A/N. For anyone who cares about the geography, I've turned MTAC into a canteen/cafeteria.
Tony woke slowly; feeling coming back to his limbs in stages. He forced his eyes open, to see Gibbs standing over him; a pissed off look on his face.
"Boss?" Tony mumbled, not sure what Gibbs was doing in his room.
"You planning to sleep all day, DiNozzo?" Tony lifted his head slowly, blinking a few times until Gibbs was fully in focus. Tony could have sworn he saw Gibbs smirk, but he didn't have time to think about it as his boss placed a cup of coffee on his nightstand and left the room. Sitting up slowly, Tony ran a hand through his mussed hair and reached for the coffee. The first mouthful had him grimacing; there was no milk or sugar in it and Tony surmised you could strip paint with its strength. Taking a deep breath, Tony forced himself off the bed and, coffee in hand, wandered towards the bathroom.
(~*~*~)
Opening the door slowly, Tony peered around it before slipping in. Finding the mess hall was an almost impossible task when you were barely awake, a little hung over and missing your tour guide. Thankful that he'd finally found breakfast, Tony didn't even notice Gibbs looking at him as he wandered towards the self-service table. He almost jumped out of his skin when Gibbs appeared beside him; lips close to Tony's ear.
"Just so you know," Gibbs said; his voice quiet. "I expect you to be awake and out of your room by 0600 every morning; no matter what you drank the night before." Tony turned his head carefully; their faces were mere inches apart.
"Sorry boss," Tony mumbled.
"Don't apologise," Gibbs reprimanded softly. "It's a sign of weakness." Tony laughed quietly, keeping his eyes locked with Gibbs'.
"I've never been afraid to appear weak; don't see why I should start now." Gibbs remained silent, but his soft smirk spoke of approval to Tony. Grabbing a small sandwich from the buffet, Gibbs turned and walked away. Tony forced himself not to watch Gibbs leave; instead his eyes fell to Abby who was sitting a few feet away looking not at all the worse for wear. Grabbing a sandwich for himself, Tony walked over and sat next to her.
"You look way too perky," He complained good naturedly. Abby smiled at him and help up a giant plastic cup with the words 'Caf Pow' emblazoned on the side.
"Best cure for a hangover," She smiled. "Can't beat it." Tony smiled as Abby offered the cup to him. Taking it, he sucked in a mouthful from the straw.
"God that's sweet!" Tony coughed out, handing the drink back to Abby, who was now laughing at him.
"You'd better get ready for work," Abby noted. Tony nodded slowly before standing up. He noticed Kate and McGee about to leave, and hurried to catch up.
(~*~*~)
Tony sighed in frustration as he fiddled with the bowtie around his neck. After the third annoyed sound, Kate took pity on the newest member of the team.
"Come here," She mumbled, swatting Tony's hand away and fixing his tie.
"Who asks for a tuxedo at 11am?" Tony grumbled quietly. "It's not like I'll even be leaving the room."
"It could be worse," Kate spoke; patting the tie she'd just finished tying. "Could have been full leather and pvc club gear." Tony sighed again, but tilted his head in acquiescence. He took a step back and looked at Kate. She was currently dressed in full Catholic schoolgirl attire; complete with a lollypop in her hand.
"I suppose someone could've asked me to wear that," Tony offered, indicating to her skirt. Kate and McGee laughed.
"Something funny?" All three turned to see Gibbs watching them. Nobody made a move to answer their boss, but he didn't seem to be expecting a response. After a moment of each of them pretending they were getting ready for work, Tony looked up cautiously to see what mood Gibbs was in. He was surprised to see him openly staring at Tony in his tux. Nobody else had noticed, and Tony figured that was the point. Kate and McGee were too busy acting busy. Offering a shy smile, Tony's heart leapt when Gibbs smiled back. It wasn't a wide smile; it never was, but it was enough to make Tony blush. Turning away, Tony pretended to be preparing for his job; trying to ignore the eyes he could still feel on him. Looking down at his costume, Tony suddenly realised he'd forgotten something.
"Hey McGee," Tony called, and Tim looked up. "You got any cufflinks? I totally forgot." McGee nodded, rifling through his desk to find a box. He handed it to Tony, his eyes darting as he did. Tony was worried by the look. Having Gibbs around seemed to make McGee more nervous than was warranted. Tony didn't understand it, but he wanted to fix it. "Thanks," He offered with a smile before turning towards Gibbs; looking the Marine straight in the eye.
"You mind?" Tony asked, holding out the box. McGee looked like he was about to bolt, but Tony nudged up against him subtly. McGee looked over to Tony; understanding what he was trying to do. Tony smiled inwardly when he felt McGee pull himself up as Gibbs approached.
"You can't do cufflinks?" Gibbs asked gruffly. Tony just gave him a warm smile, even as he felt McGee tense next to him.
"Never had cause to," Tony replied lightly as Gibbs took the box. "They're all… fiddly." McGee was surprised to hear Gibbs chuckle softly as he opened the box. Taking out a cufflink, Gibbs pulled Tony's arm close and deftly attached the piece of metal. He repeated the action with the other hand before shooting a small look towards McGee.
"Nice cufflinks, Tim." McGee was still frozen to the spot, unable to answer. Gibbs simply smiled and left. Tony turned to McGee.
"When we're done today, you and I are talking," There was no room to argue, so McGee simply nodded. Happy with the answer, Tony adjusted his cuffs before setting off to his next assignment.
(~*~*~)
Abby caught Tony on the way back from his job, offering a small smile after taking in his exhausted appearance.
"Everything alright?" She asked. Tony nodded slowly.
"Yeah, just this client got a little emotional. It always gets to me." Abby nodded her understanding before taking Tony's arm in a manner he'd become used to. Tony smirked at the mischievous look in Abby's eyes.
"You wanna mess with McGee a little?" She asked; her voice deceptively innocent. Tony's smirk transformed to a wide smile.
"Always."
"Alright, follow my lead." Tony trailed behind Abby as she stormed into the bullpen.
"I can't believe you did this to me!" Abby shouted, and Tony forced himself not to laugh.
"Well what was I supposed to do?" He asked just as hotly. He saw the sparkle in Abby's eyes as she span to face him, but showed no outward sign of recognition.
"You could've started by not fucking my boyfriend!" Tony risked a glance over Abby's shoulder, and saw McGee trying to pretend he didn't hear.
"It's not my fault he's too good for you!" Tony shot back, which earned him a slap to the face. It wasn't hard, but to an outsider would have looked very violent. Tim's head shot up at the sound, and now he was looking intently at the pair. Tony hid a smirk as he pulled Abby close and planted a firm kiss on her lips. Abby played up to it; beating her fist against his chest before melting into the embrace, seemingly overcome by Tony. When they pulled apart, both were panting slightly.
"I can see why he picked you," Abby whispered, loud enough for McGee to hear. "What else is that mouth good for?" Tony gave a wolfish smirk before spinning Abby; pressing an arm across her shoulders. Abby's head fell back, and Tony was about to lean forward when he felt a smack to his head. This one was harder than the others, and it made Tony wonder.
"No hickeys," was all Gibbs said, and Tony let his arm fall away from Abby.
"Aww, Gibbs," She sighed. "You're no fun." Abby turned back to look at a now very pale McGee, unable to hold back her laughter.
"We were just screwing with you, McDork," Tony said through a smile. He could feel Gibbs' glare on him and he turned. "Wasn't my idea, boss," He defended.
"I didn't see you saying no," Gibbs countered. Tony ducked his head in answer, and Gibbs turned his glare on Abby. She simply shrugged.
"I was bored."
"Well, I've got work for you. Get out your sailor suit." Abby's eyes lit up at the words, and she all but ran to the steps leading to the mess.
"Kate!" She practically hollered. "Kane's back!" The door to the cafeteria swung open, and an ecstatic Kate ran out. The two girls huddled together at the bottom of the stairs, before hurrying off together. Tony turned to McGee, confused.
"Who's Kane?" He asked. "And since when does Abby go out on jobs?"
"Kane is a regular; he only comes around a few times a year because he's a serving Air Force pilot," McGee answered, already having shrugged off the earlier escapade. "And Gibbs lets Abby go because he never touches her." Tony raised an eyebrow before perching on Tim's desk.
"Tell me more."
"Kane likes to watch. He really likes Kate and Abby." Tony smiled widely, and McGee smiled in return. When Tony's look turned serious, Tim averted his eyes. Tony surreptitiously looked around to see if Gibbs was there and, when he realised they were alone, turned back to McGee.
"You gonna tell me what this thing with Gibbs is all about?" McGee looked up slowly, and Tony almost flinched at the haunted look in his eyes.
"It's nothing," He said quietly, and Tony had to stop an annoyed expression from creasing his features.
"Didn't look like nothing," Tony muttered. "Did Gibbs do something…"
"No!" McGee spoke urgently, distressed that Tony would think badly of Gibbs. "It's not that. Gibbs has been amazing to me." A soft smile flicked momentarily across Tim's features. "Sure, he's a bastard, but the loveable kind."
"So who was it that's made you scared to look the man in the eye?" Tony's expression was bordering on stern, and McGee knew he wouldn't get out of answering.
"I was a navy brat," Tim explained slowly. "Grew up on a lot of bases, with a lot of pissed off sailors. My dad wasn't exactly a picnic when he was around either."
"So it's the Marine thing?" Tony questioned softly. "It makes you uncomfortable?" Ashamed, McGee nodded.
"I'm working on it," He said softly. "Gibbs deserves my respect, and I know that being scared of him isn't doing that."
"Tim," Tony said his name gently, placing a hand on his shoulder. McGee's eyes widened a little. "You can't do this for Gibbs. You need to get over this fear of military guys for yourself. Most navy guys are cool, but some act like dicks to make themselves feel better about whatever it is they're scared of. It's the same with ex-cops. Three of my bosses were ex-cops and one was a Marine. I can damn sure tell you who I respect more." Tony's eyes were intent, and McGee slowly nodded his understanding. Just to be sure, Tony continued. "Give your respect to the man, Tim. Don't give it to a rank or job description."
"Thanks Tony," McGee said softly; a genuine smile on his face. Tony smiled back before standing up to leave.
"Hey," Tony turned around at McGee's voice. "You wanna grab a drink?" With another smile, Tony nodded and McGee got up to follow him to the elevator.
"One thing," Tony said as they stepped onto the carriage. "No Absinthe."