It scares me often seeing Novilene almost died right in front of me. I can't believe we didn't solve the riddles quickly enough to prevent her from injecting it. Right now, there's no sign of progress of her waking up yet. Everyone especially Maricar and Gideon are worried about her well-being.

It's true she's a fighter but it scares me of her not waking up anytime soon. Seeing her in sleeping inside of the hospital, breaks my heart and blaming myself for not being with her. What kind of a boyfriend am I? Is this what it feels like seeing your lover almost died by a killer? I just found someone who accepts me who I am and I can't lose her. ~Spencer Reid

She's The One

It's been a week that made no process of Novilene waking up. None of them couldn't blame her for taking a strong poison inside of her systems and needs a lot of time to rest. However, Gideon is breaking on the inside seeing his daughter laying down on the bed. He blames himself for not being there for her when she needed him the most. He lost the count of many times of making up to her but she didn't expect anything from him knowing her father breaks the promise often. Gideon always wondering if he's being a terrible father to her while Nathan, Novilene's stepdad, is better than him.

"Mulan, everyone misses you so much... especially Reid." He chuckled sadly and only the heartbeat monitor can be heard. "He blames himself for letting you travel alone without someone to accompany with. I assured him you did this all the time and rarely got kidnapped because of your job."

Gideon sighs heavily and receiving no response from his daughter. "I have never been a good father to you and Nathan is doing his job better than me. I'm taking care of your brother than you." He strokes her cheek. "Please, wake up. Everyone needs you, I need you."

Knock!

Knock!

"Come in." Gideon cleared his throat.

A man in his mid 50's shows up and stared at Gideon with an unreadable expression. He approaches them but stands right across Gideon and stared at Novilene.

"Still no progress?" The unknown man asks him curiously.

"Nothing." Gideon answered and stared at the man. "How long are you staying, Nathan?"

Nathan Hunt, the father of Ethan and Alex Hunt, strokes Novilene's head. "Long enough to see her wake up and in better condition to get back her work. I'll be staying at her house because someone needs to look after Maricar and her dog, Sky. Alex also needs to get back to Caltech soon because his term is going end soon."

"Maricar hated the idea of someone looking after her." He chuckled and Nathan agreed with him. "I often regret of not being there for her. I'm being a terrible father to her..."

Nathan frowned at that statement but remained silent. "Every time I see her, I look at Maria because of her strong will yet... she has my stubbornness and hiding emotions very well."

"She is a mixture between you and Maria." Nathan spoke up softly. "She's everything to us. Yet we often becoming competitive of who's a better father? You or me. Novilene will slap our shoulders and scolded us for being immature."

"She did, Novilene is our ray of light. Sometimes, she has darkness too." Gideon grasps her hands gently. "No one even knows how she manages to become brave all the time and rarely break down."

Both men didn't know what makes Novilene be so brave at such a young age to do this dangerous job. Nathan didn't know about Ethan and Novilene being part of a secret organization while Gideon does. Gideon decided not to tell Nathan about their secret for it is not his position to tell him everything about them.

She's The One

An Asian woman in her mid 20's with a beauty mark on her left upper lip is been accompanied by an Italian man. She felt nervous about seeing her friend again and the last time they interact was the day of her friend's mother funeral.

"Lia, I'm here, don't worry." He assured the woman known as Lia 'Cecilia' Snow and rubbing her back to ease down her tense. "She needs you."

"The last time we met Tony was the day of her mother's funeral..." Lia spoke up and sighs sadly. "She and Alex may push me away but I often ask Phoebe about them."

Tony 'Anthony' DiNozzo smiled in sympathy and patting her shoulder. "Shall we?" He asks in a soft tone and Lia knocks the door.

"Come in." Lia opened the door to see a familiar face. "Lia, it's good to see you again." The man smiled seeing her again in a long time.

"Hey, tito (Uncle) Jason." Lia approached the man and hugging him as he returned the gesture. "Still no sign yet?" She asks in a soft tone.

"Nothing and who's this?" Gideon asks her and seeing an unknown Italian man is standing awkwardly.

"Tony DiNozzo, I'm Lia's friend." Tony introduced himself and slightly intimidated by his intense stare reminds him of Jethro Gibbs, his and Lia's boss of NCIS.

Lia smiled and grateful for not making any jokes at this time. "Tito (Uncle) Jason... you should rest. Tony and I can watch her, we're off duty today from our Chief."

"You're working here now?" Gideon looked surprised to hear it since the last time they met was Phoebe's wedding day.

"Yeah, I've been working at NCIS for two years now." She smiled sheepishly. "I was trying to catch up with you during Phoebe and Steve's wedding day but got an emergency work."

"As long as you're alright, that's fine." He assured her then stared at DiNozzo. "I hope she's not getting into trouble."

"Actually, Tito (Uncle)... Tony and Tim are often giving Jethro and I headaches of their bickering." Lia smiled and ignoring Tony's glare. "Seriously, you need to go. I'll call you in case Novilene wakes up."

"I-" Lia gives him a look and he chuckled. "Okay, can we exchange number?"

"Sure." Lia and Gideon exchange numbers. "It's good to see you well, Lia."

"Me too... I just wish we could've... meet in a better situation." She sighs sadly and Gideon patted her shoulder.

"Novilene been through a lot and I appreciate that you care about them." He bids them goodbye and coming back later.

"Aren't you glad that it went well?" Tony asks with a cheeky smile on his face as she shakes her head. "You weren't kidding that Novilene is younger than you by four years? She looks like 16."

"Yeah, Novilene is an intelligent woman." Lia strokes Novilene's head. "Hey, Nov... remember your former foreign exchange student back in UK? You, Steve and Phoebe are my first friends before until now. It's Lia or Cee..." She sighs sadly and Tony stands right next to her. "People change a lot of few years time and others are same. You don't deserve this, Novilene... you have a lot of future ahead of you."

"I heard a lot of good things from you, kid." Tony spoke up. "Everyone wanted to see your pretty face with a bright smile. I also need your advice on how to make Lia falls in love with me for real."

"Seriously? You're seeking an advice to the unconscious woman, Tony?" She asks with a deadpanned expression as he returned with a sheepish smile.

"Lils you never ever fall to-"

"My, my... you have a charming friend... Lia." Lia screamed in surprised and jumped to Tony's arm. "Ser...iously? You call your...self an Agent?" Novilene smiled weakly seeing her old friend again.

"I don't mind you-" Tony was suddenly shaken by Lia. "Gah! Calm down, Lils... you're not dreaming."

"Sorry." Lia laughs nervously and immediately pours a glass of water. "I just didn't expect you hearing all of that." She smiled at Tony's gesture for helping Novilene to sit up straight.

"I'll call the Doctor." He informed and left them alone right after helping Novilene to sit up straight.

"Didn't expect to have a reunion here..." Lia laughs weakly and holding her hand. "I'm glad you're okay."

"How long was I out?" Novilene asks her curiously.

"Novy, you've been out for one week and 3 days." Lia answered and she looked surprised hearing the news. "He injected you a strong poison to kill you less than a minute but because of your strong immune system... your body manages to fight off the poison and survive it."

"That explains me being in a semi-coma for a week. I didn't expect to see you and..." Novilene didn't know who that man was seeking a love advice for Lia to fall him.

"Tony DiNozzo. He's my partner and friend." Novilene raises her right eyebrow at Lia but didn't say anything. "Before I'm going to call Tito (Uncle)Jason, how are you holding up? Be truthful Nov."

"I lost the count of how much I escape my death, Lia." She smiled weakly and drinks water. "Terrified but I can manage."

"Novilene..." She stared at the young woman worriedly. "Whatever happens, you have us no matter what."

"Mmm..." Novilene nodded her head and the Doctor came to her room. "Hello, Doctor." She greeted the Doctor.

"Hello, Ms Cruz. I'm Doctor Sierra Knight, how are you feeling right now?" She asks her worriedly.

"My whole body is sore and my vision is a bit blurry from her so I need my glasses for that." She chuckled weakly. "Other than that, I'm alright."

"That's a relief, you're a strong girl, Ms Cruz." She smiled at her patient. "Let's start the checking."

She's The One

Gideon barged in his daughter room and hugging her gently. He is happy and relieved to see her waking up. "You scared me a lot, Mulan. I'm glad you're okay." He spoke up in a soft tone.

Lia and Tony silently leave the room to give them privacy. Lia sighs in relief and Tony stared at her curiously. "Everything okay?" He asks her curiously.

"Yeah. I'm glad she was okay." A grim look showed on her face. "However, she's doing it again." She whispered at him.

"Again?" He asks her curiously.

"She's being closed off her emotions, Tony. I feel like the Novilene I knew is gone." She played her bracelet and Tony grasp his hands on her.

"I may not know your relations between you two, however, Novilene has a reason behind it." He voiced out his opinion and hugging her. "I know you're being fed up someone telling you, everything is going to be alright. I'm here for you, always."

"Salamat (thanks) Tony." She returned the hug. "For everything."

"Anything for my Bella." He pulled her away and giving the woman a wink.

"You always ruin the moment." Lia sighs sadly but appreciates the efforts he has done for her.

"Lia?" She turned around to see Novilene's grandmother and half-brother, Maricar and Alex are shocked to see her and Tony. "Ate! (Sister)" The teenage boy, Alex, hugged the woman.

"Alex, it's good to see you again." Hugging the boy tightly.

"You're that boy that hangs out with Lia one time!" Tony exclaimed and remembering that face when he stalked them one time. He always taught about Lia is onto dating younger boy like him, however, Lia assured him that he's just a friend and a brotherly type.

"Aren't you that guy who keeps glaring at me all the time?" Alex asks the unknown man curiously as he pulls away from Lia.

"Alex, who are they?" Alex turned around to see Novilene's BAU team except Elle are here.

"Guys, this is Lia Snow and..." He frowned and not knowing who this guy is.

"Tony DiNozzo." Tony introduced himself. "I came here with Lia."

"Lia, did you have an off and fly over here?" Maricar asks Lia curiously knowing this woman won't hesitate to do it if one of her friends or family are hurt.

"Actually, I'm working here as a NCIS?" As if asking herelf a question and making Tony shakes his head. "I'm actually working here now instead of the Philippines. How are you holding up, grandma?" Lia asks her worriedly.

"I'm alright now since my apo (granddaughter) is finally opened her eyes." She sighs in relief. "Why are you guys staying outside for?"

"We let Tito (Uncle) Jason and Lia to have private privacy." She answered and her phone rings. "Excuse me for a second." Lia excuses herself and leaves Tony alone with them.

"Did Lia have a hard time to get settled, Tony?" Maricar asks the Italian man curiously as he just shakes his head.

"No, ma'am. Did you also know that she easily gets sick of transportation?" Tony asks the elder lady curiously.

"She usually does and other than that, Lia is a hardworking person." She smiled and knowing Lia wasn't changing a lot, she's just the same woman as before.

"She is and usually our boss, Jethro Gibbs, often asks me or my other team to look after because of her sickness." He shrugged and hearing footsteps. "Who was that, Lils?"

"It's Jethro and he needs us ASAP." Lia answered and sighs heavily. "Sorry, lola (grandmother) our job is calling us. I'll see you soon." Hugging the elder lady then at the teenage boy. "I'm sorry about the short notice guys, I hope we can introduce each other soon."

"It's quite alright." JJ assured the woman. "Thank you for calling us that Cruz is waking up."

"Novilene is like a younger sister to me. I can tell how you and the others care for her." She smiled at them. "Nov can be reckless sometimes and please take care of her for us."

"We will." The NCIS Agents bid them farewell as everyone decided to get inside of the room.

She's The One

Novilene smiled and wasn't surprised at Reid hugging her first before them. She could feel him trembling in fear that his lover could disappear in a minute. The young woman returned the hug and assuring she's not going anywhere.

"I'm alright, Spen." Novilene assured him and he let her go. "Sorry for scaring you guys a lot, how's Elle?" She asks them worriedly.

"Seriously?" Morgan asks her with a disbelief expression. "You asks someone before yourself."

"While I was held up by him, he told me that he shot Elle for breaking the rules." She sighs sadly. "I couldn't imagine how she's facing that situation."

"Elle is fine." Gideon assured her and his daughter sighs in relief. "She was asking for you."

"How are you feeling, Holmes?" Garcia asks Novilene worriedly.

"Sore and I need my glasses actually." Novilene laughs sheepishly and Alex handed her glasses. "Thanks, Al. Did you save the girl?"

"We did and she was asking if you're alright." Morgan answered. "We told her that you're okay and was scared that you took a lot of poison in your system. How did you do it?"

"I was poison once or twice before joining you guys." Everyone looked surprised to hear it. "Noelle create an antidote for me to get cure."

"That's why your body is fighting off the poison and took longer to spread all over your body." Reid voiced out his opinion and making her nodded her head.

"Yeah. I'm sorry for having a semi-coma." She apologizes to everyone. "I fight him not to get injected but apparently... he did it anyway." Novilene smiled in bitterness and lost the count of how much she gets shocked by him.

"You never show your fear, mini Gideon." Morgan pointed out. "You only show braveness."

"I don't want that bastard to use my fear as an advantage to make him feel satisfied." In a cold tone and gripping the sheets tightly. "I despise someone like him and I want-"

"Apo (granddaughter)" Maricar cut her off and holding her hands with her calm expression. "It's alright and no harm will come."

"You have us, Cruz." Hotch assured the young woman and can tell she wanted to kill that man for kidnapping her and the girl. He couldn't imagine of her younger self to join IMF such a young age ruins her innocent.

"Thanks, guys, I need some alone, please." Novilene pleads and everyone left the room except Reid. "Spen that goes for you-"

"Lenny, are you seriously going to kill him if he's still alive?" He asks her and not forgetting what Zack told him.

"Sooner or later... Novilene is going to turn herself into a deadly assassin someday. She may be an intelligent woman, however, Serenity is not going to stop until she's satisfied to kill someone. That's the reason why we persuade the higher superior that someone needs to look out for her." Zack's words echo through Reid's brain and it shivered him down through his spine. Thinking of Novilene will become a killer someday and won't stop until she gets her revenge. "She's smart and cunning like a fox. You may be smarter than her but the cleverness of yours is no match for her." He couldn't help agreeing with him. Novilene is unpredictable and whatever she plans, it's hard to tell when and where she's going to use it for.

"Are you going to stop me from doing that? He nearly killed Elle, Spencer." Novilene glared at him with her unusual cold look.

"Killing him is not the answer, Lenny." He grabs her face to stare at her cold dark-brown eyes. "I don't want you to become a monster, you think you are."

"This monster won't stop-"

"Lenny, please... this isn't you anymore." He pleads and caressing her cheeks. "I want you back. The Lenny I know would stop killing anyone unless there are no other options."

"I'm sorry..." She sighs and seeing his face is scared of her becoming a killer. "I always mask my emotions not to get compromise, but sometimes... things get so hard." It hurts her that Reid is afraid of her. Novilene wasn't surprised at all considering she lost the count of how much she killed someone as her hands covered their blood, the stain can wash away but the ache is still there.

"Promise me something. Promise me that if you're ever sad or lonely, come to me." He pleads and couldn't risk of losing her again. Reid already found someone who accepts him and he can't let her go.

"Spen, you know I can't promise you that." She frowned lightly. "I was trained-"

"Forget the training, please... I love you, Lenny. So much." He wipes her tears. "I care about you."

"I care about you too." She held his hand. "You and the others are the reason why I have to be brave all the time. I can't lose you, you're everything to me... Spen." Novilene sniffs and Spen leans in to kiss her on the lips.

She could taste the saltiness of her tears mixing of the sweet coffee that he usually drinks. Novilene lost the days or weeks the last time they kissed. Reid pulled away and caressing her cheeks one more time.

"You don't have to be brave all the time, I'm here for you."

"Always?" She whispered and afraid of losing him.

"Always." They kissed each other one more time until a certain person watches it everything and silently closes the door.

"You already lose your chance, Zack." He turned around to see Ethan is leaning on the wall. "She never dated for 3 years now until Spencer shows up."

"Serenity deserves it, Ethan." Zack smiled sadly at him. "I could never be good enough for her."

"If you can turn back the time, are you going to marry her?" Ethan asks him curiously and Zack stared at him shocked. "I saw you brought the ring for her before that incident."

"Nothing escapes you, huh?" He sighs heavily and gripping the engagement ring hiding inside of his pocket. "I was actually planning to marry her. However, seeing another man from my first love, I could never break or ruin her happiness."

"I'm sorry for not helping you back then." He regrets for not knowing Zack's mission back then and he just shakes his head.

"That's fine, Ethan. I have to go." He bids him until he left Ethan alone.

Ethan sighs heavily knowing Zack hasn't got over his first love. He hopes that someday, Zack could find a woman to accept him.