Author's note: This is just to round off the series of 'Ghosts' and 'Downfall'. Not a long story, probably only two to three chapters.
Disclaimer: I own nothing NCIS
McGee grimaced as he opened the door of the storage locker. He'd forgotten how full this place was. So many of his things had been in storage for the past two years, partly because his apartment near base was so small, and partly because they reminded him of his old life. He hadn't come here often; the last time was almost 18 months ago now, when he'd come to deposit his typewriter. He glanced around, making sure the vintage object still sat where he'd placed it. He'd taken it with him to Norfolk, but after 6 months of not writing a word-it was too painful, especially trying to write about Amy and McGregor- he'd brought it here.
A lot of the things in these boxes could be unpacked soon. His-their- new apartment was nearly ready. He was staying at Abby's for the moment. He grinned happily at the thought of his fiancé. They hadn't told anybody that particular part of the story yet; only Gibbs knew he was coming back at all. Which was why he was here.
He dug further back through the stacks of boxes, looking for the two he'd brought back from headquarters. He'd had his own office at Norfolk, a small windowless concrete box that he'd hated. It was bleak and lifeless, as well as being too quiet. Its walls were usually covered in memos and the odd crime scene photo. But tomorrow was his first day back on Gibbs' team, and he wanted his stuff, back at his desk.
Finally he found what he was looking for, covered in the dust that always seemed to creep into storage lockers. He dusted them off and carried them back to his car.
...
He went in early the next morning, leaving before Abby was ready. He'd had one of his frequent sleepless nights; luckily insomnia was something Abby understood. He couldn't tell if this one was just his normal lack of sleep, or if it was due to excitement. And nerves, he admitted to himself. He hadn't worked a major crime scene in two years, and he knew he was rusty. What if he missed something, something vital? Abby had tried to reassure him last night, telling him that Gibbs wouldn't have allowed him to transfer back if he didn't think he could do the job. He knew she was right, but still, he worried.
He passed through the scanners at the main entrance and headed upstairs, carrying his cartons with him. As he deposited them on his desk, he couldn't help but think of the night he'd carried them out of here. A lot had changed since then. Shaking his head to dispel the memory, he opened the first box and got to work.
He was clipping his Venetian Snare sticker back to the cubicle wall when he heard a noise behind him. Tony and Ziva were standing in front of his desk, surveying his handiwork.
"Either we've travelled back in time, or McGee's been reassigned" Tony commented. McGee grinned. "Reassigned- as of today" he told them.
"The prodigy child has returned, yes?" Ziva asked, her expression changing to confusion as she realised it didn't sound quite right.
"I think she means prodigal son. Welcome back, Probie." Tony went to shake McGee's hand, but was interrupted by Gibbs' entrance. "Gear up; we've got a dead petty officer in Silver Spring. Tony, get Ducky and Palmer. McGee. Gas the truck."
As he caught the keys Gibbs tossed him and shouldered his pack, a thought crossed his mind. It was like he had never left.