She's not there.

Title: She's not there

Category: TV Shows » NCIS

Author: CALLEN37

Language: English, Rating: Rated: M

Genre: Hurt/Comfort/Family

Published: 01-19-13, Updated: 05-27-13

Chapters: 18, Words: 28,480

Chapter 1: Chapter 1

A/N I haven't forgotten my other stories I'm just sick with a Kidney infection so as per usual have come up with something in my drug addled brain. Done two and a half chapters so far. So would love to know what you think and if it makes any sense lol.

Disclaimer: It's not mine...Blame it on the painkillers and antibiotics...coz YEAH I'm crazy!

Chapter 1

Tony was overjoyed at being reunited with his team again.

When Gibbs turned around and told him to grab his gear and that, he was accompanying the body back to the naval yard made his year. He shot Ziva a huge grin and ran down the corridor.

Gibbs turned and looked at the photo of Ziva; Tony had tacked onto the wall in the Agent Afloat's office. He carefully took it off the wall and put it in his pocket.

"Gibbs!" Ziva protested, but was quickly stopped with a look.

They sat in the COT on the way back and Gibbs handed Tony the picture.

The relief on Tony's face was palpable, "I thought I had forgotten it." He said in a low tone.

He took the picture of Ziva and turned it over to see a picture of a woman and a little girl of about 3 years old smiling with her mommy hidden on the back.

The woman's eyes were sparkling with happiness and the little girl with green eyes and dark brown hair laughed back.

It was one of Tony's happiest memories and he thought back to the day when that picture had been taken.

"Just hurry up and take the picture Tony!" Kate said exasperated at the time it was taking Tony with the camera.

"Katie….Look at daddy and smile with mommy." Tony called.

Katie had pouted "NO. Don't wanna wear dress." She said stubbornly.

"Katie bear, please smile for daddy!" Tony pleaded.

Just as he was about to put the camera down 3-year-old Katie DiNozzo let out the most beautiful smile he'd ever seen, He took the picture just as Katie Squealed. "PAPA!"

Tony turned as Gibbs walked up the path and scooped the child into his arms.

"Why Katie Elizabeth DiNozzo, you are the most beautiful child I've ever seen," Gibbs said smiling.

"We go to see Poppa D. later at a .rant!" Katie told Gibbs. For a second Gibbs eyes flashed but he hid it quickly.

He smiled at the child's delight, Kate saw the flash, "Come on Katie, lets do your hair into pretty bunches." She said and left the two men alone.

"So, Tony. You letting him back in again?" Gibbs growled.

"He raised me I owe him, he's still family. He wants to be in Katie's life. Kate and I discussed this. I won't let him hurt her." Tony said quietly.

"Like he did you." Gibbs growled.

"He's my step-father, my last link to mom. She needs this." Tony stood his ground. "How's your shoulder feeling?" He asked.