Tony hit the switch and the elevator stopped. He slumped to the floor. It had been a long, hard day. Seeing Jeanne again, knowing the pain he caused her, and dealing with her accusation of murder had hurt. Really hurt. He wasn't exactly in love with her anymore, but that didn't stop him from wishing things had turned out differently. He mourned the loss of their relationship all over again. He'd never known a woman quite like Jeanne. Even though he knew she was a case, he hadn't been able to help falling in love with her. He remembered the first day he met her.
Jeanne always got a cup of coffee after she got off shift. The street vendor often had her coffee ready for her when she arrived. This morning something was different. She didn't know it, but it was about to change her life.
Tony made sure he was there before she was. He stalled, pretending to consider his options until she arrived. He flashed her his most charming smile and enjoyed watching her blush. He handed the man a twenty.
"Give the lady whatever she wants." He said.
"The usual?" The vendor asked Jeanne.
"Yes…Please." She said, confused. She turned to Tony. "I'm sorry. Do I know you?"
"Not yet." He grinned. "But I'd love to change that. My name is Tony. Tony DiNardo."
Jeanne usually avoided engaging strange men in conversation, but there was something about this one she just couldn't shake. He seemed decent and genuine. She knew it was foolish to judge a man so quickly, but she found him charming and attractive.
"Jeanne. Jeanne Benoit."
"A pleasure, Miss Benoit." He said as he shook her hand gently. "It is Miss Benoit, isn't it?"
"Yes." She blushed again. He found it utterly delightful. This mission was definitely not going to be a hardship. It wasn't. At least not until it ended.
Those had been some of the most wonderful months of his life. He felt loved and accepted for who he was. Sure, he gave her a cover name, a background story, but for the most part, he was just himself, under a different name, and she loved him. It was a glorious feeling. Most women took him to bed, enjoyed his skills, and didn't care much about him at all. She was different. She was the first woman he ever really loved.
The feeling of acceptance was one he'd not felt before. Growing up he was expected to be a miniature of his father. Anthony DiNozzo, Jr. But he wasn't, he was Tony. He grew up knowing his father didn't love him. In college, he was expected to be a perfect athlete. He wasn't. He did his best, but he wasn't perfect. He partied hard, lived the part of a frat boy to the fullest, to avoid letting anyone know how much it hurt when no one accepted him. At the police department, he was accepted, but again, only for as long as he was perfect. He dare not let his guard down. It was just a matter of time before he would have to leave.
He'd tossed from one relationship to another, hoping for someone to accept him. Finally Jeanne had. Then she'd left, too. He wasn't good enough for her either.
Tony heard his cell phone ring. It was Gibbs.
"Hey, Boss." He said, shaking off his depression and standing up.
"There a reason you stopped the elevator, Tony?" Gibbs asked.
"No. No, Boss. I was just…" He searched for an explanation. "I'll just start it up again."
"You do that, DiNozzo."
Tony smiled sadly as he started the elevator again. He had to take that back. Jeanne wasn't the first one to accept him. Gibbs was. Not in the same way, of course, but Gibbs loved him, even if he didn't say anything. He showed it every day, when he slapped him on the back of the head.
"I don't slap you to hurt you, ya' know." He'd told Tony one night years ago. "I do it to get your attention. Help you be the best agent you can be."
The elevator doors opened.
Gibbs looked at Tony's face, filled with sorrow.
"You okay, Tony?" He asked kindly, stepping into the elevator.
The doors closed again.
"Never better." Tony lied.
Gibbs looked at him, obviously not buying the lie.
"You need to talk, DiNozzo, my door is always open." Gibbs offered
"Open, now, is it? Always unlocked wasn't enough for you, Boss?" Tony joked as the elevator opened in the parking garage.
"I'm serious, Tony. You need to talk. You come find me." Gibbs told him.
"Thanks, Boss." Tony wasn't sure if he'd take Gibbs up on that offer, but he felt better knowing someone cared. He was accepted, just the way he was.
A/N: This is my first attempt at NCIS fanfiction. Please let me know what you think of it. It was a quick response to NCISFlashfic's Elevator challenge, so it is unbeta-ed, so your constructive criticism is appreciated, also.
Free Abby Hugs will be given to all reviewers. ;)