DISCLAIMER: I DO NOT OWN NCIS OR ANY OF ITS CHARACTERS!

BEING UNREACHABLE

No matter when the phone rang he was within hands reach to answer, save that one day a year when he avoided answering immediately. He waited to check the caller ID, not wanting to be subjected to his most recent ex's cries and accusations. Even after all the years that have passed, she couldn't let go.

He thought back infrequently about his failed marriages. Not a man known for regrets he knew each time was a mistake. There was no replacing his first wife and what they had shared, but he'd hoped he'd find someone that could fill the void. It was unfair to them and himself.

His first ex and he had ended amicably enough. She had been looking for something similar in her life and they both realized that neither of them could be what the other needed.

His second ex was hoping he'd be too busy to notice that she was a little too free with her love and his check book. He couldn't get rid of her fast enough.

But his third and last ex, she had loved him. He couldn't return what she deserved. He'd discovered that he cared for someone else and broke her heart. He knew he was a bastard and in the end he was alone. Still letting her go was honest.

So when the day that marked what would be their anniversary came around, she called him. The first few years he tried to reason with her, to explain himself regardless of how poorly it made him look. After that, accepting she would never come to terms with the facts, he left the phone to ring- unanswered.

He'd heard it asked around, but never directly to him: Why didn't he change his number? Sure it would put an end to the incessant ringing, the crying he knew laid on the other end, the guilt that resurfaced despite his best efforts and the raised eyebrows of those around him. Yet, if he did that, cut her off completely, he feared it might destroy her more.

Not that he believed she couldn't live without him. She'd managed to move on and be quite successful in her life. For some reason only she could explain that one day a year brought her back to him and what she'd dreamed of and lost.

That day was coming and Gibbs prepared to deal with her calls. It had been six years now. It was time for her to let go and embrace the good life she had.

In two days he was certain she'd be done with him and he'd be able to answer his phone whenever it rang without any apprehension. He hoped!