AN: I don't own any of the NCIS Characters or any of the show's storylines that I may refer to from time to time, but the rest of the plot is mine.

7. Small Steps

Lucy woke to the sound of knocking on her door. She sat up feeling much better, she hadn't realised how tired she had been. Gibbs opened the door and entered with a tray, which he placed on the bed next to her. She went to get up, he stopped her.

"You stay where you are until you've eaten ... I'm not having you end up like yesterday" he told her firmly.

She grinned up at him. "Yes sir!"

"You seem better this morning" he noted as he looked at her. Her facial features were softer, her hair framing her face. "I'll let you eat, we need to leave in about an hour" He told her and left.

When she'd eaten and got up she found him down with the boat. She stood on the stairs for a minute watching him work. He sensed she was there and eventually looked up he lay down his tools and climbed the stairs to join her, stopping when he got to her eye level.

"Promise me you will be careful today and you'll check you're counts regularly." He half asked half told her as he ran his fingers down the side of her face. Lucy closed her eyes and bit her lip, as her skin tingled under his light touch. She nodded slowly. Then he took her hand and lead her out of the basement.

Lucy and Gibbs arrived on the base shortly before her new shift started. After changing at her house they entered the conference room at 1000. Tony and Kate were present with Lt Briggs, who saluted Lucy as she entered, she returned the salute.

Gibbs poured two coffee's from the machine and handed one to Lucy. A gesture not unnoticed by Tony. Gibbs stared back at him. Lucy questioned the Lieutenant about the Marine and Philips. Then dismissed him and turned to the NCIS agents.

"So where does that leave us?" asked Kate.

"I'll check on Philips and let you know when you can speak to him. ... I'd better go make my rounds. Jethro I'll see you later to meet with the Commander?" she asked. He nodded and she left.

The day went quite well, they made small steps with the case, Philips confirmed he had left the base with CPO Dean, but didn't remember anything after going to a bar off base. Gibbs sent Tony and Kate to poke around while he joined Lucy and the commander for lunch. Other than that he didn't see much of her. Late in the afternoon Petty Officer Dandridge joined them and advised that there was a games night on the base, a chance for the US and British crews to mingle. It seemed a good excuse to hang around, take a look maybe pick up something about whatever was going on.

"Will Captain Hammond be calling in?" Tony asked, while watching Gibbs looking for a reaction. Gibbs gave nothing away.

"I doubt it sir, she's on clinic duty until 2200. She may look into the officer's mess afterwards, but most nights after a late shift she goes straight home." He told them.

"You two go snoop around see what you can find out, see if anyone was at that bar the other night." He instructed them.

"What about you boss, what are you gonna do?" Tony asked.

"I need to talk to the Director and meet with the commander again." He said.

"Captain Hammond has arranged accommodation for you all on the base for tonight if you would like to freshen up before dinner." Dandridge offered. Kate looked at him and smiled.

"I would, thank you" she answered.

Kate followed Dandridge out of the room. Tony looked at his boss his curiosity finally getting the better of him. "Boss? ... What's with you and Lucy?"

"None of your business Dinozzo ... we're here to work, so do it." He snapped.

Tony wanted to pursue the question, but the tone in Gibbs voice made him think again. "OK boss" He followed Kate and Dandridge out of the room. Gibbs helped himself to more coffee and sat down with a file.

Neither Gibbs or Lucy arrived for dinner with the officers. When he asked about them Tony was told that Lucy was still in clinic at a staff dinner. Gibbs turned up at the officers club around 9.30 shortly after Kate & Tony. Lucy arrived around an hour later having changed into jeans.

"Captain how's your pool hand tonight?" Lieutenant Briggs asked.

"Not sure Lieutenant, wanna try me?" she teased.

"After the last time when you beat me 3-0 I'm up for it ... I need revenge" He replied. The NCIS team were watching the exchange. Gibbs was amused. Tony couldn't believe that she had beaten the Naval officer. Lucy had barely acknowledged the team since she arrived as she mixed with the ships officers. Tony could hardly believe his eyes when she beat the Lieutenant again.

"Next time captain you'll have to play doubles with me ... I can afford a trouncing like that again." Lucy smiled sweetly at him and turned to Tony.

"How about you Tony? You up for a game?" she asked. Before Tony could answer Kate had suggested that they play girls vs. guys.

"You are so gonna get beaten, can you play boss?" he asked Gibbs as Lucy took $10 from her pocket at waved it in Tony's face.

"Wanna bet?" she asked.

Gibbs took the $10 and added 10 of his own. "I'll take those odds."

They played several games. Tony didn't know it but Kate was actually a pretty good player too. Lucy was relaxed and enjoying herself. Gibbs watched her line up a shot in front of him. He ran his eyes over her body and grinned. She was still in great shape. Tony was watching her in awe as she made the difficult pot. The girls went on to win ... again.

Lucy returned her cue to the rack and claimed their money as her phone rang. She answered it. Hearing the caller on the other end she wandered away. When she returned she picked up her drink and joined the team. She looked at Gibbs who raised his eyebrow at her questioningly.

"Jessie." She answered simply leaving Kate and Tony wondering who she was. Lucy looked at them as her phone rang again. When she hung up she looked at Gibbs, "I need to get back to clinic, another sailor has just been dumped at the main gate."

"Dinozzo, Kate go to that bar and see if you can find out if this guy was there and talk to the guys at the gate. Get me some answers!" Gibbs barked as he and Lucy stood up.

"what are you going to do boss?" Tony asked.

"I'm going to wait at the clinic and talk to the sailor." He told them firmly, then he left with Lucy.

Sorry I haven't updated for a while, I'm struggling to pull the case together at the moment so it has slowed things down. I have some ideas but the plot seems a bit weak at the moment.