Jenny woke up on the library couch in the middle of the night, confused and surprised that Jethro hadn't gotten her to come to bed. At least the fog in her head was gone. She didn't really remember what she'd done that day, but the book on the floor was a good indication. Seeing another book on a chair across the room, Jenny wondered if her husband had been reading too. It would surprise her if he had been. He wasn't really one for sitting still that long.

Grateful to see a couple lights on as she was still leery of darkness, Jenny made her way upstairs again. She smiled at the picture of Jethro, sound asleep on his side of the bed. Quickly changing into pjs, Jenny brushed her teeth and crawled under the covers to join her husband, sighing in relief as her body relaxed into the soft mattress. Even in his sleep it seemed that Jethro sensed her presence somehow and reached for her. Jenny couldn't refuse him and curled up next to him, finding comfort in the arm he wrapped around her as she laid her head on his shoulder and closed her eyes to sleep.

One of the first things Jenny noticed Wednesday morning upon waking up, was that her lips were no longer sore. Finally, after four days, the cracks had healed and they were not tender to the touch. Her lips curved upward in a smile. Despite the flip-flopping of her emotions and the sometimes fog in her head that prevented her from being totally aware of her actions and the flashbacks that were almost as bad as nightmares themselves, one of the things Jenny craved was the reassurance and comfort that she had always found in her husband's kiss.

She propped herself up on one elbow and looked at her husband, still lost in sleep. A look at the clock revealed that it was still early, only just after 0600. Moving slowly so she wouldn't completely wake her husband with her changing position, Jenny placed one hand on her husbands chest and leaned over to touch her lips to his. She loved the first hint of longing that swept over her as she kissed his soft lips. It proved that healing was possible. Even if he wasn't awake to kiss her back just yet, Jenny still lingered a moment, loving the taste of him.

Leroy Jethro Gibbs was having a very nice dream. In it, Jenny was curled up beside him, her warm weight a comfort to his body. The dream got better when she leaned over to kiss him good morning. He felt like it had been years instead of merely days since she had done something that normal, and instigated contact. He hoped the alarm wasn't too close to going off, he wanted to enjoy the Jenny in his dream for just awhile longer.

Suddenly he felt movement beside him and his eyes snapped open. Leaning against his side and looking at him adoringly was his wife. He blinked a few times to make sure she wasn't still in his dream. He was sure he had left her sleeping downstairs last night, when had she come to bed? He was more tired than he thought if he didn't notice a gorgeous redhead getting into his bed.

"Good morning," she said softly.

"Morning." He rubbed his hand over his face to get rid of the sleep. Jenny hadn't moved, she was still there like she expected something. His eyes were drawn to her lips. They didn't look half-bad this morning and it was taking all his self-control not to pull her down for a kiss.

He rubbed his hand down her arm, watching her, then he finally had to ask. "Did you kiss me a moment ago or was I dreaming?"

"That depends," she smiled and he could've sworn she was flirting with him, "was it a good dream?"

"Oh, it was a very good dream," he assured her.

"Then yes," she grinned, "I did kiss you."

Gibbs debated about how far he could press his luck. The mood she was in now was a 360 degree change from last night and he didn't want her to go away again. "You know, I wasn't exactly awake for the first one. What are my chances of getting another?" If he believed in luck, he would've crossed his fingers. Instead, he held his breath and waited for her answer.

Jenny moved closer, her face hovering inches from his own. "I'd say your chances are pretty high, as long as you kiss me back this time."

"Not going to be a problem," he murmured. But before they touched, he had to ask, "Are you sure Jen? I," he faltered, "I don't want to hurt you."

"Jethro," he looked into her deep green eyes, certain he could drown in their depths, "you won't hurt me, I promise."

So, achingly slowly, he drew her down to his mouth. Their first contact in almost a week was electrifying and he had to force himself to be gentle, to keep the kiss loving but not passionate. Oh, she tasted so good! Just to be able to touch her that way was such a gift and Gibbs didn't want to push it. He pulled back, ready to smile at Jen, only to find her eyes closed and her expression pinched.

"Jen?" he asked, afraid they'd made a mistake and rushed it.

Jenny opened her eyes and looked at him, tears shining there. "It's not you Jethro," she shook her head and took a deep breath. "Oh, I hate this! I hate that these stupid memories keep ruining any time we have together when I'm not afraid to have you touch me."

Gibbs caressed her face, smoothing out the frown on her forehead. "Tell me Jen."

Jenny looked down at the bed and then up at him. She didn't want to hurt him with the things she couldn't control. "I'm afraid," she whispered. "I'm afraid to close my eyes because when I do, I see him."

"Oh Jen," Gibbs tugged her down again, "then don't." He moved in to kiss her again, this one just as gentle and loving as the last. He kept his eyes locked on hers until they touched. More than anything, Gibbs wanted to roll over to a position where his weight would keep her against the mattress and he could just kiss her for hours. After the last week, he knew he would never take her touch for granted again.

Finally Jen pulled back, the relief at his touch incredible. Granted, she was not yet ready to go any further than kissing, but just to be able to do that right now was fantastic. She looked over and laughed at the besotted look on his face.

"If you don't get your head out of the clouds Jethro, you are going to be late for work."

Gibbs shook his head, trying to clear it. "Work. Right." He eyed her. "Joining me today?"

Jenny scrunched up her face. "Maybe later. I told Cynthia to clear my schedule until Thursday, but now I'm not so sure I want to spend another full day at home." She shot him a worried glance. "How bad was last night?"

He tilted his head to one side, considering her. "What do you remember?"

"To be honest, not much. I felt like I was walking around in a fog. I think I remember you coming home but everything else is a little hazy until I woke up on the couch early this morning. Why did you leave me down there?" she questioned.

Gibbs avoided her eyes. "Seemed like a good idea at the time."

So Jenny knew that she hadn't been pleasant last night. "I'm sorry," she started, but he pinned her with a look.

"Don't apologize Jen, it's a -"

"- sign of weakness. I know the rules Jethro."

"Fine, then follow them," he said, his voice gentle and teasing.

She raised her eyebrows at him. "Did you have a particular rule in mind?"

He thought about it a moment. "Yeah. Rule 15." Then he headed for the bathroom to shower.

Jenny scrolled through the rules in her head. "Rule 15. Ah, yes. 'Always work as a team.' I'll try Jethro," she whispered. "I'll try."