It was the same behavior before the confession. She continued serving coffee and food with the same smile and fast-paced conversations like before. Jethro enjoyed his coffee and smiled with contentedness. Without hints, suggestions, or an out of the way comment, they were dating.

The team remained clueless as to why the boss seemed so…happy. Ducky approved, preferred his happier friend, while others within MTAC were concerned. Tim and Tony were filing, observing Gibbs' wide smile and at-ease posture. He was actually listening to music, singing along with the tune!

"I've been traveling a hard road…"

He was enjoying the plush chair and sipping his coffee. It was widely known Gibbs took one large drink.

"Baby, looking for someone exactly like you…"

"What do you think, McGee? New medication?" DiNozzo questioned.

"Mmm! It just might be the coffee."

"He seems rather happy when Suzanne rolls around the cart." Tony said while reading a case file. McGee shrugged. He noticed the boss leaving his desk.

"Gibbs and Suzanne?" He laughed, looked at McGee. "She's not his type!"

Tony was yet on the receiving end of a Gibbs' trademark head smack.

"And what type is that, DiNozzo?" Gibbs asked. Tony searched for an answer and instead stumbled and stuttered. "Stop talking and get back to work!"

Suz's deliveries were a perfect diversion to spend time with her on the elevator; he just remembered a file from legal. She was a challenge to know, but it was one Gibbs yearned to unravel her mysterious effect on him. She was a sensual distraction without effort.

"By the way, DiNozzo: she's still pissed. I'd watch out if I were you." Gibbs asked Suz to hold the elevator. "I'm going to legal."

"Bye,Dead Nozzo. Enjoy your sandwich." The elevator door closed, with Tony coughing in surprise and Tim laughing hysterically at Suzanne's devilish smile. Like Gibbs, she was also guarded and her personal life was not up for general discussion. Little conversation pieces—her interests in gardening and reading—she was fine with sharing. Gibbs only knew few details. Some were learned through observation, such as left-handedness and no meat Wednesdays. Gibbs pulled the emergency switch, forcing the elevator to stop mid-floor. It was a usual habit whenever Gibbs wanted a private conversation. With the boyish glimmer, he summoned Suzanne to the side. They gazed into each other's eyes, silently reading each other's body language.

"It's Fall Break. You've taken exams." Gibbs touched her cheek. "I also know you have comp time."

Suzanne reminded Gibbs over the weeks of her mantra, 'My life; my rules.' Gibbs learned what took priority in her life. Work and school took precedence. She was seemingly culpable in distancing herself within a relationship. In the past month, Suzanne broke a date or two.

"Oh, really? Snooping in my personnel file?"

"No." Gibbs chuckled. "Both of us are always at work. Come with me this weekend. I want to know you… without distractions."

"I'm not easy, Gibbs." Suzanne learned from the best—both Gibbs and her late father. While never underestimating an opponent, she played her life-dealt cards very carefully. In Gibbs' world, it was Rule 16: always have the upper hands. Suzanne recognized that "wanting" look. Daddy fully explained her womanly powers on her 12th birthday. That was, coincidentally, the day she stopped playing tackle football with neighborhood boys. Suzanne took sacks and tackles without tears, like the 'Army Strong' soldier of Fort Story, VA. Once he overheard a young man intentionally sacking Suz; immediately, Daddy summarized hormonal imbalances as 'the thrill of the hunt.' She embraced her father's persona—duty, discipline and honor. Suzanne was, indeed, disciplined. The trait enraged Gibbs at one spectrum but entertained when it came to dating Suzanne.

"I know. I know!" Gibbs groaned. Their heads met in unison. Again, their eyes were fixated. Smiling, Suzanne kissed Gibbs tenderly on his cheek. He immediately smiled. Suzanne restarted the elevator. Gibbs' floor was before the Bottom tier. The door remained open for a moment. Gibbs waited for an answer.

"Suz?"

"I'll go, Gibbs."

"Yes!" Gibbs pushed his fist back and walked with a sense of accomplishment, humming and singing.

"Someone exactly like you…"

Suzanne chuckled, shaking her head. She let out a heavy sigh. It was uncertain how Gibbs would react. He was absolutely right: Suzanne was holding back.