𝐑𝐔𝐋𝐄 𝐓𝐖𝐄𝐋𝐕𝐄 ━━ 𝐭𝐨𝐧𝐲 𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐨𝐳𝐳𝐨

EIGHTEEN | you and i

"Does Gibbs feel the need to argue with every damn person he meets at a crime scene? Or does it come naturally?"

While he talks to the head of the crime scene team, the four of us carry in our bags to the taped-off crime scene, all courtesy of our friends from the FBI.

Tony squints from the sun beaming down on us. "Think it comes from all that caffeine he drinks in the morning. Like an extra shot of bitch."

"Must be what you ordered last night." I grumble quietly, careful as to not alert Kate or McGee.

"You're seriously still upset about last night?" Tony groans in complaint. "It's not my fault the waitress wanted to shove her cleavage in my face, you know."

Nice try, DiNozzo. You're not getting out of this that easily.

"Yet you did nothing to stop her from doing so."

"So what? It's not like you and I are dating."

Ouch.

Gibbs returns in defeat, forfeiting the crime scene to the FBI jerks. "Eva, check with Commander Shields. Have Kate track down the rest of her family."

"With pleasure, sir." I leave Tony with a single expressionless stare.

By the time I approach Commander Shields, it sounds like she's having a conversation with a friend or a significant other.

Something about cha-cha chicken.

I show her my badge as soon as she hangs up her cell.

"N.C.I.S.." Glad to see someone recognizes the name. "So, uh. . .I take it this wasn't an accident?"

"We're not usually ones to jump to conclusions, but given the rather recent threats posed. . ."

She looks off to her right, where her damaged vehicle is being hosed down. "I thought I left that war behind me."

Well, from the way I've seen Gibbs act, war never really leaves you alone.

"My kids could have been in that car." She sinks back, shaking her head in disbelief. "One mistake. One horrible mistake."

"Afghanistan was not your fault, ma'am." But my words fall on deaf ears.

Her tongue clicks against her teeth. "Right or wrong, it's still something I have to live with. And the fog of war just doesn't cut it when you're looking at ten dead civilians."

Her husband arrives and asks some more questions. Fortunately, Kate stops by right on time and answers them for me.

Once we're done with the crime scene and finish delivering Abby everything the FBI gave us, the three of us find ourselves in the Shields' household.

"I would like for everyone to go about their normal lives. . .as much as possible."

The boss' definition of "normal" is much different than the standard meaning.

Gibbs gives Tony a firm nod. "McGee and Kate."

"McGee, Kate, systems check." Tony mutters into the comm. But then he starts snapping his fingers at the camera when the young agent doesn't answer.

When he does receive an answer, he gives Gibbs a thumbs up.

"We will try to keep a low profile, but we need your cooperation." Gibbs paces in front of the family of four. "You see anything suspicious, you tell us."

"I don't believe this." The daughter speaks up. "Can I sleep at Amy's house?" She requests.

However, Gibbs cuts in. "Not a good idea."