Ok, so I was asked to split it up into chapters, I know, it was a bit long. So I did… then, as I was reading through it, I felt like adding more (mostly because I was bored, but I got some ideas while working on the sequel that wouldn't fit into the sequel because, well they won't). It worked out to an extra 4-5 pages, so if you've read it before, please re-read if you've got the time.

So, sequel coming "soon'ish". If you've got any ideas, let me know…. I've got about half a story, but I'm having issues. I could use a few ideas, if you please…

I'm also looking for other story ideas… a big fan of Gabby and then TIVA … I'm likely to consider stories along those lines first.

Disclaimer: As much as I close my eyes and wish for it, I don't own the characters, or the actors that play them, just Alex. So don't sue. If CBS or Mr. B would like to use Alex, I'm fairly certain we could figure something out.

Rated: T… things get a little 'frisky', but not really graphic, so I wouldn't really rate it M. I apologize if you disagree.

I love reviews, but I don't beg. So if you don't feel like reviewing, then just lurk (I know you're there and not reviewing), but if you do review I'll reply if you have more than just "good story" or "shitty story" to say.

---

The day was slow, painfully slow. Alex had spent a greater part of her morning playing Tetris, comparing her top score with Tony, who was situated comfortably at his desk diagonally across the bullpen. Tony has eventually become bored, probably due to the fact that he just couldn't keep up, his top score falling further and further behind his fellow agent. He had since moved on to a different game of sorts, fitting the faces of his co-workers into funny photos. His favorite was McGee as a grandmother knitting. Either that or it was Ziva as one of the Victoria's Secret models. He couldn't decide.

Ziva sat quietly at her desk across from Tony, cleaning her gun. It cleared her mind, she had once said.

McGee was situated at his desk with a small smile on his face. He was IMing with Abby, chatting about nothing in particular, but the image of her bouncing around her lab had always put a smile on his face.

The elevator dinged and as a habit McGee minimized his chat window with Abby, Tony popped open a case file, albeit upside-down, and Ziva sat up a little straighter as Gibbs walked out of the elevator, coffee in hand, towards his desk. The agents sat silently, all thinking the same thing, can't we just go home?

Alex paused her game looked up and smiled, "Hey Gibbs! Guess my new top score on Tetris. I freakin' rock!"

Gibbs paused before sitting down at his desk and swiveling his chair to face Alex. "Lex, I thought I told you to get that game off your computer last week"

His reply was stern, but Gibbs calling her 'Lex' was a sign that although he sounded irritated, she could probably get away with whatever she was up too. She raised her eyebrows in protest and then laughed as if her boss had been joking, "but Giiiiibbs, if I deleted it off my computer, I'd lose my top score. I've been working on my top score since I started working here. I should get a medal or something. I could be a professional Tetris player."

His eyes flashed a smile, but his mouth didn't and he turned to face his own computer, "You let me know how that goes for you. And let me know when it pays your bills, so I can fire you".

"Yes Sir"

Gibbs glared in her direction.

"Right, don't call you sir"

Gibbs held is stern look.

"Right, only better my score during lunch break or when I'm bored shit-less like right now" Alex turned her attention back to her game, ignoring the lasers pointed in her direction via Gibbs eyes.

Fifteen minutes later, Gibbs placed the phone back in its cradle. "We got a case, boss?" Tony asked, his hand ready to grab his gun and badge. "No, that was the director. Go home, we're done for the day".

Tony jumped up, "Really? We get to leave an hour early? Oh Boss, do you know how much this means to me? I can make it to Georges before the start of the Ohio state gam— "Tony was cut off by the elevator doors closing in front of him.

McGee shut down his computer and hurried to gather his things before Gibbs could change his mind. Ziva put her gun back together and picked up her coat. "Alex, I will double check with Abby about tonight. But otherwise I will see you at seven your place tonight, yes?"

Alex looked up and smiled, "Yup, lady date is still on. I talked to Abby twenty minutes ago, she's bringing wine. You bring dessert and I'll have dinner ready"

Both Gibbs and McGee watched the exchange between the two women "Lady date?" they asked in unison.

"Yeah, Lady dates. It's our girl's night. Good food, good drink and good friends. It's where we get to talk about the boys" Abby answered walking around the corner.

"Y… You talk about us?" McGee asked, turning a slight shade of red "what kind of stuff?"

Abby grinned widely, "Yeah, like how big…." She gave McGee a seductive look and laughed "how big… Gibbs boat is and how to get it out of his basement". Alex stood next to Abby and they both burst out in giggles at the embarrassment that flashed across McGee's face.

Gibbs watched with a smirk on his face. He stood up and grabbed his jacket. He placed a kiss lightly on Abby's temple and then the same on Alex. He passed Ziva and squeezed her shoulder. "McGee" he called out over his shoulder "Keep your mind out of the gutter. This is work place"

"Oh Timmy" Abby sighed. "Anyway, see you girls later tonight"

"Are you leaving now, Alex? I will follow you out." Ziva said motioning towards the door.

Alex and Ziva rode in the elevator with Gibbs "So what do you women really have to say during your, um, dates?"

"Gibbs, I wouldn't take you to be interested in what us women have to say" Alex said, smirking.

"You do not believe we sit and contemplate ways to remove the boat from your basement?" Ziva questioned.

"Oh, I believe you. I would just like to know when you come up with an idea"

"Right, Gibbs. We'll let you know. You won't go down stairs to find your boat missing one day. We'll fill you in first"

"I'd appreciate that"

Alex waved one last time across the parking garage as she tossed her purse into the passenger seat of her car. She slid gracefully into the driver seat and shut the door. She paused before starting the car. Every time she got into her car, her heart fluttered a little. It had been a present from her late boyfriend; a 'Lexus for his Lexus'. He has said he had picked silver because it was flashy, just like her.

**Flashback/

"Lexus" Chris flashed a big smile. Lexus was her nickname.

Alex stood on her tiptoes and kissed him "What's with the big smile?"

"I bought you something. Go look outside"

Alex rushed to the living room window. Her jaw nearly hit the floor when she saw the silver car. She whipped around and grinned widely at Chris before running out the door. Chris found her jumping up and down and then hugging the car. He dropped the keys into her hand "a Lexus for my Lexus" he whispered into her hair.

They buckled up and went for a drive around the neighborhood. Before turning back they switched positions so she could fiddle with the radio, programming the stations and push all the other buttons and navigation system. "What's this for?" Alex asked. Before Chris could answer "Wait. You didn't cheat on me, did you?"

Chris let out a laugh, "No Lexus, I didn't cheat on you"

"Then what is this for, this wasn't cheap!"

"It's for this!" Chris pointed to the neighborhood they drove around in. "It's for leaving your family and friends and moving across the country to be close to me before I leave for a while".

"I love it" Alex whispered, a look of sadness in her eyes. She had given up everything. She knew he'd be going off to Afghanistan soon, but thought that if she were here close to his base, she would get updates quicker. She was trying to get a job with one of the government agencies.

She watched Chris as he drove home. She loved him with all her heart.

/Flashback**

She inhaled deeply and turned the key in the ignition.

---

Dinner for their 'Lady date' was always the same, chicken nachos. It was simple and quick and they made a huge plate, put it in the middle of the table and all picked from the same plate. It had started by ordering nachos to-go from a local Mexican restaurant, but it had turned into their own delicious creation.

Dropping her bag by the front door she headed directly to the bathroom. She had plenty of time before her friends were due to arrive, plenty of time for a nice bath.

Filling the bathtub with hot water and her favorite bath oil, she stripped down and dipped a toe into the water. Slowly sliding her body into the water and closed her eyes. She sighed. If her body was tired, her mind was exhausted. She figured it was the time of year and in a few weeks she'd be able to move on. She had been thinking of Chris a lot lately. It had nearly been a year since he had died. She tried to move her mind to something else. The only other thing in her life was work. NCIS. A small smile formed on her lips. She was dating her job and she was ok with that. She thought back to her first day on the job. It had been just over two and a half years ago, just after Kate was hired. Chris hadn't left yet for Afghanistan, but he was increasingly busier and she needed a job that would keep her busy.

**Flashback/

After signing her contract with the director, he brought her directly to Gibbs. "This is special agent Alexis Evans. She's new on your team. Make sure either Tony or Kate shows her around and introduces her to everyone else"

"Alexis is so stuffy, call me Alex" Alex stuck out her hand. Gibbs eyed her hand for a moment and returned his gaze to the file he was reading.

"Gibbs. Special Agent Gibbs"

Unfazed by the lack of a handshake Alex perched on the edge of his desk and leaned in "So, does Gibbs have a first name, or is it really 'special agent'?"

Tony gasped and Kate's eyes darted up from the computer screen.

Gibbs looked up and raised an eyebrow. Did she really just sit on his desk? He was shocked, but didn't let it show on his face. He was slightly impressed. She was confident, he would give her that. 'We'll see how long it lasts', he thought. "Leroy. Leroy Jethro Gibbs" He growled.

"I thought so" Gibbs again raised an eyebrow at her response "I mean, your parents would have to be pretty damn confident to actually name you 'special agent'. Anyway, Gibbs it is. You don't really seem like a 'Leroy', an LJ maybe" she wanted to laugh at the expression on his face; she saw nothing but irritation and annoyance in his eyes. Without dropping their eye contact she continued "buuut, I think I'll stick with Gibbs".

Tony and Kate both jumped up to interfere "We'll take her on the tour, Boss"

"No"

Both Tony and Kate slowly sat back down.

"No. I'll take her" Gibbs was still processing this newbie on his team. "Elevator" he nodded to Alex. She stopped as she passed Kate's desk. "Alex" she introduced herself holding out her hand.

"Kate" Kate accepted her hand and smiled "Nice to meet you. Welcome"

Next Alex turned to Tony as Gibbs passed her, walking towards the elevator. Again holding her hand out to shake Tony's hand, "Alex"

"T… Tony" Tony stuttered. Alex smiled and he was in awe. Not because she was pretty, because she was, gorgeous even, but her confidence towards his Boss was what impressed him most. Tony estimated she was 5'6" -5'7" and 129lbs. She had pale skin, much like Abby and dark brown hair like Kate. Her hair wasn't curly, but it wasn't straight either. It fell to between her shoulder blades and her long bangs fell to the right side of her face. And where Abby's pale skin was contrasted by dark make up, Alex's face was clear. Tony squinted. Ok, maybe she had some mascara and lip gloss. And a little blush. But he couldn't be sure.

"Evans. Elevator" Gibbs said in a low tone. If it had been directed at Tony, he would've expected a head slap.

"Alex" She corrected. She turned to smile again at Tony, amused by the fact that his eyes were ten times wider after she had corrected the boss. "Blink Tony, I'd hate for your eyeballs to dry out" she called as she stepped into the elevator with Gibbs.

"She…. Did she? Did she just correct Gibbs?" Kate asked as Tony joined her in staring at the closed elevator doors.

Tony shook his head. "It's too bad. She was a beauty. Five bucks says she doesn't make it out of the elevator alive"

Inside the elevator Alex had to hold a finger to her lips to keep from laughing. Were Tony and Kate really so scared of Gibbs? Sure Gibbs was confident, he was a leader and leaders should be respected, but she had seen fear on their faces when she sat on his desk. As the elevator started to move down, Gibbs reached out and flipped the emergency stop switch.

Alex half expected him to yell at her, but instead he calmly asked "tell me about you".

"Uh, Not that I'm uncomfortable, but do you really need to lock me in an elevator to ask me that?"

When her question wasn't granted a reply, but rather a pair of blue eyes holding a cold gaze she continued. "I guess so. Let's see" she drummed her fingers on her lips as she thought. "I'm originally from Seattle; I moved here with my boyfriend, he's a Marine". Gibbs eyes soften at the mention of her boyfriend being a Marine, but he remained silent, letting her continue. "I don't really have experience as an agent, but I'm smart and a quick learner. And I can shoot a gun. I'm like, I dunno, Robin Hood or something; I just use a gun rather than a bow and arrow. And I don't steal from the rich, but I do try and give to the poor. You know, like donate to my favorite charity and stuff. I guess I'm not a guy either and I don't live in the woods, so maybe I'm not like Robin Hood, but you know in the Disney movie where he's in the archery contest and…"

Oh great, a chatter box like Abby and a movie buff like DiNozzo. I don't need this, Gibbs thought. "Moving on…" He interrupted.

"Right, anyway. So here I am, my boyfriend will be leaving for Afghanistan soon" she trailed off. For the first time since he had seen her she looked down towards the floor and shifted uneasily as she spoke. Gibbs suddenly felt uncomfortable, though he didn't show it. It wasn't his intention to make her sad, just exert his authority.

"Anything else?" He asked.

"Being from Seattle, I'm addicted to caffeine" a smiled return to her face. He nodded, not quite smiling. "But, Seattle is home of Starbucks. So I'm a coffee snob. I mean, I'll drink black coffee if I have too, but I'm all about a grande, non-fat, caramel sauce mocha. I'm pretty sure the stuff runs through my veins."

'She seems vivacious, I like it'. Gibbs thought to himself as he flipped the emergency switch and sent the elevator back in motion. "I think you'll get along nicely with our forensic scientist".

Alex pulled herself together and reached across Gibbs stopped the elevator. "And you?"

Gibbs was taken aback "Excuse me?"

"I gave you the mini-version of my life. What's yours?"

Gibbs continued the elevator down to Abby's lab. "I'm your boss" The doors open and he stepped out. Gibbs led her towards Abby's lab. With a WHOOSH the doors slid open and before Gibbs could say anything Abby was standing in front of Alex, eyeing her cautiously.

"Hey Abbs" Gibbs demeanor softened "This is Alexis, er… Alex Evans. The new agent" He didn't need to be corrected again. He would save 'Alexis' for when she was in trouble. He knew she would be at some point.

Abby shifted uncomfortably.

"What's wrong, Abbs?"

Abby nodded towards the door "I'm waiting for you to leave, Gibbs. So I can get to know her".

Gibbs took a step back and looked from the new agent to the scientist. It must be a woman thing. He didn't understand, but he didn't really want to either. As soon as the door closed behind him and Abby watched him disappear on the elevator she turned to Alex and smiled. Before Alex had a clue of what was happening, Abby had her arms around Alex and was talking 90 miles a minute. "Oh My God! I got a text from Tony. He wasn't sure you'd make it out of the elevator alive! I heard you corrected Gibbs and you sat on his desk and oh my god, you are like super woman. Are you? It took me forever to stick up to Gibbs. Well, except for when it came to my forensics, because THAT is something not to be messed with..."

"Are those blood cells?" Alex interrupted, pointing to a large print on the wall.

Abby gasped, "Yes!"

/Flashback **

The hot water was now tepid. Alex smiled. Yes, it had been a blood cell. After that Abby had declared that they were soul sisters.

---

Slowly pulling herself out of the lukewarm water, Alex dried herself off and with the towel tied securely around herself, she made her way to the bedroom. Once she dressed and pulled her wet hair into a high ponytail, she went back to the kitchen and brought out wine glasses and napkins. With forty minutes before her friends were due to arrive, Alex curled up on the sofa and flipped mindlessly through the channels.

She hated sitting on the sofa alone. It wasn't until sitting alone on the oversized sofa that she felt most alone. At other times, when she felt alone she could trick herself into believing that her loved one was in another room, still at work, or getting groceries. But curled up on the sofa, no one to cuddle up to, it pulled at her heart.

"A year, Chris. It's nearly been a year." Alex sighed. The TV faded out and Alex was transported back into a memory she'd rather not relive; one she had spent so much time trying not to relive.

**Flashback/

The team was in the middle of a case. They had caught the bastard who killed Petty Officer Levin, but were still working on the proof they needed to lock him away for good.

"Probie-licious, you got anything yet?" Tony whispered to McGee.

McGee set his file down and looked over at Tony "Tony, for the last time when I have something you'll know about it. And why don't you call 'her' probie" McGee nodded towards Alex "She started just before me".

Alex didn't look up from the computer screen, but answered before Tony had a choice "because McWants-to-know, half the fun is the fact that you get your underwear in a bundle every time he says it. That and it's his little pet name for you. He loves you. Also, as you pointed out, I started just BEFORE you, not after. Therefore, probie, you are probie and I am… a Goddess."

"That's enough" Gibbs stern voice echoed throughout the bullpen.

Alex winked at Tony before standing and stretching. "Bathroom" she called out to no one in particular, and made her way to the ladies room.

Returning from the bathroom she wadded up a tissue and tossed it in Tony's face. Kate reached out and grabbed hold of Alex's arm to admire her hand. "I can't believe he proposed while he was home. I just love the ring"

Alex squealed with delight. "I know!" I can't wait to start planning the wedding. And just double, er, triple checking that you'll be a bridesmaid?"

"Of course!" Kate stood and hugged her friend over the desk. Tony rolled his eyes.

Gibbs resisted the urge to shout. He remembered the excitement of being engaged to Shannon. "Will you be planning the menu next, or can you get back to work now?"

"Silly Gibbs" Alex chided, moving from Kate's desk to his "We've already got it figured out. We're thinking cheetos for an appetizer"

"Wouldn't know what a cheeto is, Lex"

"Oh Gibbs, you are no fun. I'll bring you cheetos some day. And Tony before you ask, yes, I was kidding. About the cheetos at the wedding, don't worry boss, I'll bring you cheetos one day"

The cell phone on her desk started to ring. Alex stopped in front of her desk and looked at the caller ID. Rose. Rose Duncan, she smiled. It was her future mother-in-law. It had been two weeks since Chris had left again. The first time he had been away for a year. Then he was home for a short three weeks before leaving for Afghanistan again. This time he would be away for six months. She hadn't spoken to Rose since Chris had left. It wasn't unusual, but she was sure Rose would be calling more often. She figured wedding plans would do that to a future mother-in-law.

"Rose" she greeted warmly.

Alexis?

Alex heart froze at the sadness in her voice. "What is it Rose?" The rest of the team couldn't hear the other side of the conversation, but watched Alex tense.

He's gone, Alexis. He's gone

"How? When? Wait, what?"

A week ago, there was an explosion. They say he didn't feel anything. It was quick

Alex was silent.

Honey, you still there?

"Yes. The service? I can catch a flight tonight" Alex didn't know what else to ask.

I'm sorry honey, it was this morning. Just a few people. I found out a few days ago, I… I just haven't been able to call. I'm so sorry. I had to get it over with, and I couldn't wait for you to get out here. I'm so sorry Alex felt herself crumble slowly to the ground, unaware of whose wrapped their arms around her to break her fall.

She opened her eyes and saw a bright light shining down in her eyes. "Oh Alexis, my dear. Jethro finished your phone call. I'm so sorry" Ducky placed a hand over hers.

Alex sat up. She was alone with Dr. Mallard, resting on one of his autopsy tables. "Ducky, what am I going to do?"

"Survive, my dear. You will make it through this. You are a strong, young woman. It will be hard, but you have a family here in NCIS, and we are all here for you. Day or night. My door is open if you need a place to stay" Ducky wrapped his arms around her in a tight hug "I'm here for you, my dear. We're all here for you"

Alex shook her head "I need to be at home, but thank you for your kind offer". Alex swallowed against the lump in her throat. She didn't need to break down until she was home. Slowly she swung her legs off the table and made her way to the elevator.

Alex held her head up high as she exited the elevator and made her way to her desk. The team watched with pain in their eyes. She gathered up her things and then turned to Gibbs "I'm going home for the day. I'll be back to-

Gibbs cut her off and stepped in front of her "You'll take two weeks off, and we'll take it from there. I will drive you home".

Alex leaned against Gibbs chest allowing the warmth of his body heat warm her. She had the chills, likely from the shock of the news. The rest of the team was around her within seconds. For a brief moment she felt safe, loved and content. One by one they started to pull back from the group hug and her dark and dreary world returned.

"No. I can drive. Thanks everybody" She tilted her head slightly for Gibbs to brush his lips to her temple. She didn't turn to look at her team until the doors had closed completely. She didn't want them to see the tears welling up in her eyes.

The team paced the bullpen for an hour before Gibbs had had enough. He regretted letting Alex drive herself home. He tried calling her home number and then her cell. He didn't think she'd answer, in fact he was sure she wouldn't, but he wished she would. He decided that he would have to check on her; just to be sure she was ok, or as ok as she could be at that moment. He understood her pain, and he hoped she understood that.

He drove towards her house, thankful that there were no accidents along the way. Pulling up in front of her place, it made him uneasy that her car wasn't outside. It could be in the garage, he thought to himself. It was unlikely though.

He had brought a pizza with him. Not that he expected her to be hungry, but just so she'd have something easy to grab in the fridge if she needed it. When she didn't answer his knock, he returned to his car. Carefully he set the pizza on the passenger seat and dug through the glove compartment until he found the tools to pick a lock.

He was quick with the lock and stepped inside. He couldn't tell if the lights that were on had been left on from this morning, or if she had been home. He peeked around the corner into the kitchen, nothing. Making his way down the hallway, he stalled in front of the bathroom door. There was no sound, but the light was on and the door shut. He balled his hands into fists before he gently pushed the door open. His heart stalled as he expected the worse, but found nothing. He checked the rest of the rooms as well as the garage before leaving, locking the door behind him.

He knew that if she didn't want to be found, she wouldn't. He would've done the same. He had wanted nothing more than to disappear after Shannon and Kelly died. He had held a gun to his head after he sought revenge on his family's killer. He had put the gun down, he wasn't sure why, but the pull to pull the trigger was strong. If she was in a similar space, he hoped she wouldn't pull the trigger. He sighed at how similar they were. She was about the same age as he was, a few years younger maybe, when his world came crashing down. It worried him. He didn't want her to end up like him, pushing the world away. He didn't want her to end up in a string of failed relationships, angry at life and nearly everyone in it. He wouldn't wish that on anyone.

He was uneasy. His damn gut, he thought. Something wasn't right. Of course it wasn't, but he felt helpless. It wasn't often that Leroy Jethro Gibbs felt helpless. He knew that if she needed him, she would find him, although, even if she needed someone she wasn't likely to ask for help. She liked to do thing on her own, but at any rate, he was available to her, so he simply headed home. He returned home, pain in his heart. Not just the pain he felt for his coworker, his friend, but a renewed pain for his own loss as well. He felt that this time he was watching his pain from the outside. It still hurt the same.

He dropped the pizza on the kitchen counter on his way upstairs to change clothes. As a last hope, he checked the various rooms in his house, just to be sure. She wasn't there.

He took the stairs to the basement two at a time. Shit. He cursed silently to himself as he saw the empty bottle of bourbon on his work bench. He had forgotten to replenish his supply of drink after he had finished off his last bottle.

For the first time in a very long time he worked on his boat completely sober. Lost in a memory of what had been and what could have been, he didn't hear the front door open or the feet on the first few steps. When he did hear something, he looked up to see Alex perched near the top of the stairs pulling a bottle of Jack Daniels out of her bag. He stood at the bottom of the stairs and watched her take a long drink from the bottle. "Care to share?" He asked quietly.

"No." Alex stated simply. Gibbs kept watching her as she set the bottle beside her and moved her hands back to her bag. She produced an identical bottle and held it out towards him "For you".

"Thanks" he whispered, barely audible, and took his place next to her on the step. They were silent for awhile, drinking directly from the bottle.

Her bottle was half empty before she finally spoke. "He asked me to marry him, and then he left me. He left me! Then his family had a funeral without me. We were going to be family, and they didn't even give me the chance to say goodbye."

Gibbs placed a comforting arm around her and placed his lips on her head before whispering in her hair "He didn't leave you, not on purpose" He paused, holding back his own emotions "no one would leave you on purpose. And as for his family. I don't know. People deal in different ways, I guess."

She turned to look at him, "how do you deal?"

He leaned forward and placed his lips gently on hers. It wasn't a romantic gesture, although it made his lips tingle and body flood with warmth, it was more for his own comfort. "I don't know".

They sat a while longer, sipping occasionally from the bottles clenched in their hands. At some point around mid-night Alex stood. "I need to get going"

Gibbs struggled to his feet "You aren't driving anywhere"

"I'll walk. At this point, I don't feel anything. Fresh air will do me good". Gibbs was surprised at how sober she sounded. Not that he'd let her drive, but she had more to drink than he had, and he was struggling to push her up the last few steps so that he wouldn't stumble and fall.

"The sheets on the guest bed are clean. Don't go anywhere. Not like this"

She didn't reply, but paused before turning into the kitchen. She found the pizza box and looked over her shoulder at Gibbs, "Can I?" He nodded. She grabbed a slice of pizza and perched on the counter. "You don't have to wait up. I promise I won't wander the streets, or drive drunk. I might be angry, but I'd never drive drunk."

Gibbs just nodded before retreating upstairs to his bed. He didn't even crawl under the sheets, he just collapsed on top and closed his eyes. His eyes fluttered open again to stare at a ceiling he couldn't see, he couldn't see the ceiling because of the dark but even if it had been light, he wouldn't have been able to see through the tears in his eyes. It was a few minutes before he was able to fall into a restless sleep. It was around 6am when Gibbs made his way downstairs to discover Alex sitting on his kitchen counter. "Did you sleep?" Alex nodded and mumbled something through the pizza she had brought back out for breakfast.

Gibbs fumbled through the cabinet for a coffee mug, grabbed one and turned around "You know, I somewhat expected to find you asleep by the toilet. You drank more than I did, and I nearly slept by the toilet myself".

Alex shrugged and jumped down from the counter."I'm gonna go… home… now, Gibbs"

He watched her leave.

--- Two weeks later---

It was Friday. It had been two weeks since Alex had heard of Chris' death. Gibbs had ordered her to take two weeks off, and after this weekend she could return to work. She was ready. Waking up Friday morning she realized she had nothing left to do. She had first packed up any items she though Rose would want and shipped them to her. She kept a few items herself, and donated the rest of his clothes. Most everything else in the small house had belonged to her, as Chris hadn't been in the house much over the past year. Still, everything in the house reminded her of him and that hurt. So she decided to redecorate. Each room got a new coat of paint; the furniture was either replaced or rearranged. The physical work of painting and cleaning and shoving furniture around helped her to work through her pain. Everything was different except for the bedroom. Crawling under the sheets in the bed she had shared with her fiancé felt like a giant hug from Chris each evening when she went to bed and every morning when she woke up.

But Friday, she was done. She was done crying and done redecorating. Nothing left to paint, nothing left to clean. After a quick shower, Alex pulled on a clean outfit, grabbed her purse and jumped in her car. Pulling into the Navy yard sent a warm feeling through her heart. She had missed work, and missed her friends. They had been by to visit, bringing her food, but she longed to be back at the office. She missed the jokes and the laughter. She missed the sound of Gibbs hand bouncing off the back of Tony's head.

The elevator ride to the bull pen had been excruciatingly long. She burst out of the elevator full speed and ended up on top of Tony in the hallway. "Hey Alex! I missed you too"

Alex laughed and stood up, reaching out a hand to pull Tony off the floor. McGee, Gibbs and Kate stood to watch Alex and Tony get to their feet.

"What are you doing here Alex?" Gibbs asked flatly "You aren't supposed to be back until Monday"

"I know" Alex hugged Kate and McGee "But I was getting so bored, I thought that I could at least come in and help Abby in the lab, you know, get caught up on what's happening in the office before I'm back on Monday" Alex turned and hugged Gibbs last.

Gibbs returned the hug but said nothing.

Alex moved back to Kate's desk "So Kate, maybe you could come over this weekend? Hang out? Talk? I could reall-"

Tony interrupted "Wow, this is seriously like my ultimate fantasy. The two of you, a weekend alone… Probie, are you listening to them?"

"Tony, I…" McGee started, but was cut off by Kate.

"DiNozzo! Shut up and mind your own business. And yes, Alex, let's get together. We'll figure out something lat-"

"DiNozzo, get the sedan. McGee, Kate grab your gear. You" Gibbs pointed at Alex. "Aren't going anywhere. You'll stay down with Abby until we get back" He stepped closer to Alex "Is that clear?"

Alex nodded and watched her team pile into the elevator. Once the door had closed, she contemplated following behind but something in Gibbs voice left no room play. He was angry. It was unlike him, but maybe he hadn't slept well. Whatever it was, she decided to follow her orders and took the stairs two at a time down to Abby's lab.

The two women spent the day playing around on the computer. Until the team returned with whatever evidence they might need analyzed, they had nothing special to do. Abby filled Alex in on the drama with the return of the terrorist Ari. Alex was upset that her team had kept her clueless on the fact that he had been targeting Gibbs team members and then frightened that he could've gotten to her and she wouldn't have been prepared.

"Gibbs had a surveillance team around you 24/7. We wanted to tell you, but you know… you've had a hard time lately. We didn't want to add to the stress. I think Gibbs had just hoped to have the whole case solved before you got back."

Alex could understand. She wasn't thrilled, but she understood. She thought back to when Ari had Kate, Ducky and Gerald held hostage in the morgue. She could deal with scary situations, but when the scary situation was in your own home, yes NCIS was her home, it took on a whole different meaning.

They both looked up at the sound of the door opening and gasped when they saw Gibbs and Tony walk, their heads down, into the lab. Tony looked like he had blood on his face, a fine spray that had been haphazardly wiped away.

Abby and Alex look from Tony to Gibbs to each other and then back to the two men.

"Kate? McGee?" Abby asked.

"Where are they?" Alex continued.

A moment of silence passed before Gibbs started. "McGee is up at his desk, making a phone call."

"And Kate?"

Gibbs couldn't look them in the eyes as he said, "Ari"

For the second time in as many weeks, Alex wasn't sure whose arms broke her fall as her world went black.

/Flashback**

---

Alex had lost track of time, and looked up to see that her friends would arrive within the next ten minutes. Slowly she pulled herself up from the sofa and walked barefoot to the kitchen. She pulled out the supplies for nachos and was busy grating cheese when Ziva knocked.

"It's open!"

Ziva pushed the door open, stepped inside and nudged it shut again with her foot. She rounded the corner of the kitchen and started to put the Ben and Jerry's ice cream in the freezer when she noticed her friends red eyes. She was just about to ask what was wrong when Abby walked in.

"Alex! Ziva, what did you do to her?"

"What? I did nothing, I just got here. Alex, are you ok?"

Alex sighed and then let a small smile play on her lips. "I'm ok, I was just remembering. Chris and…"

"and Kate" Abby finished.

Alex nodded, "I think it might be a rough couple of weeks coming up, but I've got great friends. I'll be fine."

"Yes. You will be fine. We are here for you. And Abby, I know you miss Kate. I am here for you as well" Ziva didn't do sensitive very well, but she knew her friends needed to hear it.

"Dinner is ready. Abby, lady, pour that wine" The three girls settled into the chairs around the circular dining table. As the wine flowed freely their conversations turned from work cases, to co-workers and the tone went from serious to serious fits of giggles.

"Oh my God, did you guys see the look on poor Tim's face when I said we talked about how big…" Abby laughed wildly and Ziva reached across the table to steady her wine glass. "You know, Gibbs looked pretty shocked as well. Well, as shocked as Gibbs can look" Ziva added.

"Yeah, poor guy, he probably liked the idea of you talking about him" Abby nodded at Alex.

"What? Me? I don't get it?" Alex threw her hands in the air, nearly knocking over the wine glass that Ziva had just steadied.

"You are like a giant book of secrets to him. I still don't think he has you figured out" Abby smiled. "I'm not hinting at anything romantic, although if there was something I assume you would tell us, anyways, it's just that I think he finds you intriguing. I mean, he's got me all figured out. He knows he can bribe me with Caf-Pow, and aboutmycrushonMcGee, but you… you like your mochas but you can't be bought"

Alex took a long sip from her wine glass and then bit her lip to keep from laughing "So what you're saying is that you're easy? And wait, crush on McGee?"

Ziva and Alex waited with anticipation as Abby shifted uncomfortably. "Maybe some ice cream first?"

"Abby!"

"What, I just thought that we could move to the living room, eat some ice cream and then I could spill my guts. Since I obviously have no choice, between the ninja moves and the mini-Gibbs stare, I won't be talking my way out of this one"

Ziva grabbed spoons and Alex grabbed the carton of ice cream. Abby followed them to the living room. Alex positioned a large comfy chair in front of the sofa and then plopped down next to Ziva on the sofa pointing Abby in the direction of the chair. Ziva and Alex sat holding the ice cream between them absentmindedly bringing spoonfuls of ice cream to their mouths while Abby spoke.

"Wow, you really set this up like interrogation"

"Get to the point, Abby"

"I dunno, it's silly really. I just think he's really cute. You know, all geeky and stuff. And I had told Gibbs. He asked me one day, I was feeling frustrated that Tim didn't feel the same way."

"What did Gibbs say?"

"Nothing really, you know that sort of stuff makes him feel uncomfortable"

"You are crazy if you think McGee doesn't feel the same way"

Abby raised her eye brows and reached for the ice cream.

"Ok, do you not see how flustered he gets when people try and leave you two alone? He doesn't know what to say or do. He thinks you're a goddess, or an elf-lordess, or something."

Abby blushed, "right, moving on"

Ziva cleared her throat, "Alright. I have got something". Alex and Abby both snapped their attention to Ziva, and Ziva continued "I have a, a thing, for someone. Maybe" Ziva looked a bit flustered.

"Well, well Zee-vah" Alex laughed doing her best Tony impersonation. "Have we finally realized our feelings for one very special agent DiNozzo?"

Abby set the ice cream down, clasped her hands and squealed.

"Now wait just a minute. I mean, we… we have fun. He makes me laugh even when I do not want to"

"Ziva" Alex started "Tony makes everyone laugh, and everyone, except maybe McGee, has fun around him. Are you trying to say you have fun, like when you went undercover as a couple type of fun? Does he send chills down your spine? Make your heart speed up? Does he charm your pants off?"

"What? My pants have stayed on, thank you very much"

"It's a saying Ziva"

"Oh"

"Well?"

"Yeah, well?" Abby added.

"Yes. He has, what did you say? Charmed my pants off"

The three women burst out in a round of laughter, fueled by their earlier glasses of wine and the sugar from the ice cream. As their giggles settle down Ziva and Abby turn their attention to Alex.

"And you?" Ziva asks Alex on a drawn out breath.

Alex's smile faded slightly before a bigger one appeared on her face, "and me, what? I'm certainly not flirting with McGee or Tony… well, any more than usual. Tony is nice and flirts back, but poor McGee, I think I make him uncomfortable when I flirt with him. Poor Jimmy isn't even remotely my type. I think I'd break him emotionally on our first date"

Ziva sat back and observed. In the past year since Chris had died they hadn't pressed her about dating or feelings for anyone, but Ziva had slowly seen a change. He friend had begun to relax again when they had gone out to a bar after work.

Abby was first to speak, "Of course you'd break Jimmy. Any one of us would. Ducky's lovely mother would. You need a man that is caring, but not smothering. I know you are independent like me. You need someone who is attractive and can handle your beauty. Yup, you're gorgeous. And you need someone who can be strong for you, both emotionally AND physically" Abby winked.

"I swear to God Abby, if I find a personal ad with all that crap written on it and my phone number posted. I will hunt you down. With a combo of ninja skills I've learned from her" Alex pointed at Ziva "and forensic crap I've learned from you… you aren't safe"

"I know, I know. Wait, why would you be reading personal ads? Anyway, I won't post anything. I don't need too. I know the perfect person for you already"

"Abby, I don't read the personals, I was just saying that if you post… oh, never mind. You know someone for me?"

"It's Gibbs, duh!"

The three burst out in laughter again, but Alex was the first to regain her composure. "He kissed me once"

"Alexis Evans, shut your mouth, did he really?" Abby gasped.

"Once, a long time ago, but it was nothing."

"I repeat. Alexis Evans, shut your mouth, why didn't you tell me?"

"Because" Alex lowered her voice "It was the night I found out that Chris died. I was drunk, he was drunk. It wasn't anything, really." They all sat silently.

Uncomfortable with the silence, Alex added "He does have soft lips though"

The three women burst into laughter.