Tony looked at himself in the full length mirror. Armani. Abby had decked him head to toe in designer names and soft, expensive fabrics. He looked sharp; there was no denying it. With a soft smile, Tony turned to Abby.
"You're a miracle worker," He said a little breathlessly. Abby shrugged one shoulder.
"You've already got the goods, all I did was wrap it in something pretty." Tony almost blushed at the compliment, and Abby pressed into him playfully.
"Expensive suits you," She smiled. Tony's smile faded a little as he looked back towards the mirror. Abby sensed the change and gently pulled at Tony's arm until he looked at her. She didn't need to ask what was wrong; her expression did it for her.
"I used to have this," Tony sighed, gesturing to the clothes. "A long time ago."
"What happened?" Abby asked, genuine sympathy in her eyes. Tony looked like he didn't want to answer, and when he spoke it came out in a rush.
"Cut off. Disowned. Whatever you wanna call it."
"Because of the job?" Abby's voice was small as she asked. Tony shook his head.
"Got the job because I didn't have any money. Didn't have any money because my father didn't like who I was." Tony looked away as he spoke, but Abby forced his body back towards her. She was silent; knowing Tony would only talk to her if he wanted to. She'd had enough experience of that with Gibbs.
"Senior didn't like that I'm gay," Tony continued in a defeated tone. "So now he has no son, and I have no inheritance."
"What about the ex-boss' wife?" The question was out before Abby realised who had told her, and she looked up through her eyelashes to see Tony looking confused. Slowly, she shrugged. "Word travels fast around here." Abby was expecting anger, but Tony laughed softly and shook his head. All too soon his expression became sad.
"I didn't sleep with her because I wanted to," Tony's voice was too quiet for Abby's liking. "I did it because she promised me better work. Her husband never liked me, so I got terrible assignments. She told me if I slept with her, she could get me better clients. And if I didn't…" Tony trailed off, and Abby knew what was left unsaid. The big man's beloved wife starts telling stories, and who will believe the whore she's telling them about? Wordlessly, Abby leaned forward and hugged Tony tightly. Tony hugged back; enjoying the soft fragrance of Abby's shampoo. When they parted, Abby smiled.
"We'd best get these glum looks off our faces," She said as she started to tidy up. "By my internal Gibbs clock, we're due a visit any second." Tony watched Abby as she moved around the room.
"Gibbs clock?" The sound of the elevator made Tony turn just in time to see Gibbs walk through the door. The older man stopped in front of Tony; eyeing his new suit with a carefully blank expression.
"Gibbs!" Abby rushed over to her boss, linking an arm into Tony's. "Doesn't he just look edible?" Gibbs didn't answer, but some undefined expression flickered momentarily across his features. Looking at Gibbs carefully, Tony spoke.
"Not to your taste, Boss?" Gibbs didn't answer, but Tony's stomach flipped when he saw the older man's Adam's apple bob in a swallowing motion. It was well concealed, but Tony was experienced and he saw the desire Gibbs was refusing to show. Gibbs turned to Abby, who was looking with barely contained suspicion at the silent exchange.
"You done?" Gibbs asked, his voice a little gruffer than he would have liked. Abby nodded. "Alright; assessment." Tony's eyes widened slightly, but he pulled himself together as Gibbs turned back.
"Assessment?" Tony asked, trying to sound nonchalant.
"It's for the catalogue," Abby explained, getting excited again. Tony watched as she wandered around to her desk and pulled out a clipboard. "We write down all your special skills, and it ups your price." Tony looked sideways at Gibbs, whose eyes were fixed on Abby just a little too intently to be casual. Tony straightened jokingly as Abby stopped in front of him.
"Alright," She smiled. "Do you speak any foreign languages?" Tony smiled.
"Sì il mio Tesoro." Abby giggled at the flourish Tony added as he spoke. Gibbs remained still; ignoring the thrill Tony's accent sent down his spine.
"Any massage skills?" Tony smirked.
"I get by."
"Can you dance?" Lifting the clipboard from Abby's hands, Tony gave it to Gibbs before pulling Abby into a loose embrace. He led her around a few times in a basic box-step before twirling her twice and dipping her low. Tony returned Abby to her feet and took the clipboard back from Gibbs. Their fingers inadvertently brushed, and Tony looked up to see Gibbs staring at him. Turning to Abby with a smile, Tony gave her the clipboard.
"Does that count?" Abby nodded emphatically as she scribbled something down on the clipboard. Looking up slowly, a light blush lit up Abby's face.
"Ummm," She mumbled, looking from Tony to Gibbs and back.
"What is it?" Tony asked carefully, making sure not to look at Gibbs.
"This next part is about a different kind of dancing." Abby ducked her head, and Tony couldn't help looking away.
"Couldn't you just take my word for that one?" With Tony's eyes still averted, Abby looked surreptitiously at Gibbs. He nodded imperceptibly, and Abby gave a small smile.
"You seem like a man of your word, so why not?" Tony looked back at Abby and smiled. "Alright, last question," Abby looked down at the paper before giving Tony and inquisitive smile.
"Anything you won't do?" Tony's eyes flicked to Gibbs for less than a second before he looked back at Abby.
"I don't say 'I love you'." Abby nodded and scribbled before handing the clipboard off to Gibbs. Gibbs took it and, without a word, left the room. Looking to Tony, Abby gave a contented sigh.
"You'll be on the books before night's end."
Sì il mio Tesoro – Yes my darling. (Italian)