It had been a slow week for the major crimes response team and the mood had been rather somber. Gibbs had noticed that Tony had been quieter this week, though he decided it was probably due to the amount of paperwork they had been doing lately. Not having a case had always affected DiNozzo negatively, mostly because he had limited patience and too much energy.
It was getting late, probably around 10 or so, which is past the time most head home if there is no case. Kate and McGee were already gone, and Gibbs was planning on leaving in a half hour or so, when he saw his senior filed agent enter the bullpen. Gibbs stared at him as he sat down at his desk, seemingly preoccupied.
"DiNozzo," there was no response. "Tony. Hey, DiNozzo," by this point Gibbs was getting a little impatient. "DiNozzo!" Tony nearly jumped out of his skin at Gibbs' yell.
"Gibbs. I didn't see you there. You scared me."
"Well, I can see that, DiNozzo. Why are you still here?"
Tony paused for a moment before saying, "just finishing some paperwork."
Gibbs glared at Tony, obviously not believing him. "What's wrong, Tony?"
The use of his first name shocked Tony into silence for a few moments before he remembered there had been a question. "Nothing, boss. Everything's fine."
Gibbs smirked, "Yeah, DiNozzo? That why I had to yell your name three times before you heard me?"
"Sorry, boss. I didn't hear you I guess. Just lost in thoughts."
"Go home, DiNozzo."
Tony shut off his computer and grabbed his things. He mumbled a quick 'night boss' while heading for the elevator.
Gibbs knew something was bothering his agent, but decided it could be put off until later.
Later that night, Gibbs was working on the boat in his basement like usual, when he heard his front door open. He stared at the stairs with his gun within easy reach. He would be lying if he said he wasn't surprised when his senior field agent walked down the stairs.
Tony hadn't been down here in a while, and only came down here when something was wrong.
"Hey, boss. Couldn't sleep, figured you'd be up still."
Gibbs said nothing, but poured another glass of bourbon that he set in front of his agent.
"Thanks." They sat there in silence for a few more minutes. Gibbs cast an occasional glance toward his agent, but Tony's eyes remained fixed on his untouched glass.
"Something on your mind, DiNozzo?" Tony didn't respond for a few minutes and Gibbs doubted he actually would.
"I wanted to ask you something, actually."
After another long silence, Gibbs said harshly, "Well, am I supposed to guess what it is?"
Tony looked flustered. "Um, no. Uh, never mind. It was stupid."
Gibbs felt bad that he had cause Tony to change his mind. "Tony…"
Gibbs was cut off when Tony suddenly said, "you had a beautiful family," while staring at the single photo Gibbs had set up on his bench. Gibbs nodded and said he knows.
"Do you miss them?"
Gibbs didn't know where this line of questioning was coming from or where it was headed. "Yeah. Yeah I do."
Tony simply nodded. "Did you….did you ever hit her? Kelly, I mean?"
Gibbs automatically knew this had something to do with Tony's father. He didn't have the details, but knew that the relationship Tony and his father had was strained to say the least and he definitely had his suspicions about his agent's past. "No. No, I never did."
"I didn't think so. You're a good father, you wouldn't do that to your child."
"Is this why you haven't been sleeping?"
Tony half chuckled which sounded wrong even to his own ears. "Yeah. It's stupid, I know, but I've just been thinking lately…" Tony's voice trailed off.
"About what?"
"My father. He called a few days ago."
Gibbs was surprised at that. As far as he knew, Tony and his father hadn't had contact since Tony decided to become a phys ed. major.
"What'd he want?"
"He left a message. I didn't answer. He said something about meeting up for lunch or something."
"Are you going to?"
"I don't know. I never called him back. I think that's why I'm here actually. I wanted your advice. I don't think I want to see him. I don't think I can forgive after…."
"After what, Tony?"
"Nothing. Just…you know my childhood was a little less than perfect."
Gibbs could tell Tony was hiding something. Something bad. He didn't want to push Tony, but he wanted to help. "What did he do to you, Tony?"
Will continue if anyone is interested. Just let me know