{"id":1110,"date":"2024-08-26T18:52:33","date_gmt":"2024-08-26T18:52:33","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/meekobuggy.com\/?page_id=1110"},"modified":"2024-08-26T18:56:06","modified_gmt":"2024-08-26T18:56:06","slug":"chapter-07","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/meekobuggy.com\/?page_id=1110","title":{"rendered":"Chapter 07"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Chapter 07 <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n\n\n\n

John had never thought that he\u2019d ever feel complete again, but now, after working for NCIS almost six months, and dating Ziva for almost five of those months, he realized he was doing okay. He had even, per Director Vance\u2019s request, done a few courses at Quantico to make him a better asset for Team Gibbs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ziva was spending a lot of time over at his house, if he wasn\u2019t staying at her place and they were doing great. He had never thought that he\u2019d feel this content and at ease with someone after losing Elsa, but he and Ziva really were a perfect fit for each other.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The two year anniversary of Atlantis\u2019 demise was coming up and for the first time, he knew he had the strength to read over the reports, which he\u2019d do as soon as he and Teyla would arrive at Cheyenne Mountain. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

He also wanted to ask General Landry for permission to tell Ziva all about his life without having her to sign non-disclosure agreements. She was the one<\/em> he wanted to tell. No secrets, no redactions, just the truth, and then see what happens. He knew for sure that Ziva wouldn\u2019t leave him but still, if the General would say \u2018yes\u2019, then he\u2019d be nervous as hell as to what her reaction would be.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Waiting for Landry to respond to John’s request for permission to tell Ziva about well, everything<\/em>, was slowly driving him insane.  Their relationship had changed so much, so fast that to him telling her about Atlantis and the Stargate program was the smallest gesture that he could ever do for her.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It wasn’t for nearly ten full days before he would find out whether sharing classified details such as that would be made known to him. He and Ziva had been out running interviews and following up leads on a smuggling case involving a petty officer when they received a phone call from Gibbs to give it up for the day and return to the office.  Sitting at their respective desks, writing up their preliminary reports for their interviews, Gibbs’ phone rang. As he spoke briefly to whomever was on the other side of the line, he covered the mouthpiece and looked around.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cSheppard,\u201d he said simply looking over at the man. Tony and McGee, the curious cats they were, looked up as Ziva continued to mind her own and worked on her report while rolling her eyes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cYeah?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cCome here,\u201d Gibbs ordered and put his phone call on hold. Looking up at John he narrowed his eyes suspiciously. \u201cWhy is the President<\/em> calling for you?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tony looked at them and laughed. \u201cThe President? Of what? The oompa loompa people?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cNo. Of the United States,\u201d Gibbs answered for him as he did not remove his eyes from Sheppard, leading Tony to shut up quickly and Ziva to look up finally.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

John carefully took the phone from his team leader and put it to his ear as Gibbs took the call off hold.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cSheppard,\u201d John said into the phone before nodding to himself. \u201cYes, sir \u2013 No, sir… I understand the risks. I trust \u2013 yes, sir. I will. Thank you Mister President.\u201d Hanging up the phone he glanced at Ziva quickly before looking at Gibbs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI had submitted a request to General Landry and it was something that only the President, it seems, could approve. I cannot tell you what it was about other than it has absolutely nothing to do with you or NCIS, Agent Gibbs,\u201d he said simply, though Ziva could hear the softer tone of his words and she worried what it was concerning.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

John returned to his desk but did not sit. He seemed as if he was in debate with himself over something as the team watched him. He sat down but stood quickly and walked over to Ziva’s desk. “I need to talk to you,” he said nervously. “But you have to come to Colorado with me next week.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

“Excuse me?” she asked in surprise as she looked at him concerned.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

“Don’t worry, I won’t ask you to do anything stupid, just come with me when I go to Colorado next week for our annual remembrance of our base… you know… the one that got blown up?”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ziva wasn’t sure as she knew that Teyla was fairly tightlipped about the base and her past as well. She looked over at Gibbs, her eyes expected unspoken permission to go. Clearly there was something significant about this to John and she felt the need to support him.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

He turned to Gibbs and sighed. “Look… last year, I don’t even remember last year because I was trying to stop myself from freaking out when I saw the survivors. Ziva’s been one of the people in my life that made me feel better and I just want her to support me as my partner<\/em>, if that’s okay with you.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

She did not miss the double meaning behind what he said. Looking up at him, she stood slowly. “I will go,” she said firmly, and leveled her gaze on Gibbs to challenge her.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

“Fine, go.” Gibbs replied.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

“You can’t be serious!” Tony exclaimed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

“Mind your business Tony,” Ziva snapped before nodding to Sheppard.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

He let out a nervous breath and nodded back. “I’ll contact my CO about getting a plane ticket for you. We are supposed to leave this Friday,” he said. Not much time to prepare as it was now Wednesday morning.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

“Oh sure, and leave us with your paper work.” Tony rolled his eyes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

John glared at DiNozzo and shook his head. “I wasn’t the one who lost my gun.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

“Accidents happen!”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ziva rolled her eyes. “Gibbs? I am going to work on my reports then leave early. There is no active case right now and I rarely take personal time…”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Gibbs nodded and walked out of the bullpen. “I’m going to see Ducky.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

John sat down behind his desk and called Landry on his cellphone. “Sir? Yes, I’m okay, no, they’re keeping me out of trouble… I was just wondering if you could… no I’m not canceling…”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

“Come on, McPathfinder, we’re going to try and find my gun… again.” Tony got up and grabbed his gear.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

“But Tony, I’m not-“<\/p>\n\n\n\n

“Yes you’re done, come on.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tony looked at Ziva carefully as he got his bag together. She only looked back in the same manner but she knew well enough that he was trying to see if her relationship with Sheppard was more than they let on at work.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Sighing, she turned back to her computer, grateful when Tim pushed her former partner out. Gibbs, she was sure, now had some idea that something may have been going on but had not said anything yet.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

“I just… yeah, that’s a good joke General… yes… but… of course… but General? …. Hank!” John exclaimed and then smirked, that got his attention. “I want to bring someone special for you to meet, could you… thank you sir, no I will keep her away from… yes… yes I am… thank you, see you on Friday.” John breathed a sigh of relief when he hung up the phone.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

“Keep me away from who?” Ziva asked as she was suddenly at John’s side.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

“Something.” John smiled up to her. “But don’t worry, it’s not something I want to see either.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

She nodded suspiciously. “When do you want to talk then? I can pack my bag when I get out later and stay by you tonight if you like.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

“Tonight’s good.” John nodded as he typed up an email to General Landry with four simple words; She is the one<\/em>. And quickly sent it off before Ziva could look what he had done.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

“Okay,” she smiled. “I will see you later then.” She turned and returned to her desk to finish her work.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Meanwhile, Gibbs was just walking into autopsy and looked around. “Duck?!”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ducky looked up from the medical report he was reading and smiled. “Yes, Jethro dear?”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

He strolled over to his friend and fell into the chair beside the desk and ran his hand over his face tiredly. “Something is going on between Sheppard and Ziva.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

“That’s quite possible, Jethro,” Ducky smiled. “I’ve noticed that a few times now, when they come down to Autopsy… he moves, she moves with him, and vice versa. She also knows to find things in John’s house, haven’t you noticed that with Teyla’s last dinner party?”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Gibbs thought it and huffed with irritation. “Romance between agents never works,” he sighed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

“That’s your<\/em> observation, your rule, dear.” Ducky gently pat Gibbs on his knee. “But has either one of them made a terrible judgment error lately?” he cocked a brow. “They are acting professionally and detached, from what I can tell.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

“He just asked for her to go to Colorado with him,” he pointed out.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

“And?”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

“And this is right after the President<\/em> calls to speak to him,” he said. “Said that he needed to talk to her. There is more to him and I don’t like it.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cDid you forget that John is a Colonel in the US Air Force and that before he came to us as a liaison he was in Black Ops, Jethro?\u201d Ducky mused. \u201cWho knows, John\u2019s going to show Ziva a secret part of his job so that she can support him at the memorial. We both know that they have become very close and good partners, they work well together Jethro.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Gibbs grumbled shaking his head. \u201cI still don\u2019t have to like it. What happens when their relationship fails? I can\u2019t fire him or have any control in sending him to another team. I can\u2019t afford to have that going on. As it is, Tony is barely accepting not having Ziva as a partner anymore.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWell, I believe that both Timothy and Anthony are still oblivious to the real depth of John and Ziva\u2019s partnership. I suggest you keep it to yourself, wait – as you always do – and wait until they both announce that they\u2019re more than work partners. Only then<\/em> decide what you want to do.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

He sighed. \u201cWhat do you think of them? Sheppard and Ziva?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cIf<\/em> they are a couple, they\u2019re a perfect match to each other.\u201d Ducky nodded. \u201cIt\u2019s hard to find someone like that, as you know, and they\u2019re both professional. I don\u2019t think that if<\/em> they are in a relationship, that it\u2019ll hurt their performance on the job.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cIs that your professional opinion?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cYes dear.\u201d Ducky smiled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cFine, I\u2019ll leave them be… for now.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI don\u2019t think you could stop them from seeing each other, Jethro, John would only quit his job and retire early.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cOh! I like that option.\u201d Gibbs chuckled and got up. \u201cThanks Duck.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cAlways, you know that.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cAre you still cooking tonight?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cDear God, Yes! I\u2019ve had enough steak to last me a life time in the last few weeks.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n\n\n\n

John had asked Teyla to give him some privacy when he\u2019d take Ziva home with him this time. He didn\u2019t want to discuss this in his bedroom, or his office, he wanted her to be comfortable on the couch with a nice glass of wine after a nice dinner that he\u2019d made. At least it was time enough for him to get things right in his head, Ziva wasn\u2019t asking what he wanted to talk about and they were both having a good conversation during dinner.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cSo, where\u2019s Teyla?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cUpstairs… I think.\u201d John smiled at Ziva as they sat on the couch sipping on their wine. \u201cOr maybe she\u2019s already gone to Colorado, but I think she\u2019d tell me if she had.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWhat is so important that you wanted to talk to me? I received a phone call when I left work to pack from a Chuck mentioning about non-disclosure forms that I will be required to sign when I get to Colorado. I do not understand,\u201d she said as she curled up next to him on the couch.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cBecause… you\u2019ll be visiting a top secret facility, and what I\u2019m about to tell you can\u2019t leave this house.\u201d He softly caressed her hair. \u201cThe request I put in with my CO, and the President\u2019s phone call all had to do something with it. At first, the General was a bit apprehensive because of your Mossad background but I told him that he has nothing to be afraid of, and that what I\u2019m about to tell you will stay between us.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ziva sat up and looked at him with worry. \u201cYou are not dying, are you? Because I could not handle that again…\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI\u2019m not dying.\u201d John chuckled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThen just tell me. If you think that I would walk out because you killed someone or something, I won\u2019t. I have killed many people myself…\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWell same here, but that\u2019s part of the job description, isn\u2019t it?\u201d John said and kissed her fleetingly. \u201cThe thing is, unlike some of my former co-workers, I never really had the chance to share my job with. I never said goodbye to anyone over the course of six years… and I wanted to tell you everything, which is why the President gave me clearance to do so, which is why you\u2019ll have to sign a couple of forms when we get to Colorado.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

John took a sip of his whine and smiled at her. \u201cI wasn\u2019t working out of the country… my base wasn\u2019t in some tiny foreign country…\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

She looked at him waiting. \u201cOkay?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cIt was in a whole different galaxy,\u201d John knew that Ziva would probably laugh. It sounded ridiculous coming out of his mouth, even after so many years.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ziva stared at him, her lips pulled back in a smile and even started to chuckle briefly. However the seriousness in his face caught her very quickly and blinked. \u201cYou are not joking,\u201d she said. \u201cAnother galaxy?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cEverything that NASA\u2019s doing, is child\u2019s play compared to what they\u2019re doing at Cheyenne Mountain. They travel to other planets, meet cultures similar to our own, meet a whole new type of bad guy by something called the Stargate. It\u2019s very old, and built by our very first ancestors.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cAre you sure that you are alright? Maybe we should take you in for a CAT scan…\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

John chuckled and looked around in his living room for proof. He knew that there was nothing left of Atlantis, or his belongings in the Pegasus Galaxy but Ronon had brought something back and had given it to Teyla a while ago. He found the rock he was looking for and placed it in Ziva\u2019s hands. \u201cAs you can feel, this is no ordinary rock. It pulses. According to the people Ronon brought it back from, it has healing powers or it can cook a chicken. The linguist wasn\u2019t entirely sure.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

He refilled their wine glasses and sighed. \u201cAnyway, they had found a way to travel to the Lost City of Atlantis… yes, many of the history and myths on this planet, originated somewhere else first.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ziva did not know how to react. All she could find herself doing was gulp down her glass of wine before needing another quick refill. \u201cTeyla?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWe travelled to the Pegasus Galaxy, to Atlantis. It wasn\u2019t just any place, as it turned out, it was a space ship that the Ancients, or Ancestors, used to travel back and forth between our galaxy and their own, building Stargates, leaving them on most habitable planets. On our first trip out of Atlantis, we were in desperate need for a safe haven, we found Teyla\u2019s people, the Athosians.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

He took another sip of his wine and continued, \u201cRonon joined us a year later. We\u2019ve lost many good people in those years. We\u2019ve saved a heck of a lot people from Wraith, sort of like space vampires, and we even spent a few months floating around in San Francisco bay because of paper work, and Atlantis had been pretty banged up in a fight against the Wraith in our own galaxy.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

She nodded, still speechless. \u201cI honestly do not know what to say,\u201d she admitted. \u201cI am grateful that you chose me to share this with and I will attempt to remain open minded when we are at the services during the week.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI know it\u2019s a lot to take in, I mean… Teyla\u2019s become a good friend to you, to hear that she\u2019s not from this planet might change your view on her, but she\u2019s a very good person.\u201d John said slowly. \u201cThe Stargate program has saved the asses of this planet a lot of times, I was glad to be a part of that in a small way.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cMy opinion of Teyla is not any different,\u201d she said quickly. \u201cIf anything, I can understand her a little more because for all the traveling I have done, I never met people that is such like her. It is a lot…everything else…\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

John nodded. \u201cI hope that I\u2019m not making you feel uneasy in any way by telling you this and asking you to come with me to the memorial service of those who died on Atlantis… considering people will stare at you.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cBecause I am your girlfriend?\u201d she asked.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cBecause you\u2019re my girlfriend who looks like my dead girlfriend, yes.\u201d John downed his glass of wine in one go and refilled both their glasses. \u201cBut I\u2019ve told the important people, my friends, that you do and they are okay with it, the program\u2019s scientists have proven many times over that there are such things as doppelgangers. For some funny reason, they are happy for me that we\u2019ve found each other.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cA doppelganger? So am I the good twin or the evil twin?\u201d Ziva teased, kissing him on the neck.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cYou don\u2019t necessarily have to have a good or a bad twin… or whatever.\u201d he chuckled. \u201cBut right now, I\u2019d say you\u2019re pretty evil.\u201d He gently lifted her chin and kissed her tenderly. \u201cDoes this mean you don\u2019t think I\u2019m crazy and run away from me?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI have not decided,\u201d she said. \u201cBut this should be an interesting trip.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

He nodded, understanding where she was coming from but he felt a bit hurt nonetheless. He had expected it, of course, but still it was hard to hear when the words came out of her mouth. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ziva grabbed John by the chin and pulled him to face her. \u201cHey, don\u2019t look like that. I am not leaving you or running away. And just because I might think you are a little nutty, does not mean that my feelings for you have changed.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThat\u2019s good to hear, because at this point, I really don\u2019t know what I would do without you, besides pestering Teyla and Torren.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI know what we can do right now. Let us go to bed,\u201d she said standing up. \u201cMaybe we can leave earlier and do some sight seeing for a little.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cSure, we can do that.\u201d John said and scooped her into his arms after he got up from the couch. \u201cAlthough Colorado Springs is really boring.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

She laughed and shook her head. \u201cSo we can go skiing. I am sure there are plenty of cabins that we can rent.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cYou\u2019d have to be my seeing eye ski dog.\u201d He kissed her as he walked them to his bedroom.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWe will use the child slope,\u201d Ziva shrugged.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

John laughed as he somewhat threw her on the bed, making sure she\u2019d land on it in one piece. \u201cDeal.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n\n\n\n

He hadn\u2019t been paying much attention to the ceremony at the SGC, but more than he had the first year. John really couldn\u2019t understand why Landry wanted another memorial service, because it only hurt and he hated to see people cry. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

On top of that, he felt like a monkey in his dress uniform and all the medals, most he didn\u2019t feel like he had deserved them. John was glad to see that Ziva was handling the stares pretty well, and Ronon wasn\u2019t even around because SG-1 had gotten into some trouble off world and were trapped somewhere, or at least Ronon was. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Landry had added something new to the memorial service this year; some footage from Atlantis that was stored on the SGC\u2019s computer when they had last sent an update, and John couldn\u2019t look at the screen. The familiar faces, the familiar voices, still hurt. A lot of lives lost, and it only made his feeling of guilt come back to him.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Teyla, who was sitting next to him, had kicked him in the shins repeatedly, but he ignored it, this hadn\u2019t been the brightest idea of the good General.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ziva watched on with full of interest and curiosity. Any time that she saw her look a like on the video, she squeezed John\u2019s hand reassuringly. If he had been watching, which she doubted, she knew it would have been extremely difficult.  Leaning over to him closer, she ran her hand over the back of his head much like a mother would do to comfort an upset child. \u201cI am still here,\u201d she smiled and whispered into his ear. \u201cI am not leaving you without a fight even more than before.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI can\u2019t believe he\u2019s doing this,\u201d John said softly. \u201cHere I thought I would be ready to read the reports, instead he\u2019s making it very hard for me again, to do it.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cYou can do it,\u201d she replied, squeezing his hand. \u201cIf you want, I can be there with you. You do not have to do it alone.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

He sighed, then nodded and decided to take a peek at the screen. It showed him and Lorne being caught on camera while they were having fun during a day off; pestering Rodney before Elsa got caught in the mess between it all; a bucket of water got emptied in her face when Rodney finally decided to duck. John remembered that all too well, Elsa hadn\u2019t been pleased.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI can see that she was a lovely person,\u201d Ziva said quietly as she watched him. \u201cShe does live on you know. Inside you…\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI know,\u201d John smiled softly and kissed Ziva\u2019s hand. \u201cShe wouldn\u2019t have wanted it any other way than for me to continue to live, and find love again. Found it sooner than I thought.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Then Stackhouse stepped up in front of the screen. \u201cI\u2019d just like to thank Colonel Sheppard for keeping us safe for all those years, I wouldn\u2019t have been here if it wasn\u2019t for you, Colonel.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cYou saved my ass, Major.\u201d John said, \u201cI should be thanking you.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The man nodded, \u201cAnd you being here with us is all the thanks we need Sir.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A round of murmuring and clapping from the survivors in the room clearly agreed with the Major\u2019s opinion. General Landry stood back and smiled over at John almost as if he knew that this would have happened like this. \u201cYou see Colonel, you have a greater impact on every person you come in contact with; More than you realize. The IOA and the SGC recognize that which leads to my next announcement. Would you please join me up here Lieutenant Colonel John Sheppard?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWith all due respect, Sir, no.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ziva nudged him and gave him a look. \u201cGo. Unless I will drag you up there myself,\u201d she said under her breath so no one else but him heard.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

John looked at Ziva, and knew that she\u2019d do something worse than dragging. \u201cOn second thought…\u201d he sighed as he got up. \u201cShe\u2019d kill me.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Chuckling she shook her head but stood with him. She looked to the General for silent permission to which he nodded and she held his hand as he started to head up to the podium. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThank you. On behalf of the President of the United States and representative of the United States Air Force and the IOA, I am proud to present to you with this. For many years you have served the people of our planet, and others without regard for your own safety but the lives of millions of others. While you have not been an active member of the Air Force for the previous two years, it is the opinions of many that you have more than earned and deserve this recognition. Upon this promotion to Colonel, you are also being awarded with the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Bronze Star, Medal of Honor and Presidential Unit Citation.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Oh crap<\/em>, he thought as General Landry pinned them all on him, he felt like a christmas tree. He half-heartedly saluted the General and muttered \u201cThank you sir…\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ziva clapped behind John with a proud smile on her face as she watched John turned to look back. She mouthed to him, You deserve them. Be happy.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

John was glad when the whole circus was behind him, everyone was happy for him, of course, but he made a mental note of maybe not showing up next time. He hated surprises. While everyone was having a coffee in the mess hall and chatting away, he had found a quiet spot in the briefing room where Walter had provided him with the few reports that were available on what happened on Atlantis. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

He was glad Ziva was with him, reading the reports as he read them. It was hard, but he had pushed himself to do it, because he still couldn\u2019t remember enough to write up a report of his own, not that the General had asked him to, but he felt that in his own way, he needed to contribute something at least, and reading the reports, was one way to do it. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

He had saved Ronon\u2019s report for last. It was short, and to the point as always, but there was an envelope in it addressed to Sheppard. John blinked and opened the envelope. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you\u2019re finally reading this, then I\u2019m really happy that you\u2019ve decided to. It could be next year, or the year after that or maybe ten years after Atlantis, but during the siege I walked in on Elsa who was recording a video message for you and she asked me to keep it safe. It was as if she knew somehow that she wasn\u2019t going to make it out.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Don\u2019t watch this alone.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ronon.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

John looked at Ziva and then at the disc. He sighed and put it back into the envelope. \u201cI can\u2019t.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cYou need to. I don\u2019t believe that you can fully move forward, even with me, if you do not,\u201d she said softly as she placed her hands over his and the disc for him to give it to her to put on.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cMaybe in a month, not now…\u201d he looked at her, and swallowed hard. \u201cI hate this day, I can\u2019t watch it now.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

She nodded slowly. \u201cOkay but we will watch it together when you do,\u201d she insisted. \u201cYou will need to watch it at some point however.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI will, just not now.\u201d He rubbed his face and pinched the bridge of his nose. \u201cHow about some coffee?\u201d He needed a distraction, coffee was good. His brains still needed to process the handful of reports he had just read and finding that disc in Ronon\u2019s report only made it worse, although it was thoughtful of his friend to put it in his report and not give it to him by force.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cSure,\u201d Ziva said. \u201cI\u2019ll make us a cup then we can go back to the hotel.\u201d She got up and made her way over to the coffee pot where the older man earlier prepared quietly, seemingly knowing that it might be needed. She liked the people she had met here and reminded her of the team back home in so many ways, the way they took care of one another. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cYou know, Stackhouse used to have a partner, Markham. They seemed to be joined at the hip, always fooling around when they were off the clock, pranking each other and mostly harmless scientists,\u201d John chuckled. \u201cI could never tell them apart, when Markham got killed during the defense of Atlantis during a Wraith attack, Stackhouse was off<\/em> for months.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

She set his mug in front of him and nodded. \u201cIt happens with partners. Both teammates and lovers,\u201d she replied from her own experiences.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cOh, I know.\u201d John smiled at her. \u201cI was happy to find him bond more with one of the scientists he and Markham used to prank. An eccentric Czech, who was just as smart as Rodney.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cAnd you. Come on, I just had an idea for you and I to spend the rest of the week,\u201d she said, pulling him up out of his seat.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWhere are we going?\u201d He chuckled, nearly knocking over his full mug of coffee.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cYou will find out later, but for tonight our hotel room. Come now.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

John was glad to leave the SGC, and drove them to their hotel. Ziva kept pulling him along with her and he didn\u2019t quite mind, but it was kinda turning him on, somewhat.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

She planned a long evening ahead for them, ordering room service complete with dinner, champagne, exotic fruits. Encouraging him to shower while they waited, she hopped on her laptop that she brought with her at Gibbs\u2019 insistence so that they did not fall behind on the cases while they were away, she ordered last minute plane tickets to spend the remaining week and into the weekend in sunny Hawaii in a private beach side bungalow where there would be little to no one to bother them. The environment would also be drastically different compared to where they were presently in Colorado and even that to their home in DC. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Still when John came out, she was finished and the computer shut down as she wanted to keep the changes as a surprise. Picking up her cell phone, she settled back on the bed and sent Teyla a cryptic text message about not being around for the week and not to worry, she smiled at her love – though she wasn\u2019t quite ready to admit that out loud – he looked a bit more relaxed and with more color to his face.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

John walked over to Ziva and kissed her tenderly. \u201cThank you, for being here with me, for plowing through this day with me.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cYou would have done the same for me,\u201d she replied. \u201cDinner should be up soon. I ordered you a New York steak with fries.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cOhhh, what have I done to deserve steak?\u201d he grinned as he grabbed a shirt out of his bag. He hadn\u2019t bothered taking one with him in the shower, just his tracking pants for comfort, and pulled on the shirt.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ziva only smiled at him. \u201cI cannot do something special just for you?\u201d she asked with a sultry smile.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

John got onto the bed and softly kissed her. \u201cYou\u2019re probably not going to tell me what you  have planned, are you?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cHmm, nope,\u201d she grinned and kissed him back slowly. It would turn into a short but steamy make out session for the two, however the knock on the door interrupted them. She sighed but smiled as she let her head fall back to the bed. \u201cWhat timing!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cTo be continued,\u201d John chuckled as he got off the bed, still wearing his pants, but not his shirt. He didn\u2019t care. He opened the door and the room service attendant rolled their foot cart in to their room.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cTo be honest, it was good timing. I am famished,\u201d she replied as she pushed herself out of bed. Grabbing her wallet, she pulled out some money before meeting John at the door to tip the attendant. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

John started to put their dinner on their small table and removed the lids that were keeping the plates warm. The steak smelled great and he could only hope it would taste the same too. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

As they sat to eat, Ziva deflected his curious questions about the plans she made. She had been firm on not giving him any details before he needed to know and she could tell that it was slowly beginning to get him. As she finished her salad, she stood to go take a shower for herself, giving him a kiss before leaving the room.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

He eyed the laptop and considered to look for clues for their trip, but he knew, that if he\u2019d do that, and she\u2019d find out, she\u2019d kill him for sure. He finished eating his potatoes – after having eaten the steak first – and crawled into bed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

She returned some time later after finishing her shower. Feeling clean and freshly shaven, she joined John in bed and sighed as she cuddled up to him in anticipation of their impromptu vacation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n\n\n\n

It was nearly three months after the Atlantis memorial services and Ziva\u2019s learning of John\u2019s professional past. True to her word, she stuck by him and supported him throughout the ordeal and was incredibly pleased when he expressed his gratitude for the impromptu trip to Hawaii she paid for to get him away. She did not care when Tony questioned their return or Gibbs\u2019 looks as they both were quite tanned when they were supposed to have been in Colorado. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

As expected, Gibbs pulled Ziva into the elevator to talk about things and she made it clear to him that while they did indeed attend the services, she also took him away to a different climate mid-trip because of the circumstances of the events. She did not give him any other confirmation to what she knew he was really searching for and refused to give more than the absolute necessary of information. It pained her to keep secrets from the closest thing to a father she had, but there were things that even a father did not need to know.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In that time, she developed increased soreness but did not really think much of it. Sitting at her desk while working was uncomfortable and would begin to experience aching in her back. Whenever one of her team members would ask her about it, as she clearly appeared to be in pain at times, she always assumed it was a pulled muscle from dealing with aggressive suspects or training as she had been working with Teyla more. Having Gibbs interrogate her about her relationship was more than Ziva was willing to entertain with these frequent spasms.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

John looked at Gibbs\u2019 desk, where his phone was ringing. Tony, as always, was quick to his feet in the absence of Gibbs and picked up the phone. John didn\u2019t like the eager smile that came across Tony\u2019s face as he looked at McGee. \u201cCall Ducky. When Gibbs and Ziva are done in the elevator we have to go to our crime scene.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Sheppard sighed, as he grabbed his gun out of his drawer. The previous weeks had been hell, with dead naval officers popping up as if they were flowers in spring and they all barely got any sleep. Not to mention, ever since the memorial at the SGC, bad dreams had been frequently keeping him awake and he hadn\u2019t told anyone about it, as he knew they were going to stop one day or another. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

He picked up Ziva\u2019s bag, gathered her gun and waited for her and Gibbs to exit the elevator so he could give them to her, or maybe even carry her bag for her, as she had been complaining about muscle pain for a couple of weeks now. He tried to help her out with giving her a massage when they were alone but it didn\u2019t help her that much.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ziva and Gibbs exchanged their words before they both agreed that it was going nowhere. He flipped the switch and the doors opened back to the bullpen to show the guys waiting there with their things. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWe got the bat signal Boss,\u201d Tony said as he looked between both of his colleagues. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Gibbs nodded and walked out to go get his things before coming back to witness Sheppard passing Ziva her sidearm but continued holding onto her bag. His eyes narrowed for a brief moment before speaking. \u201cWhat do we have?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cBody found in Quantico. Apparently the victim is Air Force but was visiting a marine buddy at the time. The Air Force agreed to let us begin the investigation because of Sheppard here but said that they will take over if the need comes.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n\n\n\n

When they arrived at the crime scene, John could already tell that this was going to be a hell to process. Whoever the body was, he wished that it wasn\u2019t in a stinking alley with a lot of junk and garbage in it, because Tony, McGee and even Ziva would tell him to sift through those and he usually ended up getting covered in such a stench that he had to ride back to the navy yard in the back of the truck. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cYeah, I\u2019ll get the garbage,\u201d John sighed as he got out of the truck. \u201cI love some garbage in the early morning.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Taking her camera, Ziva smiled apologetically. \u201cSorry. We\u2019ve all had to go through it ourselves,\u201d she said before heading over to begin snapping scene photos.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cOh I know… but I\u2019ve been with you guys for nearly a year now, you\u2019d think that we could like… draw straws for the dirty jobs.\u201d John pulled on his gloves and grabbed the necessary garbage processing tools from his bag.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

She chuckled and shook her head. \u201cWell, if I were 100%, I\u2019d certainly help you if I could that way we could stink together.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

John smirked at her. \u201cHow many times have I told you to go and see a doctor? Or at least Ducky?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWhat about me?\u201d the man in question asked as he made his way over with his bag and looked down at the body. \u201cMy boy, they made you into a pretzel.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cYeah, that\u2019s certainly a new way to dump a body.\u201d Tony answered. \u201cYou have to admit, they can\u2019t have done it here.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Gibbs moved over to look on before pushing McGee forward. \u201cI want an ID on the body. TOD Duck?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The ME looked up at his friend. \u201cHow many times do we go through this? Let me at least meet our friend before I invade the body. Give me a moment.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As Ducky stuck the liver probe into the body, McGee was attempting to get a fingerprint ID. His device sounded and looked up. \u201cMajor Nathan Stackhouse. Assigned to McMurdo for the last six months,\u201d he reported.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWait, what?\u201d John responded as he accidentally dropped a bag of garbage. He made his way over to the body and felt the color drain from his face. \u201cThis…\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ziva looked up from taking photos of the body\u2019s face – or what was left of it. \u201cJohn?\u201d she asked concerned. \u201cDo you know him?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cYou remember Stackhouse… he\u2019s the guy who saved my life…\u201d He felt as if he was going to throw up. \u201cExcuse me…\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cNot on the crime scene!\u201d Ducky yelled as John legged it out of the alley.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Stackhouse stepped up in front of the screen. \u201cI\u2019d just like to thank Colonel Sheppard for keeping us safe for all those years, I wouldn\u2019t have been here if it wasn\u2019t for you, Colonel.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cYou saved my ass, Major.\u201d John said, \u201cI should be thanking you.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The man nodded, \u201cAnd you being here with us is all the thanks we need Sir.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

John felt his insides churn and emptied his stomach contents of breakfast and quite possibly some dinner too. Stackhouse looked worse than a pretzel, he looked like a crushed pretzel and it was wrong.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Gibbs watched as he rushed out of the immediate scene. Nodding to Ziva she passed her camera over to him to take over while she went to check on her partner. She soon found him on the other side of their truck, haunched over and dry heaving on the curb. Rubbing her hand over his back, she sat beside him quietly until he was ready to say something.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

He found himself running through a smoke filled corridor, being fired at by fuzzy people with revolvers and real bullets, only to find himself tending to Carter\u2019s wounds a second later while the ground shook as if something was exploding.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI can\u2019t do this…\u201d John said softly. \u201cI can\u2019t…\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cBut we must, you must,\u201d she said. \u201cDeath will occur no matter where we are. What you can do for him and his family is bring his killer to justice.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI can\u2019t…\u201d He looked up to her, holding back his tears. \u201cWe\u2019ve lost so much already, so many people died on Atlantis… and he\u2019s not supposed to die, Ziva…\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ziva took his face in her hands and looked him in the eye. \u201cYes you can. You are a strong person John Sheppard. I know you have been through a lot, and even more before that. You can do this. I am here. Teyla is here. We both will be here with you and find who did this. Now tell me that you can<\/em> do this. Tell me John.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

He took a deep breath. \u201cI need to call Landry.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cLater. Tell me first. I need to hear you say it.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI can do this, don\u2019t worry…\u201d he nodded. \u201cI need to stop running.\u201d He grabbed a bottle of water from the truck and rinsed his mouth. \u201cThanks Ziva.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cDo not thank me,\u201d she said. \u201cLet\u2019s go back and figure out how your friend died. Give him the solace that he will need to rest.\u201d Together they walked back to the alley where everyone looked up quickly before returning back to their tasks. Well, all but one.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cGreat, you\u2019ve pinked up, Probie.\u201d Tony grinned as they walked back onto the crime scene.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

John rolled his eyes at him and put another set of gloves on to sift through the garbage again, making sure he didn\u2019t see Stackhouse\u2019s body again. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

DiNozzo looked back at Ziva with a confused expression. \u201cWhat I say?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cCan you please cut back your jokes on this case?\u201d she asked him quietly as she pulled him out of earshot of her partner. \u201cThis is the same man that managed to bring him back alive from his post. Give a little respect.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tony sobered up quickly and nodded. \u201cSorry. Um, should I say something to him?\u201d he asked, feeling truly like an ass now.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ziva looked back at John for a moment then shook her head. \u201cNo. Just let him be for now. I will handle him.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cJethro, I\u2019m afraid that this isn\u2019t the place where this poor man died.\u201d Ducky said. \u201cI can\u2019t say for sure, but I think he got hit by a big vehicle, and he was placed here.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWe can\u2019t say that for sure until we finish processing the crime scene, Duck.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cShall Mr. Palmer and I bring him home? I would be able to have a more definitive answer once we open him up.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cYeah.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

John watched as Ducky and Jimmy carried the body bag with his old friend\u2019s body in it onto the trolly and into the ME truck, and couldn\u2019t help but feeling angry with the world. It was obvious that the trash wouldn\u2019t tell them anything, but it was protocol to do so. Turning back to his job, he lifted another trash bag and found part of a license plate.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

He snapped some pictures of it and bagged and tagged it before looking for anything else out of the ordinary, glad that at Tony stopped with his wisecracks.  \u201cWhat do you think Gibbs?\u201d he asked as he looked at the older man, hoping for some kind of good news and expecting the worst.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cKeep digging.\u201d Gibbs said and turned to McGee and Tony. \u201cYou two, canvas the neighborhood, see if anyone has seen something.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cOn it boss.\u201d Tony replied.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

John stood there staring at where the body had been in the meanwhile. Ziva was unsure of what else she could say or do there and looked at Gibbs helplessly before she began to pack up their own equipment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cSheppard, you think you can keep your head on this case?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cYes sir.\u201d Sheppard replied.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cGood. Call your General when Ducky knows more. If you need to talk…\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cGuy saved my life, served with him for years, there\u2019s nothing much to talk about.\u201d John said as collected as he could. Ziva had been right, the best thing John could do now for Stackhouse was to find the bastard who killed him.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Gibbs looked back at him before giving a single nod. \u201cOpen invitation,\u201d was all he said before he turned to head back to his car.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ziva came up beside John. \u201cThat means that his door is open to you if you need a place to hide from everything. He keeps bourbon in his basement for the record,\u201d she smiled. \u201cI\u2019m done here. Ready to go?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cYeah.\u201d John sighed and lifted up the few evidence bags he had collected. \u201cI doubt these will help though,\u201d he said, nodding to the bags. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cAbby will tell us if they are helpful or not. Let\u2019s go get some coffee on the way back to the office.\u201d She pulled on his arm to get him moving with her towards the team truck and leaving their car for Tony and McGee to take back with them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n\n\n\n

He was glad that it had been the end of the day so that he could go home. He had dinner with Teyla, not telling her about Stackhouse, and went to bed early after taking a shower. He couldn\u2019t get to sleep easily, replaying all the memories he had of the man while they were on Atlantis. He was always so full of life and a joker. It was weird that he wasn\u2019t around anymore even if they hadn\u2019t spoken much over the last year and more. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

When John did manage to fall asleep, he woke up nearly every other hour from nightmares. One was particularly bad enough for him to wake up Teyla with his screams. He then decided to stay awake until it was time to go back to work. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

She prepared breakfast for him as she failed to be able to return to sleep, her thoughts filled with worry. Setting the eggs and bacon in front of John, Teyla looked at him. \u201cPlease tell me what is wrong that has brought you with so much unrest,\u201d she pleaded.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cIt\u2019s the case…\u201d John sighed. \u201cStackhouse.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cNathan?\u201d she asked, sitting next to him. \u201cHe is involved?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

John nodded. \u201cHe was visiting a Navy buddy of his.\u201d He poked his bacon with his fork. \u201cThey found Stackhouse yesterday morning in an alley.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Teyla was speechless as she stared back at him. She settled a hand on his arm. \u201cI have faith that you and your team will find who is responsible. If Agent Gibbs requires assistance, please inform him that I am willing to assist in any way that I can. He was my friend too.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThanks Teyla. Yesterday was really hard, but I\u2019m sure today will be a lot easier now that I won\u2019t have to see how he ended up.\u201d He winced and decided to leave the bacon for now.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cOkay,\u201d she said and took the plate that he pushed away. She was happy to see at least he ate the eggs and set aside the strips of bacon. \u201cIf you wish to leave early, I will add some hot coffee to your carafe. I am sure you will want it at some point through the morning.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

He only nodded as he got up to get himself together. \u201cYeah. Um, if I don\u2019t come home tonight don\u2019t worry about me. I\u2019m thinking about seeing if Ziva would be up for some company.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Teyla didn\u2019t say anything but understood. \u201cJust let me know if I should make enough for supper in time.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWill do,\u201d John replied on his way out the door.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

John started to check his email as soon as he arrived at work; he was the first one to arrive and he wanted to see if Abby or Ducky had found something on Stacks\u2019 body or with the evidence they had collected and just kept refreshing when there wasn\u2019t anything in his inbox. He knew full well that they probably weren\u2019t at work yet but he couldn\u2019t help himself. <i>Maybe<\/i>, <\/em>just maybe he could ask General Landry if the <i>Hammond<\/em><\/i> had picked up on something.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Gibbs stepped off the rear elevator behind the bullpen sipping his coffee. He came to a stop as he noticed Sheppard at his desk before everyone else. Glancing at his watch he frowned slightly as he studied the man. For a military man without formal police training, he did find that this guy seemed to fit well with his people, despite DiNozzo\u2019s unhappiness at losing his partner to him. Swallowing another gulp of coffee, he slowly stepped up to the barrier of the desk area. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Looking, John sighed. \u201cDr. Mallard didn\u2019t finish the autopsy yet?\u201d he asked quietly as he couldn\u2019t find any notes in the case file.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cHe did,\u201d Gibbs answered and continued to look at him.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Raising an eyebrow, he looked up at the older man. \u201cAnd…?\u201d he prompted, wanting the information on his friend so desperately.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWhat is going on between you and Ziva?\u201d Gibbs asked simply.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cZiva and I are partners,\u201d John answered, looking back suspiciously. He didn\u2019t flinch under the man\u2019s stare – going up against Wraith Queens were much worse than this guy. Eventually Gibbs conceded.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cDucky sent some trace to Abby. So far it looks as it your friend was hit by a bulldozer or some large truck. She\u2019s still running comparative tests on the paint flecks that were embedded in his clothes.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The sigh that he let out was one of frustration and relief. Frustration that they still didn\u2019t know who killed Stacks, and relief that it didn\u2019t appear to be some alien bad guy – so far. \u201cI have to call General Landry,\u201d he said with some distraction.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cDo that,\u201d Gibbs commented as he slapped the wall before walking off. John watched him disappear around the steps before going up them to likely talk to Vance. Picking up the phone to start dialing, he couldn\u2019t help but glance at the time and notice that Ziva hadn\u2019t gotten in yet. Pressing the button to clear the numbers he started to dial, he pushed the ones for her number.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

He was never more relieved when she answered the phone. Once he was sure she was alright, having only overslept because she forgot to set her alarm clock, she was on her way in. After not so subtly asking to bring some decent coffee, she laughed and shared that she already had with her which ended up being a great relief.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

John then dialled Landry, and it wasn\u2019t a phone call he liked to make at all. \u201cWalter? Why are you picking up the direct line to the General?\u201d John asked puzzled as the gate tech or actually the General\u2019s left hand answered the phone.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cEven the General has to take a leak, Colonel,\u201d Walter replied dryly. \u201cAre you alright?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI am fine… listen, tell the General to call me back as soon as he can, okay?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cDoes it involve aliens, sir?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cNo.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cAlright, I will tell the General to call you once he returns.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThank you Walter.\u201d John rubbed his eyes as he put the phone back on the receiver. The lack of sleep was already catching up with him. He was out of shape. He needed Ziva\u2019s coffee <i>soon<\/i>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

McGee and DiNozzo came in, both appearing to be in somewhat down moods. He wasn\u2019t really interested in dealing with anyone\u2019s attitude today and prayed that Gibbs would keep him around the office as he would go after the first throat he believed was responsible considering how crappy he felt.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The ding of the elevator sounded, making John look up and smile. \u201cSalvation!\u201d he grinned as Ziva walked in with a large tray in her hands. She got coffees for everyone it appeared and he didn\u2019t care. He wanted his. She brought his over where he quickly popped the lid and took a long sip before nearly choking.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWhat the hell is that?!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cYou said you needed fuel – I got you fuel,\u201d Ziva replied.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

He stared at her as she went back to her desk. \u201cDid you take it from your car or something?\u201d he asked, trying to get the taste out of his mouth from it. It was like super coffee, it was so strong – and it put Teyla\u2019s old tava bean imitation to shame, if that was even possible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cIt\u2019s high octane,\u201d she answered narrowing her eyes. \u201cIf you don\u2019t want it, you can have Gibbs\u2019…\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cNo fine… I\u2019ll just get some more sugar and milk from the kitchen.\u201d John made a face. \u201cThanks Ziva.\u201d As he was getting up, his cell phone rang, it was the General. \u201cHey General.\u201d John said as he continued his way to the kitchen with his coffee.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tony looked at Ziva. \u201cDid you just pull a fast one on him?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

She looked up at him and shrugged. \u201cAfter yesterday, I doubt he would have gotten <i>any<\/i> sleep, so I picked up the coffee on the way in when he called me. I merely told the guy at the counter, the strongest stuff he had. How was I to know that they had coffee stronger than what even Gibbs gets?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cIs that even possible?\u201d Tony chuckled as he started to check his email. \u201cSad though, our victim is basically a hero and he gets run over by a big truck.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ziva didn\u2019t say anything as she looked at him before starting on her messages and sighed. If he only knew how much of one. John too, for that matter. \u201cWe will find whoever did this,\u201d she said with a certain determination in her voice.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWhy do I get the feeling that before we do I have to clear you of all deadly weapons and put you in a straight jacket in case you might kill him?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cIt would not be me who will do the killing,\u201d she said smoothly. \u201cEven in his condition after all he went through on his assignment with the Air Force, Colonel Sheppard is more than capable of inflicting severe damage. You should know.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tony winced. \u201cI forgot about that. Maybe we should lock the both of you up when we bring the guy in.\u201d He nodded.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

She smiled but said nothing. All she could do was look over at his desk and hope that the conversation he was having with the General wasn\u2019t going to drain him any more than he was already.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

John had put a lot of sugar and milk in his coffee and walked back to the bullpen while the General was still chatting away in his ear, something about John wanting to let the General tell Stackhouse\u2019s parents that their son had been killed and how it wasn\u2019t appropriate as it was an NCIS case and not related to the Stargate program and how John had to man up and do it himself. \u201cYes General… What? Sure, just give Teyla a heads up when you arrive this weekend so she won\u2019t bite my head off for not telling her… well in case I forget… yes sir, writing it down.\u201d John sighed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ziva looked at John and narrowed her eyes questioningly at him. Tony watched between them, curious, maybe suspicious even. Once he caught the look on Gibbs\u2019 face who had been back at his desk for a couple minutes, he was sure now that he wasn\u2019t the only one <i>wondering<\/i>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

John finally hung up and looked at Gibbs. \u201cThe General is giving you full jurisdiction, obviously, as this isn\u2019t an Air Force case. Which means, you\u2019ll have to fill in his next of kin.\u201d Before Gibbs could say anything, John continued; \u201cHe also told me to go home and let you handle this on your own but I said he could respectfully go to hell, I\u2019m not going unless you tell me to, I am perfectly capable to do my job.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Gibbs nodded for an answer. \u201cYou call your man\u2019s next of kin.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThought you might say that.\u201d John sighed and took a sip of his coffee, which was tasting a lot better now that he had added milk and sugar, despite hating milk in his coffee.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cDoes he have family in DC?\u201d Tony asked.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cNo, Kansas, it will probably take them a while to get here.\u201d John took another sip of his coffee and looked at the number of Stacks\u2019 parents. \u201cSo much for avoiding this kind of stuff…\u201d he muttered to himself.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWant me to do it?\u201d McGee offered.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cNo.\u201d Gibbs said simply as he took a sip of his coffee.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

John looked at the man and winced. \u201cIs that the coffee Ziva got? How can you drink that?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cYou take a sip… and swallow.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cUgh,\u201d John shuddered and dialled the number of Stackhouse\u2019s parents.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ziva looked over at Gibbs and frowned before returning to her work. She continued to read the updated reports as she reached into her drawer for some Tylenol. \u201cMcGee? Did you see if there were any security cameras in the area of the scene?\u201d she asked as she looked over an aerial map view of the area on her computer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cNo, but Abby\u2019s processing some of the security footage we received from the shops, although she doubts there\u2019s anything on them. Bad quality camera\u2019s and the darkness…\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cNo traffic cameras?\u201d she asked eyeing a main intersection not far from the scene. \u201cWhat about the light over at Madison and Spencer? There is an entrance that leads to the freeway that would be reasonable way of escape from the area quickly,\u201d she pointed out.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cZiva, there are traffic cams on the road.\u201d McGee sighed. \u201cFortunately for whoever drove over our victim, they weren\u2019t working. In fact, every camera in a 5 block radius didn\u2019t work for a couple of hours that night… except for the few security camera\u2019s from shops. Which are now being reconstructed by Abby.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

She looked at him dubiously. \u201c<i>Every<\/i> camera?\u201d she repeated. \u201cThat sounds a bit unusual, doesn\u2019t it?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI was planning on going to visit the central thingy where they keep tabs on the camera\u2019s,\u201d Tim replied. \u201cAs it\u2019s unusual but I wasn\u2019t done here yet.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThingy?\u201d Gibbs asked looking at the young agent. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cYeah Boss, you know the thingy that records people driving their thingies store their information in a larger, separate thingy somewhere else,\u201d Tony answered as he balled up a paper to hit McGee with. \u201cTraffic Control Office McIdiot. I have a friend in the office Boss. I\u2019ll see what she can dig up for us.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ziva chuckled as she looked at him. \u201cShe?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cYes, she…\u201d he grinned as he held the phone to his ear and waited for someone to answer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cJust take McGee and go.\u201d Gibbs said and then looked at John. \u201cSheppard, you done yet?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

John had just hung up on Stackhouse\u2019s parents, and he felt as if he could vomit. He had made similar calls before, hell, even went to Ford\u2019s cousin to talk to her, but for some reason this was harder. Even harder than recording that message for Colonel Sumner\u2019s family many years ago. \u201cYeah, they\u2019re on the next flight to DC, so that when Ducky releases him, they can take their son home.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

John hated that investigations took time, especially digging through video footage and cleaning them up. Apart from DiNozzo and McGee being sent off to investigate Traffic Control, there wasn\u2019t a lot for them to do than wait.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

At the end of the day, he was tired and felt drained but really didn\u2019t want to go home to Teyla and Torren. Ziva looked like crap as well, he noticed that as he walked her to her car. Maybe a night of relaxation would do the both of them good; he loved giving her a massage and it eased his mind as well. \u201cIs it okay if I come home with you tonight? I\u2019ll stop by a supermarket and buy groceries and make you a nice meal.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ziva smiled as she closed her eyes as she let her feet step one foot in front of the other as if they knew where to go on their own.  \u201cI was actually thinking of ordering Chinese if you\u2019re up for that instead. I don\u2019t think you are really up to cooking after today – are you?\u201d she asked as she stopped at her car and looked up at him.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cProbably not, I don\u2019t want to set your house on fire.\u201d John sighed. \u201cChinese sounds like a better plan.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Looking around, she sighed as she stretched out her back again. \u201cI\u2019ll ride with you. I just don\u2019t feel up to driving if you don\u2019t mind.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThat\u2019s fine.\u201d John replied. \u201cWant me to massage your back later?\u201d He asked as they walked towards his car.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cPlease,\u201d she replied following him. \u201cI think a nice hot bath for two may also be in the cards.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cYou really should see a doctor, Ziva.\u201d John said, fumbling his keys out of his pocket. \u201cAnd I know you\u2019re fine, but you\u2019re in pain, and I don\u2019t like to see you in pain…\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cIt\u2019s just sore muscles that haven\u2019t had time to rest and heal with all the work and beating on bad guys we had been doing the last month. When things slow down again, I\u2019ll look into taking some personal time. Would that make you feel better?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cA little.\u201d He unlocked his car and opened the door on the passenger side. \u201cMilady, your chariot awaits.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWhy thank you,\u201d she grinned as she settled into the car seat. She waited for him to get in and turn the car on before immediately reaching over to turn on the heated seats to try to substitute for a heating pad of sorts for her back and let out a low moan as she felt it warming up.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cAh, that\u2019s why you wanted me to drive,\u201d John drove off the Navy Yard and then turned on the radio to keep him awake, in case Ziva would fall asleep herself. \u201cWe could swap cars if you like.\u201d he chuckled as he glanced over to his lover. Had it been possible, she would have been sprawled out over the chair while hugging it, she looked as if she was in heaven. \u201cAlthough maybe you would still need someone to drive you as you\u2019d be madly in love with a chair.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI finally understand Tony\u2019s obsession with his massaging chair. Never before did I before this last month. I am tempted to invest in one myself now but I have something much better that he does not,\u201d she smiled dreamily.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cOh yeah? What\u2019s that?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ziva looked at him with a warm smile, \u201cYou.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cMe and my hands… and the rest of my body, will always be yours, Ziva.\u201d John chuckled. \u201cI\u2019m glad Tony doesn\u2019t have me… ew.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

She chuckled as she reached over to rest her hand on his thigh before letting her head fall back to the chair head. \u201cIf you go ahead two blocks past my street and turn left, the Chinese restaurant I usually order from is on the corner about a quarter mile up.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cYes, milady.\u201d John grinned and fumbled his phone out of his pocket before handing it to Ziva. \u201cCould you call Teyla for me? That she doesn\u2019t have to expect me home tonight?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cSure,\u201d she laughed as she took the phone and flipped down the phone book to his house number. Dialing, she spoke with Teyla for a few moments, they were outside the restaurant. Covering the mouthpiece, she looked back at John. \u201cI\u2019ll pay you back later but could you get me some beef lo mein and egg drop soup?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cDon\u2019t worry, it\u2019s on me.\u201d John turned off the engine and got rid of his seat-belt before kissing Ziva. \u201cI\u2019ll be right back.\u201d He then got out of the car and into the Chinese restaurant.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

She watched him as he went in before going back to talking with Teyla.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

John was glad when they finally reached Ziva\u2019s home. He had kicked off his shoes at the front door and had gone to the kitchen to get them something to drink before joining Ziva in the living room to eat their dinner. He smiled at her as he sat down on the floor as Ziva had laid down on the couch on her side and was eating her food. He placed the remote control in front of her and started to eat his own food. \u201cDon\u2019t fall asleep on me… I want that hot bath.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ziva smiled wickedly. \u201cAnd I want your hands on me,\u201d she purred as she took another bite of her food. When John turned around to kiss her, she hit him on the head with her chopsticks. \u201cEat your food.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<hr><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The next morning, after dropping Ziva off at work, he went to visit that marine buddy of Stackhouse, just to have a chat and to keep himself busy. He knew that nobody had talked to him yet, apart from maybe Metro PD, and maybe, just maybe, this guy could tell him what happened that night. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

John was still tired and had resorted to red bull to keep him awake. He just didn\u2019t want to wake up in cold sweat when he was at Ziva\u2019s as she needed the rest herself. He had slept for an hour, maybe two, before he took a shower and spent the rest of the night watching TV, doing push ups and quietly managed to clean a little around the apartment without disturbing most of Ziva\u2019s belongings, knowing how she wanted to have everything in its own spot.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

He had looked up Nathan\u2019s buddy, Lt. Jonas Cobb, and knew that Cobb was a special forces kind of guy, when he had asked for his file, a lot of things were redacted from it. It was slightly frustrating because even though John had the clearance for everything Air Force and Stargate related issues, he didn\u2019t have it for the other top secret projects the government were conducting. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

John parked his car in front of Cobb\u2019s house and looked at it for a while. It was small, but well taken care of and it looked like Cobb was mowing his lawn. Sighing, John got out of his car and approached the house. \u201cLt. Cobb?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cYes sir, can I help you?\u201d the man answered. He looked like a kid, John hadn\u2019t expected that. Usually special forces men were big and had more muscles. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cMy name is Colonel John Sheppard, US Air Force.\u201d John replied. \u201cNathan Stackhouse was my friend.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI\u2019m sorry for your loss, sir.\u201d Cobb replied and shut off the mower. \u201cHe was a great friend.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI\u2019m sorry for your loss too, lieutenant.\u201d John nodded. \u201cI know Stackhouse was visiting you and I was wondering what happened the night he died, I\u2019m trying to retrace his steps but I can\u2019t find anything.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Cobb sighed and ran a hand through his hair – too long compared to Navy standards, maybe he wasn\u2019t really with the Navy? – as he walked to his porch and sat down on the steps. \u201cI wouldn\u2019t know, Sir.\u201d Cobb then answered. \u201cAll I know is that he had borrowed my car to drive down to Kansas and visit his family. Did you find my car?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cHe was found downtown in an alley, no car.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThat doesn\u2019t sound right, sir.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cNo, it doesn\u2019t.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cIf there\u2019s anything else, Sir, please call me.\u201d Cobb said as he got up and headed inside his house. \u201cI am really sorry for what happened to Nathan, please send my condolences to his parents.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI will, thank you.\u201d John walked back to his car and looked at the house for a while after he had gotten in. <i>Something<\/i> wasn\u2019t right about this Cobb guy, and he wondered if he really had been a friend of Stackhouse. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

On his way back to the Navy Yard, he bought coffee for everyone and as soon as he walked in the bullpen he filled Gibbs in on what he learned.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cGreat.\u201d Gibbs said wryly. \u201cNext time, don\u2019t go by yourself, you have a partner for a reason.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ziva eyed John from her desk where she was on the phone trying to track down each vehicle from the little footage they were able to obtain. The look she gave was not one reminiscent of their night together. \u201cNo ma\u2019am, we\u2019re just conducting an investigation – no you are not a suspect. We just need to verify – no, there is no need for a lawyer…Ma\u2019am the make of your car does not match what our forensics shows…I am just trying to verify that your location at the time…\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cGibbs, Gibbs! Gibbs!\u201d Abby ran into the bullpen and switched on the TV while she pushed McGee away from his desk to access her own computer. \u201cLook!\u201d There was a picture of Stackhouse\u2019s shirt on the screen with what it looked like sand on it and then the results. \u201cI found sand!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cAnd?\u201d Gibbs looked at Abby, sand wasn\u2019t unusual to find.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cIt doesn\u2019t match the kind of sand we have in the streets!\u201d She said excitedly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Finally hanging up with the irritating woman, Ziva looked up. \u201cSo? We\u2019re not far from the beaches and there is too much of the shore to search,\u201d she pointed out.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cIt\u2019s not the beach either.\u201d Abby beamed. \u201cOh come on, take another guess.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cAbby,\u201d she said simply, tired and in no mood to play games.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThere was fertilizer in the sand, and airplane fuel.\u201d Abby sighed. \u201cAnd not just any fuel, some special kind of fuel they use at the airport in Orange County, Virginia.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cVirginia is a big place.\u201d John pointed out.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cGrab a shovel and start looking.\u201d Abby shrugged. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ziva looked over at Gibbs. \u201cWhat do you want us to do?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cMcGee, what car does Lt. Jonas Cobb drive?\u201d Gibbs asked. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cUhm… a 1975 Ford Mustang, boss….\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cTry finding it on traffic cams.\u201d He then looked at Ziva and John. \u201cYou two, go check it out, when we know more, we will call.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

She nodded as she stood to get the address from McGee before collecting her things and her sidearm from her desk. Following John to the elevator she was quiet, breathing tensely through her nose. \u201cI hope this won\u2019t be a fools errand,\u201d she sighed as the doors closed on them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI hope not,\u201d John replied. \u201cBesides, fertilizer? Stackhouse would stick to the main roads while driving to Kansas.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cVirginia,\u201d she corrected as she looked at the paper in her hand. \u201cIn the heart of…somewhere…McGee\u2019s handwriting is nearly as bad as Tony\u2019s.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cHe was on his way to Kansas, Ziva.\u201d He took the paper from Ziva\u2019s hand and squinted at it. \u201cUp to 25 miles North of the Orange County airport, Culpeper, maybe?\u201d He shook his head. \u201cDoes he have any idea how many farms are in 25 miles? And how wide do we need to look?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ziva snatched the paper back and glared at him. \u201cMcGee will pay dearly for this,\u201d she promised. \u201cI am in no mood to be mucking through horse crap today.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThen I will.\u201d John exited the elevator and headed to the parking lot. \u201cYou need to poke me occasionally so I won\u2019t fall asleep while driving.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cNo you aren\u2019t. Not alone at least. Like Gibbs said, it\u2019s what partners are for,\u201d she said and sighed. \u201cGive me the keys. I can get us there quicker without the risk of you sleeping at the wheel.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cNope, you\u2019re still not feeling well.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI am also not at risk of narcolepsy,\u201d she added. \u201cYou close your eyes for awhile. I\u2019ll drive.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI don\u2019t <i>want<\/i> to sleep, Ziva.\u201d John said as he unlocked the car. \u201cGet in.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cNot until you give me the keys,\u201d Ziva insisted. \u201cLast thing we need is an accident on the way to there. Gibbs will bring us back from the dead just to kill us over again.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI shouldn\u2019t have said anything.\u201d John muttered and handed Ziva the keys before walking around his car and got into the passenger side.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThank you,\u201d she cheered, snatching the keys from his hand and made her way around the car. Settling into the driver\u2019s seat and making the necessary adjustments, she looked over at him and frowned. \u201cHey, look at me.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

He looked at her as he pulled the lever to push the chair back so he could stretch his legs. \u201cIt\u2019s fine, just drive.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ziva reached over and rested her hand on his face before smiling. \u201cWe take care of each other. Got that?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI know… and I\u2019m sorry.\u201d John sighed. \u201cIt\u2019s just that whenever I fall asleep these days, I get nightmares and they\u2019re not even that, it\u2019s as if I\u2019m watching <i>\u201cIt\u201d<\/i> with guns, and my whole life is blown to smithereens <i>again<\/i>.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cYour whole life is not <i>there<\/i> anymore. Stackhouse was a part of an old life. You need to realize that you have built up a new one from the pieces of the old. New pieces, people, holding the old together,\u201d she sighed, unsure how she was feeling from his comment. Somewhat hurt was a certainty. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cNo, not that life.\u201d John smiled, somewhat. \u201cInstead of seeing the faces of my old friends on Atlantis, I see you, Gibbs… Ducky… and everyone else. You\u2019re my life now, Ziva. Not them, but you, and I… I don\u2019t understand why everything is melting together in my sleep but I need to get this over with. Sleep or no sleep.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

She smiled warmly, feeling relieved at his words. \u201cDucky says that the dreams you experience is your mind trying to process information that you are unable to when awake. Perhaps a part of you is having a hard time separating the life you live now to the one you had there.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cMaybe.\u201d John shrugged. \u201cI\u2019ll sleep once we catch whoever ran over Stackhouse with a truck.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cMaybe.\u201d Ziva responded with a smile and drove off the Navy Yard. Before they left Washington, John was asleep and for that she was relieved.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It was almost two hours later that she was driving along the dirt roads of the ass end of Virgina before he woke again. She had begun to follow the directions from the GPS coordinates that McGee recommended to start with. \u201cMorning sleepygoose,\u201d she smiled. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cMorning… I was dreaming I was sitting on a horse that had a rotten way of moving… but I see that was just the road.\u201d He groaned as he stretched himself.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWe should be in the general area that McGee estimated shortly,\u201d Ziva replied as they bumped along on the road with the speed she was going. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cZiva, my car is not a company car.\u201d John warned, rubbing his head as he looked outside the window. \u201cStop, I think that\u2019s Cobb\u2019s car.\u201d He braced himself when she stopped the car and drove towards the old Mustang to park behind it. The sun was being a particular ass at the moment so he had to find his cap in the glove compartment before leaving the car for extra shade.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ziva was shaking her phone as they got out of the car. \u201cYou know, it\u2019s odd. We\u2019re not exactly in the middle of nowhere but I don\u2019t have cell reception.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cShaking it won\u2019t help.\u201d He chuckled as he took his own phone out of his pocket and squinted to see if he had bars on his phone. \u201cAh, I don\u2019t have reception either.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ziva immediately drew her gun. \u201cGo check out the car, I\u2019ll keep an eye out,\u201d she said as she looked around, eying the shamble of a house.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

John popped the trunk and saw that it was filled with a bag, a tire iron and a spare tire. He opened the bag and sighed. \u201cMen\u2019s clothes.\u201d He then opened the driver\u2019s side door and looked for anything out of the ordinary. \u201cWhat do you think? Should I dust for prints? I\u2019m not sure if it\u2019ll help us much.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

She was busy staring off towards the side of the house that led up into the wooded area behind the stables. Making sure her gun was loaded, she pulled back on the device and started to walk off quietly towards a shadow her eyes had been tracking. It was an unusual one, the way it moved and was certainly not a wild animal, that she was certain of.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As she moved around the far side of the house in her ninja like way, her ears picked up, although a fraction too late, the sound of a small twig snapping right behind her. From there – she remembered nothing but blackness as a gloved hand with a clothe covered her nose and mouth. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cZiva?\u201d John crawled out of the car and looked around. Where the hell was she? He looked into the direction of the buildings and sighed. <i>Of course<\/i> she walked off on her own. He got rid of the gloves and drew his gun, although he didn\u2019t know if he could properly shoot with this kind of light. He removed the safety of his gun and started to walk towards the house, following Ziva\u2019s foot prints. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

When her foot prints turned into drag marks with another set of foot prints; big enough to be the foot prints of a man or a tall woman, alarm bells went off in his head. The compound was huge, and he knew he could follow the drag marks and foot prints but what could he expect? <i>You\u2019ve turned into a wuss, Sheppard,<\/i> he told himself as he continued to follow the tracks, while trying to keep an eye on his surroundings but even his shades and cap couldn\u2019t stop his eyes from seeing blurry when looking at the buildings. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

He did not see his attacker coming, and when he felt a heavy object connect with his head he knew it was too late.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/a><\/figure>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Chapter 07 John had never thought that he\u2019d ever feel complete again, but now, after working for NCIS almost six months, and dating Ziva for almost five of those months, he realized he was doing okay. He had even, per Director Vance\u2019s request, done a few courses at Quantico to…<\/p>\n

Continue reading<\/i><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":1082,"parent":1081,"menu_order":6,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false,"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-1110","page","type-page","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry"],"yoast_head":"\nChapter 07 - MeekoBuggy<\/title>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"noindex, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Chapter 07 - MeekoBuggy\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Chapter 07 John had never thought that he\u2019d ever feel complete again, but now, after working for NCIS almost six months, and dating Ziva for almost five of those months, he realized he was doing okay. 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