Forever & Always

At Least I Still Have Me

A/N: Rule #12 is to NEVER DATE A CO-WORKER

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*Current Day*

"Okay, what happened next. Aaron broke up with you and you went to D.C. to get your old job back. Did you stay in touch with Jack? Did you stay connected to the team?" Matt was sitting at the edge of his seat.

"Yes, yes, and yes. Jack called me within the week, he planned to call me once a week while he was with his Aunt Jessica. The team gave me two weeks of space even though I said I would reach out first. Penny had hacked into my computer and found out I was with the NCIS." Lena noted the last part, eyeing Penelope.

"Yeah, I actually had to call her regarding a case. A few of us did that every once in a while when we were stuck on a case." Spencer said.

"It was our little secret." Lena smiled.

"So you still helped on the cases?" Matt raised an eyebrow.

"You did?" Aaron crossed his arms and looked around the room at the team.

"Every now and then, it wasn't anything special!" Lena defended.

"Lena, you totally solved that case with the sleepwalker!" Penelope laughed and smiled.

"Penny! What about our little secret don't you understand?" Lena's eyes widened.

Penelope shrinks into her chair trying to avoid Lena's gaze.

"When did you see everyone again?" Matt asked.

"About five months after I left. I got a phone call from Em." Lena perked up.

"Aaron too?" Matt questioned.

Aaron shook his head saying no, but Lena nodded...

"Yeah, Aaron too." She had mixed emotions looking back at the memory.

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*Time Travel*

I woke up with another headache, I have been having flashbacks ever since I left. Five months with little to no sleep does something to a person. My flashbacks would range from childhood to laughing with Aaron, to the bomb, and to those words "It's time to end this." Sleep was torturous some nights. I felt like I was running through circles, maybe in another life things would have worked out. I'm just not meant to be in a relationship. I have casually dated plenty, but I've only had one serious relationship. It just wasn't meant for me, it caused more harm than good. A least I still have me. 

I rolled out of bed to get ready for work, I turned on my shower and as it warmed up I started a pot of coffee. Gibbs had started me back on my coffee addiction, I was so grateful for him. He and the team welcomed me back with open arms.

I hop into the shower and wash away my stress. Stepping out I slip on my robe, head to the kitchen, and add cream to my coffee. I moved up to D.C and purchased an already furnished apartment. I would eventually have to pack up the house in Virginia, I'm just not ready yet.

I head into the office with my grey plaid body con dress, a maroon cardigan, and a black belt to cinch the two together. Of course, my go to beige heels were being sported too. I put my bags down on my desk, which was between Mcgee's and Ziva's. Five months flew by so fast, it felt like I just started working here yesterday. As soon as I sit down my cell phone rings.

"Agent Evergreen."

"Sassy! Lena!" Morgan and Prentiss shout into the phone.

"How are you two so awake right now?" I pull the phone away from my ear.