He drove her to Georgetown, the quaint neighbourhood she'd grown up not far from and had been to dozens of times. But just like everything else, tonight it was different. They walked hand in hand down the cobblestone paths in a piece of history build two hundred years before. They checked out different little stores and window shopped and people watched for over an hour. In the window of a small gallery, a colourful painting caught Jenny's eye and she tugged on Gibbs' hand to get him to stop.
"Isn't that beautiful?" she said softly.
The painting was a scene in France, Paris to be exact. The lower arch of the Eiffel Tower was just visible, but under it and almost through a tunnel, was a snapshot of the city at night. They stood before it, leaning on each other, remembering nights when they watched the city sleep as they sat beside the real Tower, deeply in love and caring what no one else thought of them.
"It's almost like we're there again," he said softly, memories taking over.
Jenny turned to face him. "Jethro," she whispered, "I'm not sure we ever left." She tilted her face to his and he was happy to grant her request. He put his hands on her face and captured her mouth with his, making the kiss soft and full of love, with just a hint of the passion that ignited him every time he touched her.
She pulled back first and blinked. "Wow."
"Yeah," he smiled. "Me too." He held out his hand. "Ready?"
"For what?"
"Dinner."
Jenny checked her watch. It was almost seven o'clock. Late for most normal people but right on time for them. Gibb directed the car towards Chinatown and she waited with anticipation, wondering where he might be taking her. Finally they pulled into a parking spot in front of The Matchbox restaurant. Jenny couldn't recall ever having been there and wondered if they would be underdressed in their t-shirts and jeans, but Gibbs, comfortable in anything, led the way as if that were the least of their worries.
"Party of two?" the hostess asked.
"Yes," Gibbs answered. "A booth upstairs please."
The young lady smiled. "Right this way."
They mounted the dark wood steps until they reached the upper level two flights later. It was bright and open but just small enough to be cozy. And though Jenny thought they should be dressed a little nicer, she didn't feel like a total outcast. The girl left them with menus and a promise that their waitress would be right with them. Jenny pored over the menu, excited to be eating out but unsure if she would be able to eat enough to make the price worthwhile. In the meantime Gibbs scanned his menu but kept his attention focused on his wife, truly thankful for the best they'd had in over a week and glad they'd finally taken time to be out together. So many times they just stayed home. Nothing wrong with that of course, but there was something to be said for leaving the house and enjoying the world with one's favourite person.
Gibbs ran his finger lightly over the back of Jenny's hand. "What looks good?"
"Lots," she grinned, "but I think I'll go for one of the salads. You?" He just sat there and smiled. She shook her head. "Why do I even ask. Steak, right?"
"Predictability can be a strength."
"Only if you are in the bathroom when she comes to take our order," Jenny retorted.
The waitress arrived a minute later and they were able to give their drink and meal orders at the same time.
"Prime New York Strip for me," Gibbs replied in answer to her question. "Medium rare."
"And for you?" the waitress asked, turning to Jenny.
"The Grilled Tuna Salad, but without pine nuts, thank you."
"Very good," she said and hurried away to place their orders.
Jenny settled back into the padded booth wall and sighed. It was so nice to spend a relaxing evening out with her husband in the real world instead of in the confines of that which she considered safe. She smiled at Gibbs.
"What are you thinking?"
His smile was slow but grew. "That it has been a really good day."
"I second that," she said lightly, directing her gaze out the window where the light was slowly fading as the sun sank lower in the sky.
Dinner came and as expected, was delicious. Jenny honestly enjoyed hers but had a hard time even finishing half of it. She saw the concern in Jethro's eyes but didn't know what to tell him. Her stomach just refused to return to normal, even after an entire week. When they finally pushed their plates away and Jenny requested to take home the rest of hers, Gibbs looked at her again.
"Dessert?"
"I'd love to, I'm just not sure it would be worth it for the little I would eat," she admitted, feeling badly.
He stopped her. "It's always worth it with you Jen." Her eyes thanked him for being so kind. He turned to their hovering waitress. "A piece of pecan pie to split. You can bring the bill with it."
A few minutes later a modest slice of pecan pie with a bourbon butter sauce and a scoop of vanilla gelato appeared on their table. Jenny picked up her fork, heading straight for the Italian ice cream. She took a big chunk and licked it slowly.
"Oh, I am so going back to Europe just to get some more of this stuff," she declared.
"Pricey flight just for dessert Jen."
She gave him a look that said he clearly didn't understand the importance of dessert for women. "Only a man who cannot truly appreciate the value of chocolate would say that."
He frowned. "And chocolate has what to do with this conversation?"
"Keep up mister," she grinned, loving when all the girl talk stuff threw him off. She bit into the pecan pie which wasn't her favourite kind but very well made anyways. "Enjoy Jethro, that pie can be your chocolate."
Gibbs indulged in the still warm dessert. When they finished and he'd only gotten a taste of the gelato, he counted some bills out of his wallet. The food was in the upper price range but good and worth the quiet atmosphere. He put his hand on the small of Jenny's back to lead her out, but felt the way she stiffened and was surprised. The touch issue hadn't come up at all today. Still, out of respect for her sensitivity, he held out his hand instead and after a moment where she seemed very far away, Jenny accepted the gesture with a grateful look.
When they exited the building, Gibbs turned her to face him. "I hardly got any of that gelato for dessert," he complained.
"Oh?" Jenny lifted an eyebrow. "And what would you like me to do about that?"
"I was thinking that since you hogged it, I could at least get a taste."
Her lips cured into an alluring smile and he could swear he saw her blush. She stood on tiptoes to reach his lips but let him make the first move. Gibbs kept the kiss short but meaningful, hoping for more later. When she pulled away he teased, "Is that all I get?"
Jenny seemed to be mulling over his question carefully. "Maybe there will be more waiting for you at home," she said softly, nervous about making the offer.
Gibbs could tell that she was giving him what she could right now and he appreciated the effort he knew went into what she'd said. He pulled her close as they walked back to the car. "One more surprise and then maybe I'll take you up on that."
"There's more?" Jenny's eyes widened. "Did I forget an anniversary?"
"Look here lady, I do not need an excuse or a special occasion to spend an enjoyable afternoon spoiling my wife. Now get in the car or we're going to be late."
Laughing at his exasperation, Jenny obeyed and soon they found themselves back near the National Mall. Jenny could see a crowd of people that had gathered by the fountain which was lit up with lights. Suddenly she knew what they were doing.
"Oh Jethro, is this the Moonlight Monument Tour? I've always wanted to go to this."
His face reflected her happiness. "We probably won't stay for the whole thing, but let's tag along for a little while."
They did. They followed the group to four or five of the most famous monuments, enjoying the way the light changed the whole look of something they'd seen in the daytime. Gibbs noticed Jenny wasn't completely relaxed. Being outside at night was still nerve wracking for her, since it had been nighttime when she was kidnapped. She held tight to his hand and kept looking over her shoulder as if expecting a monster or the boogeyman to jump out, trying to get her. After awhile he put his arm around her and held her close, reassuring her without words that danger would not get near her with him around.
Jenny enjoyed her last surprise but was glad to get back to the safety and familiarity of her childhood home. They entered the dark house and Gibbs made quick work of turning lights on. They stood in the hallway almost awkwardly for a minute before Jenny started edging upstairs.
"I think I'll get my pyjamas on," she announced into the air.
Knowing that was as close to an invitation as he was going to get, Gibbs made sure they were locked in for the night, turned off the downstairs lights and followed his wife upstairs. Jenny still changed in the bathroom, away from him and he tried to focus on understanding her need for privacy still, while he struggled with how much he wanted to feel her body under his hands. He didn't know how much she was offering tonight, but after over a week, he would take whatever she could willingly give. And nothing more.