Author's Note: I still don't own it, but wish I did! I stole the opening of this chapter from the Premier episode of Season Seven when Ziva returns to NCIS....thought it was fitting! Please enjoy! I had so much fun writing this story and for some reason I just felt like this was a good way to end things...thanks for all the nice reviews!
"You ready?" Kate asked as Jethro clasped his watch.
"Yep." Jethro replied as he smiled up at Kate.
"I think you've been ready since dawn." Jethro teased as he stood up and kissed Kate.
Kate giggled foolishly, they both knew it was true, but it didn't mean that Kate was eager to admit it.
"I can't wait to be back." Kate said as she looked back at Jethro.
"Workaholic." Gibbs teased as he walked past Kate.
"Kettle." Kate retorted as she exited the bedroom, referring to the old adage of the pot calling the kettle black.
"Whatever." Gibbs smiled at Kate as the pair made their way downstairs and out to Kate's new car.
"I liked that." Kate said as she reached for Jethro's hand that wasn't on the steering wheel.
"What?" Gibbs asked as they headed towards work.
"Staying here...with you at your place, several nights in a row. I enjoyed it." Kate smiled as she said it, happy to have shared much of her mandatory vacation with Jethro.
"I loved having you." Gibbs smiled back as he stopped at a red light.
"Really?" Kate was surprised at Jethro's sudden openness, but since everything had happened, since her disappearance, return and his confession about losing Shannon and Kelly things had changed between the couple, and it was for the better.
Jethro was more open now, verbally as well as with his physical affection. While the boundaries still existed neither of them went to great pains to hide the relationship in front of other team members.
"In fact...I was hoping just maybe you'd like to stay?" Jethro's offer came just as they entered the parking lot at NCIS.
"Yeah, sure another night? I've got plenty of clothes." Kate replied succinctly.
"No I meant permanently. Kate will you move in with me?" Jethro clarified as he put the car in park.
Kate leaned over and kissed Jethro passionately on the lips in response.
"I'll take that as a yes." Jethro grumbled as Kate smiled back and got out of the car.
They held hands the entire way, and Jethro could sense Kate's hesitation as the elevator doors opened up.
"It's going to be fine." Jethro whispered as he and Kate stepped out.
"I know." Kate whispered as she walked towards her desk, waiting for Tony to make some wise remark.
Instead Kate stopped for a second, slowed down by Jethro, and she looked around. Everybody in the bullpen was standing, and then the applause began.
It was sweet, Kate knew but a bit overwhelming. Even Director Shepard and Cynthia were on the steps applauding Kate's return.
Kate made her way to her desk, thanked everybody and sat down to begin her first regular day in over three months.
"Welcome back!" Team Gibbs was assembled in front of Kate's desk and they were all cheering for her while much of the office had returned to their regular work.
"Thanks!" Kate said as she was handed a dozen roses from Ducky.
"They're beautiful!" Kate exclaimed as she admired the flowers.
"We're so glad to have you back." Abby grinned as she hugged her best friend.
"It's good to be back." Kate smiled up at her co-workers.
***TWO MONTHS LATER***
"Well that's everything." Jethro said as he set one final box down on the living room floor. It was labeled "Picture Frames."
"Not exactly." Kate grinned wickedly as she sauntered over towards Jethro.
"What do you mean?" Gibbs asked with his smirk.
"I'm hoping you don't mind..." Kate trailed off as she looked up at Jethro, it was her first official night actually living with him and they both couldn't be more excited.
"There's something else..." Kate's smile softened into a more gentle, but content expression as she stared at Jethro's dazzling blue eyes.
"What would that be?" Jethro was pretty sure of the point Kate was trying to make but he just loved to hear her say it. Knowing that she wanted him, and needed him was a good feeling.
"I brought a roommate." Kate said as she waited for Jethro to catch on. His normally quick wit was replaced by a sluggishness Kate could only hope had diminished from a long day of moving furniture and boxes with Tony and McGee.
"But you don't have any pets." Gibbs said quietly.
"No I don't." Kate smiled up at Gibbs, desperate for him to catch on.
"We'll meet our new house mate in about eight months." Kate clarified.
Watching Jethro's expression go from stupefied to completely happy and awestruck was the greatest moment of Kate's life thus far.
"I can't wait." Jethro whispered as he pulled Kate closer and kissed her passionately.
THE END