Disclaimer: I do not own NCIS: Hawai'i or any of its characters.
**Newly dubbed FBI Special Agent Kate Whistler and NCIS Special Agent in Charge Jane Tennant are having a drink on Jane's patio, discussing the events of the day.**
"Well, I mean, I'd ask about your ending but that just seems…"
"Weird, yeah. I'll just say it was my fault, which is not true for you."
"Hey. Here's hoping for a better tomorrow."
"Amen."
As the two women clink their glasses together, a comfortable silence settles in. After finishing her drink, Kate stands up preparing to leave.
"Thanks again for the drink. I didn't know how much I needed this. It was….nice."
Jane smiles.
"You're welcome, Whistler, Kate, any time. My door is always open."
Kate smiles and nods.
"Have a great night."
"You, too."
Kate drives home thinking of nothing more than having a nice hot shower, putting on her pajamas, then watching mindless television until she falls asleep.
Still in her own little thought bubble as she steps out of the elevator, she walks full force into someone, almost knocking them over.
"Oof!"
"Oh my gosh! Oh my gosh! Are you okay? I am sooooo sorry! I wasn't paying attention to…."
"Geesh, why don't you watch where you're going, pal! Why don't you try looking up from your phone once in a while!? You could've really hurt….."
Lucy finally looks up to fully confront the rude offender.
"me. Um, hey Whistler."
Kate smiles at their realization.
"Hey Lucy. I really am sorry. Are you okay?"
Lucy blushes.
"Yeah, yeah. I'm good. Real good."
Kate shakes her head as Lucy tries to be slick.
Deciding not to stay blocking the elevator, she starts walking towards her apartment with Lucy in tow.
"Have you been here long?"
"Not really. Maybe. What time is it?"
"It's just about 10pm."
"10! No wonder I was getting hungry."
"What?"
"What?"
Kate laughs.
"Okay. Well since you're here, would you like to come in? I'm sure I have something in here you can eat."
Instantly regretting her phrasing, Lucy smirks.
"Well, I could think of something…."
Kate blushes.
"You know what I meant. And besides, I thought you and I were done?"
Lucy frowns.
"Right. Sorry."
"You don't have to apologize. It was a perfect set up, albeit unintentional."
She laughs.
"So, what had you at the office so late? Still packing up your things?"
Kate starts rifling through her cabinets trying to find Lucy a snack, hoping to avoid answering. Knowing she's being stared at, she hands Lucy some chips then takes a deep breath.
"I, uh, wasn't at the office. I was over Tennant's house."
Lucy laughs.
"That's funny, Whistler. I thought you just said you were over my boss's house."
Stone faced, Kate just stares at her.
"Get. Out. You really were over Tennant's house? Since when have you two started hanging out?"
Kate, smirking, raises an eyebrow.
"Why? Jealous?"
"Ew, no. Well, maybe. Wait. No! She's like, our mom."
Kate burst out laughing.
"Relax, I went over to see how she was doing after the inquiry, if she needed to talk. We talked a little and had a drink…or two…out on her patio."
"Aw, that was very sweet of you. The guys and I felt she would just want to be alone. Glad someone had the wisdom to check in on her."
Kate shrugged.
"It was nothing. I just know how taxing those things can be and how upset she's been over Maggie Shaw betraying her. I figured it couldn't hurt. Did you know she doesn't lock her door?"
Lucy grins at Kate's babbling.
"Well, I'm glad you two have each other to confide in. Speaking of confiding, you were right, things do feel unresolved. Is it too late talk about what happened between us?"
"No, it's not too late. It's never too late."
"I meant too late tonight but what you said still holds true."
Kate blushes hard.
"Yeah, I knew that."
"Sure. Anyway, can we talk?"
"Yes, yes of course. Here, we can talk over here on the couch. Would you like something to drink? More chips, we can order something if you want if you're still hungry, I don't think it's too late for delivery, do you, I mean…"
Lucy takes her flailing hands, steadying her.
"Breathe. In. Out. In. Out. I appreciate your concern over my lack of being fed, but I'm fine, Kate. Honest."
Kate let's out a shaky breath as she sits down.
"You called me Kate."
Lucy blushes and lets out a small laugh, trying to play it cool.
"It is your name, right?"
Kate, shaking her head, decides to not push it.
"Lucy, I am so, so sorry. I should've told you about Cara. I stupidly didn't think there was anything to tell because I stupidly thought it was over when I left D.C., but that's no excuse. I should've told you about my past, or really lack thereof. If I could go back in time, I would totally correct everything, I swear. Hurting was the very last thing I ever wanted to do. I never want to see that hurt in your eyes ever again."
Lucy smirks.
"You mean the FBI doesn't have a time machine? And here I thought FBI Agents had all the cool toys."
"Lucy."
"Sorry. Couldn't resist. Listen, I didn't make things easy on you. You tried to explain and I pushed you away. I was rude, unprofessional, snippy, childish, feel free to stop me any time…"
"Will do."
She rolls her eyes.
"Anyway, I should've heard you out. I was just…I was just so stunned, hurt, and I felt like such an idiot because I allowed myself to fall in love with someone and it turned out to be a lie."
Kate gulps.
"You're in love with me?"
Lucy chokes on her water.
"That's all you got out of that?"
Kate leans over, kissing Lucy on the cheek. Sniffling, she takes her hands in hers.
"I'm in love with you, too."
Lucy scoots in closer, putting her head on her shoulder.
"What do we do now?"
Kate shrugs.
"I don't know."
They sit, holding each other close.
"May I suggest taking things slow and trying again?"
Kate kisses the top of Lucy's head.
"You're willing to give me another chance?"
"Of course. You're worth it. Seriously though, how many times have you given me another chance?"
"Do you want me to answer that honestly?"
Lucy scoffs.
"Really? It wasn't that many times, and may I remind you of how many times you threw yourself at me after saying we couldn't do that again?"
Kate holds back a laugh.
"I wouldn't say I threw myself at you, just didn't want to let you go home. You never seemed to object."
Lucy blinks at her.
"Yeah, well…you're hot."
"Nice come back, Luce."
Lucy playfully mocks her.
"Nice come back, Luce."
They both crack up.
"Gosh, I missed this. I missed you."
"I missed this and you, too."
Kate looks deep into Lucy's eyes, leans in, and kisses her softly.
"I'm sorry, Luce. I promise I will never keep anything from you ever again and I promise, no more surprises."
Lucy pouts.
"But what about fun surprises?"
"Except for fun surprises."
Lucy fist pumps the air.
"Yea!"
Kate rolls her eyes.
"I know we're no where near done talking about this, but you know I'll do my best being open with you. You know it's not easy for me to open up to people but with you, you make it easy for me to feel safe to do so."
Lucy brushes Kate's hair behind her ear.
"I feel so honored that you feel safe with me. I promise to be more open as well and I promise to learn more about, well, you by asking and not Googling you…unless you want me to…"
Lucy wiggles her eyebrows while Kate chuckles, shaking her head.
"You're so weird."
"And you love it."
"And I love it."