Given that Tony was prone to think aloud and that talking was Gibb's activity of last resort, the days of Tony's recuperation went better than could have been expected. This was largely due to the amount of time Tony spent asleep as his body recovered from the ravages of the plague.

Gibbs had wondered what would happen when Tony was able to stay awake for longer periods; he had expected to spend more time in the basement but was surprised to find that Tony was happy to read his way through Gibbs' book collection or to go on increasingly long walks. A week passed and the two were still co-existing in something that approached harmony.

Gibbs emerged from the basement on the eighth day of Tony's stay to find his guest sitting in front of his laptop.

"Stan says hi," said Tony when he saw Gibbs appear.

"What?" asked Gibbs. "When did you see him?"

Tony smiled. "He emails me. Lets me know how the induction cruise is going."

"Didn't think you were supposed to be working," commented Gibbs.

"This doesn't really count as working," said Tony with a gesture towards the laptop. "It's just a few emails."

"How's Stan getting on?" asked Gibbs.

"He's probably emailed you too," said Tony. "Have you checked your inbox?"

Gibbs hid his horror at this idea. "Nope. Haven't got round to it."

Tony had a pretty good idea of the likelihood of Gibbs checking his emails so decided to pass on the news. "Seems to be enjoying it …"

"Stan seems to enjoy most things," Gibbs commented.

"Yeah, I guess he does," agreed Tony. "Been seasick a bit. Probably didn't enjoy that! I'll get him to write a report."

"On being seasick?"

"No! On being agent afloat, what the course is like."

Gibbs nodded: that made more sense. "I saw him before he left," said Gibbs. "He seemed different."

"Different good or different bad?"

"Good, I think. Less like a Labrador puppy and more like a full grown dog. Said you'd spoken to him."

"I did."

"Made him think," said Gibbs.

"He told you about it?" asked Tony.

"Yep. Said you'd finally told him he made a good spot with that cold case. And that it was time for him not to hide behind masks; that there's no need to be embarrassed about being bright and capable."

Tony nodded noncommittally. "He must trust you. To talk to you about it," he said.

"I guess," said Gibbs. "And it was good advice. Hope you follow it yourself."

Tony stared at Gibbs. "I try not to be a 'do as I say, not as I do' type of person."

"Good," said Gibbs.

Silences were common in Gibbs' house but the one which followed this conversation was slightly awkward and Tony returned to his computer. A couple of minutes later he said,

"Just had an email from the realtor. That apartment I was talking about is still available. Can you come with me tomorrow to visit?"

"Sure," agreed Gibbs. "What time?"

NCISNCIS

Gibbs drove the two of them to the apartment viewing the next day. Tony had wondered whether his threat about dire consequences if Gibbs' driving made him carsick would apply if it happened out of work hours but he didn't need to fear. It seemed that Gibbs was still treating him as something of an invalid and drove carefully. Tony decided that, although he might resent being regarded as unfit, he was more than ready to reap the benefits.

"Impressive," commented Gibbs as he drew up outside the apartment block. "Must be expensive."

Tony laughed. "Don't worry. I'm not a secret millionaire. Or on the take."

"I didn't say anything," said Gibbs mildly.

Gibbs was puzzled, however. He didn't know much about property in DC; he had bought his own house some years ago and intended never to leave it so value didn't mean much to him. He did know, however, that this was an upmarket part of the city and was unlikely to be cheap.

"Surprised it's stayed unsold for so long," Gibbs commented.

Unusually it was Tony who remained silent until he introduced Gibbs to the realtor who looked relieved to see them both.

"Marcia," said Tony, "This is Agent Gibbs, one of my co-workers. He's going to cast a professional look at the apartment. Agent Gibbs, this is Marcia Hepplethwaite."

"Ms Hepplethwaite," acknowledged Gibbs.

Marcia looked worriedly at Gibbs. "Oh. Uh. Nice to meet you, Mr Tibbs."

"Gibbs," corrected Tony. "Although there may be similarities with Tibbs."

Gibbs looked blankly at Tony who murmured, "I'll rent the movies for you."

Marcia led the way to the apartment and threw the door open. "I'll leave you to look around, shall I? I'll be outside in the hall if you need me."

"She all right?" asked Gibbs as he watched her scurry out as quickly as possible.

"What?" asked Tony a little absentmindedly as he gazed around the living room.

"She seems a little …"

"Skittish? Nervous?" suggested Tony.

"Some," agreed Gibbs.

"Well, there's a reason the apartment hasn't sold. And I think Marcia's a sensitive soul. She says she picks up on atmosphere."

"Atmosphere?" asked Gibbs. "Does it smell or something?"

"Not that type of atmosphere," said Tony. "The sort of atmosphere Abby would pick up on."

"You mean hinky?"

"Sort of. Although there is a smell."

Gibbs sniffed. "Can't smell anything."

"Probably because you're used to it," said Tony. "I think there's just a hint of eau de fingerprint powder."

"This is a crime scene?" asked Gibbs.

"Not now," said Tony in an offended tone. "But, yes, it was. A triple crime scene to be accurate."

"What?"

"Three people were murdered here," said Tony. "That's why Marcia looked nervous when I introduced you. When I said you were here to give the place the professional evaluation, she was worried you were going to look at it from a criminological point of view. She didn't want you to find that some other crime happened here as well. She's having a hard enough time selling the place already."

"I see," said Gibbs as the reason for Marcia's odd behaviour began to make sense. "So, is that why you want my opinion? Are you worried about living in a crime scene?"

"Me? No, it doesn't bother me. Although I guess it would be better not to tell Abby what happened here."

"They find the killer?" asked Gibbs practically.

"With the electric carving knife still in his regrettably sticky hand," said Tony.

"How'd you find out about this place?" asked Gibbs.

"Friend of mine on Metro PD investigated the murder. Then he found out the apartment was up for sale. Knew I was looking and figured I wouldn't be spooked."

"Guess there are advantages to networking with other departments," said Gibbs deadpan.

Tony smiled appreciatively. "It's a great place. Big rooms. Swanky kitchen; although I don't cook so it will be wasted on me."

"So, what's the problem?"

"Like I said. Would be good if you could look to see if the place is in good order. Not about to collapse under me. Although after what you said before I may invest in a twin bed instead of my queen!"

"OK," said Gibbs. He began to walk around the apartment, tapping on walls, looking at the paintwork, plumbing and electrics while Tony stood at the window looking at the street outside and calculating how long it would take to walk to the pizza shop on the corner.

"Looks good to me," said Gibbs a few minutes later. "Makes it easier without the furniture being here."

"No termites?"

"Nope."

"No dry rot?"

"Nope."

"Rats?"

"Didn't see any."

"Great. What do you think about this?" Tony asked. He walked across the room and lifted up the tarpaulin which covered the floor.

"Ah," said Gibbs. "Is that …"

"Blood? Yes. Like I said, a carving knife was involved."

"Be difficult to get it out," said Gibbs. "Reckon you'd have to replace those floorboards. Even re-staining it wouldn't work."

"Sounds expensive," said Tony.

"Yeah," said Gibbs. "Probably."

"Hmm," said Tony. "Even with the price being reduced because the place is a former crime scene I'm only just going to be able to make the payments. Could do without the expense of lifting the floor."

"Or," suggested Gibbs. "You could just put something there … for the time being. You got any big pieces of furniture?"

"I've got a piano," admitted Tony.

Gibbs considered this. "Don't think a piano would be big enough. How big is it?"

"It's a baby grand," said Tony a little sheepishly.

"Oh," said Gibbs. He looked up from analysing the stain to see that Tony looked a little defensive about having a grand piano. "Hey," he said. "I've got a half-built boat in my basement! Who am I to criticise what you've got?"

Tony nodded. "You're right. The piano would go over that patch. And when I get around to it, I can get it fixed. Thanks, Agent Gibbs."

"No problem," said Gibbs.

"Then I'll tell Marcia she's got a sale," said Tony. "And then we can go check out the pizza place on the corner."

Marcia was delighted, and highly relieved, to have got her most troublesome piece of property off her hands and promised to make sure everything went through as quickly as possible.

"It will make it so much easier that it's already empty," she trilled. "I always think it makes things simpler if you haven't got to wait for the occupants to move out."

"That's been my experience," said Gibbs drily, "Murder scenes are always my properties of choice."

Marcia's hands flew to her mouth in horror as she remembered why the apartment was empty.

Tony patted her kindly on the shoulder, "I'll be in touch," he said.

NCISNCIS

Successful apartment hunting and pizza exhausted Tony and he fell asleep on the journey to Gibbs' house.

"You won't have to do this for much longer, Agent Gibbs," he said as he tottered out of the car at journey's end.

"Be a few weeks before you can move into the apartment," said Gibbs.

"Friend of mine is on a course out of state for a few weeks. He said I can bunk in his place if I need to," said Tony. He looked at Gibbs who seemed to be on the brink of saying something like you're welcome to stay here but couldn't quite bring himself to.

"I thought you'd be glad to see the back of me," said Tony responding as if Gibbs had said the suppressed words.

"It's been OK," said Gibbs. "You're tidier than I'd expected."

Tony laughed. "You're a strange one, Agent Gibbs."

"What do you mean?"

"You gave up your vacation. Took me into your house and looked after me …"

"You didn't need much looking after," stated Gibbs.

"Went apartment hunting with me."

"It was only one apartment," protested Gibbs.

"Cooked for me, washed my clothes … admittedly you shrank my Prada wool sweater … made sure I took my medicine."

"What's your point?" asked Gibbs.

"And yet you're still uncomfortable with me."

"I'm not," said Gibbs.

"You're not?" said Tony sceptically. "Do you realise, Agent Gibbs, that you've never called me by name?"

"What?" said Gibbs.

"Not once," said Tony. "I commend you for not resorting to hey, you but it's been close at times."

"And what about you," said Gibbs. "Always calling me Agent Gibbs. Well, you slipped a couple of times and called me Gibbs but the rest of the time, always Agent Gibbs. What's that about?"

"So, you're bothered I call you Agent Gibbs – which is your name – but I'm not supposed to care you don't call me anything?"

Gibbs shrugged but didn't answer.

"OK," said Tony. "I'll tell you what I think. You'll still weighing me up. You're not sure I'm right for the job …

"I trust Morrow," said Gibbs.

"So you're giving me the benefit of the doubt but you suspect that you're right. Someone like me can't possibly be a good leader."

"You said you had a team in Baltimore," said Gibbs. "And the Director poached you from there."

"But you don't buy it, do you? Because I don't look like … well, I don't what I don't look like but I guess it's your picture of an NCIS agent. You don't think someone who comes from money can have a conscience? Or is it the phys-ed degree?"

"No, I don't think that," said an outraged Gibbs. "I don't judge people like that. But you have to admit that you are unusual for an agent in charge …"

"Because I smile a lot and try to get on with people?"

Gibbs shrugged as if to suggest that Tony had hit on a reason for Gibbs' doubts but he said, "I trust the Director's judgement."

"But not mine?" asked Tony.

"Actions speak louder than words," said Gibbs. "And trust has to be earned,"

"But you're willing to follow me until then?"

"I know about chain of command," said Gibbs stiffly.

"I'm sure you do. But do you respect it?"

Gibbs nodded.

"Then that will have to do, I guess. You know, Agent Gibbs, I don't doubt you could lead the team but I don't think it would be the best use of your talents."

"Why?"

"The paperwork, the bureaucracy … which I don't like either but I know that it serves a purpose. Being nice to people, to other agencies … yes, sometimes I want to tell them to take a running jump but I know that sometimes - often – we can't do it on our own even if we want to. I'm ready to take the long view and perhaps you should be glad you don't have to."

"So, what's this got to do with always calling me Agent Gibbs?"

"I wasn't sure – still aren't – what the right level of familiarity is. I'd happily call you Jethro or Gibbs. I wouldn't mind if you called me Tony, DiNozzo, Sir or Boss … but you've carefully avoided any acknowledgement. I guess that's because you haven't worked out where we stand. I think until you've worked that out you'll stay Agent Gibbs."

"I see," said Gibbs.

"Don't worry, Agent Gibbs, I don't expect us to become best friends. Despite everything, I like you and I respect you but you're the most cussed person I've ever met. It's easier to work with people you like and respect but I can manage without it. I'll be myself, nothing more, nothing less. I'd like to think that person is someone you'll come to respect at least a little but I'm not going to change to fit your image of who or what your Boss should be."

"I can live with that," said Gibbs.

"That's good of you," said Tony evenly. "Now, I'm going to bed. It's been a long day. Good night, Agent Gibbs."

"Night," said Gibbs trailing off into silence as he still struggled with what to call Tony.

Gibbs retreated to his basement and tried to do some sanding of the boat but he didn't find his usual solace in the work. He was beginning to think of abandoning the task when he heard footsteps padding down the stairs. This was unusual; Tony had respected Gibbs' need for solitude during his stay and this was the first time he had come down to the basement.

"The problem with being a talker," began Tony without preamble, "Is that sometimes I forget to listen."

Gibbs canted his head to indicate he was listening but said nothing.

"So I owe you an apology," said Tony.

Gibbs put the sanding block down as a sign that Tony had his full attention.

"It took me a while," said Tony, "But I remembered what you said. Actions speak louder than words. Which I took to mean you were waiting to see what I did rather than paying attention to what I said. Although I try not to be a hypocrite and say things I don't mean. But that's not what I came to apologise about. Actions speak louder than words. Well, I reckon what you've done for me in the last few days speaks pretty loudly of friendship. So, I just wanted to say thank you and to apologise for not listening to what you were doing."

Gibbs nodded and gave an approving half-smile.

"Good night … Jethro," said Tony before turning and trotting back up the stairs.

The half-smile remained on Gibbs' face as he picked the sanding block up with renewed enthusiasm.

NCISNCIS

Tony didn't move into his friend's apartment as he had planned. Marcia, anxious not to lose the sale, negotiated a reduced rental for him so he could move into the new apartment while waiting for the sale to be finalised. He was due to return to desk duty but decided to take a week's leave first so that he could supervise the moving of his stuff out of store – and avoid being bored at work. Stan was not due back from his Agent Afloat secondment for another three days so the MCRT was still not ready to launch. Gibbs, true to his Actions speak louder than words philosophy offered to help with the move,

"Might keep Ducky off your back," he commented.

"What?" asked Tony.

"He won't approve of you doing heavy work so soon," explained Gibbs. "Medical marvels have to be careful, you know."

Tony groaned. "Will I ever live that down?"

"Probably not," said Gibbs placidly. "He's coming over later."

"Why?" asked Tony in a voice laden with suspicion.

"To check on you. Make sure you're following Doctors' orders."

"Perhaps I should go and have my afternoon nap," said Tony casually.

"Good idea."

Tony walked slowly away reminding Gibbs of how Kelly had tended to walk reluctantly up the stairs when it was time for bed. He wondered, however, if Tony was aware of the number of excuses he made for retiring to bed as he was unwilling to admit that he still tired easily and fell asleep effortlessly. It was the same that day, no sooner had Tony stretched out on the bed than he was sound asleep. He awoke sometime later to the sound of Gibbs and Ducky talking out in the backyard.

"I am glad to hear that Anthony is taking some rest," said Ducky.

Tony assumed that Gibbs must have nodded because the doctor continued. "I hear that he is moving into a new apartment next week."

"Where did you hear that?" asked Gibbs.

"It is surprising how much information wends its way down to my quiescent quarters, my dwelling place for the deceased, my NCIS nether regions, my …"

"Yeah, yeah," interrupted Gibbs. "I know that all the gossip gets to you."

"Indeed. I am concerned, however, that he does not overexert himself. Moving house is a tiring exercise even when one is in the best of health and Anthony, despite his protestations to the contrary, is not in the best of health."

"I'll be there, Duck," said Gibbs.

"In that case I will leave the matter in your capable hands, Jethro. Although I may drop in unexpectedly during the course of the day."

Tony decided it was time to stop listening in; he really didn't want to hear about plans to ensure he took a siesta on moving day. He swung his legs to the floor and sat up but then stopped in fascination as Ducky continued talking.

"I have given that other matter some thought, Jethro."

"What's that, Duck?"

"We were discussing what type of dog Anthony might most resemble. I posited the suggestion that he might be an Italian greyhound."

Gibbs vaguely remembered the conversation on the day of Tony's court appearance.

"Yeah?" he asked. "What you come up with?"

"I also tried to think of what type of dog you might be, Jethro."

"That's easy," said Gibbs. "Pit bull."

"Pit bull?" asked Ducky.

"Sure. They've got a bad reputation but I reckon they're smart, loyal, affectionate …"

"And may bite you if they are annoyed," commented Ducky.

"Just don't get on their wrong side," said Gibbs. Tony could picture the shrug.

"If you say so," said Ducky.

"So what did you come up with … instead of the Italian greyhound?" asked Gibbs.

"An Irish Setter," said Ducky.

"What? I don't see it. They're crazy," said Gibbs. "Too bouncy by half. Which I guess does fit."

Tony paused in the act of putting his shoes on and decided he could easily go off Ducky.

"No, no, Jethro," said Ducky. "The Irish Setter has a reputation for being … clownish but a well-trained and disciplined adult is a wonderful dog. Eager to work, sensitive, good natured, highly intelligent and, of course, elegant and handsome."

"Well …" mused Gibbs.

"They are companionable. Hard working."

"Hmmm."

"And I have never seen one and not been able to smile. They have so much potential to be happy dogs … they always cheer me up. Indeed, I have some regret that Mother is so devoted to corgis but I fear that an Irish Setter would not be a suitable dog for me: they do need a lot of exercise. They are not exactly lapdogs, you know."

"That definitely fits," muttered Gibbs.

Tony finished putting his shoes on and decided it was high time he interrupted the conversation although he would have liked to know what sort of dog Ducky considered himself to be.

NCISNCIS

Three and a half weeks later, the newly formed MCRT was at last officially on rotation. Stan had returned full of excitement from his time on the Calvin Coolidge. The truck had been checked, phones were charged and the medical marvel had been cleared for full duty.

Word seemed to have got out to the criminal fraternity, however, that there was a new crime fighting team on the block and they were refraining from nefarious activity. The new team was occupying itself with cold cases and trying not to jump too excitedly every time the phone rang. The Secretary of the Navy had turned up on the day of launch but there had been nothing to see apart from the well-stocked truck.

"Going for coffee," Gibbs announced as another day of inactivity ticked by.

Stan sighed; he was beginning to think that Agent Afloat might be a better career option. "I'll come too," he announced.

"Bring me back one," said Tony trying not to show his own frustration at still being deskbound.

"No case yet?" asked the Director coming down the stairs.

"No, Sir," replied Tony.

"Where's your team?"

"Gone for coffee. Again!"

"Champing at the bit?"

"Yes. I was thinking of organising a paper aeroplane competition," said Tony. "But I guess that's not why you set up the MCRT."

"Well, if we worked for the Air Force …" mused Morrow.

Tony laughed. "Paper boats then?"

"Perhaps not," said Morrow. "How are …"

"I'm fine, Sir," said Tony hastily.

"Good to know," said the Director drily. "But I was going to ask how the team is."

"Oh, sorry, Sir," said Tony. "I'm so used to people asking me how I am … but, yes, the team … we're good, I think. Looking forward to getting a case."

"And the working … relationships?"

Tony cast a quick look around but couldn't see anyone within earshot. "You mean with Agent Gibbs?" The Director nodded. "Better. I think it helped spending time with him … found out that he's not much one for words – using them or trusting them. Which is tricky for me 'cos I'm a big fan of the words. But I think I'm getting better at reading him but I'm guessing that he's not an open book with anyone. We're getting there, Sir. We won't let you down."

"Good," said the Director. "And teams aren't formed overnight. Takes a while."

"And on the plus side," said Tony optimistically. "Agent Gibbs took some convincing that I'm like an Irish Setter because his first thought was that they're crazy dogs!"

"That's … um … good," said the Director doubtfully. He was saved from saying anything more by Tony's phone ringing.

NCISNCIS

One of Tony's actions, of which Gibbs thoroughly approved, was the setting up of a proper coffee machine in the breakroom. The other agents had soon learned to dilute the Gibbs strength brew so that it met normal human standards and everyone was happy. On this particular day, Stan and Gibbs found two other agents already at the coffee machine.

"Look who it is," said Agent Shayne Fleming. "The latest crime fighting duo!"

"Hi, Gibbs … Stan," said his companion, Agent Lucas Bright.

Gibbs nodded briskly.

"So, when do you actually start doing some crime fighting, Agent Gibbs?" asked Fleming.

Rumour had it that Fleming had wanted a place on the MCRT but Morrow had refused to consider him as a member.

"When we get called out," said Gibbs mildly.

"You're ready to go then?" asked Fleming.

"Yes," said Stan. "Can't wait."

"Took long enough," said Shayne. "Is Pretty Boy up to it now?"

"Pretty Boy?" asked Stan.

"Agent DiNozzio," said Shayne.

Stan kept his temper and decided not to correct Shayne about Tony's name. "Yes, he's fine now," he said cheerfully.

"Guess it was some sort of justice," said Shayne.

"What do you mean?" asked Stan. Gibbs stayed silent and poured himself a mug of coffee.

"Stands to reason. He must have screwed up the original investigation. Anyone else would have known that girl was lying. Pacci probably kicked him off the team because he knew that DiNozzio had messed it up. He deserved to get infected."

"No," said Stan hotly, "That's not …" Gibbs caught his eye and minutely shook his head.

"And then the poor thing had to go and get the plague," sneered Shayne. "Goes to show."

"Goes to show what … Shayne?" asked Gibbs. He said Shayne in a drawl which Stan had already learned to distrust.

It seemed that Shayne had not learned the same lesson. He didn't know that that tone in Gibbs' voice was to be feared. "That it's all show. That he's pretty on the outside but nothing on the inside. He won't last the month."

"is that so?" said Gibbs in another drawl.

"Let's go, Shayne," said Lucas who was picking up on the dangers presented by Gibbs.

"Not yet," said Fleming. "Agent Gibbs and I are talking. You can't tell me that you think he's leadership material? He can talk the talk but can he walk the walk?"

"Let me guess," said Gibbs. "You could do a better job?"

"Sure," said Shayne. "Better than Anthony DiNotgotanything!"

"You're a funny guy," said Gibbs jovially.

Shayne stepped back a fraction as he belatedly began to realise that Gibbs was not agreeing with him.

"But," continued Gibbs as he strode into Fleming's personal space. "If you ever diss my Boss again – who, by the way, has got more qualifications in his little finger than you've got in your whole fat body – then you'll be sorry. Very sorry. Are we clear?"

Shayne gulped as he finally remembered the stories he had heard about Gibbs. "Yes. Yes, Agent Gibbs. We're clear." He made towards the door but Gibbs called him back.

"You left your coffee behind," he said.

"Doesn't matter," gabbled Shayne who just wanted to be away from Gibbs.

"Can't waste coffee," said Gibbs sternly.

"No … no, of course not," said Shayne. He hurried back and picked the coffee up. Gibbs smiled grimly as some hot coffee splashed on Shayne's hand.

"Need a towel?" Gibbs asked benignly.

"No, no, I'm fine," insisted Shayne. "T-t-thank you." He scampered out wiping his scalded hand on his trousers.

"Hey! Watch out!" said Tony as Shayne nearly collided with him at the door.

"Sorry. Sorry, Agent DiNozzo. I mean, Sir," said Shayne.

"What was that about?" asked Tony.

"Nothing," said Gibbs blandly.

Tony looked suspiciously at Gibbs and Stan who both looked entirely too innocent and unconcerned.

"Come on," he said.

"Come on?" asked Stan and Gibbs.

"Call came in from Air Force One. Navy Commander carrying the football dropped dead."

"Air Force One?" asked Stan. "As in …"

"The President of the United States," said Tony. "We're up. Let's go, gentlemen!"

"On your six … Boss," said Gibbs.

AN: the end, at last! I don't have any plans at the moment to continue in this version of NCIS but thank you to everyone who has taken an interest in the story.

In the season 6 episode Knockout Gibbs talks of the merits of pit bulls in a conversation with Leon Vance – I think we are meant to believe that Gibbs identifies with them so I transplanted that to this story.

And thanks to Cynthia Vasko for the suggestion that Tony would be like an Irish Setter – which made total sense once I googled the breed.

As always I have returned the characters to their NCIS box.