First day with the team was exciting. She briefed the team, they exchanged the intel they gathered and from there, they agreed who would do what and who would follow what clue. Whistler said she would try to get some intel they needed for the case and that she would try to get them as much as she can and that she hopes they would stick to their deal with no snooping. Lucy stood in the corner and watched Kate work. This was actually the first time they worked together. She never had a chance to see the DIA side of her. She had the other side of this person. She had the wife who loved to spend weekends trying new recipes and staying late in bed. She had a mischievous wife who would hide her car keys so she would stay just a moment longer with her at home. Wife who suggested they ignore the phone when their mothers called or something that could not be related to this person standing in front of her acting like block of ice with very rational and practical ideas or solutions and zero emotions. Every single thing that left Kate's mouth that day was very rational and supported by previous experiences, reference to something from a rule book, manual or something like that. During the time the NCIS team spent out of the building looking into some clues they had, she was in her office making sure she learns about how NCIS functions and what are some important rules they operated under. She was not surprised to learn that they were bending a lot of them and that got a small smirk on her face. She expected nothing less from the team lead by Jane Tennant. She did notice Tennant looking at her few times from her office, but she pretended that she was deep in her research to even notice Tennant. She understood why she was interesting to the other woman. She was sure that they found some way to ask about here, she could even bet that Tennant made few calls to her former CIA buddies and she was sure that soon she would be notified who tried to poke into her life. Part of her wanted for Tennant to learn who she was. She would find it entertaining to see the other woman's face when she learns who daddy Whistler is and who she was married to. Tennant loved transparency in her team and that would mean that Lucy broke one of her most important rules. She hid who she was married to. She even hid she was married. She heard gossip in the kitchen that Jessie is setting Lucy up for dates and that it usually turns into catastrophe and she got very angry and possessive. Yes, she also had some offers in DC, but she never took them into consideration. She never wanted to be with anyone who was not her wife. She was aware that Lucy was gone, but to her it was disrespectful and dishonorable to even think about other people. DIA Katherine Whistler never left anything to a chance what annoyed the hell out of NCIS team. NCIS team was pissed off that Whistler came prepared. She knew how DIA functioned and what were cardinal rules to make things work, so she took her time to learn rulebook of the NCIS. From early days, Kate Whistler was a nerd and she couldn't go against her nature. So, she took her time to study their rule book during the time NCIS agents were following some leads. Lucy went to see commander Chaise, Kai and Jessie went to talk to the widow and Ernie was playing in his social media and email account. Whistler instructed him how far he can go and she gave him a very meaningful look when she was leaving and she was under impression that he was a bit scared of her so she used it to her advantage.

Tennant was in her office working on something and from time to time, she would give a glance to see what Whistler was doing. She noticed that Whistler was reading NCIS manual and underlining some things. She didn't like the fact that she was reading their manual, but part of her had some respect for Whistler because she wanted to learn about the way they work and rules they have to respect, or in many situations, bend. Whistler was taking notes when she got a phonecall from Philips.

''Whistler.''

''Yes, Sir?''

''I want you to go to the morgue and get the autopsy results. After you clear them, share the redacted version with the team.''

''Yes, sir.''

Whistler put back her ID and closed the manual on the marked page. She fixed her dress and jacket and left the office. Tennant just looked at her and went back to her stack of papers. She knew she would learn soon what was that all about. She had some idea, but she didn't want to rush into anything.

When Whistler arrived to the commander Chaise's office, Lucy was standing there with her arms crossed and very pissed off face.

''Commander Chaise… Special Agent Tara.''

Doctor closed the folder with autopsy results and looked at the blond who entered her office.

''You must be new DIA Officer? Whistler?''

''Yes, I am DIA Officer Whistler. I've heard so much about you, commander.''

''Good things I hope?''

''Your accomplishments in the hospitals in the field were remarkable. Those men and women were lucky to have you there. Thank you for your service.''

Commander Chaise just looked at her for a moment.

''I see… You are military brat…Or you have someone close serving.''

''Both…''

''It was my honor to serve DIA officer Whistler.''

Lucy knew how personal this was for Kate. She never spoke about her brother or any member serving, so she knew this was huge for Kate to share with someone she sees for the first time in the work environment. Commander Chaise offered the folder to Whistler and she took it. She was walking toward the door and Lucy was walking behind her.

''Officer…''

''Yes, commander.''

''Any relation to general William Whistler?''

Kate was surprised by the question. Lucy looked at Kate's face, but didn't turn toward commander Chaise so she wouldn't see surprise on her face. Kate's eyes went wide and her mouth was a bit opened.

''That would be my father.''

''I can see the resemblance… You have his eyes. We served together during the Gulf war. I remember him. He is a remarkable man. Send him my regards when you speak to him.''

''Thank you, Commander.''

Lucy and Kate left the morgue together, but none of them said a word. From time to time, Lucy would glance toward the folder or Kate's face.

''Can I see the report?''

''I have to see it first, redact it and then share it with your team.''

''Please…''

Kate looked at her and couldn't believe what she was asking.

''Are you kidding me? Special agent Tara, you will see the report when I clear it and don't look at me like that. I would not be opening the folder until I am behind the desk. I KNOW you can read upside down, I taught you that.''

Lucy huffed like a child and kept walking behind Kate. When they came back to the HQ, Whistler went to her office and Lucy went to Tennant.

''Did you get the report?''

''No, she did… And we will get the redacted version. So, that means that DIA is hiding something from us.''

Tennant smirked.

''They are DIA, they always hide things from everyone.''

''I guess so.''

''Any word from Kai and Jessie?''

''No, boss… Still nothing.''

''Keep me informed. I want to know what is in that report. You are on Whistler duty.''

Lucy made winy face.

''Do I have to?''

''Yes, you do… You are only one here and I am pretty sure she is not interested in bonding with SAC or Jessie and Kai. I don't see them getting friendly any time soon.''

Lucy looked at Jane trying to figure out if she knew something.

''So, you don't see them getting friendly, but you see us?''

''Well, you have that charm that works on ladies, no matter of their sexual preferences are... And we don't need jealous husbands coming here and making a mess. So, you are the one making friends with her.''

Lucy smirked. She loved how Tennant believed Whistler was straight. She did have an urge to correct Tennant and say that Whistler had a wife who wouldn't mind her being around Kate, but she didn't. She still had no idea how she wanted to handle all Whistler is here and we are married situation.

''Fine! I'll charm Whistler into giving us the report.''

''Thank you Lucy.''

''You owe me for this.''

''Flirting with a pretty lady? Since when is that a problem for you?''

''Since it's Whistler.''

''Come on! I know they call her the Ice Queen, but maybe you can help her let loose and really be part of this team.''

''I wouldn't bet on that.''

Jane just winked at her and sent Lucy away. Kate was at her desk, finishing the report she would present to the team when Lucy entered with a mug.

''Coffee?''

Kate just gave her a I know what you are doing look and smirked.

''I am still not giving you the report…''

''Why do you always assume the worst?''

Kate just gave her a look and tilted her head to the side.

''Ok… So, you showing up with a coffee has nothing to do with you coming out of Tennant's office?''

''She is my boss Kate. I have to talk to her.''

''Ok… I'll take the bait for a moment…''

She got up from her chair and came to Lucy. She offered her hand for Lucy to hand over the cup of coffee. Just as she remembered her wife's coffee. Black, with milk and dash of sugar.

''Is there anything else you need Lucy? I took the coffee as sort of peace offering… So is there anything more you need from me?''

''No, I just came to get you coffee.''

Kate knew it was a lie, but she loved making Lucy squirm. It was fun to see her feel this uncomfortable. And especially knowing that Kate knows she is lying.

Kai and Jessie came back and they were bruised. Both Tennant and Whistler came out of their offices to see what happened. Tennant looked at them and she looked a bit scared.

''What happened?''

''We were talking to the widow and then someone started shooting.''

''And then?''

''We got the wife and kids to safety and then opened fire at the people shooting us.''

''What can you tell me about the shooters?''

''Not much… Black clothes, black car, not plates…and masks. It looked professional.''

That got both Jane's and Kates's attention.

''Professional in what way?''

Jessie rolled his eyes at the DIA officer.

''Like they knew what they were doing.''

''So someone with military training. How many of them?''

Kai spoke now.

''Four, that we saw shooting at us. I am guessing fifth was in the car.''

''Men or women?''

Jessie was getting pissed.

''They had masks.''

''Yes, but body type can't be covered by the mask. No matter how much of the face is covered, they still have the body type and height.''

''Well, I am sorry. We were not shot at by the supermodels.''

Lucy and Jane tried to suppress the laughter and Whistler looked pissed.

''Well, good for you. I am sure that band of supermodels would distract you and Kai so you would end up dead.''

With that she went to her office and got on the phone. She called her boss and told him what happened. He thanked her for the intel and hung up.

After they were done for the day, Kate picked up her things and went home. She was wondering how long would it take for Lucy to show up at the house or at least try to talk to her. She knew they had to talk and clear the air if they wanted to have normal relationship in the office. It was clear that both of them had a lot to say to one another. As for Kate, she had a long list of insults and loving words she wanted to say to her wife's face, but bullpen was not place for those conversations. She knew it had to happen far from their coworkers and somewhere private. That is why she wrote to Lucy where she was staying and that her phone number was the same. Also, seeing how Lucy reacted, she knew the other woman would not come or call any time soon. So, she prepared herself for complete separation of her person. At work she would be DIA Whistler and at home, Kate would have all the time and space to mourn her failing marriage. She knew it was for the best. She would not risk her career and possibility to advance over showing feelings at the inappropriate places, and most importantly, she would not beg for love. She did still love her wife, but she was not the one to beg. She simply grew up that way, she would rather suffer in silence than beg someone to stay with her. In her opinion, if you have to ask someone to stay, that means that other person is already out of that relationship with one foot. She took off her dress and shoes and took a long shower. She needed to wash the day away and just relax. After she was done, she went down to the kitchen and made dinner for herself. Something fast and light that she completed with a glass of nice white wine. After dinner she went to her office and continued working until midnight when she went to bed. It was her second night in their bed and it was not easier. She and Lucy always had big beds and now she felt so lonely sleeping in them without her. To feel less lonely, she started sleeping in the middle when she was in DC and now she was thinking about doing the same. She was tired of the silence that greeted her when she arrives home. When she was in DC she started thinking about getting hers and Lucy's dogs to live with her, but she didn't since she lived in the apartment, but now she was in the house, house she owned so she really started thinking of getting her mother in law to send her their dogs. She was not ready to write, because she was sure her mother in law would come right away to see her and Lucy and they would have to live together for that time period….and Kate was not ready for it. She was not ready for the visit from the parents and telling them about the failed marriage and how they screwed up everything.

By the end of the week Whistler and NCIS team found some rhythm. As expected, Whistler and the NCIS team had their clashes but nothing too serious. Tennant was not too happy about how Whistler was not bending rules and was not giving them the intel they wanted. Tennant wished she knew how to get Whistler to give them more. She tried by being nice, by getting Lucy to bring her coffee, but nothing worked. To the politeness and friendliness of the team, she responded equally, she even got deserts on Friday morning, but when it came to intel, she didn't give an inch.

When she was done with work on Friday, Kate went to the supermarket. She wanted to buy some of her favorite ice cream and she needed few more things. And that is where she run into Lucy.

''Hey…''

''Hi Lucy.''

''What brings you here?''

Kate just looked at her cart and then back at Lucy. Kate had smirk on her face and Lucy felt stupid.

''Stupid question…It's just…''

She looked at Kate with some sadness in her eyes.

''I don't know how to do this Kate… At work, it' easier because we don't have to talk…''

'' I know Lucy…''

''What do we do?''

Kate was silent for a moment, like she was weighing the options.

''We have few options… I can make dinner for us and we could talk about whatever we think we should talk about and finally know where we are standing. Second solution is that at least one of us knows where we stand and there is third, that we are very good at so far, and that is that we pretend nothing is happening and we don't know one another beyond the work setting.''

Lucy was silent.

''I need some time…''

''I know… But we can't postpone it for too long.''

''I know…''

Kate looked at her cart.

''I have to go. I have a call I must prepare myself. See you on Monday.''

''See you Kate.''

Lucy stood and watched Kate walk away from her and she felt uneasy. In all honesty, she was postponing the conversation with Kate because she had no idea what her wife would say. She was afraid of officially ending things and she was also afraid of the option of trying to work things out.