Disclaimer: See Chapter 1
Spoilers: None but still set between "See No Evil" and "The Good Wives Club"
A/N: I know it's been forever since I updated, and you really want me to finish the story. I've got a little time to work on it, so you might get the rest of it today. That being said, it's only slated for 5 more chapters, this one included. Don't be too disappointed, but I seem to have lost my passion for NCIS, and therefore, once this is finished, I most likely will not write anymore fics for this particular show. This particular fic is just lucky it's getting finished.
All The Elevators In Between
Chapter 26
Gibbs knew Kate would talk when she was ready. There was no point in pushing her. It was one of the great things about their relationship. They each knew when to wait the other out. Kate's phone beeped just as they reached their room. She passed it to him in silent question. It was an invitation to have dinner with George and Andres in an hour at the restaurant next door to the hotel. He nodded, knowing that at dinner he might get a few more ideas about the family dynamics currently surrounding him.
Kate said very little. She knew Gibbs was curious about what was going on. She didn't blame him. She just wasn't ready to talk about all of it. She has said 'One open wound at a time' and she meant it. She just didn't realize how many she would have to face at one time. She sighed and let herself relax into Gibbs embrace. He had lain down next to her, waiting her out. Most would say he had very little patience, but with her he was always content to wait for her. Kate pushed herself up and into action. She changed into some casual clothes, jeans and a cotton button down. Gibbs followed suit. He hated dressing up as much as the next person.
"Katie?" he questions as they got on the elevator.
"I know. We'll talk about things at dinner with George. He doesn't know all of the things I want to say, and it will save me from repeating myself."
"Ok."
Gibbs and Kate met George and Andrew in the lobby of the hotel. They walked together to the restaurant. It was Andrew who broke the tension once they were seated.
"Ok. So before we eat, can we address the elephant in the room that has become the fifth wheel to our dinner party?" He asked.
"Sure Andrew." Kate answered, her smile making an appearance. "I'm sure George told you about what happened with Deb." Andrew nodded. "Ok. Well that's one leg of the elephant. Deb and I are better now. I think once we talk one on one, we'll be excellent. It's time to let the past go." George nodded happily and Gibbs sighed in relief.
"This brings us to legs two and three, Mark and Bradley. Mark doesn't really have a clue about what happened with Deb, and having seen my reaction without an explanation, has never gotten over that. He's also the closest Deb and has always taken her side first over anyone else. Even Mom didn't know. I told her after I told George. She thought it was a mistake, but a mistake is once, not for months at a time. The point is Mark has always thought that I've been treating Deb unfairly over an imagined slight. Bradley I think might have known about what happened because he never brought it up. However Brad shunned George pretty badly after he came out. He hides is well in the polite circles but he's homophobic. Hopefully he is learning to deal with his issues better. And last but not least, is leg four or Dad. That is a story for another night." Gibbs and Andrew nodded reluctantly. George looked angry, as mere mention of the man was enough to move him to violence.
The rest of the dinner passed easily. They talked about their jobs and their lives. They talked about places they had been and wanted to go. They talked about future plans and getting together for visits with each other. It was a true family dinner, the way they were meant to be.
Kate and Gibbs finally made it back to their room at nearly 10 pm. They were exhausted after work, flying, the pre-wedding part, and dinner. They changed and went about their nightly routine and when they were settled into bed, Kate took up her customary spot on Gibbs chest.
"That was an interesting day." Gibbs commented.
"Yeah. Too much family drama."
"Will you explain to Mark? Why do you think Bradley knows what happened?"
"Brad never brought it up. I think James told him. They were friends at one point. Our problem is that he rejected George. He has trouble letting go of his prejudices because of the strict catholic upbringing our father tried to instill in us. As for Mark, it's not really my place to tell him. I think he really needs to hear it from Deb rather than me. I'm not sure that he would believe me if I finally said something."
"I see. And what about your Dad?"
"Another drama for another day."
"Ok. Goodnight babe."
"Goodnight Jethro."