Set Post Judgment Day Closing Scene

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Gibbs hadn't said a word, but in a way Tony hadn't expected him to. Just wished he would. But not all wishes come true. That Anthony DiNozzo Junior was sure of. He'd promised Ziva he'd write. He'd promised McGee occasional emails and a video conference with Abby as often as he could. Promised Ducky a few long distance phone calls. But even after all the promises he only wanted one thing. A simple goodbye. A good luck. An I'll miss you. But Gibbs never flinched, never once sent a glance in his direction as he packed up his desk. He began to wonder if he'd miss him at all. He contemplated what he could possibly promise to his boss. He hated email. Would break video conference equipment. Wasn't much of a conversationalist so phone calls were out. And didn't have the patience for letters. What was left?

Tony had piled up the last of his things near the elevator before pacing back to the entrance of the bull pen. He was wistful as he remembered all that had taken place there. Kate. Paula. All the head slaps, the detective work and above all the justice. He watched once again as Gibbs eyes shifted away from his and went to retrieve one final box. He paced over and placed it in front of his boss with a nod. "Thought you might want to have these medals now boss. May never get the chance to give 'em back to ya." He turned to leave with the vain hope that Gibbs would come running after him into the elevator, but no such luck. He went home that night and did his best to get some sleep before shipping out that following morning.

As he arrived at the final checkpoint to board his ship, something in him still hoped to see Gibbs waving as the ship left port. But he knew better than to get his hopes up.

Hours later, he settled into his cabin and a knock came at the door.

"Package for you sir."

Tony took it without hesitation and closed the door slowly. He sat down on his bunk and opened the box to see all of Gibbs medals staring back at him. A small note was attached.

"Ducky once told me that true goodbyes are the ones never said or explained. And to be quite honest I thought it was just a lousy cliché until now. You should know I don't have to muddle over a tearful goodbye for you to know how I feel. So let these medals be a reminder that I wouldn't just trust anyone with them. Make your own legacy DiNozzo. And smack yourself upside the head every once in a while; it'll help keep you humble. In that case make it more than once in a while.

And send me a letter sometime. Just keep it short, breaking this new team in is gonna be hell.

-Gibbs

Tony couldn't reach for a piece of paper and pen fast enough as he fought back the tears welling up in his eyes. He thought for a minute before scribbling it down and sending if off as soon as he could.

Dear boss,

I miss you.

- Tony