Chapter 8

1 year after the accident…

The sun wasn't shining that day. Gibbs had parked his car and walked out onto the beach. The sand stung against his ankles and the droplets of ocean water danced across his face. The shrine he and Team Gibbs had constructed for their fallen friend had long since been buried in sand; Gibbs walked over to where it was and pushed all the sand away from it. He then laid a single flower by the cross.

Gibbs started to walk out towards the ocean. He then removed his shoes and socks and placed them both carefully in his hand. He stared out onto the barren, gray sea and sat down to face it.

"Well I guess this is it," Gibbs said to the deceased. "I miss you…I wish you hadn't drowned, the team misses you."

"Well tell them," a voice from behind Gibbs said, Gibbs jumped for the beach was deserted but for him and turned around to see who had spoken. "To stop worrying…"

"Oh it's you," Gibbs said to the deceased. "I figured you'd make an appearance, so how's life been for you…or rather death?"

"It's been ok," the deceased said. "I mean I guess it could be better…I did drown after all."

"Yeah I know," Gibbs chuckled. "So I suppose if anyone was on the beach right now they'd think I'm nuts seeing as if I'm talking to a ghost right now?"

"That's why I came now," the deceased replied with a smile. "I knew no one would come out to the beach before a storm, well…no person but you."

"You know me too well," Gibbs laughed. "Well anyone you know in heaven?"

"Oh I know a few people," the deceased replied. "I certainly haven't seen them in a long time…not since I left them."

"Well I'm sure their happy to see you?" Gibbs asked.

"Ecstatic," the deceased replied. "Well either way, I wish you could've been there before I drowned, you know how to operate a boat, maybe you could've been there to steer us in?"

"Well then neither of us would be sitting here right now," Gibbs stated. "We'd both be in heaven."

"Au contraire," the deceased smirked. "I know for a fact we'd both be alive."

"Either way…" Gibbs shrugged.

"Well," the deceased looked out upon the ocean. "I must go, and so must you before the storm comes."

"I know…" Gibbs stood up as did the deceased, the pair turned to face each other.

"Gibbs," the deceased smiled a very familiar smile. "It was the best years of my life working for you…and I know one day we'll meet again…perhaps the same time next year?"

"Of course," Gibbs smirked. "You know I'll be here, every year without fail."

"Well then," the deceased replied with a nod. "Goodbye Gibbs…see you next year."

The deceased walked off with his hands in his pockets and a smile on his mug. He looked around a few times before finally after being off in the distance for only a little while he disappeared.

Gibbs smiled with content knowing that his agent was in a better place for many years to come.

"Until next year," Gibbs smiled. "Tony…"

Ah well now you know who died, this is the end…hope you all enjoyed!