A/N: Wow it's been a long time since I've written anything. I would have put this up sooner but I had the flu, and was feeling right miserable. I couldn't stop thinking about this after I re-watched Dagger. Please review and tell me what you think!

Disclaimer: I own no part of NCIS, even though I wish on every star I see.

Gibbs stood out in front of MTAC, leaning on the railing. He watched his agents down below in the squad room. He couldn't ignore how perfect the scene in front of him looked.

Ziva sat at her desk with Amanda, watching the young girl draw.

"Red apples, that's good, Amanda."

Ziva kept her eyes on the child as her partner walked in with a paper bag and a small, steaming cup.

"Breakfast is served, milady," Tony said, setting down the items in front of Amanda. "A chocolate chip cookie and some hot cocoa," he told her as she thanked him softly.

Ziva smiled, putting down the apple she had picked up. "Your aunt will be here shortly to pick you up," she told the girl. Amanda nodded in response.

By that time, Gibbs had made his way down the steps, trying to push the thought of his two agents out of his mind. He had never seen Ziva open up like that before. Ziva acted almost like an older sister to Amanda, not leaving her side the whole day. She had happily obliged when he told her and Tony to look after the girl.

Thinking of Tony, Gibbs ran his hand through his silver hair. The younger man had never been able to connect well with the younger children they had come across on the job. He had always been too cool to play with a child, except for Carson, who was exactly like him. But throughout the day, Tony had made Amanda feel comfortable and carefree.

Gibbs ran his fingers through his hair again and sighed. He would worry about how much his agents had looked like a family with the little girl later. Right now, he had some very unpleasant news to deliver to this smiling child.

Tony straightened up and returned to his desk as his boss appeared behind him. He knew what Gibbs would have to do, and walked back to his desk solemnly.

Amanda spoke to Ziva one last time before joining Gibbs.

"Thanks for helping me with my drawing Ziva."

Ziva smiled sadly at her and nodded. She strode over next to Tony's desk to witness the conversation before her with Tony.

Their hearts broke at the same time as Amanda asked, "Where's Michy?"

Tony's green eyes glanced up to meet Ziva's brown eyes looking back. They both focused back on their boss and the little girl quickly.

Tony's eyes reflected his emotions as Gibbs handed the little girl Michelle Lee's badge. He looked up at his partner to see the same pain mirrored in her eyes. Tears that had been building up during the conversation started to run down her cheeks. DiNozzo looked back at Amanda before bringing his attention back to Ziva. Their eyes met for the briefest moment, then she turned away, back to her desk.

Tony couldn't speak. His partner's reaction caught him off guard. The emotion in her eyes, the tears, for once Tony was able to see over the wall that had shielded her for so long. He couldn't quite remember why this would affect Ziva so much. He knew something was there, from one of their many conversations, but it was just out of his grasp.

All he could manage was one last, troubled stare at Amanda as she examined Lee's badge.

A/N: Just in case anyone was wondering, I do plan on continuing this with at least one more chapter. Feel free to review!