DISCLAIMER: I DON'T OWN, NO MONEY MADE!

A/N: Other chapters are already in the works, so I think I'll be able to update faster with this story than any of my other ones. Once again, reviews will be wonderful!! Press that review button! Enjoy the story!

I didn't know why you didn't show up sometimes

On Sunday mornings and "I missed you"

But I'm glad we talked through

River DiNozzo sat down heavily on the bench after a particularly grueling football practice session. He was honestly sore all over, the result of being the target of many hard tackles. But then again, it was not unexpected to find himself in this situation seeing as how is he is a wide receiver. Nonetheless, he was glad that it was break time.

A phone call interrupted his moment of relaxation. He dug out his cell phone from his bag and smiled as he saw the caller ID. It was Aunt Jenny.

"Hey Aunt Jen, what's up? Everything okay? Dad told me that he and Aunt Ziva are doing security detail for you."

River had been told of the possible threat present at the funeral Aunt Jenny was suppose to be attending, and he would be lying if he said that he wasn't worried about her safety.

"Don't worry, I'm fine. I just wanted to check up on my favorite person. I know the others have been keeping you updated but I figured that a call from me will probably soothe your nerves better. How am I doing so far?"

River could hear the smile she probably has on her face as he chuckled in reply, "Just peachy Aunt Jen."

"Probably shouldn't keep you away too long, you and those football practices. Stay safe kiddo."

"Yeah probably…" River agreed before adding, "Oh don't forget Movie Night is tonight, you're bringing the popcorn."

There was a pause in the next few seconds before Aunt Jenny's voice came back on again, but this time, it was as if something had changed in her voice. River frowned a little as he couldn't figure out why the subtle change had unsettled him.

"Right, of course." Aunt Jen had replied, "I'll be sure to bring lots of popcorn. I love you buddy, you know I'm very proud of you right?"

Not wanting Aunt Jen to worry since she had an assignment ahead, River answered back as if he hadn't notice the change in the air, "Sure I do Aunt Jen. And I love you too, never forget that got it?"

"Got it Trooper." Aunt Jen spoke affectionately as she used River's nickname, "Be Good for me okay?"

"I will."

And then the conversation was over as River heard the phone click. But the ominous feeling he had felt when he heard the change in Aunt Jen's voice didn't seem to want to go away. In fact, his gut was now twisting and turning as if trying to tell him that something was going to go wrong.

Hearing the whistle signaling the return to practice, River decided to ignore the feeling in his gut, even though his gut had always been accurate at sensing things about to go wrong. But Aunt Jenny was only attending a simple funeral, what could possibly go wrong with Dad and Aunt Ziva protecting her?

With his decision made, River ran back to join the practice and soon was so immersed in the training that he forgotten his feelings of dread.

But when he finally returned to the NCIS headquarter that day after his practice, River Anthony DiNozzo would learn horrible news that will shatter his world. And never again will he ever ignore his gut instinct.