9 Months Later

Kate sat on her bed with a smile as she watched her sister read the last letter from Gibbs.

"Oh baby sister he really is a sweetheart isn't he? I mean he doesn't say much, but what he does say is the sweetest" Rachel said as she folded the letter back up and handed it back to Kate.

"I know right. As much as I miss having here, I am really loving the letters" her smile faded somewhat "I just wish he wasn't away for our first Christmas" Rachel reached over and took her younger sisters hand and gave it a squeeze.

"I know honey. He will be home soon. Come on, let's go down and help mum get the food ready for tomorrow" she pulled Kate up with her and pulled her down stairs to the kitchen where their mum was getting the food ready for Christmas dinner the next day.

"So when is Jeff coming?" Pamela asked Rachel as the three of them moved around the kitchen like they used to years ago.

"Tomorrow morning. He had a surgery he couldn't postpone" Kate was cutting the potatoes and wasn't really paying much attention, as her mind was on Gibbs. He was already supposed to be home, but something happened and they had to stay a month extra.

Kate stopped cutting and tried to focus back on the conversation, the more she thought about Gibbs and him not being here, the more she wanted to go back up to her room and cry.

"Mum, are you expecting anyone?" Rachel said as she turned off the tap, looking out the window facing the street.

"No honey, everyone is coming tomorrow. Why?" Pam asked as she came to stand next to her oldest child to see what was going on. It was when the man grabbed his bag from the cab and headed towards the house that Rachel realised who it might be.

"Kate, sweetie I think you need to come see this" Kate put down the potato and knife and went to join her mother and sister. As she as she saw him she screamed and ran for the front door. Pulling it open and not bothering with a jacket, she ran down the steps, down the snow covered path and straight into his arms. He dropped his bag and wrapped his arms around her, lifting her off the frozen ground so her bare feet didn't freeze.

"I can't believe you're here" she buried her head in his neck. He held her tighter, burying his head in her hair and taking in a deep breath. He kissed her cheek and looked towards the house where he saw two women standing in the doorway.

"We should head inside. It's cold out here" he murmured into her ear. She pulled back to look at him, an embarrassed smile on her face, accompanied by tears that still rolled down her face.

"Yes, of course" he let her go, grabbed his bag and followed her up the path to where the waiting women where still standing.

Gibbs came to stand next to Kate, who took his hand.

"Jethro, would like you to meet my mother Pamela and my sister Rachel" Kate made quick introductions. As much as she was so glad to have him back with her, and especially for Christmas, she wished she had more time to prepare for him to meet her family.

Rachel grinned and stepped forward and hugged Gibbs straight away.

"It's so good to finally meet you" she pulled back and smiled at her sister, then went back inside.

"Nice to meet you" Pamela finally said, holding out her hand to the Marine. Gibbs gave her a charming smile and took her hand.

"Very nice to meet you Ma'am. Kate talks about your family all the time" Pamela gave him a polite smile and stepped aside to let them in.

"Who's this?" a tall man with short grey hair and a stare that most certainly replicated Gibbs' own, came out of the lounge room.

"Daddy, this is Jethro Gibbs" Kate quickly introduced as she clung to Gibbs' arm. Gibbs couldn't remember the last time anyone made him feel nervous, until now.

"Sir" he didn't have a chance to finish his sentence.

"The Marine?" Kate sighed and nodded.

"Yes. Jet, this is my father Joe" Kate continued with the introductions. Joe just stared at Gibbs.

"So where are you staying?" Pam asked, coming to stand next to her husband. Kate looked up at him and smiled.

"You can stay here" she said, not able to hide her excitement. Gibbs smiled and then looked at her parents.

"No, it's okay. I'm sure I can find a hotel or something" he replied with a shrug.

"No, mum come on. He just flew all the way here from" she paused and looked at him "From wherever he was. The least we can do is let him stay with us. It's Christmas Eve" Kate pleaded. Pam sighed and looked up at her husband.

"Fine, but set up the futon in the basement" Pamela said, before heading back to the kitchen to continue what she was doing before the interruption. Kate grinned and lead Gibbs down to the basement.

Gibbs dropped his bag down near the futon and watched Kate get the sheets and pillows ready. When she was done he came up behind her, wrapped his arms around and started kissing her neck. Kate smiled as she leaned back into him, her hands resting on his strong arms that are around her.

"I have missed you so much" she told him softly. She turned around in his arms, her own snaking around his neck, her hands running through his short silvering hair.

"You look the same, yet so different" she stated as she finally took in his appearance. He looked thinner, with more lines around his eyes.

"And you look simply gorgeous" he said with a smile, leaning down and kissing her softly. He pulled her closer to him. He couldn't help himself, he lifted her up and laid her down on the freshly made futon. Kate grinned as she pressed her hips into his as she slipped her tongue into his mouth.

"Caitlin, come help finish these deserts. And bring your friend, he can help your father with the fire wood" Pamela called down the stairs, making Kate and Gibbs stop what they were doing immediately. Gibbs sighed and rested his head on Kate's chest, while she couldn't help but laugh.

"I have a feeling we will have limited privacy while we are here" Gibbs nodded and finally pulled back to look at her.

"At least I'm here with you" he stated, kissed her and reluctantly got off her. Kate leaned up on her elbows and grinned.

"You might want to take care of that before you head up there" she indicated the bulge in his pants that would be hard to hide. Gibbs tried to readjust his pants but it didn't seem to help.

"Well stop laying there like that and maybe I could" Kate couldn't help but laugh as she got off the futon, kissed his cheek and headed up the stairs.

"When you're ready sailor" she teased, giggling the whole way up the stairs.

Gibbs sighed and shook his head as he willed his member to cooperate.

"What's a few more days" he said to himself as he readjusted himself and finally headed up the stairs.

"Three….Two….One….Happy New Year!" everyone cheered as they watched the ball drop on the TV. They blew their horns and popped their poppers. Kate tried to be happy, but the one person she wanted to celebrate wasn't here. So instead she watched her friends celebrate with their partners, until she heard the front door open and close. She ran over hoping it was him, and was so happy to see that it was.

"I'm so sorry I'm late" he said pulling off his jacket. Kate didn't really care that he was three minutes late, she was just happy that he was finally here. She dropped her popper and horn and wrapped her arms around his neck.

"Happy New Year Marine" she said with a grin as he wrapped his strong arms around her.

"Happy New Year beautiful" was all he got out before her lips descended on his. They were soon interrupted by the group when they realised Gibbs was in fact here.

"Gibbs! Happy New Year" cheered Abby loudly, causing everyone to laugh.

"Hey guys, why don't we pack and head to bed. Let the two love birds enjoy their night" Ashleigh said wagging her eyebrows suggestively, making them all laugh.

"I've got the couch" Abby yelled as she ran back into the lounge room. Kate grinned and turned back to Gibbs.

"You heard the girl, we need to enjoy our night together" she pressed her hips into his suggestively. He didn't need any more encouragement before he lifted her up, her legs wrapping instinctively around him and he headed up the stairs to her bedroom.

He kicked the door open, while Kate's mouth worked its magic on his neck. Once inside, he kicked it closed again and walked over to her bed. He laid her down, her legs finally letting him go.

"Jet, make sure you lock the door" She instructed. He nodded and went back over to lock the door. It was clear Kate didn't want to be interrupted. As he turned to make his way back to her, he stopped in his tracks. She had pulled of her shirt, bra and jeans and was on the edge of the bed in only a red thong he had never seen before.

"Katie" he said as he walked over to her, his pants now extremely tight. She bit her like seductively as she eyed him up and down.

"I've been waiting for you all night" she told him. He came to stand in front of her and she tugged at his shirt. He got the hint and pulled it off over his head.

"And those pants can go to" she demanded. He stood there in his boxers and she had never been so turned on. He was older than any man she had ever had in her life, but he was certainly the sexiest.

Gibbs made his way over and leaned down to kiss her deeply.

"Jethro, I want you" she started, but when his lips descended on her neck she lost her train of thought. His rough hands running up and down her bare thighs got her back on track.

"I want your mouth, down here" she demanded, guiding his head away from her neck and down her body. He eventually got the idea and grinned looking up at her. It was clear that her and her friends had quiet a few drinks to celebrate the new year, but this proved Kate had more than normal. She was never normally this dominant in the bedroom.

Gibbs being the gentleman he was, he could not deny Kate her wish. He trailed his tongue down her stomach, his hands pulled down the flimsy material of the thong and threw it on the floor and settled between her legs. Kate couldn't tear her eyes away from him. She watched him and waited for the sensations to take over her body.

The feel of his tongue on her clit made her moan, and her lips pushed into his mouth wanting more already. He ran his tongue down through her folds, moaning himself at the taste of her.

"Oh Jethro" she moaned her hand going down to tangle in his short her. He teased her entrance with his tongue, before running it back up to her clit. He rolled it around before sucking on it softly. Kate's hips pushed into him wanting even more. The more he licked and sucked, the louder her moans got. Her hands holding his head in place as her body started to tighten, being careful not to cut off his air supply with her legs.

"Oh god, don't stop" she moan loudly, as she held him in place. He grabbed her ass as he kept sucking and licking until she finally come undone, holding him in place.

"Yes Jethro" she finally breathed when she came down from her high. He let her clit go with a pop and kissed his way back up to her lips. She wrapped her arms around her neck as she kissed him back, still tasting herself on him. She could also feel his rock solid dick pressing into her thigh and she couldn't help but grin.

"You know what else I want?" she asked with a mischievous grin. He shook his head as he looked at her. She bit her lip and rolled over underneath him, getting up on her hands and knees. She looked back at him over her shoulder, her eyes darker than normal.

If this was how Kate was after drinking, he could certainly get used to it, Gibbs thought as he ran his hands over her ass. He made quick work of removing his boxers, his hardened dick popping free. Kate spread her legs a little wider, getting ready for him.

Gibbs got behind her, his hands running up and down her thighs before teasing her entrance with his tip. Kate moaned and instinctively pushed back, wanting him. Gibbs gave her what she wanted, entering her slowly and letting her adjust. She felt so warm and tight he had to control himself or it would all end too soon.

Kate had other ideas of course. She wanted him now and started to move, but Gibbs' hands stopped her.

"Katie, you need to give me a minute or it will be all over in seconds" he said in strained voice. She looked at him over her shoulder.

"I guess 9 months without sex does that too you" she couldn't help it. Gibbs slapped her ass playfully making her moan. He held her hips as he finally started to move in and out of her slowly. Kate gripped her sheets as she started to move with him. She threw her head back and moaned as each thrust filled.

"Oh god Jethro" she moaned loudly, not caring if her roommates down stairs heard them or not. Gibbs leaned down and kissed her shoulder, one arm reaching around to play with her breast, rolling her nipple between his fingers.

Kate moaned louder, her hips moving faster wanting more and more.

"Katie, I can't" he started.

"Fuck me Jethro" she moaned loudly. He kissed her shoulder and her neck, grabbed her hips to still her movements and started to pound her. Each thrust earned him a moan from her mouth. He felt her tighten against him and he couldn't hold back anymore.

"Fuck Katie" he grunted, his hand wrapping around her hips and his fingers finding her clit. He needed her to come and he needed her to come now.

"Oh fuck" she cried out as she came apart. He kept thrusting, spilling himself inside of her.

Gibbs stopped his movements, slowly pulled out of her and collapsed next to her on the bed, chest rising and falling with every breath he took. Kate grinned as she too collapsed on the bed next to him. She reached out and ran her hand up and down his chest, until he grabbed her hand and brought it to his mouth and placed kisses on the inside of her wrist. He turned his head to look at her sweet face.

"You know, there is a belief that whatever you do on the first day of the year, ends up being what you do for the rest of the year" she told him with a grin. He rolled onto his side so he could look at her properly.

"Oh yeah?" he grinned. Kate nodded, her exhaustion now evident on her face.

"So, if that is true. We have a year full of amazing sex to look forward to" Gibbs couldn't help but chuckle as he reached out and ran a hand up and down her naked back.

"I'm totally okay with that" he replied softly. Kate nodded and moved closer to him, tucking her head under his.

"Me too" she said then yawned. Gibbs kissed her head and wrapped his arms around her. As long as he still had her in his life, he didn't really care what the year had in store for them.

Kate hadn't been sleeping. Gibbs had been gone for the past four months and every time she closed her eyes she would see the MP's at her door telling her the love of her life was not coming back. She rolled over and looked at the empty space next to her. He had insisted that she move in before he left, and she had been more than happy to. But now, she was all alone in this big house.

She rolled back onto her back and sighed. She thought about calling her sister, one of the only people in her life that would constantly tell her everything would be okay and he would be home soon. Instead, she pulled herself up out of bed and went over to the closest. She opened the doors and looked at his clothes hanging up. She reached out and touched one of his flannel shirts and smiled as she felt the soft fabric.

A pounding on the front door pulled her from her thoughts, sighing she closed the closet door and headed down the stairs. When she pulled open the door there stood Abby with a bottle of wine in her hand.

"I haven't heard from you all day, so I thought I would come cheer you up" she said with a smile as she pushed her way inside, not waiting for an invitation. Kate shook her head and closed the door, making sure to lock it as well. She headed straight to the kitchen to grab two glasses before heading into the lounge room where Abby was getting set up.

"Okay, talk to me. What's been going on?" her friend started. Kate sat down next to her with a sigh.

"I just haven't been sleeping. I don't know what it is, this time is just so much harder" she watched her friend pour two glasses of wine and then took the offered glass.

"That's because you're now in this big house by yourself. Every other time you had us to keep you occupied. Have you even been to class?" Abby asked as she watched Kate take a big sip.

"No. Honestly, I don't want to. I'm bored and I want to do more with my life then being in a court room all day. I want excitement, I want meaning" she sounded deflated. Abby couldn't help put reach over and take her hand.

"Well we can brain storm some other options. But that can be for tomorrow. Tonight, you are give me all the details" Kate arched a brow.

"Details about what?" she asked a little confused.

"About you and Gibbs. Come on, you two have now moved in. Have you two talk about marriage or kids? I want to know everything" at her excitement Kate couldn't help but laugh.

"Abby, we haven't even discussed any of that. I mean yes of course if he was to ask, I would say yes. Kids, I would love to have kids with him. He is everything I have ever wanted in a man. I mean excluding all the romance, but he treats me better than anyone has in my whole life" just talking about him was making her choke up and she had to turn away to stop the tears that wanted to fall.

Abby squeezed her hand tight as she watched her.

"I can tell you both love each other ve-" before Abby could finish, she was interrupted by the phone ringing. Kate quickly put her wine down and went over to answer it.

"Hello? Yes, speaking" as she waited she turned to look at Abby "Yes, yes I will be right there" she hung up and looked at Abby.

"I have to go" she said quickly looking around.

"Why? What's happened?" when Kate didn't reply, as she was too busy running around to collect her things, Abby got up and grabbed her by the arms to stop her.

"Kate, tell me what's going on" she demanded.

"That was Jethro's CO. I need to get to Bethesda Naval Hospital" she said softly. Abby nodded and grabbed her bag and keys.

"Let's go" and without another word, the two women left.

Kate rushed into the hospital and saw multiple Army personnel. She pushed past them to find a nurse.

"I'm looking for Jethro Gibbs?" she asked out of breath, Abby right behind her not wanting to leave her alone.

"Are you family?" the nurse asked, not even really looking at her.

"I'm his girlfriend. I had a call from his CO that he was on his way here" she explained, not in the mood for hospital rules right now. The nurse nodded, made a call then looked back at Kate.

"They are expecting you. Take the elevator to Level 4 and head to your left. They will meet you up there" with a nod and quick thank you Kate and Abby made their way to the elevator.

For both the women, it seemed to be the longest elevator ride either of them had experienced. Abby reached over and took her friends hand.

"He's okay. If he wasn't we would be here" she told her friend. Kate just nodded as she focused on the numbers on the screen. Eventually the metal box stopped and the doors dinged open.

Kate was out as soon as the gap was big enough and followed the nurses directions. She saw more hospital personnel, and then two men in Marine uniforms. One who spotted her and excused himself to greet her.

"Kate Todd?" he asked and as Kate nodded he seemed to relax a little bit.

"Commander Huss, Gibbs' CO. He is right there" he instructed, pointing to the last room on the left. Kate went to head down the hall but stopped.

"What happened?" she asked in a small voice.

"Short version. There was an ambush, Gibbs and his men were injured. Would have been a lot worse if Gibbs didn't act as quickly as he did. They were evacuated to a German Army base and treated. As soon as they were stabilised we got them home" hearing this, Kate cleared her throat to try and stop the tears that wanted to spill out.

"So I can go see him?" she asked when she trusted her voice. The Commander nodded and walked her down to his room. She gave him a small smile in thanks, before reaching out and slowly opening the door and walking inside.

Gibbs was laying in a big white hospital bed. A heart monitor beeping rhythmically off the side. Kate had to take a calming breath before she started to walk over to the bed. She could see his leg propped up on a pillow and bandaged. He must of heard her approach, because he turned his head as she got closer. She saw a small smile spread on his face and he tried to sit up.

"Hey, no don't move" she said quickly, closing the distance and gently pushing him back down onto the bed. She was finally able to see the full extent of his injuries.

Not only was his leg elevated and bandaged, he had gauze covering his stomach, arm was in a sling and he mad multiple cuts and bruises to his face.

"It looks worse than it is" he told her with a smile. She reached out and touched his face softly, all words gone from her mouth.

"I've missed you" he said softly. This was what broke her. She finally cried, leaning down to kiss him.

"I've missed you so much. I can't believe you're here and you're okay" Gibbs reached out and cupped her cheek with his good hand, using his thumb to wipe away the tears.

"I'm okay. I'm here now and I'm going to be fine" he reassured her. She nodded and gave him a weak smile. She kissed him again enjoying the feel of his lips.

"Are you okay?" he finally asked her. Taking a deep breath to calm herself she nodded.

"I am now. When I got the call, I didn't know what to expect. I'm just so happy and relieved" She finally managed a small smile. Gibbs' eyes didn't leave hers. It had felt like a lifetime ago since he last saw her.

"Kate, the draw behind you. My belongings there's a little black velvet bag" he instructed. She put her jacket and bag down and turned to open the draw. Inside she saw his wallet, keys and his dog tags. The small bag he was talking about was up the back, she reached in and took it out.

"Open it" he instructed her. She looked at him, then did as he said. She pulled out the most beautiful ring she had ever seen. She couldn't help the gasp that escaped her mouth as she looked at him, new tears in her eyes.

"Marry me Kate" he said, his eyes never leaving hers. She smiled and nodded vigorously. She walked over to him and kissed him.

"Yes" she said against his lips before kissing him again.