Chapter 4: Three months later

The guys had kept themselves busy and injury-free while Kensi was on assignment. Harley filled in for Kensi and the guys were more impressed with her every day. They texted weekly with Kensi to see how things were going and to find out when she was coming home. Callen couldn't stop thinking about her (as an agent and to be honest, the girl he was in love with). He berated himself for not acting sooner on his feelings.

One day on the way into work, Sam noticed Callen wasn't quite paying attention to what he was saying. While Callen was lost in thought about Kensi, Sam tried to get his attention. "G... Callen... yo man, what's up?"

"Nothing, just thinking."

"Nothing? I don't buy it."

"Sam, let it go."

"G, you've been antsy ever since Kensi left. It's more than your usual self. Did something happen between you two that I should know about?"

"What, I'm just worried about her."

"We all are but she's tough, she can handle it. Are you sure that's it?"

"Yeah. Just let it go alright?"

Sam didn't seem convinced but dropped the subject as they arrived at the hacienda.

Deeks started seeing someone and couldn't wait to introduce her to everyone, especially Kensi. Deeks had texted Kensi after his first date, so discussing it wasn't awkward and she supported him fully. Even Callen and Sam offered their support and gave Deeks grief, of course.

—•—•—•—•—•—•—•—•—•—•—•—•—•—•—•—•—•—•—•—•—•—•—•—•—•—•—•—•

One morning Callen and Sam entered the bullpen but were immediately called to OPS before they could sit. Running up, they found Deeks, Nell, Eric, Harley, Mosely and Director Vance via videoconference waiting for their arrival.

Director Vance "Gentlemen. Mr. Beale, play the video." Before either could respond, an explosion spread across the screen.

"Eric, what are we looking at? Eric hesitated to respond. Sensing this, Sam repeated Callen's question. Once Deeks asked the same question, Eric finally came out of his daze. "The explosion was at another NCIS location two days ago.. specifically the one in Portugal. No word on injuries and no one has located Kensi."

"Agents Gibbs and Torres have gone to Portugal to locate Agent Blye and assist with the rescue and recovery efforts. We won't rest until Agent Blye has been rescued or her remains recovered."

Callen interrupted "With all due respect sir, Kensi is not dead. Please do not speak about her that way until we know all the facts. I'll be on the next flight to Lisbon."

"You will do no such thing, Callen. You disobeyed me before by going after Hetty in Romania. Agent Gibbs will let us know if and when he finds Agent Blye, understood? As far as speaking about her as if she has died, I don't want to think of her that way either but just being realistic. I'll keep you informed."

"Guys, as much as I want to send you to Portugal, the Director is right. This office is still under scrutiny ever since the Mole incident. I don't want to bring any unnecessary additional attention."

Callen bolted from OPS, wanting to hit or shoot something. His girl was missing and he couldn't do a damn thing about it. Sam followed him and asked what was going on. "G, what the hell was that about? We all care about Kensi, but what aren't you telling me?

"I love her, Sam... and not as a partner or sibling. She can't be dead... I need her."

"Gibbs and Torres will find her and bring her home. I know you trust Gibbs, so let him do his job." "I know, Sam. It scares me that we're just now hearing about this and there's no word on Kensi. She was supposed to be done with the assignment and on her way back home. I'm not ready to lose her."