AN: Another week, another Kacy fanfic to keep my shipper heart beating as we wait for our ship to be reunited. Thank you for the reviews and messages about some of my previous Kacy stories and yes…I hear you about the last one. It was interesting to write and I enjoyed it…and am glad many of you did as well…but I promise this one is not full of angst and heartbreak and rage. I…unlike the writers of our beloved characters…listen. I promise you, this story is not going to break our Kacy hearts or focus more on them being apart than together. So, without further ado, here it is. I hope you enjoy.

Chapter 1

Kate nursed a glass of wine as she started to rethink her decision to not only go out that Friday night, but to invite Lucy as well. It had been two weeks since she teamed up with NCIS to uncover Maggie Shaw's secret life and things between Kate and Lucy had been amicable, and yet strangely in limbo. They saw each other at work often and even enjoyed working together. Both found it easy to bounce ideas off of one another and figure out cases, but it never went beyond that. At the end of the day, Kate still went home alone to her apartment thinking about what could've been if she was just honest with Lucy. As another week came to an end, it was almost unbearable to think about a weekend at home obsessing, so instead, she asked Lucy if she wanted to go out to the new club in town. She panicked when she saw the surprise in Lucy's eyes and amended the offer to include the entire NCIS team and some colleagues from the DIA. Kate shook her head in disbelief as she remembered how Lucy watched her with an amused smile. She rambled on about who all they could invite, the list becoming longer by the second. By the time Lucy agreed, Kate had invited the NCIS team and the only two colleagues she knew close enough to ask about weekend plans from the DIA, Deena and Carlos. What was originally meant to be a date and chance to reconnect became a group outing. To make things worse, Kate had been at the club with Deena and Carlos for an hour with no sign of Lucy or anyone from NCIS. So, as she watched her hopes and chances of Lucy showing up dwindle, she sat at the bar, nursing her wine and feeling sorry for herself. Deena and Carlos each flanked her and sat down on the stools beside her with sympathetic smiles.

"Please don't give me those pitiful looks. It just makes it worse," she grumbled and Deena wrapped an arm around her.

"It's barely eight," reminded Deena and Carlos nodded in agreement.

"She'll be here," assured Carlos.

"And even if she doesn't show up, that doesn't mean all is lost. Give her time. You two are going to happen. Not everything has to be now or never," added Deena.

"Yeah, but it feels like it's now or never now," confessed Kate.

"What? What does that even mean," asked Deena. Kate sighed as she thought about her relationship with Lucy.

"It means there's always a turning point. Things between me and Lucy are stuck and either we figure this out and pick back up where we were or we run the risk of never getting back to that point, that chemistry we have, to now. I know we could miss the moment and still eventually make our way back to each other, but it would be different. It would be like starting over and I don't want that. I want her now, so yes, it does feel like it's now or never now again." Carlos slowly nodded, but Deena openly stared at her skeptically.

"That's dramatic. You're being super dramatic about this," said Deena and Carlos stifled his laughter as Kate rolled her eyes.

"Alright, good talk, I'm leaving," said Kate as she motioned for the bartender to come over so she could close out her tab.

"Oh stop it, you aren't going anywhere. It isn't that late. Give her time, literally and figuratively here. This is going to happen. You and Lucy are inevitable," assured Deena.

"I'm not so sure anymore. Maybe I'm kidding myself here. I don't even know if she is seeing anyone or dating or…"

"Nope, we aren't going down that rabbit hole again," said Carlos.

"It feels like I'm trying to put myself out there and make amends, but what if it isn't meant to be for us? Or maybe I'm trying too hard," asked Kate and Deena smirked.

"You asked her out for drinks with colleagues. I wouldn't consider that a marriage proposal," said Deena.

"I know. I just feel like I've lost her and then that makes me wonder if I ever had her. Ever since she called it off, she's made it pretty clear she wants space. What if I'm delusional here and she really won't trust me again?"

"I still stand by the fact you two never said you were exclusive, so you didn't technically break her trust," argued Carlos and Deena rolled her eyes.

"Nope, definitely not going down that rabbit hole with you again either, Carlos. If there have to be technicalities, something went wrong and trust doesn't work like that," defended Deena. Kate groaned as the two of them bickered once again over what went wrong in her relationship, a topic up for debate quite often as of late.

"Well, you are very clearly Team Lucy, but I'm a good friend and stand by my position on Team Kate," said Carlos.

"There are no teams," reminded Kate, but she was surprised when both scoffed dismissively and waved her off.

"There are always teams and I'm totally Team Kate, but I'm also a realist and I get why she is upset," explained Deena.

"Then be real with me, am I kidding myself here?"

"Well, my answer depends on a simple question. How much do you love her," asked Deena and Kate guffawed.

"What? Love? No, I don't…we're not…we didn't even date long enough….we barely dated…I mean love is…no. I'm not." Carlos nodded and gave her a thumbs up.

"That was so believable. Totally believable," said Carlos and Deena giggled.

"That much, huh, I figured," said Deena. Kate hung her head in defeat and let out a whine.

"I'm not even sure when it happened. It started off so casual. It was just fun, you know? That was the point. It was fun and then fun became only fun when I was with her. Then, I started missing her when we were apart and then we started going on dates and somewhere along the way, I got attached. Maybe too attached, I mean there are rules against this in some workplaces for a reason." Deena laughed at that.

"Oh, we're way past rules. While I know that you, DIA Officer Whistler, love your rules, I think even if not dating Lucy would've been one, you two would've found your way to each other, which is why I need you to listen to us. You two belong together. I wish you could see what we see, the way she looks at you when you aren't looking. No matter what happens tonight, whether she doesn't show up at all and makes up some half-assed excuse or if she actually shows up and…oh, there they are. Catastrophizing over," said Deena. Kate straightened up and Carlos nudged her before she could look for Lucy by the entrance.

"Don't look. Play it cool. We'll go get them," assured Carlos as he and Deena stood up. Kate took in a deep breath to calm her nerves. Group settings weren't part of her usual routine and she felt quite out of practice. She shook her head at herself. A part of her thought she needed to get out more, but another part, the part deep down in her heart, reminded her that she'd never encountered this issue before. The common denominator was always Lucy. It was the only time Kate didn't feel powerful or like she was in control. With anyone else, whether it was a game or a relationship, she always kept her cool, and yet all that went out the window with Lucy. As if on cue, she sensed her before she actually felt her hand on her shoulder and heard the voice that made her want to smile from ear to ear.

"Hey, Whistler, fancy seeing you here," said Lucy as she stood beside her at the bar. Kate turned on her stool but remained seated and was suddenly eye to eye with the brunette. The height difference between them meant she rarely was eye level with the special agent and she put on the smile she knew affected Lucy as much as Lucy affected her. Lucy bit her lip and smiled bashfully as she took a step closer to Kate.

"Hey, I'm glad you made it," said Kate.

"Did you really think I would stand you up," asked Lucy with a flirtatious smile and Kate shrugged.

"I don't know. You were cutting it pretty close. I had one more glass in me before I was going to lick my wounds and head home."

"Jesse and Jane needed to check in before heading out and we all agreed to go around the same time. I'm sorry, though, I didn't mean to keep you waiting."

"It's okay. You can always make it up to me."

"Well, I would buy you a drink, but it looks like you already have one."

"How about I buy you one then? What are you drinking tonight," asked Kate. She smiled even more as Lucy stepped in between her legs and placed her hands on Kate's thighs. Kate leaned in and Lucy whispered in her ear.

"The usual," she said before heading back to the table where their friends were sitting. Kate took the opportunity to look her over in the jeans that hugged every curve and loose fitting V-neck white shirt she was wearing. Kate casually motioned for the bartender to come over and ordered a pitcher of Lucy's favorite beer. She felt her nerves starting up again and took a deep breath to remind herself who she was and how ridiculous it was to be nervous over a group date, if she could even call it that. She grabbed the pitcher and tray of glasses before heading to the table where everyone greeted her.

"Nice choice in venue, Whistler, and you got us beer, excellent," said Kai.

"Let's play a drinking game," exclaimed Ernie and a resounding no echoed around the table.

"The last time I played a drinking game with you, I ended up doing karaoke. No thanks," said Lucy. Kate winked at her.

"This place doesn't have karaoke. I made sure," said Kate and Lucy wrapped an arm around her waist.

"How thoughtful, see, someone cares about me and my disdain for public singing," said Lucy as she playfully glared at the rest of the NCIS team and Jane giggled.

"We totally care. We care that it's funny," teased Jane before taking a sip of her beer and the others laughed as Lucy rolled her eyes.

"You know I think this is the first time we've all hung out, DIA and NCIS, we should do it more often, especially since we work so closely with one another," suggested Jesse and Deena smiled slyly at Kate, who's eyes widened as she recognized the teasing that usually came with that smile.

"Actually, you work closely with Kate because she's taken a liking to…NCIS," Deena teased as she glanced at Lucy before taking a sip of her beer. The others giggled as Lucy and Kate blushed.

"Nice," said Ernie and Kate smirked.

"Well, as their liaison, I have to work with them while you two do…what exactly do you do all day," teased Kate.

"It's classified," assured Deena.

"I think I have clearance," assured Kate. Lucy poured a glass for herself and one for Kate.

"To a night out," said Lucy as they clinked glasses.

"I'll cheers to that," agreed Kate.

It didn't take long for the group to relax and let loose after such a long week. The drinks were flowing and music had them buzzing as some of the group started to make their way out onto the dance floor. Jane went to the bar to buy another round and Kate joined her to help her carry the glasses. They waited for the bartender to fill the pitcher and Jane gave Kate an impressed nod.

"Well played, Whistler. We all needed a night out."

"Thanks, totally the reason I did it."

"Oh yeah, totally the reason you did, nothing else," teased Jane.

"Here we go," grumbled Kate.

"You know I'm not going to pry…too much, but have you gotten the Cara situation taken care of?" Kate sighed at the mention of the name.

"She isn't an issue. I haven't heard from her."

"And that's a good thing," questioned Jane.

"She's the last person on my mind right now and she shouldn't be on yours at all."

"I know, I just am protective and I don't want Lucy to get hurt."

"And that's the last thing I would ever want to do again. It's just…things were complicated before, but I've handled it."

"I'm also protective of you, you know." Kate smirked at that.

"How many drinks have you had again?"

"It's true. I know you can take care of yourself, but you also know I get it. Complications are tricky."

"Cara isn't in the picture anymore and all I want is to make sure Lucy knows that."

"Speaking of Lucy," said Jane as she nodded in the direction the petite brunette was coming from. Lucy walked over and wrapped her arms around Kate.

"Come dance with me, Whistler." Kate glanced at Jane, who nodded.

"I've got this. You two go," encouraged Jane and Kate smiled as Lucy took her hand and pulled her toward the dance floor.

"I was expecting more protesting," called Lucy over the music and Kate shrugged as they made their way toward where their friends were dancing.

"I don't mind dancing when the mood calls for it."

"You, Whistler, like to dance?" Kate pulled Lucy into her arms as they began to sway to the music.

"You do know I'm not all work, right?"

"Yeah, but you're mostly work." Lucy bit her lip when Kate bent down to whisper into her ear.

"I think we both know I enjoy plenty of play," reminded Kate and Lucy suppressed a moan as she nodded.

"Touché, by the way, this is a great place. I'm really happy you invited us out."

"Full disclosure…"

"You weren't inviting everyone out, I know."

"If I wouldn't have chickened out and would've just asked you on a date, what would your answer have been?" Lucy sighed and looked down.

"I don't know," confessed Lucy. Kate felt the twinge of hurt and rejection surge through her and tried to pull back from Lucy, but Lucy wouldn't let her as she shook her head.

"But not for the reason you're thinking, I want this, but I also need to feel like we aren't hiding. The truth is, I would've hesitated, but eventually said yes. This is better though."

"How, we are surrounded by people who want our attention instead of just focusing on each other. Ernie has already pulled me away from you twice to talk about so-called hypothetical ways he could break laws that I assured him was totally still illegal," reminded Kate. Lucy giggled as she stepped closer to her.

"Yeah, but we are here together with them. No hiding or secrecy or being closed off, that's all I really want, Kate. I don't want to have to hide us from anyone. That's why I said yes to the group date. I have no doubt about how much fun we can have alone. I had doubts about how much you were willing to open up to me when it isn't just us." Kate pulled Lucy flush against her body as their eyes locked.

"I'm not hiding anymore, Luce," she assured as they danced to the music. The alt-pop beat pulsed around them and both blushed at the words as they began to listen to the song.

"You know, if I didn't know better, I would think you chose this song," teased Kate and Lucy giggled.

"I have game, Whistler, but not that much game." Kate laughed and gave Lucy a twirl before pulling her back to her.

"You always find ways to amaze me. I figured you would be too shy to dance tonight. It's why I was surprised you suggested this place," admitted Lucy.

"I'm full of surprises." Lucy ran a hand through Kate's hair as their eyes locked again and everything around them melted into the background. Kate was relieved when Lucy was the first to make the move. After weeks of giving her space and trying to remain patient, she was more than happy to wait as Lucy leaned in and captured her lips in a tender kiss.

The rest happened in a frenzied blur of lust, desire, and yearning. Lucy suggested they ditch their friends and head out. Kate had no objections and was more than happy to head back to her place and finally be back in bed with the woman she could never stop thinking about. They couldn't keep their hands off one another in the elevator and Lucy let Kate lead the way to the apartment as she focused on unbuttoning Kate's shirt. Kate managed to get the door open and sighed in relief when they were finally inside. She hoisted her up into her arms and pressed her against the wall. Lucy's legs wrapped tightly around her waist as their lips meshed together and Kate trailed kisses down her neck.

"Bed, now," moaned Lucy and Kate happily obliged by carrying Lucy to her bedroom. She placed her on the bed and watched through hooded eyes as Lucy tossed Kate's shirt across the room. Kate tugged at the hem of Lucy's shirt and pulled it off, exposing her bare breasts, before settling in between the brunette's legs. She lavished her nipples with kisses and Lucy's back arched off the bed as Kate sucked and nipped, working her into a frenzy.

"Fuck I missed you," groaned Lucy as Kate made quick work of Lucy's jeans and panties. The moment two of Kate's fingers slipped between her wet folds, Lucy's hips bucked up to meet them. Kate hissed in pleasure as she pumped her fingers teasingly inside of her.

"Kate," whimpered Lucy as she rode the blonde's fingers and Kate sucked on the pulse point of her neck that always made Lucy want to come undone. After weeks of pent up tension and sexual frustration, Lucy felt herself coming closer to the edge. The moment Kate's thumb began making passes over her clit, Lucy's toes curled and she finally found the release she was looking for. She cried out in pleasure and Kate's name echoed off the walls as a powerful orgasm crashed over her. Kate trailed kisses down her body, stopping in her favorite spots on her way to her destination between Lucy's legs. Lucy gasped as she lavished the inside of her thighs with hungry kisses. She was slow and teasing with her touches, working Lucy back up in anticipation. Her legs were already shaking from the pleasure and she had no choice but to scream out again as Kate buried her face between her thighs. It didn't take long for Lucy's body to surrender to the pleasure again and Kate moaned as Lucy shivered and shook against her tongue. The blonde smiled smugly and placed sweet kisses on Lucy's stomach, trailing the hot kisses up to her neck again. She moaned even more when Lucy grabbed her face and kissed her hard, remembering how much the brunette loved to taste herself on Kate's tongue. Soon, the slow, teasing kisses grew passionate again and Lucy rolled on top of her. She unzipped Kate's jeans and peeled them off of her before doing the same with her panties. She kissed her teasingly, making sure to get the whimpers and moans she wanted in response and Kate's body responded in kind, arching and grinding into Lucy, searching for the friction she needed.

"Please, baby," whimpered Kate, knowing exactly what Lucy wanted to hear to give her what she needed and Lucy smiled at the words as she sank two fingers deeply inside of her.

"Fuck," Kate cried out and met each thrust with her hips. Lucy pulled one of Kate's nipples into her mouth and tenderly sucked and nipped at it as she continued pleasuring her. She could feel Kate's body seeking more and quickened the pace of her fingers. She pumped as Kate rode them to ecstasy and waves of pleasure crashed into her. The sight of Kate in the throes of passion, caring about nothing but the desire coursing through her, always turned Lucy on even more and she replaced her fingers with her tongue to stroke and caress. Kate bucked her hips up again in response to the familiar sensation of Lucy's tongue stroking everywhere but her clit, teasing her mercilessly. Kate's body was sensitive and yet on the verge yet again with each pass of her tongue. She whimpered as her fingers slipped into Lucy's hair, begging for more, and Lucy was more than happy to give her everything she needed. The moment her tongue flicked the sensitive bundle of nerves, another orgasm surged through her and Lucy moaned in pleasure as the blonde rode her face. Kate melted back into the bed and sighed contently when Lucy crawled back up to nuzzle her neck. They cuddled into each other's arms and Kate held her close as a sense of relief washed over them. Soon, the fatigue set in and their bodies gave in to slumber, knowing when they woke, they would be in each other's arms.

AN: We're starting off hot this time! This is my favorite Kacy chapter to write so far. NervousKate is adorable and I love playful Lucy. It was important to me that Kate courted Lucy, but also that Lucy didn't try to drag things out. In the end, they care about each other too much for all that. The song at the club that they danced to is "Crush" by Sebastian Paul and the lyrics are quite fitting for that stage of their relationship. As for the rest of it and the sexy times, I hope you enjoyed. I had a hilarious conversation with another shipper about who is the top in the relationship and while we both made compelling arguments….I think Kate gives off top energy more often than Lucy but both have their moments…I figured it was time to show these beautiful women giving each other all they have wanted and more. I hope you enjoyed. More soon.