Title: The Seven Year Itch
Author: MindyH
Rating: T, adult themes.
Spoilers: "Yankee White" "Sub Rosa".
Disclaimer: Characters are not my property. No copyright infringement is intended.
Summary: KIBBS AU (kinda), but I'm not going to spoil it. Just read and please review!
"Who the hell do I need to take on to get access to this crime scene?"
"That would be me."
His rant abruptly interrupted, Gibbs started, turning from the shuddering, young agent blocking his entrance towards the cool, clear voice coming from behind him. He'd know that crisp tone anywhere. It was more than familiar to him, and he turned mostly to make sure he wasn't imagining things.
He peered over his shoulder at her, before facing her fully and giving her a deliberate and shrewd once-over.
"You again," he grunted, bluntly, after a brief pause.
She tipped her head to one side. "And you again," she countered, unimpressed. She glanced at the young man cowering behind her former boss, demanding sharply: "Mind telling me why you're harassing my agent for doing his job?"
"Just trying to do mine," he stated tersely, putting a finger under the plastic ID pouch that hung from her breast pocket and squinting at it exaggeratedly. "You in charge of this circus?" he mumbled, reading pointedly: "Special Agent in Charge…"
She straightened, unflinching: "I am."
"You gonna let me have my piece of the pie here?" he remarked, sternly, eyes glittering eagerly.
"What's your interest in this case?" she answered, tipping her chin at him and folding her arms across her chest.
"It was ours first," he informed her crossly.
"Very mature," she muttered, with a slight smirk.
He shuffled closer, bending his head over hers intently: "You know I have a right to be here," he impressed upon her in a low voice.
She raised her eyebrows and glanced about at her crew, watching her interaction with the older agent with great interest and mild judgment. He knew she couldn't afford to be seen to be bullied in front of them.
"I think the FBI would disagree," she returned staunchly, not meeting his fixed, blue gaze. She'd forgotten what it was like to be scrutinized by him.
"I'm not asking the FBI, am I?" he murmured in a familiar tone, seemingly oblivious to anyone but the two of them and anything but getting his own way. As usual.
Her eyes flicked up to his, steely and sharp: "The physical evidence is ours," she told him firmly, then glanced to the side and admitted: "But…I could use your help on the investigation."
"I'll want copies of everything," he demanded, pulling out his trusty notepad.
"I assumed you would," she nodded coolly.
Gibbs smirked. "Then we have a deal," he replied lightly.
He caught the briefest flash of warmth and mirth in her dark eyes before her gaze dropped down and away from him. Their shoulders collided slightly as she moved past him and he took the opportunity to seize her hand. Her eyes rose to connect with his again as they shook hands for one drawn-out moment.
"It's good to see you again, Kate," he murmured quietly, leaning in close so that no one else could hear his intimate tone.
Kate gave him a brief, half-smile and squeezed his hand faintly. Then, pulling away, she entered the crime scene, yelling at the top of her lungs:
"Alright people! Time to get to work."
Gibbs grinned to himself and, striding past the terrified FBI sentry, followed her inside. He really didn't mind sharing an investigation with the FBI if it meant he got to work with Caitlin Todd again.
He hadn't seen her in seven years. But somehow she still excited him more than any woman he'd ever met.
TBC...