AN: I won't be posting much on here in the future. I have been a writer on here for well over a decade, but it has gotten so political and full of so many trolls that I will not be posting much moving forward. Thank you to all the kind humans who look at fanfiction as a way to engage and connect with people, not as a way to try to assert power or control. I'd heard the rumors about the cliques and gangs going around trying to police work, but was privileged to not experience it until recently. There is so much racism, homophobia, transphobia, and bigotry on this site now that hides behind so-called guidelines that are only applied to certain types of ships and identities. It is disheartening to see how low the bar is for this site now. However, it is still Valentine's Day and I am still a Kacy shipper. I'm in a great mood and yearning for Kacy content, so of course I had to write some fluff. To those who just come on here to read and enjoy, I hope you are able to do just that. For those looking to assert power over others because you have so little in your actual lives…have the day you deserve.
Kate woke up feeling dazed and confused as the sunlight peeking through her curtains blinded her. She hissed at the brightness and turned over in her bed to hide from the light. She was exhausted and started to fall back asleep until a memory flashed in her mind. It was like an avalanche of information that suddenly bombarded her as her eyes darted open again and she quickly sat up in bed. Her heart began to race and a dull ache of fatigue in her body reminded her of the previous night. After a long week of work, she went out on the town with Deena and Carlos. It was the Friday of Valentine's Day weekend and she had spent the entire day feeling sorry for herself and her situation with Lucy. Deena demanded they go out to drown her sorrows and the three of them spent a very long night taking shots, dancing, and talking about relationships. That part, Kate could handle. She didn't go out often, but when she did, she had no problem letting loose in the right environment. A dark club with pulsing lights that made it easy for her to blend in was certainly the right environment and she gave herself over to the music, the liquid courage, and her friends egging her on. By the end of the night, the three of them were well past tipsy and shared an Uber. Kate was the first to be dropped off and, if the events of the night ended there, it would've been just fine. She was a grown, technically single woman who was more often than not a responsible adult. Having a night out was acceptable. But, drunk texting her now, technically ex-girlfriend? Not so much.
Kate scrambled out of bed and darted from the room in search of her phone. Some of the memories were hazy, but for the most part, she remembered her night. After making it into her apartment, all the loneliness and heartache returned. She'd felt a version of it before, being new to the island made for a lot of lonely nights, but it wasn't just about loneliness. She only yearned for one person now, the only person that she thought about before she went to sleep and as soon as she woke up. She missed Lucy and in that moment, with liquid courage strongly coursing through her veins, she grabbed her phone and told the brunette just that with a text. Kate found the phone right where she left it on the kitchen island. She unlocked it and noticed there were new text messages from Deena, Carlos, and her mother, but none from Lucy. She read over the message she sent in the early hours of the morning.
Miss you. Don't think I'll ever stop.
"Fuck," she shouted when she read the text and also noticed it was marked 'Read' minutes after she sent it.
"Damn it," she whined as she admonished herself and placed her forehead on the cool, granite counter. Suddenly, her phone buzzed, startling her in the process, and she immediately checked it in hopes of being a reply from the only person she wanted to hear from. Instead, it was from Deena.
Call incoming soon. New case for NCIS. Highly sensitive.
"Oh, come on," exclaimed Kate as she checked her watch. It was eleven on a Saturday morning. She rarely had to worry about her liaison work on weekends. Her phone began to ring and she groaned when she saw her director's number on the screen.
"Morning ma'am…yes, of course…I will be right in and will handle things with NCIS. Thanks." Kate pinched the bridge of her nose in frustration as she hung up. She wanted to cry, scream, have the earth swallow her whole, but instead, she did the only thing she could do. She headed for her shower and began thinking about how she was going to face Lucy after sending that text message the previous night.
By the time she made it into the office, Deena and Carlos were already there and looked as haggard as she felt. Deena was the first to spot her and followed her to her office. Kate noticed the mug of coffee in Deena's hands and gave a nod of recognition as she picked up her own travel mug.
"What were you saying last night about not needing to worry about work this weekend," taunted Kate and Deena groaned.
"I know. I'm sorry. I really didn't think we would get called in today since things were so slow in the case department. How are you holding up?" Kate smirked as she sat down at her desk.
"Not so great now that I have to see Lucy and talk about this case."
"I thought you wanted to see Lucy," said Carlos as he entered her office and closed the door behind him.
"Yeah, shouldn't that be a good thing? Maybe you two will wrap the case early and make up. I heard they already have a few leads," said Deena.
"Which is the least of my concern since I texted her last night after I got home."
"No," said Deena with a gasp and Carlos's jaw dropped.
"You drunk texted her? What did you say," asked Carlos.
"It doesn't matter."
"Oh, it matters. Did you ask for a booty call? Did you send pics? Was it filthy," asked Carlos.
"Okay, calm down. It was nothing like that, thankfully. I just told her that I missed her," she confessed.
"Wait, that's it," asked Deena.
"It's embarrassing," exclaimed Kate and Deena smirked.
"Square," she teased and Carlos nodded in agreement.
"Yeah, too vanilla for my tastes. I'm losing more and more interest as we speak," added Carlos.
"I'm serious. We haven't talked, like really talked, since that night. She wanted space, so I was giving it to her and I was doing a great job until last night. I just felt it and I said it."
"I think it's sweet. Everyone wants to be missed. Did she reply yet," asked Deena.
"Nope, left me on read."
"Ouch, that's harsh," said Carlos.
"I told you. Lucy's a bad bitch. You have to watch out for the small ones. She's the top in that relationship for a reason," said Deena.
"We've been over this. Kate is totally the top for multiple reasons and…"
"I'm sitting right here," exclaimed Kate and they both snickered.
"Look, you are obviously upset about this, but I don't think it's the end of the world. You two have been waiting for the other to make a move ever since everything went down. Talk to her," advised Deena and Carlos nodded as he handed her a file and USB.
"But first, here, this is everything we know about the case. Good luck and I don't want to hear anything else about you two until you are back together or you accidentally send her nudes," said Carlos before walking out with a laugh.
"I hate you both. I hate you both so much," said Kate and Deena gave her a wink.
"That's fair," giggled Deena as she walked out as well. Kate shook her head and focused back on the task at hand. She read over the case file and checked the digital files before heading down to the NCIS bullpen. She was annoyed that the elevator ride didn't take longer and that she was able to make it into the offices so quickly. Jesse was the first to spot her and give a greeting.
"Whistler, let me guess, the DIA wants to fully cooperate, but cannot grant access to the files we requested," he said. She smiled smugly and showed the file in her hand.
"I see your observation skills are as sharp as usual, Special Agent Boone. Here are your files," she informed and his eyes widened.
"Oh, I thought these were classified?"
"They are, but all ops under that file have been closed and were vetted a while ago. The one on top may be of some interest. There were flags about the mission even at the time."
"Thank you," he said, surprise still evident in his voice.
"I just need to check in with Tennant and have her sign off," said Kate as Kai looked over Jesse's shoulder at the files as well. She glided past them and noticed Lucy watching her from her desk. The petite brunette hadn't moved since she entered the bullpen and Kate stuffed her hands into her pockets to stop from fidgeting. She gave a small smile and tried to convey more confidence than she felt as she walked by her with a nod of greeting.
"Special Agent Tara," she said before entering Tennant's office. Their talk was brief and a blur to Kate. Her mind was too busy obsessing over if Lucy was watching her still. Did she want to talk about the text? Did she really see it or was her phone mistaken? If she read it, did she want to even acknowledge it happened or should Kate pretend it never did? Would that make things worse? She exited Tennant's office with the signed forms and noticed Lucy quickly stand up when she saw her. Kate slowed her pace and waited for Lucy to approach her. Her hands remained in her pockets and she was suddenly grateful she wore a pant suit that day, since it was the only thing stopping her from fidgeting nervously.
"Hi," said Lucy.
"Hey, everything okay?" Kate internally kicked herself for such a question and Lucy smiled slyly.
"I could ask you the same. What did you get up to last night?" Kate smiled sheepishly.
"Drinks with Deena and Carlos," she confessed.
"Ah, I figured it was something like that."
"How do you know I didn't just text you to check in," challenged Kate and she smiled even more when Lucy took a step closer to her.
"Because the Whistler I know would call if she wanted me to know something."
"Even if you told her not to?"
"I never told you not to call. I just needed time to think," whispered Lucy as she glanced over at Jesse and Kai, who were watching their every move. Kate noticed as well and stepped closer to whisper to her.
"That's pretty vague. You also didn't respond."
"Maybe I wanted to respond in person. Maybe I wanted to tell you…"
"Alright, we have a suspect who is probably on the run. Let's move out," announced Tennant and Lucy sighed as she stepped away from Kate. Their eyes locked as understanding passed between them. They would have to pick up their conversation again later.
"Whistler, still hanging around. Hoping to see us catch the bad guy," questioned Tennant with a knowing smile and Kate smirked.
"Tennant, impeccable timing as always," Kate teased back and Tennant let out a smirk of her own. Kate headed out of the bullpen with a sigh, knowing she would have to talk to Lucy about the now infamous text later.
Lucy towel-dried her hair in the locker room on base and finished putting on her backup pair of work boots as her day came to a close. It had been a long day, but they managed to track down and arrest the suspect, who later confessed to the murder. It all happened in a whirlwind of events that left Lucy tired and in much need of a shower when she returned to the base.
"Aren't you glad I told you to keep some clothes here," asked Tennant as she walked over to her.
"Sand is bad enough. It gets everywhere and is hard to wash out, but sand and mud? Why? Why did she have to run onto the beach," whined Lucy.
"It makes the chase even more fun," teased Tennant as she leaned against a locker.
"If you say so."
"Heading out for the night," asked Tennant.
"Yeah, I'm glad this one didn't turn into an all-nighter. I haven't been sleeping very well."
"Plus, it's Valentine's weekend and I'm sure you have plans." Lucy smirked.
"No, no plans, just me, a pint of ice cream, and probably a rom-com that makes me question my life choices. What about you?"
"Julie has some Valentine's Day cards she wants to buy and we usually watch a movie together on Saturday nights. Alex has a date."
"Sounds like a nice night."
"It will be and you should have a nice night too. I saw you talking to Whistler earlier. You two seemed pretty cozy." Lucy put her hand up to halt the conversation.
"I know what you're going to say. It's unprofessional. We work together and it complicates things. It's one of the reasons I've been hesitant to…"
"Actually, I was going to say the opposite. I've seen my share of work relationships become more. They don't always turn out well, but one thing about our line of work is we have a chain of command and ways to speak to each other for a reason. It tends to bode well and be nice to fall back on when we aren't always sure how to address working with an ex. Trust me on that."
"So, you aren't pissed off about me and Whistler?"
"I was worried at first and caught off guard. She's our liaison and souring that relationship could be a problem for the team, but I also know her well enough to know she takes her job seriously. She also cares a great deal about you."
"How do you know that? Well, I mean, the last part."
"Whistler doesn't show her hand often. She's usually quite removed and callous. She can be calculated and in her work, it's necessary. It's for survival. One of the only times I've ever seen her not like that is when you were in danger. All she cared about was helping us find you and get you home safe. I know you already knew that, but you shouldn't take that lightly. You didn't see the relief in her eyes when we found out you were safe. That was the look of someone who was terrified they were going to lose someone they loved."
"Why are you telling me this now?"
"Because I don't want to be the reason you are hesitant about you two, so if I am or the team is, just know that you don't have to worry about that." Lucy slowly nodded.
"Thanks, Tennant."
"Oh and one last thing, check your desk before you go." Lucy frowned in confusion, but Tennant walked away before she could question her. She finished getting dressed, packed her bag, and headed out of the locker room to her desk. Her eyes widened when she saw a box of tiny conversation hearts, a card, and a lollipop. Tears filled her eyes as she knew immediately who they came from and why. She opened the envelope and read the card. A giggle escaped her lips as she shook her head with a smile. In Kate's perfect, scrolling handwriting, was a simple question with two boxes beneath it.
Do you like me, yes or no?
Lucy looked at the heart-shaped lollipop with "Be Mine" stamped into it and the box of candies. She remembered the conversation they had on the topic, but was surprised Kate did. They were cooking dinner together at Lucy's house, drinking wine, and asking each other questions to get to know one another. What started off as a quick game of twenty one questions became a conversation about their lives and some of their inner-most secrets. She watched Kate mix the stir fry on the stove, looking relaxed and beautiful as ever. They were spending the weekend together, mostly in bed, and finally pulled apart long enough to make a proper meal.
"Favorite and worst holidays," asked Kate.
"Christmas because I love that time of year and Valentine's Day because it is a crappy part of the year and puts too much pressure on everyone, whether you are in a relationship or not."
"Aw, come on, Valentine's Day can be fun. Well, especially when you have someone to spend it with."
"But not when you don't, even when I was a kid, it was that way."
"You mean like at school? The little Valentine's Day cards and candies put in a shoe box you decorated? That was my favorite part."
"Let me guess, you were popular?"
"Noah was far more popular than me, but I wasn't not popular."
"Always with the vague answers," teased Lucy and Kate leaned against the counter to give her full attention to the brunette while the food finished simmering.
"Okay, yes, I was popular."
"I wasn't, at least not at first. I got popular in high school, but elementary school was hard for me. I was bullied because I didn't look like a lot of the kids at my school and when you grow up in Texas, that's a really big deal. So, while most of the kids around me got lots of Valentine's Day cards and candy and asked to be someone's Valentine, I was just left sitting there at my desk, wishing the day would end and we could just get back to learning."
"I'm sorry, Luce," said Kate as she laced their fingers together.
"It's okay and it wasn't that way forever. I joined cheerleading. I became popular and went along with the societal traditions that I grew to accept, but have never loved because I never got to be that girl. I got the roses and chocolates, but a part of me is still that little girl waiting at her desk for that stupid, gross box of candies that taste like chalk and wanting to be asked if I would be someone's Valentine."
"Well, if I knew you back then, I definitely would've asked. Probably in a very socially awkward way and definitely not like that. I remember I used to yank a piece of paper from my notebook and just write, do you like me, yes or no, to give to someone I liked." Lucy cupped her cheek and Kate leaned into her touch.
"I would've checked yes," assured Lucy as they smiled at each other.
Lucy took in a shaky breath at the memory of her and Kate. She stared down at the card, grabbed a pen from her desk, and crossed out a word and filled in a new one, before checking a box. It had been a very long day, but she was suddenly hopeful that it could be a good weekend after all. She quickly left the bullpen in search of the woman she couldn't stop thinking about.
Kate made it home pretty early for such a busy work day. She, Deena, and Carlos had to work on another case together while she monitored the status of the NCIS case. She was relieved when they arrested a suspect, got a confession, and everyone made it home safely. She knew it didn't always go that smoothly and that's what worried her. Kate had never fallen in love with someone in her line of work before and was still learning how to balance worry and irrational fear. No matter what was happening between her and Lucy, it didn't change that she was always aware that the special agent had an extremely dangerous job out in the field. She trusted Tennant and her team to do their part to keep one another safe, but somewhere along the way, she fell for Lucy and gave her heart to her. That meant each time she went out in the field, her heart did as well and she always needed a moment of relief when her heart returned home safely again.
She was cooking pasta, her favorite comfort food, and listening to music as she tried to not think about the text message she sent or the gesture that followed. It was Deena and Carlos's idea really. Kate was nervous enough about the drunk text that revealed more about herself than she wanted. To them, it seemed simple and tame, but to her, it was saying the unspoken words she'd felt since Lucy asked her to leave that heartbreaking night. She missed her with every part of herself and nothing could remedy that until Lucy was back in her arms. A knock at her door made her perk up and she gulped as she removed the pan of sauce from the burner. She'd kept her phone close to her after leaving the Valentine's Day gift, but was worried when Lucy didn't respond. The moment she looked out the peephole and saw her standing there, looking as nervous as she often felt around her, she couldn't help but to smile. She quickly opened the door and Lucy bit her lip nervously as she held the red envelope out to her.
"I wanted to personally deliver it," said Lucy. Kate accepted the card and opened the door wider to invite her in.
"Hey," said Kate as Lucy entered. Her eyes widened when Lucy closed the door, locked it, and pulled her into her arms.
"I think you already know what it says," assured Lucy and Kate smiled as Lucy captured her lips in a tender kiss. Kate beamed with happiness and leaned her forehead against Lucy's.
"I did change one thing on the card, though, before checking yes."
"Oh yeah, what's that," asked Kate as she nuzzled her neck. Lucy pulled back to gaze adoringly into her eyes.
"I don't just like you, Kate. I'm in love with you." Kate wiped a tear from Lucy's cheek as her eyes filled with tears as well.
"I'm so in love with you, Luce." With those words, the dam broke and all the love and adoration they had for one another spilled into a searing kiss that left their heads spinning.
"By the way, I missed you too," whispered Lucy and Kate blushed.
"I was going to apologize for that, but now I think getting a little drunk did me a favor. I'm making dinner. Want to stay and be my valentine," she asked with a charming smile and Lucy bit her lip seductively.
"Bed now, dinner later," assured Lucy and she laughed when Kate pulled her toward her bedroom.
"See, this is why I love Valentine's Day," teased Kate and Lucy nodded as Kate picked her up into her arms.
"I'm definitely starting to see the appeal," agreed Lucy. They fell onto the bed and did something they hadn't done in weeks, only focused on showing each other how they felt.
AN: Happy Valentine's Day, my dear Kacy shippers. I just wanted to write a quick, fluffy one-shot that was kind of fun and could be a way these two finally get together on such a romantic day. I hope you are well and enjoying all the Kacy content coming out recently. With any luck, this drought will end soon and our queens will be back together in no time.
