Unfortunately, I don't own anything of NCIS :)

I want to say thank you to le_bibliothecaire, weatherlywatcher49 and ncisnewgirl for all their ideas and support. Girls, this story is for you! *winking*

This story is written with ncismom's precious help. You're the best beta reader of the world!

*WARNINGS!*

1. Mention of violence and rape, but not graphic.

3. The first chapters ARE NOT for Ziva and McGee's fans, but later I'll be nice with them too. So, please, DO NOT start complaining. Don't like, don't read!

'' Clear The Air and Move On "

Chapter 1.

It has been the most boring ten days in the history of the team's entire career.

Their last case had resulted in Gibbs and his team being forced to use some rather unorthodox methods in order to close the case. Director Vance had given them several warnings about staying within the confines of investigation and they had failed to listen prompting him to create a suitable punishment so Gibbs and his agents would remember who was in charge of NCIS.

So no new case had requested their amazing investigation skills because the Director, in order to punish their insubordination, had assigned them a very amusing mission: going through all the cold cases of the last two years!

Gibbs could recall the various comments from his team members from Tony's plea to shoot him to Ziva's empty threats on Director's life or McGee's need of a Nutter Butter. The former Marine had simply bestowed Leon with one of his infamous glare.

This particular morning had been even more boring and mundane than the last ten days; when the phone on Tony's desk rang, the entire team snapped to attention in hope of a case to breake the monotony.

"DiNozzo... Hi," he smiled looking at his colleagues as he shook his head to let them know that it was not a job related call. They all sighed and started reading their old files again as Tony continued his conversarion.

''How are you?... Good, and... no, why? What did he do this time?'' Tony asked annoyed as he rubbed his eyes, missing Gibbs's concerned look. ''No, I didn't know... yeah... what? Oh my God... how is he?... Oh, no,'' he sighed as he turned to look at his co-workers who were now staring at him . ''Yes, I understand, but I've a... yes, I know, but... listen, I... okay, I'll call ya back. Ciao.''

Tony hung up and buried his face in his hands. This can't be happening!

''Problems, DiNozzo?'' asked Gibbs.

''Yes,'' he replied as he turned to look at his boss. Tony stood up and went to Gibbs' desk, hoping to keep Ziva and McGee from overhearing his request. ''I need some days off, Gibbs.''

''Nice try!" exclaimed McGee from his desk. ''You can't leave us buried under a mountain of cold cases and go on vacation!"

Tony completely ignored him and explained, ''My father was in Colorado for his business and he went skiing with a friend.''

''So?'' Gibbs pressed.

''So he fell and broke his leg. That was my Aunt Maria on the phone. She's his sister and the only normal person in my father's family. My father's at St. Joseph Hospital in Denver and she can't go there so she asked me...''

''How many days?''

''I don't know. A week? Maybe more.'' Tony guessed.

''Okay. You've got a week, but I want you back asap, DiNozzo.''

''Thanks, boss,'' Tony sighed as he went to his desk. ''I'm really sorry, Gibbs. My father's a playboy. He's almost eighty years old but he acts like he's forty!" He rambled on as his signed some files and stacked them on the counter behind his desk.

''Well, his son is almost forty years old but he acts like a teenager so...'' Ziva smirked, stopping as she saw Tony's angered reaction.

Tony's head snapped up and he glared at her. ''If I was such a teenager, you...'' he started but immediately ceased his verbal tirade.

He had really enough of all her cruel jokes but he had no time to waste. Ziva needed to be put back in her place, but Tony knew that this was not the right moment or place to accomplish that feat.

''I what?'' she pushed.

Tony ignored her question jut like he did with McGee's. He took his gun out the drawer, wore his short black Armani coat, slung his backpack on his shoulder and as he headed to the elevator. He nodded to all his colleagues, his gaze lasting a little longer on Ziva's eyes.

If I always acted like a teenager, you would be in Gitmo accused of espionage and terrorism thanks to your boyfriend or you'd be dead in Somalia, my dear Miss David.

Tony could sense that Ziva was uncomfortable under his costant gaze, which at times could be as intimidating as Gibbs' infamous glare. A slight smile escaped his lips as he watched her shift in her chair in an effort to avoid eye contact with him. He finally adverted his eyes and headed towards the elevator.

His shoulders were tense and stiff and he was clenching his jaw in effort to control his anger. As he entered the elevator, he didn't look back although he could feel Ziva watching his every move. He wondered if she would ever figure out the reasons behind his unexpected reaction to her mean spirited jibe; however, after all these years, he was beginning to have his doubts.

As soon as the elevator door closed behind Tony, the phone on Gibbs' desk rang.

"Gibbs," he sharply answered. ''On it!"

He hung up the phone as he he stood up. ''Gear up! Rock Creek Park rangers found our missing Lieutenant Amelia Hart.''

The team leader made his way towards the elevator closly followed by his two remaining agents.

''She's been missing for six months,'' Ziva recalled.

''Boss, when you say that they found her,'' McGee began. ''Do you mean...''

''She's dead,'' he gruffly answered. Great! Ten days without a case and when my SFA is off-duty, we get a bad one! Crap!

Unfortunately, Gibbs had no idea how dreadful this case was going to be and how it would affect all his agents, particularly two of them.

TBC...

Let me know what do you think and remember the warnings :)

Ciao!