DISCLAIMER: I DO NOT OWN NCIS OR ANY OF ITS CHARACTERS
If You Have Nothing Nice to Say…
Chapter One
Vance nodded down at Gibbs from the railing above the bullpen. Gibbs looked back smugly. Glancing at each of his agents now sitting, busy with their paperwork, he stood to go treat himself to a new cup of coffee.
Deciding on the stairs he made a silent exit leaving the trio without supervision, but he was confident they'd abide by his restrictions.
It took a few moments before his absence was noticed. Tony the first to realize was quick to send a crumpled wad of paper at Tim's head.
Time retaliated with a glare and a surprisingly fast counterattack which nailed Tony right between the eyes. McGee grinned triumphantly having finally gained an upper hand on the senior agent.
From her seat Ziva smirked at her two coworkers. It faded quickly as she saw them turn their attention in her direction. Before she could focus back on her desk, she was assaulted by multiple paper wads launched from each partner. Her icy glare brought pleased smiles to their faces which quickly faded as the boss made his reappearance.
Noticing the papers on the floor, he cast disparaging looks at his underlings. It was enough to get them moving from their seats to retrieve the offensive items. All of them were wearing sheepish masks trying to cover the laughter they were trying to suppress.
Once back at their desks they exchanged accusatory glances until a guttural reverberation of a throat clearing brought their focus back to the reports demanding their attention.
After a few moments Tony began to pout which sent a wave of irritation through the lead agent's demeanor causing him to pinch between his eyes and wonder how a grown man, not to mention a seasoned federal agent could as so childishly.
After all weren't they in this predicament because each of them displayed exactly how immature they all could be. Sensing his leader's displeasure, Tony forced a toothy smile and chanced a look in his direction.
Gibbs shook his head minutely indicating he did not want a repeat performance. Tony grimaced slightly, hanging his head like a chastised school boy.
The increasing smirk on McGee's face didn't go unnoticed and he found himself in the direct line of fire of a similar glare. Mirroring his counterpart he bowed his head concentrating on his work.
Before Ziva could erase her own smile she felt the force of frustration emanating from her left. She too found her desk of utmost interest and didn't' dare to raise her head until it was time for lunch.
As they stood to grab their things to make a getaway, Gibbs stood demanding their attention with a sharp whistle. When they were all looking at him he pointed back to their desks. Shoulders slumped they sank back into their seats.
Ensuring the discipline would be imposed during lunch, Gibbs had meals delivered to the bullpen. This would hopefully be the last of corrective measures needed to force the three individuals to rise to their expected level of maturity. With a rare sigh he attempted to enjoy his own food. At least they would all be able to eat in peace.
While they thoroughly enjoyed the food, the agents managed to pass smiles and winks between them. Reading the fortunes from desserts raised some eyebrows.
Tim smirked reading his: Don't let friends impose on you, work calmly and silently.
Ziva looked confused by hers: Silence speaks volumes. Listen.
Tony cracked open his grinning, but stared with disbelief at his: The best leaders lead by good example.
Gibbs was going to toss his aside, but for laughs gave it a look: Your leadership skills will be tested and proven.
This was never truer than when teaching his three agents to act like a team. He sometimes wondered if he ever really was making progress.