Thanks to everyone who reviewed!
Zakia (my NCIS-obsessed cowriter) and I are grateful.


Tony stepped out of the elevator and walked into the bullpen. McGee was sitting at his desk, typing away furiously on his keyboard. He dumped his bag under his desk and dropped his SIG and ID into the top drawer. Tony saw no point in saying 'good morning' to McGee. There was a major possibility he wouldn't reply, and it was not a good morning. It never was. Not for the past six months.

"Where's Gibbs?" he asked instead

"Director's office." McGee replied, not taking his eyes off the computer screen.

Tony was surprised he didn't require glasses, considering the amount of time he spent glued to a screen all day. The thought of McGee with glasses almost made Tony smile. He then saw Gibbs walking down the stairs that led to the upper level, including Director Vance's office and MTAC. He had a bag, only just small enough not to qualify as a hike pack, slung over his shoulder. He walked quickly and looked as if he was in a hurry to get somewhere. He walked straight past Tony, not acknowledging his presence, and straight to his desk opposite McGee's. He retrieved his gun and ID from the drawer and clipped them both to his waistband, as well as a few extra objects that he packed into the bag.

"Morning Boss. Do we have a case? Should we be packing a toothbrush?" Tony decided to be straight with his question. Out of the corner of his eye, he saw McGee look up.

"You're not going anywhere, DiNozzo. Nor you, McGee." Gibbs replied, looking at both agents

"Then why do you look like you're about to go on an incredible mission?" Tony retorted, his voice containing the slightest hint of sarcasm

"I said you're not going, DiNozzo. Doesn't mean I'm not."

His statement made Tony all the more curious. Gibbs was going somewhere without him or McGee. He had looked ready to leave for weeks now. Tony had to know what was going on, if he could help.

"Boss, what's going on?" McGee asked, the worry evident in his voice

"I got a call from Ziva."

Tony's jaw dropped. She hadn't replied to his calls or e-mail, and yet, she managed to call Gibbs?

"Is she okay? Does she want to come back to NCIS?" Tony said hopefully

"She's in trouble, DiNozzo. She was sent on a mission, it didn't go according to plan. He cover was blown."

"What are you going to do?" McGee asked

"Save her." Gibbs answered simply

Tony was stunned. Ziva never needed saving, never. Countless questions ran through his head. How much trouble could she be in? Was she injured? Where was she? What kind of mission was she on? Although he didn't know the answer to any of them, he could tell that they weren't pleasant.

"I'm coming with you, Boss." he spoke without thinking.

He had to help Ziva. She may hate him at the moment, but he couldn't help but think that this was all his fault.

Without waiting for a reply from Gibbs, he began gathering his things. Holstering his weapon and tucking his badge into his jacket pocket.

"You're not coming DiNozzo. I need my Senior Agent to take care of things back here." Gibbs' voice was stern, but caring.

"But-" Tony wasn't taking no for an answer

"No buts, DiNozzo." He cut him off, "I need you here. Besides, I owe Ziva."

Gibbs walked off, leaving Tony and McGee wondering. What did he mean when he said he owed her? It was a question that would have to wait.


I'll update again tomorrow, or sooner if I'm in a good mood.
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