Calling Home

A/N: The italics in each section are supposed to be read as a continued thought.

Summary: It's been just over a month since Gibbs retired and went to Mexico, and it's clear that his former team is struggling. As Jen keeps the agency running, Gibbs' former team is spiraling. Tony is withdrawn, McGee is developing a nasty anger problem, and neither Ziva nor Kate talk to the other during work hours. Maybe it was Abby she should've noticed first. Barely any music, double her Caf-Pow intake, Gibbs' face as her screensaver. Either they would break first or she would, but one way or the other, she'd get to the bottom of this.

Pairings: Tony/Abby, Ziva/Kate, Jenny/Abby, Gibbs/Jenny/Abby

She missed him so much.

Tony wrapped his arms around her waist, pulling her closer with a groan, and she willingly accepted his mouth, pushing him against the bed.

She wanted him home.

They disposed of their clothes quickly, and he sunk inside her. A moan slipped out of her throat, and she grabbed onto his shoulders as they fucked. She focused on her release, rocking in time with his thrusts.

He'd given her his number in case of emergencies.

Their mouths met sloppily. God, she was so close.

Did this count?

"Cum for me, Abbs," Tony growled in her ear.

Gibbs...

"Tony!"

Later, as Tony was getting a shower, she slipped out of the hotel room and headed home.

It should be a crime to miss someone so much.

Kate pulled her closer, and she willingly fell into her arms, letting the shorter brunette stroke her back. She tried to control her breathing, inhaling in her lover's scent. It had started not long after he'd left.

He brought something that no one could replace.

One kiss turned into two, and that into making out, and not long after they'd made their way to bed. It'd been going on for over a month, but they couldn't stop.

If he came back, they'd stop.

"We can't keep doing this," she muttered.

"I know," Kate answered.

That was a lie.

It wasn't supposed to be like this.

He tossed back another shot, feeling it burn on the way down. He sat in his living room, the bottle of bourbon in one hand, the shot glass in the other. It was late, and his blurry eyes told him it was close to 3 am. At least they weren't on call this weekend.

He'd kept everyone together, and now it felt like everything was falling apart.

He took another shot, wishing things were different. God, he shouldn't have left them...

They needed him, damn it.

The shattering of glass gives him pause. When had he thrown the shot glass? He ignores the broken glass, bringing the bottle to his lips. Maybe he'd wake up with enough regret to put it down tomorrow night.

Fat chance of that happening.

Abby has my number if you need anything.

Jennifer Shepard sighed softly, leaning back in her chair as she closed her eyes. Long nights in the office weren't doing anything for her exhaustion, but her job as Director was never done.

She won't use it, so make sure Tony doesn't do something stupid.

She frowned thoughtfully.

Ziva needs to know she's not alone. She has a family who loves her.

"Your family needs you here, Jethro..."

Make sure Kate keeps the boys in line. Tony may lead the team but Kate can still head slap him.

She'd considered getting his number just to call him, ask how he was. Beg him to come back. But damn it, she was too strong-willed for that. She had to let him go. He'd come back when he was ready.

Don't let Tim get himself down. He's a good agent.

He had a few more months left before she'd officially have to file his retirement.

Semper Fi, Jen.

She wiped at the tear that rolled down her cheek, a whimsical smile slipping onto her face.

"You're a bastard, Gibbs."