A/N: In which Abby deals with working under Vance, and Jenny gets a surprise. Hope you like it. Also, this is completely unrelated to this story (but kinda is at the same time), but I recently commented on Lauren Holly's Instagram post, and she actually replied! You guys, do you know how awesome that is? Lauren fucking Holly, Jenny herself, actually replied to me. Okay, done fangirling now. Sorry.

Jenny was surprised when she was led in the direction of Abby's lab almost as soon as she entered the building, but Gibbs refused to answer any of her questions. They walked through the sliding doors and Gibbs pointed to the younger woman's music player.

"She's been without it since you left."

Jenny frowned.

"Why?"

"Vance told her it was a distraction and against company policy."

"That's ridiculous."

"Might want to turn it on for her."

Jenny shook her head, searching the room for a piece of paper. Pulling out a pen, she quickly wrote the scientist a message, and as Gibbs read it over her shoulder, he smirked. She propped the note up against the large CAF-POW they had brought and as they walked to the elevator, Gibbs kissed her cheek.

"Good to have you back, Jen."

Abby smiled when she returned to her lab to find the giant caffeinated drink sitting in front of her computer, but frowned as she picked up the note leaning against it.

Abby-

Play your music as loud as you want. Sorry for the inconvenience. Vance's toothpicks can't threaten you now.

-Director Shepard

The Goth's face broke out into a huge smile and she bolted from the lab, heading straight for the elevator. As she entered the squad room, her eyes immediately landed on Gibbs and she ran over to him, ignoring everyone else standing nearby.

"Gibbs, where's the Director?"

He frowned.

"In her office."

"Can you ask her to come down?"

Nodding, he picked up his phone, dialing Jenny's desk. She answered on the first ring, her voice warm.

"Shepard."

"Director, could you come down to the squad room?"

"Is something wrong?"

"You'll have to find out."

"Don't be cute, Jethro."

She hung up and he nodded to Abby.

"On her way."

Jenny walked down the steps, her eyes roaming over the MCRT and when they noticed Abby, she had to fight to keep from smiling. She stopped in front of Gibbs' desk, frowning slightly.

"What's the problem?"

Abby launched herself across the room, flinging herself onto Jenny and Gibbs placed a hand at her back to keep her upright.

"Thank you, Director! You don't know how much this means to me."

Jenny laughed, slightly shocked, and when the younger woman had finally released her, Jenny gave her a smile.

"You're welcome, Abby. I hope it helps."

Abby hugged her again and before she walked away, she turned to Gibbs, hugging him as well.

"Thanks, El Jefe."

Gibbs frowned, shaking his head.

"Wasn't me. It was all the Director's idea."

As Abby bounded to the elevator, Jenny found herself laughing quietly, and for the first time in months, she realised it wasn't forced. She looked at Gibbs, a smile on her face and he raised his eyebrow in question.

"Lunch later?"

He nodded.

"Sure. What does Norman want?"

Jenny very nearly burst into laughter in the middle of the squad room, and the puzzled expression on Tony DiNozzo's face was decidedly not helping matters.

"What if Norman's a girl?" she asked seriously.

"Norma, then."

"Hmm...I think Norman/Norma wants steak."

He nodded, and Jenny walked away, her hand over her mouth to keep from laughing. As she disappeared from sight, McGee looked to his boss, confused.

"Who's Norman?"

"I am also confused," came Ziva's voice from behind him.

"Didn't you hear, McGee? The Director's pregnant."

The loud clattering of Tony falling from his chair made everyone jump.

"She is?!"

The glare Gibbs gave him was enough to make him want to bury his head in the ground for all of eternity.

Jenny sighed as she stood in front of the large screen in MTAC, trying not to avert her eyes. The op she'd been overseeing had just, quite literally, blown up in her face and she had no idea how she was going to handle telling the families of her agents that they'd been killed. It was by far the most difficult part of the job and though she knew it came with the territory, it was never easy.

She sank down into the nearest chair, resting her head in her hands and as the door to MTAC opened, she frowned.

"What's wrong?"

"Our op was a bust. I just lost three very valuable agents. Now I have to tell their families that they aren't coming home."

Gibbs laid his hand on her shoulder, his eyes serious.

"I know it's hard, Jen, but...you can do this."

She looked at him sadly, and he nodded encouragingly.

"I believe in you."

Jenny sighed, and as she stood to walk into her office, he noticed that her steps were more than a little unsteady.

Hanging up the phone, Jenny blinked, feeling the familiar sting of tears burning her eyes. The last phone call had been by far the most brutal and she laid her head on her desk tiredly. She hardly glanced up as her office door swung open and as Gibbs stood in front of her, waiting, she sighed.

"Yes, Jethro?"

"Day's over. Time to go."

She shook her head.

"I'm not finished working."

He glared at her and she returned it, her temper flaring.

"Don't give me the stare. I'm busy."

"I don't care. Get your coat. I'm taking you home."

Jenny's eyes flashed angrily, and she met his coolly.

"Excuse me?"

"You heard me."

She shook her head again, almost laughing at his boldness.

"Jethro, you can't force me to go home just because I'm staying with you. I still have a lot of work to do here."

"It can wait."

She ignored him, picking up her glasses to read the report on her desk and when his hand closed around her wrist, she frowned. He pulled her up from the chair and as she jerked her wrist free, she backed away quickly.

"What are you doing?"

"I told you. I'm taking you home. Now."

He reached for her again, and she moved closer to the window, fury flashing in her emerald eyes.

"You don't own me, Jethro. I'm not leaving until I finish what I'm working on."

He laughed bitterly.

"At this rate, you'll never leave."

"If that's what it takes, so be it."

He took a step closer and it wasn't until she backed into the glass of the window that he realised what was in her eyes underneath her anger. She was scared. He frowned, but stayed where he was.

"Jenny," his voice was softer now, "you know I would never hurt you."

"Don't touch me," she whispered.

"I won't. But I can't let you stay here. It's not good for you."

Jenny laughed, her anger taking over once more, and she tossed her hair over her shoulder incredulously.

"You're not serious. I'm not leaving, no matter what you think is good for me."

Gibbs glared at her, reaching across her desk to switch off her computer. Jenny gaped at him, unable to speak, and when he grabbed her jacket, she finally found her voice.

"What are you doing?"

"Taking you home," he said simply, "Let's go."

"Jethro, I've already told y—"

"I'm not going to risk losing you, Jen!"

His raised voice made her jump and when she spoke, her own voice was barely above a whisper.

"What?"

"You're exhausted, you're still recovering, and whether you like it or not, you need to slow down. At least for awhile."

"I just came back from a two-week break, Jethro," she reminded him.

"Wasn't enough. When you're here, it changes you. You put everything but this damn job on hold, and it's not healthy. Don't tell me that you don't see it. Your hands shake, you drink more, you don't sleep, you hardly eat. Until Ducky gives you the all-clear, I'm not going to let you risk your health. Not for this. It's not worth it. Not to me."

Jenny frowned and this time as he approached her, she didn't move. He held out his hand, looking at her expectantly. She took it slowly, and when he smiled at her, she returned it sadly.

"Don't make me carry you out," he warned.

She glared at him.

"You wouldn't dare."

He raised an eyebrow, smirking at her.

"No? Everyone knows about us now, Jen. Half the building thinks you're pregnant. I don't think they would even notice."

He pulled her to him, sweeping her into his arms, and as he carried her into Cynthia's outer office, she struggled to keep her voice quiet.

"Jethro, put me down," she hissed.

Setting her on her feet, he threw her his trademark smirk and handed her the jacket he had picked up earlier. Glaring up at him, she slid her arms through the sleeves, and he led her down the stairs, his hand at the small of her back. As they entered the elevator, Jenny smacked his arm harder than she intended.

"Don't ever do that again," she warned.

"Anything you say, Director."

Sipping her bourbon quietly, Jenny frowned as she watched Gibbs move around his basement, searching for tools. They hadn't spoken on the drive to his house, and now as he worked, she wondered if perhaps she'd overreacted to his concern.

"Jethro?"

He tilted his head in question and she continued.

"I may have overreacted tonight. I'm sorry."

He nodded and approached her slowly.

"It's okay. I'm not trying to control your life, but I don't want you to overdo it."

She touched his am lightly, taking his hand in hers and with a smile, she pulled him to the stairs.

"Come on, gunny. I've got something for you that you're not going to find in that toolbox."

He allowed her to lead him upstairs, and when they tumbled into his bed minutes later, he looked down at her seriously.

"Ducky said no strenuous activity. Pretty sure this counts as strenuous."

Jenny shook her head, raising up to kiss him.

"We can be careful."

"Jen..."

"Jethro..." she said in the same teasing tone.

He sighed, and as she kissed him, he ran his fingers through her hair. He let his hands wander over her body and as he slipped his hand under her shirt, she gasped. His tongue explored her mouth, nearly intoxicated on the taste of bourbon and Jenny, and as she struggled to catch her breath, he frowned.

"Jen?"

She shook her head slowly, trying to pretend that every breath wasn't setting her chest on fire, and he raised up, his eyes worried.

"I'm calling Ducky."

Jenny's eyes widened, and she reached for his hand.

"I'm...I'm fine, Jethro. Just give me a minute."

He considered her for a moment, then shook his head.

"Nope. Calling Ducky."

He dialed the doctor's number and as he waited for an answer, he watched Jenny out of the corner of his eye.

"Hello?"

"Hey, Duck. I know it's late, but can you come by? Jenny's having trouble breathing, and I'd like you to take a look."

"Certainly. I'm on my way."

"Y-you're overreacting, J-Jethro," Jenny said weakly, "I'm fine."

"Yeah, because you sound perfect, Jen," he replied sarcastically.

She glared at him, but didn't release her hold on his hand. Her breathing was improving somewhat, but she didn't think she'd be running a marathon any time soon.

Ducky frowned as he examined the younger woman, and as he checked her pulse, he glanced over at Gibbs.

"If I had to give you my best guess, Jethro, it seems that there is significant fluid building up within her lungs."

"And that means?"

"The most likely causes are pneumonia, exposure to toxins, trauma to the chest wall, or a heart condition. I'd have to test further to be sure."

He turned to the younger man, looking at him seriously.

"Did you listen to me when I said no strenuous activity?"

They both nodded, and Jenny spoke up softly.

"We haven't done anything, Ducky. We were going to—"

"I expressly told you not to do that, Jennifer."

"We stopped because she couldn't breathe."

"All he did was kiss me, Ducky. I promise," Jenny assured him.

The doctor glared at them both, and Jenny felt her skin grow hot.

"Won't happen again, Ducky."

"It'd better not."

As Ducky finished drawing a small vial of Jenny's blood, he stood, kissing her on the cheek.

"Get some rest, my dear. I'll run this and get back to you as soon as I can."

Jenny nodded, squeezing Gibbs' hand gently as he left, and when she fell into a restless sleep twenty minutes later, she didn't notice the tears slipping from her closed eyes.

Gibbs was more than a little relieved when he answered his phone and heard the Scottish doctor's voice on the other end.

"Jethro, it looks like Jennifer will be fine. Her lungs are still recovering from the smoke inhalation she suffered two weeks ago, and though she may have difficulty breathing for awhile, it doesn't appear to be life-threatening."

"Thanks, Ducky."

"How is our lovely Director?"

"Fine right now. She's reading a book."

"Oh, really? Which one?"

Gibbs shrugged.

"No idea. Didn't ask."

They continued to speak for a few minutes and when he hung up, he immediately made his way into the bedroom. Jenny smiled as she saw him, and he leaned down to kiss her gently.

"Smoke inhalation caused a little more damage to your lungs than we thought. You'll be okay in a week or so."

Jenny nodded, reaching up to run her fingers through his hair.

"I didn't mean to worry you, Jethro."

He waved her words away.

"It's okay. Don't know what I'd have done without you though. Having to report to Vance all the time."

She laughed.

"That sounds like torture. Abby would never survive."

"No doubt. Neither would Norman."

Still laughing, she looked at him seriously.

"Jethro...I know we've never really discussed it, but...is having more children something you want?"

He frowned, thinking. After losing Kelly, he'd never even stopped to consider having another child.

"I wouldn't be opposed to the idea, but I'm not actively trying. Why? Is there something you want to tell me?"

Jenny shook her head, quickly backtracking.

"No, it's just...these rumours have made me think about it."

"Is it...Jen, is it something you want?"

She was silent for a long moment, and when she spoke next, she chose her words carefully.

"I don't know. I've never even thought about having children. If it happened, I would love the child I'm sure, but I don't think I'd be a very good mother."

Gibbs wrapped an arm around her, kissing her hair.

"Fair enough. At least now it's been discussed. But for the record, I think you'd be a great mother."

Jenny smirked.

"I have enough trouble dealing with our children at work. I don't need anything more."

He laughed, looking at her seriously.

"Yeah, we've definitely got our hands full with them."

"Mommy needs a nap just thinking about it," Jenny laughed.

"Abby would die if she heard you call yourself that."

"Remind me to never say it again."

"Done."

Abby never realised how much she owed Jenny for a lot of the freedom she was allowed at work until Vance returned to take over in the redhead's absence. True, Morrow had never shown any indication of having a problem with the way she worked, but Jenny could have easily enforced company policy when she was appointed in his stead. When Gibbs had told her that Jenny would be out for a few more days to recover, the Goth had understood, but she also worried about what that meant for her.

When she walked in, she went straight for her CD player, only to find that it was no longer where it had been previously. An official-looking piece of paper was taped to the wall, and as Abby's bright green eyes skimmed over it, they filled with tears.

Company policy, Ms. Sciuto. Sorry for the inconvenience.

Turning on her heel, Abby furiously left her lab, going to talk to the one person who might be able to fix her problem.

The knock on Gibbs' front door made him frown, and as he made his way up his basement steps, he tried to think of anyone who would take the time to knock. It was common knowledge that he left his door unlocked, and most people just walked in. Of course, he had been locking it since Jenny had come back into his life, but with one Harrison dead and the other in prison, he had fallen back into old habits.

He pulled it open, revealing a very upset Abby Sciuto, and when he let her inside, he frowned.

"What's wrong, Abs?"

"I need to talk to the Director. Is she here?"

He nodded.

"Upstairs. What's going on?"

Abby shook her head.

"I need to talk to the Director," she repeated.

He sighed, nodding once.

"Be right back."

As he walked up the stairs to their bedroom (he didn't even realise he'd already begun to subconsciously refer to it as such), he hoped that Jenny was awake. He really didn't want the first thing she dealt with that day to be a hysterical forensic scientist. There were some things even he couldn't handle early in the morning.

He was relieved to find Jenny sitting up in the bed, her father's book in her hand and when he moved closer to her, she glanced up.

"Morning, Jethro."

"Morning. Sleep well?"

She nodded, smiling at him.

"Better, anyway. You?"

"Always sleep good next to you."

He leaned down to kiss her and when he pulled away, he looked at her seriously.

"Abby's downstairs. She wants to talk to you."

Jenny frowned.

"Why?"

He shrugged.

"Should I send her up?"

She shook her head, running her fingers through her hair.

"I'll go down."

"Jenny—"

"Jethro, I refuse to have a visitor sent up to this room like I'm some sort of invalid. I'm perfectly capable of going down to the living room."

He sighed, knowing she would never back down from this.

"Just be careful. You're still not one hundred percent yet."

Setting her book aside, Jenny slowly swung her legs over the side of the bed and stood. She was still a bit unsteady on her feet and when she stumbled, Gibbs caught her arm to steady her.

"Let me help you," he growled seriously.

Sighing, Jenny nodded and he wrapped his arm around her waist. As they neared the bedroom door, he fought the urge to roll his eyes at her stubbornness. She'd be the death of him someday.

Against his better judgment, Gibbs helped Jenny carefully down the stairs, hoping neither one of them slipped on the way. Abby turned when she heard their footsteps and she frowned at the sight of Jenny in his embrace. She hadn't realised how sick the redhead had been, and when Gibbs finally released her, Abby looked away, pretending she hadn't seen.

"Abby. You wanted to see me?"

The young woman nodded, black pigtails swinging, and Jenny smiled.

"Vance took my CD player."

Gibbs frowned.

"He did what?"

"I went into my lab this morning and it was gone. He left a stupid little note reminding me about company policy. Isn't there anything you can do, Director?"

Jenny was silent for a moment, and when she spoke next, her voice was deadly calm.

"Jethro, would you bring me my phone?"

He nodded, and as the two women waited for him to return, Abby looked at the redhead seriously.

"Director Shepard...you're going to be okay, right?"

Her voice was small, and Jenny reached out to touch her knee lightly, offering her a reassuring smile.

"I'm fine, Abby. Ducky says I can come back in a few days. For good, this time."

"Good. Vance is a terrible babysitter."

Jenny arched a perfect eyebrow.

"Babysitter?" she repeated, confused.

"Well yeah, it makes sense. You're Mommy, Gibbs is Daddy, Ducky's our grandfather, and Vance is the annoying babysitter."

Jenny laughed, and when Gibbs returned, he smiled at the sound. She took her phone from his outstretched hand and Abby's keen eyes noticed the way her fingers lingered on his skin for longer than was strictly necessary. As she waited for an answer, Gibbs watched her closely, looking for any sign that she was having difficulty breathing.

"Director's office."

"Cynthia, would you put me through to Assistant Director Vance, please?"

"Director Shepard! Of course. How nice to hear from you. I'll put you through right now."

"Thank you, Cynthia."

"Vance."

Jenny rolled her eyes as he spoke. She could hear, just from the one word, that he had a god-forsaken toothpick in his teeth.

"Assistant Director Vance. Is there some reason you're intentionally antagonising my employees?"

"Could you be more specific, Director Shepard?"

"Abby Sciuto's music."

"Director, Ms. Sciuto is aware of the company policy in regards to music in the workplace, and has deliberately been ignoring it. I'm simply trying to make sure that all employees are held to the same standards."

"You cannot come into my agency and make any changes that you deem acceptable. I'm on vacation, Assistant Director Vance, not dead. Unless you hear from me directly, or from my superiors, I would greatly appreciate it if you could leave my agency as it is. We've managed perfectly fine thus far. Is that clear?"

"Loud music is in direct violation of—"

"Is. That. Clear?" Jenny repeated coldly.

"Yes, ma'am."

"Thank you."

Jenny hung up without waiting for a response, and Abby simply stared at her in awe. She was impressed with the redhead's confidence and authority, and when Jenny looked at her, she frowned.

"What is it, Abby?"

"You're a badass. I mean...that was cool."

Jenny smirked and Gibbs laughed.

"Yep. That's why she's the Director."

As Abby stood to leave, she hugged Jenny in thanks and as she stood in the doorway, she turned to give her a brilliant smile.

"Thank you so much, Director. I owe you one."

Jenny smiled and as the Goth closed the door behind her, Gibbs leaned down to whisper in her ear.

"She's right. You are a badass."

Jenny hoped, as she moved around the Goth's lab, that the woman in question wouldn't return until she had finished setting up her surprise. Glancing over her shoulder, she was relieved to find that they were still alone, and she looked to the younger man urgently.

"Are you almost finished, McGee?"

He nodded, connecting the last wire of the digital music system, and he stood. He gave Jenny a smile and as he turned on the power, she returned it gratefully, setting her note on Abby's desk.

"Think she'll like it?"

"Well, this is the latest system. Knowing Abby, she'll love it."

Nodding once, Jenny smiled at him again as he turned up the volume.

"Thanks, McGee. Couldn't have done it without you."

"You're welcome."

They walked out quickly, hoping they didn't run into Abby on the elevator, and as they stepped into the lift, McGee looked at Jenny with a thoughtful expression.

"Something you'd like to say, Agent McGee?"

"Just..um...it's good to have you back, Director."

"Thank you."

Being so accustomed to loud music blaring, Abby thought nothing of it as she danced around her lab, and it wasn't until there was a break in songs that she remembered Vance had taken her CD player. She ran to the corner of the room, looking at the expensive media player, and as her hands glided over the buttons, she frowned.

It took her a moment to see the piece of paper on her desk and when she saw Jenny's familiar handwriting, she smiled.

Hope this makes up for what you lost.

-Director Shepard

Searching her brain, Abby tried to think of something, anything, she could to do show her appreciation to the Director. Frowning, she decided to call Gibbs. Maybe he would be able to help. After all, no one knew Director Shepard better than he did.

When Jenny returned to her office after spending eight hours in MTAC, the only thing on her mind was taking off her heels under the privacy of her desk. She frowned at the package sitting on said desk, and as she reached out to touch the carefully wrapped box, she noticed the card sitting on the top.

To the most badass Director and "Mommy" in the world.

Love, Abby

Jenny smiled as she read the heartfelt words, and she pulled the box closer, carrying it over to her couch. She began unwrapping it and when she finally succeeded in removing all of the tape holding the container shut, she frowned as she pulled out a large multi-picture frame. Tears sprang to her eyes as she ran her hands over it gently, carefully examining each photo.

All of the pictures Gibbs had given her from their Christmas "party" had been replaced, and in the lower right slot, she noticed a picture that she hadn't seen in years. It was one she knew well, but she had no idea how Abby could have gotten it. Her father's smiling face gleamed up at her and he wrapped his arms around her seven-year-old self, a bright smile on her own face. A few pictures of her and Gibbs from their undercover assignments in Europe were there as well, and suddenly she knew who had helped the Goth with her gift.

A stray tear dripped down onto the frame, and as she wiped it away, she realised she wasn't alone anymore.

"You okay?"

Nodding, she looked up at Gibbs through her tears and he came to sit beside her, looking at the frame in her hands.

"Got Abby's present?"

"It's beautiful, Jethro. Thank you."

He shook his head.

"Don't thank me. It was all Abby. I just got her the pictures."

Jenny rested her head on his shoulder, and as he brushed her hair behind her ear, she smiled softly.

"Heading out?"

He nodded.

"Let me get my jacket."

Surprised that he hadn't been made to convince her to leave, Gibbs frowned as she stood, setting the frame on the couch carefully.

"Sure you're okay?"

"Yeah, why?"

"You never leave on time."

She smirked, pulling her jacket on and grabbing her purse.

"After the last time I refused, I don't want a repeat."

"Fair enough."

As they walked out of her office, Jenny began to laugh slightly. Gibbs looked over at her and raised his eyebrow.

"Just thinking. If anyone saw the card, they really would think I'm pregnant."

He laughed with her, and as they stepped into the elevator, she kissed his cheek lightly.

"Jethro?"

"Hm?"

"Norman wants a pizza."

Unable to stop herself, Jenny burst out laughing, leaning her head on his shoulder and as the doors slid shut, Gibbs pulled her against him, giving her the most bruising kiss he'd given in weeks. Her breathless laugh as she pulled away made him smile, and when she kissed him again, her eyes were darker than he'd ever seen them.

"Jethro?"

He waited, tilting his head in question.

"Take me home."

Gibbs never quite knew how they made it back to his house in one piece, but as they crashed into the wall of his staircase, he found that he really didn't care.

A/N: Let me know what you liked, what you didn't like, if there's something you'd like to see (either in this story or as a separate piece), etc. Love you guys (you know who you are)!