A/N - thanks for the reviews. This is the last part - but stay tuned for the epilogue - which will follow.

Part 9

"They're back," Pete said, watching his errant friend emerge from the copse.

"Don't stare," Kathleen hissed, knowing it was likely a pointless exercise – he'd never been subtle. "Can you at least try to be discrete?" And then, since he was looking anyway she added, "what are they doing?"

"Walking – they don't seem any different; oh actually she looks pretty angry with him about something." That did the trick.

"Oh for heavens sake! What's wrong with them?" All pretence at not looking abandoned, Kathleen turned around – wanting to confirm for herself that even though the couple had been alone, in a very secluded area for half an hour somehow things had not progressed in the promising manner she'd hoped. Only to find that she was actually the victim of her beloved husband's sense of humour.

"I don't believe you just did that to me!" Pete was laughing at her and she huffed and muttered about what a nightmare he was, though actually it was good to hear the sound of his laughter.

When she'd finished scolding him she took another look at the couple who were ambling their way back across the park. They didn't look angry at all; in fact a careful observer might notice that Jenny's hair was slightly mussed, as though someone had been running his hands through it. The same observer might also notice that they were walking just a little closer to one another, hands brushing in a way that could be accidental – but probably wasn't.

When they reached the others, Kathleen and Pete were by no means the only people to notice that Jen settled with her back resting against his legs, or that from time to time he would touch her; gently, carefully – as though he was reassuring himself that she was still there.

The rest of the afternoon passed with more food, more stories and for those with the energy – more running around with the children. As it grew later the mood became quieter, more reflective and talk turned to fallen comrades. Though they weren't in physical contact any longer Jen could sense Gibbs becoming more distracted, could see the tension growing in his eyes. As they started to make toasts she got up from the chair she'd been perched on and crossed to his side. She didn't want to break the mood, knew that these were memories this group shared and needed to express. But she wanted to offer him a little of her strength.

She leant her head against his shoulder – waiting for his response. Their kisses had been passionate, all kinds of promises implicit in the way he'd behaved. But this was different and realistically she knew they didn't stand a chance second time around if he wasn't prepared to let her in – just a little. She wasn't expecting miracles, knew that the leopard didn't change his spots; she could be every bit as stubborn and uncommunicative as he was and more than capable of baiting him. On paper this had disaster written all over it.

She closed her eyes when he wrapped an arm around her waist and pulled her closer. She'd never been a big believer in analysing situations solely based on what was written down – she'd been taught to trust her instincts after all.

As he pulled into the driveway Gibbs turned to look at his companion. They'd both been quiet on the way home; the silence comfortable, rather than awkward. She'd given him some time alone with Pete and Kathleen before they left – an opportunity to say goodbye. It was a difficult thing to do, knowing just how sick Pete was – making him regret all over again the years he'd stayed away.

But he couldn't change that. He was determined not to be a stranger now and to give Kathleen all the support she needed over the coming months. Though both Kathleen and Pete, had been far more interested in what was happening between he and Jen – not that he had any plans to kiss and tell.

Her detail had protested mildly when he'd offered to drive her back , but their objection had been sharply overruled. He looked into the rear view mirror and saw the dark car pull into the street. He knew that if they were going to do this, he was going to have to get used to the security that surrounded her – she really didn't need any further encouragement to take risks.

"This is not my house," she pointed out quietly.

"I was going to work on the boat for a while – thought you might like to help." He saw her hesitate, knew she was thinking of all that waited for her, wondering about what had stacked up while she had been away.

Already he could sense the complications, the reasons that this was a bad idea and couldn't possibly work. He was sure she was asking herslef if she had let things develop too fast, without considering the consequences. He could let her go now, hope that they would figure it out after all. But it had been a difficult few days, he needed the solace of working on his boat and he wanted her there with him.

"The weekend's not over yet Jen," he said. Her lips curved into her smile and she reached over and touched her hand to his cheek, before opening the car door to get out.

"I know."

The End