I need my heart back

by BourbonScars

It's the first time Gibbs and Jack see each other since her return to DC. She finally demands they have a talk about the elephant in the room, but the conversation doesn't go as she planned.

Title: I need my heart back

SLASH/MATURE: Don't like, Don't read

Summary: It's the first time Gibbs and Jack see each other since her return to DC. She finally demands they have a talk about the elephant in the room, but the conversation doesn't go as she planned.

All mistakes are mine.

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Taking a deep breath he prepared himself as he stepped into the crowded dining room. It was inevitable that he would run into a few people he knew and have to repeatedly answer the questions that would come; Didn't expect you to show up, how's retirement, why has it taken you so long to come back. He hated the unpleasantries of these events. Fortunately, the people that would know him here would be acquaintances, not friends. The NCIS team was in the middle of a joint operation with the coast guard that had everyone unable to attend. Plus Leon was at a conference in Switzerland. If any other stray agents from other teams were here, most wouldn't have the balls to approach him. He walked quickly through the sea of people and straight towards the open bar.

"What can I get for you sir." The bartender asked.

"Bourbon, neat." A few seconds later the glass was placed before him. He nodded. "Thanks." Glancing around the room he quickly took in all the exits, the most heavily populated areas, the obvious security people scattered throughout the crowd, and the few people he actually knew. Habits of being an agent never leave you.

"Jethro!" The sweet voice of a woman he knew floated up from off to his right.

"Amanda." He smiled as she reached him and hugged him tightly.

Stepping back she smiled at him. "Thank you so much for coming." She leaned in slightly. "Even though I know you didn't want to."

He gave her a nod.

"It means a lot to Robert that you are here."

Taking a swig of the Bourbon he looked around again searching for the man she had just mentioned.

"Some Navy Admiral has him cornered out in the lobby." She rolled her eyes. "There are a lot of blowhards here tonight."

Gibbs snickered. That was part of the reason he liked Amanda, she told it like it was. He had known Robert and Amanda Warher for decades. Robert since bootcamp and he'd been there when Robert and Amanda met. He was even the witness at their wedding ceremony. Unlike Gibbs, Robert had decided to take the officer route moving up the chain of command quickly, yet never forgetting where he came from. The three of them had remained close friends. So when Amanda called to say how disappointed Robert was that he wasn't coming to his retirement, it was easy for her to guilt him into coming. Which was why he was standing here in the Army Navy club now wishing he could be anywhere else.

"Ah here he comes." Amanda said as she saw her husband making his way towards them.

Robert reached his wife and kissed her cheek. "Sorry it took me so long. Damn blowhard."

Amanda grinned.

Then Robert turned and faced Gibbs. Squaring his shoulder and clasping his hands behind his back, he took on the military stance of his rank as he looked Gibbs up and down. "See you finally let go of the hair cut."

Gibbs still kept his hair tight and neat, but the sides were longer now.

"You look good, Gunny." A playful grin spread across Robert's lips as he relaxed his posture and extended his hand to Gibbs.

"General." Gibbs smiled as they shook hands. Robert pulled him forward and hugged him.

"Drop that General crap." Robert said as he let go of Gibbs and smiled at the man. "Appreciate you coming Jethro. I know how much you hate all this pomp and circumstance."

"Yeah." Gibbs smirked. "Thought you'd die before you retired."

"Thought the same of you."

Gibbs nodded. His retirement had been a shock to everyone.

"It was time." Robert smiled lovingly at his wife. "I'm overdue to give my beautiful wife the attention she deserves."

Amanda took his hand entwining their fingers. "And I am looking forward to showering attention on my handsome husband."

"Get a room." Gibbs said jokingly.

The two of them laughed.

"No special lady in Alaska?" Amanda asked, already knowing the answer before Gibbs shook his head.

"You should let Amanda set you up, Jethro. She loves playing matchmaker." He glanced around the room. "In fact somewhere around here is her latest vict-" His wife slapped his arm before he could finish the word. "I mean the friend that she set up."

"I'm good." Gibbs chuckled before he emptied his glass, sat it on the bar and nodded to the bartender for another. "Marine General retirement party at the Army Navy club?"

"That is due to my retired Navy Vice Admiral wife." Robert winked at her. "She pulled a few strings." He leaned towards Gibbs. "Honestly, her connections run a lot higher than mine."

Gibbs chuckled.

"I'm guessing you haven't run into anyone you know yet." Robert asked as Gibbs picked up the glass. "Figure you made it to the bar and were looking for a good place to blend into the crowd."

"Yeah."

"Couple sergeants you know here, a vice admiral… General McMillian. Robert saw Gibbs roll his eyes at the last name. "I know." Robert shook his head. "The man shows up to everything."

"Oh there's Caleb." Amanda chimed in when she saw the man standing with a group just about ten feet away.

Gibbs and Robert both turned to see where her attention was focused. Gibbs' eyes locked on the woman on the man's arm. He instantly felt the hairs on the back of his neck go up and his stomach clench.

Robert glanced over at Gibbs seeing the man staring intensely at the woman. "She is beautiful."

Swallowing the lump in his throat, Gibbs downed the glass in his hand.

"Rethinking letting Amanda set you up?" Robert asked, nudging Gibbs shoulder.

Gibbs cleared his throat and managed to shake his head.

"Did you forget Robert?" Amanda spoke to her husband. "Gibbs already knows Jacqueline."

Roberts brow furrowed then he remembered. "That's right she used to work for NCIS."

"Yeah." Gibbs forced himself to set the glass down gently on the bar. "Another." He said to the bartender.

Caleb happened to look in their direction and Amanda waved for him to come over.

Gibbs watched as the man spoke to the woman next to him then pointed at Amanda as she smiled and waved. He watched as Jack smiled, offered parting words to the people they were speaking to and then let Caleb lead her towards them. They made it halfway before Jack suddenly stopped in midstep. Gibbs watched as her eyes looked beyond Amanda and met his. He knew she was using all the military training she had learned to not react, but her eyes widened slightly. It lasted only a second, but he'd seen it. Caleb had stopped and turned to see if she was okay. He said something to her and it finally pulled her back. She shook her head and smiled over at him. Gibbs was positive she was assuring him she was fine. She took a deep breath and they were again making their way towards them.

If possible, she looked even more beautiful than the last time he'd seen her. She was wearing a white dress that cinched at her waist and flowed to just below her ankle. The neckline sloped down exposing her neck and upper chest. The circular faith necklace with the cross she always wore was cradled in her cleavage. As she took a step he could see there was a slit in the right side of the dress coming to her upper calf. Her hair was in an updo with soft ringlets falling at her temples.

"Caleb." Robert extended his hand. "Nice to see you."

"Same General." Caleb smiled as they shook hands.

"Jacqueline." Robert nodded. "Seems Amanda's matchmaking is working with you two." He said, giving Caleb a wink.

Jack smiled as she glanced at Gibbs out of the corner of her eyes.

"And you already know this SOB." Robert tipped his head towards Gibbs.

"I do." Jack's brown eyes locked on Gibbs' steely blue. "Gibbs."

"Jacqueline." Gibbs tried to hide a smirk as he called her by a name he'd never used.

"I thought you couldn't make it." Her gaze narrowed as she waited for an answer.

Gibbs just shrugged.

"I used my power of persuasion on him." Amanda answered.

"Didn't realize you had that kind of power." Jack glanced from Gibbs to Amanda.

"She does." Gibbs added, making Jack jerk her head back to the side and look at him.

"We just-" She stopped herself from questioning him further. "It's good to see you." She gave him that closed mouth smile and pushed her hair behind her ear.

Gibbs knew exactly what the smile and action met. He looked over at Caleb.

"It's a pleasure to meet you Gibbs." Caleb extended his hand. "Commander Caleb Altman"

Gibbs shook the man's hand tightly. "Navy." He looked at Amanda. "He one of yours?" He had no doubt Amanda had worked with the man.

"He is and he's a good man Jethro." Amanda tried to reassure the man knowing how protective he was of his friends.

"Ah huh." Gibbs looked Caleb up and down.

"I've heard a lot about you Jethro, may I call you Jethro?"

"No." Gibbs watched looking for a reaction but the man merely nodded.

"The General and Vice Admiral speak very highly of you Gibbs." He smiled at Jack. "As does Jacqueline."

Gibbs didn't respond, just turned back to the bar and spoke to the bartender. A second later a flute glass of white wine appeared and Gibbs handed it to Jack.

"Thanks." Jack looked at him slightly confused.

"Figured you could use it." He hid a smile. He knew she was uncomfortable…for several reasons. Although bourbon was normally her drink of choice at functions like this she always drank white wine.

She took a sip as a silence fell between them. It was quickly broken when someone approached the group to congratulate Robert on his retirement. A few seconds later he was pulled away to another group of people.

"Jacqueline, a moment." Amanda asked.

Jack glanced back and forth between the two men.

"I'm sure Jethro and Caleb will be fine for a moment."

Again, Jack gave a closed mouth smile as her arm slipped from Caleb's and she followed Amanda a few steps away from the two men.

"I've heard about how protective you were of your team."

"Still am." Gibbs' eyes narrowed.

"Of course." Caleb nodded. "I highly doubt Jacqueline needs protecting."

"She doesn't." Protectiveness was in no way the reason for Gibbs reaction to the man.

Caleb's brow furrowed. "So you just don't like me?"

"I don't know you."

"If you're in town for a few days, maybe we could grab a beer."

Gibbs chuckled as he scratched his cheek. He was just about to speak when he felt the arm slip through his and Amanda was standing there smiling.

"Jethro, Would you be the gentleman that I know you are and mingle with me while Robert deals with all his congratulations."

Downing the rest of his Bourbon, he placed the glass on the bar. His other hand touched her arm in a sign that he was happy to escort her.

"Caleb, Jacqueline care to join us?"

"No." Jack quickly answered. "We'll catch up with you later."

Amanda nodded as she gently led Jethro through the crowd.

Caleb chuckled. "Not sure how to take that encounter." When he didn't receive a response from her, he turned to find her staring at the spot Amanda and Gibbs had just left. "Jacqueline, are you okay?"

"Uhm." She quickly realized he was talking to her and turned to him. "What?"

"You okay?"

"Yes, fine." She gave him a closed mouth smile.

"Never had someone take such an instant dislike to me."

"I'm sure it's just that he doesn't know you." Jack tried to make light of the situation. "Gibbs isn't one for making new friends."

"I definitely get that."

Jack wanted to believe there was another reason for Gibbs' instant dislike of the man. "Would you mind if I sat down for a moment?"

"Of course."

After several different people had stopped them and they had been pulled into countless conversations, Amanda had finally steered them to a more secluded area of the room.

"Figured you could use a break." She let go of Gibbs' arm.

"Yeah, thanks." Gibbs ran his hands down his face and took a deep breath.

"We'll take a moment and then we will find my husband. Sure he could use a break as well." She saw Gibbs attention focused somewhere across the room and she cocked her head. "I know you knew she was going to be here."

"I did."

"You're friends, you talk, and you know she's been back awhile now."

"There a question in there somewhere?"

"Were the rumors about you and Jacqueline having a thing true?"

"She tell you that?" Gibbs never pulled his eyes from the man and woman sitting at the table across the room.

"No, yet the scuttlebutt was you were more than coworkers. Don't you have a rule about dating people you work with?"

"Rule twelve."

"So did you two have a thing?" She saw him roll his eyes and finally look at her. "You don't work together anymore."

"Thought you already played matchmaker for Jack-Jacqueline."

"I did." She paused. "We're talking about you."

"I'm good."

"You said that before, well I'm glad you're good." Amanda let her gaze drift over to where Jack and Caleb sat. "Because it's been three dates and Caleb and Jack seem to be hitting it off."

"She deserves to be happy." Gibbs bit back the emotion hoping his voice didn't crack.

"So do you, Jethro." Amanda patted his chest. "So do you." Again she slipped her arm in his. "Let's go find my husband."

Jack was only half listening to Caleb's story about some Captain sitting a few tables away from them. She was trying to keep her eyes focused on the man in front of her, but out of the corner of her eye she was trying to catch a glimpse of Gibbs. She was completely surprised and taken aback by his presence here. They had spoken just a few days ago and he said he wasn't coming. It was the invitation from Caleb that had prompted her call to him. She knew he was friends with Robert and Amanda, that was actually how she'd met Amanda. An NCIS case involving a Navy Captain serving under Amanda had led to the chance encounter. She and Amanda hit it off, had a few lunches and coffee's here and there. They had kept in touch while she was in Afghanistan and reconnected when she returned to DC. When Amanda had first invited her to the retirement party she of course said yes. She even asked if Gibbs was coming, Amanda had said they invited him but he couldn't make it. She knew Gibbs hated these kinds of things so him not coming wasn't a surprise. Then when Caleb had suggested they attend together, that nagging voice in the back of her mind made her call Gibbs. She asked if he was coming and that it would be nice to see him. He said he couldn't make it and that was it. They talked for another twenty minutes and said their goodbyes.

Amanda being able to convince him to attend had surprised her even more. There were few people that could sway Gibbs to attend any kind of social gathering. The power of persuasion definitely wouldn't have been enough. The psychologist in her knew what Amanda had said. Robert wants you to be here, you have been friends since boot camp, how could you not show up for his retirement. Guilt goes a long way and Gibbs was no exception, especially when it comes to friends he considers family. Still, why hadn't he told her he was coming? She knew why he didn't tell her, why the thought had never crossed his mind to call her…Because he didn't come to see you, he came for Robert.

That's why the situation bothered her. She'd been asking him for months to come to DC now that she was back. After the fourth time she asked and he gave some excuse she got the hint and stopped asking. The truth was their friendship hadn't been the same since she stayed in Afghanistan and the friendship that still existed was due to her insistence. Although he always answered when she called, rarely did he call her. When was the last time he called her? Last year on her birthday came to mind. In the six months she'd been back not once had he invited her to Alaska. She felt her body flush as her temperature increased and a tightness settled in her chest.

"Would you excuse me for a minute." Jack touched Caleb's hand.

"Sure." His brow furrowed when she shot up and practically ran from the table.

Keeping her head down to avoid making eye contact with anyone that may stop her, she reached the bathroom and pushed the door open. Heading to the sink she turned the water on full blast and held her hands under the stream gathering the water. Leaning over she splashed the water over her face. Eyes closed, she stood back up and took a deep breath. Slowly she let her eyes open and she was greeted by her reflection in the mirror. Her hands went flat against the counter and she just stared at herself. "Dr. heal thyself." She blew out a long slow breath then reached over and ripped off a piece of paper towel. Patting her face dry she tossed the paper in the garbage and then stared at her reflection again. She knew all the psychology about one sided friendships, knew the reasons people accepted them, why people were drawn to them, even why some people seemed to seek them out…and she knew exactly why she'd continued to cling to her friendship with Gibbs. It was better to have him in her life in some small way than to not have him in her life at all. She jumped when the bathroom door opened and a woman paused her hand still on the door.

"Sorry." She took the final step in and let the door close behind her. "Are you okay?"

"Fine." Jack forced a smile and cleared her throat.

The woman still hadn't moved and was looking at Jack in the mirror.

Turning around, Jack again put on her best professional smile. "I'm fine really, just-" She sighed and shook her head.

"Not feeling it?" The woman asked.

Jack's brow furrowed.

"The guy you're with, I saw you two earlier, seemed like you weren't really feeling it with him."

Chuckling, Jack nodded slightly. "Guess you could say that."

"It happens." The other woman shrugged. "He can be handsome, funny, the nicest guy in the world, and if it's not there it's not there."

Another nod from Jack.

"Do you need a rescue?"

"No." Jack remembered the last time she had a rescue call and it made her skin crawl. "But thank you, I appreciate it." She tipped her head as she stared at the woman for a moment. "Have we met before, you look familiar?"

The woman nodded. "Haley Marshall."

It took a moment as Jack's mind pieced together where she knew the name from. Then it clicked. "Agent Marshall, from Whitman's team."

The woman nodded with a smile, surprised Jack actually remembered.

"You're a good agent, I remember your reviews."

"That's the reason I noticed you and that guy. Didn't want you to think I was some crazy weirdo watching you." She chuckled. "I just realized who you were when I saw you at the table."

Jack laughed. "I get it."

She took a step towards Jack, leaning in and keeping her voice low. "Did you see Agent Gibbs is here? I heard he hasn't been back in DC since his sudden retirement to Alaska."

Jack nodded. The man had been retired for a few years and people still talked in hushed tones about him as if he might hear. "I did see."

Haley's eyes suddenly went wide. "Sorry, you two probably, um I mean, you two were, okay I'm going to shut up now."

Ah yes scuttlebutt was still alive and well at NCIS.

"The thing, I get it." Jack rolled her eyes. Seriously was there no other gossip at NCIS than them possibly having a thing.

"You should be flattered."

"Flattered?" Jack questioned with a raised eyebrow.

"People cared about you and Agent Gibbs, they wanted you both to be happy." Haley shrugged. "People thought he'd finally let go of the past because of you and vice versa."

It wasn't just Gibbs' team that cared about Gibbs, most of the agency did. Some out of respect, some because they had worked with him, some because they wanted to work with him, and some just because they knew the character of the man. Folding her arms across her chest, Jack nodded.

Being an agent, Haley understood the closed off posture Jack had adopted and let it go. "It was nice to see you again."

"You too." Jack smiled as the woman walked past her and into a bathroom stall.

You can't hide in the bathroom forever. She said to herself. Part of her wanted to slip away, make excuses to everyone later. Shaking her head, she took a deep breath. Just go back, enjoy the rest of the evening with Caleb and forget about Gibbs. Another deep breath and she opened the door and stepped out of the bathroom. Slowly she started back towards the table where Caleb was sitting talking to some officer. She was so lost in thought she didn't realize she wasn't paying attention and she walked straight into someone. "Oh I'm so sor-" She stopped as her hand touched the chest of the man before her and she caught the familiar, but almost forgotten scent. She felt the shiver race down her spine then through her body as her eyes slowly came up and met steely blue. Her hand clutched at Gibbs' shirt as her knees buckled. She felt the strong hands grab her arms to prevent her from falling.

"You okay Jack." His concern was evident as he pulled her towards him slightly.

"Fine." The word came out softer and breathier than she intended. They stood there just staring at each other for a moment and she flashed back to several times they had been in a similar situation. A situation that always made her think how easy it would be to just lean in and kiss him. When she felt her arms released and him take a step back, the spell was broken. Clearing her throat, her hand let go of his shirt, and she took a deep breath. "I'm okay really."

"Good." He went to step by her and he felt the hand on his arm. Stopping, he quickly turned and looked at her.

"I'd really like to talk to you." The words made her flashback to that day in her office.

He completely turned around. "Talk."

She rolled her eyes as she let go of his arm, shoving it away as she let it go. "Never mind." She had taken two steps when she heard him say her name, but she didn't stop, didn't turn around. The annoyance and anger now settling in. Heading towards the table where Caleb was at, she saw he was alone again. Her steps slowed as her mind and heart suddenly demanded she confront the truth…the truth of her emotions, what she wanted and needed, and that no matter the outcome, she had to face up to all of it. When she reached the table, Caleb smiled up at her.

"Everything okay?" He asked.

She opened her mouth to say fine for the fourth time tonight but stopped. She took a deep breath. "Caleb, this isn't working for me."

He looked taken aback.

"I could say what people always say when they are trying to be polite. I really like you and you're a great guy, and you are." She squeezed his hand, the psychologist in her was now taking the lead. "Truth is I don't feel the chemistry between us and that's not going to change. I'm telling you now because I didn't want to let this go on and you think there could be more."

"Thanks I guess." He chuckled. Squeezing her hand, he smiled. "I can take you home."

She shook her head. "That's okay." She leaned over and kissed his cheek. "Thanks for understanding."

He nodded as she stood up and walked away.

She had spent the last twenty minutes moving through the crowd looking for Gibbs. Part of her actually started to think he had left, but then she stopped when she saw him standing talking to some female Marine officer. A very attractive Marine officer, what rank she couldn't quite make out at this distance. The woman was smiling and laughing, touching Gibbs arm as he said something to her. Without even knowing how she got there she was suddenly standing next to the two of them. The conversation abruptly stopped as they both looked over at her.

"I apologize for interrupting," She smiled at the woman. "but I need to speak to Gibbs for a moment." Turning directly to Gibbs she spoke again. "Right now."

The tone of her voice, her posture, and the look in her eyes made it clear saying no was not an option.

He nodded as he turned back to the other woman. "Pleasure to meet you Amelia."

"You too, Jethro." She smiled. "I'll be here for another hour or so, if you want to find me later."

He nodded as he turned back to Jack and she was already walking away from the other woman. Gibbs followed her as she led them toward a hallway that led to the entrance from the kitchen. Once they were a few steps into the hallway, she turned around and he had to back step not to run into her.

"I need to talk. You don't have to say a damn word. I just need you to listen." She took a breath. "But I would like to talk without hundreds of people around. Could we please go somewhere? Are you staying here or some other hotel we could go to?"

He shook his head.

"You could come to the house." She looked at him waiting for an answer. When he didn't respond she cocked her head. "Scared?"

"Of what?" He chuckled.

"Being alone with me?"

His brow furrowed.

"I've been back eight months and you've come up with every excuse possible not to come see me." She folded her arms across her chest. "You knew I was going to be here, knew you'd run into me, so I have to assume being alone with me is the issue." She watched his Adam's apple bob up and down. "Maybe some quaint coffee shop would be better, make sure there are some people in the place." The sarcasm dripped from her words

"The house." He glanced at his watch. "1900."

"Thank you." She let out a huff of air. "I use the side door by the garage."

He nodded.

With that she walked away.

He watched her until she disappeared into the crowd of people then let out the breath he didn't realize he'd been holding.

Amanda laughed as Robert and Gibbs were talking about some incident from boot camp, something she was sure she'd heard at least a hundred times.

"That's when I knew we'd be friends for life." Robert chuckled.

"Yeah." Gibbs glanced at his watch.

"Alright Gunny." Robert spoke in his General voice. "You're dismissed."

Gibbs brow furrowed.

"Come on Jethro, you've been here longer than I thought you would."

Gibbs extended his hand and when Robert took it he pulled the man into a hug. "Congratulations, Robert."

"Thanks Jethro." He stepped back. "And I promise to make it to Alaska this summer for that fishing trip."

"You're always welcome." Gibbs turned to Amanda and she instantly hugged him.

"Jethro, come visit more often." She kissed his cheek. "We miss you. The spare room is always open."

He smiled and nodded. Then he glanced around the room thinking he might catch a glimpse of Jack.

"She left already." Amanda knew exactly who he was looking for. "I thought she would try and find you to say goodbye."

He kissed her cheek. "Good night."

Walking down the street, he stopped when the brownstone came into view. He knew the house, knew it inside and out. She had sent him pictures of the house, facetimed him so she could show him all through the rooms, the backyard, and the garage. He could walk into the house and traverse its layout as if he had lived in it for years. He could show you her favorite reading nook that she had created in the living room, walk to the kitchen to the flat top grill she had installed so she could make Sunday breakfast or grilled cheese with bacon, or make his way to the master bathroom where she installed a rain shower head because she loves to feel like she was standing outside in the rain. He could open the sliding glass doors in the dining room and step onto the patio. The patio where she had found and repainted an old metal glider bench because it reminded her of her childhood. He knew all of it, not just because she told him, but because when she spoke of all the things that she loved, he listened.

Sticking his hands in his pocket, he continued towards the house making his way up the driveway to the side door she had told him to us. When he reached the door he raised his hand to knock but stopped before his knuckles touched the wood. He told himself he was mentally prepared for this discussion, but now he wasn't so sure. This was a conversation that had been coming for years, that should have happened long before she stayed in Afghanistan, but that she now had the resolve to demand from him. He was the reason she wanted to go to Costa Rica, why she ultimately stayed in Afghanistan, and why she clung to a friendship with him that he couldn't reciprocate. Letting his knuckles tap on the wood he could hear movement from inside the house and then the door opened. His blue eyes met brown and he took her in.

Her hair was down, falling in large waves around her face. The dress had been replaced. A button up black sweater graced her upper body, the long sleeves pushed up to her elbows. The jeans hugged the curves of her hips as if it were a second skin. She was wearing some kind of thin sandal and her toenails were painted a deep red.

"Come in." She stepped aside holding the door open as he stepped inside. Closing the door, he turned around to face her. "I can take your coat." She tipped her head to the wall next to the door. "It will be right here by the door."

He forced himself not to roll his eyes at her reference to him being afraid to be alone with her. Taking off the coat, he stepped over and hung it on one of the wooden pegs by the door.

"Bet you couldn't wait to get out of that tux." She grinned seeing the jeans and flannel shirt he had changed into.

"Yeah."

"Something to drink? Bourbon, beer, I made coffee."

"Coffee." He'd had enough Bourbon at the party.

She waved her hand towards the next room as they stepped into the dining room. Walking past him into the kitchen, she pulled down two coffee cups. "It was a nice party."

"It was."

"Amanda is thrilled to finally have time with Robert. Did she tell you they are going to Germany in a couple weeks?"

"She mentioned it."

She heard the voice behind her and turned around holding out the cup of coffee to him. "First time they have both been there just to visit, not for work."

He took a sip of the coffee feeling the heat flow down his throat and settle in his stomach. Another swig and he'd almost emptied the mug.

"I'll give you the tour." She left the second mug unfilled, her nerves suddenly kicking in. "You've already seen the foyer, dining room and kitchen."

He placed the cup on the counter and followed her into the living room. There was a fireplace that had been converted to electric and built in shelving areas on either side. His eyes landed on the reading nook she had shown him. It was in the far corner, the walls had bookcases surrounding it. She had placed a chaise lounge there with a small side table and floor lamp,

Seeing where he was looking she smiled. "One of my favorite spots in the house."

A slight nod from him and she quickly turned towards the hallway. She stopped at the first open door.. "Spare room."

He glanced inside, again already knowing the layout. The twin bed was pushed against the wall in the far corner, a nightstand next to it with a lamp. There was a small dresser against another wall with a comfortable chair nearby. A few nature pictures graced the sage green walls.

"Over here is a full bath." She moved to the side of the already open door and again allowed him to look into the room.

Again he took in the familiar space.

"And a linen closet." She didn't open the door. "It's perfect if someone wants to come stay for a few days. They have their own space." Her eyes met his and he simply nodded. "We can head upstairs."

He followed her up the curved staircase and into the upstairs living room. Again there was an electric fireplace with an art piece on the wall above it. Just like downstairs there was no tv. A couch faced the fireplace with a side table at each end and two over-sized chairs flanked the fireplace. There was a large leather coffee table ottoman in the center of all the furniture. The walls were an eggshell color and there were more pieces of artwork on the other walls.

"Another nice living room." She watched as he glanced around then made her way to the first open door.

It was a workout room, gym whatever she was choosing to call it. There was a punching bag, a bench, and a small set of weights. A yoga mat was rolled up in the corner.

"Nice to not have to go to the gym. Especially on those cold DC mornings." She smiled at him.

"Yeah." Gibbs took a step back from the door and she turned to the next closed door.

"Master." She turned the knob, opened the door and stepped inside. "Master bath is over there." She pointed off to the far side of the room.

He stepped into the threshold of the door but stopped there. The bed was against the wall across from them, nightstands on either side, a small lamp on each table. On what was obviously her side of the bed the nightstand held a small framed picture of her and Faith and a book. Again there was a reading nook in the corner set up almost exactly like the downstairs nook. There was a dresser on the wall with the door and a closet next to the bathroom door.

"The last room is kind of a mess, it's small and just storage right now." She stood almost at the foot of the bed as she spoke. "I might use it for an office."

A quick nod and he took a step back from the threshold. It took a moment but she finally walked out of the room and down the hall towards the living room. When she reached almost the middle of the room she spun around

"We can head back down, get you some more coffee or-"

"Gonna lose your nerve again Jack?"

"No. Figured being on ground level would make it easier to run away." She shrugged. "Unless you're willing to jump out a window."

"Why do you think I'm going to run?"

"You're not exactly Mr. Talkative and we've been skirting around this conversation for years."

"A lot of things have changed," He took a step closer. "I've changed."

"We've changed." She took a deep breath and the recent question that had been plaguing her fell from her lips. "Do you even want a friendship with me?"

"Yes."

There was no hesitation, no hint of doubt in his voice, yet she heard the "but" without him saying it. "But?"

"Friendships are complicated when there's a history of more between two people."

"Complicated." She chuckled. "Is that what we are?" She had no idea what the "more" or the "thing" between them was for him. He refused to talk about it and every time she tried to bring it up she lost her nerve. The lack of communication between them finally just made her bitter and angry at him.

"The elephant in the room." That was the day he thought she was finally going to talk to him, to say the words he knew she longed to say.

"Right." She really thought when he left the elephant painting for her that it meant he was ready to talk, but it was just another empty crumb to try and appease her. "The elephant that is still in the room."

He knew that was one of the last straws for her, because everything changed after he shrugged off the importance of the painting. "No more elephants." Gibbs asked the question that he believed would banish the elephant from the room. "Why did you really stay in Afghanistan?" He already knew but he needed her to admit it, for both of them.

"I was in love with you," She was astonished how easily she spoke the words for the first time, even more astonished when her voice didn't shake."And you couldn't love me, I had to leave."

Having spoken the words she now felt the invisible weight lifted from her shoulders…yet the weight on her chest remained. The minor relief made her head spin and she felt lightheaded. She ran her hands through her hair as she dropped down on the ottoman.

Gibbs nodded slightly then ran his hand over his mouth. He knew why she left, knew she was in love with him, yet he was still unprepared for the effect the words would have on him. His battered heart thumped against his rib cage echoing through his entire body.

"I couldn't be there with you everyday." She shook her head. "It was killing me inside."

He internally collected himself and tried to calm his thundering heart as he took a few steps and sat down on the couch directly in front of her. He put his elbows on his knees and locked his hands together. His eyes captured hers as he spoke. "You're right, I couldn't love you, even though part of me already did." He saw her brown eyes dilate slightly, surprised at his words. "I still couldn't let go of the gho-" He shook his head refusing to regress after he'd finally let them go. " Shannon and Kelly. I wasn't ready." His words came out in one long quick breath. "To let them go, to love you, to be happy again, I couldn't do it."

"I know." Placing her hands over his she squeezed.

"I wanted to, I did." His voice cracked with emotion. "I wanted to give in on Christmas Eve."

She nodded, fighting back tears. She knew he cared for her, maybe even held a sliver of love for her, but his heart still belonged to a ghost and she couldn't compete. Christmas Eve, when he'd finally crossed that l line, she thought maybe, just maybe, she had a chance. Until he stopped and she knew the ghosts had won.

"You know that I wanted you."

"It wasn't meant to be." She forced a closed mouth smile as she let go of his hands and stood up wiping away the few tears that escaped the corners of her eyes. She laughed. "How cliche." This was not the conversation she expected them to have. Him being so open and honest was not supposed to happen. She wanted him to deny it all, his feelings, his regret, all of it. Damn it she wanted to be angry at him because she wanted a reason to walk away for good this time. She wanted a reason to end everything, including their friendship. She went to step away and his hand grabbed her wrist. Slowly she turned and met his gaze.

"I'm sorry. I should have talked to you." He watched as she swallowed hard, surprised by his apology.

She shrugged, giving him a closed mouth smile.

"What?" He knew she had more she wanted to say, could tell in that closed mouth smile and the way her hand was trembling in his. "Tell me."

"It's nothing." She tried to pull her hand away, but he held it tighter.

"Jack." His finger brushed over the inside of her wrist. "Don't shut me out now…talk to me."

She shook her head. "It doesn't matter."

"It matters if something is still upsetting you."

"I'm not upset." She'd be thrilled to be upset instead of watching the last slivers of hope fading away.

"I want you to be happy."

"Happy, right." This time she managed to pull her hand from his. "Are you happy?" It took a moment but he finally responded.

"Trying." He sighed, it was the truth.

"Yeah." She ran her hands over her face wiping away the last stray tears. "Me too."

"Caleb seems like a good guy." He tried not to grit his teeth as he spoke the words. "Amanda wouldn't have set you up if he-"

"I'm not interested in Caleb." She rolled her eyes, cutting off his thought. "He's a great guy, but.." Her voice trailed off quietly. "He's not what I want."

"What do you want?"

The question actually caught her off guard. She stared down into the steel blue eyes never expecting him to actually ask. Yet she could see he sincerely wanted to know. "You." The word was barely a whisper and slipped from her lips without her consent. She honestly hadn't meant to say it but something inside her demanded it. This had to end here and now, her heart couldn't take it any more.

Standing up he walked over and stopped directly in front of her. "You sure about that?"

"Yes." Her voice quivered as her trembling hand came up and touched his cheek. "I never stopped loving you and if you still can't love me I understand." She swallowed the lump in her throat. "But I needed to admit it to myself and to you."

"Why?"

Her hand dropped to his chest, her palm flat over his heart "Because I need my heart back." For the second time tonight she fought back tears. If he couldn't love her she needed to let him go. The weight may have been lifted from her shoulders, but she still carried the weight of loving him in her heart. If she didn't let it go, the weight would finally crush her.

Placing his hand over hers, he shook his head. He felt her fingers clutch at his shirt. "I let go of Shannon, found peace with losing a lot of people in my life." He shook his head. "But I never wanted to lose you…and I don't want to lose you now."

"You won't lose me," She struggled to hold back the emotions and find the right words. "But I need to stop loving you, let that go, and know friendship is all there can be between us." She let go of his shirt and patted his chest, his hand grabbed hers. "And if us having a friendship is too complicated for you, then I need to let that go too." She took a deep breath. "Just tell me."

"That's all it will take?" His eyes narrowed, surprised that she could just walk away from them completely with just a few words from him.

"Yes." It was the truth, she could walk away…she would mourn the loss, would still love him, but eventually with the hope gone, the love would fade.

"You want your heart back," He shook his head. "You can't have it."

"Why not?" Her voice shook as her heart stopped and the breath caught in her throat.

"Because I made the mistake of letting you walk away once, I won't do it again." The denial, the fear, the regret was all balled in the pit of his stomach, and had been since he allowed her to stay in Afghanistan without a fight. Now it refused to be silenced. "I love you Jack

She grabbed his face with both hands seizing his lips as she demanded proof of his words.

He accepted her demand wrapping his arm around her waist and crushing her body against him. He kissed her with all the love he had denied himself and her for years. A kiss that started off rough and urgent as he desperately tried to make her feel the love, desire, and passion he'd always had for her. His tongue forced itself across her lips and tasted every minute piece of her mouth, her tongue, and then her lips. His hand clawed at the small of her back as he crushed her tighter to him wanting every inch of her body touching his. The forcefulness could only convey so much and the urgency gradually faded into tenderness. He tried desperately to convey to her his regret at all the wasted time, any pain he had caused her, and the endless devotion he would forever shower upon her. His hand splayed out across the small of her back as his lips gently kissed over her top lip, then bottom lip before kissing them both, It was a tenderness that said this is only the beginning.

When their lips slowly parted his forehead touched hers unsure of what to do next. There had been so much distance and pain between them that he wasn't sure the words were enough.

Feeling her pulled back, he just looked at her.

"Make love to me." Her words were laced with desire and a desperate need.

His hand caressed her cheek and she leaned into his touch. His lips brushed against hers and she tried to hold onto the tender kiss as he drew back. She gasped when his hand latched onto her neck. His blue eyes narrowed as they stared into hers.

"If we make love there's no going back." His voice was a cross between a growl and moan. "I need to know."

"I was yours the night we met."

He jerked her to him, crushing their lips together. Her legs instinctively wrapped around him as he picked her up carrying her towards the bedroom. Crossing the threshold of the room, he reached the end of the bed and unceremoniously threw her on it.

The action didn't surprise her at all. She had already given him permission to take what was his. She lifted herself up on her elbows then slid her body back on the bed. He had already removed his shirt and was stalking up her body before she reached the headboard. When he came face to face with her, his hand touched the bottom button on her sweater. He slowly released each button and the sweater parted slightly revealing a thin ribbon of her flesh. His finger traced a path down the exposed flesh moved by even this minute people of her revealed to him. "Gorgeous."

She shook her head as her hand cupped his cheek.

He looked at her puzzled by her reaction.

"I've never had anyone look at me the way you do."

"How is that?"

"Like…it's going to sound stupid and insecure." She groaned.

"Tell me."

Staring into his blue eyes, she admitted what she was thinking. "You look at me like even if you never saw me naked you'd still think I was the most gorgeous woman you've ever seen." She rolled her eyes. "Sounds even worse saying it out loud."

"I fell in love with you without ever seeing you naked." He placed a kiss on her temple. "And I fell in love with your mind long before I fell in love with your body."

She gently brushed her lips against his. God she had never heard anything so sweet.

Pulling back, he smirked. "Don't get me wrong, I can't wait to see you naked."

"Well let me help you with that." Lifting up she slipped the sweater off and tossed it aside. Then making sure he was watching she popped the button on her jeans and slowly slid the zipper down. She started pushing the jeans down over her hips and stopped. His blue eyes immediately questioned her. "Oh just so you know I'm not wearing any panties." She watched his eyes dilated as she shoved the jeans down her legs then kicked them off with her feet. Laying back she just looked up at him.

Slowly his eyes leered down her body taking in the beauty that was her naked form. When his eyes met hers again he sighed. "Gorgeous, doesn't even come close." His fingers gently brushed across her stomach and he felt her muscles contract under his touch. Letting his fingers danced upward he stopped at the swell of her breast. He heard her sharp intake of breath as he let his thumb brush across her hard nipple. The simple touch wasn't enough and he rubbed it between his thumb and forefinger.

Biting back a moan, she squeezed her thighs together.

His cheek touched hers as his lips pressed against the shell of her ear. "You're dripping wet." He took a deep breath through his nose. "I can smell you."

Her eyes closed, aroused by the animalistic tone in his voice.

"I want to devour you." His voice was now almost a growl. "Bury my head between your legs, taste every inch of you, and make you come." His fingers feathered up her thigh and he felt her legs part. That was all the acknowledgement he needed. Descending down her body, He glanced up at her from between her legs just before his tongue licked between her lips.

"Oh God." Her head went back and her mouth fell open as he took his first taste of her. A gentle lick, followed by another, then another, and another until she was thrusting her hips upward begging for him to explore her further.

His fingers parted her lips, his tongue exploring every inch of her, slowly, methodically, memorizing everything; the landscape of her, the sounds she made, and the way her body responded. He drank from her with an unquenchable thirst, wanting nothing more than to drown in the wetness he created in her.

Clutching the bedsheets, her knuckles white, her back arched, she basked in the sensation surging through her. His tongue was everywhere, warm and rough, and so eager to discover all the ways she liked to be touched. His touch was eager but unhurried as if he wanted to feast on her forever. She was teetering on a maddening precipice where part of her body was desperate for release and the other desperate to never let it end. When she tried to force him towards her clit he refused instead thrusting his tongue into her and causing her body to shake with a new desire.

He knew she was on the edge, knew every time she tried to urge him towards her clit that she was searching for her release. It wasn't until he felt her hand on the back of his head, felt the fingers knot into his hair that he gave in to her demand. His tongue flicked across her clit and she let out some inhuman sound as her body writhed under him. God he wanted to hear that sound from her again. He surrendered licking at her clit as she whimpered and purred under his attention. When he sucked at her clit, her thighs tightened around his head and she thrust her hips up trapping him between her legs.

"Fuck yes!" She screamed as his tongue licked frantically over her clit and he pushed her over the edge. The world around suddenly shattered as the orgasm tore through her and her body convulsed with the release.

He waited as she rode the wave, she had let go of his head and he was able to pull back before her thighs clamped shut again. Moving carefully, he came to rest on his side next to her letting her body calm without his touch. He simply watched her, again mesmerized by her beauty, a beauty created by her release. Her eyes were closed, lips full and slightly parted, and strands of her hair were clinging to her forehead. Her body was covered in a fine sheen of sweat, her chest rising and falling in quick shallow breaths, and her thighs still clamped tightly shut. Gradually, her breathing steadied, her legs relaxed, and she brushed the matted hair from her forehead. When her eyes finally fluttered open, she slowly rolled over to face him.

Capturing his lips, she let her tongue slip across his lips tasting herself from him. She heard the muted growl as his hand slipped around her waist and yanked her towards him. Her arm snaked around his neck as she let her lips fall from his.

"How long have you wanted to do that?"

"Since that first night."

"Really." Her eyebrow went up.

"You're a sexy woman." A playful smirk played across his lips. "Lot of sexual thoughts ran through my head that night." His hand splayed out over the small of her back. "Throwing you on the table and licking your pussy just happens to be my favorite."

She bit her lip and squeezed her thighs together as the words aroused her again. "And it definitely turned you on licking my pussy." She rocked her hips forward feeling his hard cock press against her through the heavy denim.

"Definitely." He felt her hand slip from around his neck and down his chest to the top of his jeans.

Her fingers released the button then pulled the zipper down. His cock twitched at her slight touch. "I'm already dripping wet again." The hand at her back suddenly clawed into her flesh. "Just from thinking of your cock inside me." She grabbed the top of his jeans and forced them down over his hips taking the boxers with her. Once she had them down as far as she could, he quickly worked them the rest of the way off. Her eyes locked on his as she grabbed his cock and guided it into her.

"Jack." The name came out as a guttural growl as he buried himself inside her.

"Take me."

The demand in the softly spoken words sent a shiver down his spine and he gave her exactly what she demanded. He took her, surrendering again to that insatiable desire he had for her. There was nothing she could ask of him that he wouldn't willingly give. He felt her hand clutch at his rib cage, her fingernails digging into his flesh, and it spurred him on. Nuzzling against her neck he kissed her skin tasting the familiar perfume. The perfume she had told him she chose for him after the first time he tasted it from her neck.

She whimpered and the sound caused him to nip at her neck.

"Please."

He knew exactly what she was asking for as he bit down knowing he would leave a mark. Feeling her back arch and the moan that dripped from her lips, he gnawed at her flesh. Memories of Christmas Eve flashed through his mind. He had her pressed against the fridge door as he attacked her neck and throat. "Please." She begged as his hands squeezed her ass. Her hands clawed up his back as she arched her body into his rubbing herself against his already hard cock. God he'd wanted to take her that night, wanted to take her over and over again. He stopped himself, because of her, because he knew; he knew he couldn't love her, not like she needed him to. He was still clinging to the memory of Shannon, still believing that loving someone else would betray her. It took her staying in Afghanistan and him leaving NCIS for him to realize he'd let the one woman he'd loved since Shannon slip away. But now..now he could love her completely and with his whole heart.

The body in his arms started to shake and he ripped himself from her neck.

"Gibbs." The name came out as a breathless whisper as his fingers were suddenly rubbing her clit. Her eyes fluttered open and she was staring into his emotion filled eyes. Eyes that let her see the depth of his love, the endless devotion, and the regret. "Oh God!" The emotion surged through her and her body shook as she came tightening around his cock. Her strength gone, her head dropped forward and she burrowed into the crook of his shoulder and neck.

Crushing her body against him he took her hard and fast desperately searching for his own release. It should have been enough, but nothing with her would ever be enough. He would always want more. He felt her tighten her muscles around his cock trying to push him over the edge. That's when he heard her voice, sultry and low.

"Come for me, I want all of you.." She gasped as he slammed into her over and over then came screaming her name.

Somewhere in the recesses of his mind he heard the faint noise and it slowly drew him from his sleep. His hand reached out touching the empty bed next to him and his eyes shot open in the dark. That's when the faint sound reached his ears again. The concern immediately faded as he climbed out of bed and made his way across the room. The bathroom door had been left slightly ajar and he slowly pushed it open. His breathing hitched as he took in the vision before him. She was standing in the glass shower, her back to him, her head down, both hands on the wall in front of her as the rain shower dripped droplets of water down over her naked body. He silently walked towards the shower opening the door without a sound and stepped inside.

She never flinched as the hands caressed up her back and warm lips rained kisses across her shoulder. Her only reaction was to arch her body back against his, her ass rubbing against his already hard cock. Even when his cock slipped inside her, her only reaction was a slight sigh of contentment.

His hand gently settled on her hips for a moment and he rocked back and forth inside her. When his eyes saw her hands clawing at the shower wall, his eyes narrowed. Yanking his cock from her he spun her around pushing her against the shower wall. Her brown eyes dilated and she stared into his. Grabbing her hips, he raised her up and her legs wrapped around his hips. Pinning her body between his and the wall, he grabbed his cock and shoved it into her. Pulling almost completely out of her he slammed back in, pushing her body up the wall.

She bit her lower lip stifling the moan that threatened.

Seeing her reaction he hammered into her, each forward thrust shoving her hard against and upward on the wall. Her hands suddenly searched for stability one grabbed the side of his neck the other clutched at his bicep. Relentlessly he fucked her with super human strength, taking in all the erotic sounds she made. He brutally attacked her lips, kissing her hard before biting down on her bottom lip then forcing his tongue into her mouth. She growled into the kiss as he slammed into her, crushing her against the wall and stopping his movements. Jerking her head away, she glared defiantly into the blue almost black eyes.

His eyes narrowed and they stared at each other a moment. Then he watched as the glare faded and she gasped, her nails tearing into the flesh of his bicep.

"That's it." He hissed as he rubbed and pinched her swollen clit as she trembled in his arms. "I know exactly what you need…what you want." He jerked back then lunged into her taking her in quick short jabs. Her head went against the wall as her eyes rolled back and the release loomed. Her heels dug into his lower back as her legs tightened around his waist. Her chest tightened as she tried to take a full breath, she gasped for air but it was too late. Her mind processed the release before her body and she screamed as every muscle in her body tensed causing her body to shake. Wave after wave of pleasure erupted from her core sending her spiraling over and over again. Just as her body started to relax he filled her with his release and the sensation sent another jolt through her. Again her body shook and she felt the weight of him crush against her. Clinging to each other they just stayed there safe in each other's arms.

He was the first to move, removing his weight from her and letting her body slump against him. Wrapping her arms around his neck she let her legs fall from his waist hugging him tightly until her legs stopped quivering. Feeling somewhat stable she pulled back and reached around turning the water off. Then she smiled up at him.

"What?"

"You know what?"

"You could have just told me what you wanted." He scoffed. When he saw her hands clawing at the wall, her minor response to his tender touch, he knew exactly what she wanted.

"What's the fun in that?" She grinned. "I knew you'd know."

"Testing me already?" His eyebrow went up.

"Sometimes reading people is hard after time apart."

He pulled her closed as his eyes searched hers.

"And yes I know exactly what you want." She let her hands caressed down his chest. "And after we eat some breakfast-" Her lips brushed against his. "You can eat me anywhere you want." Her eyes went wide as he picked her up and tossed her over his shoulder. "GIBBS!" The name came out wrapped in a laugh.

She flipped each pancake then each sausage, before putting down the spatula. The arms wrapped around her waist and she smiled as he kissed her neck. Leaning back against his body she sighed contentedly.

"Are you happy?" He whispered the words against her ear.

"Blissfully." Turning around in his arms she asked the same. "Are you happy?"

He nodded, wrapping his arms around her. "For the first time since Shannon and Kelly."

"Gibbs." Her hand touched his cheek as she kissed him. "Do you miss DC at all?"

He chuckled.

"What?" She looked at him puzzled.

Tugging her closer, he kissed her forehead. "Wherever you want to be is where I'll be."

She smiled and her eyes gleamed with excitement. "We can work on the house together, you can set the garage up and build a boat, and we can-" The rest of her words were swallowed by his kiss. When she pulled back her eyes slowly opened. "Are you sure?"

"Yeah."

"You know it's really sexy how you just agree with me." She wiggled her eyebrows.

Reaching around her he turned off the flat top grill.

"Is it done?" She tried to turn around and he held her tighter. Seeing the look in his eyes made her clench her thighs. "I'm not getting breakfast, am I." It wasn't even a question.

He slowly shook his head as he walked them backwards towards the dining room table.

"Are you going to be this insatiable in ten years?"

"Yeah."

The smile that graced her face made his heart skip a beat.

"You always going to be this easy."

"HEY!" She went to smack his chest and he picked her up and sat her on the table. Her legs parted as his hands caressed up her thighs and he smirked. She glared at him. "Maybe I should go back and eat my breakfast."

He popped the button on her jeans then grabbed her hips and jerked her forward. Again he smirked as her breath hitched.

She grabbed his face with both hands and shook her head. "I love you Leroy Jethro Gibbs."

Taking a deep breath he inhaled the words, words that for the first time since Shannon he actually wanted to hear.

"You have my whole heart." The words were spoken as a vow.

"And you have mine." She smiled as the final weight lifted completely from her chest. She'd asked for her heart back and he gave it to her filled with endless love.

"I really appreciate your help Caleb. I owe you." Amanda said into the phone. "Thanks for calling me."

Robert looked over at her and shook his head. "Oh and he will collect."

"I'm sure he will." She tossed her phone on the nightstand by the bed.

"You think it worked?"

"Please." She rolled her eyes. "I know everyone thinks Jethro is above it all, but he's still just a man and-"

"And jealousy is a great motivator." He smirked.

"Exactly." She grinned back at him. "You should have seen him staring at them sitting at the table."

"Jethro definitely doesn't like people touching things that belong to him."

"And he has always considered Jacqueline his, even if he never admitted it."

"And what was with Jacqueline?" Although Robert had been in on his wife's plan, he didn't understand why they were calling Jack by her full name.

"That wasn't even part of it. Jack gave her full name to Caleb when I set them up." She did air quotes around the set them up.

Robert chuckled. "Keeps things on a different level, less personal."

"My thoughts exactly." She grinned. "Pretty sure Jethro thought that too."

"Still not sure how you knew Jack would demand Jethro finally talk to her?"

"She was already angry that he hadn't been to DC to see her. I knew when he showed up without telling her, she'd break." She gave him a quick kiss. "And you did an excellent job keeping yourself busy so I could have some time with Jethro."

"So I guess the final question is…did your matchmaking for Jack and Jethro work."

"It did." She picked up her phone and pulled up a text. Holding it out she let her husband read it.

He read it and his eyebrow went up. "She was in on it? How'd you manage that?"

"Come on Robert. Even years after being gone Jack and Jethro are still the major scuttlebutt at NCIS."

"Yeah, but still. Jethro has a reputation, not a lot of people at NCIS wanna poke that bear."

"Haley did it as a favorite to Agent McGee."

"McGee was involved?" He looked at her shocked.

"I needed him to ping Jethro's cell phone."

"I thought Haley was doing that." God this scheme had been even more grandiose that he knew.

"She was just some added insurance to push Jack in the right direction."

He ran his hand down his face. "I'm glad you use your powers for good, otherwise I'd be scared shitless right now."

She laughed.

He glanced at his watch. "So how long has his phone been at Jacks?"

"Fourteen hours."

Robert's eyebrow went up. "Even that conversation wouldn't take fourteen hours." He saw the soft smile on his wife's face. Leaning over he kissed her temple. "I know how much you care about those two."

"They both deserve to be happy."

"You ever gonna tell them?"

She shook her head.

"Well can you just keep me out of your next matchmaking scheme."

She shrugged. "No guarantees."