A/N: Here you go, my lovelies! Before we get into it, let me say this: I thought I had made it very clear that this would NOT be a baby-fic. It's absolutely, positively NOT going to happen, so please...I would appreciate it if the subject could be dropped. Esquinzo, I loved your idea about Tori, and if I do decide to write the wedding, it absolutely will happen. I'd already been toying around with the idea anyway, so it was like you read my mind. Anyway, here we go. Hope you enjoy.

Gibbs smiled to himself as he sanded his boat, thinking about how his life had changed so quickly. He still couldn't believe it. After running for so long from even the idea of marriage, Jenny had finally agreed to marry him, and he couldn't remember the last time he'd been so happy. He knew that his track record had worried her, but he'd always been searching for something else in his previous marriages. After Shannon, he had tried to find her in Diane and after Jenny, he had looked for her in Stephanie and Rebecca. Now, he was finally marrying the only person he had ever truly wanted to be with since Shannon.

He picked up his phone, carefully dialing as best he could without really paying attention, and he smirked. This was going to be fun.

"Hello?"

"Hi, Dad."

"Leroy! Great to hear from you. How are you? How's Jenny?"

He smiled.

"We're good. Wanted to tell you something."

"She's pregnant."

Laughing, Gibbs took a drink of his coffee, setting the cup down carefully next to the boat.

"No. Definitely not. She finally decided to wear the ring."

"So that means—"

"Yep. Haven't set a date yet, but we wanted you to know."

"That's great, Leroy. You two seem like a good match. Jenny's a beautiful, smart woman. Maybe she can straighten you out."

He laughed again.

"Doubt it. Hasn't managed it in seven years."

"Tell her I said congratulations. I hate to cut this short, but I've got inventory to do."

"Will do, Dad. Take care."

He hung up, picking up the sander again, and when he heard the unmistakable sound of heels clicking on the stairs, he smiled. Jenny had apparently already gotten coffee, and as she sipped it, he nodded his head at her.

"Morning."

"Isn't your team on-call this weekend?"

He nodded.

"Yep."

"Shouldn't you be at the office then?"

"Nope. Unless we get a call, I'm staying right here."

She raised her eyebrow, smirking slightly.

"Uh-huh. What does your boss think about that?"

"I dunno. Let me ask her."

He paused, walking closer to her and when he kissed her, he could tell she was smiling.

"What do you think about that, Director?"

"I think a certain Special Agent is damn lucky that he looks good in a pair of jeans."

He smiled, kissing her again and she laughed.

"I called my Dad."

"How did he take it?"

"Well, he loves you, so he's pretty happy about it. When are you going to tell Heather?"

"Tomorrow. She's bringing Tori by. Will you be there?"

He nodded, brushing her hair behind her ear. She looked a little paler than usual, but he supposed it could have been a trick of the light. She smiled at him, kissing him on the cheek before she made her way back to the stairs.

"I'll be upstairs reading if you need me."

He nodded.

"Enjoy your book."

"Enjoy your boat."

He was still laughing when she closed the basement door behind her.

As the scream tore from her throat, Jenny's eyes flew open, and she sat up, breathing heavily. She hadn't had a nightmare in awhile, and this one had shaken her more than she cared to admit. She ran a shaking hand through slightly damp hair and she reached for her phone.

"Yeah. Gibbs."

"Jethro..."

She tried, but her vocal chords refused to cooperate. He was silent for a moment, waiting, and when he realised she was crying, he was instantly worried.

"Jen, what is it?"

"I...I t-tried, it just...it felt so real, and..."

"What happened?"

She shook her head, unable to speak, and as he listened to her cry, he grabbed his keys.

"I'm on my way, Jen."

The click in her ear was almost unbearably loud, and her phone fell from her hands. She reached for it, not quite able to grab it, and when she tumbled from the bed, she didn't have the strength to move. Her head fell onto her knees and she tried in vain to regulate her breathing. Time seemed to slow or lurch, she felt as though everything was moving both too fast and agonisingly slow, and she hoped that Gibbs would hurry.

When he saw Jenny crumpled on the floor, Gibbs knelt down in front of her, reaching out to touch her shoulder gently. She jumped at his touch, and raised tear-filled eyes to his.

"It's okay. Can you talk to me?"

She moved closer, burying her head in his chest and he held her gently, running his hand over her hair.

"It felt so real," she whispered.

Suddenly, he understood and nodded.

"It was just a dream. You're safe. Harrison can't hurt you. I doubt if he's even in the area. I'm not going to let anything happen to you."

He shifted, moving so that he could stand, and when he lifted her with him, she frowned. He led her to the bed, and when he pulled her into his arms, she curled deeper into the blankets.

"Go back to sleep, Jen."

"Please don't leave."

He kissed her temple, holding her as close as he could.

"Not a chance."

Hours later, her emerald eyes opened, and they landed on the former marine still holding her in his arms. He was still awake, his hand moving over her skin lightly, and she smiled softly. He noticed the change in her breathing, and glanced down, cobalt eyes locking on hers.

"Hey."

"Hi. You okay?"

She nodded.

"I'm sorry, Jethro. I shouldn't have let a dream bother me so much."

He shook his head.

"It's okay. But Jen, you haven't had a nightmare that bad in a long time. What's going on?"

Jenny frowned, trying to think of a possible explanation.

"I don't know. A lot of things are changing, and I guess with Harrison getting released, it was just too much."

He took her hand in his, running his fingers over the ring she wore.

"If this is too much for you right now, we don't have to do this."

She shook her head quickly.

"No. Jethro, I want to marry you. I can't imagine my life without you. You're the one thing in my life that I can't live without."

He smiled, kissing her hand, and she nestled against his chest.

"What time is Heather coming over?"

Checking her watch, Jenny frowned.

"In about half an hour."

"We'd better get up, then."

She smiled, running her fingers lightly over his skin.

"Or, we could blow it off and stay in bed."

"Cute, Jen. Get up."

Sighing, she nodded and sat up. She swung her legs over the side of the bed, and as she ran a brush through her hair, she tried to ignore the dizziness she felt. It was slightly concerning, but she had already decided that she was going to chalk it up to working late hours. Her hands shook as she touched up her makeup and when she glanced at Gibbs, she was relieved to find that he hadn't noticed. He would only worry, and she didn't need an overprotective Gibbs hovering over her shoulder.

Tori wrapped her arms around Jenny as soon as she was close, and she smiled.

"She seems to have warmed up to me."

Heather laughed.

"She hasn't stopped talking about you guys. It was so cute, until it got annoying."

Gibbs smiled at Tori, hugging her when she had finally let go of Jenny and she looked at him excitedly.

"Hi, Jethro! Hi, Aunt Jenny!"

"Hi, Tori."

They walked through the door to Jenny's living room and Heather smiled at her sister curiously.

"So, what's so important? Jenny, are you pregnant?"

Jenny shook her head.

"Why does everyone always jump to that?"

Gibbs smirked.

"It's usually the most likely option, Jen."

Heather glanced at Jenny when he used the nickname, knowing how much she had hated it as a child. When she didn't correct him, she leaned closer, her voice low.

"Thought you hated being called Jen."

She shrugged.

"It kind of grew on me. You say it, and I'll strangle you."

Heather laughed.

"I think it's sweet."

Jenny rolled her eyes, amused, and sat down on the couch. Tori entertained herself by staring at the fireplace, entranced by Abby's picture frame, and Heather turned again to Jenny.

"So, if you aren't pregnant, what is it?"

Jenny held out her left hand, and Heather grabbed it, holding it close to her eyes.

"Jenny! You're married now?"

"No. The rings were part of an undercover assignment we did seven years ago. Jethro told me that if I ever decided that I wanted to marry him for real, I could wear the ring."

"When?"

"Haven't decided. Not for awhile, probably."

She nodded, looking at Gibbs seriously.

"You hurt her, I'll kill you with a shovel. And since David's a lawyer, he can fix the trial."

Gibbs nodded, smiling at his future sister-in-law.

"Understood."

Jenny stood, making her way into the kitchen, and again tried to ignore the lightheaded feeling as she moved.

"Drink, Heather?"

"Water's fine."

Nodding, Jenny reached for a glass and filled it with water.

"So, Jethro, you were a marine?"

Gibbs nodded.

"Yep. Joined really early on. Seemed like the right—"

A loud shattering cut his words short, and he turned toward the sound. The glass had slipped from Jenny's hand, and she was leaning back against the counter, her hand at her head.

"Jen?"

She shook her head.

"I'm fine."

He stood and approached her, careful not to step on the broken glass, and looked at her seriously. Her skin was paler than fresh snow, icy cold to the touch, and her body was shaking violently. Heather remained where she was, but her eyes never left her sister.

"Are you okay, Jenny?"

Jenny took a step, stumbling instantly, and Gibbs wrapped his arms around her. He knew that he was the only thing keeping her upright, and he forced her to look at him.

"Jen."

"I...I think I need to sit down."

He nodded.

"Damn straight."

He led her to the couch, and Tori looked at them curiously as they passed.

"Are you sick, Aunt Jenny?"

Jenny gave her a weak smile and shook her head.

"No, sweetie. I'm fine. Why don't you go see if you can find the book Jethro let you start reading the last time you were here?"

Tori's eyes lit up and she nodded, pulling Gibbs to the study eagerly.

"Come on, Jethro! Let's go!"

As soon as her daughter was out of earshot, Heather glared at her sister.

"Alright, Jenny. Cut the bullshit. What's going on?"

Jenny sighed.

"About a month ago, I started to notice that I wasn't feeling quite right. I was shaky, dizzy, always tired, emotionally I was a wreck. So I had a few blood tests done and found out that I was dealing with Lyme disease. I took antibiotics and it was cured, but I still have to deal with symptoms occasionally."

"Damn, Jenny. Anything else happen recently that I should know?"

Jenny smiled as Gibbs walked back into the room.

"We'll have to do lunch sometime. I'll fill you in."

Gibbs sat next to Jenny, searching her eyes.

"You okay?"

She nodded, touching his knee lightly.

"I'm fine. Really."

Against his better judgment, he nodded and Heather looked between the two of them. She could tell that he was concerned and it was clear by the way Jenny rested her head on his shoulder that she trusted him completely. Jenny closed her eyes, hoping the blinding headache she had would go away soon, and Heather looked at her worriedly.

"Jenny, if you need to lie down, we can always do this another time. I don't want to make things worse."

Jenny shook her head and Gibbs frowned.

"Stop being so stubborn."

She opened her eyes, glaring at him.

"I'm fine, Jethro."

"Don't make me call Ducky."

Sighing, Jenny nodded.

"I'm sorry, Heather. Maybe we should do this later."

Heather nodded, standing to go retrieve Tori from the study. As they passed, Tori hugged Jenny again and Gibbs helped her up from the couch. They walked them to the door, and as Heather gave her a hug, Gibbs kept his hand at her back to support her. She leaned against him as they walked back into the living room, and he held her when they sat down on the couch.

"How long?"

Jenny sighed, tipping over into his lap.

"A few days. I thought it was just because I've started working late again."

"Jen, you're going to have to slow down. I know you don't want to hear it, but it's true."

She nodded, and he ran his fingers through her hair. The pressure of his hands on her head made her moan, and he stopped, looking down at her.

"Jen?"

"No, don't stop. It hurts, but it helps at the same time."

Gibbs nodded, lightly massaging her head again, and she closed her eyes against the sunlight streaming through the house.

"Do you want an aspirin?"

"No," she said softly, "Thank you, though."

He leaned down to kiss her hair gently and she smiled.

"I love you."

"I certainly hope so, because now you're stuck with me."

Jenny's eyes widened when she opened her front door and saw a trail of candles leading up her stairs. Frowning, she slipped off her heels, following the flickering flames, and she stepped into her bedroom, smiling softly. A bottle of her favourite wine sat on her bedside table and her well-worn copy of Wuthering Heights rested in the middle of her bed.

Gibbs wrapped his arms around her from behind and she turned, smiling at him.

"Did you do this?"

He shrugged, and she kissed him softly.

"What's this for?"

He stared at her and she frowned.

"What?"

"It's your birthday, Jen. Did you really think I wouldn't celebrate?"

She laughed.

"It's just a regular day to me, Jethro. It's nothing special."

He shook his head, kissing her throat lightly.

"The day you were born is very special. You are very special."

She stepped forward, sitting on the bed and beckoned him over. He sat next to her, and handed her the book he had placed there.

"What's all this about?"

"I want you to relax. Read your favourite book, drink some wine, and just be comfortable."

She nodded, and he kissed her again.

"I'll be downstairs if you need me."

Picking up the book, Jenny settled back against the pillows and by the time he had closed the door, she was already so engrossed in the story that he doubted she even noticed his absence.

When he ventured back up to Jenny's bedroom, she was still reading, and the bottle of wine was nearly empty. He sat down across from her and as the bed shifted, she raised her eyes to his.

"How's the book?"

She smiled.

"Fine."

"Never could get into that one. Heathcliff and Cathy are both terrible people. Why would anyone want them to get what they want?"

Jenny looked at him, unaware that he had ever even touched the book.

"That's the point, I think. They're both horrible, for one reason or another...Cathy for societal hierarchy and Heathcliff for the way he was treated as a child, and the only redeeming quality either of them possess is their love for each other. Even though they don't end up together in life, you could argue that they might end up together in the afterlife. It's tragic, but still beautiful."

He considered her words for a moment, then nodded.

"You might have something there, Jen."

She set the book aside, looking at him seriously.

"Jethro, I think I've spent enough time with Heathcliff and Cathy for one night."

He arched an eyebrow at her and she drained the wine from her glass.

"What else did you have in mind tonight?"

She kissed him, her hand running through his hair and when her tongue found his, he could taste the sweetness of the wine.

"If I have to be any more specific than that, we have a major problem."

Reaching for her coffee, Jenny smiled at the silver ring on her finger, and signed her name again to the bottom of the budget review. She was feeling pretty proud of herself for securing more money for ammunition and Abby's lab, and she hoped that it would be put to good use. Her phone rang and she sighed as she picked it up, wondering who could be calling her.

"Shepard."

"Hey, can you come down from your throne, Your Majesty?"

Rolling her eyes, Jenny laughed.

"Seriously, Jethro?"

"Yeah, got something you'll want to see."

She hung up, and made her way down the steps, frowning at the members of the MCRT.

"Can I help you, Agent Gibbs?"

"Yeah. You can come with us, Director. We're going out for drinks to celebrate," Abby said.

Jenny looked at Gibbs and he shrugged. He'd blown them off the last time, and he couldn't really do it this time in good conscience.

"Celebrate what?"

"Your engagement," Abby said, as if it were obvious.

"You agreed to this?" Jenny asked Gibbs.

She knew he had. He very rarely refused the Goth anything and he smirked.

"Could be fun."

When she nodded finally, Abby clapped her hands. As Jenny allowed herself to be led to the elevator, she slapped the back of Gibbs' head. The entire team stared at her as though she'd grown another head and McGee opened his mouth in shock.

"Did she just—?"

"Woah, never seen anyone head slap the boss before."

As they stepped into the lift, Gibbs slapped her back and she smirked at him. Tony laughed nervously and Ziva glanced at him.

"Guess she wasn't kidding. Everyone but Abby has been Gibbs-slapped before."

"Keep it up, DiNozzo, and you'll have a bald spot."

"Sorry, boss."

Gibbs wrapped his arm around Jenny as she finished her drink and his eyes watched her carefully. The night had just gotten started, but Ziva was already on her fourth shot of tequila, not that it was noticeable, and when Jenny stood to walk to the bar, the Israeli requested another. Jenny nodded, and Gibbs frowned. Ziva held her alcohol remarkably well, but he didn't want her to overdo it accidentally.

"So, boss...are you going to keep both of your houses, or move in together?"

Gibbs frowned.

"Dunno. Haven't talked about it. Probably keep them."

Tony looked at him curiously.

"Really?"

"Yeah. Her house has been in her family for years, but mine has a basement."

McGee nodded, sipping his drink thoughtfully.

"Good point."

"Gibbs, is the Director going to take your last name?"

"You'd have to ask her, Abs."

His trained eyes found Jenny as she was returning from the bar, and when she passed a table not far away from their own, he frowned. The figure sitting in the chair looked familiar and as he recognised who it was, his eyes darkened. Jenny handed Ziva her tequila, and passed him a tumbler of bourbon, oblivious to his hard expression.

She smiled at him, and when he didn't return it, she frowned.

"Jethro? What is it?"

He didn't answer and she sighed, taking a drink of the bourbon she'd given him.

"Never seen anyone drink from Gibbs' glass and live before."

Jenny smiled at Tony and took another drink pointedly.

"Yeah, but if he killed me, you would have to deal with Vance every day."

"You need to live forever, Director," Tony replied seriously.

Laughing, Jenny looked to the silver-haired agent, still wondering at his change in mood.

"We need to leave," he said quietly, his voice close to her ear.

"What's wrong?"

"Get to the parking lot safely and I'll explain."

Jenny nodded, and as soon as Abby had finished her drink, she looked at the team seriously.

"This was really nice of you all, but I really should be getting home."

"Aw, come on, Director! Just one more round!"

Leaning over to Ziva, the redhead explained that they needed to leave urgently, and she nodded. She didn't know what had changed, but she'd worked with both Gibbs and Jenny long enough to trust their judgment.

"I will make sure no one else leaves."

Jenny nodded her thanks and as Gibbs led her to the door, she met Ziva's eyes in an unspoken communication. Almost as soon as they had walked into the lot, a quiet voice spoke up behind them.

"Director Shepard. Agent Gibbs. It's been awhile."

Jenny's blood ran cold as she recognised the voice and she turned, hoping her face didn't betray her fear.

"Get out of here, Harrison."

Gibbs' voice was low and dangerous, and his eyes were colder than Jenny had ever seen them.

"I have every right to be here."

"Leave."

"I have every right to be here," Harrison repeated.

Gibbs glared at the younger man, and while most would have broken, Harrison didn't even flinch. He looked at Jenny, and when he spoke, his voice made her skin crawl.

"You've been busy since I went away. Managed to kill my little brother, didn't you, Agent Gibbs?"

"Nothing he didn't bring on himself."

"Such a shame, really. He always was an idiot. How've you been, Director Shepard? I couldn't stop thinking about our brief yet unforgettable time together."

Harrison stepped closer to her, and Gibbs was between them in an instant.

"Stay away from her."

He smirked, looking at Jenny with an expression in his eyes that made her sick.

"Relax, Agent Gibbs. I won't hurt her. Just wanted the chance to remind her what it's like to be with a real man."

"Real men don't need to force themselves onto women, Harrison," Jenny snapped.

"You can say that, but we both know it's not true. You liked it. It was exhilarating."

He attempted to reach for her arm, and before Gibbs could stop himself, he had punched the younger man as hard as he could. Harrison stumbled backward, holding his broken nose and the door to the bar opened quickly.

"Boss, everything okay out here?"

"Everything's fine, DiNozzo."

"Want me to cuff him?"

Gibbs shook his head.

"Get out of here. Now."

Harrison glared at them and as he walked to his car with a steady stream of profanity, Gibbs looked at Jenny, his expression serious.

"You okay?"

She nodded, her eyes following Harrison's car as he left. Gibbs tilted her head up, searching her eyes.

"We'll file a restraining order in the morning.:

"Jethro, a restraining order is nothing but a piece of paper."

He nodded, wrapping his arm around her shoulder. Tony walked back into the bar, and Gibbs led Jenny to his truck, noticing that she kept glancing around to see if Harrison was following them.

"It might be just a piece of paper Jen, but if he violates it, he goes straight back to prison."

She nodded absentmindedly, her eyes still locked on the mirrors, praying that they weren't being followed.

It wasn't until they had locked his front door securely behind them that she showed any sign of relaxing. She walked past him to the basement and when he followed her, he frowned. Her hands were shaking so badly that she couldn't pour the bourbon into the mason jar, and he looked at her seriously.

"Jenny..."

"Are you going to help me or not?"

He took the bottle from her hand, shaking his head.

"I don't know if you—"

"Pour the damn bourbon, Jethro," she snapped.

Sighing, he poured a small amount into her glass and she downed it in seconds. She took the bottle from him, tipping it back, and he frowned again.

"Jen, slow down."

She shook her head, taking another long drink, and her eyes narrowed at him angrily.

"You told me it was safe. "

"It is. He's not going to—"

"He already did, Jethro! We can't even go out with our friends because of him. He was there! He was right fucking there!"

She slammed the bottle down on the table, and he reached out, placing his hand on her shoulder. She jerked away, her heel slipping on the concrete floor, and he grabbed her arm before she could fall.

"Don't touch me."

"Jen, I was just—"

"Don't."

He still didn't let go of her, and when she tried to break free, he pulled her closer, tightening his grip as she fought him.

"Jethro, let go. Don't fucking touch me!"

Her hands hit his chest and he grabbed her wrists, trying his best to stop her. Her tears were falling freely now, and he kept his hold on her, knowing she would break soon.

"You told me it was fucking safe! You lied to me. You told me it was safe."

She stopped struggling, collapsing in his arms, and he held her close as she sobbed into his chest.

"Shh...it's okay. It's okay, Jen. You're safe here. I would never lie to you."

"Why won't he just leave us alone?"

"I don't know, but he's never going to hurt you again. I'll kill him first."

He kissed her hair gently, and as he cradled her in his arms, her tears finally began to slow.

"I'm sorry, Jethro. I didn't mean to—"

"Shh. I know."

Jenny wiped away the tears on her face and as she stepped away from him, he offered her a smile. She made her way slowly to the steps and as she reached them, she turned.

"I'm going to go upstairs."

He nodded and she spoke again.

"Jethro?"

"Hm?"

"Come to bed. Please don't make me sleep alone."

Crossing the room, he guided her up the stairs and when they had reached the bedroom, he closed the door softly behind him. Jenny attempted to undo the buttons on her shirt, but her hands were trembling so badly that she couldn't manage it. Gibbs slowly undid them for her, handing her one of his old shirts and as she pulled it on, he smiled. He always thought she looked best this way.

They climbed into bed, and when he pulled her body close to him, he inhaled the scent of bourbon and perfume. She turned in his arms, tucking her head under his chin and when she spoke, her voice was slightly muffled.

"I love you, Jethro. And I really am sorry."

He kissed her forehead.

"I love you too, and it's okay."

Gibbs knew, without a doubt, that she would have nightmares that night, and he tightened his hold on her. He couldn't stop the dreams that haunted her, but he swore that he would do everything he could to make her feel safe when she woke screaming in the darkness. She moved closer to him, and as her fingers curled around his shirt, he smiled.

"I can't wait to marry you."

"I always knew you were insane."

He laughed quietly, and kissed her hair again.

"Get some sleep, Jen."

She nodded, and he ran his hand gently through her hair. As her even breathing filled the room, he frowned. He knew Harrison would undoubtedly return, and if he even thought about touching Jenny again, Gibbs swore he would kill him.

A/N: Hope you enjoyed. Wuthering Heights is one of my favourite books, so I decided to make it one of Jenny's, too. Anyway, I go back to work on the 14th, so my updates will take a bit longer. I hope you understand.