Emma watched as the two walked slowly into her office. The young man at Gibbs side looked like any man in his late twenties or early thirties. Until she saw the eyes. The Moss green color was striking, but the pain hidden deep within caught her attention. If the distrust was any indicator, she had her work cut out for her.

"Gentlemen, have a seat, and let's get started."

"I'd rather not."

Emma hid her smile at the jab. At least the kid hadn't lost his sense of humor. He would need that to get him through the really tough times.

"Tony, sit."

"Woof."

"Alright smartass, wait until I get you home."

Emma laughed outright at the two this time. She simply couldn't help herself. Did they even realize how they sounded to the outside world? Did they even care?

"You didn't tell me this was a comedy act, Jethro."

Gibbs looked at his son, who had apparently zoned out.

"It usually is."

Tony couldn't take his eyes off the petite figure in front of him. He had expected a woman in her fifties wearing a suite of some kind. Not a sixtyish white haired lady in petite jeans and a floppy T-shirt. The eyes gave him the most pause, though. Deep brown, soft and gentle. The only person he had ever seen with eyes like that was Gibbs. Sure the color was different, but the gentleness was the same. Besides, Gibbs would never bring him somewhere that wasn't safe.

Half way through the hour, Emma noticed Tony's discomfort and switched topics. Family was something they would have to work on. Gibbs, however seemed to be a safe subject. Tony could talk all day about how great his dad was, so they finished the hour just like that.

As Tony walked out, Emma stopped her friend.

"This isn't going to be easy."

"Nothing with him ever is."

"I take it this is normal, then? His masks?"

"Very."

"Has he talked about it anymore."

"Only a few times. I don't want to push him."

"Wise decision. See you next week. Take care of him. He needs it."

Emma watched them walk out knowing that Tony was going to be fine. It would take a while, a lot of love and therapy, but eventually he would be fine.

Sorry this is so short, but I needed a way to introduce Emma without getting into Tony's childhood to heavily. Next chapter will focus on Tony getting back to work. Thanks for the reviews and the support this story has gotten. It's wonderful that so many people like what I'm doing.