Walking in the bullpen early in the morning, Gibbs shook his head when he saw the young Detective sitting behind a desk—papers scattered all over it—with a faraway look on his face and chewing at the other end of the pen he was holding.

"You collecting head slaps, DiNozzo?" By that he meant Tony's little stunt from the first full night at Gibbs' place; trying to sneak into a hotel. Tony had made it so far as the front door when Gibbs dragged him back and threatened to call Ducky or even take him back to the hospital. Although Tony hadn't tried to escape again, Gibbs barely let the Detective out of his sight after that. Even went so far as to be the one to take him to his dentist's appointment. Somehow he had still managed to sneak past Gibbs this morning. Thankfully Abby had called to tell Gibbs how she had come to work early, only to see their patient sitting in the bullpen and working hard like someone who'd been possessed.

While Gibbs was musing these things, Tony kept staring in front of him as he went through all the case related moments from day one. Other than a few minor details, the case was pretty much closed now, or it would be soon, with Richard on the run and there was mostly paperwork left to be done. Thomas Harris' body had already been at the morgue as well. Without knowing it, Ducky had confirmed Richard's story of how he had killed the man. If there had been more time, would Richard have told more? Tony couldn't help but wonder. The more he went through the case in his head, the more he noticed small little unanswered questions here and there, although probably not that important as far as solving the case went. And maybe trying to think so hard with a concussion still giving him bit of a hard time wasn't the brightest idea after all.

There was a gentle tap against his head and he flinched. More out of surprise than pain. He looked up, taking out the pen from his mouth. Hiding a wide yawn behind his hand, he sighed out his words, "Morning, Gibbs."

"How long have you been working, DiNozzo?" Gibbs sat down behind his desk, sipping his coffee, which was now at the perfect temperature. If only everything would be perfect. He just needed to open his mouth and ask the right question from the Detective. Why was it so hard?

"Didn't really look at the time."

"You know I can ask Abby to look it up from the security feed. Try again."

"3 AM." It was almost 7 AM now and Tony was exhausted. He hadn't slept all night. Not that he hadn't been trying.

"DiNozzo—"

"Who do you think was the craziest, the true bad guy in this whole thing?"

"We may never find it out. What matters is we got the murderer, even if he is dead. Lucky him." There was a dark tone in Gibbs' voice as he said it. "We did our part. There's nothing else we can do, especially since they are all dead." The unspoken words, other than Richard, were left hanging in the air.

"I think Harris was the craziest, but that could be because of his DNA and the way he grew up. And then there was the stepfather. We still don't know for sure what kind of person he was. What do you think?"

"I think you should give your head a rest. They all had their own secrets. Finish what you were writing and then I'll take you back home. Did you take your medicine?"

"You know I don't take them or have you forgotten what they do to me? Drugs and I do not mix."

"I haven't noticed." Gibbs was being sarcastic and for a while there was silence between the two men. Both weighting their options and next move.

"Gibbs..."

"DiNozzo..."

They spoke at the same time and Gibbs looked at Tony, waiting for him to speak first.

"The case is now closed. Besides, I've already been ordered to go back by my own boss. He wasn't exactly thrilled that he wasn't informed about any of this. I mean, talk about unpleasant surprise, coming back from your day off to find out one of your star players have been kidnapped. I knew you can be a real fox in a henhouse, but I was still a little shocked to hear you didn't even inform him about borrowing me." Tony couldn't help but feel the pure irony of this whole thing. Whether Gibbs would be the same now or not, but in the dream the man used to always be so angry whenever people kept borrowing Tony for their undercover missions or offering him jobs. Personally, Tony didn't like being treated like some kind of possession between people, or used in their personal power games like a pawn in a game where he only had worth while he was useful.

Gibbs shrugged. "Didn't see much need for that."

"Of course you didn't. By the way, your Director wants to see you."

"Right... We'll continue later. Don't go anywhere." Gibbs left, grumbling something.

Tony waited until he was sure the man was with the Director. He had a reason to come to work so early. Although Richard did send that evidence box and the case looked pretty solid, he wanted to go through the papers once more, just to make sure he had nothing else keeping him there. But it wasn't the only reason. Standing up, Tony made his way to the elevator, where he hesitated for a moment as he tried to decide which place he should visit first; Abby or Ducky? Knowing he'd been avoiding this long enough, he chose the lab. But first, he'd need to get something as a peace offering...

He couldn't help it. Try as he did, he couldn't hold back the smile forming on his face when he entered the lab. Loud 'music' was blaring and while the machines did their work, Abby was sleeping. Looking at her brought back so many 'memories'. Despite everything, they used to be close. She had been the sister he never had and the one they all had more or less spoiled. Maybe that was the problem? Maybe if they had done things differently—

Stop it! Tony commanded himself. Cooling his features into more neutral, he turned off the music.

"I wasn't sleeping!" Abby bolted up straight on the chair. Looking around sleepily, she spotted the Detective standing in her lab. She was still reeling over the way this, I look like I own this place, Detective had changed her Bossman. The way Gibbs had yelled at her of all people.

Tony held back his smile. "Sure you weren't."

Abby narrowed her eyes. She wasn't sure, but was he making fun of her? She opened her mouth to say a few chosen words, but then her eyes spotted the Caf-Pow, which DiNozzo was holding. Oh, the cruel world! "I was only taking a nap. Big difference. I'm waiting for Gibbs to bring me my Caf-Pow."

Tony frowned. He hadn't missed the not so subtle 'this is Gibbs' job ' and 'you're not Gibbs '. This was different, Tony realized with abashment. Sure, even 'back then' they hadn't been friends from day one, but... It was almost as if his dream Abby from those later years had jumped into the real world. Unless he had a selective memory when it came to those 'golden first years'. Forcing a smile on his face, Tony held out the Caf-Pow for her to take. "I know. Gibbs had to go see the Director so he sent me to bring it to you. I'm the delivery boy."

Hesitating for a moment, Abby snatched the Caf-Pow and took a long sip. "Ah... Bossman always manages to save the day, even when he's not here."

Tony turned around and almost left, before he remembered his reason for being there in the first place. "I almost forgot... I've been meaning to apologize for my attitude when you got me those clothes. I'm sorry and thank you for going through the trouble, even if I couldn't wear them."

Abby stared at him. She knew she was behaving maybe just a teeny bit childish right now, but she didn't care. She didn't like the sudden possibility of having to share her Gibbs with this one. She had thought that when the Detective would join the NCIS, he'd be just another agent. She couldn't have been more wrong and she didn't understand it since they barely even knew the guy. What was it that Gibbs saw in him?

"That's all. Have a good day, Abigail." Tony nodded and left the room, leaving the young goth stare after him with mixed feelings.

"...so no matter what I told her, it didn't matter at all. She had become like a woman possessed. That's why do not ever underestimate a woman who wears red shoes." Ducky finished his long-winded tale just as Tony entered the morgue where Ducky and Gerald were doing an autopsy.

"I thought the story was about a box of chocolates? Where do the red shoes fit in?" Gerald was confused.

"It's because Ducky has a theory over his years of experience with women," Tony answered for Ducky who smiled at him.

Gerald still looked confused so Tony reached out his hand. "I'm Tony. Detective from Baltimore."

"Ah. Ducky told me about you. I'm Gerald Jackson, his assistant. I would shake your hand, but..." He held up his hands, which were more or less covered in blood.

"That's alright." Tony smirked and grabbed Gerald's hand to shake it.

"Anthony!" Ducky shook his head and watched as Tony went to wash his hand. "You shouldn't be back to work yet, young man," he scolded Tony when he was back with them.

"I know, Ducky, but I had to come. I'm going back to Baltimore. Today."

Ducky looked wistful. "I hope this does not mean goodbye for good."

"No, and I promised you not to make any decisions while I'm angry. So that's not what this is." Tony gave Ducky a meaningful smile and the old man returned it with a helpless chuckle. "I just won't be working here. Too many bad memories."

"I understand it, Anthony. Although I cannot say I completely agree with your decision. Does Jethro know?"

"No. Well, he'll know soon enough. He can't even ask clearly, whether he wants me here or not. Does the man have some issues with simply asking? I even heard once from Kate how—" Tony closed his eyes and took a deep breath. He once again almost forgot that they didn't even know her. About her. Did she even exist? "Anyway. I wanted to say goodbye, or rather, see you soon." Not caring that he'd get some blood on himself, Tony awkwardly hugged the old man who was more than happy to return it now as Tony's shirt was stained with blood anyway.

"Please tell me you're not going to be driving. With your concussion and that bullet wound..."

"No need to worry. I'm taking a cab."

"Would that not be too expensive? Surely with few phone calls I could find someone willing to drive you there."

"That's too kind of you, Ducky. Really. But the money isn't a problem. I mean, I can afford it. Thanks anyway. I'll be fine."

Ducky studied the young man's face for a while and then he sighed, nodding. "Alright then. Have a safe ride back home. Be sure to call me the moment you are there, so I don't have to worry."

"I will. Thanks for everything. Despite what I told you before—about you know what—you have been more than great. I fear to even think how Gibbs would have handled it."

Ducky felt terribly guilty and for a change he felt conflicted over what would be the right action for him to do right now. To tell the truth or not?

"What was he talking about?" Gerald asked when Tony left the room.

"It's quite a fascinating story, but I'm afraid I have no right to share it. It's not my story to tell. Perhaps some other time, someday. Now, let's get back to the work. We shouldn't keep our guest waiting."

Meanwhile, Gibbs was in a bad mood as he left the Director's office. More like furious. Tom Morrow had just given him the ultimatum.

- FLASHBACK -

"Sit down, Agent Gibbs," Tom spoke as soon as the door opened and Gibbs stepped in. Well, crashed through the door was much closer to the truth.

Raising his eyebrow, Gibbs remained standing. "I have things to do so let's get straight to the point, Tom."

Oh, he wasn't going to like it... "I can't let this go on any longer. I was told to give you the ultimatum or else."

Narrowing his eyes, Gibbs crossed his arms over his chest, looking tall and intimidating. "And exactly what is this ultimatum?"

"You need your own team. You can't go running around solo anymore, or keep borrowing other agents and teams. Frankly, while I'm in charge, there won't be anyone going lone wolf anymore."

"I'm doing just fine."

"Gibbs, times are changing. Some people want to get rid of people like you and me. In their words, ' we have to move to the next century'. The only way to ease that in your case would be by taking younger agents in your team. All the other team leaders have been successfully training new agents. Why can't you?"

"Is that your way of telling me we're getting old? I don't need to work with someone who needs constant teaching or watching over. This isn't school anymore. Besides, you and I both know that none of those probies could handle my training and leadership. I don't do any hand holding."

"We are getting old and everyone else have done just fine, training their agents into some of the finest we have. Your problem is that you ask for too much, and too soon. Not everyone can become the next Gibbs." What Tom wasn't going to say out loud was that they didn't want nor need more people like Gibbs. Not if they came with as much trouble and headache as this one did. Way more trouble than he was worth.

"I can still beat up many younger criminals and even agents if I have to. I don't need clones of me either. I work better alone. You know that."

With a weary sigh Tom stood up. "Don't I know it... I never said you are weak. Look, Gibbs... The thing is, the world is changing and we are, as some people are putting it, ' from the last century'. This is the deal now: you will choose your first team member by the end of this month or I will send someone to you. This is not a debate. They're orders. Surely you still remember how to follow them, Agent? After you have chosen the first one, we will talk about getting another."

"That's not gonna happen!"

"As I told you, this is your ultimatum. Unless you want to end up with someone chosen by me or worse, someone else, you better start looking. You're dismissed."

Tom flinched when he heard the door being forcefully opened and then slammed shut. He really didn't need this kind of morning. Usually it meant the whole day was going to be less than pleasant...

Gibbs grumbled and cursed both the Director and SecNav as he stormed down to the bullpen. The agents near him visibly shrunk away from his attention. Seeing the empty working area, Gibbs looked up. "Where's DiNozzo?!"

"He, ah... He went somewhere... Used the elevator," one Agent said, swallowing hard at the glare that was now directed at him.

Chris Pacci shook his head at the way most people in there were so obviously terrified. He stepped forward and spoke calmly, "That Detective seemed to have a clear mission, wherever he was heading."

Gibbs nodded curtly and he stormed in the elevator. His gut was churning again and he had a feeling he was running out of time.

Once at home, he wasted no time trying to find his guest, but in the guest room and on the perfectly made bed was a letter, a phone and neatly folded clothes and boots.

'Gotta go. Here's the phone you gave me. Give the clothes back to Abby.
Try to remember that other people have human feelings. Be nice, Agent Gibbs.
—Detective DiNozzo '

Growling, Gibbs dropped the piece of paper on the floor and stormed out of the room. Of course he got the hidden message behind the use of 'Detective' instead of just the name alone. He was about to leave the house and he already had his hand on the door handle, when he stopped, smelling fresh coffee, which he could swear he hadn't smelled when coming home just a moment ago. Making his way quietly in the kitchen, Gibbs stopped when he saw what was waiting for him there. Snorting in amusement, he walked to the coffee maker and saw the note.

'Was my timing right? '

Shaking his head, Gibbs looked once more at the odd timer system Tony had done to his beloved coffee maker. He was going to kill the kid!

Taking out his phone, he barely hesitated before he chose the number. "I'm taking time off from work... A month... Yes, it has everything to do with the ultimatum!" Fighting back the urge to roll his eyes, Gibbs finished the call at Tom's, 'keep your phone with you and on, so that—' something. He didn't hear the rest of it. Gibbs smirked as he could imagine the look on the man's face right now.

Dialing the next number on his phone, Gibbs had to wait only a moment before it was picked up. "Abby, I'm going— Abby!" Obviously someone had given her the morning dose of her Caf-Pow. It made him feel slightly less guilty for not visiting her that morning. "I'm going to take time off and I'm leaving right now, so your next Caf-Pow from me will have to wait... No, I didn't send that... No, you can't yell at Tony right now. He went back to Baltimore— Abbs! There's no reason to get upset. I'm going to bring him back... No, you can tell that to him yourself. Play nice, Abby." He ended the call, hoping the next one would be less of a hassle.

Trying to reach Ducky, he knew his prayers had been answered. "Gerald? Where's Ducky..? Tell him if he needs me, I'll be in Baltimore." He ended the call just in time to hear Ducky's, 'is that Jethro? ' in the background.

In almost no time, Gibbs had packed up the few things he might need. Rest of the things he could simply buy. Finding his huge thermos, a gift from Abby, he took the coffee with him on the road. If DiNozzo thought he could get rid of the 'problem', which obviously was Gibbs, then the man better be prepared to deal with that problem face to face.