Chapter Who The Heck Knows,

Hey Gang, thanks for patiently waiting. I'm finally just now getting back into this thing. I am writing on a new tablet (long story) and I don't have my original story in front of me with all my notes. So if I have any inconsistancies I'm apologising now. I've had a lot of thoughts on what I want to do and I agree I'd like to have Nat as part of NCIS, so my hope is that during the Pacchi murder that she proves herself as a valuable asset and that it will be Director Shepard that is the one to eventually offer her the job. But who knows if that't where this will go. I tend to let the characters speak to me and just tell their stories. I can try to guide them, but you never know.

Onto Chapter Who The Heck Knows (hopefully I figure this out!!)

Natalie was sitting at NCIS waiting to hear back from Gibbs' team. They found out that their suspect was actually a man and DiNozzo was in serious trouble as they had proof that she was resposible for another crime that Pacchi figured out and was murdered for. Natalie felt grief come over her again. It was sad thinking that Chris was gone and after cleverly figuring out a cold case. His husband would find very little comfort until they caught the murderer.

"Just don't Kate… I don't want to think about it anymore," came the voice of Anthony DiNozzo.

Kate was laughing, "Oh, come on Tony, just tell us."

"Kate. Enough" was Gibbs' sharp reply. "I don't want to hear about it, tease him later."

Natalie stood up, relieved to see everyone back safe. "Tease Tony about what?"

"NO." Tony said, as Kate said "Tony kissed the suspect."

Natalie gave Tony a comforting grasp on his shoulder, "If you need to talk, I'm available, but you have nothing to be ashamed of." He burst out in a beet red blush but went to his desk to type up his report. "So where is our mystery lady?" Nat asked. After everyone's eyes looked down she knew it couldn't be good news.

"Autopsy". Gibbs was swapping items on his desk as he asked, "You ready to go?" She nodded and they started to leave, Gibbs turned around to the team and said, "Remind McGee when he gets up from Abby's that I want a trace on the scumbag." Kate and Tony nodded. Natalie figured Patrick was the scumbag in question. Now that the case was over the team would be focusing on her "case".

Nat and Gibbs walked out of the building to the car. Gibbs took her bags and put them in the trunk and walked her to her door. After ensuring she was safely in he walked around to his side and started the car. "I don't have much for food at home, thought we could stop and pick something up from Giovanni's if you'd like."

"If you are interested in italian it would be cheaper to just go to the grocery store and pick stuff up, I really don't mind cooking," she replied.

"Too late," he chuckled, "I called in an order on the way back to the office." He reached over and held her hand that was drumming on her leg. She hadn't realized how nervous she was. "Got a few different things depending on your tastes. Carbonara, fettuccine alfredo, mushroom risotto, shrimp scampi and tiramisu for dessert."

Natalie's stomach growled loudly, "Apparently my stomach say yes please," she joked. "That sounds a lot better than anything I could make. Well maybe fettuccine, but the rest is a little beyond my skills."

"We'll get you fed." He squeezed her hand giving her butterflies and she couldn't help blushing. She felt silly still in her black dress from Chris's funeral. Kate helped her pull her hair back in a sleek bun and she had let it out hours ago. Now it fell in a horrible mess of mismatched curls around her face. In self-conciousness she tried to tuck it behind her ears yet again.

GIBBS POV

He grinned to himself watching her fidget in the car. Her hand was soft in his and he hoped that holding it would help with some of her nerves. He knew she was still worried about Patrick but could tell by the way she blushed that she was interested in him. He knew he shouldn't want her. She was too young for him, but he couldn't help himself just the same.

"When we get to the restaurant I'll park and you will come in with me. Stay on my left." Gibbs gave the directions as he turned the corner and could see the restaurant. He knew she was used to getting odd bits of directions during her protection detail and wasn't worried about explaining himself.

He parked near the entrance on the street and they walked to the restaurant with her on the inside next to the buildings. Gibbs knew the chances that Patrick knew where they were or would try anything was slim but he was going to play it safe. Better safe than sorry. It was similar to the idea Kate had instilled in Nat, better to attack first and ask questions later. Gibbs fully agreed. Since Natalie knew how to protect herself the team were confident in their abilities to proctect her. But Gibbs knew there was a difference between knowing in the classroom and knowing in reality. Some people still froze. He had been thinking of discussing with Director Morrow trying to get some of the agents at the office to "attempt" something with her to see how she would react and give her some real world practice. He didn't want to say anything to her to test her first.

He opened the door and let her walk through first, keeping an eye out for Patrick or anyone looking suspicious. They walked to the Hostess who was smiling at him in recognition, "Gibbs, got your order at the bar, I'll go grab it for you," she said while handing him his receipt. He pulled cash from his wallet, enough to cover the bill and give a little tip. She handed over two bags of food which Nat took from her before Gibbs could.

"Keep the change," he told her and they were on their way. Gibbs noticed someone in a dark hat outside and pulled Natalie behind him. The person lit a cigarette and Gibbs watched closely as they had then crossed the street. They were soon out of sight and Gibbs allowed Nat to walk to the car. He stopped her from opening the door. Checked under the car first then opened it for her. She gave him a strange look but got in. He handed her the bags then went to the trunk to check there as well, still no signs of anything but Gibbs' gut told him the man in the hat did something. He called McGee from the car while he drove around not heading back to his place.

"McGee," Tim answered.

Gibbs barked out, "McGee, meet me at the coffee shop on L street. Bring gear to check for those tracking things or anything else someone might have attached to the car."

"Yes Bo-" Gibbs had already hung up knowing McGee would comply.

"Are we in danger?" Natalie asked looking at him with a slightly wide eyed look. Gibbs knew she was hiding her fear.

He took her hand and rubbed it reassuringly, "I'm just playing it safe, gut feeling."

30 minutes later and McGee pulled into the lot with Tony. They immediately walked over to Gibbs's car and started doing their thing. He and Natalie were sitting on a park bench. It was why Gibbs chose that spot. It was next to a well lit park and allowed them a chance to eat. Various food containers were open and Gibbs had to coax Nat into eating. Once he reassured her it was probably nothing.

It was not nothing.