Usual Disclaimer – don't own NCIS, only writing for entertainment purposes, yadda, yadda, yadda…
My lords, ladies and gentlemen, I present to you the last chapter of this fanfic christened A Kiss To Build A Dream Upon. Listen to the song, read the fanfic, wait patiently for the new Season of NCIS to start in January here in the UK!
I'm pleased you all seem to have enjoyed it, thank you for your many kind reviews I do appreciate them. I am inspired to write more - and will do so.
My thanks to Know Your Dog for beta and posting, to DB for creating NCIS and Louis Armstrong for the song title.
And now, on with the story!
"Ducky - where's Kate gone?"
"I believe she and Abby have stepped outside for a breath of fresh air Jethro." Ducky replied, watching as his friend swept the room with his eyes.
"Didn't she just get back inside?"
"She did."
"Ducky - why did she step outside before - and who with?" Gibbs growled.
Ducky placed his drink on the table, grateful that Tim McGee had gone to talk to some friends on another table and Tony had just disappeared. "I believe.." he started.
"You believe a lot things Duck - tell me what's going on."
"She went to find Anthony and talk to him."
"Why?"
"She thinks he was annoyed with her, so she went to talk to him about it."
"Why would DiNozzo be annoyed with Kate?"
"Do you want me to be frank with you?"
"When are you anything but? We've known each other long enough."
"Very well. You may not like what I have to say though..."
"Out with it!"
"Anthony was annoyed, upset even, because he felt that Kate was spending too much time dancing with you. In short, he's jealous."
"Oh please!" Gibbs snorted derisively, "He can be so immature for a fully qualified agent."
Ducky weighed his next response carefully. "I think, and this is purely my opinion you understand, that he has reason to be, don't you?"
Gibbs stared at this friend. "And what do you mean by that?"
"Jethro, I am your friend. I am also Kate and Anthony's friend. You have to know that your, well, behaviour around Caitlin, and hers around you has been noticed for a little while now. Oh, not officially, but Abby has certainly mentioned it to me. And Tony's behaviour tonight has only confirmed our joint theories."
"Ducky, I am their boss - do you really think I would jeopardise anyone's career for the sake of a 'romance'?" he put a bitter tone on the last word.
"No, but we cannot help who we are attracted to."
"Doesn't mean you have to act upon it."
"No, I agree. However, you made it perfectly clear that you would not attend this evening, yet here you are."
"And I'm not allowed to change my mind?"
"It is unusual for you to do so."
"You were all pressuring me to be here - you too"
"I was Jethro, and I am pleased that you decided to come along. But it has rather bought matters to a head."
"Matters? You wanna make that a little more vague for me Ducky?"
"Kate. You know she admires you as more than a colleague and line manager? Of course you do." Gibbs said nothing, just rolled his empty glass around in his palms. "And I know you admire and respect her as a colleague - and more." He paused. "I'm not saying you are going to act on this, but I have to say, watching you both on the dance floor tonight, well, Anthony was certainly not the only one to notice how much of a, er, couple, you made."
"Ducky, enough." Gibbs' voice dropped to the very edge of audibility, "You're right. I do admire Kate, very much so. But you know about Rule 12 - Romance between agents just doesn't work. I also respect her too much too ruin her career. My track record with the opposite sex hasn't exactly been successful has it?" he added wryly, leaning back in his chair.
"Show me a man who has!"
"Okay Duck, I'll tell you what. I'll keep out of whatever Kate and Tony have to talk about and see what happens - that suit you?"
"I think you know it's for the best."
"But I swear..." Ducky watched as his friend's ice blue eyes flashed. "He messes about with her -or hurts her in the slightest and I won't be held responsible for my actions."
"I understand. For what its worth, should you wish for my opinion, I think it's a shame."
Silence.
"However, timing, as I'm sure you're all too aware, has a lot to do with relationships."
"You know that's never been my strong suit Duck."
Kate and Abby marched - or at least walked purposefully in high heels – back in to the lobby.
"Kate, are you sure you want to do this?"
"Yes, I do. I am not having our evening wrecked because Tony has decided to throw a tantrum!"
"Oh I agree! But, Kate?"
"Yes?"
"You might, er, want to go and y'know, repair your make up?" Abby motioned towards her friend's face.
"Arrggh! Do I look a total mess?" Kate was horrified.
"Well, not total..." Abby smiled encouragingly, "Do you want me to come with you?"
"No. You go back to the guys and I'll go and freshen up."
"Okay, I'll see you in a few then." Abby watched Kate head for the ladies room, then headed back to the table where she could see Ducky and Gibbs talking.
"Gentlemen! I hope I'm not interrupting anything?" she asked brightly.
"Abby! A delight to have you back - are you and Kate well?" the M.E. asked her.
"Sure! We just decided to take a little time out from the glittering lights and fascinating company! We couldn't stay away though, so here we, well, here I am." Abby grinned and slid her arm through Ducky's.
"Where's Kate?" Gibbs asked.
"Oh, you know us girls, Gibbs. She's just retouching her make up. She won't be long. So," she said hoping to move the conversation on, "what have you been talking about?"
"Merely the way of the world Abby." Ducky replied, maybe a little too quickly, "But tonight is not a night for serious discussion - and the evening is coming to an end soon. Would you like to dance?"
Abby stood up. "Sure!"
"Are you sure McGee won't mind?" Gibbs asked with a sarcastic tone in his voice.
"McGee is entertaining himself over there - " Abby nodded and waved to Tim as he stood chatting with friends who had come over from Norfolk for the evening, "so I'm a free agent!"
She and Ducky moved to the dance floor again as the band played "It had to be you".
Kate looked in the mirror, and silently thanked Abby for suggesting she retouch her make up. Her mascara had run slightly after her run in with Tony, and she repaired this, then applied more lip gloss. She appraised her hair and decided that it would do, though the orchid she had tucked in the complicated French twist at the beginning of the evening was looking a little, well, tired.
"Just like me" she sighed.
She tucked her makeup back into her evening bag and checking her appearance in the full length mirror once more, she stepped out of the bathroom door.
And straight into Tony.
"DiNozzo!"
"Hey Kate" he replied sheepishly.
"So, you working up for round two?" Kate started, still annoyed at him.
"No! Listen, I came to apologise!" Tony held his hands up defensively.
Kate stopped herself from replying sarcastically. "Okay."
"So," Tony paused and glanced round the lobby, "are we going to stand here in front of the ladies room, or…?"
Kate smiled, despite herself. She looked round and saw a couch tucked away under a staircase. She motioned towards it.
Tony nodded and let her lead the way over to it. They both sat down, Tony angling himself so he could look Kate in the eye.
"Kate," he started.
"Tony," she said at the same time.
They both stopped and smiled at each other.
"Timing, huh?" Kate said.
"Yeah. Kate?"
"Yes Tony?"
"I'm sorry."
"What for?"
"You know full well. I'm sorry for spoiling your evening, for picking a fight, for accusing you of messing with me, for… for, well, everything I've done wrong this evening."
Kate sat silent for a moment.
"Tony, I'm sorry for flying off the handle. I'm sorry too."
"You're sorry?"
"Yes. I'm sorry you felt I ditched you when Gibbs turned up, and I'm sorry you've felt ignored and slighted." She paused. "I want you to know I really appreciate you giving me a ride tonight and for dancing with me. Until our argument, I was really enjoying myself, and I hoped you were too."
"I was, I just got, well, stupid."
"Hmm, well, I won't argue with that!" Kate smiled at her friend and laid her hand on his arm.
"Can we agree to forgive each other and try and enjoy ourselves again?"
"Well, I don't know Kate" Tony said looking serious, "not if you keep stepping on my feet when we dance...!"
He looked up at her and Kate realised he was teasing her again. Despite herself she laughed. "Tony! You are incorrigible!"
"I know - that's why you love me!"
"Hmph! Don't push your luck!"
Tony stood up and offered his arm. "Miss Todd - I believe it's time I showed you how a true Italian dances?"
Kate stood up and listened to the music coming from the next room.
"It had to be you?" she asked incredulously.
"I think it's suitable!" he replied, winking at her.
Kate raised her eyes to the ceiling but took his arm. They re-entered the room together and headed for the dance floor.
Ducky saw them come in again together, smiling, and allowed himself a grin himself over Abby's shoulder.
Gibbs also saw them, and sighed internally. "Timing." He murmured.
Kate and Tony and Ducky and Abby danced round the floor.
The music changed again to "Volare" and the male vocalist stepped up to the microphone.
"Sometimes the world is a valley of heartaches and tears
And in the hustle and bustle, no sunshine appears
But you and I have our love always there to remind us
There is a way we can leave all the shadows behind us
Volare, oh oh
Cantare, oh oh oh oh
Let's fly way up to the clouds
Away from the madd'ning crowds
We can sing in the glow of a star that I know of
Where lovers enjoy peace of mind
Let us leave the confusion and all this disillusion behind
Just like birds of a feather a rainbow together we'll find
Volare, oh oh
Cantare oh oh oh oh
No wonder my happy heart sings
Your love has given me wings
Sometimes the world is a valley of heartaches and tears
And in the hustle and bustle, no sunshine appears
But you and I have our love always there to remind us
There is a way we can leave all the shadows behind us
Volare, oh oh
Cantare, oh oh oh oh
nel blu dipinto di blu
felice di stare lassù
Volare, oh oh
Cantare, oh oh oh oh
nel blu dipinto di blu
felice di stare lassù
Penso che un sogno così non ritorni mai più
mi dipingevo le mani e la faccia di blu
poi d'improvviso venivo dal vento rapito
e incominciavo a volare nel cielo infinito,infinito
Volare, oh oh
Cantare oh oh oh oh
No wonder my happy heart sings
Your love has given me wings
No wonder my happy heart sings
Your love has givin me wings"
Kate couldn't help but giggle as Tony crooned along with the singer, especially when the song was in Italian.
The music played on, moving onto "That's Amore", causing Tony to continue his best Dean Martin impression, making Kate laugh even more.
Then the band announced that they were going to close the gala with their last two numbers.
Kate leaned over to Tony and whispered in his ear,
"You won't mind if I dance with Gibbs one last time will you?"
Tony paused before leading Kate over to their boss.
"Kate. Tony." Gibbs nodded at them. "I was just about to leave."
Kate leaned over to him, "Not before I get to dance with you again Gibbs" She reached across and took his unresisting hand.
Gibbs wasn't quite sure - and it was an unfamiliar sensation. "Kate?"
"Boss, you can't turn a lady down - can you?"
"No! He can't… besides; Kate has had Tony to herself most of the night, c'mon DiNozzo, you owe me a dance!" Abby arrived back at the table with a slightly breathless Ducky.
"Yes, Anthony, my partner has slightly more energy than I have left" Ducky said as he sat down heavily.
"Abby - have you been wearing Ducky out?" Tony teased his friend. Abby rolled her eyes at him and winked at Ducky.
"He's still spry aren't you Ducky?"
"I have my moments my dear" the M.E. replied and waved them off.
Gibbs was standing up, Kate still had his hand in hers, but until she pulled him to the dance floor, Gibbs didn't honestly have a clue what to say.
"So, Kate"
"Gibbs"
"Why am I here?"
"Because you deserve it."
"Why?"
"Gibbs, you're here when you said you wouldn't be, and I figure this hasn't been an easy evening for you - you being the social animal you aren't!" Kate gently told him, "Besides, Tony keeps treading on my feet!"
"Ah"
"That's my Gibbs" Kate smiled up at him, "Man of few words..."
The band started to play "The Nearness Of You".
Gibbs drew her closer to him and they moved slowly round the floor together, both listening to the words and feeling the physical contact of the other.
"It's not the pale moon that excites me
That thrills and delights me, oh no
It's just the nearness of you
It isn't your sweet conversation
That brings this sensation, oh no
It's just the nearness of you
When you're in my arms and I feel you so close to me
All my wildest dreams come true
I need no soft lights to enchant me
If you'll only grant me the right
To hold you ever so tight
And to feel in the night the nearness of you"
At the end of the song, Gibbs reluctantly let Kate go. She looked up and smiled at him. "Thanks" she said softly.
He looked at her, smiling back at her.
"Hey, you two are blocking the floor!" Abby interrupted their thoughts.
"Abby. I was just leaving" Gibbs said to her.
"Oh, no, you're not!" Abby laid her hand on his arm, "I've saved the last dance for you!"
"Well, Kate, I guess that means you get the benefits of my moves on the dance floor for the last time?" Tony nudged her.
"Benefits may not be quite the word I would have chosen!" Kate teased him.
The organisers got up on stage and thanked everyone for attending, saying how much money had been raised and encouraging everyone to thank the band for their performance. The vocalists and conductor were given bouquets of flowers, and returned their thanks.
They announced the last number and the dance floor was suddenly packed.
"Give me a kiss to build a dream on
And my imagination will thrive upon that kiss
Sweetheart, I ask no more than this
A kiss to build a dream on
Give me a kiss before you leave me
And my imagination will feed my hungry heart
Leave me one thing before we part
A kiss to build a dream on
When I'm alone with my fancies
I'll be with you
Weaving romances
Making believe they're true
Give me your lips for just a moment
And my imagination will make that moment live
Give me what you alone can give
A kiss to build a dream on
When I'm alone with my fancies
I'll be with you
Weaving romances
Making believe they're true
Give me a kiss to build a dream on
And my imagination will thrive upon that kiss
Ah sweetheart, I ask no more than this
A kiss to build a dream on"
The music faded, and the appreciative audience applauded once more.
As the crowd left the room, people talking and joking, laughing and smiling, the team collected their things and headed for the doors.
"Thank you all for a lovely evening - I shall see you all on Monday?" Ducky said as they walked towards the waiting cab.
"Night Ducky!" Abby said, and she pecked him on the cheek.
"G'Night Dr. Mallard" Tim added.
"Yep, bright and early." Tony nodded.
"Can we enjoy the rest of the weekend?" Gibbs asked.
"I'm so pleased we all made it tonight" smiled Kate.
"A marvellous idea Caitlin" Ducky concluded. He was the first to leave, waving from the cab window.
"I love that man!" Abby said returning the gesture. Tim looked a little downcast at this. "Don't worry McGee - you're still my number one!" she said, taking his arm. Tim smiled at her and they flagged down the next cab in the rank.
"Night guys!" Tim said as Abby hugged Kate and Tony and kissed Gibbs on the cheek.
"Night Abby" Kate waved at her friend.
Tony, Kate and Gibbs stood on the sidewalk. The next cab rolled up.
"Kate?" Tony opened the door for her. "You want to share a ride home?"
"Thanks Tony" Kate smiled at him, "You gonna walk me to my door?"
"I could come through it...!" he grinned at her.
"DiNozzo, you never change!" Kate shook her head at him. She turned to Gibbs. "Night then Gibbs"
"Night Kate, Tony"
Kate paused a minute, then reached up and kissed Gibbs on the cheek. "Thanks for coming tonight, Jethro" she told him, then got into the cab.
"Night Boss."
"DiNozzo?"
"Boss?"
"Just to her door - understand?"
"Oh yeah Boss - just to the door." Tony got into the cab and it moved away from the sidewalk. Kate looked over her shoulder and waved at Gibbs just before it turned the corner.
Smiling to himself, Gibbs walked across the parking lot to his car.
Under his breath he sang.
"Give me a kiss to build a dream on
And my imagination will thrive upon that kiss
Ah sweetheart, I ask no more than this
A kiss to build a dream on"
FINI