A/N: Hey everyone, thanks for the great reviews. I know I said that this would take me a few days, but your enthusiasm for the story combined with my finally deciding how to do the chapter and I got it written in just a couple of hours today.

Just so no one gets confused right off the bat, this chapter's time frame starts before chapter two's, but follows Gibbs instead. Don't worry the two converge near the end.

My beta quit on me. Well, okay that's not fair, she took a posting as a marine biologist at McMurdo and so really won't be able to beta for me anymore because of the time commitments she expects the job to bring. It's a great opportunity, so I don't really blame her. Anyway all mistakes are mine.

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Despite a shared tendency towards mischief and his original belief that she was on his side, it had taken a remarkable amount of time for Abby to spill all the details of the reunion. He had spent almost twenty minutes alternately glaring and asking politely before he managed to convince her to help him. She had said that her reluctance was because it would be breaking her confidence with Kate, but Gibbs suspected that it was something deeper than that. However, choosing to pick his battles he hadn't pushed her on the subject.

When she had finally given him the time and place of Kate's reunion, he had kissed her cheek lightly and wandered out with a large grin firmly affixed on his features. Abby had frowned slightly at his retreating back, worried about what his plans would mean for her friends. They had danced around the subject of their mutual, though unacknowledged, attraction for so long she wasn't sure what to think. Shrugging it off, she went back to work.

Standing in front of his mirror the next night, Gibbs began to seriously question the wisdom of his plans. He had never before considered himself a coward, but the doubts that stirred in his mind began to challenge that fundamental assertion. It was one thing to wander, fully armed and prepared, into a war zone. It was a completely different idea to go, reasonably blind, into a situation that included surprising a federal agent who he didn't doubt could kick his ass. And that was without mentioning the fact that he had more than friendly feelings toward said agent.

Tightening his black tie, he chided himself for even considering backing out. In the end all it came down to was the basic, undeniable fact that she didn't want to do this alone and the equally undeniable fact that he had the power to ensure she didn't have to. Giving his appearance one last glance, he headed out, reminding himself once again that no matter what other facts might come into play, he was helping a friend and that was all that mattered.

When he pulled into the hotel's parking structure, he was pleased to see that Kate's gray Honda was already there. Checking his tie for the hundredth time since he had left his house, he moved out of the car. Making a minor detour to run his hand lightly over her car's hood he made a mental note that it was still slightly warm from her drive. I've been an investigator for too long. The thought caused a small smile to appear on his rugged features and he held it as he moved into the hotel lobby.

The woman sitting behind the reunion's check-in table made no attempt to hide her admiring looks as he moved toward her. Her name badge declared her to have been head cheerleader during her time in school and Gibbs didn't doubt for a second that this was one of the women Kate had not wanted to deal with. Giving her a charming half-smile he asked for a name badge.

"I'm Caitlyn Todd's guest." Her shocked look only intensified his smile and he plucked the tag from the table in front of her and was already moving to the doors by the time she had recovered her composure.

Still pinning the tag to his jacket, he paused momentarily in the double doors to the ballroom. Loud and obnoxious 80's rock blared from speakers along the stage and the noise was only intensified by the people mingling throughout the room.

Despite what he estimated to be almost two hundred people occupying the space, it took him only seconds to locate Kate. Her presence always seemed to draw his attention, no matter what the event and he quickly spotted her near a table in the back, looking decidedly uncomfortable as she conversed with another woman. His breath caught momentarily as he took in her knee-length black dress, with it's barely there straps and open back.

Straightening his tie one last time he moved into the room, making an effort to avoid both the largest groups of people and her line of sight. Coming up behind her, he moved just into hearing distance before stopping to wait for an opportunity.

"-sure that she'll follow in their footsteps… Gary works for a big DC law firm, just got promoted to partner… so where's your mystery man. I was on the planning committee and I recall you're name having an 'and guest' next to it." The woman's voice dripped with condescension and Gibbs fought back the urge to step in and berate her for treating his Kate like that.

Instead, he stepped stealthily forward, hoping, not for the first time, that Kate wouldn't be too shocked by his unexpected appearance. Her voice seemed tired as she spoke and he decided it was the perfect opportunity to step in.

"He's-"

"Running a little late." His tone was confident and even as he stepped up next to her, desperate not to startle her too much as he lay a light hand on the small of her back. His brain short-circuited briefly at the feel of her smooth, bare skin under his rough palm, but kicked back in as he watched her response.

Jumping only slightly at his words and touch, she covered it smoothly as she turned to face him, years of training at masking her emotions taking over. Her eyes betrayed her shock though and he kept his gaze locked with hers, trying to explain his appearance with just a look. It must have worked, as she gave him the slightest of nods before choosing to play along. Internally she wondered about the wisdom of the farce they were starting, but the worry was easily overshadowed by relief at his timely appearance. After all, it's not a big deal, we're just acting. He's being a good friend. The thought did not sit completely truthfully, but she chose to shake the feeling off. Keeping her voice calm and level she responded to his presence; her words cementing their silent agreement.

"I was worried you wouldn't make it." His smile widened as she moved closer against his side, allowing him to wrap his arm fully around her waist.

He had expected that pretending to be a couple would be much more awkward and discomforting and was amazed at just how easily they both fell into the roles they had agreed to play. His thoughts echoed in Kate's mind as she allowed herself to relish his closeness: This feels almost natural; like it's always been this way. His response to her earlier statement drew her out of her thoughts.

"I wouldn't miss it for the world." The sheer sincerity in his voice, drew a light blush to her cheeks and it was only the memory that they were not alone that stopped her from gasping out loud at the admission. Turning back to Diane and her husband, she made introductions, taking great pleasure in the jealousy evident on the other woman's face.

"Diane, Gary this is Jethro Gibbs, my boyfriend."

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A/N: No real end note here. The next chapter will look a bit at the angst they're both feeling, but are currently hiding so be prepared for that a little bit. But I write fluff better than angst so it won't be too extreme. Reviews are always appreciated.