Chapter Text
It had been a beautiful year of Kate and Lucy living together, a year filled with laughter, learning, and love that grew deeper with every passing day. They had fallen into a rhythm—mornings often began with Lucy’s attempts at breakfast, which Kate appreciated despite the inevitable kitchen chaos, and evenings were spent curled up together, Kate writing or reading while Lucy recounted the day’s antics at NCIS. Their home wasn’t just a house; it was their sanctuary, filled with memories and warmth.
Over time, Kate had become an integral part of Lucy’s world in Hawaii. Jane Tennant, Lucy’s boss and mentor, had turned into one of Kate’s closest friends. Jane’s steady presence and thoughtful advice had earned Kate’s respect and admiration, and their occasional coffee dates and Fridays evenings were something Kate now looked forward to.
The boys—Jesse, Kai, and Ernie—had taken to teasing Kate like she was their sister, a development Kate had never anticipated but secretly cherished. Whether it was Ernie making sly comments about Kate’s meticulous nature, Jesse jokingly offering to ghostwrite her next book, or Kai always wanting to have a surfing competition with her despite her verhement refusal, they had all grown incredibly protective and fond of her. Kate, in turn, had grown fond of them, even if she rolled her eyes at their antics.
Through it all, Kate and Lucy’s love had blossomed into something extraordinary. They had learned each other’s quirks, strengths, and vulnerabilities. Kate had seen Lucy at her most vulnerable during a tough mission and stood by her, while Lucy had gently encouraged Kate to let her guard down, reminding her that she didn’t always have to be in control. They had built a life together that felt unshakable.
----
But today, Lucy Tara was a whirlwind of energy as she rushed through the rooms, picking up stray items and muttering to herself. “God, Lucy, you’re dead if Kate sees this mess. A whole week of pizza, beer, and movies? What were you thinking?” She paused, looking at the chaos of the living room. The trash was already bagged, and the coffee table was cleared, but the space still didn’t scream “Kate-approved.” It was a valiant attempt, though, considering how meticulously organized Kate always kept the house. Lucy huffed, brushing her thick curls out of her face.
"Okay, books," she muttered, glancing at Kate’s beloved bookshelf. She hesitated before reaching out, fingers grazing the spines of Kate’s carefully cataloged collection. “No, no, no. Don’t touch. She’ll know.” She quickly pulled her hand back. Her eyes darted around the room again. "It's all her fault for going away for a week. How am I supposed to function without her?"
Satisfied—or as close as she’d ever get—Lucy stood in the middle of the now mostly tidy living room, her hands on her hips. “Not Kate-level perfect,” she admitted, “but no one meets Kate’s standards but Kate herself. This is fine. She’ll live.”
Kate had been in D.C. for the past week, attending meetings about her latest book, and the absence had left Lucy spinning. Kate’s presence was like gravity, keeping her grounded, and Lucy had felt utterly untethered without her. Now, though, she was excitedly rushing to pick Kate up from the airport. Glancing at the clock, Lucy yelped. "Crap! I’m late!"
She bolted to her room, got ready in record time, and dashed out the door, locking it hastily behind her. Sliding into her car, she fired up the engine and muttered to herself, “Okay, traffic laws. Let’s be friends today.” But as the minutes ticked by, Lucy’s definition of "traffic laws" became increasingly creative. She weaved through lanes, tapping her fingers on the steering wheel and chuckling to herself. “Kate would murder me if she knew how fast I’m driving right now.”
Finally pulling up to the airport, Lucy parked directly in front of the exit gate, ignoring the looming “No Parking” sign. She leaned back with a relieved sigh, only for a security guard to approach her window. “Ma’am, you can’t park here,” he said firmly.
Lucy shot him a look of pure exasperation. “My girlfriend’s flight is landing any second. Just give me a break, okay?”
“Ma’am,” the guard insisted, “I’ll have to fine you if you don’t move.”
Lucy narrowed her eyes, her patience running thin. Flashing her NCIS badge, she said with authority, “Look, I know the rules. Now, go.” The guard hesitated, muttered something under his breath, and walked away. Lucy smirked to herself. “Works every time.”
A few minutes later, her phone buzzed. Kate’s flight had landed. Lucy leaned forward eagerly, scanning the sea of travelers streaming out of the terminal. And then she saw her—Kate Whistler, effortlessly managing her comically large suitcase, her blonde hair falling perfectly around her face. Their eyes met, and Kate’s face lit up with the brightest smile. Lucy felt her heart skip a beat.
Kate rushed over, and the moment she was within arm’s reach, she threw her arms around Lucy, hugging her tightly. Lucy hugged her back just as fiercely, burying her face in Kate’s neck and placing a soft kiss there.
Kate laughed, pulling back just enough to look at Lucy. “Luce, we’re in an airport. You’re going to scandalize someone.”
Lucy grinned. “Not my fault. You hugged me so tight I kissed the part that was closest.”
Kate rolled her eyes but couldn’t suppress her laughter. “You’re ridiculous.”
“And yet, you love me,” Lucy teased, stepping back to grab Kate’s suitcase. “Come on, babe. Let’s get you home.”
As Lucy loaded the suitcase into the car, Kate glanced at the "No Parking" sign and shook her head knowingly. “You didn’t follow the rules, did you?”
Lucy smirked. “Babe, did you forget who your girlfriend is? Rules bend for me.”
Kate raised an eyebrow. “Lucy Tara, tell me the truth.”
Lucy shrugged nonchalantly. “Fine. I used my badge. No big deal.”
Kate’s eyes widened. “Luce! That’s an abuse of power. You can’t just—”
Lucy cut her off with a cheeky grin. “Babe, the guy used to work security at Tripler. He’s seen me a hundred times and still pretended not to know me. He deserved it.”
Kate shook her head, exasperated but amused. “Fine, but don’t make it a habit.”
Lucy chuckled to herself as they climbed into the car. If Kate knew how fast she’d been driving to get here, she’d be furious. “What are you smiling about now?” Kate asked, eyeing her suspiciously.
“Just thinking about how strict my girlfriend is,” Lucy replied, shooting her an innocent look.
Kate sighed. “Rules exist for a reason, Luce. They’re not just arbitrary.”
Lucy laughed. “Sure, sure. Don’t worry, babe. I’ll follow all the rules—as long as you keep loving me.”
Kate rolled her eyes fondly. “You’re an idiot.”
Lucy reached over to take Kate’s hand, pressing a kiss to her knuckles. “An Idiot who loves you deeply.”
“I love you too luce,” Kate said softly, a warm smile spreading across her face.
The drive home was filled with laughter and teasing, both of them feeling lighter now that they were back together. As Lucy navigated the familiar streets of Hawaii, she glanced at Kate beside her and thought about how lucky she was. The week apart had been tough, but moments like this made everything worth it.
-----
As soon as Kate and Lucy walked through the door of their cozy home, Lucy dropped their bags near the couch and turned to Kate with a playful smile. “Alright, babe, go get freshened up. You’ve been traveling all day. I’ll whip up something for us to eat.”
Kate raised an eyebrow, crossing her armsas she smiled widely, “Or,” she began, “I could stay here with you, and we could just order pizza.”
Lucy’s grin faltered, and a sheepish look crossed her face. She rubbed the back of her neck awkwardly. “Uh… babe, I know you’re not the biggest fan of pizza. We can eat something else if you’d like.”
Kate’s expression softened, and she stepped closer, wrapping her arms around Lucy’s waist. “No, I kind of missed pizza and you together,” she admitted with a small smile kissing Lucy's lips softly. “So, pizza it is.”
Lucy’s gaze flickered everywhere but Kate’s, her fingers absently playing with a strand of Kate’s blonde hair. “Can’t we just… skip it?” she asked, her tone almost nervous.
Kate frowned, pulling back slightly to look at Lucy. “Luce, are you okay? You’re denying pizza? What’s wrong, babe?”
Lucy rose on her tiptoes and kissed Kate’s cheek, a soft reassurance. “Hey, everything’s fine,” she said quickly. “It’s just… I’ve kind of been eating pizza every day since you left, so I, uh, don’t want to eat it anymore.”
Kate’s eyes widened in disbelief. “Every day?”
Lucy gave her a sheepish grin and shrugged.
“Lucy Tara,” Kate said, her voice sharp with concern, “what were you thinking? Eating pizza every day? That’s not taking care of yourself!”
Lucy bit her lip, looking slightly guilty as she slid her arms around Kate’s waist and leaned her head against her shoulder. “I know, I know,” she mumbled. Then she lifted her head and kissed Kate softly on the lips, a gentle apology. “I’m sorry, babe. I’ll take better care of myself next time, I promise. But, hey, it’s not entirely my fault.”
“Oh, it’s not?” Kate asked, narrowing her eyes suspiciously.
Lucy grinned cheekily. “Nope. You left me alone for way too long, and now I’m kind of used to you. So, if you care so much about my health, maybe next time don’t leave me for so long?”
Kate stared at her, half exasperated and half amused. “How,” she began, shaking her head, “did you manage to turn this around on me when you’re the one at fault?”
Lucy’s grin widened as she leaned in, brushing her lips against Kate’s in a quick kiss. “What can I say? Hidden talent, babe.”
Kate rolled her eyes, unable to suppress a smile. “You’re unbelievable.”
Lucy gently pushed Kate toward the bedroom. “Now, go get freshened up. I’ll figure out something for lunch.”
As Kate turned, Lucy gave her a playful slap on the ass.
Kate stopped mid-step and turned to glare at her.
Lucy met her gaze with an unapologetic smile. “Sorry, babe, but you’ve got a perfect ass. Now stop glaring at me! You know I can’t resist the angry Whistler.”
Kate groaned, her glare softening into a look of bemused disbelief.
“And,” Lucy continued, her voice teasing, “don’t blame me if I pull you straight into bed after a long trip without letting you freshen up. I know how much you hate that.”
Kate shook her head and turned back toward the bedroom. “God, Luce, you’re ridiculous.”
Lucy laughed, her voice full of affection. “Ridiculously in love with you, darlin'.”
After lunch, Kate and Lucy found themselves tangled together on the couch, their limbs entwined as they basked in the simple comfort of being close again. Kate leaned back against the cushions, her head resting lightly against Lucy’s, as her fingers absently traced circles on Lucy’s arm.
“So,” Kate began, her voice soft but teasing, “do you want to hear about my trip to D.C., or are you too busy being comfortable?”
Lucy grinned, tilting her head slightly to meet Kate’s eyes. “I’m multitasking. Go on, tell me. How did the new book stuff go?”
Kate chuckled. “It went well. Louise loved the first draft, but of course, she had notes—she always has notes. And after meeting you she has become more bossy.... Lucy laughed saying, "what have I done!!??" kate rolled her eyes saying, " well since meeting you she has realised that she could use your name and manipulate me into writing as many drafts as she needs so she keeps using your name saying , hey it's good kate dear but maybe lucy will not like it much you know you should be writing something to now target people like lucy who hates books... lucy was rolling with laughter hearing it, kate continued , "And you know how much I love having my work picked apart.”
Lucy stopped laughing and said knowingly. “Let me guess. You glared at her the entire time she spoke, and then afterward, went back to your hotel and ranted about how ‘you cannot write to the standards of people like us who feels books are everything else except reading.."
Kate gave her a playful shove. “Rude! But… not entirely wrong. Anyway, they’re pushing for a spring release, so it’s going to be a busy few months.” She hesitated, her voice softening. “I wish you could’ve been there with me.”
Lucy pressed a kiss to Kate’s temple. “You know I would’ve gone if I could. But hey, I had some fun here too. The case was intense, but we cracked it. And Ernie, Jesse, and Kai kept me distracted with way too much food and beer. I think I need to hit the gym just to recover.”
Kate smirked. “Oh, so you didn’t miss me at all, huh?”
Lucy’s grin widened as she shifted closer, resting her chin on Kate’s shoulder. “Nope, not at all,” she teased, her eyes sparkling with mischief. “I mean, I enjoyed hanging out with them, but…” Her tone softened, her teasing replaced with sincerity. “I missed you so much that I couldn’t bear coming home to an empty house. So, next time, maybe don’t leave me for so long, okay?”
Kate laughed, brushing a strand of Lucy’s hair behind her ear. “Okay, okay. We’ll think about it.”
Lucy’s playful expression returned as she suddenly pushed Kate deeper into the couch, straddling her lap with ease. “Oh, you’ll think about it?” she challenged, her hands sliding to Kate’s waist, her fingers dancing lightly along her sides. “You’ll leave me alone again?”
Kate’s breath hitched as Lucy’s touch sent shivers up her spine. She closed her eyes, her body already responding, and murmured, “Yes…” her voice barely above a whisper.
Lucy smirked, leaning in closer. “Then I guess I’ll have to find someone to keep me entertained if you’re gone again,” she teased, her fingers grazing Kate’s stomach.
Kate’s eyes snapped open, narrowing dangerously as she gripped Lucy’s hips and pulled her even closer. Her lips crushed against Lucy’s in a fierce, possessive kiss that left them both breathless. When she pulled back, her voice was low, but firm. “Don’t you dare, Lucy Tara.”
Lucy chuckled, her lips brushing against Kate’s collarbone. “But what will I do when I get bored at home?” she murmured, her mouth trailing down Kate’s neck.
Kate instinctively tilted her head, granting Lucy better access as her breath hitched. “Anything,” she managed between soft gasps, “but no looking elsewhere.”
Lucy smiled against Kate’s skin before pressing a gentle kiss to her lips. Her voice was a mix of adoration and teasing as she whispered, “Babe, I don’t think anyone could ever capture my heart like you have had ... I am your headache forever now..”
Their lips met again, the kiss deepening into something more passionate, more desperate. Lucy’s hands roamed freely over Kate’s body, and Kate’s fingers tangled in Lucy’s hair, pulling her impossibly closer. The soft sounds of their kisses filled the room, mingled with the occasional gasp or moan as Lucy found Kate’s weak spots, trailing kisses along her neck and collarbone.
Minutes blurred together as they lost themselves in each other. By the time they finally pulled apart, their breaths were heavy, their faces flushed. Kate shifted slightly, reaching for the throw pillow and tucking it under her head as she adjusted her position on the couch. Lucy, still sprawled on top of her, kissing kate's chest and closing her eyes her heartbeat lulling lucy to sleep ...
-----