Silence lasted too long, so doctor took over.

''How about we try this… Until next session, share the bed and find a way to sleep in the way you find it comfortable. ''

They both nodded.

''One more thing before you leave.''

''Yes?''

''That was homework for when you are at home. Now, the one for out of home. Tell people you are married…''

They froze.

''You keeping this a secret is a sign that you might not be serious when it comes to fixing the relationship. Letting people know you are married, holds you accountable to really work on this and not slack. By letting others know, you are letting people in and more people know what is happening. You can't run and hide. Hiding your marriage gives the vibe of you being ashamed of the attachment you have. Are you ashamed?''

They were both silent. But shook their heads as no.

''So, tomorrow, or soon… tell people.''

Lucy was watching Kate… She closed her eyes and nodded at the doctor. Lucy knew she was scared.

''Ok… We'll tell them. Do you have some suggestions how?''

''No, that is up to you.''

When they arrived home, Kate went upstairs to change and Lucy stayed downstairs talking to Jessie that called her as soon as they entered the house. Kate took a shower and changed into sundress and flats. When she got out of the bathroom, she found Lucy sitting on the bed.

''You are angry at me for sleeping with other women.''

Kate crossed her arms and huffed.

''I am not angry.''

''Yes, you are,''

''Can we not.''

''I would be happy not to, but not talking got us where we are.''

Kate looked at the floor and then at Lucy.

''I just don't know what to say. I have no right to be angry. I never followed. You believed you were single and…free to do whatever you want...''

''You were also free but did nothing.''

Kate didn't say anything…Lucy was now wondering if Kate was telling the truth.

''Did you?''

Kate took a seat on the bench at the bottom of the bed.

''No, I didn't… I was tempted… I wished I did… But I never did it.''

''Why?''

''Because I am too socially awkward to do something like that. I don't know if I would…know how to be with someone who is not you.''

Kate blushed for a moment.

''I've never even kissed someone who is not you.''

''What? And what about that girl who took you on the date when I was acting like a dick, before we started dating.''

Kate smirked.

''I lied… She never kissed me…''

''You lied?!''

''Yes, I did.''

''Why?''

''Because I was pissed at you.''

''Katherine Elizabeth May Whistler –Tara! How dare you?! I spent years wishing I had your first kiss too..''

''Your head was already so big that I had to keep you a bit humble. I was not going to tell you that all my firsts happened with you. You didn't deserve to know…''

Lucy jumped and started tickling her wife. Kate was laughing and trying to defend herself but Lucy was stronger than she was.

They ended up with Kate on the bed and Lucy sitting on top of her holding her hands above her head. There was a lot of tension between them and all it took was for one of them to make a move for it to turn into everything their therapist told them not to do. Just as Lucy was leaning toward Kate, her phone rung. She got off Kate's lap and took the phone. Jessie was inviting her to the barbecue on Saturday. He even offered to her to come with plus one but Lucy knew he was just being too curious to meet her wife. She told him she would be there and he asked her if he should invite Whistler. Kate was under her and she could pretty much hear the entire conversation.

''It's your house Jessie… I can't tell you who to invite.''

''I know, but I don't want drama at gathering. If you come with the Mrs. and she sees the crush you have on our resident DIA officer, there will be trouble…especially if we meet finally Mrs. Whistler.''

''First of all, I don't have crush on Whistler and second, our wives won't be an issue.''

''You do have crush on her and entire team is aware of it. We all see how you look at her when she has one of those skirts that are very tight. I had no idea you are into that corporate bossy shit?''

Kate was trying not to laugh and it was getting harder and harder as the conversation continued.

''I get it. She is gorgeous, in that ice queen way….''

She and Kate both rolled their eyes on that comment.

''I will come to your gathering and please, stop calling Kate Ice queen. It's not nice.''

''Kate? Really Lucy?''

''Fine, stop calling Whistler Ice queen, Elsa or anything ice related… It's getting old and it is disrespectful.''

''Fine… I will not call your crush names.''

''I have to go now. See you tomorrow at work.''

''See you Lucy…''

She hung up and noticed that Kate was looking at her with a giant smirk.

''So you have crush on me?''

''You too?''

''I think it's cute you have crush on me special agent Tara.''

''I don't have crush on you Whistler…''

''Really?''

Kate gave her a look that was a bit daring and Lucy was known never to back down from a dare. She bent down and kissed Kate. They made out on the bed for some time and things started to escalate at one moment. Lucy's hand started to lift Kate's dress and caress her very long legs and it was going up, dangerously close to the place where they shouldn't be, but both of them wanted it to.

''Lucy… We shouldn't…''

Lucy noticed thigs got too heated, she got up and got off the bed.

''We better not Luce…Dr. Shaw warned us about this.…''

''Yes… You are right…''

Kate gave her a bit sad smile and peck on the lips. Lucy smiled at her and caressed her face.

''Maybe you could start dinner and give me a moment to change and shower.''

Kate nodded and started getting of the bed.

''Sure, what do you want to eat?''

''Whatever is fine…''

''Do you want me to order something?''

''Sure… Whatever you want, I am down with it.''

Kate winked at her.

''Oh, I know…''

She left the room and Lucy took a seat on the bed and put her head in her hands. That woman would be death of her. Lucy took off her clothes and went to take a shower. A bit colder shower did her good. She dried off and changed into green shorts and shirt. She put her hair in a messy bun and got downstairs. Kate was sitting on the kitchen counter and drinking a beer.

''Beer? I haven't seen you drink beer for a long time.''

''I ordered us burgers and fries.''

''Katherine Whistler-Tara, what happened to you? You never eat burgers…''

''I do…''

''When I force you.''

''Well I was in a mood for one.''

''Ok… I am not complaining.''

''And I asked for yours to have all those spices you love.''

''Thank you.''

Kate offered her hand and Lucy took her. She pulled toward her and kissed her again. They kissed for a moment and Lucy broke the kiss.

''Is this ok with you Lucy?''

''Yes, it is… I just… I don't want to do something wrong…something that could lead us into something more than the doctor said we could and should.''

''I promise to behave.''

''Really?''

''I want this to work…And for it to work, we have to follow what she said.''

''So, you are ok with kissing?''

''It's a start.''

Their conversation was interrupted by the delivery guy. Kate picked up the food and Lucy got their beers outside and took a seat at the table. Kate started eating and Lucy just watched her. Seeing Kate bight, the food and eat without knife and forks was rare sight. Yes, Kate was one of the people who knew what each fork and knife are for in a fancy restaurant and she was very proper and she always cuts small bights. Lucy also had the same etiquette classes, but she never really enjoyed following the rules. If you asked her if she knew to use all of them and what each fork and knife are for, she would have known… But also she would never want to dine at a place like that by her own will.

''What is it?''

''I am just enjoying your rare human moments.''

''Human?''

''Well, you have ketchup on your face and some sauce is dripping down your hand. You are a messy eater for once.''

Kate just looked at her over the burger and Lucy realized what she just said.

''I hate you.''

''No, you don't… You have a crush on me.''

They teased each other for million things and soon it was time to go to bed. Kate stayed to throw the boxes and bottles away and Lucy went upstairs to change for bed. When Kate was done downstairs she got to the room and found Lucy already in bed with her phone in hands.

''Jessie again?''

''No, this time it's Ernie.''

''You are popular…''

''I am always popular.''

Kate went to the closet to change and when Lucy joined her, she was already in her PJs. She was brushing her hair when she noticed Lucy standing behind her.

''Yes?''

''Can you put my ring in the safe?''

''Sure…''

Lucy took it off and Kate opened the safe and put her ring in the empty jewelry box it was long time ago.''

''I see all the crown jewels of Whistler and Tara family are here.''

''Yes, you know our mothers.''

''I do… And I know that your parents can't stand the fact that the only son they have left is black.''

''Lucy!''

''I love Franklin, but I know your parents… you are a disappointment Katherine Whistler. You married a woman… And not just any woman, but Muslim woman of Iranian descent… And their black son is married to a white woman that doesn't meet their expectations also…So, mommy found it as lesser evil to give the lesbian her expensive shit rather than wife of the black one.''

''Lucy, I don't care what they think…''

''I know, but it still hurts sometimes. I don't like to be judged by such trivial things like where my parents came from and what their religion is.''

''I know…''

''Let's go to bed.''

Kate took Lucy's hand and led her to their bed. They got under covers and she turned off the light. None of them could sleep but they had different things on their mind. Lucy's mind was focused on finding the best way to tell the team that they are married and Kate's was back at the session with Dr. Shaw.

''Lucy…''

''Yes?''

''I want to talk about the session.''

Lucy let go of the breath she was holding. She knew where this would go and she was not sure if she wanted to talk about it.

''I want to know…''

''About all of them?''

''Yes, even the ones that were just dinner.''

''Why?''

''Because I want that behind us and I can't leave it there without knowing everything there is to know.''

She turned to face Lucy.

''I don't want to be in the situation that I am in the dark. I know I can be pain in the ass with this, but I am willing to tell you about the people that got my attention and how far those things did or didn't go.''

''Did go?''

''One of the was very close to kissing me. I pulled back at the last moment...literally last moment.''

''Why did you pull back?''

''Honest answer?''

''Always Kate…''

''I wanted it to happen, but I felt ashamed for wanting that person. It was the first person after you that made me feel something. Maybe I can say we were dating in a very platonic way. We went to the movies, had dinners together, spent time, but I never let it get out of hands…We went away for some of the weekends, but never shared a room or bed. And that night when things almost did get out of hands, we had a few drinks more… We were in that person's living room and we were laughing about something we saw on TV and then there was silence and we just looked at each other, like we were waiting for the other one to make that first move. She did and I leaned into that potential kiss and then I remembered I couldn't. I apologized and left. No matter how attractive I found her, she was not you. None of the people was like you or made me feel things you did…and still do. Even what I felt for Erica was nothing compared to what I always felt for you.''

It was hard for Lucy to hear this. Especially that part first person after you that made me feel something. Woman she was with didn't make her feel anything but lonelier than ever.

''For me it started few months after I came here. I had a very hard day at work and everyone else had someone to go to. Jessie had Heather, Ernie had his art teacher, Tennant had her kids and I had no one. So, I went to a bar, close to the place I lived first and after having a drink or two, I was approached by a woman. She was nice looking, a bit butch if you ask me, but at that point I didn't care. I just needed someone. We talked, we drank and we ended up at mu place. We had sex and she left because she had an early shift. I don't even remember her name. All I know is that she made me feel better just for that night and it was all I needed.''

''Did you not remember all of the women you slept with?''

''No, I remember most of them.''

''Most? How many were there?''

''I don't know…''

That was a gut punch for Kate.

''But I can assure you, there were less women than you think there were.''

''Did you repeat some of them?''

''Yes, two or three…''

''Oh, ok…''

''And why it never became something more? You were already sleeping with them…why not date them?''

''They wanted love and I was not capable of giving it to them.''

''It's so weird to listen to you talk about being with other women.''

''I know…and I am sorry…''

''Me too.''

''Kate, it's not your fault… I did it, not you…I made a choice to sleep with other people, not you.''

''But my actions or lack of them got you to do it.''

There was a moment of silence. Kate felt chilling in her body because she knew that this silence would bring something bad out.

''I think I would have done it even if I didn't leave.''

''What?''

''I think I would have cheated even if I stayed in DC.''

''Why?''

''To hurt you. To get you to snap out of your work mode and see me… Want me..''

''Oh, Luce… I never stopped wanting you.''

Lucy looked at Kate with surprise. She expected Kate to storm out of bed or do something dramatic after she said what she did, but instead she found Kate looking sad and hurt and sorry. She put her hand on Lucy's cheek and gave her a small smile.

''Yes, I was too invested in finding out who leaked info that got Noah killed, but I never stopped loving or wanting you Lucy. I've always wanted you.''

''Before I left, we haven't had sex or any sort of closeness and intimacy for three months Kate… What was I to think? You know how close we always were. You were barely kissing me or simply touching me in any way. I was sure you were over me…And I was understanding that. We were together for our entire lives and only with each other at that point. I could understand that you wanted to test the waters and see what would it be like to be with someone else.''

''I never wanted that. I just wanted my case resolved so I could find closure.''

''And did you find it after you leaned who is responsible?''

''No, it didn't bring me Noah back and I've lost our relationship.''

''I am still here Kate.''

''I know, but we are trying to put back together relationship that was good before I went on my crusade.''

''We will fix this, fix us and we will find a way to get out of this even better than before.''

''How can things be better than before?''

''Because we will talk about things now, not push them under the rug.''

''Ok…''

They talked some more and finished for the night when they realized it was about three in the morning. They were woken up few hours later by Lucy's phone. She picked up and it was Jessie, calling her to tell her they had a case. He wanted to come and pick her up, but she said she would drive herself. Kate heard the conversation and as soon as Lucy left the bed she turned to face the closet door. Soon Lucy showed up in jeans, boots and navy blue shirt. Her hair was in a low pony and she looked tired.

''You have a case?''

''Yes… Why can't people murder each other in some normal time?!''

''I know, how rude.''

Lucy just rolled her eyes at Kate and kissed her.

''Not funny. I don't even have time for coffee.''

''You have those bottles of ice coffee in the fridge.''

''Thank you and your fancy habits.''

''You are welcome…''

''See you in a few hours DIA officer Whistler.''

''I'll be the one you are crushing on special agent Tara.''

''I will never live the end of it.''

''No…''

Lucy left the house and got into her car. Crime scene was not that far from her and Whistler's home. When she got there, officers already secured the scene and Jessie was in the house with Tennant. Lucy was surprised to see Tennant on the scene. She did go out in the field, but not that often.

''Tennant…''

''Lucy…''

She looked around and saw a lot of blood. Jessie and Tennant were talking to some crime techs and that gave Lucy a minute to look around.

''Do we have multiple victims?''

Jessie was checking his notes and getting ready to report to Tennant.

''No, just one that blead a lot.''

''Where is the victim?''

''In the pool…''

When Lucy got there, she noticed that the water was red from the blood and that a man was being put in the bag. He looked young, maybe in his forties and in good shape. She also noticed a lot of gunshot wounds and bruises on the body. So, the victim put up the fight. He didn't let the attacked get away without a punch or two. Lucy saw in the corner man's uniform and she approached it. She looked at his shoulders and saw the markings.

''Oh, crap!''

Tennant and Jessie heard her and turned to give her a look.

''Our victim is Master Chief Petty Officer Manning.''

Tennant had to agree. Crap it was. He tried to contact the NCIS and make an urgent appointment with Tennant, but she was at the conference and couldn't see him before tomorrow morning. Well, it looked as their planes have changed. Soon the familiar clicking of the heels was heard. They turned and saw Whistler enter the crime scene in all the usual glory. Perfect makeup and bun, heels, perfectly pressed white shirt and black skirt and jacket.

''Whistler….''

''I take no pleasure in telling you that this case is no longer yours.''

Lucy came close to her and said in a low voice.

''Oh, you take all the pleasure… I see that smug face…''

''Maybe just a little pleasure…Special agent Tara.''

Jane stood across from them with her hands over her chest.

''And who is taking the case from us.''

''Homeland is taking charge. They said they will contact the NCIS if they need some help, but for now, it's theirs completely.''

''So, we have no case?''

''No case for NCIS, but I am sure that soon someone else will die and you will have new case.''

And with that, she left the house and Lucy could see her in the backyard with some sus looking people. They looked like you took them out of bad version of Matrix or maybe Men in black. Lucy also noticed how they looked at Kate. They were checking her out and Lucy was pissed about it. She hated when people looked at Kate like she is just some pretty face. None of them could even imagine how smart and knowledgeable she was. No, they only saw pretty face and incredible body…

''Are you done staring at Elsa?''

''Jessie, I told you not to call her that way.''

''Lucy, you are walking a very dangerous line. You can't look at Whistler like that and work on potentially fixing your marriage.''

''I am not talking about it with you.''

''Fine, but stop staring. You are making me uncomfortable.''

''Awww…. You are so sensitive Jessie.''

NCIS team returned to the office and each of the agents now had time to finish the reports they didn't get to do before. Lucy would from time to time glance toward Kate's empty office and wonder where she is and if she would be coming to the office. Few hours later, Whistler showed up and Lucy noticed she looked pissed. She allowed Kate to settle into her office before she went to see her.

''Are you ok?''

''I'm fine…''

''Kate…''

''It's just… Those agents are such sexist pigs.''

''Why? Because they kept staring at your legs and ass?''

''You do that too…''

''True, but I did put a ring on it.''

''From what I remember, a lot of staring and stuff happened before the ring you put on it.''

''DIA officer Whistler, are you telling me that you are interested in one of those fine young fellas?''

''God, no! I am saying that I am sick and tired from people only paying attention to my body and not noticing my mind.''

Lucy wanted to tease Kate, so she looked at the cleavage.

''Lucy!''

''Sorry, you were saying.''

Kate just narrowed her eyes at her.

''Not funny…''

''Actually, it is…''

There was a moment of silence.

''I am not fishing for anything.''

Kate just gave her a look.

''I was wondering if you are coming home in some normal time or working with your new friends?''

''I believe I would be home by six. Why?''

''How about we go out for dinner?''

''After work?''

''Yes, I think my day would be pretty slow…and that is good… So, when you can punch out, we could go to that small Italian place you love.''

''I think I like your idea Special agent Tara.''

''It's a date DIA officer Whistler.''