For years, fans have wondered about the special bond between Mark Harmon and Cote de Pablo, both on and off screen. Their characters, Gibbs and Ziva, shared a unique mentor-protégé relationship that felt incredibly real — layered with trust, tension, and deep respect. But behind the scenes, the connection between the two actors was just as compelling.

While they were never romantically linked in real life, their bond was filled with admiration and loyalty. Cote has often spoken about how much she respected Harmon’s leadership on set, while Mark praised her for bringing strength and heart to the show. Their chemistry helped define some of NCIS’s most emotional moments.

But when Cote left the series, fans felt the loss deeply — and so did Harmon. Insiders say her departure left a noticeable gap on set. Though they briefly reunited during Ziva’s surprise return, viewers still hope for one more heartfelt scene between the two.

In the world of NCIS, where action and mystery reign, it’s stories of deep connection that leave a lasting mark. And the tale of Harmon and de Pablo — filled with love, loss, and unspoken emotion — remains one of the show’s most powerful legacies.