A/N: Sick day? Make it a writing day. That's what I'm doing at least. So if it's confusing blame the head cold.
Disclaimer: NCIS is definitely not mine. The characters would not have as unique a personality. The cases would also be dry and boring.
Running
It's a chilly February morning. Her breath comes in visible puffs in front of her as she runs. The route is familiar, comforting even. There are parts of it she has been running since she came to America 6 years ago. The places remind her of people and past hopes. She still wears the orange cap Roy gave her when she needs to remember what life is worth living for.
Ending it all has crossed her mind, but only when there had been no other option. Of course, at the time that option didn't exist. She shakes her head to stop the thoughts that linger there. Last night had been one of the worst since she was rescued. She has found that running is the best way to clear her mind of unwanted thoughts.
The sun begins its trip through the sky when she reaches her fourth mile. Today, the MCRT is on call; it's the first Saturday they can pretend to have off in more than a month. Gibbs has been working them harder than usual. To just be on call is a foreign concept lately. She has seen the walls of NCIS more than her own home as of late. In fact, two nights ago, she slept in Abby's lab after being awake for 36 hours.
At one of the many corners she comes across, an idea strikes her. She turns left instead of continuing straight for another four blocks, making two right turns, and running the four miles back to her apartment. It's only five miles out of the city. Granted it's another two to his place, but she's feeling adventurous this morning. It's not like she can't use the last mile as a cool down walk. There are plenty of stores along the route she can stop in if she really needs anything. It's rare she goes anywhere without a few dollars tucked in her shoe.
As the city begins to dwindle around her, she starts to tire. She's already pushed her body past the norm. Her doctors continue to tell her they are impressed she has recovered this much. In all of their best scenarios, two miles would have been her best. In only a few did she actually get the opportunity to go back to NCIS. Their initial 'best case scenario' she lived out her days on desk duty. Active duty had been out of the question. Only, she knew that her muscles had atrophied and with time she would recover all of her previous flexibility and strength, but it takes time to build stamina to what it once was.
She pushes herself as far as she can go. She finally stops running when she reaches his door.