Tony: Need anything?
Gibbs: For you to leave.
--
Tony may not have been related to Gibbs by blood, but something caused him to feel an odd sense of responsibility for him. Not in an overbearing way, but with subtle concerns and every once in a while an all out touching gesture. This was one of those times.
He set the coffee cup in front of Gibbs and walked away before the act could be acknowledged. Sure, it wasn't the most significant moment in their friendship, but it was something.
Gibbs managed a wry smile as he took the first sip; making a mental note to address it later.
Three days passed before he did.
"DiNozzo."
Tony was half way towards the elevator to go home when he turned around. "Yeah boss?"
"Coffee?"
"No thanks boss, it's late, and I have a heck of a time sleeping with that racing through my veins…not to mention getting up in the middle of the night to…well…you know…"
Gibbs changed his expression and was filled with pride when his Agent understood.
"Oh that?" He shrugged. "I uh, I had to do something…"
"You did your job."
"True," he agreed. "But let's face it boss, it wasn't like a tear filled embrace was an option….besides, if I were in your shoes, it would be nice to know someone cared."
"Been going to that sensitivity training have ya?"
"That or I'm getting older…" he looked back at the elevator. "So are you done being mad at me for being nice?"
It was then Gibbs managed a smile and nodded towards him with a look that said it all. "Night DiNozzo…"
Tony gave a small smile in return. "Night boss."
And that sums up the very complex yet simple friendship of one Anthony DiNozzo Jr, and one Leroy Jethro Gibbs.