Disclaimer – I don't own NCIS

Authors note – I know this should have been up yesterday but I did write the majority but not finish it because it was on my phone.

Thanks to my reviewers – Left my heart in Paris, TeamCarisleandEsme8, KSBP, Rhiz Oneill, josiemausconn, Shy Chey 97.

A extra Special thanks to KSPB as I have used your idea :D

Enjoy!

The days between the police's visit and Jenny's release from hospital passed swiftly. Jenny and Jethro both fell into their usual pattern of events, but things were different. Since that night when they both opened their hearts to one another things had changed - Jethro had changed. Jenny felt like after that evening instead of him being open, there was a large part of him that had been locked away. It confused her, but for the moment at least she told herself not to pry into his business.

On the day before her release Ducky brought in a letter for her from the CPS. She opened it swiftly to find inside a list of the charges that were facing Rene Benoit. She read the date of the trial, it was a week on Monday and was to last for around a week. On the first day the prosecution would deliver their testimonies for the hit and run, as well as their evidence. On the second day the defence would do the same. the third day would be the prosecution once more presenting their evidence and testimonies only this time for the attempted murder change. The Thursday would bring the defence's turn and finally on the Friday the Jury would deliver their verdict for both charges. It all seemed pretty simple; she was required in court on all five days and took the stand on the Monday and Wednesday.

Jenny looked at the paper and felt butterflies in her stomach. She supposed the severity of what this man had tried to do to her, had only just hit home. Someone wanted her dead and even though he had been refused bail he could still send someone after her - and that thought scared the hell out of her. Taking a deep breath the red head leant back against the pile of pillows behind her.

"Are you alright my dear?" Questioned Ducky looking concerned.

"Yes Ducky I'm fine. I suppose the reality has finally sunk in." She replied calmly

"Is that the court dates?" He questioned referring to her letter.

"Yes it is, one week on Monday."

"Well, at least after that you will able to get on with your life once more." He replied before heading out in search of some food.

"Yeah, I suppose so." She stated closing her eyes.

-An English Rose-

The next day Ducky helped Jenny pack her bag as she was discharged. Whilst he signed the papers she rummaged around to check she hadn't forgotten anything for the hundredth time that hour. Satisfied she hadn't she went to join him only to find a wheelchair waiting. "I am not getting in that!" Stated the red head.

"My dear, it is for your own safety, your ribs are still not fully healed yet."

"I'm not going in that ducky! I've hurt my ribs, my legs are perfectly fine."

With that the wheelchair was taken away, the nurse realising this was not a battle she was going to be winning any time soon.

So Jenny walked out of hospital with ducky. He had insisted on taking her bags and seeming as she wasn't being wheeled out of the hospital she did not protest. They walked over the silver Morgan and whilst the young red head settled herself in the front Ducky placed her bags in the boot. She smiled as he got in and quickly sent a text to Jethro:

Hey, Ducky's taking me home now, you coming round tonight? Xxx

Smiling she pressed send and read a email from Catherine.

Jenny! How the heck in that brain of yours did you not figure it was even slightly important or relevant that you are in hospital! That someone tried to kill you?
Look how are you?
I can't afford it right now but I managed to get a few more nights working and then I'll be able to get a plain over there. I miss you Jen, get well soon sweetheart.

Cath xxx

Smiling at the email jenny pressed reply and decided to put her friends mind at rest.

Cath, I didn't want to worry you for gods sakes. I know you have a lot on your plate at the moment - I didn't want to add more to it. I'm fine, few damaged ribs, cuts and bruises and a blood transfusion but I'm on the mend. I'm on way home now as I type - I've been discharged finally! :D they wanted me in a wheelchair but thank god they gave up trying.
Anyway, I'll look forward to seeing you soon. Take care, and I miss you too darl.

Jen xx

when the old morgan finally arrived at the cottage the pair got out the car and made it inside. Jenny made her way upstairs ducky attempting to aid her. 'Duck I'm fine honestly. Now please can you make me some tea and I'll shout if I get stuck.'

'Of course my dear.' The man replied slightly reluctantly. Jenny made her way up to her bedroom, changed into a pair of black leggings and an old DCU hoodie before brushing her hair and tying it up. By the time she was done ducky had arrived with a cup of tea and a biscuit, smiling she thanked him and got into bed before opening her laptop and beginning to write her latest physiology essay on fears and phobias.

Ad a human race we develop many things, from technology to personalities. But fears and phobias are things that may become influenced by society. A fear is an irrational thing whilst a phobia is rational. The big difference is whilst a fear of clowns may stop you going to the fair a phobia of feathers prevents you from leading a normal life...

Jenny typed away on her keyboard. Sometimes she wondered why the hell she had chosen psychology when all they did was go over stuff she already knew. As evening fell Jenny had finished two of her required essays and sent them as attachments to her lecturers.

The red head was soon sick of being cooped up in her bedroom though and decided to go downstairs and have some tea. When she did she smiled at Ducky stood there in his apron cooking. He was about to tell her off for not asking for help when he stopped himself knowing it was an argument not worth having. She made her way over to her ipod docking station before selecting chester see - I'll say my piece and sitting down at the table. She settled there, content at watching Ducky make his way around the kitchen. She remembered one of the few moments she could remember about her mother, she remembered being little and sitting at the kitchen table whilst her mother busied herself. But she was brought out of her thoughts by the doorbell. Knowing who it would be Ducky did not protest at allowing her to answer it.

Jenny opened the door to see Jethro stood there in a pair of baggy jeans and a fitted tee shirt just like the one he'd worn on that very first day in the park - before they'd even known each other. She instantly smiled and so did he at seeing her looking better. Soon his arms were wrapped around her gently avoiding her sore ribs. She kissed him properly, but it was still there, the slight reluctantly, the slightly with held area. But she knew that she would question him before the night was over.

The pair let go of one another before they returned to the kitchen and to Ducky who was plating up Lasagne. When he handed the pair their plates they smiled in thanks. The trio then ate in silence. Once finished Jenny and Jethro went upstairs. But as they got to the bottom of the staircase he picked her up bridal style – minding her wounds – and carried her upstairs. Jenny's laughter filled the house and brought smile to both men's faces. As they reached her room he kicked the door open with her foot and placed her on her bed. She kissed him fully and pulled him down next to her so she could ay with him. They laid there in silence for a few minutes, and then she decided to confront the elephant in the room.

"Jethro, we need to talk."

"Okay." He mumbled, 'talk' usually meant 'where are we going?' and at the moment he was happy where they were.

"Look, the last few days, since I told you about the case you've been…I dunno…"

"Cold?"

"No, not really just-"

"Jenny I know. I'm sorry it's just this situation is bringing back so many bad memories. Shannon was killed when she was about to testify-"

"Oh god, Jethro I didn't even think." She sat up and cupped his face. "I am so sorry." She kissed him softly. "Jethro, I am not going to get into any danger. That man is locked up, and I'm certain he will stay that way. I can't promise I'll never leve you, but I can promise you don't need to worry." She kissed him properly this time, and he responded. Somehow her confirming what he feared wasn't going to happen was all he needed.

"Thank you." He said as she snuggled into his chest, this for them, in that moment was perfection. They had one week before her week of trials and turbulent would begin, and they intended on enjoying it.

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