A/N: Probably won't post anything for a few days, have a HUGE project for school due Monday and I haven't started yet ;P Anyway, this is the next chapter. Enjoy!~

Everyone, (except Tony who was still laying on the floor), was staring at Gibbs, waiting to see how he'd handle this.

Everything was still.

But, of course, that only lasted all of five seconds.

Then everything sped back up again.

Tony was whimpering even louder, McGee was helplessly and quite pathetically trying to explain what happened (while stuttering, pausing, and tripping over his words), and Ziva was shouting something at Hyland (who she still had pinned against a wall).

Gibbs sighed.

"Everyone get out! I'll handle Tony, you guys take Hyland and," He glanced back at Tony and noticed the bruising on his face. "get him charged for assaulting a federal agent."

Ziva and McGee each took one last look at Tony and then back at each other before quickly exiting the room.

Gibbs knew what was happening but wasn't quite sure how to handle it. Gibbs. He'd handled bombs, grieving widows, deranged serial killers, and fleeing suspects. But this. This wasn't as easy as those. To Gibbs, those stuff were his everyday activities. This was trying to come down his frightened Senior Field Agent as he was flashbacking to being beaten by his father.

Gibbs slowly began walking to Tony. He had an idea but he wasn't sure whether it would frighten Tony even more, or snap him out of it. Well, here goes…whatever this was going to be.

Gibbs crouched down in front of him and slowly raised his right hand. He noticed the way Tony flinched but Gibbs just continued to place his hand on the back of Tony's neck.

Tony visibly relaxed.

Gibbs knew that this small amount of contact was all Tony needed to know that he was wanted. This was Gibbs' way of showing his 'son' that he cared about him.

He has known for years that DiNozzo Senior had ignored and abandoned Tony many times as a child. He knew that Tony was starved of actual human contact with a loved one. That's why Gibbs headslapped him. That's why he does what he's doing now – gently rubbing the back of Tony's neck.

After a few minutes of silence, Tony chanced a look at his boss.

But, to Tony's surprise, he didn't see disgust, he didn't see annoyance, instead, he saw concern and kindness.

He had expected Gibbs to be pissed because Tony's past was now affecting his work. But, Gibbs was acting exactly as a father should. Understanding.

Ziva and McGee were currently pacing the floor of Abby's lab. They had gone to the forensic scientist because they knew she was the best one to handle emotional problems within the team.

From what they had witnessed they feel they understood most of the situation.

From what they gathered and from previous examples, they've concluded that not only was Tony's childhood an unhappy one, it was a terrible one.

They knew that Tony's father had ignored and abandoned Tony but to have abused him as well.

"It's amazing he turned out how he did. As annoying as he is, he is a very kind and…compassionate man," Ziva paused. "I am…proud of him."

McGee and Abby just nodded their silent agreement.

"Okay, guys, as weird as this will probably sound coming from me, well maybe not completely weird, but definitely out of the ordinary, well maybe it's not that different but-"

"Abby!" Ziva and McGee both shouted to stop the goth's incessant ranting.

"Sorry, guys, I'm just really emotional right now and…anyway, I don't think we should say anything about it to Tony. He was in a vulnerable state when you guys heard him. I have a feeling that he doesn't what us to know, at least not yet. There's a possibility he'll open up to us eventually, but for now, we shouldn't mention it around him." Abby finished confidently and was staring them down as if daring them to disagree.

"I agree. This time must be stressful enough for him, why should we make it that much worse but peppering him with unnecessary questions." McGee added.

"I agree, as well. Though I am not sure what spices have to do with asking questions. Damn, American idioms." She added quietly, under her breath.

Abby smiled.

"So, it's settled. Commence: Plan 'We Don't Know What Happened'!"

"Thanks, boss." The words were spoken quietly, in a whisper. Almost as if he thought that if he spoke too loudly that the moment would end. Gibbs just wrapped his arm around Tony's shoulders and gently pulled his head towards Gibbs' chest.

"No problem, Tony."

Tony smiled. Gibbs almost never called Tony by his first name, but always seemed to know when he needed to.

Gibbs leaned down and whispered into Tony's right ear.

"We're gonna talk, okay? Tonight, my place, meet me there at 21:00. Don't be late."

Gibbs then slowly stood, knees popping after relinquishing his position. He winced. Sitting too long hurt now…

He then helped Tony to his feet and placed a steadying hand on Tony's shoulder when he swayed.

"Thanks, boss."

Tony spoke the words with such sincerity; Gibbs knew it wasn't just for catching him.

He was thanking him for everything that happened the past few days. For helping him while drunk, for listening to him tell his tale, for snapping him out of his horrible flashback, saving him from an awkward conversation with Ziva and McGee, and most of all caring. For actually caring about whether or not Tony was okay, whether he was emotionally and physically fine. Not just abandoning him like everyone in Tony's life seemed to do.

Tony's words echoed off the walls and Gibbs just allowed a small smile to play across his face. An unspoken response.

You're welcome.

A/N: How was that? Comments? Criticisim? Suggestions? Anything? Please review, they are the highlight of my days and mean a LOT to me! I hope you're excited for the next chapter :3