Disclaimer: Still in chapter 1

Spoilers: None really, a little for UnSEALed still.

All The Elevators In Between

Chapter 9

That night Kate tried not to cry over something that had never been, but it was difficult. She didn't want to feel betrayed over a woman he hadn't seen in months, but that's what was lingering in her heart.

Gibbs spent the night under his boat. He'd tried to work on it, but had been too distracted by Kate's words. Once more she'd left then to echo in his head, and he couldn't get them out.

"More than I can have, apparently." They buzzed in his ears like bees. He'd finally given up on the boat and flopped under it, allowing his mind to wander the paths it so desperately wanted to follow. He's upset her by being close to another woman. Hadn't Duck told him before, that she was in love with him? Hadn't he seen the evidence himself? And he still managed to hurt her, and in turn himself. It hurt to think that maybe he would never have a chance with her. When he couldn't take it anymore, he pulled himself out from under the boat. He could feel her in his heart. He wasn't sure how he'd missed her entrance, but she was there and he cared. He probably cared too much already. Relationships between agents never worked. He knew that, but he couldn't stop himself.

The next thing he knew, he was dialing her number. She was number two on his speed dial, Ducky being number one. It rang twice before she answered sleepily. She hadn't bothered to check the caller ID, simply picked it up and answered. Had she looked she might not have answered it.

"Todd."

"Kate." He breathed her name as though she was the answer to all his prayers.

"Gibbs?"

"Yeah."

"What's up? Do we have a case?"

"No."

"Is something wrong?"

"Yeah. I'm sorry about earlier." She sighed.

"Its ok. I overreacted. I'm sorry too. Who you see is none of my business." He could hear the defeat in her voice and he didn't like it.

"It's not ok, and it is your business. I want to see you." She didn't say anything for a full minute. "Kate?"

"Are you sure? Because I don't think I can handle losing you later on if you change your mind. I don't want to ever have to give you up."

"I'm sure, Katie."

"Ok." She paused for a moment. "Gibbs?"

"Yeah?"

"I love you."

"I love you too." It was his turn to pause. "Meet me in the elevator at 0800. I'll bring the coffee."

"Sure."

"Goodnight Kate."

"Goodnight Jethro." His answering chuckle as he hung up, warmed her heart spectacularly. She wanted to scream out loud or call someone, everyone and tell them the man of her dreams loved her too. A quick glance at the clock told her that it wasn't a good idea at that time. Morning would be soon enough to inform her best friend, Abby. She tried to will herself back to sleep, but didn't have much luck.

0800 rolled around and found Gibbs, once again waiting for her in the elevator. It would hopefully become a morning ritual for them. He handed her a cup. She took a quick sip before shooting him an appreciative smile. He returned it with her favorite lopsided grin. He leaned in and flicked the elevator switch. He leaned in closer and pressed his lips to hers. She felt like fireworks were going off in her veins. They pulled apart and he turned the elevator back on.

"That's a better wake up than caffeine." She stated just before the doors opened, then sauntered off to her desk. He chuckled to himself. It was a perfect way to start the day.