AN--Yes! I'm back and I know this was not ASAP it was actually a really really long time. But it just wouldnt write the way I wanted and I had to start over then got busy and a little sidetracked, but I was able to pick it back up. Anyway...this is the last chapter of this story. I'm happy with it and I hope all of you are too! Please leave me final reviews and let me know what you thought (even if it isnt good!). Thanks to everyone who read this story it really means a lot to me and a big thank you to everyone who left a review they were greatly appreciated. On to Chatper 14! Enjoy-- dark rolling sea

Chapter 14

It had been two and a half weeks since Gibbs had rescued Kate and Hunter. She sat tightly against his side, her leaning on her right side to avoid the rib cage, with her head resting on the front part of his shoulder. She had her eyes closed, enjoying the moment. Gibbs' heart was slow and steady and it was putting her into a light sleep.

Gibbs was fidgeting with the couch arm and his movement was the only thing keeping Kate from drifting away. She could tell he wanted to talk but he didn't know how. She sighed and it drew Gibbs' attention back to her. He looked at her with a curiosity on his face. She smiled up at him.

"What?" he asked quietly, a smile playing at his lips. Kate shrugged her shoulders, and then looked away. Gibbs frowned. He continued to stare at her even though she was pointedly ignoring him. Finally she looked up at him again.

"You're the one with something on your mind," she said quietly. Gibbs stared at her a moment then he nodded and looked down at his feet. Kate straightened up and Gibbs immediately wished she hadn't. This time he sighed. A few second passed as he contemplated his thoughts and then he nodded. Finally he looked up at Kate and she saw the uncertainty was back in his eyes. She wanted to prod but she knew she had to wait him out. She had to make him want to tell her what was on his mind.

"I've been thinking," Gibbs began; as he did he looked at the floor again. Kate stayed quiet. "I finally gave in…to my heart," he continued looking up at Kate as he did. "And not twenty four hours later my worst nightmare had come true."

Kate waited for him to continue but he didn't. "Jethro, I'm ok, Hunter is ok, everyone is ok."

"The outcome doesn't matter, Kate, the situation made me realize a few things," he said, his eyes probing deep into her eyes. Kate held his gaze, mesmerized by the mixture of love and fear she saw in them. "I almost lost you and I can't do that."

The statement hit Kate to the core. He was finally opening up. He was finally sharing his feelings with her. "I'm not going anywhere, Jethro."

"You can't promise that, but listen. I had a talk with Jeb before he took Hunter to California. He told me how he told you that you were special to me. We talked about how much he could tell. Then he told me I need to not fear the fire. That I need to take the chance of being burned."

"I don't understand," Kate said softly. Gibbs was quiet a moment and then his hand went to her jaw. He smiled at her and then leaned in a kissed her gently.

"He told me to jump into the abyss. He said you were strong enough to get yourself out of the trouble I got you in and you would be the one to heal the burns not make new ones. I believe him."

Kate stared at him a moment and thought about what he had just said. She then smiled and wrapped her arms around his neck. She put her forehead against his and smiled again. "Jethro, I'm not going anywhere. I'm not leaving you, I love you."

She watched him as the words sunk in. She saw the clarity in his eyes, the sparkle that sat there. Then he nodded slowly, still holding the contact of her forehead. He closed his eyes and enjoyed the moment. Kate then slid back down to his shoulder and he slipped his arm around her shoulders, careful not to bump the bruised and broken rib cage.

"I love you, too, Kate," Gibbs whispered softly and Kate looked up at him. He was staring straight ahead but she knew he meant it. She was impressed that he had said it out loud; it was something she thought she wouldn't hear from him for a long time.

They sat for a while in silence. Kate was slipping back into a light sleep and she was pretty sure from Gibbs breathing that he was as well. But it didn't last too long before there was a knock at the door. Gibbs groaned as his eyes rolled open and he stared at the door from his place next to Kate. Kate snuggled in closer to him and he smiled. They ignored the door for a few minutes but the person on the other side didn't give up.

Finally Gibbs grew impatient. He carefully pulled his arm from around Kate, who protested by grabbing his shirt. He gave her a smile and she reluctantly let go of him. He got up and made his way to the front door and looked out to see Tony standing there. Gibbs turned back towards Kate.

"It's Tony," Gibbs said a little confused.

"Get rid of him, shoot him if you have to," Kate said with her eyes closed cuddled into the couch. Gibbs smiled and then he opened the door.

"What, DiNozzo?" Gibbs asked sternly.

"Ah, I just, uh, ok you seem upset, maybe I should have called first," Tony stammered. Gibbs pinned him with a stare and Tony started to squirm even more.

"What do you want, DiNozzo?" Gibbs asked again.

"Stop torturing him and let him in, maybe he'll leave quicker," Kate said from the couch. Tony's eyes grew wide for a moment then he caught himself and looked away from Gibbs.

"I should go. We can talk…later…at work. Ok, I'm going to…"

"DiNozzo, get in here and spit out what's on your mind," Gibbs said and stepped out of the doorway. Tony walked slowly passed Gibbs and into the living area. He sat down in a chair by the couch and smiled faintly at Kate. She returned the smile and then scooted enough for Gibbs to drop down into his spot next to her. Tony stared openly for a moment after Gibbs put his arm around Kate and she snuggled in.

:"Speak, Tony," Gibbs said loudly and it snapped Tony back. He flushed a little then looked at Gibbs.

"I just…well, I've worked with you for over 2 years now and, uh, I never knew you had a son, let alone a grandson," Tony said, his voice low and unsteady. Kate smiled and looked up at Gibbs.

"I didn't know either, Tony, until the day Gibbs stormed the CIA," Kate said smiling at the memory of Gibbs shooting the bulletproof doors. Gibbs gave her a look and she laughed. Tony looked puzzled and Kate laughed again but then felt the pain in her chest. Gibbs smirked when he saw her clutch.

"Serves you right," he whispered in her ear. She punched him softly in the ribs. Tony wasn't sure what he was seeing and the look on his face brought a smile to Gibbs face. "Got something else on your mind, DiNozzo?"

"Ah,"

"Wow, Tony, profound," Kate replied.

"Ok, Did I miss something?"

"Listen, DiNozzo, almost nobody knows about my two boys and my grandson. Kate only found out because of the well problem and then got mixed up in it so it brought you in."

"Wait, two boys?" Tony asked. Gibbs sighed, and Kate looked up at him. She could see the tiredness creep into his eyes. She watched as Gibbs stared at the wall, reliving some memory of his past.

"Yes, DiNozzo. I had two sons, identical twins, Jeb and Jake. Ok?"

"Had? As in not anymore." Tony said his voice just above a whisper. It was more of a statement than a question and Gibbs just nodded. "How old is your grandson?"

"He is five."

"And, well, you too?" Tony asked suddenly. Gibbs smiled and Kate looked up. They then looked at each other.

"What do you mean?" Kate asked as she felt Gibbs tighten his hold on her shoulders. She smiled.

"Well, ah, how long?" Tony asked.

"Just a couple weeks, Tony," Kate replied

"So far," Gibbs whispered as he bent down and kissed her hair. He said it so soft and into her hair that Kate was sure only she heard him. Tony just nodded. He was at a loss to what was happening. Everything seemed to be changing.

"All right, DiNozzo, if it will get you out of here, I'll tell the story of my sons to you," Gibbs finally said with a sigh. He looked at Kate and she gave an encouraging smile. They sat for the better part of two hours as Gibbs told the story of his two sons and his grandson. When he was done the three of them sat in silence for a few moments. Finally Tony spoke.

"Boss, that's…something else."

Gibbs just nodded. He was tired of talking. Tony seemed to notice this and he rose from the chair. Gibbs let go of Kate and then stood with him. Kate stayed on the couch. Tony and Gibbs walked to the door. When they got there Tony leaned in close to Gibbs so Kate wouldn't hear him.

"What's going on, Boss?" Tony whispered. Gibbs stared at him with cold eyes. Tony took a step back. "I'm going to say something," Tony began.

"So say it," Gibbs said quietly.

"Don't you hurt her," Tony said and Gibbs saw he meant it. It made Gibbs smile. Tony acting the big brother over Kate, even though Gibbs knew there were three real older brothers he would have to deal with soon. He sighed. Tony stared at him steadily making sure Gibbs knew he was serious.

"Tony, I should be more worried she would hurt me, now get out of my house," Gibbs said with a smile. Tony stared at him a moment longer then nodded. He turned and walked away. Gibbs shut the door as soon as Tony had cleared the jamb and walked back to Kate.

She watched him come over. He stopped before he sat down and smiled at her. Kate stretched and then winced as her rib cage popped and there was a pang of pain. Gibbs shook his head and then slid back down on the couch next to her.

"You know, you really should remember that broken ribs take at least 6 weeks to fully heal," Gibbs said with a smile. Kate elbowed him and then cuddled back against him.

"I'm proud of you," Kate said softly.

"Why?" Gibbs asked.

"Because you showed your feelings in front of Tony. I know that was a big step for you," Kate said.

"I can't hide them anymore, Kate, you set them free," Gibbs said as he kissed the top of her head. "I love you."

"I love you too, Jethro."

The End.