Gibbs: Tony likes to hide behind the face of a clown, but he's the best young agent I've ever worked with.

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"Best young agent you've ever worked with?"

They were on their last beer when Tony came out with it. Gibbs should've known better than to expect his Father to keep it quiet.

"Is that a trick question?"

"Come on boss…cant con a con-man remember?"

"Don't be so sure."

"Its okay boss.I mean…it was sweet of you."

"Sweet?"

Tony cringed. "Did I say sweet? I meant nice, it was very nice of you boss."

"Just the truth Tony. Nothing nice about it."

"Yeah, but you didn't have to say that."

"No I didn't."

"Then why did you?"

"Don't know, but I'm beginning to regret it."

Tony stopped the rapid dialogue with a laugh. "Alright, alright. Shouldn't have brought it up huh?"

"No."

He glanced at his watch. "Well, it's getting late. I should probably head out."

"Lock the door on your way out."

Tony turned back. "Seriously?"

"No."

"Just full of jokes tonight eh boss?"

"Night DiNozzo…"

Tony reached for the door handle and nodded his good night in return. That was until Gibbs called back towards him.

"And for the record…I don't say things I don't mean."

"Never said you did boss."

"Good…now get outta here before we hug..."

Tony turned to leave with a smile. "Cant have that now can we?"

Gibbs pointed outside and watched his Agent duck outside the door.

"Night boss."