I own nothing from NCIS and make no money from this story! If I did own them there would be some wicked story lines! LOL! But for now I shall merely play with them and return them very sated!

A huge thanks goes to my most excellent Beta-Amy- without whom this would not be as polished! Kudos to her for her great work and wanting to work with a nut like me! Trust me! And I lover her all the more for it! She is the best!

Come by my facebook page- always a riot! Sometimes great eye candy as well! Facebook./gibbsandtonysbabe Always happy to have you drop by!

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They had been searching for Tony for three weeks and had found nothing; no sign or indication of him anywhere. There was no trail to follow and was starting to look as if the man had literally disappeared off the face of the earth. The only thing that kept him going was the simple fact that no body fitting Tony's description had been found and though that may not be much, he was hanging on to it for dear life.

He rubbed his hands down his face hoping to alleviate the weariness that had taken over his body. He couldn't remember the last good sleep he had had nor did he have the desire to sleep at all. He needed to find Tony and bring him home.

He thought back to the conversation he had with his remaining team and remembered being taken aback at their attitudes. He was supposed to be a leader…but he had managed to miss the dissention and disrespect for his SIC. Frankly, he didn't give a damn where it stemmed from, it simply needed to stop and if it didn't then he had no issues with making the necessary changes.

The talk he had with Ziva and Tim left him with a sour taste in his mouth. He had the distinct feeling that they believed that they were indispensable and could not be replaced. It was a shame they held that belief because it clouded their ability to learn more. He was under no illusions that for all his skill, there wasn't someone who could exceed and replace him.

Ducky walked into the house surprised that Jethro had not moved or acknowledged his presence. That fact merely intensified his concern for the man and the reason for his visit. He knew what Tony missing was costing his friend. The signs were clear and he understood that he had to issue his mandate. He already knew that it would not go over well and he would most assuredly have a fight on his hands.

"Jethro, I come bearing food." Ducky was not surprised that the man started at the sound of his voice. Frankly, he had never seen him so unaware of his surroundings since he had known him. One look at him was more telling than any exam would be, Dark circles under his eyes, listlessness and he looked like he had lost some weight. Sighing, Ducky put his bags of food down on the table.

"Not hungry Duck." was the immediate gruff response.

"You will eat Jethro regardless." There was no doubt from the tone of the ME's voice that he was serious. "I would wager that you can not even tell me the last time you ate. So yes, you will be eating and you will start doing so right now." Glowering at Jethro he continued pulling the food out of the bags and placing them on the table.

Gibbs glared as he stood up and went over to the table. "I really don't want anything…it doesn't sit well."

Ducky turned to his friend. "I understand Jethro and honestly I am not surprised. One look at you and I can tell you aren't sleeping, sustaining yourself only with that sludge you call coffee. That is not helping Jethro." Holding up his hand to stop the oncoming tirade, Ducky's voice softened a little, "I understand more than you realize, you're not fooling me".

"You need to find Anthony for far more reasons than anyone presumes. I will not get into that with you Jethro, you must do in that regard, as you see fit. But I will and am taking steps to insure that you do not spiral down further than you have."

Narrowing his eyes at Jethro as he handed him a plate that he had prepared, "You blame yourself for everything and refuse to understand one fact".

Taking the plate begrudgingly, Gibbs trained his eyes on the ME. "Understand what Duck?"

"That you are not omnipotent. You cannot know everything that goes on. You do not have super powers that allow you precognitive sight. So stop thinking that you should."

Gibbs bowed his head. "But I should have seen this Duck…never should have happened. Tony is my second for damn good reasons."

"Yes he is and I trust you will let him know that when he is found as well as be honest with him about everything."

Tired blue eyes looked up and the worry as well as fear was evident. "What if I never find him?"

Placing his hand on Jethro's shoulder, he squeezed it reassuringly, "I have no doubt that you will indeed find Anthony."

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Dr. Brandt sighed as he ducked the flying pitcher of water. He knew the man was beyond frustrated with his recovery.

"Did that make you feel better?"

"NO!" His anger was palpable in the room. "I can't breathe without hacking my fucking brains out. You tell me I have scarring on my lungs that makes no sense, I have more scars than I know what to do with, my leg is healing slowly, I now have no spleen and I can't remember my own fucking name." Green eyes blazed in the doctor's direction.

"Well on the upside we did find out you weren't a wanted fugitive. That has to count for something", the doctor smiled, trying to ease the man's frustration with a bit of levity. "I get that this is hell, I can't imagine how difficult it must be to have no memory of your life. However, we are doing all that we can to figure it out. You need to worry about getting better."

"But what if I can't remember? What if I have forgotten something…someone important?" He had finally voiced the fear that plagued him.

"Then we get you a name and you can start a new life. The memories may come back, hell, you have only been awake for a week-"

"Ten days."

Sighing internally, Dr. Brandt continued. "We won't leave you high and dry. Half the older nurses have adopted you." Seeing the small smile form on the young man he continued. "You won't be without friends. We'll figure it out."