A/N: Oh my goodness. Thank you SO MUCH to everyone who read, added alert/favorite, and who reviewed. I am so glad you are enjoying the story. I will try to respond to each of you but classes started today so I might not be able to but I want you to know I APPRECIATE IT! :) Also, this story is alright finished and we have about two more chapters to go. Next chapter wont be till much later in the week but to hold you over until then, I gave you a long chapter!

Hope you enjoy the story.


Chapter Two

"Ms. Scutio," Tony smiled, looking at the other geeky Agent in the forensic scientist lab, "And hello McGeek."

"McGee," Tim frowned at the Police Officer's intentional mispronunciation of his name.

Tony smirked in his general direction before handing the vials to Abby, "Doctor Mallard sent me up with these on my out. Figure they can't be too important if he gave them to me."

"Why, would you lose them that fast?" McGee let out the barb at the LEO. Cocky little-

"I broke the chain of evidence," Tony deadpanned, looking at Tim as if he were a mentally challenged person instead of the Senior Field Agent of the MCRT, "You won't be able to use this in court."

"Nope!" Abby said happily, plucking the vials from Tony's hand, "Gibbs made you a temporary Agent, Officer DiNozzo. So really, you didn't break anything."

"I," Tony opened his mouth, for once speechless.

That's why his Captain had been so insistent on getting Tony to visit this place.

"No thanks," DiNozzo came back to himself, shaking his head as he did, "I don't accept... or I resign, or whatever I need to do to not work here."

A bit flabbergasted at Tony's reaction, Abby and McGee exchanged glances before McGee spoke.

"DiNozzo, surely you didn't screw up that bad that you don't want to work with Gibbs-"

And before McGee could finish the sentence, Tony had taken two strides and quicker than a rattler, the Police Officer had decked McGee in the face, knocking him out cold.

"Tell Gibbs I still have the same answer for him," Tony turned to look at a shocked Abby, "You can send me the hospital bill if he needs it."

And with that, Tony was gone.


Or so he thought.

Tony glared at the man, not caring that the Agent could only glare back with the one eye that wasn't swollen shut.

"You want to tell me," Gibbs asked as Ducky cleaned the abrasions on Tony's fist, "What he could have possibly said that made you want to punch him?"

Tony looked at McGee, then at Gibbs, then at Special Agent Ziva David who had practically tried to killed him when she had found out that he had hurt her partner.

"I have nothing to say to you," Tony growled out. "The only reason I am not leaving this building is because my Captain will have my hide if I disobey a direct order. And considering I actually like my job at the moment, I would rather not get fired and have to find a new one. I'm running out of cities on the eastern seaboard."

"There's always Alaska," McGee deadpanned. "I'm sure they're looking for cops all the time out there."

Tony just glanced at him, "If it wasn't for your ninja over there, Special Agent," Tony said those two words with such distaste even Ducky flinched, "I'd show you how hard it is to make eye contact with someone when you have two swollen eyes."

"I'd like to see you try," McGee stood, swaying a bit. Stupid LEO. Stupid case.

"McGee," Ziva whispered, helping McGee settle back down. If anyone was going to be hurting someone, it would be her. No one touched her partner and walked away without at least limping.

"My dear boy," Ducky said, retrieving an ice pack for McGee's face, "I do believe you will have quite the bruise there for a few days."

McGee applied the ice pack carefully, hissing when it touched the abused skin.

"Nice little reminder," Tony smiled, the kind of smile that made Ziva take a step forward. And knowing Ziva, which Gibbs did, she wanted to make sure that Tony would never be able to give that full-toothed grin again.

Hoping to diffuse the situation somewhat, Gibbs stepped between his assassin and his current temporary liaison officer. "Who taught you how to punch DiNozzo?" Gibbs asked. McGee was going to have a shiner. And judging by his unsteadiness on his feet, DiNozzo packed a lot of punch in his punch…enough to rattle McGee's brains a bit.

"An old Marine," DiNozzo replied easily, "Wouldn't leave me alone until I'd gone to the gym with him. Of course, he ended up being a totally bastard but I guess that was what the second B was for."

Gibbs smiled fondly at the memory. Tony had known how to brawl and he had known how to tackle, Gibbs knew, remembering Tony's leap through the air when he had taken Gibbs' out of the path of the serial killer's car.

But the kid hadn't known how to punch, at least not correctly, and Gibbs had made it his goal of the day to teach him how…nine and a half years ago.

He had been in Baltimore a month by then. He had just been trying to pass the time.

"Hmm," Gibbs said. "Well. DiNozzo, your ass is mine until we solve this case. Then you can report back to your station. Ziva, McGee, you kill him, you answer to me. Is that understood?"

Not understanding their Boss's uncharacteristic protective behavior over someone who wasn't even officially on the team, Ziva nodded and McGee followed suit, wincing when the motion jarred his battered face.

"When this is over," Ziva whispered as she snuck up to Tony, "I will hurt you. Very slowly."

"Sweet cheeks," Tony smiled before standing and stretching his joints, "My lungs are pristine. You'll never be able to catch me."


"I will get him," Ziva spoke to McGee as she glared at the Police Officer, who had left NCIS briefly only to return with his K-9 partner, Cisco, "And his little dog too."

"Wizard of Oz," Tony called out from where he was playing some game on his phone, "Directed by Victor Fleming, released in 1939 and based on the 1900 novel by L. Frank Baum. Lost Best Picture though to Gone With the Wind which was also released by MGM that same year, even though MGM didn't actually film it."

"What are you talking about, Officer DiNozzo?" Ziva asked, wondering if all LEO's were this annoying and…infuriating.

"Movies Da-veed," Tony said, not looking up from his phone but reaching down with one hand to give Cisco a good rub down. "Something you obviously do not appreciate."

Ziva scowled at the Italian, "For your information, I happen to know a lot about American movies."

"Really?" Tony glanced up as he closed his phone with one hand, his eyes shining with something McGee compared to the twinkle a psychotic psych ward patient got when they didn't take their meds on time, "Somehow, I highly doubt that."

"I took a class," Ziva started but was cut off when DiNozzo let out a bark of laughter.

"I could teach your class," Tony said before standing. "I'm gonna hit the head if your boss needs me."

Ziva fumed for a few moments before turning to McGee, "I thought only Marines and Sailors called the restroom the head."

"So did I," McGee said, hating the fact that his depth perception was thrown off because of his currently impaired vision.

"I wish," Ziva said as Cisco continued to try and destroy the Extreme Black Kong chew toy© that Tony had filled with peanut butter paste upon arrival at his temporary desk, "We knew exactly what happened nine and a half years ago."


"How's your LEO working out for you?" Vance observed from the second floor, watching as the man stood to take his dog out of the office, presumably to allow the large muscular German Shepherd to release some pent up energy, "And how'd you even get his Captain to agree to this?"

"Captain owed me one," Gibbs said, sipping his coffee, "And DiNozzo's on the edge of burn out. His Captain figured maybe a change of pace would snap him out of it."

"So this is the famous Anthony DiNozzo, Homicide Detective," Vance smirked, "The one that got away. Funny, how he would show up right when you needed another team member."

Gibbs grumbled into his cup but ignored Vance's last comment, "He's already got Ziva threatening to kill him and he gave McGee one hell of a shiner."

"If the rumors are true," Vance twirled the toothpick in his mouth as he smiled at Gibbs, "Which I'm betting there are considering Pacci usually doesn't spread gossip, then he's exactly like you use to be."

"He's nothing like me, I don't care what Pacci says," Gibbs said, looking through the windows. From here they could see DiNozzo with Cisco outside, throwing a tennis ball to the panting and very energetic sable German Shepherd, "But he could have been."

"Maybe," Vance said and watched as Tony threw the ball but not letting the dog go, "Or just maybe there's hope for him yet."


"It's the wife," Tony said later on that day. They were no closer to solving the murder than they had been this morning. They knew how the petty officer had died, asphyxiation caused by strangulation, but other than that they didn't even have a confirmed suspect. Just a long list of names that might have wanted the weasel of a petty officer dead.

"What?" McGee looked up from his computer.

"It's always the wife," Tony said, once again playing on his phone, "And if it's not the wife it's the butler. Or the crazy sister with a grudge. Or the maid. Mustn't forget the maid."

"Petty Officer Elkins was single, and an only child and he lived alone in a house on base. He didn't have a butler or a maid."

"Definitely the wife then," Tony said, smiling when he won the game he was playing on his phone, "It's always the wife."

"DiNozzo, didn't you hear me? Petty Officer Elkins was-"

"Abby got a hit off a print on Elkins boots. Belongs to Petty Officer Yeats."

"Who is not Elkins' wife," Tim said with a smug look of satisfaction on his face. "Do you want me and Ziva to go pick him up, Boss?"

Looking at his Senior Agent and at his temporary liaison officer, Gibbs smirked. If they were gonna kill each other, it might as well be early in the relationship.

"No, you and DiNozzo go," Gibbs answered, "Tony?"

"Yes sir?" Tony said, ignoring McGee's fish out of the water expression, and instead focusing on smiling innocently at Gibbs.

Gibbs frowned at the title but otherwise didn't comment, "Take Cisco with you."

Tony nodded, already reaching to untie the police dog from underneath his desk.

"And DiNozzo?" Gibbs said as McGee, Tony and his dog made their way towards the elevator.

"Yeah?"

"Don't let Cisco bite McGee, or I'll make you fill out the paperwork," Gibbs called out as the elevator doors closed, his last look of McGee showing the young man scooting away from the German Shepherd.


"Can't you just get your dog to track him?" McGee grumbled as they searched the park for where, apparently, their Petty Officer was picnicking.

"My dog has a name, it's Cisco. I suggest you learn it," Tony grumbled before shrugging, "And, do you happen to have a scent of Yeats on you by any chance?" Tony asked, Cicso walking obediently at a heel. "Or better yet, do you want to be the one who fills out the report when Cisco takes a bite out of your petty officer?"

"He would?" McGee asked, taking another step away from the dog.

"This isn't like you see on TV, McClueless," Tony said, "He's not a search and rescue dog. If I send him after someone to track, he's not going to be all licks and wagging tail when he finds them. He's trained to attack criminals, not greet them."

"Oh," McGee said, feeling a bit foolish now, "He ever send anyone to the hospital?"

"All the time," Tony said, his sharp eyes scanning the group of people. It was "Jazz in the Park" so there were tone of people around, "German Shepherd's got the second most powerful bite of any dog. And once he's got you, he isn't letting go till I say so."

"And you guys don't get sued for that?" Tim asked. Maybe Tony wasn't so bad. Or maybe it was the fear of being eaten alive by his K-9 that kept McGee from being too judgmental away from the office.

"They try," Tony said and stopped, Cisco stopping and sitting in tandem with his partner, his ears pricked as he looked up at Tony for instruction, "But if you're a good handler, you only use your dog when you have to. Every time you send him after someone, he might not come back alive."

"Is he your first dog?" Tim asked, trying to look at what had kept Tony's attention for so long.

"Yep," Tony said, "He's been shot at, and stabbed once or twice but he keeps coming back for more. Don't you buddy?" Cisco's tail wagged excitedly and he let out an excited bark. Smiling at his dog, Tony's expression turned serious when he looked back up, "You see him, Special Agent McGee?"

"No…" McGee trailed off, his eyes not finding anyone that matched Yeats picture.

"Well," Tony said taking a step before cursing, "He's sees you."

Tony and Cisco took off after Yeats who had bolted towards the road on the other side of the park. Running after him, McGee marveled at how fast Tony was moving and how easily his dog could keep up. McGee kept up as much as he could as Yeats dived into the brush, but ducked when he heard gun fired.

"Crap," he heard Tony yell in pain, "I'm gonna release the dog if you don't stop!"

McGee heard another gunshot but hurried through the brush. DiNozzo sounded like he'd been hit and no matter what McGee thought of the guy, he didn't want him to die.

"Go get 'em, Cisco," Tony yelled out, unclipping the dog leash. Like a bullet, the German Shepherd was off, easily covering the 100 yards Yeats had managed to put between him and the Police Officer.

At the last moment though, Yeats raised his arms, dropping his gun.

"Cisco come!" Tony called back his dog who was moments away from subduing the Petty Officer, "Come!"

Cisco slowed his sprint and did a slow turn around Yeats before coming back to Tony.

"You alright?" McGee asked as he passed the downed Officer to handcuff Yeats, seeing Tony clutching his arm.

"Just grazed," Tony stood, clutching his hand with one hand and grabbing Cisco with the other, clipping his leash on the excited, barking dog.

McGee nodded before cuffing Yeats, finding it difficult when the Petty Officer started to resist him.

"I can still send the dog if you don't stop," Tony threatened. Looking at the barking dog who had rather large teeth, Yeats complied and allowed McGee to finish cuffing him.

"You have the right to remain silent," McGee shook with a smile on his face in Tony's direction as he pushed Yeats towards the car, "Anything you say or do will be held against you…"


"I'm fine," Tony said, sitting on Dr. Mallard's table, "It was just a graze."

"And a very deep one at that," Dr. Mallard worked quickly as he stitched up the wound. "I am assuming you know how to take care of this?"

"Yes, Dr. Mallard," Tony said, hissing when Ducky pulled a bit too much at the tender skin around the cut.

"Sorry, my dear boy," Ducky apologized, "And for the last time, please, Anthony, call me Ducky."

"Thanks, Dr. Mallard," Tony smirked as he hopped off the table. "Now if you excuse me, I believe my dog is in need of some food."

"It was nice seeing you again, Anthony," Dr. Mallard shook the hand that wasn't taped up, "Even if it was very brief."

"Nice talking to you again, Dr. Mallard," Tony agreed, genuinely liking the older man and all his stories, "I'm going to go grab Cisco and head out."

"And where is your partner?" Ducky asked, putting away his first aid supplies.

"In my cruiser," Tony smiled. "Left it running in the garage. Figured he could use some air conditioner and a break."


Tony prepared Cisco's meal, making sure to add the vitamin and other junk the vet had given him to make sure Cisco stayed healthy into Cisco's food bowl. Having finished that, Tony set the bowl on the floor, allowing Cisco to eat as Tony made his way over to the fridge, grabbing a coke and a slice of cold pizza. Warm pizza was delicious but cold pizza was good too. And Tony didn't feel like warming it up in the microwave.

Walking towards the living room, Tony flipped on the TV before settling down to watch some show on Animal Planet that he had already seen a few times before. Cisco wandered in a few minutes later sniffing at the empty spot next to Tony as if he were searching for someone before settling in on his bed by the couch, happily munching on another one of those Extreme Black Kong chew toys that he loved.

Glancing at the clock, Tony figured he'd call in sick tomorrow. He was worn out; not just physically but emotionally and mentally as well. Dealing with the man who he would have followed to hell and back, way back then, was difficult.

And considering Tony had given up alcohol after he had gotten his alcoholic ass fired the last time, he was in no mood to go down that awful road again.

Having to deal with Gibbs' whole team was dang near impossible. Thus, Tony deserved a day off.

Sighing, Tony made sure to get Cisco into his crate for the night before changing into a Ohio T-shirt and a pair of boxers. Even if it was only nine at night Tony was still exhausted. That and staying up any later would just increase his want for a beer. And it had been almost four years. Tony didn't want to throw it all away because he couldn't handle seeing a man who had betrayed him a decade ago.

"Night Cisco," Tony called out before turning off the light and leaving his cell phone on the counter.

At least he wouldn't have to deal with Gibbs tomorrow.


A/N2: I love hearing what you guys think of the story so far! So drop me a line…