"Tony…are you doing okay?" asked Ziva hesitantly. I looked up from my paperwork and she was staring at me. "I'm fine, why?" I asked. "I don't know…you've been…kinda down in the dumpsters lately…" said Ziva. "Down in the dumps, but Ziva's right, Tony. You haven't been the same lately," said McGee. Gibbs looked up from his desk. "I'm getting coffee and I'm calling it a night. DiNozzo…my place, 1900, okay?" asked Gibbs. "Got it—it's Thursday night boss, wouldn't miss it," I said watching him go. "I'm fine," I said. "I conclude, Tony. You are anything but fine," said Ziva. "It's contrast…and I think you're looking for the word concur which would've meant you agreed," said McGee and Ziva rolled her eyes.
"Look, it's just been a long day," I said. "You do not correct me when I mess up anymore, Tony. You don't make jokes, you don't laugh, you keep up a professional act," said Ziva. "That's what you and McGee wanted when Gibbs was gone…now it's what you get and you two are worried? Come on, be real! How many times had I tried to lead you guys and you guys told me to grow up, or act professional or drop the jokes? Too many times. Now the jokes and childish, immature Tony is gone and you guys don't like it? Well, that's a problem for you" I said shaking my head and shutting down my computer. "I don't see that bracelet you've worn so many times…nor do I see you making secret phone calls. Did you get afraid of commitment and break it off with her?" asked Ziva. I shook my head picking up my backpack.
"If you two must know. Tony was working an undercover case for me," began Director Sheppard. "Jenny…you don't have to fill them in. It didn't involve them," I began. "They need to know, Tony. He brought down the drug dealer that one Thursday two weeks ago on his own. Do you two hear me? On his own. His mission was to get close to the drug dealer's daughter so he could get close to the father, Daniel—that was a year and a half ago. Tony got her trust immediately, which is probably more than what you two could've done while you both complained and wished Gibbs was here. Tony then balanced helping out at the Children's Hospital, being here from 7 a.m. - 1 or 2 a.m. doing his work and your work and he was focusing on getting close to Ms. Benoit so he could bring down her father," said Jenny. "Jenny…really…just stop," I began. Jimmy came beside me. "Are we still down for tomorrow night Tony?" asked Jimmy. "I'll totally kick your butt at basketball, Jimbo!" I said and Jimmy laughed easily and stood beside me, glaring at McGee and Ziva.
"Tony ended up loving Ms. Benoit and unfortunately he became too involved. He wanted out at first but I refused it. See, getting to Ms. Benoit's father, Daniel was a personal affair and I put Tony out there. Tony ended up having a real relationship with Ms. Benoit to the point they were engaged. That Wednesday afternoon when he brought down the drug dealer and YOU guys showed up late, he told Jeanne the entire truth. That evening she walked out on him. You two were making jokes about him and his girlfriend getting in a fight and whatever jokes you two are making about him stops now am I understood? Tony doesn't need it from you guys and he doesn't need the constant reminder that he made a mess of everything. You two will knock it off? And by the way, I know all the hell you two put him through. Let's say I have two Medical Examiners who were very concerned," said Sheppard patting my back. "Thanks Jen," I said. "Anytime Tony," said Jenny and she went back towards her office.
"We are teammates…why didn't you tell us?" asked Ziva. "Why did you guys deserve to know? Last time I checked when Tony needed someone to listen to him, someone to talk to him about stuff, it was Ducky, Jeanne or I there—not you guys. In fact, you guys tore him apart, you didn't deserve to know," said Jimmy crossing his arms. "When did you grow a backbone, Jimbo?" I asked smiling at the younger M.E. who's become a little brother to me. "When these two didn't," commented Jimmy. "Let's go Tony," said Jimmy. "I wish—unfortunately—I do have to talk to them," I said. "Tomorrow Tony, we'll hangout okay?" asked Jimmy. "Show up around 6 okay?" I asked and Jimmy nodded and patted my back in a farewell and he left. I looked at the other two crossing my arms in disgust. "Well…make your jokes, ask away," I said in disgust as I leaned against my desk.
"I'm sorry Tony…I really am. I didn't even realize what was happening and I'm sorry. I shouldn't have teased you ever or said anything like that…" said McGee. I shrugged my response staring at my feet. "Well…I don't know what to say, Tony—other than I really am sorry. I never really thought of you doing anything like that…and I'm sorry. I can't change my actions, but I can change what I can do in the future…and I'm sorry," said McGee holding out his hand. I looked up and glared at the hand. "I forgive you Probie…doesn't mean we're alright right now—but we will be," I said hugging me and he hugged me back and nodded with a smile. "Thanks Tony…have a good night," said McGee. I nodded and he left and that left Ziva and I. "Did you love her?" asked Ziva. "Jeanne Benoit was everything to me," I said nodding.
"Then don't let her go," said Jeanne. "She…doesn't want me, Ziva. I hurt her and I hurt her bad. She doesn't want anything to do with me. I've left emails, I've left calls…and she said it's time for her to move on…" I said. "You love her Tony—prove to her how much you love her, even if she's halfway across the world—go find her," said Ziva and I met her eyes. "Israeli Ninja—since when have you become such a love expert?" I asked. "Since I can see how much you truly love her. I know how happy she made you and you deserve happiness, Tony. And honestly, I am sorry for my actions," said Ziva and I nodded as we quickly hugged. "We're alright, Ziva…so you honestly think I should go to France to get her?" I asked. "If you honestly and truly love her. Do everything you can to win her back. Even if it means going to France just to be turned down—that proves you would go anywhere for her" said Ziva. "I might…" I said nodding and I left.
"The steak was great, Boss!" I said smiling. "Thanks Tony…how'd it go with McGee and Ziva?" asked Gibbs. "We'll be okay…" I said and he nodded. "You know though they gave you hell—they really do love you like family Tony. You are family to all of us," said Gibbs and I nodded feeling my throat close up. "This is why I need to talk to you…" I said and we went for the basement and we began to sand. "Ziva said if I really, really loved Jeanne—I should go prove it to her…go to France to tell her…" I said. Gibbs stayed silent. "I loved her…I do love her…but, what if—it doesn't work out?" I asked. "Then it wasn't meant to be—but I agree with Ziva. Go to France, Tony…go see if it's too late," said Gibbs. "Really?" I asked and Gibbs smiled and walked towards the desk in the basement pulling out a packet. "I was waiting to see if you'd ask. I got you a ticket to France two weeks ago when you told me…I didn't want to tell you—but I was waiting to see if you'd come to your senses. You leave Saturday," said Gibbs. "It's a two way?" I asked surprised. "Anytime you want to come back," said Gibbs and I smiled. "Thanks…dad" I said hugging him. "Anytime, Tony—you know this," replied Gibbs and I nodded. "The spare's made up?" I asked. "For you son," said Gibbs and I nodded my goodnight and stopped at the top of the stairs. "I…uhh—love ya dad," I said quietly hoping Gibbs didn't hear. "Love you too son," replied Gibbs just as quietly and I smiled and shut the basement door and went to the spare bedroom.
