Tony was alone when he woke up the next morning. It didn't surprise him, considering the state Gibbs had been in. Tony doubted Gibbs would remember going there in the first place. Stretching out the kinks in his spine, Tony swung his legs out of bed and looked over at the clock. It wasn't six yet, so he had enough time for a quick shower.

Tony walked into the bull pen twenty minutes later; not feeling up to breakfast. He sat at his desk; leaning his head on his hands and thinking about all that had happened yesterday. He didn't know how to approach Gibbs, or if he even should. Looking up as he heard the elevator ding, Tony saw Abby walk out. She was on her way to the canteen, but stopped dead when she saw Tony at his desk.

"Hey," She said, redirecting and sitting on the edge of his desk. "You ok?" Tony regarded Abby for a moment before nodding into his hand. Abby responded by punching him in the arm.

"Ow, hey!" Tony complained. "What was that for?"

"Gibbs isn't the only one with rules around here," She replied. "And Abby's rule number one is no lying to Abby." Tony rubbed the spot on his arm where she'd hit him, his head dipping a little.

"Sorry." He mumbled. "Guess I'm just a little tired." Abby looked suspicious, but Tony's expression made her drop the subject. Whatever it was, Tony clearly wasn't comfortable talking about it. Leaning forward, Abby placed a soft kiss on Tony's forehead.

"I'm here for you, Tony," She said gently. "Don't forget that." Tony nodded gratefully but didn't say anything. Just then the rest of the team entered, followed closely by Gibbs. Tony suddenly didn't know what to do with himself. Thankfully, Abby didn't move from her position on his desk, so Gibbs didn't get a direct eyeline to Tony. Kate and McGee stood in front of Gibbs to get their assignments, which were handed out without a word. After offering Abby and Tony a smile, they both left. Taking a silent breath, Tony stood up and rounded his desk. Gibbs' eyes met his for the briefest of moments, but the heat projected was unmistakable. Tony took the slip from Gibbs, making sure their skin didn't connect; he didn't think he could handle that right now. Offering a weak smile and a quiet 'thanks boss' Tony excused himself from the room. Gibbs watched him leave, not noticing Abby step up behind him.

"I see what's going on here," She whispered into his ear. To Gibbs' credit, he didn't even flinch at the sudden nearness. Instead, a bittersweet smirk crossed his lips. Without turning to look at her, he mumbled.

"If you've got if figured out, you feel like telling me?" Abby laughed softly and hugged Gibbs from behind.

(~*~*~)

Tony leaned his head against the elevator door; willing himself to stop shaking. Squeezing his eyes tight, Tony took a series of deep breaths before pulling himself up to his full height. He could do this. He'd handled worse before. With one last shake of his head, Tony cracked his neck and prepared to leave the elevator. The door chimed, and Tony stepped out with his usual swagger. Tony saw Gibbs and his nerve failed. Quickening his pace, Tony tried to rush through the bull pen. Gibbs stood up as he approached, and Tony couldn't prevent his body from stopping in front of his boss. Gibbs' expression immediately darkened; an anger Tony was glad McGee wasn't around to see was creasing the older man's features.

"What happened to you?" Gibbs demanded. For a second Tony panicked. He knew better than to disrespect a client to his boss; it was always the whore's fault. That being said, the look Gibbs was giving him ordered the truth, and Tony was powerless against it.

"Client got a little carried away," Tony hedged. "No big deal." Tony didn't think it was possible, but Gibbs seemed to grow angrier at the response. More frightening was the tone Gibbs spoke in next; low and dangerously calm.

"Your neck is one big bruise," Gibbs explained as if he were speaking to a child. "How is that no big deal?" Tony was lost for words, and suddenly a thought struck him.

"I'm sorry," Tony muttered hurriedly. "I didn't think. I can't work like this; nobody's gonna want me when I'm marked up. I should have thought. I should have stopped him. I'm sorry." Gibbs was surprised at the sudden reaction. All the anger drained from him immediately, and he walked over to Tony. Gibbs' heart sunk when Tony shied away from him.

"Tony," Gibbs' voice was soft, and Tony realised this was the first time his boss had used his first name. Slowly, he looked at Gibbs.
"I'm not mad at you," Gibbs explained. "I don't like my people getting hurt." Tony nodded; the shaking back at full force. Carefully, Gibbs took Tony by the elbow and steered him back towards the elevator. Tony didn't need to ask; he knew they were going to see Ducky.

Ducky was uncharacteristically quiet as he tended Tony's wounds; and Tony could feel the anger radiating off the older man. He couldn't help feeling guilty. He was strong; he could have taken the guy, but he was too distracted by thoughts of Gibbs to realise where things were leading before it was too late. What was worse was that Gibbs wasn't mad at him. He should be mad. Tony wouldn't be able to work for at least three weeks now. If he'd been back in Baltimore, Peoria or Philly, he'd have at least one black eye to match the ring around his neck. Ducky finished spreading the salve on Tony's neck before giving the young man a warm smile.

"There," He said softly. "That should help with the pain."

"It doesn't hurt," Tony defended. Ducky just chuckled.

"It will when the adrenaline wears off, my lad." Tony didn't answer. Out of the corner of his eye he could see Gibbs watching him, and Tony didn't know what to say or do. Thankfully, Ducky continued.
"Apply this cream every three hours; it'll keep down the swelling and alleviate any itching as it heals."

"Kinda like a tattoo," Tony noted as he took the cream.

"Naturally you won't be working for a while," Ducky carried on, turning momentarily towards Gibbs but not really seeing him. "Try to steer clear of shirts with stiff collars, turtle necks and the like. V necks would be best; fabrics such as cashmere would be preferable. I'm sure Abigail can help you there." Tony couldn't help smirking despite the circumstances.

"How come you can call her that and I can't?" Ducky just smirked and Gibbs decided to answer for him.

"Because Ducky doesn't let her catch him," He said, and Tony was relieved to note a small smile on his lips. Tony almost laughed at the look Ducky gave Gibbs, but reigned himself in.

"Jethro," Ducky started. "Make sure the boy treats his wound properly? If he's anything like you, I've half a mind to keep him here for the next few weeks."

"Hey!" Tony complained. Ducky turned towards Tony, a testing look on his face. "I'm not a kid." The petulant tone of voice that escaped would argue otherwise, but Tony kept his expression defiant.

"Anthony, if I have learned anything working here, it's just how stubborn a person can be." Ducky's eyes wandered to Gibbs as he said this, who gave a 'what?' look and a shrug. While the look was being exchanged, Tony pulled on his shirt.

"Thanks for the cream Ducky," Tony smiled as he left the exam room. He was a little surprised to sense Gibbs at his back almost immediately. They entered the elevator together, and Tony tried his best to avoid looking at Gibbs. This became impossible when Gibbs pulled the emergency switch and the car shuddered to a halt. Tony looked at Gibbs carefully. He hadn't realised his boss was standing so close.

"What happened?" Gibbs asked, and Tony wasn't sure what to say. Just as he opened his mouth, Gibbs spoke again. "Don't even think about lying to me." Closing his mouth, Tony nodded.

"I was with the client," Tony started carefully. "I suppose my head wasn't really with it. He kept running his hands over my throat and chest. I didn't realise he was getting carried away until it was too late." Tony ducked his head in shame. He was expecting Gibbs to start yelling, but instead he felt a soft tap to his head. Tony looked up carefully.

"You could've gotten yourself killed," Gibbs stated.

"I know," Tony replied softly.

"Don't do it again."

"I won't."

And that, apparently, was the end of it. Gibbs flicked the switch on the elevator, and they went back to the bull pen; neither man saying another word.