A/N: Thanks again for the ooh soo wonderful reviews. I'm glad you liked the previous chapter since it had an important talk between the two. This chapter is a bit boring, mostly because time needed to pass before they would talk again. There are mostly thoughts from both about the earlier conversation and their situation. I also missed Ducky so decided to put him in this chapter. Sorry it took so long but school is really busy and I had to put that first. Besides school I was kinda stuck with what to do next. Hopefully you won't be bored by this chapter. Please R&R, I love reading your thoughts. Gives me motivation to continue.

Chapter eleven

He heard the front door close. He'd hardly slept, all because of the conversation with Kate. He still wasn't sure his words were enough to convince her. Though he'd thought last night that he would let her walk away if she chose to, but now he wasn't sure he couldn't. She'd become a constant factor in his life. He simply couldn't lose her. He was at a loss what to do. He knew he had to give Kate time to think. He just wanted her to talk to him about it. Yesterday he'd done most of the talking, letting her know how he felt about her as an Agent. She had to work through the doubt herself, he couldn't do that for her. Usually with cases, when he felt like he was stuck, he turned to Ducky, his oldest friend and confidant. And though this wasn't a case, he still needed advice. He pulled out his cell phone and pushed three on his speed dial. While waiting for Ducky to answer his phone he thought about Kate again. Everything ended back to her. She was number one on his speed dial, NCIS headquarters was two. All this time, she'd been so much more important than he was willing to see. Finally Ducky greeted him.

"Ducky, it's Jethro."

"Jethro, it's good to hear from you." The British ME greeted his good friend. "How are you?"

"I'm good."

"And Kate?" Ducky was concerned for Kate. Kate was like a daughter to him.

"Better." Gibbs hesitated before continuing. "I need your advice, Duck."

The ME listened patiently as Gibbs relayed his worries. In a way he was happy Gibbs couldn't see the smile on his face. Not that he was happy with the situation the two agents were in, but the fact that Gibbs finally started to realize how he felt about Caitlin Todd. It had surprised him it had taken the lead NCIS agent so long to realize his feelings. He'd seen the relationship between the two develop from the first chemistry sparks, to a deep friendship and mutual attraction. Of course they didn't know that last bit from each other. They'd tried very hard to hide it.

"I don't think there's anything you can do, Jethro. It's up to her. She needs to make a decision."

"I can't lose her, Ducky."

"Jethro…" Ducky hesitated. "If Caitlin wants to leave, you can't stop her."

"Why won't she talk to me? Yesterday I did most of the talking. She just kept saying she didn't know."

"She's been doubting herself ever since the incident. Just because you tell her you still trust her, doesn't mean the doubt suddenly disappears. Give her time."

Gibbs was getting frustrated. He wanted straight answers from Ducky. Logically he knew Ducky wouldn't be able to give him the answers he wanted, but this had nothing to do with logic. He ran a hand through his short hair. When he heard movement at the front door he knew Kate was back. "I've gotta go, Duck. Bye."

Before the ME even had the chance to say anything more the line was already dead. Good luck, Jethro, Ducky thought.

Back at the cabin Kate returned from her morning jog. She'd hardly slept that night. Her mind kept going over everything Gibbs had said to her. Some of the doubts about the job, were now replaced with doubts about their professional relationship. Could they go on like this? She was seeing a side of him, that made her fall for him even more. If she decided to stay, she had to find a way to shut out her feelings. She couldn't keep working with him and not wanting more. She knew he expected her to talk. When she was honest with herself, she knew she needed to talk to him. She was however still hesitant. She was unsure where they stood now. After their talk, she knew that things had changed. Question was, was it for better or worse? She honestly didn't know. Kate walked to the kitchen to grab a bottle of water. After her run she really needed a drink. Without looking around, she headed directly to the fridge and grabbed a bottle of water. She quickly opened the bottle, gulping down almost half of the water. So caught up in her thoughts, she never noticed Gibbs sitting at the kitchen table.

"Good morning."

Kate almost choked on her water. Coughing loudly she tried to take deep breaths to recover. Gibbs was quickly by her side, padding gently on her back. "You okay?"

Kate took a few deep breaths and nodded. She watched how Gibbs walked back to the table and sat down. He was wearing jeans with a black sweater. He looked good, she couldn't deny that. She watched him sipping his coffee. She guessed he'd had as little sleep as she had. For the first time since his arrival there was an uncomfortable silence between them. Neither knew how to start the conversation.

"I'm going to take a shower." Kate placed her bottle back in the fridge before she disappeared.

Gibbs took his coffee with him to the balcony. He leaned on the railing, watching the scenery again. He missed working on his boat. The work usually made him it easier for him to order his thoughts. He needed that now, he needed a way to bring back the order. Working on his boat also gave him some peace of mind, which was also needed. He decided to get away for a few hours. He wanted the time alone and guessed Kate would want him gone also. He grabbed his coat and closed the door behind him.

The cabin was quiet when Kate came back down. She looked around for Gibbs, finding him nowhere around. He was probably gone. Maybe it was for the best. Otherwise they might have gotten into an argument. She contemplated her actions the last couple of days. From failing miserably at work, causing a bomb explosion, to where she was now. Alone in her parents cabin, wondering about her job, life and Gibbs connection to both. She looked at her watch. It was still early. She decided to go to the nearby town to get some groceries. After that, maybe a visit to the local gym. She was used to working out three times a week at the NCIS gym. In her line of work it was important to be in good shape. You never knew when you were going to chase down a subject. Expect the unexpected, one of Gibbs' many lessons. And there she was again, her mind back on him. If he knew how big his influence was on her, he'd use it to his advantage. Good thing he didn't know. Kate shook her head to get rid of her thoughts. It was time to get moving. Since Gibbs hadn't left a note about his whereabouts she wasn't about to inform him about hers. She hesitated for a moment, thinking he didn't have a key. Well that was his own fault. Besides he could probably pick a lock.

Kate returned from her work out and grocery shopping a little after two. Not seeing Gibbs' rental car she knew he was still out. For the first time she was a bit worried. Did he actually leave without saying goodbye? Did something happen to him? Was he mad and decided to avoid her all together? She placed her grocery bags on the counter. Before putting everything in it's place she turned on the radio. After placing the groceries away she grabbed her favourite book, a cup of coffee and sat down outside on the balcony.

That's how Gibbs found her an hour later, sleeping in the chair, her book still open on her lap. Watching her from the doorway he was once again struck by her beauty. The way the sun made her hair look lighter, the peaceful and innocent look on her face. God, she was so beautiful. He realized yet again how far out of reach she was. He guessed she'd gotten as much sleep as him last night and was in much need to rest. While it wasn't cold outside he didn't think it would do her health any good, sleeping outside. He quietly walked up to her, grabbed the book from her lap and placed it on the table. He gently picked her up in his arms. She must have been really tired, because the movement didn't wake her up. It felt good having her in his arms. She fitted perfectly. She stirred slightly in his arms, but didn't wake up. He gently laid her down on the couch. He searched for a blanket to put over her and quickly found one. He made himself some coffee and sat down on the chair next to the couch. And he watched her sleep. Imprinting the memory in his brain in case she wouldn't come back with him to NCIS, in case he was going to lose her.

TBC……….