I do not own Harry Potter, NCIS, or Criminal Minds!

WARNING: Angst. Jethro is an idiot. (A sexy idiot, but an idiot nonetheless.) Ianthe channels her inner bitch. (Everybody has one.) Bad language.

Chapter 12

The next morning, Ianthe stopped by her office on the way to court. Picking up her files, she headed out to the parking garage.

"Ianthe!" Hotch yelled, trying to get her attention.

Ianthe turned towards the sound, and saw Hotch and Garcia headed towards her. "Hello. How are you?" She said, stopping beside her Jeep.

"Hey. Where are you headed?" Hotch asked. He gave Ianthe a discrete once- over. She looked beautiful as usual. She was wearing a black pencil skirt, and a plum -colored, silk shirt. Her black, three inch heels made her legs look a mile long. Hotch swallowed, willing himself into control.

"I have to testify for a Grand Jury. Where are you going?" Ianthe asked.

"We are going to the courthouse too. I have to testify on a case as well. Would you like to ride together?" Garcia said, excitedly. She knew Hotch had a thing for Doctor Potter, and she wanted to create situations where they would spend time together.

"Oh! Sure. My car is right here, unless you want to take one of your cars?" She said, pointing to her green Jeep.

"No! That sounds good. Right Hotch?" Garcia answered, before Hotch could say anything. He looked at her askance. What was she up too?

"That sounds fine." Hotch said.

They piled in the car, evidence of the dog very present.

"I vacuumed the car since Cloony was in it, so there shouldn't be hair. Just push any toys aside. I'm afraid he is a bit spoiled." Ianthe said, starting the car.

I am done with my graceless heart

tonight I'm gonna tear it out, and then restart

'Cause I like to keep my issues strong

It's always darkest before the dawn

"Sorry about that. I always have music going." She said, turning off her radio.

"Why has Derek's dog been in your car?" Garcia asked, confused.

"Her dog is named Cloony too. Huge, beast of a dog." Hotch said, putting his seatbelt on.

"He is big, but he's a huge teddy bear, really. Takes up 80% of my king sized bed, and snores like a Lord, but I love him to pieces." Ianthe said, causing Garcia to chuckle.

"Sounds like my last boyfriend! I hope Cloony is more loyal, though." Penelope joked.

They continued to chat, Ianthe trying to ignore how good Hotch smelled. What was that cologne? They finally found a parking space, and started into the Courthouse.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Meanwhile, Gibbs and Diane were standing just past the metal detectors, hidden by a pillar.

"I still think this is not a good idea, Jethro. Why can't you just tell her what is going on? She is smart enough to understand you need to stop seeing each other until it is safe." Diane said.

Gibbs grimaced. He hated hurting Ianthe, but was convinced she would forgive him when it was over.

"It has to be believable, Diane. Oh, here she comes." Gibbs said, moving closer to his ex-wife. They moved so they were more visable, and then he captured her lips in a searing kiss. They fell back on their previous experience with each other, and the kiss was mildly pleasurable to them both. Except for the guilty twinge in Gibbs' heart.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Hotch gasped, loudly. What the fuck? Ianthe had told him over lunch a few days ago, that she had been mistaken about her boyfriend being on a date with someone else. Obviously, he had lied to her- the bastard!

Ianthe looked up from retrieving her bag from security at Hotch's gasp. She turned around, and her stomach dropped to her shoes. There was Jethro, passionately kissing some other redhead, while pushing her up against one of the decorative pillars. If she had been thinking clearly, she would have noticed that it was wildly inappropriate, and something he would never do in public, much less the Courthouse. Unfortunately, she was devastated. Thinking clearly was not possible.

Hotch and Garcia saw her face fall, and a look of pure heartbreak passing over her features. Hotch put his hand on her shoulder, trying to guide her away. Ianthe shrugged his hand off, and headed towards the two.

"I am so sorry to interrupt your disgusting display, but I think I deserve an explanation." Ianthe hissed, her voice icy. She crossed her arms, and cocked her hip, and set her jaw. She waited to hear his excuses.

Gibbs jerked back from Diane, and turned to face Ianthe. She looked livid, and unfortunately, that Agent and another woman were with her. He could see the hurt in her face, and he felt two inches tall. Maybe this was a bad idea? It was too late now, however.

"Ianthe! I... it's not what it looks like!" Came out of his mouth, causing her eyes to narrow dangerously.

"You must think I am an idiot, Jethro. I was a fool to believe you when you told me I didn't interrupt your date, before. Now, I find you mauling some whore, and you are still going to lie to me? How disappointing." She said, her eyes shiny with unshed tears. She refused to let them fall. "I thought you were a good man, but you are nothing but a sleazy liar."

Gibbs flinched at her words. He understood why she said it, but it still hurt.

Ianthe looked over the woman who was chosen over her. She was an older, redhead. Still pretty, and she looked slightly familiar.

"Ianthe, please. This is my ex-wife, and we had some unfinished business. It won't happen again." Gibbs said. Except for the kiss, and the setup, he was not going to lie to her. Everything he was saying was technically true. It wasn't what it looked like. He and Diane had had unfinished business - just not lately. And it would not happen again.

Ianthe recognised her now. Diane, the ex of both Gibbs, and Fornell. "Well. Don't worry. Our business is finished. There will be no reason to talk to me again." She said, willing the tears not to fall. She looked over at Diane, a disgusted look on her face. "What's the matter? Did you run out of willing FBI Agents? Who's next? Ducky? You both make me sick." She said, venomously.

Hotch and Garcia were frozen in place, uncomfortable witnessing the scene, but wanting to support Ianthe.

Gibbs and Diane were shocked at Ianthe's words, and Gibbs was mortified. They had gathered an audience. One that included several NCIS, and FBI officers.

"Hey!" Diane exclaimed, upset at being called a whore.

"I hope it was worth it, Jethro." She said, voice draining of anger, now sounding heartbroken. Ianthe turned, and starting walking quickly towards the ladies room, Garcia hastily following.

"Ianthe, wait!" Gibbs said, starting to follow her.

He was stopped by Hotch gripping his shoulder, roughly.

"I don't think so." He said, stepping in front of Gibbs to block him. He stared at Gibbs' face, surprised that he actually looked contrite, and upset. "You must be the dumbest son of a bitch on the planet! Ianthe is a beautiful, sweet, caring, brilliant woman. You just threw all of that away, for what?" He said, looking at Gibbs in disbelief. He leaned closer, and whispered where only Gibbs could hear. "If she ever gives me a chance, I won't make the same mistake. Leave her alone, from now on." Hotch said, meaning every word. He pushed Gibbs' shoulder, hard.

Gibbs reared back. He wanted to punch the arrogant shit, but they were in the Courthouse, so he refrained. He watched the younger Agent walk away, and wondered. What if it took a long time to catch this terrorist? What if by the time they did, Ianthe was dating someone else?

Had he just made one of the greatest mistakes of his life?