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Post by Caitlin Todd on May 24, 2010 11:13:38 GMT -5
It was well past midnight and Kate was still seated behind her desk working on some files. She was feeling dead exhausted but refused to give herself time to think... she had to keep herself busy, no she needed to keep herself busy. Her stomach was making low grumbled sounds but still her tofu sandwich remained untouched in the far end of the her desk. Kate paused long enough to tie her hair into a ponytail and in the process, she decided she needed a trim.
Her thoughts flickered back to the last weekend and she banged her fist against the desk, without being conscious of her own movement. The sudden sound startled her and she briefly looked down at her hand before hastily resuming her work. Her wrist watch beeped for what seemed the thousandth time that night. Kate reached for the watch and was surprised to see it was almost 5am.
It was at that moment that exhaustion caught up to her. Kate stiffled a yawn and rubbed her eyes tiredly. She looked down at the file she was working on and muttered darkly to herself, "Maybe just for a couple of minutes." She crossed her arms over the desk and rested her head upon them. Her eyes were starting to feel heavier by the second, so she gave in and closed them. |
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Post by gibbs on May 24, 2010 11:23:35 GMT -5
L. Jethro Gibbs [/i][/font][/size][/color] An angel's smile is what you sell
You promise me heaven then put me through hell
Chains of love got a hold on me
When passion's a prison you can't break free [/right]
Gibbs came walking into the bullpen his coffee in hand. He wandered passed her desk and banged a hand on it to wake her up. "Kate, didn't you go home last night?" he stated with a rather firm voice. It was more to get his attention than anything. He looked to the girl at the desk and wandered over to Tony's turning on the computer.
"There is no reason for you to be here so late, somethings on your mind Kate" he stated almost rather forcefully. Kate and Ziva were both like daughters to them and he was always concerned when it seemed like something was wrong. He turned his head in her direction after logging into the main screen. He still had to wait for it for a while after that, the thing was acting up. He didn't care what Tony would think about him at his desk. It was Gibbs' old desk and he was going to work here for the moment, at least until he knew that Kate was okay. He also knew Tony would never dream of coming in this early either.
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Post by Caitlin Todd on May 24, 2010 11:44:21 GMT -5
Kate's eyes immediately shot open when she felt the vibrations. She jumped backwards and looked around her wildly until her eyes rested on Gibbs. Kate leaned back in the chair and shook her head, "No... I had some paperwork to finish." She removed the band from her hair and passed a hand through it before glancing down at her clothes. Good thing she had brought a change of clothes with her. She reached for her water bottle and took a small sip.
Sometimes, she didn't like it when he was so perseptive. She drummed her fingers on her desk and stared at the screen of her computer. Kate laughed dryly and stammered, "Of course not Gibbs. I was just catching up on some work." She kept her eyes fixed on the monitor, knowing that her eyes would give her away. |
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Post by gibbs on May 24, 2010 12:11:32 GMT -5
L. Jethro Gibbs [/i][/font][/size][/color] An angel's smile is what you sell
You promise me heaven then put me through hell
Chains of love got a hold on me
When passion's a prison you can't break free [/right]
He shook his head knowing she was hiding things. He knew when people were hiding things and she had been there long enough for him to know her tactics. "If that was the case you would be looking at me Agent Todd" he stated rather bluntly he got up and wandered over to her desk spinning her to face him. "So tell me whats going on." he stated plainly.
He backed away gently, but still held his stern look as he wasn't letting her getting away without speaking. He knew there was no one else around to hear them talking anyway. He looked to the agent and sighed a moment, knowing getting her to talk was never easy.
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Post by Caitlin Todd on May 24, 2010 12:26:54 GMT -5
Kate gulped and replied, "It's not that... I just need to fin..." Her words were cut off when she felt her chair spin beneath her. Kate clutched its sides and looked into Gibbs's piercing blue eyes. She leaned further back in her chair and looked away. After Gibbs stepped backwards, she shifted her gaze back in his direction. "Nothing," she replied.
She stood up and grabbed her water bottle. Kate walked around her desk and started walking out of the bullpen. She rubbed her temples and let out a long sigh. Kate had to do something. She needed to work... she had to stop thinking about what had happened. Kate paused in the middle of the corridor scolding herself. She was a grown up woman yet again she was being silly. |
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Post by gibbs on May 24, 2010 12:50:04 GMT -5
L. Jethro Gibbs [/i][/font][/size][/color] An angel's smile is what you sell
You promise me heaven then put me through hell
Chains of love got a hold on me
When passion's a prison you can't break free [/right]
He followed her to hallway, practically pushing her into the elevator slamming the emergency stop button. He had been known to do that from time to time. "You can't stop lying now Caitlin He stated rather forcefully. He looked to her rather concerned. "You can drop the paperwork front, What happened?
He was still just as protective over the agents as he had always been and he wasn't about to let her out of the elevator until she told him what was on her mind. "Kate" he said after a moment. His words that time had been softer and much more understanding. "You need to let it go' he added for emphasis. He sighed leaning on the wall blocking the switchs from her, not putting it past her.
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Post by Caitlin Todd on May 24, 2010 13:01:45 GMT -5
When Gibbs pushed her inside the elevator she almost stumbled over and started protesting. Kate found herself pressed against the back of the elevator while Gibbs hit the emergency stop button. She felt cornered and moved to the other side of the elevator. Kate cringed at the sound of her full name. Gibbs rarely ever used it. When he repeated the question she lunged towards the button panel but Gibbs blocked her way. She moved towards the doors and said through gritted teeth, "Let me out... there are things to be done..."
She started pacing like an animal trapped inside a cage. Kate started breathing heavily and she leaned against a metal wall. "I'm fine," she insisted. Her voice was quavering and more high pitched than usual. Kate looked up at him and bit her lower lip before saying more quietly, "I'm fine Gibbs." |
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Post by gibbs on May 26, 2010 9:58:59 GMT -5
L. Jethro Gibbs [/i][/font][/size][/color] If we gotta start sometime I say now
Through the fog there is hope in the distance
Two worlds collide in a beautiful display [/right]
"Stop denying it and spit it out. Its not like DiNozzo can spill it to the whole entire floor. He's not here so out with it" he stated. He knew that getting her to spill her mind was like pulling teeth but he would get it out of her one way or another. He let out a sigh as he put his hand along the elevator wall next to where the key panel was. It was evident that the man wasn't going to give in that easily.
"Paperwork isn't as important as you Kate, it can wait" he mused trying to see if that approach would work. He rarely if ever showed his team he cared at least not out in the bullpen, but when the elevator doors were closed he could show he cared, but he cared about each in their own separate ways, so no two agents were created the same. Things were pretty much the same in his office as they were in the bullpen, that was unless of course you were Jen. He did still only have a paper thin door. It made the elevator much more suited to his needs at the moment anyway.
He peered into her visages, hoping that she could tell him something. He already gathered that her getting defensive was a sign she was trying to hide something. He knew she did that. He had worked with her long enough to know that things just weren't all fine and dandy with her. It was hard to hide things from Gibbs, it really was.
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Post by Caitlin Todd on May 27, 2010 2:55:54 GMT -5
"DiNozzo?" repeated Kate in confusion. She had not been following much of what Gibbs was saying, but that one name did catch her attention. She brought up her arm to her forehead and closed her eyes. She remained in that position and silent. Kate couldn't tell him what had happened. It was too embarassing. && she blamed herself for it. His next words took her by surprise. Kate lowered her arm and looked at him with an odd expression.
She tilted her head to one side and let out a long sigh as she tried to digest his words. Kate shook her head and started clawing absent mindedly at the elevator doors. "No... No... It can't. I need to finish it today." she mumbled. Kate turned to face the door and pounded on it with her fist. She clutched her throat and tried easing her breathing. All of a sudden, Kate was starting to feel claustrophobic. This time when she turned back to face Gibbs, there were tears in her eyes. |
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Post by gibbs on May 27, 2010 3:08:27 GMT -5
L. Jethro Gibbs [/i][/font][/size][/color] If we gotta start sometime I say now
Through the fog there is hope in the distance
Two worlds collide in a beautiful display [/right]
Jethro eased her to the ground opening the doors he helped her to his office where things we much cooler. He got a towel for her and put some ice in it placing it on the back of her neck. "Something happened Kate, you can't keep these things from me." he stated picking up a glass of bourbon and grabbing a water for her. He set the water down in front of her. "I know stuff isn't easy to talk about sometimes but when it affects my agents there is a problem, so who am I putting a bullet in this time?" he said taking a random shot in the dark at who it might be.
A bullet for what had happened to her, depending on what it was, probably not. He wandered over and closed his office door. The office was more cozy and open than the elevator was. He could be decent when he needed to be. He rarely showed this side to agents, just usually individually when something was wrong he was flexible to their needs. "Your paperwork will wait Caitlin" he stated firmly. He wasn't going to let her get behind in it. That wouldn't be right.
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Post by Caitlin Todd on May 28, 2010 3:21:50 GMT -5
Kate leaned against Gibbs for support as he helped her in a chair. She clutched the side of the seat and tilted her head forwards when he returned with a towel. As he placed it on her bare neck she shuddered. Kate closed her eyes and reached a hand to keep the towel and ice in place. She fixed her gaze on the water bottle, refusing to look at Gibbs for the time being. She laughed dryly, almost hysterically, at his words and finally looked up. She watched him cross the room and close the door. Kate cringed when once again Gibbs used her full name.
She leaned back in the chair and removed the towel and ice from her neck. She started toying with it, passing it from one hand to the other and let out a sigh. Kate blinked the tears away and rubbed her eyes with one hand. She hung her hand down and said softly, "It's nothing Gibbs... just a date gone bad." Kate tightened her grip on the towel and her knuckles turned an alarming shade of white. |
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Post by gibbs on May 31, 2010 8:50:58 GMT -5
L. Jethro Gibbs [/i][/font][/size][/color] Well in case you failed to notice,
In case you failed to see,
This is my heart bleeding before you,
This is me down on my knees [/right]
He peered at his desk over towards her as she was fidgeting. "You have had plenty of dates go bad Kate, this isn't like the others, why don't you tell me about it" he asked noting that she wasn't looking at him. He sighed a moment. "I'm not the best with relationships but I know when my agents are in trouble. I have worked with you for 7 years now" he stated. He knew she still probably wouldn't spill but he wasn't about to let her go til she did.
He turned his computer on and fumbled with some files. He began writing somethings down that came to his mind so that he couldn't forget them. He put his glasses on so he could see the paper better. He realized then that he couldn't protect his agents all the time but that he would still try no matter what anyone told him.
He paused a moment from his paper to look up to her as he waited for her response. He was worried about her because of the way she had been acting this morning. It was very un-kate like and it worried him. It worried him that it could interfere with her work, as it seemed to be doing when he passed by.
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Post by Caitlin Todd on Jun 2, 2010 13:49:44 GMT -5
(No worries && sorry it took me so long to reply)
"I guess so," she replied with a slight nod. Kate could feel his eyes watching her, but she was still refusing to look up. A small smile tugged at the corner of her mouth when she heard his next words and she risked a quick peek in his direction. "I appreciate your concern but I'm sure..." She let her voice trail away and inhaled loudly before continuing in a stronger voice, "I'm sure everything will fall back in it's rightful place." Something about his expression told her that he was not buying it. Kate felt sure that she would not be allowed to leave his office until the mess was sorted out.
The sound of the booting computer brought her back to reality and she jumped slightly in the chair. She placed the towel on Gibbs's desk and watched him in silence as he worked on some files. After some minutes, she realised he wasn't going to add anything else. Kate took a deep breath and stared down in her lap. Before she was even aware of it, she started rambling "I... He took me out to dinner && after only 15 minutes I realised he was an obsessive prat." She paused and looked up at Gibbs wildly.
"I faked a headache so that I could get away early, but he insisted on taking me home. He invited himself inside and refused to leave... even when I threatened him. By that time I started feeling oddly tired and dizzy." Her eyes grew wider and she looked away feeling ashamed. After all, Kate was a professional agent. She could have easily overpowered him, if he hadn't been so strong. She took a deep breath and started unbuttoning her blouse. Kate slipped the garnment off and turned slightly to the side.
Both her arms were covered in purple bruises. "He started beating me," she whispered in a strangled voice. At this point, she could barely keep back the tears. Kate buried her face in her hands, but the sudden movement caused a sharp pain across her abdomen. Kate winced loudly and let her arms fall to her sides while she stammered, "And then he... he forced me... I tried fighting back... but I think he spiked my drink." Kate braced her arms around her body, ignoring the throbbing and looked away.
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Post by gibbs on Jun 2, 2010 18:03:34 GMT -5
L. Jethro Gibbs [/i][/font][/size][/color] Well in case you failed to notice,
In case you failed to see,
This is my heart bleeding before you,
This is me down on my knees [/right]
He was about to interject when he broke. "It happens to the best of us Kate, you haven't NOTHING to be ashamed of." he reassured her as he got up from his chair and got some ice for her arms. He handed it to her. "He will be either in interrogation by the end of the day or dead, you can bet on it" he stated his eyes flashing with rage. He couldn't stand women beaters. He put a gentle hand aside of face, normally he would have touched her shoulder but he wasn't about to with those bruises. He lifted her chin gently looking into her eyes. "You don't worry about this, let me handle it" he stated.
Yes he would probably do something rash but that wouldn't matter in the end he would make it right. Regardless of what she thought this man was ancient history. "If you want you can crash at my place until we get him if it makes you feel safer, because I know exactly what you are going to say if I tell you to go on protection detail for the evening." he said giving her one of those tell all glances. He sighed as he kneeled beside her letting his hand go from her chin. "He can't hurt you here , these agents and I will not let him Promise" he said knowing that no one would let anyone past security if they didn't want them past.
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Post by Caitlin Todd on Jun 9, 2010 7:36:51 GMT -5
Kate cringed at his words and although she didn't feel reassured by his words, she didn't comment. Kate took the ice in her hands and like before she started toying with it, refusing yet again to meet Gibbs's eyes. She couldn't help but shudder slightly when she felt his cool hand against her skin. Kate tried resisting, but soon enough she found herself staring into his piercing blue eyes. She wiped the tears away and gave a couple of nods. Her expression turned to panic and she straightened her back abruptly.
More tears streamed down at her cheeks and she whimpered softly, "Just let him be... I don't want to involve you or any of the others." Her hand flew on top of his and as she pulled out away from her face, Kate gave it a gentle squeeze. She looked up to Gibbs like a father. In fact he was more a father to her than her biological father had ever been. She was grateful for his understatement and help but at the same time she hated the idea of disrupting his routine. She smiled slightly and replied, "No protection detail." She seemed lost in her own thoughts for some minutes and then added, "I will indulge on your offer. But only for tonight."
She watched him kneel down. Kate inhaled deeply and rested her head on his shoulder, clutching tightly at his hand. Kate knew she could believe his words. He was Gibbs for crying out loud. She merely nodded and replied hoarsely, "I know that. Thank you." Kate knew that she wouldn't be able to get any work done for the day, but she couldn't bear the thought of being sent home. Kate didn't want to stay alone, yet again the wounds felt to fresh to confide in any of her other colleagues. She also understood that Gibbs had work to do and she would leave if he asked her to. |
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