A/N: thank you for the reviews :) read on and enjoy.

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Kate's hand shook as she blindly stabbed at the ground floor elevator button with her thumb. A weak grumble escaped her when the elevator didn't move. She slammed all the elevator buttons with the side of her tightened fist, letting out a sharp cry of frustration. She almost lost it when not only did the elevator remain still, but the doors re-opened. Kate clutched her heavy coat closed as she looked up in panic.

Gibbs stepped to stand on the threshold, holding both hands against the elevator doors to keep them from closing upon him. He looked her over momentarily before stepping completely inside of the elevator as the doors whooshed close once again.

He stood with his back to the rear of the elevator, glancing at her sideways and seeing her slightly trembling hands. As he went to lean over to press the ground floor button, he saw nearly all the floors were lit. Gibbs raised an eyebrow and looked over to her.

"You pressed them all?"

"I slammed them all." She spoke low, almost inaudible had he not been standing as close as he was. He nodded vaguely and returned his eyes to the shining silver of the elevator doors, linking his hands loosely behind his back.

Kate closed her eyes and counted the seconds, praying for the silence to continue between them. Praying that she could keep the tears in her eyes and the sobs from deep in her chest; her lungs began to burn before she realized she'd been holding her breath. She tried to push down the lightheadedness that edged into her mind, but she still felt herself sway.

Gibbs blinked while his eyes widened slightly at the sight of her body wavering to stay standing. He took a step behind her as his large hands took hold of her slender shoulders. He whispered hoarsely by her ear, making the very hairs on her neck take notice, "Kate?"

She whimpered inside her mind. She could keep a hold of herself, she could hold herself together as long as she didn't talk— as long as he didn't ask…

"What's going on?"

The elevator bell sounded, saving her from confessions and stories she wasn't ready to hear out loud again. She steadied herself and took a careful step away from him, landing her palm softly against his chest.

'I can't.. right now… I—" her soft staccato voice faded as she gently shook her head, loose tendrils of hair having fallen from her bun to hang in her face. Despite the shadows as she turned her head from him, he could see the hot tears that coursed down her flushed cheeks. He was rigid and stunned and completely immobile at the sight of her—at the sight of her breaking at the edges and tearing at the seams.

"I can't do this again." Her throaty tone, while soft and low, was laced with an anger that he recognized. Desperation.

She gracefully stalked away from him, hurrying to her car. The loud, melodious clicking of her heels against the pavement jarred him from his bewilderment as he jogged to catch up with her. Gibbs quickly fell into stride with her, gently taking her elbow and guiding her across the aisle and away from her car. The shake had fallen from her voice:

"What are you doing." She quirked brusquely, but continued to walk with him.

"You're not driving." Gibbs spoke matter-of-factly, tilting his head and raising an eyebrow in light emphasis; his eyes stayed focused on his sedan.

"What? What do you mean 'I'm not driving'?? I have to go home, Gibbs. You know home, don't you, Gibbs?" she spat sarcastically as she slowed her pace and began to turn, pulling her elbow from his grasp— unsuccessfully. His hand moved up her arm while his fingers wrapped around her bicep. He invaded her personal space by bringing her into his own. He hovered over her, his face dangerously close. Kate swallowed and her eyes glassed over with teary uncertainty while she waited for him to pounce or dodge. Another tearful hiccup sounded from the back of her throat as their close gazes fought with one another.

"I know home. I'm bringing you there." He whispered gruffly, his breath heavily laced with mint and strong coffee. He lifted her arm between them, bringing attention to her shaking hands, "I just don't want you to crack up your car. That okay with you?" His voice was firm, and even though the sound of him made a few extra tears slip from the corner of her eyes, she knew he was right.

She tore her eyes away from his, shutting them tight with her face downcast, faintly bobbing her head in silent agreement. Gibbs could feel her stop pulling from the hold he had on her. He swallowed when he saw her shoulders go limp, unsure of how far he went with her— unsure of how far he should take her. He took a breath and sighed it out, "C'mon Kate.." looking down as he took her shoulders in his hands, he guided her to the sedan.

Gibbs gently bundled her into the passenger's seat, taking off his suit jacket and draping it over her stocking-clad legs. He remained lowered at her side, sitting on his heels as he watched her. She stared at her hands that lay loosely in her lap, breathing deep and slow— she sat simply, vaguely determined not to let another tear fall across her already dampened cheek. He fought the urge to brush away the strands of hair that fell in her face. He fought the need to rub a reassuring hand down her thigh. He settled for a friendly compromise as he raised his hand to her shoulder, squeezing it firmly before rising to his feet.

After Gibbs closed her door, she gently leaned her head against the cold glass of the passenger window. She pressed her cheek against the frost, mentally willing her already-swelling cheeks to calm down. Kate sighed with a strange comfort when she felt the slight dip the car made when Gibbs got in. After shutting the door firmly behind him, he started the sedan and settled for her silence the entire ride—something for which she was grateful. I'll have to tell him that, she thought hazily, as her eyes drooped closed.

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Ahhh suspense's a bitch :)