In next three weeks, Lucy avoided Kate like plague. In all honesty, she didn't try to talk to Lucy about anything that was not case related, but Lucy just wanted to be sure. She avoided Kate, but also felt very jealous of young DIA officer Richards that spent a lot of time by Kate's side. To anyone who was in their right mind, it was clear that Helen didn't feel attracted to Kate in a way that could be a competition to Lucy, but it was clear that young officer had some sort of school girl crush on her senior. Rest of the NCIS team found it cute, but Lucy didn't like those puppy dog eyes she was giving her wife. She wanted to approach Kate and tell her that she really doesn't like how young officer is looking at her, but then she realized she couldn't say a word because they didn't really define their relationship. Kate was her wife on paper, but was she really her wife? Was she Kate's? She took off her wedding ring as soon as she landed to Hawaii and since that day she didn't put it back. She didn't want to explain her situation to anyone. She had no idea what she would say. Would Tennant and Jessie judge her for abandoning her wife? Would they judge Kate for staying two more years in DC? Would they ever trust her again knowing she is married to DIA officer that often makes their lives impossible? She had too many questions she had no idea what answers would be to.
She watched Kate in her new office sitting at the desk and drinking her coffee or eating her lunch and she wanted to knock on her office door and just spend that lunch hour chatting with her. Sometimes she would sit at her desk and just looked at Kate. Life had weird sense of humor so from her desk she had perfect view to Kate's office and her desk. She hated her life sometimes for being so cruel to her. At the time she was avoiding Kate, Tennant gave Kate the office that was just across from her desk and where she could spend entire day just staring at the other woman. It was clear that Kate was stilling glances just as much as she did, but it was different. Kate was still using her ring, she never hid that she was married and she did offer her a chance to talk, she was the one avoiding the talk. She was also pissed off because now she had clear view on Kate and other DIA officer.
From time to time, she would make a comment that made her look like jealous partner and that got the team confused. Lucy was jealous of the DIA puppy… Did she like DIA Officer Whistler? Jessy was happy and sad at the same time for his friend. He was happy she was forgetting about the famous ex and sad because she was falling for an obviously straight and married woman. It was clear as a day that she was straight. Woman even had a picture on her desk with her brother and husband on it. He was surprised to learn that Whistler was married to a black man. He always saw her as one of the Country club ladies with husbands that look like they are closely related. Yes, DIA Officer Whistler was THAT white. He wanted Lucy to be happy and in love, but there was no way he could support an affair with a married woman. He spent few weeks observing two woman. He was sure that Whistler had no idea that Lucy had some feelings for her and that it was very one-sided. He was sure it would pass in a matter of days, as soon as Lucy realizes how stupid and hopeless her crush is. Then, he saw it. It was not that one sided as he believed it to be. When Lucy was not looking, Whistler was looking at her with want and longing he saw in Lucy's stolen glances. As the Cho case was moving further along, team spent more time with DIA officer and he had more time to watch his friend and this woman doing some weird dance around one another. Tennant and Ernie also noticed that there was some weird tension between the junior agent and DIA officer, but they did not say anything. Jane was not a gossip and Ernie wanted to see how things would develop. He feared that if he said something, Lucy would back off.
They were close to closing the Cho case when things shifted between Lucy and Kate. Team was close to closing the case, but they needed to vent. Tennant suggested some group activity. Ernie suggested team dinner and asked who would host it. Since the last one was at Tennant's house, someone else had to volunteer. Since all but Jessie, Tennant and Whistler lived in apartments, it had to be either Jessie or Kate.
''I would offer my home, but my mother in law is visiting and I do not want that sort of torture for any of you.''
Suddenly, all eyes were on Kate.
''Oh… Well… I guess we can do it at my place… I will text you the address…But please, can we move it to the next weekend. This weekend I might have to do something for the Philips.''
They all nodded and she noticed the excitement most of them felt. She knew it had to do with the fact that she was new and no one has been in her home. Tennant noticed that Kate was not very uncomfortable all of the sudden.
''Don't worry. It will be fun. We can all bring something and usually Jessie is the grill master. Unless…''
''Unless what?''
Tennant had no idea how to ask.
''Well, if your husband wants to grill.''
''My husband?''
Kate looked at Tennant like she has three heads.
''I don't understand.''
Now the rest of the team was confused. Next to speak was Lucy. She came close to Kate and mumbled something that the rest of the team couldn't hear. Problem was that Whistler couldn't hear either.
''What?''
She came closer to Whistler and spoke again.
''They thing you are married to Franklin.''
She saw very curious looks at two of them. How did Lucy know who that person was?
''Oh! No! Franklin is my brother. He was adopted by my parents before I was born, so that picture on my desk are Noah and him, both of them being my brothers.''
Ernie looked suspicious…
''But it says that he is married to Katherine H. Whistler.''
''He is, but just not me. His wife and I have the same name, but his wife is a therapist and I am DIA Officer… And my middle name is Elizabeth May.''
Kai smiled at her.
''Two middle names?''
''Elizabeth was my fraternal grandmother and May was my mother's best friend…So, I got their names.''
''And Katherine?''
''That is on Noah. His crush at the time was a girl named Katherine. And he was deeply disappointed that I looked nothing like her.''
That got everyone to smile a little. Ernie was getting frustrated…He didn't like mysteries to be unsolved.
''So, who are you married to?''
''Why does it matter?''
''Because we are a family, not a team. We know Jessie's wife Heather and kids, we know Kai's dad and some friends… Tennant's kids and ex husband… All of you know I have cat that I adore. We know that Lucy doesn't date and has some phantom ex that she barely talks about even when we get her drunk…''
Lucy saw how hurt Kate looked when Ernie said ''ex''.
''But we have no idea who you are Whistler.''
''So, knowing who I am married to is crucial for this get together?''
''Yes, because we want to get to know you.''
''And you will. And when it comes to my marriage, it takes two people to tango Ernie. So, when she decides to share she is married to me, then you will learn who I am married to.''
With that she went to her office and closed the door. The resto of the team stayed a bit surprised by the fact Whistler said she will share… Jessie looked at all of them and scratched behind his ear.
''So, there is no husband?''
Tennant smirked.
''It looks like none of us read Officer Whistler right.''
Ernie and Jessie turned to Lucy.
''Did you know about this? Since you knew that those men in the picture are her brothers?''
Lucy had two options, one was to be honest and the other to pretend like she had no idea. Since she saw all the looks, she choose to be honest…well, not completely.
''I did know. But I didn't think it was proper to share that information at work. Here she is DIA Officer and her private life has no reason to be exposed. If she thinks she should share about her marriage and who she is married to, it's up to her and arrangement she has with a wife.''
''So, you know who she is married to?''
''Yes, I do.''
''What is she like?''
Before Lucy had time to answer their phones started beeping. Lucy's bolo came through, Jessie's source called to see him and Kai's meeting just got postponed. They all went their separate ways and talk of Whistler's wife was shelved for the moment.
Kate was in her office working on something when Hellen showed up with few folders.
''I need your help.''
''Sure, what can I do?''
''I redacted some files here and I would like you to read what I did and tell me if it is good.''
''Sure.''
Kate took Hellen's folders and in next hour she was revising the doncuments other officer gave her. Hellen did a good job and she felt bad for her insecurities.
''It's actually good.''
''Thank you. I'll go and share it with the team.''
''Good luck…and I'll see you on Monday.''
''See you Officer Whistler.''
She left the office and Kate went back to her documents. Bullpen was empty and the only person there was Lucy. She was writing a report and then she was interrupted by the phone. By Lucy's face, she could see that it was some very unwelcoming news. Lucy was looking at her with a terrified face. As soon as Lucy was done, Kate came to her desk.
''Is everything ok?''
''We are screwed.''
''We?''
''Not we as you and me, but we as people in my building.''
''Oh…''
''Yeh…''
''What happened? Why are you screwed?''
''I am not sure what is it. I don't know much… From what I was told, something happened in the building and our apartments are flooded. I have to go home and see if anything can be salvaged and I have to find a place to stay.''
''Shit! I am so sorry Lucy… I hope nothing is damaged beyond the repair.''
''Me too. But also I didn't have many things here… Maybe just books I got when I arrived… The rest…''
Kate looked at her watch.
''It's close to nine in the evening… Since there was something involving water, I am sure there is no electricity in the building, due to safety. It's better to go to the apartment in the morning, when you have natural light. And you don't have to waste money on the hotel or something like that. You can always come to the house with me.''
She just looked at Kate.
''I don't think it's a good idea.''
''It's your house too… And you have your clothes and things there you might need.''
Lucy was surprised to hear that.
''What?''
''I packed up our entire apartment Lucy. Your clothes are in the house, they are clean, unpacked and at your side of the closet.''
She just looked at Kate in surprise.
''Don't look at me… Women our mothers hired did most of the unpacking.''
Lucy took a moment to think. She couldn't go to Jessie's because Heather's mother was there. She couldn't go to Ernie's because he pretty much lived in his office and Kai lived with his dad and his friend in a pretty small house. So, Kate was her only solution…for now.
''Ok, but just for a few days.''
Kate smiled and nodded.
''Ok, see you there. I have few things to finish here and then I will leave. If you get there first, you have all the codes and the fridge is stocked.''
Kate looked to her office and stack of files.
''I have few more things to go through. You can go without me or wait for me so we can drive together.''
''I do have my car Kate.''
''I know. I just…''
She walked to her office and turned to Lucy.
''Just let me know what you decided.''
In all honesty, Lucy had no idea what was better solution. She hasn't been in that house in years and no matter if she goes alone or with Kate, ghosts of the past are going to be there. For a moment she was thinking and then decided to go alone. She informed Kate that she has something to do before she goes to the house and that she would see Kate there. Kate just gave her a nervous smile and nodded. She went back to her papers and Lucy left the office.
Before she went to the house, she stopped by her apartment building. She was the one of the few lucky tenants that whose apartments didn't suffer a lot of damage. She put on her rubber boots, took out her flashlight and went to the apartment. A lot of things were damaged by the water, but she had to pick up few things. She went to the bedroom and opened her safe. From it she took her spare gun, ammunition and her jewelry. She had diamond studs there along with her wedding and engagement rings. She put on the earrings and her rings because she knew it was a bad idea to put them in her backpack. They were too expensive to be just put there. It felt weird having those rings back on her finger. She checked few more things in the apartment and picked up their photos. She put them in the backpack and locked the door. Ride to the house was too short if you ask her. She wanted to postpone it as much as she could, but eventually she arrived.
It took a moment for her to get out of the car and enter the house. She turned on the lights and started walking around the house. House looked just the same as it was when they were here. She approached the shelf with photos and saw photos of Kate with her brothers and family photos with Whistler and Tara family all together. She climbed to the bedroom to change and shower before Kate gets home and that room was the biggest blast from the past. It smelled like lavender and vanilla. On Kate's side of the bed, she saw her eye drops and two books…and their wedding photograph that Noah took. She took a seat on the bed and picked up their photo. She looked at their faces and how happy they were. For a moment she wondered what happened to these two woman and love they had? When did they start putting their work before the relationship and one another? She looked at her hand and rings on it and somehow it felt so right and wrong to have them on. She took them off when she got to the island wanting to leave Kate and that life behind and now… Now she wondered if she could ever leave them behind. She put the photo back and went to the closet and bathroom. She looked at Kate's very neat side with each dress and shoes put in their own place, color coordinated and pressed that it looked uncomfortably stiff. Then she turned to her side of the closet and noticed that it was equally neat. Kate's OCD was showing. She picked up some stuff and undies and went to take a shower.
Kate entered the house and went straight upstairs. She for a moment forgot that Lucy was there. She was on the phone with Philips and she was telling him what she learned in the papers she was working on. She hung up and entered the closet and took off her shoes. She heard someone gasp and when she lifted her gaze, she was faced with shocked and very naked Lucy getting out of the shower. She mouthed the apology and left the room. That was unexpected. She went downstairs to the kitchen and poured some wine. She drank the first glass in one sip and poured some more. Just when she started thinking that this night couldn't get any crazier, her phone rang. It was Lucy's mom. She just looked at the screen and closed her eyes. Fuck my life!
''Hi Neema…''
''Hello, Kate… How are you?''
''I am good… And you?''
''We are all doing good.''
Mrs. Tara looked for a moment at Whistler's screen and narrowd her eyes.
''Why are you in the dark?''
''We just got home.''
''We? So, I will finally get to talk to my daugters together… You both work too much Kate.''
''I know…So, where is Lucy.''
''She is upstairs taking a shower.''
Mrs. Tara smirked.
''Without you?''
''I was on my phone until now.''
''Oh… So, should I hung up? It's Friday night. I am sure two of you have something planned.''
''Actually, we don't. I think we will have quiet night by the pool with some light dinner.''
''And some fun desert.''
Kate blushed. Were they really that bad?
''I am sure you are taking advantage of every moment you have. After all, you were not living together for such a long time.''
''We are doing our best.''
''I am glad to hear that and I am sure that population of Hawaii is glad you are not their next door neighbors.''
Kate heard Lucy coming down. She had to stop her from saying anything that would expose their weird state of relationship to their parents.
''Babe, hurry up.''
Babe? What was wrong with Kate?
'' Your mom is on the phone…''
That would be the answer.
''I'll be right there Kitty Kat…''
It was so strange to use their old nicknames for one another. It was clear that both of them were very uncomfortable. She was not sure if her mother in law noticed. As soon as Lucy showed up, Kate noticed two things. She was in the dark gold linen dress Kate bought her on one of their travels and the second thing was the fact that Lucy had her rings on. She didn't really expect that. Lucy stepped to stand beside Kate and smiled at her mom.
''Hi mom.''
''There you are… It's so nice to see you together and have a chat with both of you.''
''It's good to see you too mom, but please, don't take too much time. Kate still has to shower and we have to eat something. We had a crazy day today.''
''Fine. I get it. You are like newlyweds again… I just hope that the honeymoon phase wouldn't be a torture for the family again.''
''Well you are lucky mom that we are far from all of you.''
''Well, we do miss you.''
''We miss you too Neema…''
''Well, we have to figure out something to spend some time together… Either we could come to you or you could come to Texas.''
Lucy and Kate looked at one another not knowing what to say.
''Mom, we will call you to arrange something. Just as soon as we know when we would have some time off. Right now, we are working on a big case and we can't leave Hawaii.''
''And when do you think you would have that spare time? Your brother's kids miss you and Kate. They ask all the time for you. Kate did come and visit since you left, but they miss you too.''
''I am not sure when…Let's say, it will be a surprise.''
''I'll leave you to it lovebirds… Talk to you soon.''
Neema hung up and Kate pushed bottle of wine to Lucy. She took a big sip and looked at Kate.
''We are fucked.''
''Oh, yeah…''
''Go and take a shower and I will start the dinner.''
''Ok. Thank you Lucy…''
''It's my pleasure… To be honest, I missed this kitchen.''
Kate gave her a small smile and went upstairs. When she didn't hear Kate's steps anymore, Lucy felt like she could finally breathe. She took a moment before she opened the fridge and checked out what she could use.
She made pasta with shrimps and white wine and just as she was setting the table and opening new bottle of white Kate showed up. Lucy missed seeing Kate. She found uptight Whistler incredible sexy in all those power suits and heels. But she missed her Kate. A woman in linen black dress in flats with her hair down and almost no makeup. Kate helped Lucy get the food outside to the table and poured them the wine. Their first dinner after two years was…not what they expected. It felt like no time have passed. Lucy asked about Franklin and his wedding and his wife. Lucy heard Kate say she was a therapist so she wondered if they met there.
''She works for the navy, but they met in the supermarket actually.''
''Really? That is so random…''
''I know… But that is how they met.''
''It's so cute.''
''Yes, but he hates when K calls it meet cute.''
''Oh, God! I can see him fuming at those comments. He really hates those cute comments.''
''My brother is born without any romantic bone… Just like my dad…''
''Well, you are not that different…''
Kate made insulted face.
''I am not like that.''
''Not like them…but you are not really opened with your feelings.''
''Your mother just teased us that we were joined by the hip and all over each other.''
''Yes, but that is when you are relaxed and comfortable. You would not be all over me lets say…during the night out with the team.''
''Well, that is work and we are not kids anymore.''
As the amount of wine Kate drank got higher, her comments were more stingy and teasing Lucy.
''So, hypothetically speaking, you want to make out with me in from of the team?''
Lucy was left speechless for a moment. She did walk into that with her comment.
''I didn't say that.''
''Yes, you did.''
''I did not.''
''Yes, you did…''
''You are insufferable.''
Kate started laughing and simply couldn't stop.
''So, tell me… How did you get to that idea? Is it because of Hellen?''
''DIA puppy? No!''
Kate enjoyed catching Lucy in white lies. Lucy made an insulted face, like she had no idea why would Kate think she was jealous of Hellen.
''You can't lie to me Special agent Tara… I know you… You are jealous of Hellen, and I think it's hot.''
''What is hot? The way she follows you like puppy? How in her eyes you can do no wrong?''
''That you are jealous after all these years. I told you, there is no reason for something like that.''
Lucy got serious.
''That was years ago when things were good.''
''Well, I told you long time ago Lucy, I can resist men and women throwing themselves on me. I was not interested then and I am not interested now.''
''Why not now?''
Kate had some of her wine before she answered.
''I am not going to lie and tell you I was not attracted to other women, I was. Some of them had my attention for a few hours, some for a few days, but at the end of the day, I had a wedding ring as a reminder…''
''I was gone and you didn't follow.''
''I was angry and you didn't come back.''
''I felt like I had nothing to come back to. I felt like there was nothing there.''
Lucy looked at Kate expecting from her to snap or argue but she didn't. She drank some more of her wine and then looked at Lucy.
''I felt like that sometimes too.''
Lucy was surprised by that comment. Kate never said anything like that.
''You never told me that.''
''I never knew how to say thigs.''
''And what more you didn't tell me?''
Kate was silent.
''I wanted you to choose me again and stay with me in DC.''
Lucy covered her eyes with her hand.
''I grew tired of choosing you Kate… I felt like it was time for you to choose me. I expected you to show up for months. But you never did. No matter how much I wished for you to choose me, you never did and I don't know why the job was more important than me. Did you stop loving me Kate? Did you grew tired of us?''
Kate looked at Lucy a bit insulted and sad.
''Grew tired of you? No! I loved you Lucy. I still do.''
''And yet, you didn't come after me and you didn't want to follow me here.''
''It's not about not wanting. It's about not being able to.''
''What do you mean?''
''Do you know why I needed to be in DC?''
''No, you never told me.''
''I couldn't. It was confidential…But that confidential information after some digging became deeply personal.''
''What was it Kate? Was it really worth giving up on our marriage?''
''Yes and no.''
Lucy was getting frustrated now.
''Is it yes or no? You can't have that vague answer. What was more important than us?''
Kate was silent. She was looking everywhere but at Lucy.
''Truth about Noah's death.''
Lucy suddenly took a seat.
''What? It was… Their convoy was…it was an accident Kate…a random attack.''
''That is what we believed for years.''
''And it was not?''
''No, it was not random.''
She looked at Lucy. Her eyes were red and glossy.
''They were transporting someone of the high ranking in the enemy's army… And only they were hit. Attack was orchestrated because of the leaks from the intelligence officers. Someone who was doing the same job I am doing, fucked things up and I lost my brother. That is why I am such a pain in the ass with the red tape. I don't want anyone else's family to live the same things we did. As soon as I learned who leaked the intel and gathered all the evidence I needed, I gave it to my superiors and packed my life to come here.''
''What did you expect to find here Kate?''
''Closure.''
That hit Lucy in the gut.
''Oh…''
''It's not like that.''
Lucy was giving her best to sit there and listen without interrupting.
''Closure I was looking for was entanglement of the mess that our relationship became. I needed to know where we stand and what will happen to us? Am I still your wife? Are you mine? Who am I without the burden of Noah's death and truth I've learned? Are you the same? Do we want each other? Are we done or ready to work on us? So many questions and very few answers because I needed you to know the answers.''
''I can't give you the answers you need Kate.''
''I know.''
''I wish I could.''
''Do you even want to try Lucy?''
And that was the question both of them needed answer to.
