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[rubyarrows]

The Key

Tim had just wrapped up a long day at the office and he was still mentally going over the findings in his head. Every little detail of the current case the NCIS team was working on looped repeatedly in his mind. He had heard about this somewhere and he couldn’t quite place where, but it was really starting to bug him on a level he couldn’t quite comprehend.  

He trudged into the apartment he shared with his girlfriend, YN, who greeted him with a warm smile. The sight made him forget some of the hellacious work of the day, if even for a moment. 

“Hey there, handsome,” she greeted as she looked up from her book.  

“Hey there yourself,” he replied.  

“Long day?” she questioned. To which her boyfriend replied with just a simple nod as he placed his bag down on the unoccupied chair off to the side. “I can see it on your face. Dragging case?” 

“You have no idea.” Tim said as he planted himself on the couch right beside her. 

YNN instinctively moved closer to him and cuddled into his side as McGee placed his arm around her. “Care to share?” she asked. “Well, the little you can at least.” 

Tim thought about it for a moment, knowing his girlfriend would probably be able to give some unbiased insight as she normally did in a situation such as the one they were in. So, he gave her all the details he was allowed to share with her, which granted wasn’t a lot but usually that was enough for her to give him and the team enough of a nudge in the right direction. So, he decided to give you the bit of information he could, hoping that it would be enough for his knowledgeable girl to help with. 

But as he explained everything, Tim noticed how YN’s face changed. It wasn’t the normal in thought look she would often get during these types of conversations but more of a look of fear. Something within his words flipped a switch in her mind, putting her into panic mode and he had not even the faintest idea of what it could've been, but he could see it just by the slightest look on her face. 

So, he paused for a moment and looked at her with concerned eyes. “YNN? What is it?” He questioned and sat up slightly taking her with him. 

YN took a deep breath before responding. “I know that signature.” 

“What do you mean you know the signature? What signature?” he questioned with a genuine look of confusion in his eyes as she finally looked up at him to see it. 

“You said the Ducky found an antique key shoved down your victim’s throat, yes?” she questioned, and Tim could only nod. “Well, so did the medical examiner that did Darren’s autopsy.” 

McGee’s eyes widened at the realization. “They never caught the guy, did they?” he asked, knowing the answer already. Tim had gone over the details of her brother’s murder with her and Gibbs, Vance even, several times and the fact that he didn’t catch the one dollop of securing fact within the current case they were working and Darren’s had jarred him.  

“No.” Chy said as she shook her head and it almost seemed like she was fading into her own little world. 

“What are you thinking about, baby?” He could see the panic arise in her eyes. 

“There is no way it’s just a coincidence that I traveled from Texas to DC in order to get away from it all and then a year later, there’s another murder like that of Darren’s around the same area that I now live in…” she trailed her thoughts consuming her and Tim took quick notice of the way her breathing had now become labored. “Oh god…” she looked over at her boyfriend in pure horror. "He's coming after me Tim.” 

Her whole body shook as McGee pulled her into his hold, her panic escalating into a full-blown panic attack. Though he feared the same, it was his job as her boyfriend to comfort her and protect her. He held her close to him, running a gentle hand down her back to try and sooth her in any way he could while softly speaking to her in reassuring tones. 

“Hear my heart? Just focus on that, okay?” he whispered, his tone a calming melody amidst the storm raging through her mind at that moment. “I promise you, YNN, that you are safe with me.” he vowed, his voice unwavering in an attempt to convince not only her but also himself. “We’ll catch him. I won't let anything happen to you.” 

Gradually, her breaths steadied, the panic subsiding under the warmth of Tim’s embrace. She clung to him, finding the solace she needed in his hold and in his promise.

[rubyarrows]

Times Like This

The sun had dipped low in the beautiful Miami sky, casting vibrant shades of pink and orange as it did so. It was a sight that told me that another day had come to pass, and it was finally time to get out of the lab. I gathered my things and tried to mask the exhaustion that had become a constant companion of mine over the last few weeks. As I walked out of my office, I noticed that my close friend and colleague, Eric Delko, was sitting on the bench right outside of it. 

“I thought you would be gone by now, Delko.” I started as I readjusted the strap of my bag on my shoulder.  

Eric stood up from his seat at the sound of my voice and shrugged. “Figured you would like a ride home, so I waited.” he admitted as the two of us headed towards the exit of the depot. 

I gave him the most genuine smile I could muster and said, “I wouldn't have minded the ten-minute walk back to my apartment but thank you. I appreciate it.” 

“It’s no problem.” he said with a smile of his own. 

The ride was sort of a quiet one and I could feel the weight of Eric’s unspoken words lingering in the air. But it wasn’t until he parked outside of my apartment that Delko finally turned and looked at me with mostly concern in his eyes. “You been doing okay?” he asked after a moment or two. “Just noticed you’ve been kind of distant since that Swearinger case.” 

I raised my eyebrows momentarily, averting my gaze to anywhere else but on him then said, “Just rolling through the motions, you know? I’ll be fine.” I knew everything that had just come out of my mouth was a bold face lie. I was targeted by Swearinger, the man basically hunted me down in my own home and those memories still haunt me. 

“I know you’re lying, Chey.” Eric said and took my hand in his. “How bad are the nightmares?” I went to say there wasn’t any, but he was too quick to cut me off. “Nuh uh. How bad?” 

I sighed and looked down at our now intertwined hands. “Eight out of ten. I barely sleep at all right now. Every creak of the floorboards when I walk, every honk of a car passing the building at night, it all just throws me back. H set me up with therapy twice a week before work but it's not helping as much as he, or I, would have hoped to be honest.” 

“So, Horatio knows?” he questioned, and I just gave him a small nod without looking at him. “Would it help if I stayed with you for a few nights? Maybe you’ll be able to get some actual sleep instead of looking like a zombie.” 

His words made me laugh slightly. “You don’t have to, Eric. I’ll be fine.” 

“That was more of a rhetorical question, Chey.” he stated and put the car in park. “I’m staying and you’re not getting another choice in the matter.” 

I sighed. “Fine.” I said giving in, knowing damn well that he always keeps an overnight bag in his vehicle in case of moments like this. “Just so you know, you’re getting the couch.” I said putting my bag on my shoulder and got out of the vehicle, heading towards the front door of my apartment building. Eric followed shortly thereafter. 

When we walked into my apartment, I was quick to set everything down on the dining table and head towards my room to wash off the extremely long day. “You know the drill. Make yourself at home. I’m taking a shower.” 

“Got it.” I heard him say from behind me as I walked into the mess I was calling my room.  

I haven't had the energy or mindset to clean it here lately. There were clothes scattered all over the floor, leaving enough of a walkway to my bed and bathroom. Books and paperwork were thrown on every available surface. And if it wasn’t for my actual alarm clock, I would totally be late to work every morning because God only knows where my phone charger was. Though I have the sneaking suspension that since it was the weekend, when I left for the gym in the morning, Eric will sneak in here and clean it. He’s done it before in my depression filled states and I have no doubt he would do it again. 

Oh well. More power to him. 

As soon as I stepped into the falling water, I stood there for a moment doing nothing more than letting the feeling of the water on my back shroud my mind, just as I did every night. I faded into a place in my head of nothing but peace even if it was for a short while. I don’t know how long I just stood there letting the water just flow down my skin, but I soon felt it begin to get cold and quickly finished up my shower before I walked out shivering from the freezing cold liquid that had made its way out of my shower head. 

When I walked back out of my room, I noticed Delko was in the kitchen cooking. “What are you doing?” 

He looked up from the stove and over to me. “Did you plan on not eating tonight?” He questioned. “Yeah, not on my watch.” 

“No. I was just going to order in.” I said as I continued to dry my hair with the towel I had in my hand. “Eric, you don’t have to do all of this.” 

“I know.” He said and went back to his cooking. “I wanted to, though. You’ve been through a lot, and you deserve to be taken care of every once in a while. Even if you don’t want it.” 

I smiled slightly and placed the towel down on the back of one of the bar stools at my island. “Want some help?”  

“Nope.” Eric said quickly with a smile of his own. “The only thing you need to do is sit your butt on the couch over there and relax. I got this.” 

“If you say so.” After placing my towel back into the bathroom, I did what I was told and sat down on the couch, instantly turning the tv on to let the noise fill the otherwise quiet room. I turned slightly to watch for a moment as Eric continued making whatever it was he could find to make for dinner. Sometimes I forget that I don't have to suffer alone in silence, and it was times like this, when I felt alone and beyond scared to be by myself, that I was more than appreciative to have friends like him.

[rubyarrows]

Comforting Exhaustion

YN’s exhaustion weighed heavily on her shoulder just as much as it showed on her face as she walked through the threshold with Spencer into their shared apartment. The relentlessness of a week and a half long case had drained her both physically and mentally, as well as poor Dr. Reid. Relief was the only thing she felt as she dropped her bags on the floor next to her and after changing her clothes, walked back into the living room area and collapsed promptly onto the couch.  

Spencer let out a small, tired chuckle as he witnessed her attempt to disassociate herself with everything else around her. “You okay, YNN?” 

“Tired.” she said into the pillow that her face just happened to accurately land on. “But after this last one, I don't know if I'll be able to get any sleep. That case was a rough one.” YN admitted as she slowly sat up and looked over at her best friend. 

Spence, ever attuned to her moods, glanced at the YHC haired girl with concern. Even though they were set up with different hotel rooms in every case, she was always in the one next to his. He would never tell her, but throughout this last week, the boy wonder could hear her whimpers through the night as the nightmares invaded her sleeping mind. She would always wake up and he always noticed the small thud against the wall when the headboard would hit it just ever so slightly when she would abruptly sit up. Dr. Reid more than just understood the toll that the work they did to their body and mind, he worked alongside her, so he knew exactly what she was going through. 

He moved closer and offered a gentle smile. “Maybe…” he started with warmth lacing his voice. “Would it help if you slept with me tonight? If not it’s okay but if you think it may help you sleep through the night properly then you’re more than welcome to do so.” 

YN blinked, thinking her tired nature had led her to hearing him wrong but also touched by the simple gesture and his consideration. It wasn’t like it had never happened before. There have been many times that, when on cases, hotels wouldn’t have an extra room to spare so the two of them would just room together but never within their own home. This offer felt different to her, warmer, somehow. 

“It just might,” she said after a moment or two of thinking the proposition over in her head. “But are you sure? I don’t want to intrude on your bubble.” 

A gentle smile graced Spencer’s lips as he took a seat next to her on the sofa. “After living with me for three years, you still worry about being any kind of intrusion on my life?” He questioned her rhetorically. “YNN, I wouldn't have asked if I wasn't sure of it. You’re not, in any way, intruding on my bubble when I was the one who invited you into it in the first place. Especially when I can see it in your eyes that you need it.” 

His words were laced with sincerity and affection which touched YN’s heart in a way that hadn’t been done for a long time. With a mixture of gratitude and slight vulnerability, YNN nodded and returned the smile that her roommate had given her. “Okay. Thank you.” 

“You’re welcome.” he said and stood up, reaching out for her hand. “Come on. I’m exhausted too, you know.” 

YN raised her eyebrows playfully as she stood up taking his hand before they headed in the direction of his bedroom. “Says the man who took a nap on the ride home.” 

“I offered to drive,” he said in defense as he opened the door, revealing his room in the same state as he left it. “Don’t mind the mess.” 

As YN looked around the room and all she could see was his bed was still unmade from the ungodly rush out of the door the Friday before last and his books scattered on his desk and nightstand. “Spence, if this is a mess then my room is a disaster area. Just saying.” She said with a little giggle. “I knocked so much shit over trying to get ready in the dark when I got JJ’s call that it's not even funny.” 

“Oh, so that’s what the sound of everything ever falling in your room was the other day.” he said with a hint of laughter coating his words.  

YN walked over to the bed and shook her head with a smile on her face. “Shut up. You know I’m not a morning person.” 

Spence laughed slightly. “You chose the wrong profession to be a part of then.” 

She raised her eyebrows in a subtle way of agreeing with the man and climbed into his bed, Spencer following suit. The two of them settled in for the night, YN pulling the blankets up to just about her chin and Spencer keeping them (or trying to) them right at his chest. He knew, after all the times they had shared a bed on a case, that she would probably end up stealing them sometime throughout the night and surprisingly he was okay with that thought. 

“Good night, Spence.” The young woman said before closing her tired YEC eyes. 

The young doctor smiled to himself and looked over at her for a brief moment. “Good night, YNN.” 

[rubyarrows]

Late Night

I stood there examining the bones they were laid out in front of me with the sounds of Dr. Brennan’s fingers tapping away at her computer. The two of us worked diligently and simultaneously as we continued our analysis of the newest residence on our examination table. Silence surrounded us, other than the hum of the different machinery around the lab, in the late hour of the night, giving us the ability to focus on the tasks that we had laid before us.  

Though that seamless silence was soon interrupted by the sound of my phone ringing. My brow furrowed in curiosity at who could have been possibly calling me at such a late hour. Seeing my girlfriend’s name appear on the caller ID only made me even more confused than I already was, since she was normally far from the world of the living at this particular hour. My mind raced through the different scenarios that could have happened to make her call not only this late, but she would never normally bother me while I was still at the Jeffersonian. 

“YNN? Is everything alright?” I questioned and my voice betrayed me by voicing the worry that I was trying desperately to hide to keep her from worrying. 

“I know you’re busy, and I'm sorry for interrupting your and Temperance’s work, I just kind of needed to hear your voice.” her voice confessed through the speaker of my cell phone. Her voice cracked and wavered a few times as if it was carrying a distressing weight along with it. It was enough to send an unwilling shiver down my spine. 

I shot Dr. Brennan a simple look, to which she nodded, and I stepped out of the bone room and into the empty lab. “Sweetheart, you’re never an interruption. What is it?” I questioned in the gentlest voice I could muster. 

She was hesitant for a moment, as if YN was struggling to find the words that would articulate her inner turmoil. When she spoke again, her words came out in hushed tones, her voice was fragile. “It’s been a bad day, Zack,” she admitted, the admission hanging in the air around me. “The... the voices have been at again. Telling me things which I know are far from the truth, but they just won’t stop.” As YNN explained everything to me, her words came out faster as they often did when she was about to panic. “They keep telling me that you don’t want me anymore.” 

My heart felt as if it was breaking into a million pieces. I could never not want her. She has been with me through a lot of things others could never handle. YN was always there to be a shoulder to lean on whenever I needed her. I knew of the turmoil that our inflicting schedules played on our lives, how powerful an unchecked doubt could be, but I could never not want her in my life. 

“YNN, listen to me, okay?” I paused for a moment and could only imagine her nodding her head as she pulled the comforter on our bed up to her chin. “Those voices have absolutely no idea what they are talking about. They are wrong. I love you, and I always will. No matter how our days go or how long we are away from each other, nothing will ever change that. You’ll always be my girl no matter what those beyond awful voices in the back of your mind tell you.” 

There was a soft exhale on the other end of the line, a release of pent-up tension as YN absorbed the words that she heard me speaking, drawing comfort from their reassurance. “I know that they just wouldn’t let up like a strong gust of wind that was pulling me along with it. I just needed to hear you say it.”  

“Whenever you may need to hear it again, I'll always be here to tell you that over and over again if need be.” I said, trying to give her comfort in my words. “You need everything right by calling me. If you ever need to again, don’t worry about if you think I'm doing something important, you come before all." Even though I could physically embrace her at that moment, I hoped my words were enough to be her safety blanket, offering the solace and reassurance that she needed to make it through until I could make it home to her.  

We talked a little while longer before YN eventually fell asleep with the phone still up to her ear. The tension in my body didn’t release until I heard her soft snores coming through the phone’s speaker. To which, I promptly hung up the phone call and walked back into the bone room with Dr. Brennan. 

“Is everything alright, Zack?” Dr. B questioned with a worried expression written on her face. “You were out there for some time.” 

I gave her a simple nod. “It is now.” I admitted and gave her a look. “But if you wouldn’t mind, I would like to get home. Something tells me that she might need me to be there when she wakes up.” 

Dr. Brennan gave me an understanding nod and said, “Yes, of course. It’s late anyway. Go get some rest yourself.” 

“Thank you.” I then started to gather my things and headed home. For the first night in almost two weeks, I would be home before midnight and if I could help it, I would be there every night after this as well. 

[rubyarrows]

Off the Case

I noticed something happening out of the corner of my eye. Hodgins and Booth were having a silent conversation amongst themselves and occasionally, would look over at my little set up at me. It was slightly distracting, and I had to keep telling myself to focus on the work in front of me and ignore it. It wasn’t like I could hear anything they were saying to each other anyway. I was a good forty feet away from them. But something told me that what they were talking about wasn’t anything good.  

It wasn’t until Seeley walked up to me, though, with a sad and already guilt filled look on his face that I knew I really wasn’t going to like what he had to say. “Uh oh. I know that look.” I admitted as I turned to face him. “That’s your ‘I got something I got to tell you, but I know you may yell at me look’.” 

“Because you just might… as well as Hodgins.” he said. 

“I don’t see why I would unless you are pulling me off this case…” I said with a light-hearted tone but then I saw how he scrunched up as if I was about to cause him bodily harm. “You’re taking me off the case.” Booth nodded and I let out an aggravated sigh. “Do I dare ask why?” 

“Angela managed to finish up the facial reconstruction on the victim and Hodgins recognized her.” Booth said as he sifted through the small pile of paperwork in his hand. 

His statement confused me. “Seeley, just because Jack knows someone doesn’t mean I do too. You know that right?” 

“I know that, YNN. But I know you know her too. Because with who it is, me and you both are off the case.” my best friend said as he pulled a printout of the facial reconstruction out of the pile. “I just thought you should know before Flynn came in here and broke it to you.” Booth then handed me the piece of paper and there I saw one of our closest childhood friends’ face staring back at me. 

I gripped a hand to my desk to steady myself. “My god.” I gasped as I looked back up at the dark-haired man that stood in front of me. “Are we sure it’s Lily?” I questioned. 

Booth nodded and gave me a saddened look. “Hodgins said that Angela was positive about it.” 

“So, we’re both off this?” 

“Yeah…” Seeley trailed. “I’m not too thrilled about it either. She doesn’t deserve to be dead. She damn sure doesn’t deserve to be laying on that table, nothing but bones and unrecognizable to the eye. But there’s nothing we can do. They’ll catch whoever did this to her, that I'm sure of but for now we need to be as far away from it as we can get.” 

I nodded, my demeanor now drowned by sadness and frustration. I kept asking myself why it wasn’t my husband who broke this news to me and made Seeley do it. But that is something I would ask later. For now, I gathered my things and followed Booth out of the Jeffersonian. My best friend drove me home, where I instinctively opened my laptop and tried to get other work done to keep my mind off my friend who laid upon Brennan’s examination table nothing but bones, as Seeley had put it. 

It was right after nine o’clock that night when the front door to our home finally opened and Jack walked in carrying a bag of take out that he had said he was going to pick up on his way home. Though I was upset that he told Booth first instead of me, I couldn’t not talk to him throughout the day, he’s my husband for crying out loud. I mean I could but I'm not that type of person. It’s not like the news pissed me completely off coming from Seeley anyway. If it had that would have been a completely different story. 

As he walked into the kitchen where I had set up shop, I refrained from asking him about anything they had found because I knew he wouldn’t be able to tell me anyway. It sucked but them the rules.  

“Hey, baby.” Jack greeted me as he rounded the island and placed a gentle kiss upon my head. “How was the rest of your day?” 

“It dragged. Barely got anything done. My mind kept drifting to Lily. You have no idea how many times I had to talk myself out of asking you if you had found anything every time my phone lit up with your name.” I confessed and finally closed the laptop that sat on the counter in front of me. 

“I’m going to guess just about as many times as Booth actually did ask Brennan.” he stated as he started to pull everything from the takeout bag.  

I let out a halfhearted laugh. “Yeah, well the man never did have the ability to be patient. To be honest neither did Lily.” The little bit of light that broke through the cracks was immediately covered up at the sound of her name rolling off my tongue. “Has Flynn got in touch with her parents yet?” 

Jack shook his head. “No. Said that he was going to let Booth do it as his last piece of involvement in the case. Said it would be better coming from him anyway.” 

I nodded in an understanding manner. “He’s probably right but there’s no way that was easy for Seeley.” 

“I assume not.” My husband admitted before he took his seat next to me. “Just like I would assume you’re upset with me about telling him to tell you the same thing.” 

“I was at first.” I admitted as I picked around at my food. “But after thinking about it throughout the day, it was better for Booth to tell me. The two of us grew up with her, you didn’t. He would know how I felt and be able to comfort me the way I needed to be.” 

“Heard you haven’t shed a tear.” Jack said and looked over at me with a concerned expression. “But I can tell you have.” 

“Yeah, well you know, if I cry then he cries, and I can't handle Seeley crying. I’ve done it, yes, but it doesn’t get easier." I confessed and took a bite of my food. “I waited until an hour after he left. The waterworks have flipped on and off all day.” 

“That would be another explanation on why you said the day dragged.” he said and took a hold of my hand. “We’ll catch the asshole that did this to her. We’ll get the answers that you, Booth and her parents are probably all wondering. Whoever they are, we will get them, and make sure they pay for what they have done just like we do with every other bastard that makes it to where there is another person laying in our lab”  

I nodded at his words, thankful to have him there for the reassurance of catching the person who killed one of my best friends. “Thank you, Jack” I said, and a singular tear ran down my face. 

He was quick but still gentle to wipe it away with a sad smile. “You’re welcome, baby.” 

[rubyarrows]

One Bone Markings

I carefully looked over the piece of vertebra I held in my hand, turning it over to inspect every inch under the bright lights and a magnifying glass. Dr. Brennan, YN and I had been going over the skeletal structure of the latest victim that laid across our table with a fine-toothed comb and had yet to come up with anything of significance that we hadn’t already found. Well, that was until I was able to notice some odd markings. A series of delicate and precise scrapes running down the piece of bone, almost like faint grooves etched into the otherwise smooth surface. As I took another look at the other pieces that made up the spine, I made note that these marks were nowhere to be found on the other pieces of vertebrae. 

“Dr. Brennan, YN, could you take a look at this to make sure I’m not going crazy,” I called out, beckoning them over to my side of the examination table. 

Doctors Temperance Brennan and YN YLN, a formidable duo of knowledge in their own right, approached me with a combined sense of curiosity between them. Brennan’s keen eyes immediately fixated on the piece of lumbar vertebra as I handed it over to her with the magnifying glass.  

“What do you make of that?” I asked, carefully pointing out the subtle etchings on the bone. 

YNN leaned in closer, her sharp gaze along with Dr. Brennan’s focusing on the intricate markings. “Looks to me like these very small carvings were intentionally placed and not normal wear and tear we normally see.” 

Brennan nodded in agreement to the younger woman. “Indeed, these markings are not from any weathering or animal.” 

I nodded. “What’s stranger than those grooves are they appear to just be on that one piece of bone and not along any other part of the spine.” I admitted as I passed another piece of bone over to Dr. YLN. “So, I was thinking there’s a high possibility they were made after decomp.” 

YN’s brow furrowed as she took a closer look at the piece of skeletal remains that was now in her hand., her mind clearly trying to decipher the method on which the killer took to make the etchings. “I believe we can all agree on that logic, but my thing is, the more I look at it the more it looks like a QR code. It's more dots than lines.” 

“A what?” Brennan questioned as she looked over at her partner.  

“A QR code is a scannable square made of dots and lines, it holds data that turns in a link, often to a website or app, when scanned with a mobile device.” I explained and after a moment of taking in the information she was just given the famed anthropologist nodded, though I could tell she really didn’t get it. You could tell which of the two was the tech savvy one and it wasn’t Temperance. 

YN carefully took the piece of bone that Dr. Brennan was holding and held in under the magnifying camera to get a better look at the markings. “Think of it as a way of getting to the digital copy of your book without having to search for it. You just take a picture and, poof, there it is.” She said, trying to make it a little easier for Brennan to comprehend.  

“Oh. Okay.” Dr Brennan nodded as she and Dr. YLN studied the screen in front of them. “So, is that one of those codes?” 

“Seems to be, yes.” YNN admitted with a slight nod. “Though I wouldn’t be the one to scan it. The fact that Wendell found it on the remains, concerns me.” 

Brennan nodded. “I’ll inform Booth,” she stated before taking out her phone and disappearing into the hallway.  

YN looked up at me with a proud smile. “Good work, Wen. You did good catching this.” 

“Glad you think so” I stated. 

“I don’t think so, I know.” she says as she stood up straight. “Tempy and I have looked over these remains for the past four and a half hours and didn’t catch that, but you did. Most likely the biggest lead we’ve gotten thus far and the ‘professionals’ weren’t even the ones to find it.” YNN took her gloves off and patted me on the back gently. “I’m also giving you brownie points for trying to explain to Brennan what the hell a QR code was.” 

The two of us laughed at the memory of Dr. Brennan’s look of confusion. “Thanks, YNN, means a lot.” 

She smiled and said, “Go home. Get some rest. Come back in tomorrow able to take a damn compliment.” With that she walked out of the examination room.  

[rubyarrows]

Impulsive Decisions

The fire raged on with a ferocity that seemed to devour everything that was in its path. Amidst the chaos, YN Voight stood on the opposite side of the street, her pounding against her chest as the sound of everyone’s cries filled the air. But there was one cry in particular that caught her undivided attention. The wails of a small child out of a second story window were the only one the young woman could focus on during all the commotion around her, fueling her determination as she watched the firemen around her scramble.

Without a moment of hesitation, YNN dashed into the blazes of the inferno, ignoring the calls of her to stop what she was doing and having her senses overwhelmed from the heat and smoke that now surrounded her. The intensity of her surroundings fueled her focus as she navigated the burning structure, each step being coordinated and careful maneuver.  The child’s cries guided YN’s way through the billowing smoke and constant falling debris. 

With adrenaline as her only ally through the blazing heat and flames, she found the little boy, trapped in the far corner of his family’s apartment. Fear was etched across his tear-stained face. The Voight girl scooped up the small child, shielding his fragile frame from the danger that surrounded the two of them. As they made their way back out of the fiery blaze, YN passed a few other people that hadn’t quite yet found their way out of the building and continued to guide them out.

When they all finally emerged from the roaring inferno, her heart raced as she cradled the child protectively in her arms close to her chest. Will Halstead, seasoned doctor at Gaffney Chicago Medical Center as well as her boyfriend, and her father, Sergeant Hank Voight, dashed forward with evident concern etched upon their faces. 

“My god, YNN!” Will voice cut through the chaos that surrounded them all. His eyes instantly began scanning over her body as well as the small boy’s for any injury that could have come to them as they braved the blazes. Relief flooded his expression as he found the two relatively unscathed.

Hank’s voice bellowed soon after, his authoritative tone laced with worry and anger towards his daughter. “What the hell were you thinking, YN?” He questioned her as Dr. Halstead took the child from her arms to return him to his parents who awaited off to the side. “Running into a fire like that? That was a careless and stupid move on your part?”

“I didn’t do anything that you wouldn’t have done yourself.” The YHC girl said as she looked into her father’s eyes and tried to catch her breath from the adrenaline high she was coming down from.

“Excuse me, Serge, if I may,” Will said as he stepped back up to the two of them, his voice firm but calm. “If it wasn’t for your daughter’s bravery all those people would have burned up in the flames. She saved them. YNN, saved a lot of people today. People who were trapped in their own homes and couldn’t find a way out. It takes a lot of courage to do what she just did. She only did what her father has taught her.”

The gravity of his words hung heavy in the air between the three of them, testament of his girlfriend’s strong will to be an ally to those less fortunate than her. Hank’s expression soften as he looked around them at the dozens of people his daughter helped, including and especially the little boy she came out carrying.

He looked back at YN with with gentle eyes, now that he had thought about everything that had transpired within the last half hour. “Get her checked out, will you?” He asked the Halstead man, in a slight grumble. “With how long you were in the building, the amount of smoke you inhaled isn’t good for anyone.”

As YNN sat in the ambulance, she couldn’t help but feel a storm of emotions swirling within her. Will stood by her side in a silent form of support, his presence a reassurance in the midst of everything going on. She knew her impulsive actions worried not only her father but him as well, but her sole focus had been on saving the boy.

“Thank you,” she said pulling the oxygen mask away from her face slightly. “Not only from saving me from Daddy’s lecture, but for just being here.”

Will smiled and reached out, taking her hand in his. “Babygirl, no matter what you do, I’ll support you. It’s just unfortunate that when dating a Voight, her dangerous and impulsive decisions come with the territory.” He stated with a small chuckle which in turn made the yea eyed girl let out a giggle of her own as she placed the mask back in its spot.

[rubyarrows]

Holiday Excuses

The familiar scent of fresh coffee grounds and gentle hum of people conversations amongst themselves enveloped the air of the cozy local coffee shop that I found myself in waiting for my older brother to show face. I had asked him to meet me for a late breakfast here as a way to spend time with him and have our weekly fill in on our lives. That and he’s been beating around the bush in giving me a straight answer on if he was coming with me or not to visit mom’s side of the family in San Jose. I wasn’t leaving or letting him leave, for that matter, this coffee shop until I got one. 

I was scrolling through Facebook when he approached the table I sat at, with a mischievous grin plastered on his face. “Excuse me is this seat taken?” he asked in a playful voice. 

Acting like I was paying him no attention, I shrugged and continued to mindlessly scroll. “Was saving it for my brother but at this point I don’t think he’ll show.”  

He chuckled slightly before walking over and giving me a hug. “Hey, YNN.” My curly haired, older brother greeted me before sitting down in the seat across from me. “Looking like you finally got a good night’s sleep for once.” 

I shook my head and giggled. “Oh, you have no idea. This research paper is going to be the death of me. If not from the late nights, then the lack of materials on the subject assigned will stress me enough, I’ll fall into a coma.” 

“And it’s due when?” He questioned as he placed his gym bag down onto the hardwood floor. 

I sighed and rubbed my head in frustration from just thinking about the damn thing. “Friday. Just in time for the holidays. I swear May can’t get here fast enough.” 

Marty shook his head in amusement. “Still want me to talk you out of the next degree out mother tries to talk you into?” 

I groaned. “Please do because you know it’s bound to happen. Every graduation I ever had she seems to rope me into going back to school for another four years.” 

“Will do.” He said with a smile on his face. 

I was quick to change the topic of discussion. “Enough about my college habits. What’s been going on with you? You seem to have a few more scars since I seen you last month.” 

The shaggy, blonde haired man in front of me shrugged. “Oh, you know, same old shit different day. Catch the bad guys, save the day. Be the big hero that somehow disappoints mom. I don’t know how that works out but hey what am I to do about that?” 

I nodded at his rhetorical question. “Very true. That woman is never happy.” I stated before taking a sip of my coffee. “Speaking of our mother, you still haven’t given me an answer on whether or not you’re going to join us in visiting grandma this year.” 

There was a hesitation as Marty went to answer, as if he wasn’t sure what his answser was going to be. “YNN, works been hectic and there’s this major operation that I can’t just bail on. I don’t have an answer but there’s a good chance that’s probably not going to happen.” 

“Big operation, my ass, Mart.” I said as I rolled my eyes. “I know for a fact there isn’t no op, I’ve talked to Kensi. The girl is going to the cabin for Christmas. Unless PD has you in one, which I highly doubt considering you don’t really report to them anymore, if at all, there isn’t an op you’re working and you’re just making up excuses not to.” 

“Who’s making excuses? I’m not... no excuses here. What excuses?” My brother rambled on but stopped when he noticed the unamused look that had now plastered itself on my face. “Are Aunt Connie and Uncle Newt gonna be there?” 

“That’s who you’re trying to dodge?” I questioned him and when he nodded, I let out a small but understood sigh. “Not that I’m aware of. Last I heard, they are going to visit Sammy in Greece. Mom said something about she had a new boyfriend that she wanted them to meet, or something like that. I wasn’t listening to the entire story; Ma was rambling, and I didn’t have the patience nor the attention span to care to hear the whole thing.” Marty raised his brow and nodded. “Marty, it’s probably going to be the last Christmas that Grandma will be around and though I know and completely understand why you would want to avoid Aunt Connie and Uncle Newt at all costs, not that it seems to be a problem now, but she wants us both to be there.” 

He sighed deeply in defeat. “Okay. Fine.” Marty finally said. “But I’m not traveling down there with Mom. I refuse to make that five-and-a-half-hour drive with her going on and on about all the things I could have done better since she last saw me. I don’t know how she knows these things and I don’t think I want to but I'm not dealing with it.” 

“Oh, you really thought I was about to do just that?” I questioned, knowing exactly what he was talking about. I have had to endure it enough times my-damn-self. “Ha. You’ve got jokes, brother." The two of us laughed slightly then diverted the conversation as we sipped our coffee. For the rest of our time at the small coffee shop, we just enjoyed one another’s company. 

[rubyarrows]

Back Burner

The lab bustled with activity, the usual buzz of different scientific analysis and an investigating fervor echoing off the walls. It seemed to be like every other day that I had stepped foot in the place. But today... today there was a heavy silence that hung in the air. It was a tension that spoke volumes in place of the words that weren’t dared to be spoken. For the past few days, we had been knee-deep in a case, Bones and her team studying extensively the remains of a young woman that had been found just off the shore of the Potomac.  

As I stood there observing the team as they worked diligently on the case, I noticed YNN, my girlfriend, standing at the entrance of the large room. Her eyes darting between the multiple activities going on within.  

Dr. YN YLN, who was known for being one of the youngest world-renowned forensic analysts, as well as Brennan’s good friend and partner, was normally a major part of the team. But today, just like every day for the past week, the young scientist did not put on her lab coat. Though I knew she desperately wanted to be working on this case, YNN could not be an active participant with this one. Not when it was her little sister’s body that had been recovered. 

It wasn’t until Cam approached me that I finally was able to get my head back into what was going on around me. But as I turned around, I noticed that Dr Saroyan’s concern was evident on her face. “How’s YNN holding up?” she asked as she looked over at her colleague that stood there in the entryway with a dazed glare in her YEC eyes. 

I sighed and rubbed my hand over my tired eyes. “She’s trying her best to be okay for everyone else’s sake,” I admitted. “But deep down, the girl’s barely holding on. Stella, though I never got to meet her with her always traveling and what not, was her best friend. YN’s been pushing everything to the back burner since she identified her just because she doesn’t want to be a burden to anyone else.” 

Camille nodded and her brow furrowed with empathy as she began to understand the gravity of the situation. “She’s here, trying to distract herself, isn’t she?” 

I nodded solemnly in response. “Yeah. She didn’t want everyone to worry about her because she was sitting at home. But this... watching this is... it’s tearing her apart. She’s not sleeping, Cam, if she does, it’s not through the night. More like a three-hour power nap. In the last week, YNN’s ate maybe four whole meals collectively. The sooner we find this son of a bitch, the better.” 

The dark-eyed woman in front of me sighed and said, “I can’t imagine standing there watching us work this and her not being able to isn’t helping the situation or her mental state much either.” 

“It’s not. It’s really not. Neither is diving headfirst into the ungodly amounts of other work she has. I just wish there was more I could do to be a comfort to her right now.” I confessed as I let my gaze drift back over to the YHC haired girl who leaned against the wall looking lost within her own mind. 

The look in Cam’s eyes softened at my confession, her voice filling with compassion as she said, “Seeley, though we all want to be able to do more than we are able, sometimes all we can do is just be there for her when she needs us the most. We’ll catch this guy one way or another but until then, maybe even after, she needs the time to process what has happened to Stella. All you can do during that time is stand by her. That’s all she needs from you right now,” 

I watched as YN mustered up a sad and forced smile when she noticed me walking up to her after my talk with Cam. Though it wasn’t fooling me, or anyone for that matter, I knew that she was trying to put on a mask to make everyone believe she was fine.  

Wrapping an arm around her shoulder, I pulled her close, sensing the turmoil boiling her alive. “You should go home, sweetheart.” 

“Can’t.” she said into my chest. “Being alone in the apartment makes it worse. At least being here, where I can distract myself with work I know needs to be done, helps keep my mind from all this.”  

I sighed and looked down at her. “YNN, I know what you’re thinking. You’re thinking that the more you keep yourself busy, the more you keep your mind off of what happened to Stella that will all turn out be a sick dream that you’re just going to wake up from." I said in a soft tone, so she knew that I wasn’t upset with her. That was the last thing she needed to think about right now. “But, baby, it’s not. I know you want to figure out what happened to her, we all do. Bones, me and everyone else is doing their absolute best to help catch the asshole who did this to her for you.” Pulling her away from me slightly so I could see those YEC eyes that I loved so much, I stated, “We’re not going to stop until we do. But until then you need to stay away from the lab.” 

“Stay away from the lab?” She questioned. “How can I stay away? I work here. Hell, you tell me all the time I basically live here and not at home. How do I stay away from that?” 

For a moment I was silent. I knew that as long as she was in the Jeffersonian or anywhere near it and Stella’s bones were still laying on Bones’ examination table, YN was not going to be able to get through this major shock the way she needed to. That was until I got an idea.  

“Why don’t you grab your laptop and paperwork from your office then you can go with me to headquarters and get your work done there? That way you’re still getting work done but you don’t have to be here.” I proposed as I pushed a stray piece of hair that had fallen from her ponytail behind her ear. 

“You sure Stark wouldn’t mind?” she questioned. 

Shaking my head, I said, “Given the current circumstances, I'm sure that it won’t be a problem.” I kissed her forehead gently and then looked back down at her. “Go get your things. I’ll be right here. Just go the long way around. Don't pass the bone room. Okay?” 

YN nodded as another sad smile made an appearance. “Thank you, Seeley. For everything. I know I probably haven’t been easy to take care of the past few days, and everyone has been taking that in stride. But you still haven’t forgotten that I'm still a person and not a porcelain doll. That means a lot.” 

I returned her sad smile with one of my own and said, “You don’t have to thank me, baby. Now go get your things so we can get you out of here.” 

[rubyarrows]

Late Night Meal

After two grueling weeks of chasing down one of the most dangerous criminals the BAU had faced in a long time, I was finally on my way back home and back into the loving arms of my wife. As much as I loved my job and be a hero in most cases, there was nothing like going back to the comfort of my own home with the woman I loved more than anything. Every time the team goes out, it feels like an eternity has gone by before we can catch the bastards and come home. But I knew that YN would always be waiting for me with open arms when I did. 

The click of the front door echoes through the quiet house as I stepped inside, the weight of the past two weeks weighing heavily on my shoulders. Darkness shrouded each room I walked into, signaling the lateness of the hour that I had made it in. This caused me to assume that YNN was already dead to the world in our bed by now. I felt a twinge of disappointment at the thought but with how late it had gotten, I didn’t blame her. 

After putting down my things on the back of the couch, I made my way to the kitchen to grab a glass of water before turning in for the night. As I got closer, I noticed that a soft glow from the oven’s overhead light illuminated the room. Surprisingly, I found YN standing at the counter putting what looked like the finishing touches on a small meal for the two of us. 

“Well, hey there, beautiful,” I greeted as I walked up and wrapped my arms around her from behind. “I thought you would have passed out by now. You didn’t have to wait up for me.” 

She let out that small giggle that always had me believing the world itself had paused for a moment just to hear it as she leaned back in my hold. “I know.” she said and looked up at me. “But I knew there was a chance you hadn’t eaten anything since this morning, so I made a little something to fill you up after getting the text that you had landed.”  

I was touched by the simple gesture she had made, knowing how exhausted she must have been after cooking a meal at this hour. “Although, it’s sweet for you to do this, you didn’t have to. I could have easily just grabbed something small on my way to bed.” 

YN gave me a soft smile as a glint of understanding appeared in her eye. “Aaron, you just spent two, almost three, weeks away from home catching a serial killer. You have had enough to worry about in that time alone that finding or making something to eat first thing when you got home was not going to be one of them if I had a say so in the matter.” 

I leaned down placing my lips on hers in a gentle and appreciative kiss. As we pulled away, I smiled. “You have no idea how much I appreciate all of that,” I said sincerely. “It’s been quite a rough two weeks and coming home to this and you makes it all worth it.” 

YNN smiled as she reached for a plate and passed it to me. “I’m just glad you’re home safe,” she said as I took the plate from her.  

[rubyarrows]

[rubyarrows]

The Liaison Pt2

In ops, the team briefed YN in on everything they had Beaumont. Every lead they have hit, known whereabouts, the slightest bit of background information they had on the man, they made her aware of it all. As they spoke, the YEC eyed girl made notes of anything she may have thought would help her out. She added it all to the other things she had found out while on the plane. The young agent pulled out her tablet and started drawing lines on a map to signify the places that the team knew had been in one color and other places she had found him pop up under alliances in another.  

After mapping out his known whereabouts, she looked up at everyone around her. “It’s clear to me that Beaumont has been using at least some of his training to stay off the grid as much as possible. But what he hasn’t been using it for is nourishment. His wife’s atm card has been flagged multiple times within the last few weeks at several grocery stores in the surrounding area. Didn’t you all say that Johanna said she lost her card a few weeks prior?” 

Callen nodded. “Said she lost it in the car after a girls night. It was in her back pocket when she got in the vehicle but not when she got out, and she has had to use their credit card for all the purchases she’s made in the last few weeks leading up to Sebastian’s run.” 

“You’re thinking Beaumont is using her card to make it seem like she found it again.” Sam says as he looks over the bank reports and pinged area that YN had put on the big screen. 

“It’s a possibility. I’ve seen it done quite a few times. Someone up and runs off from their big problems but before doing so they take the extra money their significant other has laying around or their bank card a week or so beforehand. Often, they help them look for it just to make themselves feel better. The unknowing party involved doesn’t usually catch on to it until days or weeks later. By that time, the suspect has all they need.” she added as she quickly typed on her tablet. “My brother always says when in doubt, follow the money. It’ll take some time to get into the actual store records even with a phone call, but from what I'm seeing here, the lieutenant likes to frequent one store in particular.” 

Kensi moves closer to the screen to get a closer look. “Looks like we have a good place to start.” 

YNN nods. “I do suggest starting with a base radius of ten miles surrounding the store though. It's not that far away from Angeles National Forest. He’s got a lot of ground to fit into like some sort of gopher.” 

Deeks looked over at his team members in awe. “It still surprises me that she can catch on to the littlest details they we seem to overlook.” 

“In your defense, most people don’t think to look deep into the significant other’s personal records if the surface is as spotless as Johanna Beaumont’s. The girl was never the suspect, just her bank account.”  the YHC haired girl said as she looked over at her boyfriend. 

The next week felt like a blur for the LA team as they began to compile more information on where Beaumont was thanks to YN’s help. They seemingly had made more progress in the small amount of time the girl was there than they had when she wasn’t there at all. Just as she had suggested, they had followed the money trail from Mrs. Beaumont’s bank card. The store it was mostly used in had no issues handing the surveillance footage over. 

After that, the team scoured high and low throughout a ten-mile radius of the store and eventually found an abandoned shack about five miles from any civilization. After staking out the place for hours, they found Lieutenant Beaumont stalking back with handfuls of wood for a fire. Callen and Deeks chanced Beaumont through the forest for twenty minutes before Marty was able to tackle the former navy man to the ground and apprehend him. 

As the sun set, casting hues of oranges and pinks across the sky, YN and Marty sat side by side with their feet resting in the warm sand, watching the waves as they crashed onto the shore. The couple sat there enjoying the serene beauty of the moment. Something they hadn’t gotten to do in a long time. 

Deeks turned to YN with his heart pounding in his chest with a mixture of nervousness and excitement. “Hey, YNN, I’ve been thinking, right?” 

She turned to look at him as he spoke, “What have you been thinking about?” 

The blonde-haired man reached into his pocket and pulled out a small velvet box that he has carried around with him for weeks leading up to her next arrival. He stood up from his spot on the rock they had been sitting on and pulled her up with him. “With everything we’ve been through together from the distances and the dangers of our jobs, it's hard to even picture what life would have been without knowing you in the slightest. Got me thinking that I would never want to imagine my life without you being a big part of it like you are now.”  

Deeks knelt down on one knee in front of her, looking up into the depth of YN’s YEC eyes. “I can’t offer you much, but what I can offer is everything I’ve got. YN DiNozzo, will you marry me?” 

 Tears welled up in the young girl’s eyes as she looked down at the man she loved. She nodded and her voice filled with emotion. “Yes, Marty. Oh god, a thousand times yes.” she exclaimed as she leaned down grabbing his face and placing a love-filled kiss onto his lips. 

Marty stood up and gently placed the ring upon her finger with a grand smile on his face. As he did so the sound of applause boomed from behind the sand dunes and rocks that they stood in front of. YN turned in her spot in the sand to see all members from both LA and DC teams standing there watching with smiles as big as the one she had on their faces and all beaming with joy. 

“Tell no one, huh?” she said back to Marty. 

He looked down at his feet and had a sly grin on his face. “This kind of thing just would not have felt right without our family present. 

McGee, Ziva, and Gibbs stood side by side with Callen, Sam, Kensi, Hetty, Eric and Nel as they walked over to congratulate the newly engaged couple. The two of them were overwhelmed with love and happiness as they watched their friends and colleagues move closer. But as they gathered around them YN noticed that there was somebody missing. Gibbs knew who she was looking for and motioned with his head behind them. 

The girl directed her YEC eyes in the direction her mentor had motioned to and there she found her older brother down the beach aways, watching as everything happened. She could just slightly make out the smile on his face. YNN let go of Deeks’ hand and slipped away from the crowd, but she could still feel all eyes on her as she made her way towards Tony. 

The older DiNozzo sibling met his younger sister halfway, the smile on his face ever growing as he made his way over to her. “Look at you, YNN. I don’t think being engaged has ever made anyone look more beautiful and happier as it does on you.” he said as he pulled his sister into his embrace. “Congratulations, kiddo.” 

YN’s smile grew as she returned the hug that Tony was giving her. “How long have you known he was going to propose?” she questioned. 

Tony rocked his head back and forth feigning thought. “A month give or take.” He finally admitted as the two of them made their way back to the group about fifty yards away from them. “Called me and said he would much rather have my blessing than dad’s and to be honest I don’t blame the guy.” 

“Oh, neither do I.” YN said and shook her head. “Last I heard the man was off in London with Melinda.” 

“See that just shows you talk to the old man way more than I do.” he said with a slight chuckle. 

“I didn’t talk to him. I heard that from Aunt Sherri.” the younger one admits with a small laugh of her own as they walked up on the group of people. 

With an amused look on his face, Tony shook Deeks’ hand and said, “Welcome to the family, brother. All I ask is that you take care of her.” 

Deeks gently pulled his now fiancé back over to him with a smile on his face. “Wouldn’t dream of ever doing the opposite. She means the world to me.” 

The older DiNozzo nodded. “I know the feeling.” 

As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting a beautiful warm orange glow over the beach and YN stood there with the people she was more than happy to call her family, she was grateful that she was able to share these moments with the people she loved. She knew that she would never have been able to make it this far without them by her side every step of the way. She was beyond thankful for every single one of them and having them there with her to celebrate a special moment between her and Deeks was just the cherry on top. 

[rubyarrows]

The Liaison Pt1

As a liaison between branches of NCIS, YN DiNozzo floated between the different regions of the country when they were in need of the services and expertise that she provided. As she stepped off the plane at LAX, she couldn’t help but feel excited to be back in Los Angeles. It had felt like forever since she had been back in the city. But what made it hard was it had been that long since she had gotten to see her boyfriend, Marty. Deeks and the DiNozzo girl have been in a long-distance relationship for about a year now and only a select few people knew, that included her older brother, Tony. 

As YNN made her way through the bustling airport, she couldn’t help but feel as if something big was going to happen during her time here. She didn’t know much about the assignment Vance had sent her on, he was very vague about the details. He believed that YN’s unique skills were what the LA team needed to catch Sebastian Beaumont who had managed to elude them for months. 

Once outside the airport, she spotted her blonde headed boyfriend standing there waiting for her with a wide grin planted on his face. The girl couldn’t hold back from running over to him with a smile lighting up her face as she did so.  

“My god, Marty,” she said, her voice filled with affection as she stood there in his arms as he held her tightly to him. “I’ve missed you so damn much. The phone calls, texts, and video chats are all great but just not enough.” 

“I’ve miss you just as much, babe, so I know the feeling.” Deeks replied, his voice warmed her soul as his word flooded her ears. “But we can’t get into the mushy parts just yet. We’ve got work to do. Time to spread your magic on it, Babygirl.” 

The YHC haired girl nodded, reluctantly pulling away from her boyfriend’s embrace. She knew he was right. She was here to get the job done and Director Vance was counting on her to do so. There was work to be done and YN was more than ready to dive in. 

Callen and Sam sat at their desks at the NCIS Los Angeles office, reviewing the latest information they were able to collect on Beaumont, a former Navy service member that had gone rogue after killing a couple of his former platoon members in a deadly act of betrayal. They had gotten no closer to catching this guy now than they were a month ago. It seemed like Beaumont was always one step ahead of them no matter their move. 

The two of them both turned when they heard the office doors open wide and in walked Deeks with YN not far behind. The smiles that grew on their faces grew wider with every step the pair took towards them. 

“Well, as I live and breathe,” G said as he stood from his seat. “YN DiNozzo, otherwise known as the girl who never learned to pick up the phone.” 

YNN giggled slightly as she walked up to the blue-eyed man. “Now G, we both know that isn’t true. You just don’t answer when I do call. That’s why I always end up calling Sam.” She states as she gave him a hug then moved over to hug Agent Hanna next.  

“Mhmm, see, even she knows what’s up.” Sam said as he wrapped his arms around her tightly. “So, what’s brought our girl back to the west coast? By your attire you’re not here to enjoy the beach.” 

“Got that bathing suit in my bag though, so the beach is on the check list.” the YHC haired girl replied with another giggle which made all the guys laugh. “But, no, not here just for the beach, unfortunately enough. Vance sent me, hoping I could help y’all find this Sebastian Beaumont character. He said I had a knack for finding those that don’t wish to be found.” 

“Miss DiNozzo, I hope you’re ready for this one. You might have met your match.” Came the voice of Henrietta Lange from behind agents Callen and Hanna. A smile that matched everyone else’s plastered on her face. “Though I do believe your skills cannot be topped, Lieutenant Beaumont is a master hider.” 

“If it’s a game of hide and go seek he wants to play then I’m always down to be the seeker.” YN walks over to the woman who had helped her a great deal when she had first started out in NCIS, leaning down and giving her a hug as well. “It’s been too long, Hetty.”  

“I agree, Miss DiNozzo. Last time we spoke you were heading an operation in the middle of Dubai, I believe.” Hetty said as she returned the favor. 

Once YNN had stood up straight once more, she shrugged playfully, “It was Cairo, but who’s keeping track anyway?” 

“I think Deeks is, actually.” said the voice of Agent Kensi Blye for on top of the stair heading towards Ops. “Keeps a little map going under his keyboard and marks all the places you’ve been to. It’s kind of cute actually.” she says as she walked down the stairs and straight to her best friend to give her a hug. 

“I do not.” Marty speaks up for the first time since they arrived at HQ. Kensi and YNN both looked back at him with complete disbelief in their eyes. “Okay, maybe I do but, in my defense, I'm living vicariously through you at the moment.” He defended as he points to himself. “It's hard not to when you’ve been to France, Jordan, Egypt, and Bolivia just this year alone. The girl travels and I live for the stories she tells.” 

YN nodded at his statement. “I believe it.” She said with a smile knowing that her boyfriend was doing much more than just living through her stories. YNN knew the real reason he kept track of her, it was the same reason Tony did. They wanted to know where she was just in case, she was the one that needed to be tracked instead of the one doing the tracking. But she would never say anything to anyone else.  

“But I’m here now and ready to roll.” YN claps her hands together and raises her eyebrows. “So, lead the way?” With that, Callen and Sam lead the way up to ops to begin debriefing her into all they know on Lieutenant Sebastian Beaumont. 

[rubyarrows]

Job Offer

YN stood outside of Horatio’s office, clutching the letter offering her a job in the Orlando CSI division in her hand. This letter held the possible opportunity to further her career in a field she had dedicated her life to as well as being closer to her family. But as she lingered on the thought of taking the job, she couldn’t help but feel like this was a goodbye to the place she had grown to know as her home and the people that had become more than coworkers but her family away from her own. This was why she had to talk to someone and the only one with the most logical course of thinking was H.  

Taking a deep breath, the YHC haired girl knocked on the office door. “Come in.” said his voice as it resonated through the glass. As she entered, YNN found Horatio engrossed in a pile of paperwork. He glanced up and once he noticed it was her, he gave her a small smile. “YN, what can I do for you?” 

YN took a seat in one of the chairs across from him at his desk and laid the letter in front of him. He then opened it, reading the words before him and then looked up at the young investigator sitting at his desk. “I received that in the mail at the beginning of the week,” she explained with a tinge of uncertainty riddled within her voice. “Though I don’t know if it was my father’s doing to try and get me to come home or if I've been that noticed, but it’s a fantastic opportunity none-the-less. I can’t help to feel torn.” 

Lieutenant Caine leaned back in his seat; his piercing gaze fixed on the young detective. “What’s holding you back?” he questioned. “Father’s pull or not something else has kept you from taking this offer the moment you read the words on this piece of paper.” 

“To be honest with you, H, I don’t know.” she confessed. “Miami has been my home for almost 5 years. The team has become a second family to me. But I know I haven’t gotten to see my actual family as much as I or they would like and taking this job would change that.” 

Horatio nodded, understanding the dilemma she had found herself in. “Family is important. It's what grounds us, what keeps us connected to who we are. But I can see why this decision would weigh so much on you.” He said and leaned onto his elbows that rested on the desk in front of him. “But I do remember what you told me when you were first hired on, the reasoning you left there in the first place.” 

YN nodded, knowing exactly what he was speaking of. She had just moved down to the area after working for the city of Orlando for three years. It was the fresh start she had always wanted, and she was happy with the way her life had panned out since deciding to come south. Now she had considered going back to the place that she wanted to get away and stay away from. 

As their conversation continued, Ryan Wolfe, who had been passing Lieutenant Caine’s office, overheard snippets of what they were talking about. His curiosity piqued at the sounds of the conversating, so he stopped in his tracks and leaned against a nearby wall to listen in.  

When YN and Horatio had stopped talking, Ryan continued on his way. He didn’t know how to feel. YN was one of his closest friends, they were partners. Knowing that she might leave hurt him, but he knew that her family was important to her too. 

YN managed to catch up with him a few moments later. “Hey, Ryan,” she said with her signature smile. “Mind on taking a ride with me? Got a lead on Tavers.”  

“Sure thing.” he said as he fell into step beside her. “So, might be going back to Orlando, huh?” The girl beside him only nodded, not knowing what to say since she hadn’t known he was listening. “What did H tell you?” 

YNN looked over at him with uncertainty. “He understands why I'm willing to leave and why I'm wanting to stay but his advice was that family is important and whichever family I do decide to stay with, the other should be able to accept it and move on. And though I know that my parents, mainly my father, won’t do that and you all will, it’s still a hard decision to make.” she confessed her gaze fixed on the ground as they walked together. 

Ryan nodded. “He’s right, you know. Being closer to your family is important. Reason number one why you should take the job.” 

YN’s heart skipped a beat at his words. This coming from Ryan, of all people, gave her the biggest shock. He had been her partner and best friend since she had joined the CSI team. He had always shown her kindness and support in all her endeavors. But when it came to leaving Miami, it was a shock. 

“I wasn’t expecting that coming from you, to be honest.” she admits as she looked up at him. “But I agree, I just can’t help but feel sad thinking about leaving everyone here behind. That includes you. Especially you.” 

Detective Wolfe met her gaze with complete sincerity. “YNN, look, friendships don’t just end because distance separates us. No number of miles between us can change that we’ve been through so much together and have vowed to each other to be there throughout whatever challenges us next.” he said and grabbed her hand. “Besides a four-hour drive isn’t going to kill us every other weekend.” 

YN looked up at him with an amused look on her face. “Every other weekend, huh?” 

Ryan grinned. “Oh, you thought I was going to let you just go and not see you on occasion? That’s funny.” 

As they made their way out to the Hummer, YN couldn’t help but still feel sad at the thought of leaving but the talks with Horatio and Ryan did help. She knew whatever path she took they and the rest of the team would back her up a hundred percent. But she wondered what she wondered what her dad would say when she told him she wasn’t going to take that job. 

[rubyarrows]

Distress Call

Warning: This fic talks about child abu$3. If that is a difficult subject for you please do not read.

I was sitting at my desk in the precinct one day, going over the mountain of paperwork that needed to be done and filed. I had been putting it off way too long and it was about to cave in at any moment. My radio was going off beside me about yet another domestic disturbance call in the area.  I sighed, but just when I was about to get up and take it, my phone started going off in my pocket. When I pulled it out, my little sister’s name and photo were lighting up my screen. I never questioned why she was calling, but it did concern me that she was calling me halfway through her workday. But nevertheless, I picked up. 

“Hey, YNN. What’s up? Aren’t you working?” YN works at a family-owned daycare not too far away from the precinct. If she was working, it was rare to get a call from or to her. 

“Hey, Bub,” her voice was riddled with either fear or concern, it was hard for me to tell. “I need your help with something.” 

“Of course, what is it?” I replied, worry instantly hitting me like a ton of bricks. 

I could hear her take a deep breath before she started explaining, “There’s a little girl, Emma, that comes to the daycare. I’ve noticed here lately that she’s showing signs of neglect. I know her family is going through a rough spell at the moment, according to what her grandma has been telling me, but Adam, it's gotten to the point where I just can’t ignore it anymore.” As she spoke, I could tell YN cared deeply about this child. It was laced in her voice.  

I knew that if it wasn’t that bad my sister wouldn’t have called, and it tugged at the heartstrings. I sighed almost identically to the one she had let out a few moments earlier. “Alright can you tell me what you’ve noticed?” 

“I can barely handle it, so if you think you can then alright.” YNN went on to tell me about all the alarming things that she had noticed when it came to little Emma - the dirty clothes, matted hair, frequent absences and, most disturbingly, the bruises she had seen up and down the child’s arms. It was noticeably clear to me that YN wasn’t making this call because it was policy to report it. No, she was bound and determined to protect Emma at all costs. 

I glanced around the room and motioned for Halstead after making a quick decision. “YNN, Jay and I are on our way. We’ll get this handled. You did right by calling me.” 

I could hear the instant relief wash over her voice as she said, “Thank you.” I could imagine the picture of her posture returning to its resting state as she looked around whatever room she may be standing in. “Waiting it out and doing nothing has been killing me on the inside for days now.”  

After hanging up with my sister, Jay and I sped over to the daycare. She was waiting just outside the door when we arrived. I walked up to her pulling her into my hold because I knew what she must be feeling and YNN wouldn’t rest easily until Emma was safe. “You know that nothing about what’s going on with Emma is your fault, right? You’re doing right by her trying to protect her from whatever might be happening.” 

YN nodded as the three of us started our way into the building. She led us to the front office where the owner of the daycare, Paula, sat with the little girl. Nothing could have ever prepared Jay and I for what we saw. This little girl looked miserable and probably felt worse. My heart plummeted to my stomach as I walked up to her and knelt down.  

“Hi, my name is Adam. What’s yours?” I asked. 

The little girl looked over my shoulder at YNN. I could tell she was mentally asking her permission to say anything. I looked back at her as well and watched as she gave the child a small nod. “It’s okay, Em. Adam’s my big brother. You can talk to him. He’s a good guy, I promise.” YN’s voice was as soft and gentle as could be.  

Emma looked back at me, and I could see the fear in those brown puppy dog eyes. “M-my name Emma.” 

“It’s really nice to meet you, Emma.” I said and looked down at her arms and automatically noticed the bruising that YN had mentioned. “Would you care about telling me about telling me where you got those bruises from? They look like they hurt.” 

Little Emma was hesitant at first but with another reassuring glance at my sister, she nodded. Hearing everything about what was going on in her home from Emma was heartbreaking. Nothing about what came out of the little girl’s mouth was okay and she definitely didn’t deserve it. Every word just fueled my determination to get her out of that situation. 

“Thank you for telling me all of that.” I said as I took a gentle hold of her small hand. “I promise you that it will be all over soon. Okay?” The little girl nodded as I stood up. “I’m going to talk to Miss. YN and Officer Halstead for a little while and then we’ll be right back.” 

As YN, Jay and I walked back outside, YNN looked at me with concerned eyes as I looked at Jay. “How are we playing this? Calling it in is a given but it may take days if not weeks to get her out of there permanently.”  

“I’ll make a call to Voight, and we’ll go from there.” Jay said as he pulled out his phone. “We got a full confession from a four-year-old without having to pry it out of her. Seems like Emma knows she’s not in a good place. Can’t blame her for wanting it all to be okay.” 

The next few hours came through like a whirlwind. YN had gone back inside with Emma and Paula while Jay and I dealt with the police work, social workers and other legal procedures. Voight and Erin got a warrant to take the parents into custody while we made sure that the sweet girl was well cared for. At the end of the day, Emma was safe. 

After all was said and done, I took YNN home where we sat at the table, exhaustion weighing heavily on both our shoulders from the long day we had. I could see the worry lines etched deeply into my sister's face as she stared off into space, undoubtfully thinking about what had happened over the course of the day. 

“You did a good thing today, YNN.” I said as I reached over the table, taking her hand in mine. “Emma is safe now because of you.”  

A small smile made its way across her face, her eyes glistening from the unshed tears she was trying so hard to hold back. “Yeah, I know. Couldn’t have done it without you and Jay though. Don’t think I would have wanted too either.” 

“Yeah, you would have.” I state as I rubbed small circles into the back of her hand. “You’re too much of a good person to let it go unnoticed and continue to let the little girl be hurt. You would have still done what you did today. You would have still been there for Emma because you knew she needed you to be. That’s why she looked up to you for help and not Paula. She trusted you to help her and you did. And I know you would do it all over again if you had to.” 

YN thought about it for a minute. “No child deserves that.” 

I shook my head and kissed her hand. “No. No they don’t. And if you’re around, they won’t have to live through it.” 

[rubyarrows]

Baby Doll Eyes

For YN there was nothing better than just getting to hang out and enjoy the off time she had with some of her favorite people. So, when her best friend, Will, called her to come over and hang out with him and his brother, she was more than willing to do so. YN and Jay were lounging about on some lawn chairs while Will was working his magic with the grill making, what YN called his most delicious creation, burgers. The three of them threw different stories about work drama and their college days. No stone was left unturned within their conversation. 

“Hey Will, do you remember when I drug you out with me that one night during sophomore year and we crashed that frat party in Marty Tonks dorm?” YN asked with a chuckle and a mischievous glint in her eyes as she took a sip of her beer? 

The curly-haired man leaned back with a laugh, looking back at her with a grin he said, “Oh god, Jay you would have loved to have been there for that. This girl had everyone’s jaws on the floor. We come in, uninvited, and she just glides over and takes, oh man what was the name of the guy you took that drink from?” The girl questioned shrugged at his question barely able to contain her laughter, so he continued. “Anyway, takes this guy’s drink, downs it and just walks away. He’s confused, I have no idea what in the world is going on and she’s living her best life within a crowd of people we have no association with. The girl had turned the place on its head.” 

Jay leans up resting his elbows with an amused look on his face and raised eyebrow. “I find it hard to believe that our little, wonder woman over here would have the confidence, especially back then, to turn a frat house upside down like that. But you’re right, I would have loved to see it all play out like you say it did.” 

YN couldn’t hold her laughter anymore as she said, “You totally missed out Jay. I was a totally different person back then. Would I ever do something like that now?” she paused for a moment to feign being in thought. “If I was being absolutely petty, then maybe. But on an everyday occasion like I used to, no. I was a wild child with not a care in the world. I’m fairly sure I was able to convince at least fifteen people at that party to change their majors that night.” 

The younger Halstead brother laughed at her confession before taking a sip of his own beer. “That wouldn't be all that surprising, to be honest. From what I can remember after knowing you for so long is that you’ve always had a way with words. A way that Will and I can’t completely comprehend, but you sure are able to convince anybody to do anything without even trying.” 

“Oh, YN knows that all she has to do is bat them big YEC eyes at me and I’ll instantly do whatever she wants me to do. I don’t even have to know what that thing is. I’m sold.” Will said with his back towards the other two as he flipped the burgers he had going. 

“You’re a sucker for them eyes.” Jay said and leaned back in his chair. 

Will nodded and pointed his spatula at his little brother. “So are you though.” 

The younger brother raised his eyebrows at the statement. “YN, take this with no offense.” He started and looked over at her then back to his brother. “But you'd have to agree that she’s like a cute baby doll with big eyes that could stare straight into your soul, and I often think she does just that.” 

Will and YN busted out with laughter as they heard what Jay had said.  

“Are you saying I have creepy baby doll eyes?” she questioned. 

Jay shook his head. “No. No. Not what I meant. It’s just, and everybody can agree with me on this, one look from you and we’re all goners. You don’t have to say anything. One look is all it takes.” he defended.  

“Hate to say it, YN,” Will started as he began to plate up the burgers. “But little bro is right. You got a way of getting your way without even trying really.”  

The YHC haired girl shook her head with a giggle. “Yeah, okay.” 

“It’s true.” the two brothers said at the same time. They all let out a bit of laughter. 

“Although I would love to continue this debate, even if at the end of it all she will still probably say we’re crazy. Burgers are ready and I'm starving after having to look at these beauties for the last ten minutes.” Will said as he headed back inside. “Let’s eat!” 

[rubyarrows]

Skating Confessions

As Seeley Booth made his way to the local ice rink, he couldn't help but feel a rare sense of excitement. The bustle of his daily life as an FBI agent was often filled with gruesome crime scenes and intense interrogations, but today was different. He had finally managed to secure a day off, and there was someone special he wanted to spend it with: his lifelong friend, YN YLN. 

Booth and YNN had known each other since they were kids, growing up in the same neighborhood, attending the same schools, and sharing countless adventures. While life had taken them in different directions, they had always managed to stay connected, even if their meetings had become less frequent. 

As he arrived at the ice rink, Seeley spotted the YHC haired girl lacing up her skates, a warm smile on her face. Her sparkling YEC eyes lit up when she saw him. "Seeley, you actually made it!" She laughed as he approached. “I’m so glad you could. Thought I would be skating by myself after all.” 

"Well, when my favorite author requests for me to have a good day off and to be on the ice, how can I refuse?" Seeley replied with a grin. 

They glided onto the ice together, the cool air and the sound of blades against the ice providing a soothing backdrop to their conversation. As they skated hand in hand, they caught up on the details of their present day lives that each other had missed within their busy schedules. 

"So, what's new in the world of FBI investigations, Special Agent Booth?" YN asked, making sure to be specific while using his title, her curiosity piqued. 

Seeley chuckled; his breath visible in the chilly air. "You know, same old, same old. Solving cases, dealing with bureaucratic nonsense, and trying to keep my partner, Dr. Brennan, from going too far into her 'squint' mode. Which I'll admit does, on very rare occasions, does happen. Rarely but I'll take what I can get." 

YN raised an eyebrow. "Dr. Brennan, huh? She's the brilliant anthropologist you keep telling me about, right? I've read a lot about her work over the past few weeks. Research into the next series I'm trying to work on. Very impressive." 

Seeley laughed at YN's teasing. "Very much so, though she can be a handful, that's for sure. Brilliant, but sometimes socially challenged. Anyway, what about you? How's the life of a best-selling author treating you?" 

YN's face lit up with pride. "It's been amazing! Got that new series I just mentioned in the works. Publisher said that the prints for the first book just landed on her desk yesterday and she’s in love. But, you know, life isn't all sunshine and rainbows." 

Seeley noticed a hint of sadness in her eyes and couldn't help but ask, "Did something happen that I should know about?" 

Her smile faded, and she sighed. "Jackson and I just broke up recently. It's been really tough to tell you the truth." 

Seeley paused, his grip on her hand tightening. "I'm so sorry to hear that, YNN. If you ever need someone to talk to or if there's anything I can do, you know I'm here for you. I know you guys were together for a long time." 

YN managed a small smile. "Thanks, Seeley. I don’t know how you do it, but you always manage to make me feel at home,” she said as she gave his hand a small squeeze which he returned. “You know, even with all the craziness of our lives, I'm really glad we can still find time for moments like this." 

They skated in silence for a while, enjoying the simple pleasure of gliding on the ice. As they continued to skate, Seeley felt the need to confide in his best friend, though he knew it would probably be a sore subject since she had just told him about her relationship with Jason had just ended after almost 5 years of being together. 

Finally, after a few minutes he mustered the courage to speak his mind. "Speaking of relationships... I've got something on my mind, something I've been hesitant to talk about with anyone to be honest." 

YN gave him a curious look. "What is it, Seeley?" 

He took a deep breath. "I think I might be falling for Bones, YN. It's complicated, and I'm not sure what to do about it. I mean we’re partners and people are always saying not to mix business with pleasure." 

YN's eyes widened, and she stopped skating, pulling Seeley to a halt. "Wow, Seeley, that's... a big revelation you’ve made there. Are you sure? You've always been so close to her according to what you’ve always told me, but you've never said anything about it." 

Seeley nodded; his expression serious. "I know, and I'm not even sure how to approach it. It's just... am I sure I'm in love with her? No but I'm sure that I'm getting to that point. She’s a great person with a big heart and, though you have never met her, you would like her. Minus her scientific talk all the time, she reminds me a lot of you." 

YN gave him a reassuring smile. "You'll figure it out, Seeley. Just take your time. And you have my full support, no matter what." The YHC haired girl pushed off to start skating, dragging Booth along with her. “Besides if she’s like me in anyway like you are telling me, then I like the woman already. Dr. Brennan would be good for you.” 

The dark-haired man shook his head with a slight chuckle. “That’s one way to put it.”