Kristyn smiled at them. "While I completely understand you not wanting to share any of those details with me, I cannot stress how important it is to talk about intimacy with each other. As embarrassing as it may sound, it is crucial to make sure you are both on the same page and that you each know what the other's thoughts are on the subject. Schedule some time to sit down and discuss it. The what ifs and when, the how and what is different now from before. Create a stop signal, something that Jenny can do if she becomes afraid or uncomfortable that will get your attention. Maybe she squeezes your shoulder or arm - whatever it is just make sure it will get the point across."
The doctor tilted her head to the side. "And I know I'm starting to sound like a broken record, but just be patient with yourself and with each other. As much as you may feel like there is, there isn't any rush. Be aware that in some cases, the act of making love can trigger a flashback and that will have to be dealt with and talked about before you can go any further. Also, don't feel that there is any need to jump right back into intimacy. Take a breath, don't put any pressure on yourself and let healing happen at it's own pace."
"Normal touching is incredibly effective in helping to draw a couple closer," Kristyn went on to say, "but at the end of the day, you don't have to have sex, just enjoy being together. It's all about the simple stuff right now. Mr. Gibbs," she turned her gaze to him, "I want to warn you that Jenny may not act rationally at times. She may cry or get angry at you but the next moment go back to normal, as if nothing happened. When she needs space, please don't take it as a rejection of you. You know she loves you, I can see that she does, but Jenny also needs time to rebuild her trust and confidence, and as well, time to heal from what happened."
"Here," she leaned forward and handed him a pamphlet. "That details the effects of rape and gives suggestions of ways you can support Jenny through it. The information in there will also teach you how to work through your own emotions about the situation. Jenny," she looked back at the red haired woman whose expression was so serious, "I want you to know that your husband is not pushing you to be okay with his touch simply because he only wants one things from you. Anyone watching the two of you can see you mean far more to him than that. But I do think it is a reacion to the guilt he is feeling over not being able to protect you. Just keep that in mind."
She put her notes down and sat up straight. "We're pretty much out of time now, but there are just a few things I'd like to add before you go. Mr. Gibbs, I think it would be a good idea for you to come with your wife to her appointment next Monday. We can go over a few more things all together, and after that I'll see how things everything is progressing."
"For both of you to remember: Mr. Gibbs, no pushing. Jenny, no hiding. Talk to each other, keep those lines of communication open. Don't push each other away, because you are stronger together. Intimacy is one part connection and one part trust. Connection is built on openness and openness comes through trust. It's a great big circle that way. You need all the parts to make it work."
Kristyn held Jenny's eyes. "We teach people how best to love us. You taught your husband once, now you must teach him again. And you must be a careful learner Mr. Gibbs," she said sincerely. "In some ways your wife will always be different than she was because of this experience. For some things you will always need to be careful. Forget everything you knew, listen to what she is telling you now. Wait. Be patient. Love me in this. This is not going to be an easy process. It is going to be hard and it is going to take time. Sometimes it will be annoying and uncomfortable. But if you lean on each other, I believe you will make it."
She stood up and smiled at the couple. "Thank you both very much for coming. Jenny, I'll see you on Friday."
And just like that, the session was over. Jenny and Gibbs thanked Kristyn and left, their heads spinning with all the information she had given them.
"Well," Jenny said, leaning back against the elevator wall, "what did you think?"
"Could've been worse," Gibbs shrugged, standing opposite her. "Lot to take in though."
"Tell me about it," Jenny laughed. "I'm not really looking forward to all of the 'could happens' that Kristyn mentioned."
"One day at a time Jen, try not to worry about tomorrow quite yet." He looked at his watch. "I really need to get back Jen, but there's something more important first." He flipped the switch and the elevator stopped. He held out his hands to his wife, who looked at him questioningly before resting her hands in his. "Jenny, I'm sorry." Her face registered surprise. "I know, I know, the rule. But this is more important. Ducky was right when he told me this morning and I meant it when I told your therapist I was rushing things."
He stepped closer, wanting to touch her face. He held his hand just beside her cheek and waited. When Jenny realized her that he was asking, she nodded. He cupped her cheek. "I'm sorry Jen," he repeated in a whisper. "I want to be with you so badly, I want to fix this, I don't want anything to get in the way of us. But the last think I want to do is hurt you in any way or set your healing back. From now on it's your lead and I promise I'll be a better listener this time. Forgive me?"
His lips here so close to hers, his eyes telling her that he wanted to kiss her. But Leroy Jethro Gibbs was a man of his word and it was her move now.
"Yes," she breathed on his lips, before she pressed her mouth against his. When she put drew arms around his neck, Gibbs reciprocated by putting his arms about her waist.
They broke apart and Gibbs heard Jenny's quiet laugh. "What?" he asked, smiling as he let the elevator resume it's movement.
"Can you imagine what 'the kids' would do if they caught us kissing in your conference room?"
Gibbs shook his head. "Would've caused a much bigger fuss if they'd seen us doing it before the announcement." The elevator dinged. "Your stop," he said to Jenny. "Going home?" he asked, knowing she tended to be drained after a session.
"Can't today," she sighed. "Files to read."
"And I've got a case to close. See you in a couple hours?"
Jenny nodded. "Sounds good." She leaned into him again. "I love you."
He stared into her eyes, brushing her cheek with his thumb. "More than you'll ever know Jen. Bye."
NCIS
When Gibbs walked into the bullpen, he was surprised to see his whole team sitting quietly at their desks. McGee had ended up staying upstairs after Abby announced her plan to the world. Tony and Ziva got bored of watching the guy in interrogation sit there and do nothing, and were getting increasingly concerned when they couldn't reach Gibbs.
Tony looked up from dialing the boss's cell number again and put the phone down when he saw Gibbs. "Boss!" he was confused about the lack of coffee after a coffee break but decided it was better not to ask. "Forget your cell phone?"
"Turned it off." Gibbs said abruptly.
"You do know that makes it a lot harder to reach you, right?" Tony asked.
Gibbs glared. "That's kind of the point DiNozzo!" He looked around. "What are you all doing here? Solve the case without me?"
"There's a suspect waiting in interrogation for you right now Boss," McGee interjected. "And Abby has something she wants to ask you."
I knew I shouldn't have let her hold onto that second question, Gibbs thought. He headed for interrogation but turned around when no one moved. "Come on!" Like good little lemmings they all fell into line behind him, off to watch the slaughter.
NCIS
An hour later, Gibbs threw the little man, Mario, a pad of paper and a pen. "Write it down. I want to know everything - names, addresses, details. It might help keep you from spending the rest of your life in prison." He gestured at the window. Tony could keep an eye on the man while he gave his statement.
So that was it. Two lives and two families destroyed because of a grandfather's reckless choice, thinking he could outsmart the mafia he'd once been a part of. Vincent's replacement had come into power six months ago and began immediately collecting on old debts so he could put his own rules and regulations into place. When Jordan Snow's middle aged parents refused to pay what the men said they owed, the new boss hired an assassin. Jeremiah Cole was one of the best and he was to do the boss's dirty work and take the price owing out of the kids to make their families suffer. It's always about money, Gibbs thought wearily, sitting down at his desk.
Around him the team was writing their reports. Half an hour later Gibbs signed off on his and leaned back in his chair. When he opened his eyes, Abby was there.
"Hey Abs," he said. She studied him carefully, making him feel like one of her science experiments. It was not a safe feeling. He lifted an eyebrow. "Help you with something Abby?"
She shrugged, trying to look innocent. "Got any plans for tonight Gibbs?"
"Are you asking me on a date Abby? I don't know what my wife would think about that."
"Gibbs!" Abby swatted his arm. "I'm not asking you out. Well, actually I am, but not just you, you and the director. And it's not only me, but all of us."
"Point, Abby?"Gibbs asked, trying to follow her explanation and ending up lost.
"I believe what our dear Abigail is trying to say, is that we your friends would like to treat you and Jennifer to a late dinner. A quiet celebration, if you will, of your marriage." Ducky stood there smiling, all dressed up and ready to go.
Feeling eyes on him from all around the room and watching Abby's puppy dog look, Gibbs gave up. "Go ask Jenny," he waved Abby upstairs.
"Yes!" DiNozzo punched the air. "Par-tay tonight!"
Ziva rolled her eyes. "Who is driving him home after this 'party'?"
Tim, Ducky and Gibbs tied for, "Not me."
"Hey!" Tony protested. "Who wouldn't want to spend a little extra quality time with all this?" He pointed to himself.
Choosing not to address that comment, Gibbs gave an ultimatum. "Tony, if you cant''drive, you have to go with Ziva."
The look in Tony's eyes was fear. "Boss...you wouldn't?" He felt the Gibbs stare from across the room. "Ohh, you would. You know," he smiled self-consciously, "suddenly I'm feeling like root beer tonight."
"Do you have a problem with my driving Tony?" Ziva inquired, looking dangerous.
"Only if I want to live," he muttered.
Just then Abby emerged from the director's office, dragging a helpless looking Jenny behind her. When they made it as far as Gibbs' desk, Jenny laughed.
"I guess we're going to a party." She shrugged. "It's hard to say no to Abby."