Take 2

by Katetodd4eva

re-written parts of episode to include Gibbs and Kate's relationship.

17. Chapter 17

Out of the Darkness

Kate curled up into Samuel's bed next to him. He had yet another nightmare. It was happening more and more and she really wanted to get him to talk to someone, but of course Gibbs just wanted him to wait it out.

"You and daddy were both gone. I looked everywhere. Mommy you wont ever leave me alone will you? Who will make me breakfast?" he asked and Kate couldn't help but laugh softly and kiss his head.

"I am not going anywhere honey. You know I could teach you too cook one day so you can make me breakfast" she suggested and felt him shake his head no.

"But I like when you do it" he admitted after a yawn.

"I know, so does daddy" she smiled and held him closer to her and they settled into the quiet. It didn't last long, as the sound of gun fire filled the house. Samuel screamed and started crying.

"Shhh it's okay baby" Kate tried to comfort him as she held him close. She looked around the dark bedroom. Her gun was back in her bedroom. She got up out of the bed, and heard shots coming from inside the house. She paused as she could have mistakenly heard two weapons firing at the same time.

'Who is here? And who the hell is firing at my house?' she thought.

"No Mommy, don't go" Samuel cried. She turned back to her son who was hiding under his blanket.

"I will be right back. Here" she grabbed him and hid him under his bed.

"Count to 20, and I will be back. I promise" she said in a hushed voice. He nodded and watched his mum run from his room. He started counting and as he got to 18 she was back in the room.

"Come on sweetie, we have to hide" she told him. He clung to her hand as she made sure there was no one coming up the hallway and they ran across to the main bedroom. She opened their cupboard and moved some of her shoe boxes and hang clothes and pushed Samuel back against the wall.

"What about Daddy?" he cried.

"He's okay sweetie. Just be quiet okay? Be as quiet as you can and I wont let anything happen to you" she said as she work to put the boxes and clothes back around him and closed the cupboard doors. She then checked her gun was loaded and took her position up behind the bedroom door.

It was suddenly quiet as she heard footsteps down below. It seemed like minutes as she waited to hear any other noise to indicate what was going on. She closed her eyes and tried to remain calm, when then was a sudden bang from down stairs.

She heard Samuel scream from the cupboard.

"Shhh sweetie" she tried to calm him. Without thinking she went to the cupboard to comfort him.

"Where's Daddy?" he cried as he clung to Kate. Kate kissed his head.

"I'm sure he is okay sweetie, but we have to be quiet" as she tried to listen, she could hear sirens in the distance. Thank god, she thought.

Soon enough she could see the reflection of the flashing lights coming in from the window and shouts from local police.

"Come on baby, help is here" she grabbed his hand and they made their way slowly down the stairs, careful not to startle their saviours.

Kate was sitting in the back of the ambulance, Samuel in her arms wrapped in a blanket, finally fallen asleep.

"Kate" she looked up to see McGee heading towards her.

"Tim, did you find Jethro?" she asked urgently. He shook his head and looked at the sleeping boy in her arms.

"No, but we think he escaped out of an old coal chute" he explained, which to her confused expression on her face he continued.

"I take it you didn't know about that" she shook her head so he continued "it was hidden behind a few shelves right up the back. It looks like he either was chased out of there, or had accomplice" he explained.

"Wait, I thought I heard two sets of gunfire coming from inside the house. There was so much noise so I could be wrong, but it sure would make me feel a little better if I know he wasn't alone" she said. McGee reached out and squeezed Kate's arm.

"We will find him Kate, and we will find who did this. Do you have somewhere to go for now? I mean I could ask Delilah if" he started but she shook her head.

"No Tim it's okay. Ducky has already called and insisted we take his spare room, but thank you. Just please, keep me up to date with whatever you have" he nodded and gave her a small smile as he went to join the others with processing the rest of the house.

"The person Gibbs is with…it's Ziva" Ellie said to McGee as they stood outside what used to be Ziva's little hide out. He couldn't believe what she had just said. He remembers seeing the news and the fire. It broke them then, and to have her play with emotions like this made him so angry.

He just hoped Kate would certainly not hear about this.

Kate stepped off the elevator heading for the bullpen but she stopped when she didn't see any of the team there. She started walking around the floor and was just heading towards the corridor when the men's room door opened and out walked Ellie, followed by McGee.

"Now trust me when I say you can't tell anyone else" she heard him say, and she crossed her arms over her chest.

"Tell anyone what, McGee?" she asked, making them both stop short, look at her and the at each other.

"If this has something to do with my shot up house and missing husband, you both better start talking now or so help you god" she threatened.

"Gibbs is with Ziva" Ellie blurted out, earning another look from McGee. Kate looked between the two of them.

"I don't think you realise what you just said. Ziva David is" but Ellie cut her off.

"She is alive and helped Gibbs escape. Well I'm pretty sure she did" Ellie kept talking. McGee pulled both of them to a more private area, so no one else could hear what they were talking about.

"But how? And why would you keep something like this to yourself?" she asked.

"Because she asked me to, and what I have learned from everyone here, is you do what she asks" Ellie again defended her decision. Kate sighed and ran a hand through her hair, but then she started laughing. McGee and Ellie looked at each other than at Kate, very confused by her reaction.

"Ah Kate, you okay?" McGee asked carefully. She nodded and took a breath.

"Not even close, just tell me the minute you hear from either of them" with that she walked away, leaving the two Agents a little stunned at what just happened.

"Okay, so we don't tell anyone else" McGee stated as they headed back to the squad room.

"If you had the chance for one more minute with your son, or even your daughter, wouldn't you do everything in your power get back to him? Fight any demon with any weapon? If it meant you could hold him one more time?" Ziva asked as she looked at him. He looked down at his hands, it was like he was noticing how dirty they were for the first time, and he knew she was right. He would and he has done whatever necessary to make sure his family is safe.

His mind was full of memories of both his current family and the one he lost. He can hear her words, but it's not really sinking in, especially when he eyes the scar on her wrist again. He is about to ask her about it again, when there is an announcement on the bus. Now is their chance to get what they need and hopefully be closer to ending all of this.

Kate walked into Kaisie's lab just as she had told the Director she had spoken to Gibbs.

"What? You spoke to him and you didn't tell me?" all faces turned around to face her.

"Yep, definitely was not supposed to say that" she said out loud, but more to herself.

"Kate" Palmer tried, but just the very look from her made him shut up.

"Who else has spoken to him? McGee? Ellie?" she asked looked between Kaisie and Palmer.

"I, um, can't really confirm or deny that" Kaisie said nervously. Kate shook her head and turned to leave.

"I can't believe this" she said with an angry sigh. She punched the button for the elevator angrily. She felt a body next to her, she didn't need to turn to see who it was, her perfume gave her away.

"I understand your pissed, I would be too" she said in her all knowing calming voice.

"I am beyond pissed, Jack. How many times? How many times do our lives have to be turned upside down?" she turned to finally face her friend, tears in her eyes.

"I am so tired of wondering if I will have a husband at the end of the day. I am tired of holding my son and telling him everything will be okay, when I don't even believe it for myself. And I am so sick and tired of people shooting up my house" she said, finally smiling. The metal doors opened up and they both stepped inside.

"It's hard, and I couldn't imagine with everything you guys have been through. But it seems it always works out. With all the bad there is always good" Sloane says as she reaches out and presses one of the buttons. Kate sighs and nods.

"But will we be that lucky this time?" when Sloane looked at her friend her heart broke. She finally reached out and pulled her into a hug.

Into the Light

Gibbs stepped off the elevator. He needed a shower and then head to interrogation where Sahar was waiting for him. He round the corner of the squad room and was heading for his desk when he noticed a figure already in his chair. As he got closer her recognised the small frame and the curtain of brown hair that was fanned out on his desk, as she used her arms as a pillow. He stopped and admired the site for a moment, before coming around his desk and gently touching her shoulder. She sat up startled, ready to fight whoever it was that had disturbed her. But when she looked into the dirty, bloody face of her husband she visibly relaxed.

"Jethro" she said softly, tears springing into her eyes of their own occurred.

"Hey" he replied with a small smile.

"What happened to you" she asked, her hands reaching out for him. He came closer, kneeling down in front of her. Her hands cupped his face, her eyes inspecting every inch of him.

"Long story" was all he said. She just nodded and leaned in and kissed him. He smelt horrible, but she didn't care. He was here safe.

At the touch of her, his body relaxed. She was safe and seemingly unharmed. He pulled back and looked at her. She looked tired.

"Is Sam" he started, but she cut him off.

"He is okay. He was so scared, god we both were. I thought" her words got caught in her throat and she dropped her eyes from his. He leaned in and kissed her head.

"I know, me too. I just need to get cleaned up and finish this okay?" he said and she nodded.

"Where have you been staying?" he asked and she finally pulled back and looked at him again.

"With Ducky, but Samuel is at Jason's tonight. I thought he could use some fun for a while" Gibbs nodded his agreement. He leaned in and kissed her once more.

"Go back to Ducky's, I will call you later" as he stood up, he pulled her up from the chair and wrapped his arms around her. It felt so good to have her in his arms again. Although he was focused on finding this woman with Ziva, and staying alive, he had no idea if his wife and child were even still alive. Now he knew they were safe, his can focus all his attention on the task at hand.

Kate was on her way out of the NCIS building when she looked up and saw a lone figure standing just off to the side. She didn't know why, but there was something very familiar about this person. Looking around to see if there was anyone else, she headed towards the figure. As she got closer she soon figured out who it was. There was no mistaking that unruly hair.

She stopped in her track, as she tried to take in what her eyes were telling her. She was told that Ziva was in fact alive, but to see her with her own eyes was something totally different.

"Ziva" she said softly. She saw the woman smile and slowly walk towards her.

"Kate, it's" before Ziva could even finish her sentence, Kate had pulled her into a tight hug. Eventually, Ziva gave in and hugged her back.

"It's so good to have you back" Kate told her, eventually letting her go and looking at her properly.

"You look good. Tired, but good" she smiled, making the Israeli woman laugh.

"So do you. I like your hair like this" Kate smiled and self-consciously tucked it behind her ear.

"Are you heading inside?" she asked. Ziva looked at the building just behind Kate and nodded.

"I've been trying to get inside for the past 30minutes. It's almost like nothing has changed, but yet so much has" she finally looked back at Kate who nodded her agreement.

"We have all changed, but certainly not the love we have for you. I know the guys are confused, but as a Mother" she paused and gave her a small smile "I understand why you did what you did. I would do the same to protect Samuel" at this, Ziva smiled and couldn't help the tears that welled up in her eyes, but she refused to let them fall. She pulled Kate into another tight hug.

"I've missed you" she said softly. Kate gave her one last squeeze before finally pulling back.

"Go on inside. It will do you some good" with a shared smile, they both went their separate ways.

Even though his eyes were closed and his body was trying to wake up, Gibbs could sense something. It wasn't a threat, but it still made him feel uncomfortable.

"Kate, stop watching me sleep" he mumbled and felt the body next to him shift.

"I can't help it" she reached out and touched his cheek. With his eyes still closed, he turned his head and kissed the inside of her wrist, before finally opening his eyes and looking at her. She gave him a small smile, before her eyes wondered over his face again.

He knew what she was looking at, and he couldn't help the sigh that escaped his lips.

"Kate" he said as she finally touched the cut above his eye.

"I'm sorry, it's just with everything that's happened, I can't believe that's all you've walked away with. Well physically" she stated as her continued up to brush through his hair.

"I understand that you don't want to talk about it to me, but I think you should talk to Ziva" at the mention of her name, he grumbled rolled over and sat on the edge of the bed. She didn't expect anything less. She sat up behind him, wrapping her arms around him.

"If I had been in her position, I would have done the same thing" she told him. This got his attention and he turned to look at her over his shoulder.

"You would have faked your own death? Lied to the people you love and who love you?" he asked. She bit her lip and sat back, putting some distance between them.

"Jethro, if they had come to me to fake my own death to keep you safe from Ari, I would have done it because I love you. If someone now threatened you and Samuel, I would do the exact same thing. It would be hard and it would hurt like hell, but knowing you both are alive and well is better than living in a world where you both aren't" it took all her strength to keep her composure, but she did it.

Gibbs reached out and took her hand and squeezed it.

"Katie, I know why she did it and I don't blame her for that. I blame myself for not double checking. And so does she" he said in a soft voice. One look at her, it was clear she wasn't sure what to say. He squeezed her hand again, leaned in and kissed her softly.

"Gotta get ready" he said softly, then got up to get dressed.

Gibbs walked inside his house, finally, and the first thing he heard was laughing. He closed the door behind him and sighed, trying to let go of all the pent up feelings he had running around inside of him right now. He walked into the lounge room to see Kate and Samuel kneeling by the fireplace, trying to get it started.

"Try again. Try and get it right in the middle" she instructed their son. He nodded, lit the match, carefully placed it in amongst the logs and blew on it gently. They both watched as the sticks started to catch on. They both watched as it started to grow.

"Yes, I did it" he cheered.

"Good job bud" Gibbs said standing behind them, making them both jump. Samuel got up and hugged him.

"Mom said you would be home late, so I wanted to make the fire tonight. So you can sit and relax" he smiled up at him.

"It's perfect. On one condition?" he asked, his son nodded with a smile.

"Anything" he answered eagerly.

"You sit down with me and tell me all about your day" Samuel nodded, grabbed his hand and pulled him over to the couch and they both sat down. Kate got up from the floor, walked over to her boys and kissed both of them on the head, as Samuel started on about his day at school, and then soccer practice afterwards. She smiled as she cleaned up the few plates and cups, taking a moment to glance at her husband. She could sense there was something with him tonight, but she would wait until later to ask him, or perhaps he would tell her when he felt ready.

Going Mobile

Jack had been running around the NCIS building all day, trying to get Gibbs and his team to talk to her, as per the request from Director Vance. But as usual, everyone was trying to avoid her, and when they did want to talk, they didn't talk about themselves, they wanted to talk about each other.

It is on her way back to her office that she spots Kate down the hall and an idea pops into her head.

"Hey Kate, wait up" she calls and hurries down the hall to catch up to the brunette. Kate stops, turns and smiles when she sees its Jack.

"Hey, what can I do you for?" she asks, readjusting her hold on the stake of files she has in her arms.

"Oh, let me help you with that and we can walk and talk" Jack took some of the files off Kate's pile, which the relief on her face was almost instant.

"Thank you, and this sounds serious. What's going on?" she asked now a little worried.

"Oh no, nothing's wrong. I've just been asked to check in on the team, you know since Ziva's sudden appearance and departure. But you know Team Gibbs, they don't like to talk about their feelings, and that goes especially for Gibbs" she smiled cheerily, which made Kate laugh and nod.

"Yes, well if anyone knows Gibbs it would be me. But I'm sorry Jack, I can't tell you anything. He seems to be his normal quiet, moody self" she grinned as she hit the call button for the elevator.

"So he hasn't said anything to you? Mentioned anything that he and Ziva may have spoken about?" Jack asked as the doors opened and both women stepped in, Kate pushing the button for her floor.

"The night Ziva left, he came home late. He didn't say anything to me. He gave Sam most of his attention, and if you ask me, seeing the innocent smile on our sons face helped with whatever they had gone through. With Jethro, you have to understand the more you push, the more he shuts you out" the doors dinged open and she lead the blonde out and to her desk where she put her pile of files, turned and took the ones Jack had.

"Yeah, I'm seeing that more and more now" she said with a small smile. Kate sighed and nodded.

"If he says anything I will be sure to let you know. But I feel like he wants to try and put it behind him. We know she is alive and will contact us again when she is ready" at this, Jack nodded and left Kate to her files.

But now, thanks to their conversation she couldn't concentrate. It was like all she good do was now think there was something wrong with Jethro and she desperately wanted to know what it was.

"No, I'm done" Gibbs says as he opens the door to Jacks office.

"Are you sure?" she asks getting up and walking towards him, but stopping herself.

"Yeah I'm sure" he steps back in, struggling to figure out what to say, so just settling on a quick "Thanks" before heading for the exit again. His hand is on the door, ready to close it behind him, but he has this feeling and he walks back in.

"Unless there is something else?" he asks, standing in the door way. Jack looks at him with a small smile, she wasn't expecting that and she can't hide the look in her eyes.

"Really?" he walks back over to know stand directly in front of her.

"Is there anything you need, Jack?" he looked into her eyes, it was clear there was something on her mind, but she was trying to avoid it.

"Um," she tried to form words, but looking into her eyes was making her weak. Making her forget how to talk.

"Anything you want to talk about?" he pushed again, in a hoarse voice. He saw her eyes dart to his lips and back up. He knew exactly what she was thinking, whether she would voice or act on that thought, he wasn't so sure about that.

"Later maybe. We can talk later" she said, her eyes going back to his lips.

"Alright" he nodded, gave her a small smile before turning and making a hasty get away. He bashed the call button for the elevator, wishing it would come faster. He couldn't shake the feeling that he actually wanted to kiss her. Of course he thought she was attractive, who wouldn't, but he loved Kate. He would never hurt Kate like that, but in that moment and it was all he wanted to do and he hated himself for it. He shook his head and punched the button again, making the elevator doors ding open finally. He stepped inside and sighed.

Gibbs walked inside, painting in hand as he closed the door quietly behind him. He walked into the lounge room to see Kate lying on the couch with Samuel curled up in her side, patting his hair. He stood there for a moment, taking in the scene. This was his family. This is what he has always fought for. He smiled to himself as he walked in and made his presence known. Kate looked up and smiled at him, the light behind her making her look like an angel.

"Hey, you're late" she said softly, then she saw what he was holding "what's that?" she eyed the painting.

"Long story, but I got it for Sam" he said looking at it as well. Kate sat up slowly, rousing Samuel from his sleep.

"Hey baby, come on, bed time. And look, Daddy is home and he got you something" she said softly as he yawned and started to wake up. He looked at Gibbs and what he was holding and his tired eyes lit up.

"It's a lion. Can we hang it in my room?" he asked as he got off the couch. Gibbs nodded and put it on the chair next to him.

"I will put it up tomorrow. I think you need to go up to bed bud" he ran a hand through his sons hair, who nodded and headed up to his room and got into bed.

Gibbs walked over and sit down next to Kate and looked at her. She gave him a small smile, trying to figure out what was going through his mind.

"Everything okay?" she asked softly. He still didn't say a word, he just reached out and cupped her face with his hand, ran his thumb over her cheek. She smiled as she leaned into his hand.

As he studied her face, he noticed how she had more freckles then when they first started dating, her eyes had some golden flakes in them, her hair was lighter which he really liked, and her face seemed thinner. All these changes, and yet he still thinks she is the most beautiful woman in the world.

He leaned in and kissed her softly. When he pulled back and looked at her, she had a soft smile on her face.

"What was that for?" she asked.

"I love you" he simply said, his eyes never leaving hers. Kate smiled, a slight blush colouring her cheeks.

"I love you too" she replied, leaned in and kissed him again.

"How about we head up to bed?" she asked, biting her lower lip. She knew what that did to him. He nodded, got up taking her hand with his and lead her up to their bedroom.

Gibbs wanted to spend the night showing his wife and himself just how much he loved her.

Wide Awake

"Come on Sam, in the car now" Kate called as she grabbed her keys from the bench and put her empty coffee mug in the sink. Gibbs came into the kitchen and kissed her cheek.

"Coffee's on the counter" she told him with a smile. He instantly went to the cupboard to grab a mug and fill it with coffee. He turned to look at her and smiled.

"You look good" he said with a small grin. Kate turned around to look at him, small smile on her face.

"And you look so very handsome" she walked over to him, looking at the almost healed cut over his eye.

"It's healing nicely" she reached out to run her fingers over the small scar. He turned his head to kiss her hand.

"It's fine" he told her.

"Mom I'm ready" Sam called as he ran down the stairs.

"Head out to the car, I will be there in a minute" she called back to him.

"I have to go. I will see you later" she leaned in and kissed him quickly before turning and heading out to the car, where their 7 year old was waiting for her.

Gibbs finished off his coffee and added the cup to the sink, before grabbing his keys and badge from the table. He was certainly feeling happier lately. He wasn't sure if it was the talk about Ziva to Jack, or the fact him and Kate had been able to actually spend a lot of time together lately and they were stronger than ever.

Gibbs was so caught up in his thoughts, the smashing of the front window, made him jump and grab his weapon. Though, with the history this house had with bullets flying through it, he couldn't be too careful. When he came around the corner and saw the baseball lying on the floor he relaxed and smiled to himself and holstered his weapon.

He went over and picked up the rogue baseball and smiled. He went out the front door to try and find the culprit. He looked down the street and saw a kid, maybe not much older than Samuel, walking past, head down.

"Hey kid" he called about, but the boy didn't stop. He ran down the front steps and onto the path.

"Kid, hold up" he tried again, this time it worked and the boy stopped and reluctantly turned around, not wanting to look at Gibbs.

"Loose Something?" he said with a smile as he came to stand in front of the boy, who just shrugged.

"What's your name?" he asked.

"Phineas" he was still shy, waiting to get into trouble for breaking the window.

"Hey Phineas, how are you? I'm Jethro Gibbs" he puts his hand out, the boy taking in a friendly greeting.

"You just move in across the street?" Gibbs asked as he indicated the house that he had saw moving vans out the front just last week.

"Yeah" Phineas replied, still a little shy.

"You on your way to school?" he asked again, trying to get the boy to open up and relax. Phineas nodded, still not looking at him.

"My son, not much younger then you goes to the same school" at this the boy looked up at him "don't be late" he said handed back the ball, this finally getting a smile from him. That's when Phineas saw Gibbs' badge and weapon on his belt.

"It's for my job" and right on cue, his phone started to ring. He answered and walked back towards his house.

"I'm really sorry Jethro Gibbs, I'll buy you a new window" Phineas called out.

"Don't worry about it" Gibbs called back, then went back to his conversation with McGee. When he got into his car, he quickly called Kate.

"Hey, everything okay?" Kate asked, she had just dropped Samuel off and was now heading to NCIS.

"Yeah, but we have a broken window" he told her.

"What? How?" she asked, clearly shocked. She had just left, what could possibly have happened.

"Phineas. Kid across the street had a mishap with a baseball" she could hear the smile in his voice.

"Do you want me to call the glacier?" she asked.

"No it's okay, I will do it when I get home. I just wanted to give you a heads up. Oh, and if I can, I would like to pick up Sam from school" he explained.

"Sure, let me know closer and I will go straight home" she said before saying their good byes and hanging up. She smiled to herself, liking the fact that there was now a boy around Samuel's age across the road, hopefully another friend for their son.

Gibbs had just replaced the broken window, with the help of Samuel.

"All done" Samuel said proudly as he looked at the new window. Gibbs grinned as he hung up from talking to Ellie.

"You're the best partner, partner" he grinned. He headed for the kitchen to get them both soda's, when Samuel stopped him.

"Dad, what's this?" he asked as he bent down and picked up the small envelope that appeared under the front door. Gibbs came over and took the note from his son. He opened it up, and smiled when he read the short note. He looked into the envelope and saw a few dollars in it.

"Dad, who's it from? What's it say?" Samuel asked eagerly trying to get a look at the note.

"It's a sorry note, from Phineas" he said looking down at his son. Samuel looked back at him, a little confused. Right now he looked exactly like his mother.

"Phineas is the kid across the road. He broke the window and this is his apology letter" he explained and looked across the road.

"Want to go over and say hi?" Gibbs asked and watched the little face light up with excitement.

Samuel ran up the stairs and knocked enthusiastically on the door, Gibbs coming to stand behind him as they waited for an answer.

Eventually, a woman in a waitress uniform answered the door, her name tag saying 'Sarah'. She closed the door behind her and looked at Gibbs and then Samuel.

"Can I help you?" she asked, her British accent very prominent.

"You're Phineas' Mom?" Gibbs asked, feeling Samuel stand closer to him.

"What he do now?" she asked, standing against the door frame.

"Nothing, we just wanted to return this" Gibbs nodded to Samuel, who handed Sarah the envelope with the money in it. He gave him a small smile as she took it.

"I'm sorry, I don't understand. What's this about?" she clearly had no idea what her son had done. The front door slowly opened, and Samuel saw the other boy.

"Jethro Gibbs, I told her not to tell her, she gets mad" Phineas stepped outside as he noticed what his mother was holding. He had a baseball glove on one hand and the ball in the other.

"Oh love, it's alright" she smiled and tried to comfort her son, but he ran past and went out onto the path.

"Phineas. Phineas, get back here and apologise right now" Sarah called to her son, but he just stood there. Samuel looked between the two adults, then over at Phineas, who had started throwing the baseball up and catching it in his glove. He looked up at Gibbs, who nodded and he ran down the stairs to go play with Phineas.

"Sorry" Sarah said to Gibbs, he smiled and turned to leave.

"Have a nice night" he said as he headed down the stairs, but Sarah stopped him.

"Uh, wait. Who are you?" she asked.

"Uh, Jethro Gibbs and that's my son Samuel. We live across the street. Phineas introduced himself to me this morning" Gibbs said, standing in front of her again with a small smile.

"He break your window, didn't he?" she said watching their two sons play together.

"It's fine. Already fixed" he tried to reassure her. She explained his sudden love with baseball as they watched the two boys, and Gibbs suddenly got an idea.

"Nice meeting you" he said with a wave as he headed down the stairs again.

"Sam, home when Mom gets home" Gibbs said to his son, who nodded with a smile as he got ready to throw the ball back to Phineas.

"Phineas, see you" he said with a wave. Phineas waved back and smiled softly, then turned back to Samuel.

"Okay, go again" he said holding his glove out.

"This is awesome" Phineas said as he listened to what Gibbs was telling him. He put the glove on his left hand, the grin never leaving his face.

"My dad knows everything about baseball" Samuel says proudly as he watches Gibbs help his new friend.

"Let's see how it works" Gibbs says, his own grin growing as he gets up and runs across the street. Samuel steps away from Phineas, creating a small triangle, with Gibbs being the point.

Gibbs threw the ball first to Phineas, the ball falling out of his glove.

"Squeeze it" Gibbs said to him.

"Like this, with all your fingers" Samuel held up his glove and showed him. Phineas smiled and nodded.

"Alright, hit me in the chest. Right here" Gibbs pointed at his chest, waiting for Phineas to throw the ball. When he did throw it, it went over Gibbs' head and hit the front of the car. Both Phineas and Samuel cringed, waiting for him to get angry.

"Sorry Jethro Gibbs" Phineas said quickly, hoping it wouldn't make him as angry.

"Phineas, wow okay. We got a little work to do" he picked up the ball and threw it to Samuel this time, who caught it and threw it back to his Dad. Gibbs then threw it back to Phineas, who caught it this time.

"Alright, right here" he coached the boy. Phineas threw it straight to Gibbs, who smiled.

"That's good. Step and throw" he said as he threw it to Samuel. Samuel stepped and threw like Gibbs had taught him years ago. Gibbs caught it and threw it back to Phineas. This time, when he threw it back, it went straight to Gibbs.

"That's it, you're getting it" he smiled. After a few more throws and catches, there was a beep of a car horn. Gibbs caught the ball to see it was Kate, coming towards their house. He stepped out of the way as she pulled in. She turned off the car and got out to greet him.

"Well hi, this looks like fun" she smiled.

"Just having some boy time" he grinned at the two boys.

"Hi Mom" Samuel waved with his glove.

"Phineas, this is my wife Kate" he introduced to the boy. Phineas gave a shy smile.

"Hi" he waved. Kate smiled, and noticed the woman standing on the porch watching them. She kissed Gibbs' cheek.

"That his Mother?" she asked softly, and when he nodded she walked behind him, her hand grabbing his ass on her way past.

"I will go say hi" Gibbs grinned and nodded and went back to playing with the boys as Kate approached the house.

"Hi, I'm Jethro's wife Kate. It's nice to meet you" she said as she came up the stairs, her hand outstretched for Sarah.

"Hi, I'm Sarah, Phineas' Mom. And I'm sorry again about the window" she greeted, taking her hand.

"Please, don't worry about it. Happens all the time. So, since the boys are busy, did you want to come over for coffee?" she asked with a warm smile. Sarah looked across at the boys, and for the first time since they moved, she could tell her son was truly happy.

"Would love to" she followed Kate back across the road and into their house. She had a feeling this would be the start of a great friendship, not just for them, but their son's.

No Vacancy

Kate came off the elevator and headed for the squad room. She was able to get her hands on some books that Sam hadn't wanted to read, and that she thought might help Nick with meeting his girlfriend's son.

As she saw the group huddled in the squad room, including Ducky who also seemed to have wanted to help with a present, there was a very tall, around 20 something man standing with them. Kate stopped next to McGee as she watched Ducky escort the rather cute younger man.

"Okay, who was that?" Kate asked the group. McGee grinned as he looked at Nick.

"That was Little Ricky, or Richard. Elana's son" Kate looked at Nick, then at McGee.

"Well I guess he won't be needing these either" she held out the few books she had come to give Nick.

"How did you get his age so wrong?" Ellie asked with a little chuckle as they all walked over to him.

"Elena didn't tell you how old he was?" McGee asked with a smirk. Kate had to try her hardest not to laugh out loud. This was something that Tony would have gotten himself into many years ago.

"I don't know man. Marvin Gaye was playing, alcohol was involved, I guess I just wasn't paying attention. Oh my gosh she is old enough to have an adult son" it was clear Nick was not processing this very well.

"Just think, if you and Elena get married, you will be his Dad" Ellie teased, and although it was funny, Kate could tell Nick was definitely not finding the situation funny.

"Hey, dating older isn't always a bad thing. I think I should know" Kate said with a grin, trying to make him feel better. It didn't seem to help at all, McGee and Ellie couldn't help but see the funny side of it all. And like always, right on cue, Gibbs entered the squad room.

"Well something's funny" he said, not really paying attention as he moved to his desk.

"Boss, Torres" McGee started, but again, in true Gibbs way he cut of his Senior Field Agent.

"Go, update" he held out the clicker for one of them to take. Kate knew that was her cue to leave the team alone, but she thought there was no harm in staying behind and seeing what they were working on.

Ellie, McGee and Nick all gave Gibbs their idea's to what tied the motel and their dead Officer, and all Kate could think was that it seemed so surreal. It seemed like it should be some type of movie.

The team split up, Kate walked up to his desk and gave him a sweet smile. He stared at her and waited for her to speak. When she didn't he sighed and rolled her eyes, making her laugh.

"Can't I just enjoy watching you work from time to time" she said, her grin growing because she saw the slightest twitch of a smile grace his own features.

"Was there something you needed?" he asked her finally.

"I was going to ask if you would be home on time because I have some news. News that should be told in person, but it can wait" she watched his body language change. He now gave her all of his attention as he tried to think of things that could possibly be considered 'news'. And there was only one thing that popped into his mind.

"Are you pregnant?" he asked softly so the others didn't hear. Kate just grinned and shrugged her shoulders.

"We will talk about it later" she smiled sweetly before turning and heading out of the squad room and for the elevators. She didn't need to turn back and look at her husband to know that he would be standing there with a dumbfounded look on his face.

The three boys were crowded around the dining room table with the papier-mâché volcano in the middle. Phineas and Samuel both had NCIS caps on with protective glasses. Gibbs let Phineas put the first spoonful in, as it was his science project after all.

"Can we light it now?" Samuel asked as he watched them. He was excited to see what was going to happen.

"Yeah. Now, what do you remember?" Gibbs asked the boys as Phineas grabbed the box of matches.

"Strick it away" Phineas did as Gibbs had told him to and the match caught a light straight away.

"Strick it away from you. Don't want to burn the house down" Gibbs explained. Samuel stood closer then Gibbs liked, so he walked over, with his hands on his son's shoulder, gently pulled him back from the table. Phineas leaned up and lit the wick that stuck up out of the volcano, which sent sparkles into the space and red goo down the side of the volcano. Both boys looked on in owe.

"That is so awesome" Phineas said mesmerized.

"Yeah it is" Samuel and Gibbs both said at the same time, causing them to both look at each other and grin.

"Looks just like the one on Bombay" Phineas added, still looking at the experiment. Gibbs laughed and looked at him.

"Pompeii. You gotta get that right tomorrow" none of them could wipe the grins off their faces.

"I'm going to have the coolest project in class. And look, I even made a dog frozen in ash" Phineas pointed to the purple dog, which Samuel picked up and looked at it.

"Very cool" he stated and put it back down. Phineas then got a message from his Mom.

"Oh no, I'm late for dinner" he said, putting his phone away. Gibbs grabbed the project and helped him to the front door.

"Thank you Jethro Gibbs" Phineas said as he took the big project from him and headed for home. Kate had just pulled into the driveway when she saw the small boy heading home.

"All finished and ready for tomorrow?" she asked with a smile.

"Yep. It will be the best one in my class" he said proudly.

"Oh that I have no doubt. You must let us know how it goes" at this he nodded and hurried off home. Kate locked her car and made her way up the front steps where her husband was waiting for her.

"He seems pretty pleased with the finished product" she said as he kissed her cheek on her way inside. She was then greeted by her son running up to her, still wearing the NCIS cap and safety glasses.

"Now that's a fashion statement if I ever saw on" she laughed as she pulled the hat off so she could kiss his head.

"I was helping Dad and Phineas. It was awesome" he grinned, trying not jump up and down.

"Yeah okay, go get ready for a bath" Gibbs said coming to stand next to Kate. Samuel took the glasses off and handed them to Kate as well, then ran up the stairs. Gibbs turned to face Kate with an expectant look, but she just smiled.

"You going to tell me your news?" he asked a little impatiently. This caused her to grin.

"I will tell you later, right now I need to get out of these clothes" she kissed him quickly on the lips, handed him the cap and glasses before disappearing upstairs.

Gibbs had just put Samuel to bed and came down the stairs to find Kate sitting on the couch with a glass of wine in her hand and papers in her lap. When she heard him enter she looked up and smiled at him.

"I'm sure with tonight's excitement he will go right to sleep" she said with a sweet smile, as she reached out and put her wine on the table in front of her. It was then that Gibbs grasped what he was seeing.

"So you're not pregnant?" he asked, still standing. Kate laughed softly and shook her head.

"No, I'm not. Come sit down" she patted the space next to her and organised the papers that where in her lap. Gibbs did as he was told, and as soon as he was settled she moved to face him on the couch.

"I have been in meetings all week. I wanted to tell you, but I wasn't sure if it was going to happen or not, and now that it has, I wanted your opinion before I gave an answer" she started, now serious. Gibbs just looked at her. She took a deep breath and handed him the small stack of papers. She saw his eye's skim the heading and his brows furrowed.

"Director Vance has offered me my own team. Technically it would be my current team, but Balboa is going to L.A and they want to give me an extra Agent as well. The Director's idea was to expand my team to then be a backup for your team" she explained as she watched him read over the offered contract. He looked up at her.

"Backup for what?" he looked confused. Kate just shrugged.

"He explained it, that if your team is already working a case, my team would then take over anything else that came in, but also if you needed an extra set of hands or where sort for whatever reason, one of my team would fill in. Since I know how you work and your expectations, the Director believes I would be the second best person to get them ready if needed" Gibbs just nodded and went back to reading the contract. He flipped through the pages in silence and it was making her nervous.

"I know it may mean a few longer hours here and there, and that's why I wanted to run it past you first" still she got no real response from him. Sighing, she reached out and grabbed her glass of wine and took a sip.

Eventually Gibbs put the papers on the table and looked at her.

"Do you want to take it?" he asked her simply. She thought about it for a moment and nodded.

"Yeah I do. I feel ready and to be honest with you, I was getting a little bored" she smiled softly. Gibbs finally smiled and nodded.

"I think you should take it. You are ready for your own team. Have been for a while" he leaned in and kissed her cheek.

"Really? Well I did learn from the best" she grinned which made him laugh. She watched him and saw something in his eyes.

"You thought I was pregnant?" she asked, now being serious again. She watched his smile slowly fade and he didn't look at her as he nodded.

"Well you said news, and we have been…..active" he was serious too, but the way he said it she couldn't help but laugh.

"God I love you" she said through her laughter. Gibbs smiled nervously and she could tell it was starting to make him feel uncomfortable. She put her wine back on the table and straddle his lap, wrapping her arms around his neck.

"Jethro, did you hope I was pregnant?" she asked softly, forcing him to look at her. She watched his jaw clench and he didn't answer. This was an answer in itself and it made her heart flutter.

"As much as having another child with you would make me so very happy, I think we have missed our chance. We aren't getting any younger, especially me. I don't think my body could handle it now. I know how much happier you have been having another child around, and same with Samuel. And it is a regret I have, not trying harder years ago, but life got in the way. I mean you got shot and do I need to mention Paraguay?" at this he sighed and nodded. His hands came to rest on her thighs.

"I know" he leaned forward and rested his head on her chest. She smiled and ran her hands through his hair.

"But if I had been pregnant, it's nice to know that you wouldn't have freaked out" she said with a smiled and she could feel his body shake with a laugh. She leaned down and kissed his head. If only they had thought about it a few years earlier.

IRL

Kate stood next to Gibbs as Sarah went through everything she had packed for Phineas.

"Change of clothes for tomorrow, including his favourite Iron Man boxer shorts" Sarah finished with a beaming smile. Phineas on the other hand, didn't like the fact she had shared this little bit of info with the other two adults. Both Kate and Gibbs couldn't help but smile at the boys embarrassment.

"Mom, it's personal business" he whined to his Mom. Sarah smiled at Kate and Gibbs and then looked to Phineas.

"And now it's Mr and Mrs Gibbs' Business now. They need to make sure you wear clean undies to school tomorrow" Sarah added to his embarrassment. Phineas sighed and walked out of the room. He was soon joined by Samuel who had finally come down from getting his school bag.

"Thank you again for watching him. This trip was last minute, but I would hate to pull Phineas out of school. And since we arrived, I haven't found a reliable sitter" Sarah said putting her bag on her shoulder. Kate smiled and nodded.

"It's no problem at all, right Jet?" she looked at her husband, who too smiled.

"Sure, no problem" he agreed. Samuel then came into the room with a huff.

"Mom, I can't find my boots" he said clearly frustrated. Kate smiled and excused herself to help her son find his football boots for training after school. Sarah smiled nervously at Gibbs, and couldn't help but keep talking.

"Phineas doesn't know about my custody battle with his father and I…I don't want him to. I have full maternal custody and yet I'm the one who has to appear in a courthouse in New York"

"Go. Do what you got to do"

"Here I am talking about being maternal. I'm about to leave my son with a strange man who lives across the street. No offense"

"Phineas will be safe" Gibbs reassured her with a nod. He wasn't wrong, he would be in a house with two federal Agents, what could be safer.

"Phineas, come give me a hug. Be good. I will be back by tomorrow night, Yeah? I love you" she said as the young boy came back and hugged his Mom. It was clear to Gibbs that they were close, very much like Kate and Samuel were.

"Love you too, Mom"

"Right. Okay, remember school by eight, bed by nine and no screens. You really have to watch kids these days" Sarah said as she headed out the front door. Gibbs turned to look at Phineas.

"What?" he asked, trying to seem innocent, but of course, Gibbs knew better.

"You heard her. No screens" He held out his hand as Phineas handed over his phone and a gaming device.

"Come on, that's all I got" he tried but Gibbs wasn't having any of it. Kate and Samuel finally came back down ready to head out. Samuel was pulling on his jacket while Kate checked on Gibbs and Phineas.

"You're still holding" Gibbs said with a laugh. Phineas rolled his eyes and finally pulled the last one from his pants and handed it over.

"I thought staying here was supposed to be fun" although it was clear he was trying to sound annoyed and upset, he still had a grin on his face

"What do you mean? This is fun. Come on, we're late" Kate finally said from the doorway. Gibbs grabbed his bag and helped him with it.

"What do you mean? We're early" Phineas was a little confused as he looked at the time.

"If you're not early, you're late. Right Dad" Samuel answered with a grin as he pulled open the front door for everyone to head out.

"Right bud" Gibbs agreed as he ushered them all out the door. He closed and locked the door behind him. The two boys headed for Kate's car as she was going to drop them off.

"So if you can pick Phineas up, and I will take Samuel to soccer training and meet you back here. Do you want me to grab dinner one the way home?" she asked. Gibbs shook his head and kissed her softly.

"No, I got it. Go, or you will be late" he couldn't help but hit her ass softly as she turned to head for her car. Kate laughed and shook her head. For once. Everything seemed to be as it should be.

Kate and Samuel had gotten home just in time for dinner. Samuel of course couldn't stop talking about how good soccer practice had been and then how cool he thought it was to be able to have a sleep over on a school night.

Once they were done eating, Kate took Samuel upstairs to have a bath, while Gibbs cleared the table and Phineas got started on his homework.

Kate had promised Samuel he could have 20 minutes on his ipad, but was not to tell Phineas or his dad. Then she headed down stairs to check on the boys and see if they needed any help. As she approached the lounge room she heard the two talking.

"It's all my fault. No, no, no, no, no" Phineas said, his head in his hands. Gibbs quickly walked back over and sat down next to the small boy.

"Slow down. What do you mean it's your fault?" he asked concerned.

"The reason Mom had to leave. Right? It's because of me. That's why you two were whispering. I'm the problem" Kate's heart broke as she heard the boys words.

"Phineas. Hey. Your Mom does not think you are a problem" Gibbs put his arm around Phineas to try and comfort the boy.

"Then why is she so scared? Is my dad going to take me away?" Phineas looked at Gibbs, his eyes pleading to tell him it wasn't true, but Gibbs didn't know if it was true or not. If he knew anything, it was that the world was a cruel place and that anything can happen.

Kate cleared her throat and walked in on the boys with a soft smile.

"It's almost bed time. Why don't you leave the rest for later, head up and get ready for bed" she suggested with a soft smile. Phineas just nodded and headed upstairs as she suggested. Kate watched him go, before turning towards Gibbs.

"You heard most of that huh?" Gibbs said looking up at her. Kate nodded and crossed her arms over her chest.

"I did and it broke my heart. I know Sarah wants to protect him, but I don't think it's helping keeping him in the dark" she said with a sigh. Gibbs stood up and looked at her.

"If I was fighting for custody over Sam, would you tell him everything that's going on?" he asked with a raised eyebrow.

"Jethro, that's not" she went to protest, but he cut her off.

"If for whatever reason, we split up. I wanted to fight you for custody, would you tell him?" he asked again, more forcefully. Kate sighed.

"Yes, I would. In a way that he would understand and that wouldn't make you look like the bad guy. Jethro, I have seen this before. The parents can argue and hate each other as much as they want, but when it comes to the kids, you need to reassure them that this isn't their fault. Sometimes Mommy and Daddy just don't get along. She hasn't done that and now this poor 9 year old is blaming himself" she shook her head to stop herself before she got carried away.

"I'll go but them to bed" he said softly, walking past her and heading upstairs. Kate sighed and ran a hand through her hair. She knew she was out of line, talking about Sarah like that. She didn't know the full story and she shouldn't judge a single Moms decisions. She started packing up Phineas' homework so he could take it to school tomorrow, made sure everything was turned off and locked before heading upstairs and saying good night to the boys.

Gibbs finally came to bed an hour later, Kate was still up reading. As he climbed under the covers she put her book down and looked at him.

"How's Phin?" she asked softly. He sighed and looked up at her.

"Finally asleep. Kate, I don't agree either but it's what she asked" at this Kate nodded, but her book on the bedside table and cuddled up to him.

"I know. I just couldn't imagine going through what she is going through. I am so glad I have you" she said. Gibbs kissed her head and wrapped his arms around her.

"I know. Me too" they both finally closed their eyes. Although Gibbs was exhausted, he just could not relax enough to fall asleep. All he could do was think about Phineas.

McGee had helped Phineas set up in MTAC, in front of the massive screen. The smile that was plastered on the kids face was priceless to Gibbs.

Jack came in and saw the game on the screen as she entered the room. She saw Gibbs in the back row and came to sit down next to him.

"Video games in MTAC? Wasn't exactly what I meant when I said keep engaging Phineas. Does his mother know about this? Does your wife?"

"I left them messages" he said innocently. Sarah didn't scare him as much as Kate did.

"She said no screens, so you gave him the biggest screen in the building?" Jack couldn't help but laugh. It seemed like the most ridiculous thing in the world right now.

"It's about the case, Jack" he looked over at her, like he was trying to prove his point, but it was always about the case. Always.

"Where a man was killed live on the internet" she stated matter of factly. Like he didn't already know.

"He's playing video games, Jack, with teddy bears" at this Jack turned to look at the screen. And he was right, there was a teddy bear holding a machine gun that shot out gold glitter.

"I'm just saying" she said with a shrug as McGee came to interrupt them.

After sending McGee back to work, Gibbs' phone started to ring. He pulled it from his pocket and read the screen. He sighed, looked at Jack before finally answering his phone.

"Hey" he said softly.

"Don't hey me Mister. I'm down stairs" with that Kate hung up. Gibbs sighed and pushed out of the chair.

"I take it Kate's not happy" Jack said with a smile as he left MTAC.

He ran down the stairs to the squad room where Kate was waiting, Samuel sitting in his chair, spinning around with a dizzy grin on his face.

"You will make yourself sick doing that" Gibbs said as he smiled at the boy. Samuel stopped and grinned at his father.

"What do you think you're doing? Sarah said no screens. And not to mention I don't think she would like knowing your using her son to try and catch a murderer" Kate said the last part in a hushed voice, hoping their son would not hear.

"He is not in any danger. He will not leave this building unless it's to go home" he tried to explain.

"And what do we tell his mother? You know she will be so angry about this" Kate said again with a sigh. She ran a hand through her hair to calm herself down. She loved her husband, but sometimes it was like he didn't really think about the consequences.

"When this is over, if Sarah is not back, you bring him straight home" she stated and he just nodded.

"Sam honey, say good bye to your father. He needs to get back to work" the small boy jumped down from the chair, ran around the desk and hugged Gibbs. Gibbs hugged him back, leaning down and kissed his head.

"Be good for Mom okay?" Gibbs said and Same nodded with a smile.

"I mean it Jethro, as soon as this is over bring him home. Hopefully we can avoid telling her absolutely everything" she said. Gibbs just nodded, he knew she was right, but he also felt he was doing the right thing for the case. And for Phineas. The boy was actually really enjoying himself.

Gibbs stood there wand watched as his wife and son headed home. As much as he wanted to join them, there was a job to be done.

Gibbs was packing up the rest of Phineas' things, getting ready to take it over to his house, when there was a knock on the front door.

"It's open" he called out. Hearing the door open and close and then soft footsteps approach, he turned and saw that is was Sarah.

"Agent Gibbs" she said in greeting.

"Everything's here" he said handing her the back pack. She paused a moment before taking it from him.

"Right. Thanks. Okay" she gave him a nod before turning and heading for the door. Gibbs thought that was it and turned to focus on Samuel's school work that was still spread out on the table.

"Listen, I-I should probably explain about yesterday" she started, coming back over to him.

"No, there's no need. You set the rules. I broke 'em" he admitted.

"Yes, you did. In pretty spectacular fashion. So spectacular that Phin can't stop talking about it. Apparently you gave him the "most totally awesome-est, best day ever'" at this Gibbs couldn't stop the smile from forming on his face. It sounded exactly like something Phineas would say.

"Phineas had such a great day that we had a really good talk. He opened up about everything. Like you said, he's a smart kid"

"Yeah, he's a smart kid. Loves Mom"

"And I don't want to lose him"

"Hey. You alright?"

"Honestly, I don't know. Turns out my ex is going to fight the ruling. More lawyers and money than I'll ever have. So…maybe you could keep Phin's overnight bag. You know…you know for next time? Well, you know until I find a sitter, and… if you're still willing?" she looked at him, her eyes pleading with him. Without a word, he nodded and took the bag back off Sarah.

"I may not have seen it at first, but you're good for Phin. You all are"

"Well, that works both ways"

"Thank you Agent Gibbs"

"Jethro. Call me Jethro"

"Okay. Thank you, Jethro" with a small smile she finally turned and left. Gibbs sighed and placed the bag back on the table. He was about to go out and join Kate and Samuel when he heard a dinging sound coming from within the bag.

He opened it, and pulled out the white laptop. When he opened it, there was a flashing message on the screen. He hit enter and saw the message, which just happened to be from Phineas. He couldn't help but chuckle. He replied with a smiley face and felt some relief that it had all worked out. He closed the laptop and went to the back yard where Kate was hanging the washing and Samuel was kicking his soccer ball.

"But if she doesn't like Dad, why does that mean I can't play with him?" he heard his son ask her. Kate sighed and threw some pegs back into the basket.

"Sweetie I don't know. But it's her rule, and we have to do as she asks" she tried to explain. Gibbs walked out with a smile on his face.

"I don't think you have to worry about that anymore" he said, going to stand at the other end of the yard and signalled Samuel to pass him the ball. Kate stopped and looked at him.

"What do you mean by that?" she asked, hands on her hips.

"Sarah just came over. Apologised and said we can see him when we want to" he couldn't stop smiling. Samuel cheered and ran to Gibbs and hugged him.

"Thank you, I get to keep my friend" he said as he ran around the yard, full of excitement. Kate and Gibbs couldn't help but laugh as they watched him.

Kate walked over to stand next to her husband.

"Is that really how it happened?" she asked and he nodded.

"More or less. Now, why don't you come play with us?" he asked. Kate smiled and shook her head.

"You know I'm no good" she laughed. Before she even had the chance to get away, Gibbs wrapped his arms around her tightly.

"Come on, I will teach you" he whispered into her ear. She grinned, his breath on her neck doing other things to her body right now. She managed to turn around in his arms and wrap her arms around his neck.

"As long as you promise to make it up to me later" to prove her point, she pushed her hips into his, causing him to grin and nod.

"You got yourself a deal" he leaned in and kissed her softly.

"Eww Mom" they heard Sam call, making them both laugh. Kate turned around to look at her son.

"Come on, you and your dad are going to try and teach me soccer" she admitted. Right now, she wished every day could be like today.

The North Pole

Kate was pacing the lounge room, the fire Samuel had helped her light was well and truly going still. Samuel was at the table in the kitchen doing his homework, his legs swinging as he did.

"Mom, are you okay?" he finally asked after watching her for a few minutes. Kate stopped and looked at her son and gave him a small smile.

"Yeah sweaty, just thinking. How are you going with your homework?" she walked over and checked his work and smiled.

"Good work honey" she kissed his head. They both heard the front door open and close, and Kate was the first one to rush to see Gibbs. He looked like hell, but of course he had also looked worse.

"Are you okay? What happened? And where is Ziva?" she asked as she rushed over to inspect him for injuries.

"I'm fine. I just need to change, then I gotta go back" he said, trying to brush her off.

"You're home" came the sweet and excited voice from his son as he too ran in to great him. As much as it hurt him, he bent down and picked up his son and hugged him tight. Kate watched him, concer etched all over her face.

"I just have to get changed then head back into work okay?" he told him. Samuel looked at Gibbs, clearly annoyed as well.

"You said if I helped with the fire, we would make smores" he complained. Gibbs couldn't help but smile.

"I did. I will try and be as quick as I can" he kissed his son's cheek before putting him down and heading upstairs.

"Go finish your homework" Kate instructed before following her husband up to their bedroom. She found him carefully pulling off his jacket. She walked over and helped him.

"Are you going to tell me what is going on?" she asked in a hushed tone.

"I don't have the full story. But it seems like Sahar is still out there" he explained with a grunt as Kate helped him with his shirt. As he stood there she could see the bruising already starting on his back.

"You should really go get checked out" but of course he shook his head.

"I will be fine. Ziva asked me for help, and I said I would. I need you to stay here and look after Sam. I can't have you getting involved in this" he instructed as he grabbed some clean clothes.

As much as she wanted to protest, she knew he was right. The people that they were dealing with would not hesitate to come after Kate or Samuel if they got involved. She nodded her understanding. He walked over to her and hugged her tight.

"I will call you when I can" he promised, pulled back and kissed her deeply, before letting her go and heading for the bathroom for a quick shower.

Kate was sitting on the couch, her legs propped up on the coffee table with a book in her hand. Her other hand was absently stroking her sons hair, as his head was in her lap. She knew she should take him up to bed, but he wanted to stay up until Gibbs had come home.

She was so into her book, she was startled when her phone started to ring. She carefully reached for it without disturbing the sleeping boy.

"Hey" she said softly when she saw it was her husband.

"Kate, have you seen or heard from Sarah or Phineas tonight?" he asked without any greeting.

"Uh, no. Why? What's going on?" she asked a little concerned as she heard tires screeching in the back ground.

"Can you see if any lights are on?" he instructed. Kate turned and could only just see their house.

"The front porch light is on. And it looks like maybe the lounge room light too. Jethro, do you need me to go check on them or something?" she asked.

"No. Stay inside" he practically yelled at her.

"Okay, you need to tell me what is going on" she said sternly. She didn't really think he would, but it was worth a try.

"Stay inside, I will explain soon" and with that he hung up. Kate threw her phone on the cushion and looked out over at the house again. It looked like nothing was wrong, but she still has this feeling that something was very, very wrong.

Now more awake than ever, she decided to finally take Samuel upstairs and tuck him into his bed. She watched him sleep for a moment before kissing his cheek and heading back down stairs. She stood in the lounge room, looking at Sarah and Phineas' house.

When she saw the two cars pull up out the front and the four Agents rush out and head into the house, she knew something was going on. She grabbed her phone and waited for him to call, or to even walk across the street and tell her what was going on.

It wasn't long before she spotted him with Phineas, almost running towards the house. She ran to unlock and open the front door for them.

"Hey Phineas" she said with a soft smile. He returned her smile, but it was clear the boy was tired.

"Go sit down, I will be right there" Gibbs instructed the boy. When he was sure he was out of ear shot, Gibbs looked at Kate.

"We believe Sarah is Sahar. She left him alone to go to work" he told her. Kate didn't say anything. There were no words in her mind, because she could not process what he was telling her.

"I want him to stay here with you, I have Chuck coming over to keep an eye on you. No buts" he knew his wife, and he knew she would protest.

"Lock all the doors and windows. Keep the blinds closed. Do not leave, you understand?" she nodded and he kissed her head before heading into the lounge room to have a talk with Phineas. Kate stood in the hall and took a deep calming breath. 'This cannot be happening' she thought to herself.

"What did my Mom do?" Phineas asked Gibbs, clearly upset. Kate had set down a glass of milk for him on the table, but he hadn't touched it.

"I don't know. Maybe nothing. But I need you to help me find her" Gibbs sat down on the chair next to him. If anyone could get the truth from the boy, it would be Gibbs.

"If something happens to her, I'll be alone" Gibbs reached out and rubbed the boys back. It would have to be the worst night of this kids life, and Gibbs couldn't make it better.

"Phin. Do you know where she is?" he asked after a minute.

"No. I thought she was at work. I swear. Promise me you won't let her get hurt" Gibbs looked at the boy, he wanted to say he promised but he knew better. Then the screen of the laptop caught his eye. Light up like beacon was the microphone symbol. Sarah or Sahar had planted it. He looked at Kate.

"Think it's about time we turned that thing off" he said softly, and without questioning Kate grabbed the laptop and shut it down and for good measure, she went and put it in one of the kitchen draws. Phineas obviously thought this was strange, but didn't ask why she had done it.

"I've got to go find your Mom. If you think of anything, anything at all, tell Kate and she will call me straight away. Okay?" Phineas just nodded. Gibbs gave his shoulder one more squeeze before he got up and left.

Kate woke to a still empty bed. She decided to get up and see where her husband was. As she came down the stairs, she could still see the glow of the fire, but she could also hear voices coming from the lounge room.

"I will never regret taking that shot for you, either" it was Ziva. As she came into the room they both looked up at her and gave her a small smile.

"Hi" Ziva said first, a little nervous as to how Kate would react. It hasn't exactly been the best reunion for them. Kate walked over and sat down next to Ziva and hugged her.

"You have been so missed" she finally said. Ziva finally relaxed and hugged her back.

"I am sorry for putting you both through this" she said finally pulling back. Kate smiled softly, they could both tell she was still tired.

"It's what you do for family" she looked at Gibbs and then back at Ziva.

"Jethro Gibbs? Are you there?" came Phineas' voice. They all turned to where the voice came from, and Gibbs sighed.

"I haven't told him yet" he said softly.

"Do you want me to come with you?" Kate asked, but he shook his head. As he got up, he kissed Ziva's cheek, then Kate's forehead before heading for the stairs.

In the Wind

Kate had fallen asleep when she could no longer hear the sobs of Phineas. It broke her heart hearing it. All she could do was imagine that it was Samuel sitting there while someone told him she had been killed.

She was dreaming back to when Ari was around and how he very much nearly ended her life. So when Gibbs and Jack burst into the bedroom calling her name, she bolted upright, her glock in her hand, trained on the two people that had entered.

"Hey, it's just me, it's okay" Gibbs said as calmly as possible. Kate lowered her weapon and then looked at the two of them.

"What is? What's wrong?" she asked as she threw the covers off and got out of bed.

"Phin's not in his room, the bedroom window was open" Jack answered first. Kate nodded and grabbed a jacket and slipped it on, then grabbed her weapon off the bed.

"You two go over to his house and see if he went home. I will check the back yard" she ordered them. Without thinking they did what they were told.

After checking Phineas' house and finding his clothes and allowance money gone, Gibbs and Jack ran back to Gibbs' house where Kate was frantically pacing.

"Did you find him? He wasn't in the back" she said as soon as they walked in. Gibbs shook his head, Jack was still on the phone.

"He has packed a bag, took what money he had and left a note. Do not look for me" Gibbs told her softly. Kate couldn't hold it anymore. With a gasp she broke down, the tears streaming down her face.

"Hey" Gibbs wrapped his arms around her and kissed her head.

"We will find him. We will have everyone out looking" he told her softly as she clung to him.

"We were supposed to keep him safe Jethro. He is nine years old, he wont survive on his own for long" she cried.

"What's going on?" Samuel said as he rubbed his face, standing on the stairs looking at the three adults in his house.

"Oh honey" Kate pulled away from Gibbs and went over to him and picked him up.

"Did we wake you? I'm sorry" she kissed his cheek. He pulled back and looked at her, seeing her tears. He then looked to Gibbs and Jack, who was now off the phone.

"What did you do to Mom? You made her cry" he said, getting protective. And for a seven year old, when it came to Kate he acted like he was seventeen. It had just been them two for months and he wanted to protect her.

"Bud, Phineas is missing. Do you know where he might have run off too?" Gibbs explained walking over to them. Samuel thought for a moment then shook his head.

"He didn't tell me about things like that. He liked video games, and science" Samuel said. Gibbs reached out and rubbed his back.

"We have the team coming here and we are going to start searching the neighbourhood" he explained.

"Local PD are heading their way too" Jack added.

"Can I help? I want to look for Phin" the little boy said, looking from one adult to the other. Kate was ready for Gibbs to say no.

"Get dressed. You can go with Mom and check the parks and playground at the school when everyone gets here, okay?" he asked his son who nodded. Kate let him go and watched him run up the stairs. She turned to look at him.

"He wants to help. Who better then to think like a kid, then a kid. Just keep an eye on him" Kate sighed and nodded, then made her way upstairs to get changed too.

Kate got back to the house with a very tired Samuel. She grabbed her phone and called Gibbs.

"Anything?" she asked as he picked up.

"He's on a bike. Brought it from his friend Hurley" he told her. Kate sighed and ran a hand through her hair.

"He could be anywhere on a bike. Should we be checking bus stations?" she suggested trying to think of where Phineas would be trying to go.

"Kate he has no money. We are working on it" he snapped, but Kate let it go.

"Do you want me to come in? I can help you guys to-" but Gibbs cut her off.

"No, stay there just in case he comes back. And if you remember what he was wearing tell McGee so he can get the BOLO updated" with that he hung up.

Kate sighed as she looked at her phone.

"Mom, is it our fault he is missing?" Sam asked. Kate's heart broke as she looked at her son.

"No honey, it's no one's fault. Phin just got some really bad news and it looks like he wants to be alone. We are trying to get him home safe" Kate tried to explain. Samuel nodded, but didn't look at her.

"Is he sad because his Mom died?" he asked in a small voice, this catching Kate off guard.

"How do you know that?" she asked. The boy just shrugged.

"I was awake when I heard Dad tell him. I wanted to get up and help, but Phin said he wanted to be alone" Kate stared at her son. She hadn't known he had heard all of this. He finally looked up at Kate.

"Mom, did Dad kill Phin's Mom?" he asked. Kate just stared at him. Not knowing what to say, which of course was an answer in itself.

"Why do you ask that?" she finally said.

"Because Dad seems really angry. He couldn't tell Phin how she died either" Kate was in awe of her son.

"You know you are too smart for your own good. Come one, let's sit down and wait for more news" she told him and lead him over to the couch. Samuel cuddled up into her side.

"If you died, I would probably run away too" he said softly. Kate wrapped her arms around him and kissed his head.

"I am not going anywhere" she told him and gave him another squeeze.

"Kate" McGee said as soon as she answered.

"Hey, have you got news?" she asked, sounding like she had just been asleep, which had been curled up with Samuel on the couch waiting to hear something.

"We believe he is at the airport. We are heading there now. Gibbs is driving so wanted me to let you know" he explained. Kate was now suddenly more awake.

"I can meet you there" she said starting to get up.

"No, we will handle the airport. We will bring him back to NCIS so meet us there okay?" McGee instructed, which of course sounded like a much better idea.

"Okay. And McGee?" she said as she gently woke up her son.

"Yeah?"

"Be careful" she couldn't help the small smile.

"Always" with that they hung up and she got Samuel up and ready to head to the car and wait for the team, with Phineas hopefully, at NCIS

Kate was pacing again, this time in the squad room waiting for everyone to come back. When she heard the ding of the elevator she stopped and turned to see who came out. It was Gibbs and Phineas first, followed by Bishop, Torres and McGee.

She couldn't contain her relief anymore. She rushed over to them and enveloped Phineas in a big hug.

"Oh my god you're okay" she said hugging him tighter. Phineas hugged her back with a smile.

"You're crushing my ribs" he laughed and Kate let him go and cupped his face.

"I am so glad you are back. We all are" she smiled. Behind her Sam stood waiting to greet his friend. They bumped fists and did their secret handshake with a laugh. Kate walked over and hugged Gibbs.

"Are you okay?" she asked him softly and he just nodded.

"I think Phineas needs to eat" he held up the bag of fast food they had stopped off to get on their way back in.

"Of course. Conference room awaits" she let the boys go up and get settled, when her phone started to ring. She went to Gibbs' desk and sat down, pulling Sam onto her lap while she took the call.

A little while later, Kate entered the conference room to hear Phineas talking about his Mom, Aunt and Uncle and she couldn't help but smile.

"Hey Phin, maybe she only told you that so you wouldn't miss them so much" Kate suggested.

"It didn't work. I think about them every time Mom got mad or had to go away. I was hoping once they heard what happened and if I promised to be good they might take me back" he said, the disappointment written all over his face. Kate couldn't help the smile that spread across her face.

"Oh I have a feeling they would" Phineas looked at her, a little confused. Kate gestured someone to enter the room, and an older lady with short blond hair appeared in the door way. She was followed by a taller man with dark hair.

"Aunt Micki?" Phineas got up from his chair, not believing what he was seeing.

"Phineas, honey" Aunt Micki exclaimed as she walked towards him. Gibbs stood as he watched the reunion. He looked at Kate who looked at him, still the smile never leaving her face. He walked over to her and whispered in her ear.

"How did you find them?" he asked, and she couldn't control her grin now.

"Miracles happen" she whispered back. He grinned and leaned in and kissed her softly. He would never stop being surprised by this woman.

Ephemera

Jimmy stepped off the elevator and smiled as he walked into Kate's teams squad room.

"Good Morning Team" he said cheerily. Kate looked up and gave him a soft smile.

"Good Morning Jimmy. What brings you up here?" she asked standing up from behind her desk.

"Well, I am delivering some thank you note from Anthony DiNozzo Snr. I already gave Gibbs and the team theirs, so there is just one more which is yours" he smiled as he pulled the last letter from his jacket. Kate took it, opened it and started to read it. She smiled and looked at Jimmy.

"He is thanking us for helping get Ziva back? That is very sweet. I will be sure to call him sometime" Kate said with another smile.

"And well, there is one more thing. He told me I had to give you all a hug. But it's okay, if you don't want to then-" Jimmy started but stopped when Kate came around and hugged him. He smiled and hugged her back.

"Let me guess, the team didn't want to give you a hug?" she said with a laugh as she pulled back to look at the doctor. Jimmy nodded with a laugh.

"They seem to be having a bad day. Though Gibbs did give me a hug. He is kind of like a big teddy bear isn't he?" Kate couldn't help but laugh.

"Don't let him hear you say that, but yes. He is my very own teddy bear" she smiled, which made him blush a little.

"Well I better get back. I'm sure DiNozzo Snr would love to hear from you" Jimmy said. Kate nodded and watched the ME disappear. She turned back to her desk, feeling Chuck's eyes on her.

"So, Gibbs is your very own Teddy Bear huh?" he said with a grin. Now it was Kate's turn to blush.

"I swear if you repeat that to anyone else in this building, I will shoot you" she said as seriously as she could.

"Care to join us Agent Gibbs?" Marie asked after inviting Ducky on a private tour of the Museum's archives. Gibbs smiled and shook his head.

"No thanks. Waiting on my wife and son, actually" he told her with a proud smile. They had both been meaning to bring Samuel to the museum, but they were always busy, or they decided to do something else with their time. But now that Gibbs and the team had basically helped save the Vietnam exhibit, he thought it was time they brought him here.

"Stay as long as you like" she smiled and escorted Ducky off toward the archives. Gibbs started to walk towards the entrance, quickly glancing at the photos that were hung on the wall.

"Dad" came a familiar voice, and soon enough his son crashed into him. Gibbs smiled and patted his back.

"Good to see you too" he greeted his son. Kate then walked up to him and kissed him softly.

"He just couldn't wait to see the museum" she told him. Samuel looked up at them with a big grin.

"Can we start now? Are you in any of the exhibits Dad? You went to war, right?" they both laughed at the boy.

"I'm old, but I'm not that old" Gibbs laughed and the boy shrugged, which made Kate laugh even harder.

"Come on" she said as she took her husband's hand, their son running just in front of them, his excitement too hard to contain.

As they walked, she watched Gibbs closely. He seemed glad to have their son learning more about the Navy's history, but he was also quiet. She squeezed his hand, getting his attention.

"You okay?" she asked him softly. He gave her a small smile and a nod.

"You seem to be a little distant" she pushed a little. He sighed, let go of her hand and wrapped his arm around her, pull her closer.

"I'm okay. Glad we are doing this. Glad to be doing this with you. Both of you" he said and kissed her head. She wrapped both her arms around his middle and rested her head on his shoulder.

"We should really do this more often. It's clear he loves it, and I'm pretty sure you do too" she felt him chuckle and kiss her head again.

"I do" he finally admitted. They spent the rest of the afternoon following Samuel around the museum. He hadn't been this happy since Phineas had moved away.

Schooled

Kate was just walking back to the NCIS HQ building when she spotted her husband barrelling out of it.

"Hey" she called as he got closer. He looked up and what she saw in his eyes, was not nice. She almost let him go off and do what he needed to do to calm down, but she could. She caught up to him and took him by the arm to stop him.

"Hey, what's happened?" she asked, concern written all over her face.

"Got a case" was all he said, not looking at her. He tried to leave to head for the coffee cart himself, but her hand on his arm stopped him.

"You don't act like this over a case. What happened?" she asked again, more forceful. He finally gave in and looked at her. She could see he was trying to find the right words. He noticed people walking around them and moved her over to an empty bench. They sat down and she waited for him to continue.

"Jack, she told me something" he felt Kate shift and looked at her.

"You knew?" he asked turning to fully look at her. Kate thought about lying, but then thought it was her husband and he would know.

"Yes, she told me a few weeks ago" she admitted.

"And why didn't you tell me?" he asked, his anger growing.

"Because it was not my story to tell. I told her to talk to you. But she also made a very good point" she took a sip of her coffee, his blue eyes boring into hers and she sighed.

"Jethro, do you not have the urge to find this guy and teach him a lesson?" he looked away, knowing that she was right. She moved closer to him and rubbed his back.

"If it had been me, you would have not stopped until you found the guy and probably put him in the ER" she told him softly. Gibbs looked at her.

"Kate?" he couldn't even bare to finish the question. Kate shook her head.

"No, no not me. I mean, sure it got close once or twice but it never got that far" she sighed before continuing "Jack wanted to tell you. But like the caring and amazing man you are, you would want to take matters into your own hands. And for a while, every time you look at her you would think, how can any man do that to a woman like Jack. Am I wrong?" she asked with a raised eyebrow. He thought about it and sighed and shook his head.

"You know now. She told you for a reason, but that reason is not to get revenge on the guy" they sat in silence for a moment, before he finally reached out and took her hand and held it tight.

"If anything like that happened to you, I would kill the guy" he admitted, Kate couldn't help it but she smiled and leaned into him.

"I know. That's the type of guy you are. You protect the people you love" she said "And truth be told, I wanted to find the guy and teach him a lesson too when she told me. But she didn't tell us for that reason. We just need to be there for her" he sighed again, knowing she was right. He turned and kissed her head.

"I know" he finally said. They sat like that for a few more minutes, it helping to calm Gibbs down. She finally reached out and ran her hand up and down his leg.

"I have to head back up before they send a search party. Are you going to be okay?" she asked softly. He nodded and kissed her head again.

"Yeah. Just going to stay out here for a bit" he admitted and it was her turn to nod. She pulled back and looked at him. She looked into his eyes and could see that he was much more relaxed now. She leaned in and kissed him softly.

"I will see you at home" she said before kissing him once more before getting up and heading into the building.

Arizona

Kate was heading up the stairs to the Director's office, files in her hands with her mind on the evaluation on her newbie she was about to give Director Vance. Once she reached the landing, she was a little surprised to see Gibbs coming out, not looking happy at all.

"Hey, everything okay?" she asked softly.

"Fine" he said gruffly and kept walking. She stopped to watch him fun down the stairs. She sighed and continued on towards the Director's office. As she approached she saw Jack come out of the office and give her a small smile.

"Let me guess, tough case?" Kate asked the blonde, to which she nodded with a sigh.

"You can say that. Gibbs is really taking this one to heart. Have to figure out if this man was really on the USS Arizona" Jack said sadly. Kate looked at her a little shocked.

"As in The USS Arizona that sank in 1941?" she asked, still not believing it. Jack nodded again, knowing Kate would put it together.

"Gibbs is thinking about his father" Kate said softly and Jack nodded again.

"I believe so" the women were interrupted by the Director.

"I'm sorry Kate, our evaluation will have to wait. We have an interview to observe" Vance said nodding to Jack. They said a quick good bye before finally heading down to interrogation.

Kate sighed and looked at her files, knowing another day would not make a difference. She was now more worried about the state of mind of her husband.

Kate was just finishing upstairs, when she heard the front door open and close and the muffle of voices. Gibbs had told her about McGee's day and that he would be coming over to pick up their grill. He also said he would be taking Joe's ashes to be placed on The Arizona. Of course she thought he was the best person to do the honours.

She checked in on Samuel who was tidying his room, well was supposed to be but it seemed like he was making more of a mess. She sighed and left him to it anyway.

As she made her way downstairs couldn't help but hear the conversation Gibbs and McGee were having. She came to a stop on the stairs. She knew it was impolite to listen in on them, but she couldn't help it.

"What I saw in Kuwait. Before that, I was different. It took something from me. That's what war does. Sometimes I think if my girls had been there when I got home, maybe they wouldn't have recognised me. Maybe there wouldn't have been enough of me left for them to hang on to. Maybe the best of me was gone. You come home and you're like half a person. The other half of you, is still back there, where at least it made sense. Where, even with the bullets and the blood and the chaos, you knew what mattered. You knew that the guy next to you was willing to die for you and you for him. And you look around and think, it shouldn't take a war to make the world that simple" Gibbs finished looking at his hands. McGee was silent for a few moments, fully taking in what his boss had just said and the fact that he had opened up to him.

"I couldn't imagine what you or anyone else has encountered over there. But to me, the best of you isn't gone boss. It's still right here" Kate had to calm her breathing as she listened to their words. Her heart was pounding in her chest and she didn't know what she should do. It wasn't until she heard the front door open and close again that she took a calming breath and continued down the stairs and into the lounge room where Gibbs still sat. He looked up at her when he heard her approach.

"McGee just picked up the grill" he informed her as he stood up "and I'm almost all set here" he said picking up his suit bag again.

"I heard what you said to McGee. I didn't mean to, it was just…" she paused as she looked at him, her eyes filled with unshed tears. She felt so silly, she had no right to be crying. She wasn't the one who went over there and came back feeling like half a person.

"But he is right. The best of you isn't gone. You may not be the same person you were when you left, but it does not mean that you are not better. You may be tough, and an ass sometimes" they both chuckled at this, it was their running joke "But you are also loving, caring and generous. And although we may not be at war" she said, now walking over to him, she took the bag from him hand and laid it carefully back down on the table.

"You still have a person next to you who would die for you" she grabbed his hand and put it on her side, where many years ago she had jumped in front of a shooter and taken a bullet for him "and you for me" she said and reached out to touch his shoulder, where he had taken a bullet, freeing herself, Ducky and Gerald from a mad terrorist who had taken them hostage.

Gibbs looked at her, his eyes never leaving hers. He had to swallow the lump in his throat. He had finally opened up and Joe had been right. He felt lighter and he felt heard and understood all at the same time. He pulled her closer to him and wrapped his arms around her, kissing her head.

"And if your girls had still been here, they would have learned to love this you too" she finally got out before her voice failed her. Gibbs nodded, not sure what he could say. He hugged her tighter, resting his head against hers.

He had been so very angry at the world for a very long time for taking Shannon and Kelly away from him. But now he was happy that the world had also given him Kate and Samuel. They were his saving grace.

"I love you" he finally said in a whisper, making her smile.

"I love you too".