kissed him. It was soft at first but then she deepened it, cupping his face with her hands.

"Don't do anything stupid" she told him and he laughed. He opened the car door, she got in and with one final wave, drove away.

It was late when Kate finally pulled into the driveway. She got out and carried her sleeping boy to the front door. Gibbs opened the door for her and she walked in. He took Samuel from her to free her arms. He kissed the sleeping boys cheek and held him close.

"So, is it over?" she asked him softly. Gibbs looked at her but didn't say anything. He closed the door and walked her into the living room, where the fire was going. She looked at it, she thought it was odd considering it wasn't all that cold to need the fire.

"Katie, this thing is bigger than anyone thought" he started and took a seat on the couch. He cleaned up a little bit but things were still askew. Kate walked over to join him.

"Why do I feel like there is more bad news coming" she said. He reach out and took her hand.

"I've been tasked to a special mission" he told her. She nodded as she thought about it for a moment.

"And you