Rule Number 12
Chapter 3
Kate's chance to talk to Abby came just a few days later. They had just put a case to bed and she suggested going out for drinks, just the two of them. Tony had already announced that he had a 'hot date' planned, and Tim quietly declared that he was going home to get some much needed sleep, so Abby and Kate were on their own, much to Kate's relief.
Kate had spent a lot of time over the previous few days worrying what Abby's reaction would be if she figured out Kate's feelings towards Tim, as well as what Tim's reaction would be if she decided to confess those feelings to him as well. She feared that she would lose not just one valued friendship, but two, and the stress was starting to take its toll.
The bar they chose was close to the Yard, catering more towards the typical government worker and therefore considerably more quiet than the dance clubs that Abby preferred. They were able to find a relatively quiet booth and Kate managed to relax a little after they had ordered drinks and appetizers. Abby wanted to talk about the case they had just finished so by the time their drinks arrived they had settled into a comfortable conversation. Kate carefully managed to steer the topics away from the case, and eventually the subject of dating arose. Kate lamented on the fact that with the time constraints of the job, she hadn't been on a 'real' date in months. To her surprise, Abby admitted that she hadn't been dating, either, which gave Kate her opening.
"Really? I had the impression, that, well, you and McGee…"
A sad smile crossed Abby's face as she shook her head. "Not since he joined Gibbs' team. We were kind of on the way out before that, but…that pretty much ended the possibility of staying together. We're just friends, now."
Kate studied the other woman, her heart sinking. "And you're regretting that."
Abby glanced up, clearly surprised by the statement. "Oh, no. I'm OK with it. Really."
"You sure?"
She smiled. "Yeah. We're better as friends, really. I mean, Timmy is great, and all. He's smart, and he gets me, you know? But…we want different things." She sighed, and for a moment she looked her age. "I know that, in the end, I couldn't give him what he really wants. I know I'll never be able to do the whole married, 2.5 kids, white picket fence life. I made that choice a long time ago. My career comes first, and it always will."
"Aren't you afraid you'll be missing out on something?"
A pensive expression arose on her face as she remained silent for several moments. "Sometimes. I mean…I did have the opportunity to, you know, take our relationship somewhere. Tim even asked me where it was going. I told you about that, remember?" Kate nodded. "But I wasn't ready for anything serious then, and… I know that type of commitment isn't for me. I want the freedom to advance, to have the time I need to be the best forensic scientist I can be…and that's the commitment I've made. I don't have time for a family."
"But aren't you afraid that you'll look back some day and regret that decision? That's you've lost your chance to have him in your life?"
Abby laughed. "He's still in my life, Kate. He always will be. That's the best part of staying friends."
"And does he feel the same way?"
"It was a mutual decision, Kate. I promise. I think we…will always have love for each other, but we're not in love with each other. Does that make sense?"
"I guess it does…"
"Besides, I think he's found someone. He's been really happy lately, and…he has that look, you know?"
Kate felt herself start to blush. Was it possible that Tim did feel the same way that she felt?
Kate looked up to see that Abby was watching her with a curious expression and suddenly the Goth's eyes widened almost comically. "It's you! You're the one Timmy's been seeing."
Kate felt her cheeks start to burn with embarrassment. "Abby, I'm sorry, I—"
Abby gasped and grabbed Kate's wrist as her face broke into a wide grin. "That's great! You two are perfect for each other."
"What?"
"No, really. You both want the same things, right? I know you want a family, and Tim wants a family, and you both know what your jobs are like, so there won't be any resentment over how much time you spend at work, and—"
"Abby!" Kate couldn't help but smile at her friend's reaction, unexpected as it was. "You're getting ahead of yourself. We haven't even…dated."
"Well, why not?"
"Because I don't even know for sure that Tim feels that way…about me. Right now we're just friends. That's all."
Abby grinned. "Oh, trust me, Kate, Tim likes you. Really likes you. I can tell."
"How? Before I said anything you didn't even know that we..."
"Duh, Kate. I have eyes. I know when Tim is attracted to someone."
"Great. That means Gibbs has probably figured it out, too, which brings us to the next problem."
"Rule 12?"
"Yes. I don't want to jeopardize Tim's career by messing up his chances on Gibbs' team. I won't do that to him."
Abby's smile faded somewhat. "Do you want me to talk to Gibbs? I can vouch for Timmy—"
"No, I'll handle it. If I need to." Kate studied Abby's expression. "Are you sure you're OK with this?"
"I'm sure. I mean, Timmy and me, as a real couple? That ship has sailed. I just want him to be happy."
"It didn't really seem that way when he was attracted to Erin Kendall."
Abby ducked her head. "I know. I…I didn't know her, and I was worried about Tim, but…" She looked up at Kate. "I know you, and I trust you. I know you won't hurt him."
"Never."
"Good. So, when are you going to ask him out?"
"Abby!"
"Just saying. The time is right, Kate. Go for it."
Kate smiled as she realized that two of her main worries were assuaged. There was still one large obstacle, but she would deal with that when the time came.
"I think I will."
XXX
Nearly a whole week passed before Kate got a chance to meet with Tim outside of work, but during that time she kept a close eye on him, soon realizing that Abby could be right. She also kept an eye on both Gibbs and Tony, hoping that they hadn't noticed the change in Tim's behavior. Tony didn't seem to be aware—because, if he was, Kate was pretty sure he would have mocked them both—but she could not tell with Gibbs. Occasionally she had seen him studying McGee, especially when he was interacting with Kate herself, but he never gave any indication that what he saw angered or annoyed him. In fact, he seemed almost amused. Kate wasn't sure what to make of his reactions but decided once again that she would simply deal with it when the time came.
Finally Friday rolled around and once the paperwork for their most recent case was finished Gibbs allowed them to leave early. Tony rushed out, claiming once again that he had a date. Gibbs left about thirty minutes later, leaving Tim and Kate alone in the bullpen.
"Coffee?" she asked and he gave her a tired smile.
"How about drinks instead? I really need to get some sleep tonight."
"That works for me. I know of a great place a few blocks from here. You took the bus, right?" Tim nodded. "Then I'll drive. Come on."
They left the Yard and Kate took them to a quiet little restaurant with high-backed, mostly private booths. After the hostess had shown them to their table and handed them menus, she sat back and watched Tim as he perused the choices.
"What are you thinking?" she asked, startling him.
"Oh, uh, wine I think. White, something not too dry. You?"
"Sounds good. How about you chose for us?"
Tim's ears turned slightly pink. "OK."
When the waitress arrived he ordered a glass of the featured pinot grigio for each of them, blushing again as he glanced at Kate for approval, which she gave with a slight smile. After the waitress left, Tim lapsed back into silence, occasionally glancing at Kate and blushing each time her saw her watching him in return.
"Long week," she offered, finally breaking her silence and he nodded, relief flashing across his face.
"Yeah, long week."
"This is nice, getting a chance to relax a little. We should come here more often."
Tim blushed again. "It's…nice." He looked up at her in alarm. "Not that where we usually go isn't nice. It is. Really."
"It is. But sometimes it's nice to…take a chance on something new."
Tim nodded again and glanced at her before quickly looking away, his ears now bright red.
"What's wrong, Tim?"
"Oh, uh, nothing. I'm fine. Everything is fine. Normal."
"Are you sure?"
"Yes. Yes, I'm sure. Everything is fine."
"Because you look nervous."
"Do I?" he squeaked and immediately his face colored to match his ears.
She carefully placed her hand on top of his. "No need to be nervous, Tim. As you said, everything is fine."
His eyes widened as he studied her and she gave him an encouraging smile. Slowly he started to relax, and his color had almost returned to normal by the time their drinks arrived.
Kate tried the wine and was pleased to find it quite good. Tim looked relieved after he tasted his as well and he finally seemed to be back to his normal level of comfort. Kate started the conversation and soon they fell into their usual routine, although she was keeping a close eye on Tim. He was a little more hesitant than he had been over the past few weeks, and she wasn't sure if he was reacting to her mood, or if there was really something else on his mind.
Half-way through his description of an idea he had for a novel—writing was a hobby he had recently revealed—he paused, blushing slightly as he glanced her way.
"What's wrong, Tim? You've been pretty distracted this evening."
"I, uh…it's nothing, really."
"You know you can tell me anything."
His blushed deepened as he muttered, "Not this."
"Why not?"
"Because…Look, I don't want to mess things up. We…I value our friendship, and-."
"You've realized you want something more."
Tim turned beet red and cast his gaze towards the table top. "I'm sorry…I…I know you don't…see me that way, and…"
"What makes you so sure?"
His head snapped up and he stared at her, clearly shocked. "What?"
"What makes you so sure that I don't want something more, too?"
"You…what?"
"Tim, I like you. A lot. And I think you're worth getting to know…at the next level."
Tim stared at her, open-mouthed, for almost a minute before a genuine, beautiful smile appeared on his face. "Really?"
"Really."
Still blushing, he started to lean towards her, and Kate happily met him half way. The kiss was better than she could have ever imagined.
When they finally parted, Kate couldn't help the smile that spread across her face as she gazed up at the happy expression Tim wore.
"Wow. Definitely worth it."
Tim grinned at her for several moments before his expression suddenly shifted. "Oh, God. We're…you realize we're breaking—"
"That damn rule. We'll figure it out, Tim." She smirked. "In fact, I think we should have a new rule: what Gibbs doesn't know, can't hurt him."
"I think you mean 'can't hurt us.'"
"We'll think of something, but hear this: I will never do anything to hurt you. Do you understand?"
"I'll never do anything to hurt you, either. I promise."
"Good." She squeezed his hand. "Now, how about dinner?"
Several hours later, Kate dropped Tim off at his apartment building. They had agreed to start slow, mainly to give themselves time to figure out how to deal with Gibbs, and Tim give her a quick goodnight kiss before heading up the stairs to his apartment. He waved once before disappearing through the door and Kate guided the car away from the curb, heading back to her own place.
When she arrived, she checked her voice mail and saw that there was a message from an old colleague. Curious, she pressed the button and listened to the message.
"Hey, Kate, It's Jason Embry. Long time, no see, I know. Listen, is there any chance that we can get together, say, tomorrow? I really need to talk to you. It's nothing bad, don't worry. So give me a call, OK? Bye."
Kate replayed the message, listening carefully before making her decision. She retrieved her address book and opened it to the E's before dialing the number listed.
"Hey Jason, it's Kate. Fine, thanks. Sure, I've love to get together to catch up. Tomorrow works. Ten? Sixth Street Bistro? Great. I'll see you then..."
TBC…