Say Goodbye 007
Author: A'serene
Category: Fluff; Episode tag (3x08 Under Covers)
Rating: PG/P12
Contents: The team is forced to attend a New Year's Eve Bash, JIBBS, McAbby, TIVA, Pure fluffness to ring in the New Year!
Disclaimer: I don't own NCIS (as much as I want to), James Bond related material, they all belong to someone far richer. The song is "Dance With Me Tonight" by Hugh Grant.
Director Jennifer Shepard hung up the phone in her office and starred at it for a minute. She could not believe the order she had just received. There were few people that she had to take orders from but the SecNav was one of them and if he said she had to do this, then she HAD to do it. Jethro's going to kill me, she thought. The idea sounded fun enough but she knew how certain people felt about these things. She gathered her thoughts and the information she'd taken down and left passing Cynthia on her way to the balcony. She watched the floor below her observing her old partner's team. They were having a relatively easy day, no major cases just some paperwork to finish and they would be able to celebrate the New Year. She felt eyes upon her and glanced to her left just meeting Leroy Jethro Gibbs' eyes as he raised an eyebrow. Clearly he knew something was up, figuring she might as well get it over with she came down the stairs and into their area.
"Jethro, a word," she said quietly. He didn't budge.
"What's up?"
"Your team is invited to the SecNav's New Year's Eve ball," Jenny informed.
"All of the team?"
"Yes, as well as Ducky and Abby."
"And you?"
"I was ordered to attend," she revealed. He smirked at that, as she knew he would. "Your team is being given similar orders."
"WHAT?" At this DiNozzo, McGee, and Ziva couldn't help slipping a little closer to hear more closely.
"They're going, end of discussion."
"Not end of discussion, who made this order?"
"SecNav."
"I don't..."
"Ziva," Jenny greeted ignoring Gibbs.
"Jenny."
"Here is an appointment for you and for Abby as well to get dresses. You're to be treated as the SecNav's wife's personal friend," Jenny said handing out the sheet of paper.
"They're not going," Gibbs restated.
"They're going."
"Boss, it might be fun," DiNozzo suggested. Gibbs stood and slapped the young man on the head. "Or not."
"Actually Agent DiNozzo I believe you would enjoy it, in honor of 2007, the theme is to be a James Bond like night."
"Very Nice, martini shaken not stirred," DiNozzo imitated.
"You will be able to meet with these people, they should have everything you and McGee need. And you too Jethro," Jenny replied.
"Not me."
"Jethro, you are going. Think of it as the SecNav apologizing for the Chimera incident," Jenny sighed.
"Uh Ma'am, do we have to bring dates?" McGee inquired.
"Abby and Ziva must have escorts."
"What?" Ziva exclaimed.
"It's not like you have to spend the whole night with them," Jenny responded soothing her friend. Ziva sighed and stared at the sheet again. She noted only two appointments.
"Jenny, don't you need a dress?" Gibbs noticed the secret smile that graced his old partner's face.
"I already have one, just have to make sure it fits."
"Already but..."
"You'll see tonight," Jenny said and her friend knew she would get no more. Gibbs on the other hand was intrigued by her silence.
"So what's this dress like?" Gibbs asked.
"We'll I guess you'll just have to come tonight," Jenny answered walking off toward the elevator to deliver the news to Abby and Ducky. Tony and McGee's jaws dropped at this and couldn't take their eyes off Gibbs face. This was certainly a new side to the Director.
"I can't believe this," Ziva sighed.
"C'mon it'll be fun," Tony coaxed. "How about you tell us what dress you'll be wearing?"
"I already know."
"Oh?"
"It says on the card, Casino Royale, Vesper Lynd's first evening gown," She read.
"2006 version?" Tony clarified.
"I assume so."
"Oh," Tony exaggerated. Ziva watched him as his eyes glazed over.
"Ziva slap him," Gibbs ordered and she complied.
"Ouch!"
"Stop Daydreaming and get moving," Gibbs commanded.
"Hey Boss, does this mean you're going to go to?"
"It's an order isn't it?" Gibbs snapped. One I'd rather not comply with. He eyed his team who seemed to be watching for a que and he finally barked "Get back to work!" They moved back to their desk and sat down each with their own thoughts. Gibbs more annoyed then usual, I hate tuxes. He spotted Jenny going back to her office, looking very please with herself and Abby trailing behind her. He couldn't imagine that Abby was too pleased with this order but he took pleasure in that. Abby would drive Jenny nuts for a bit and that would be punishment enough.
He was glad he didn't have to bring a date, he only knew one single redhead at this moment in time and it would not end well for the two of them. Not that he would ever ask Jen out again, after all she had said no off the job. Though technically this is for work, does this count? However he still remembered the Marine Corps Birthday Ball and how she had asked Ducky and not himself, not that he was jealous or anything, he just didn't get why she wouldn't ask her old partner first. She'll probably show up with him again, he thought snidely. He knew he had to stop thinking about her if he meant to accomplish any work at all. He could only imagine what dress she'd show up in. If she was to dress like a bond girl, well there would be little left to the imagination. Two hours later he noticed Jenny walked down the stairs, again trailed by Abby. She stopped at Ziva's desk and they had a whispered conversation, he then watched Ziva and Abby head for the elevator together, speaking in hushed tones but seeming very happy.
"Agent DiNozzo, McGee you can go to your appointments," Jenny called out after the girls had left. Gibbs eyed the younger men and watched as Tony gulped and glanced at him, he gave the nod which both men knew meant this one time they could listen to their Director. So the two left and Gibbs was left starring at his old partner who had come over to his desk. "What no grudges for sending home your team?"
"You're the Director," he replied. She just shook her head. "So I think I'll offer myself up as Abby's escort for the night."
"I'm afraid she'd have to turn you down, she's found herself a date."
"Who?"
"McGee."
"Ziva?"
"Tony made some bet with her when you went to get more coffee."
"Well then I guess I don't have to go."
"You're going Jethro," she said seriously. "And could you please make sure to be extra nice to the SecNav, he's reviewing our budget." He hated it when she used that tone.
"I'll think about it."
"Think hard," she warned. He rolled his eyes and turned his attention back to the computer.
"DiNozzo said there's a new Casino Royale," he mentioned. Jenny glanced at him, the one time she had forced him to sit through a Bond movie he had sighed loudly the entire time. She'd made it up to him of course but still...movies were not his thing.
"There's is, Daniel Craig is the new Bond."
"Who?"
"Never mind Jethro," she sighed.
"So which girl are you going as?"
"You'll just have to come and find out," She repeated from earlier. She knew exactly which dress she'd be wearing and she wouldn't be telling anyone anytime soon. She turned to go to her office but his voice stopped her.
"So whose Ducky taking?"
"A friend of his," she answered.
"Anyone I know?"
"I don't think so, I've never met her either."
"So who are you going with?"
"I'm the Director, I don't have to have an escort."
"All Bond girls have an escort."
"Not this one," she said continuing on her way.
"I'll pick you up at seven?" He called out. She turned on the landing and met his eyes, he seemed to be withholding a chuckle and yet his eyes appeared uncertain. Like I'd turn that down, or maybe I should...
"I'll meet you there," she responded.
"It would be easier if I drove."
"And as you so often remind me I'm not supposed to stray from my security, besides I'll be leaving from here and you have to go to that appointment."
"I could come back?"
"I'll meet you there," she reiterated continuing back up to her office.
"Not fair," he mumbled. How was he supposed to figure out if he liked the dress or not if she was around all these other people. An email popped up and he carefully opened it. It had the directions to this place he was supposed to go and the warning at the bottom not be late. He sighed dramatically, this had to be the worst order he'd ever received. He went to the elevator only to find Ducky inside.
"Jethro, did the Director give you the orders?"
"She did."
"And you're following them, I trust," Ducky said.
"She didn't give us a choice."
"Well I'm sure Anthony must be happy."
"Thrilled, he's taking Ziva."
"Oh that will be interesting I imagine, and Timothy is going with Abigail."
"So I've been told."
"And who will you bring along Jethro, a Colonel friend perhaps?"
"No Ducky," Gibbs answered his tone warning his friend to drop it.
"Ah solo then."
"No."
"Surely you're not..."
"I said I'd go with Jen," Gibbs replied. He got off and moved to his car. Ducky watched the younger man for a minute. I think I'll make sure to bring some film tonight, this is something I wouldn't miss.
As it was, it was nearly seven-ten when Jenny spotted the blue sedan pulling around the corner in front of the large hotel. She had seen his team come in already. Ziva in a lovely deep purple with a low cut front and back and rhinestones outlying the front, it was the exact replica of Vesper Lynd, Tony had not been able to speak when she'd removed her full length coat and then Jenny watched as he glared at any other male that came near her. Abby was dressed in a simplistic black gown with a low shell shaped cut and thick straps, McGee was also similarly stunned silent. Ducky had arrived with a very nice women his age, clearly dressed as one of the older Bond Girls and all had commented that Jenny should come in out of the cold. Jenny refused them all politely, even as DiNozzo very gallantly offered to escort her in. She could hear them betting that Gibbs wouldn't show at all and that Jenny would end up reading up the riot act in the New Year. The entire team prayed that wouldn't happen though, as fun as it might be to watch the aftermath was never pleasant to live through. Jenny retreated back down the steps in front of the building and waited not so patiently for the blue sedan to come to a stop. Gibbs got out and handed the valet the keys before coming around the front and moving toward Jenny.
"I'm impressed, didn't think you'd actually show," she greeted.
"Oh come on Jen, I wouldn't disobey a direct order," he assured. She simply nodded in mock agreement.
"Your team is here," she told him and he looked at her in surprise.
"You should be inside with them," he replied. She shrugged her shoulders, she had her own reasons for waiting for him. He placed his hand on her lower back guiding her up the steps and into the building. They stopped to remove their jackets and Gibbs helped her take off her full length coat. She stood with her back to him and when he turned back to her, he froze. The dress was that dress and the memories associated with it came flying back to him. The back was low, exposing her back with the thin red straps over her shoulders. She turned to face him slightly as if to figure out what he was waiting for her and his eyes skimmed over her. Her hair was pulled back slightly and her make up lightly done. The front of the dress was cut low but not as low as some of the other gowns, a more conservative cut for the Director in her. However he couldn't keep himself from comparing her to her past self. The one time they had had to go to an event in Paris, they'd made it to the lobby of the hotel, he had simply decided that the dress was not going out in public, he had taken her back up stairs where the dress had hit the floor, they never made it to the ball. This has to be torture.
"Jethro, sometime this year," she called dragging him from his chance. He said nothing as he came to stand beside her and guided her, his hand hovering over back knowing that to touch would be an instant surrender. "You don't like the dress," she sighed letting him lead her. He turned his head slightly toward her.
"I haven't decided yet," he replied very much as he had in another instance. He spotted the rest of his team and they went over there. Tony and McGee quite blantely unable to take their eyes off of Jenny for the split second.
"Jenny," Ziva greeted. "Which bond girl are you?"
"Not necessarily a good one," Jenny answered.
"Elektra King," Tony responded as if on autopilot. "The World is Not Enough, the bad Bond Girl of the flick."
"I thought for sure you would wear the Halle Berry outfit," Abby interjected. Gibbs coughed at that as a very interesting thought crossed his mind.
"This was far more comfortable," Jenny assured. "The rhinestone straps where a bit much." Gibbs remained silent nearing only to whack Tony and McGee on the back of the heads. The young men quickly turned their eyes to their Boss and gave a sheepish grin. Jenny caught the looks and smirked. This was more fun then I thought.
"Director, you look lovely," Ducky's date, Anna complimented.
"Thank you."
"Jethro I'm glad to see you decided to come, the last time you were supposed to come to one of these you never showed," Ducky reminded. At this the rest of the team noticed Jenny glanced briefly at Gibbs before withholding a cough.
"I was distracted Duck, work and all," Gibbs answered sounding rather smug. He felt Jenny stand a bit straighter next to him and followed her line of sight. "Great not here ten minutes and the SecNav found us."
"It's what happens when you have a high profile date," Abby teased lightly. Gibbs glared at her. He turned toward Jenny briefly and watched as a facade fell over. This was the Director in front of him, the Director he never gets to see and he was interested to watch her work.
"Jenny, so nice to see you this evening," the SecNav greeted.
"John, a pleasure as always, and hello Laura," she said greeting the SecNav and his wife.
"Jenny we're so glad you could come and what a lovely dress."
"Thankyou, you remember Dr. Mallard, don't you?" She said.
"Of couse, How are you Doctor?"
"Fine thank you."
"And Jethro so nice to see you out and about," The SecNav said greeting Gibbs.
"A pleasure," Gibbs returned, and Jenny knew it was anything but. "My team, Agent Anothny DiNozzo, Timothy McGee, Abigal Scuito, and our Mossad liaison Ziva David."
"We've heard a lot about you all," John replied. The team nodded, knowing that this was the time to follow the golden rule of children being seen and not heard.
"Well Jenny it was lovely to see you, we'll talk later yes?" Laura said.
"Of course, Happy New Year," she returned. The couple left and the team relaxed notably. "Sometimes I really can't understand why she married him." The team turned to stare at her in surprise. They wisely stayed silent but Gibbs had a knowing smile that remained. A decorated officer came toward the group and it was Gibbs who noticeably straightened recognizing the man as a high ranking marine.
"Jenny!"
"Gordon, what a surprise, I didn't know you and your wife would be here," She sounded geninuely happy to see him.
"Ah a few friends of ours got special invites we haven't seen them in awhile. These more of your agents."
"Yes, Special Agent Leroy Jethro Gibbs and his team. Jethro, General Cresswell is the JAG."
"A pleasure to meet a Marine."
"You serve?"
"Marines, Desert Storm General," Gibbs answered. "Sniper."
"Excellent," Cresswell praised. "And its Gordon."
"Jethro."
"I'll have to find Mac, she'd love to meet you, she's a fellow marine as well."
"Sarah is here?" Jenny questioned.
"With her husband."
"Delightful, Jethro I'll be just a minute, Ziva you'll love Mac, Abby you coming?"
"Sitting, shoes killing," the younger woman responded. Ziva and Jenny gave sympathetic glances before going off in the director Gordon pointed out.
"You must be Jenny's old partner, Jethro," Gordon said.
"Yes, we were partners."
"She speaks very highly of you, knew you had to be a marine." Gibbs shared the laughter with the nagging thought that he too wanted to meet this Mac/Sarah person.
"So Mac?"
"Ah Mac is a Colonel, used to be with JAG, still is actually but she's in the judiciary now."
"Colonel Sarah MacKenzie?" Tony interrupted.
"Yes," Gordon replied seemingly surprised. "You know her?"
"Uh met once, probably wouldn't remember," Tony gulped glancing at Gibbs. "Her partner was involved with NCIS."
"Ah Rabb, that doesn't surprise me." Gibbs glared at Tony for a second and the younger man nodded slightly. Gibbs glanced around the room searching out Jenny and found her standing next to a woman with long brown hair in a lovely dark blue evening gown. "Well I should get back to my wife, tell Jenny NCIS is always welcome at JAG."
"Of course Sir," Gibbs replied as the General departed.
"Don't suppose there's more then one Rabb in the Navy huh Boss?" Tony asked.
"Not likely DiNozzo," Gibbs answered. He stalked off towards Jenny's position but came in behind her so she wouldn't completely notice. Still he hadn't gotten within ten feet when he noticed her stiffen slightly and turn her heard in his direction.
"Ah Jethro," she said lightly stepping to the side to reveal the brunette woman he'd spotted moments ago. "Sarah, this is Sepcial Agent..."
"Gibbs," Sarah greeted somewhat coolly. Jenny glanced at Gibbs in surprise.
"Colonel Mackenzie," he returned the equally cool greeting. "My congratulation's on your Bench Position."
"Thank you."
"Honey you'll never guess who Cresswell just said is here," a deep voice interrupted from the side as a tall, dark, handsome stepped up next to her.
"Jenny and our old friend Agent Gibbs of NCIS," she replied.
"Yea, how...oh Jenny, so nice to see you, you look beautiful."
"Thank you Harm, I take it you already know Jethro," Jenny responded.
"Gibbs."
"Rabb."
"Boss," Tony's voice cut in from the side.
"Agent DiNozzo, yes?" Rabb greeted.
"Commander...err Captain Rabb," Tony said.
"They promoted you," Gibbs noted.
"I see they didn't promote you," Rabb shot back. Jenny bit back a smile. She knew that among the reasons they had made her Director, one was that Gibbs couldn't be it.
"Ah Jethro, Sarah and I are going to get something to drink," Jenny interjected. "Ziva..."
"Uh Ziva you want to dance...uh with me?" Tony asked hesitantly knowing Gibbs was about to chew him out.
"Of course, Jenny."
"Have fun," she said looping arms with Mac and walking off. The younger couple split and as they were pulling away both men could hear Tony.
"Train wreck, just keep walking, this is worse then the ex-wives."
"And how are those ex-wives?" Rabb inquired.
"Just fine, saw one not to long ago, and I see you married the Colonel or was that someone else?"
"No, its Mackenize-Rabb now."
"Congratulation."
"Thank you."
"So you and Jen..."
"We met briefly while I was overseas, I didn't actually get to know her till she became Director, Mac is good friends with her but says they don't get to see each other enough."
"You never told her I arrested you."
"Heard you quit."
"Retired," Gibbs corrected. Rabb shrugged. The two were silent each mutually seeking out their dates. Gibbs spotted Jenny still with Mac drinking bourbon while Mac had a glass of water, he then found Ducky with his date, and McGee and Abby huddled off with another group of people. Tony and Ziva were dancing and something about the way they moved told Gibbs that he might have to go through another lecture on the rules. His gaze returned to Jenny who seemed to also be focused on Tony and Ziva but he saw in her eyes a longing and tinge of sadness he wouldn't have expected. She glanced toward him and their eyes met across the room. She nodded toward Tony and Ziva and turned away, silent acknowledgment to intervene, he thought, but not tonight.
"So don't suppose we should try and start over," Rabb sighed.
"Eh..you ever work with the FBI?"
"Once or twice, we tended to get stuck with the Company."
"CIA, suppose you know Webb." The effect was immediate, Rabb's smiled faded and Gibbs couldn't tell if it was hatred or disgust that clouded his eyes.
"He messing with NCIS."
"Tried to, ever heard of the Chimera?"
"You mean that nuke some NCIS team brought in."
"Yea."
"That was you guys," Rabb concluded. "That explains a lot, Jenny called me up asking for a favor to nail some Commander Skinner to the wall, she didn't care what happened, just wanted to know he would be dealt with."
"Yea, she didn't like him to much, turns out it was Webb undercover."
"She said something about breaking his nose."
"Heard your old boss did that."
"The Admiral wanted to use his SEAL training on Webb more than once." Rabb glanced around again and froze. "Speak of the devil." Rabb pointed out the rather well groomed man that was approaching Jenny and Mac. "Don't suppose you'd want to rescue your date."
"Oh Jen can handle it, just wouldn't want her to ruin that dress," Gibbs remarked. The two men moved towards the women attracting the rest of the team's attention. Tony and Ziva danced themselves closer in the direction and Abby and McGee casually mingled their way through. Ducky and his date were speaking with some higher ups and knew that they would keep them distracted until the greeting was over. Gibbs and Rabb were close enough to overhear the women but not so close as to alert Webb.
"You have the dream life, Sarah, sometimes I envy you," Jenny said.
"Hm...a great career, a good man and comfortable shoes, lots and lots of them."
"Two out of three is not so bad," Jenny sighed. Mac placed a hand on Jenny's arm comfortingly.
"It'll happen Jenny, it might just take awhile."
"Like nine years?" Mac laughed.
"Yea like nine years, but I think 2008 is going to be a remarkable year, with new beginnings," She hinted. Jenny stared at her friend in bewilderment before noticing where the other woman's hand had landed.
"Oh, have you told him?" She exclaimed.
"It was his Christmas present."
"Oh Sarah! That's wonderful news, but I thought you had stopped the treatment and such..."
"We had, sometimes little miracles just happen on their own," She related.
"I'm so happy for you! The new year will certainly be a memorable one," Jenny laughed clinking her glass with Mac's.
"Hello Sarah," a voice greeted. Mac and Jenny both turned in surprise.
"Clayton!" Mac gasped. "What a surprise, have you met the Director of NCIS, Jennifer Shepard."
"Yes we've met," Jenny's voice was deadly. "I've been meaning to speak to you Webb about the Chimera..." Gibbs knew now might be a good time to intervene and stepped up behind Jenny slipping a hand to her hip.
"Jen, Abby and Ziva are looking for you," he lied. She turned her head to the side, almost hiding the surprise at his action but noticing the underlying anger in his eyes.
"Mac, we should probably get back to Bud and Harriette as well," Rabb suggested.
"Rabb."
"Webb."
"Jethro, Clayton Webb of the CIA."
"We've met," Gibbs assure just as coldly as Jenny's tone had been.
"I was just going to ask your lovely Director for a Dance," Webb commented to Gibbs.
"Ah well that's to bad, she owes me this one," Gibbs said sarcastically. "Rabb, Mac, Happy New Year."
"And to you," Rabb responded as Gibbs led Jenny off his hand not leaving her hip.
"Well that was subtle," Jenny retorted.
"You want me to break his nose?"
"You could have let me do it," she argued. He grabbed a glass of bourbon and headed toward the table with the rest of his team. The team seemed tensed as if waiting for the moment when they would jump up and provide backup for their boss(es). "Didn't know you arrested Rabb."
"Didn't know you knew him so well," and his tone left it very clearly just how well he thought she knew him.
"You're acting like a jealous husband," she snorted.
"How would you know?" he quipped.
"I'll have you know the entire time I spoke with Rabb he told me about his beautiful Marine partner. Mac and I are the friends there, not Rabb and I." Her voice had dropped to a chilled tone that she only ever used when she was royal pissed off or irritated, which were both likely scenarios in this situation.
"It was your idea to come."
"I was ordered, same as you, it was your idea to go together," she reminded. They were just getting to the table when Jenny felt eyes on them. She slowed her steps forcing Gibbs to as well. She glanced over her shoulder trying to figure out who was watching them, besides the team who she was sure were betting on just what the argument was about this time. "Jethro," the worry in her tone caught his attention.
"It's Webb, he followed us over here," Gibbs informed.
"I know he's been following us, but its not just that," she said tensely.
"Just sit, its Webb trying to be an idiot. You're not dancing with him."
"You told him I owe you dance," she said. He rolled his eyes. "About that dance..."
"You want to dance?" he inquired.
"Are you asking me to dance with you or are you going to give me a lits of the acceptable people to dance with, like DiNozzo or Ducky." He was not jealous, he told himself and yet the very idea of Tony or Ducky dancing with her was pissing him off. Dancing with her in that dress was most deffiently not a good idea, but as he noticed the other men that seemed to flock nearby all of them watching her figure he knew that letting her dance with someone else was out of the question. There was a reason they'd never made it to the last ball she'd worn that dress to and he almost wished he hadn't come tonight.With her at his side like that, the flashbacks were even more intense, the glow of the Eiffel Tower across her chest and the image of her red hair aganist the white sheets were more than a little overpowering. Some days he seriously wondered how she managed to keep her cool, little did he know her heartbeat had been skyrocketing since he'd placed his hand on her hip. She knew dancing with him was playing with fire, and she knew she hadn't had enough to drink to blame her actions on intoxication, which really left her with the single explanation that she was far from over him.
"Dance with me," he said trying to keep a smirk in place. "DiNozzo can't dance."
"There's always Ducky."
"He seems very happy with his friend," Gibbs commented.
"Well then I suppose you're my last option," she replied. The music began and it had a light Jazz tune to it and she instantly knew the words.
It's been so long
Since I've known right from wrong
Got no choice
Sometimes I just sit down and sob
Wondering if anything will go right
Oh will you dance with me tonight?
The team watched from the table as their Boss and the Boss's Boss twirled around the floor. They each silently observed how natural it seemed for the two to dance together and they could tell from the smirks on both their faces that it was something they had done many times in the past. There were no missed steps or any mistakes made. It was fluid and the team knew that this was the one time when the past would only bring up good memories for them.
"You ever get the feeling that they would rather be friends then enemies," Tony remarked.
"They're not enemies," Ziva assured. "I think some days they wish the past had turned out differently.
When the Sunday nights
I feel a hole down in my heart
Put on some shoes
Come down here
And listen to the blues
Wondering if anything will go right
Oh will you dance with me tonight?
"He's good for her," Mac commented spotting the red gown and the redhead in it.
"I guess," Harm sighed. "He's got a temper."
"So does she," Mac reminded. "She cares about him, she wouldn't have left the White House that night if she didn't."
"He's her agent."
"He's her friend, Harm, her best friend," she remarked. He intertwined his hand with hers and stroked the back of it thoughtfully. They turned back to watch the couple expertly handle the floor, not smiling at each other but not frowning either. Mac noticed how her friend seemed to relax instantly in her partner's arms. She would never have thought she'd see the day, but she was fairly sure she could say that Agent Gibbs was not a bad guy after all.
I'm looking at you, you're looking at me
We're the only two off the dance floor
Do you see what I see?
Two long goodbyes
Working in harmony
I'd make for a decent time
So get up and dance with me
There had been a time in the past when they hadn't need words to communicate. Occasionally those times snuck up on them in their new setting and she knew that now was one of those times. It was so easy to be eight years in the past, in a foreign city, on some small dance floor of a cafe or in a hotel room softly swaying to music that neither really heard. They hadn't managed to look each other in the eye for a full minute, they knew this was going to be harder to forget. It was like a brief memory, or little flash, this was the past overlapping their future. She had wanted to wear the dress to get his attention, she would admit to that, and the fact that it fit so well with the theme of course. She had known why the dress had never been seen in public, had known that he was likely to remember the same thing and she wasn't sure why she had done it now. Surely there had to have been an underlaying purpose, or maybe it was a sign that she missed him.
I know that it seems that the grass will grow
Better on the other side of the barbwire fence
But that other side is not in sight
So I'm fine with what I have now
If you'll dance with me tonight
He hadn't been able to take his eyes off her. It had been years since she had been in his arms and some how it still felt so right. He wouldn't lie to himself, he had never gotten over her, never gotten over what they could do to each other. He knew dancing with her was about as far as she'd let him take it not matter how much he may have wanted to shut her away somewhere and keep her and the dress to himself. He knew Webb was still watching, some others had glanced there way but he knew no one would dare to say a word about the Director dancing with one of her agents and he seriously hoped she wouldn't regret it.
What's the point of life if risk is just a board game?
You roll the dice but you're just hoping that the rules change
What's the point if you can't bring yourself to say
The things you want to say
Like dance with my tonight
The music began to fade and they slowly made their way off the dance floor retreating to the table where he picked up his bourbon and steadfastly ignored his team's curious glances. She had sat down next to Ziva and was talking to both her and Abby asking if they liked their dresses and so on. McGee was silently watching and doing what Tony did, keeping quiet. Ducky and his companion had decided to dance the next set more to stay out of the tension that had swept over the table. Gibbs noticed them handing out champange flukes and went to get one. Tony and McGee trailing his step bring back one for each of the ladies. Gibbs handed Jenny her glass and they both steadfastly ignored the spark that went through them.
"How much longer?" Ziva inquired.
"Five minutes," McGee answered glancing at his phone.
"Shall we go outside?" Abby suggested. "I hear they're having fireworks!"
"Oh did the ATF approve?" Tony joked.
"DiNozzo."
"Right sorry Boss." Gibbs led the way with Jenny at his side and they went outside. Jenny felt the freezing cold air and sucked in her breath, she had left the shawl behind, knowing she wouldn't need it inside. She watched as Tony and Ziva slid to look at the large TV's that had been set up showing the New Year's in other timezones, looking for the one in Tel Aviv. Abby and McGee slid closer to the railing wanting the closet view to the fireworks they could get. Gibbs stood alongside Jen in a slightly out of the way corner. She knew he was observing his team making sure they were all safe and sound before turning his full attention to her. He noticed her shiver and wrapped his arm around her again.
"You never said if you liked the dress or not," she pointed out.
"Still haven't decided," he replied. She chuckled lightly, she knew he'd made up his mind and he more then liked the dress.
"Thank you for coming Jethro, I know this isn't your idea of fun," she said.
"Orders are orders," he responded. She nodded slightly. "Got any New Year's Resolutions, Jen?"
"A few."
"Like?"
"The usual, excersie, eat right, not work at home every night," she listed. "You?"
"Eh...I don't know, finish the boat maybe."
"Not end up in a life or death situation?" She suggested.
"Comes with the terroiroty," he responded. She sighed. "Why are you working at home every night, you get in before I do most mornings and you leave around the same time I do."
"Just a lot of work to do, I could do leave it till the next day or I could come home and do it, its not like I have a boat to build," she replied.
"You used to like art galleries and zoos."
"I still do," she replied surprised he even remembered. "It's just not fun to go by yourself." He laughed, those were the exact words she had used to convince him to go to the zoo with her so many years ago.
"TWO MINUTES!" The warning came over the noise of the crowd.
"You look good tonight," he complimented. She smiled shyly.
"Thank you, you look very dashing. You'd make an excellent Bond," she assured.
"Yea right."
"Well maybe not," she admitted. She glanced over at Ziva and found that she was standing very close to Tony. "I take it Tony is back to his usual self."
"I don't get it, he never acted that way with Kate," Gibbs sighed.
"They remind you of anyone?" she inquired hesitantly. He shrugged. "All the same I think I'll keep them out of undercover missions together."
"Ziva wouldn't let him within two feet of her."
"That's what you think," She responded.
"Ziva would follow the rules," Gibbs assured.
"You don't know Ziva then."
"Oh really?"
"I believe her exact words were 'You know Gibbs broke his own rule.'"
"She said that to you, when?"
"Oh the day she found it out," Jenny informed.
"Does the whole team now?" She just smiled and said nothing.
"ONE MINUTE!" They turned their eyes toward the sky and could hear the voices of the team drift in from other spots.
"Hey Ziva, you know there's a tradition that you have to ring in the new year with a kiss," Tony said loudly.
"I'm sure McGee will kiss you, Tony."
"Um Abby...I ..."
"Yes Timmy?"
"THIRTY SECONDS"
"You know my dear, it was a night very much like this one that..." The two tuned Ducky out and shared a fond smile at the rest of the team.
"Tony better not kiss her."
"I could have sworn some one said the same thing to you once, " Jenny mocked.
"You..." She reached up and put her hand over his mouth and gave him a well deserved glare.
"We've missed more things then just a ball because of you, so we are not missing the New Year got it?" She clarified.
"You wore the dress."
"Jethro..."
"FIVE!"
"Four...Three...Two...One!" She lifted her head up and felt his lips descend on hers. He kissed her as he had the first time, the last time and every time in between that. She wrapped her arms around his neck and felt his slide to her back, pressing against the bare skin. He deepened the kiss and she responded matching his passion. It was more then just a New Year's Kiss brought on by some memories, this was the way it had been. Loving and tender, and enough passion to light the world on fire. They drew back slightly their lips still touching, foreheads resting against each other. She took a deep breath trying to regain the oxygen she'd lost.
"Hey, Happy New Year," he whispered against her lips. He felt her smile and knew that he wasn't going to get an earful for this one.
"Happy New Year to you too," she replied. She tilted her head back to meet his eyes and found that for once they weren't guarded and she could see what she had longed to see for years. "2008 is going to be a good year."
"Only if I get to do that again." She smiled brilliantly and pressed her lips against his lightly.
"Flashbacking to Paris, Eiffel Tower, New Year's Eve." He grinned.
"That was a good year," he responded. "So now that we actually went to this ball and you got to show of your dress can we go?"
"You really don't like dress," she mentioned again.
"Don't like it, Love it," he whispered against her ear. "But I know for a fact it looks just as nice on a hanger." They wished his team a Happy New Year, told them they'd see them one the second and they turned and left. Gibbs with his hand resting on Jenny's hip. The team watched them go smiles were exchanged as money passed hands, if the looks on the Boss and the Director's faces were any indication Two Thousand and Eight was going to be the best year yet.
END
Happy New Year everyone!
I promise this is just to tide you over till I get my own computer back and get Word so I can type up Jackie's Secret. Right after that one you'll be getting Flames Burn Out, Watering Your Plants and a brand new plot bunny that stole away at me called Understanding. I wish you all the best for 2008, hopefully the writer's strike will end and life will be good! Enjoy!