AN: This is a one-shot sequel to "Would've Been the One." You should go read that story first before this one, but I hope you check it out and enjoy!

Kate glanced down at her watch again to make sure she was still on time. She had plans for the evening and needed to keep them. She shut down her computer and secured her office before heading to Deena's desk. The moment the DIA officer saw her, she sat back in her chair with a sly smile.

"Someone's leaving on time today, what's the hurry," asked Deena and Kate shrugged as she stuffed her hands into her pants pockets.

"Just on a schedule, are we good? You are sure you can cover for me tonight if anything is called in?"

"Yep, were you able to figure out the case? I told you there wasn't a lot to go on." Kate's smug smile gave her answer and Deena shook her head in disbelief.

"How the hell did you figure it out so fast?"

"Well, to be fair, I took a shortcut. I called an acquaintance of an acquaintance and they helped me fill in some of the blanks. It was pretty simple after that."

"You know, for someone who says they don't have a lot of friends, you sure do have a lot of networks to access."

"I don't have a lot of friends. I have acquaintances. It's part of the job after a while. You'll get the hang of it. So, we are in the clear, right? I wrap up that case for you and you cover for me tonight, if needed?"

"Of course and I think I got the better end of the deal anyways. I doubt anything will come up."

"Maybe, but I want a guaranteed night off." Deena smiled mischievously and Kate rolled her eyes, sensing the next line of questioning.

"So, you want to make sure your Friday night isn't interrupted and were willing to call in a few favors to make sure it happened. Interesting."

"Sometimes, you just need a night off. Thanks again. I will keep my phone close in case there is an emergency, but, please don't let there be an emergency," said Kate before turning to leave.

"There won't be. Have fun," called Deena. On the way out of the office, Kate almost ran directly into Carlos and had to grab the man by the shoulders to stop him from falling.

"Where's the fire? Or in our line of business, should I say nuke," he asked.

"Sorry, I'm just heading out for the night. Call Deena first if you need anything."

"Well that's new, since when?"

"Since I have plans." Kate sighed as Carlos smiled slyly.

"Oh really, would these plans include a pocket-sized special agent with cute heart eyes for you?" Kate shushed him and pulled him away from the main door of the office as he chuckled.

"Someone could hear you. You know I don't like to talk about my personal life at work."

"Chill, Kate, no one knows but me."

"Not even Deena?"

"Oh, Deena totally knows." Kate pinched the bridge of her nose in frustration.

"But no one else," he added.

"Are you sure?"

"Yes, the only reason I know is because you admitted it to me."

"Then how does Deena know?"

"Oh, I totally told her and…ow," he hissed as she punched his shoulder.

"Damn it, Carlos," she whispered and he gave a pout as he rubbed his shoulder.

"Damn is right. You hit hard, like freakishly strong kind of hard."

"Why did you tell Deena?"

"She already had her suspicions because you used to never willingly go down to their headquarters. She said you even offered to take some forms down for her and had a little twinkle in your eye."

"Are you sure no one else knows?"

"Yes, but for the record, no one would care. Deena and I are the only two who even know about what went down before. Plus, everyone has more important things to worry about, like not getting fired or thrown under a bus because of a case."

"I guess that's true," she conceded as she began to pace. He stepped in front of her to halt her movements and gave a comforting smile.

"Hey, stop worrying and overthinking. I promise you, we've got your back. You've known for a while now you can trust me and you know you can trust Deena too. We would totally go all O, Captain, My Captain on the brass if we had to."

"Did you just make a Dead Poets Society reference," she asked with a giggle.

"What, it fits, and we totally would, so don't worry."

"Actually, I'm not worried."

"Really, that's a first. You shouldn't be, but why not?"

"You'd go O, Captain, My Captain, but I think the brass knows by now that if they ever messed with NCIS or me over such matters, I would go…nuclear," she informed with a smirk before heading toward the elevators.

"Figuratively or literally," called Carlos and he shook his head in amusement when she simply gave him a wink.

By the time Kate strolled into the NCIS office, Jesse and Kai were packing up for the evening. Kai smiled when he spotted her and Jesse gave a nod.

"Lucy's wrapping up some case details with Ernie. She should be done soon," informed Jesse as Kate sat down in Lucy's chair.

"Perfect," said Kate as she glanced down at her watch again and sighed in relief. Everything was going according to plan and she was still on time. She looked up to see Kai grinning at her and rolled her eyes at him.

"I know that smile. What happened," asked Kate.

"Jesse almost let it slip," said Kai and he laughed when Jesse balled up a piece of paper to throw at him.

"Seriously, Boone," exclaimed Kate and he huffed.

"Key word is almost and I didn't. We were talking about weekend plans, but I caught myself," defended Jesse as he walked over to where Kate was sitting. She stood up and stepped closer to him and Kai.

"She doesn't know though, right," whispered Kate.

"Nope, she thinks you two are just…" Jesse nudged Kai before he could finish.

"Incoming," whispered Jesse.

"Having dinner," Kai quickly finished. Jesse shushed him and Kate slapped at his shoulder as he chuckled. Lucy's eyes lit up when she saw Kate by her desk.

"Whistler, fancy seeing you here," teased Lucy as Kate looked her girlfriend up and down.

"Evening, Special Agent Tara," said Kate and Jesse frowned in confusion.

"How exactly does that work? I'm pretty sure you can be on a first-name basis by now," said Jesse.

"She's Whistler at work and Kate at home. It keeps things simple," explained Lucy and Kai nodded appreciatively.

"And kind of kinky," teased Kai. He laughed and dodged Lucy's hand as she slapped at him.

"Get out of here," laughed Lucy.

"You have no shame," added Kate.

"None," agreed Kai. Jesse grabbed him by the back of the collar and led him away.

"Don't worry, ladies, I'll take care of this knucklehead. Enjoy your night," called Jesse over his shoulder as he and Kai gathered their things to leave. Lucy gave them a wave before turning her attention back to her girlfriend. Kate leaned against Lucy's desk and crossed her feet as her eyes lingered on Lucy's lips. It took more willpower than she wanted to admit to not kiss Lucy every time she saw her.

"So, dinner at your place," Lucy asked hopefully and Kate snapped out of her daydream of her girlfriend to remember her plans.

"Actually, I was hoping we could go out tonight. I figured I could pick you up in an hour? Dress code is casual," informed Kate and Lucy smiled as she bit her lip.

"Casual, huh, now I am intrigued. See you at seven then, and um…" Lucy looked around to make sure they were alone before stepping closer to her girlfriend. Their lips were mere inches apart and Kate had to suppress a moan when Lucy teasingly bypassed her lips to whisper in her ear.

"I'm looking forward to it, Kate." She gave her a wink before gathering her things and sauntering away as Kate stood there flustered. A part of her wanted to cancel their plans, take Lucy back to her place, and spend the night in bed, but she regained composure. The payoff would be worth it and if she got it right, it would be a night to remember.

To say Lucy was excited was an understatement. It didn't take her long to get home, shower, and dry her hair, but she found herself staring at the clothes in her closet and wondering what she should wear. Casual. Kate rarely did casual. She loved when she did, but usually a causal night meant a night in, cuddled up on the couch together, and watching a show or movie. It meant dinner and drinks at home, followed by a beeline to the bedroom. So, when Kate suggested they go out, but in casual attire, it left her girlfriend quite intrigued and guessing where they were going. She settled on black jeans with matching boots and a green, low-cut top. She grabbed her jacket just as Kate knocked on the door and Lucy giggled when she looked at the clock. It was seven o'clock on the dot. Kate was always on time.

Lucy was stunned speechless when she opened the door and saw Kate smiling adoringly at her. She was wearing black jeans, boots, and a purple sweater. She closed the distance between them and captured Lucy's lips in a tender kiss. Lucy melted into her and moaned as their lips meshed together.

"Hi," whispered Kate.

"Hey," Lucy managed to whisper back. She gasped when Kate pulled a hibiscus flower from behind her back to hand to her girlfriend.

"Happy date night," said Kate. She giggled at the brilliant smile that graced Lucy's lips.

"Thank you. It is beautiful," she said as she daintily smelled the flower.

"Just like you," whispered Kate before lacing their fingers together.

"What has gotten into you tonight? Not that I am complaining," giggled Lucy as she blushed.

"I just want to show you a good time. You ready?"

"Definitely, where are we going?"

"It's a surprise," said Kate with a wink and Lucy sighed happily. Their night was just starting and she was already melting on the spot.

Lucy was more than happy to let Kate drive as she tried to figure out where they were going. They passed a few popular restaurants she figured Kate would like. She even checked her phone to see if any music festivals or events were happening in town, much to Kate's amusement. The glee on Lucy's face when they pulled into the parking lot of their destination let Kate know she made the right choice.

"Really, Rock N Bowl," Lucy practically squealed in delight and Kate laughed as she nodded.

"I thought we could use a night of fun out together." Lucy showered her with kisses and sighed happily.

"God, I love you," she said before kissing her again and excitedly getting out of the car.

"I'll take you here every night if you keep kissing me like that."

"Oh really," said Lucy as she made her way around the car and pressed her girlfriend against the door. Her hand slid up the side of Kate's neck and pulled her into a passionate kiss. Lucy held her firmly and pressed their bodies flush together as they became lost in the kiss. Both were breathless when they pulled away and Kate leaned her forehead against Lucy's.

"This is the second time tonight you've made me question my plans. You sure we can't just go back to my place and stay in bed all night," suggested Kate and Lucy quickly shook her head.

"Nope, I am not missing out on the chance to see you in action. Let's go," said Lucy as she pulled Kate toward the entrance. The music swelled around them the moment they entered the building and Lucy grinned from ear to ear. Rock N Bowl was the perfect mixture of live music and bowling. A band was playing onstage and the crowd danced to the music. On the other side of the building, the bowling alley was full of people enjoying their night.

"I got us a lane already," Kate called over the music and Lucy kissed her cheek.

"You are the best," she giggled. Kate felt her heart flutter as her girlfriend led them through the crowd of people and to the front desk to get their shoes and ball. Lucy looked so happy in that moment and Kate felt the pride swell inside her that she was the one to make her so giddy.

A pizza, order of wings, and three games later, the happy couple made their way out of the rowdy bowling alley, giggling and holding hands as they walked over to Kate's car.

"You never cease to amaze me. How did you get so good at bowling," asked Lucy and Kate wrapped an arm around her.

"My family and I used to go to this place in my hometown sometimes. We were all quite competitive. It usually came down to me and Noah, though," she explained as they reached the car. Lucy pulled her into her arms as Kate looked down.

"I'm sorry. I didn't mean to bring up a sad memory."

"No, it's not that. I just realize that I haven't done something like this in a really long time. After he died, it got really easy to keep my head down and just focus on working toward my goal. It's not easy working for the DIA. People tend not to stay long because it is long hours and very little payoff. The truth is, the only time any of us really get noticed is when something goes wrong. If everything goes right, that's just us doing our jobs. It is really easy to get buried in the work and I embraced that. It let me hide from the grief." Lucy cupped her cheek and Kate kissed her palm.

"I understand if you don't want to talk about him, but I want you to know that I am always here for you, Kate. I love you and I want to know every part of you, even the parts you think you need to hide."

"I love you too." Kate closed the distance between them and tenderly kissed her. It was not as passionate as their previous kiss in the parking lot, but still held all the yearning they conveyed for one another. The kiss wasn't about foreplay or sex. It was full love and it left their heads swimming as they broke apart to catch their breaths.

"Ready to head back to your place," asked Lucy as she nuzzled Kate's neck. Kate kissed her temple and sighed.

"Actually, I have one more surprise for you."

"Really, do tell," said Lucy and Kate winked at her.

"I'm better at showing," she informed as she unlocked the car. Lucy bit her lip as Kate opened the car door for her.

"You know, you're really good at this whole wooing thing," said Lucy and Kate smiled victoriously. She couldn't wait to see Lucy's face when they arrived at their last destination for the night.

As soon as they turned into the parking lot, Lucy recognized two cars and Kate parked in between them.

"Wait, are we ending date night with Jesse and Kai," asked Lucy and Kate giggled at her shocked expression.

"Jane and Ernie should be on their way too, if they aren't already inside."

"You planned all of this with them, didn't you? That's what you three were whispering about earlier?" Kate laced their fingers together and kissed the top of Lucy's hand.

"I love you and I know how much they mean to you. It's important to me that you know that I am all in. We didn't exactly have the smoothest start to our relationship, but I am so in love with you, Luc." Lucy captured Kate's lips in a kiss that Kate was happy to get lost in as she deepened it. An abrupt knock on the window of the car made them jump and pull apart to see Kai standing there with a cheeky grin. He tapped his wrist.

"We're on the clock, Whistler. We're already signed up," he called through the window and chuckled at the looks of displeasure both women gave him. He jogged back inside and Kate sighed.

"I can still want to punch some of them from time to time though, right," she asked and giggled when Lucy nudged her.

"I'm not taking credit for that. That's your fault," said Lucy.

"My fault, how?"

"Because you and Kai fell into some sibling dynamic that I didn't even see coming. Jesse and I talk about it all the time. Kai likes to annoy you like you are his big sister or something and…wait, what are we already signed up for? Babe, you have to know wooing me would never include making me do karaoke!" Kate shook with mirth at the look of terror that she knew was genuinely on Lucy's face.

"I know," she said with a giggle and got out of the car. Lucy frowned in confusion, but followed. They entered the bar and made their way through the crowd. Ernie was sipping a beer and perusing a song menu at a table. Kate pulled a chair out for her girlfriend.

"You're up, Whistler," called Ernie over the music. Before Lucy could ask or even protest the idea of karaoke, Kate pulled her into her arms and whispered in her ear.

"Wooing you would never include making you do karaoke. But, it does include serenading you…and possibly making a fool of myself to get in even more with your friend group," informed Kate. Ernie shooed her along and Lucy sat down speechlessly as Kai, Jesse, and Jane took the small karaoke stage. Kate jogged over to it and Kai handed her a microphone. The lights went low and the crowd of the bar cheered for them. Before her nerves could get the best of her, Kate took a deep breath and spoke into the microphone.

"This one goes out to my beautiful girlfriend. It's my attempt at making sure Taylor Swift isn't completely ruined for you. I wanna be your endgame. I wanna be your first string. I wanna be your A-Team. I wanna be your endgame, endgame," sang Kate. Lucy's jaw dropped as the music started and Kate sang to her, while Kai, Jesse, and Jane danced.

"Big reputation, big reputation

Ooh you and me we got big reputations, ah

And you heard about me, ooh

I got some big enemies

Big reputation, big reputation

Ooh you and me would be a big conversation, ah

And I heard about you, ooh

You like the bad ones too."

Lucy and Ernie both laughed and cheered as Kai did his best to rap his part of the song. Jane and Jesse were laughing so hard they had to lean on each other for support, but Kate tried her best to not be as obvious. Instead, her shoulders shook with mirth as Kai played up the crowd. He blew a kiss to the crowd once he finished his part and Kate took back over. Jane sang along with her and danced with Jesse and Kai.

"I don't wanna touch you (I don't wanna be)

Just another ex-love (you don't wanna see)

I don't wanna miss you (I don't wanna miss you)

Like the other girls do

I don't wanna hurt you (I just wanna be)

Drinkin' on a beach with (you all over me)

I know what they all say (I know what they all say)

But I ain't tryna play

I wanna be your endgame

I wanna be your first string

I wanna be your A Team

I wanna be your endgame, endgame."

Kai gave Kate a twirl as Jesse sang his part of the song and Jane danced with him. Lucy marveled in awe at her girlfriend as she sang and hammed it up on stage with her friends.

"Did she really plan this or did you rope her into it," asked Lucy and Ernie smiled as he watched Kate sing and dance.

"She wanted to give you a great night and asked us to meet up with you two for karaoke. I'm not sure how she got the others to agree to…well…this, but Whistler can be quite the master negotiator," explained Ernie. Lucy beamed with pride as she watched Kate sing with Jane. Lucy loved getting that side of her girlfriend in private, but it was the first time while in public that she saw her so happy and free.

"I am so in love with her. I'm doomed. She's officially ruined me for anyone else. I always had a feeling, but now I know. She's the one for me," confessed Lucy as her eyes glistened with tears. Ernie wrapped an arm around her with a knowing smile.

"About time you figured it out." She blushed at the comment.

"What if she doesn't feel the same?"

"Lucy, she is serenading you with karaoke in front of all these people. She feels the same," he assured and she bit her lip as her eyes locked with Kate's again. Kate motioned for her to come up on stage and Lucy took a deep breath as she stood up.

"Wish me luck," she called over the music and Ernie waved her off.

"You don't need it," he called back. She made her way over to the stage and Kate held her hand out to her as she continued to sing. Lucy blushed as the crowd cheered them on and Kate pulled her into her arms as she finished singing the song.

"And I can't let you go, your hand print's on my soul

It's like your eyes are liquor, it's like your body is gold

You've been calling my bluff on all my usual tricks

So here's the truth from my red lips

I wanna be your endgame

I wanna be your first string

I wanna be your A Team

I wanna be your endgame, endgame."

With rousing applause fading in the background and the song coming to an end, Kate sealed her public gesture with a sweet kiss. She then took a bow with Kai, Jane, and Jesse as Lucy cheered for them. They all hopped off of the stage to let the next group sing and Lucy pulled Kate to the side. The blonde giggled at her girlfriend's surprised look.

"Where did that come from? You were amazing up there."

"The last time we were here, you had to watch someone try to serenade me. I figured the least I could do was make sure you know how much I love you with a serenade of my own."

"I love you too, so much," whispered Lucy before sweetly kissing her.

"There is one very important question I have to ask you, though," said Kate with a teasing grin.

"Oh yeah, what's that?"

"Did I salvage your love of Taylor Swift?" Kate smiled as Lucy's head fell back in a mesmerizing laugh full of so much joy and love.

"Yes, you did."

"Then, mission accomplished," giggled Kate. Lucy bit her lip seductively.

"Well, there is one part of the mission you still need to complete."

"Oh really and what part is that," asked Kate with a teasing smile as Lucy pressed closer to her.

"Where we head back to your place for the really fun part." She kissed Kate teasingly and gave her backside a squeeze before casually strolling back to the table where her friends were waiting on them.

"I really love the fun part," Kate said to herself with a happy sigh. She made her way back over to the table, already thinking about what was to come later.

AN: I hope you enjoyed! It was a lot of fun to write. The song is "Endgame" by Taylor Swift.