A/N: Okay, things are about to get real. I have been fighting with which direction to take this, and I have not made a final decision yet! Updates may take a little longer from here on out as I try to stay true to the characters while taking them on a strange and at times heartbreaking journey.
Warning: Some characters may come across as OOC, but I hope you'll understand why.
"Gibbs, what are you talking about? What do you mean fight for me? You sure seemed fine letting me go. I sure don't seem to recall you trying too damn hard to get me to stay. And why are you looking at me like that?" Tony growled, his brow creased with confusion.
Gibbs refused to break eye contact and fixed Tony with a look he couldn't quite define. Was Gibbs concerned? Mad? Scared? Sad?
"Gibbs, for God's sake talk to me! You're kind of freaking me out. What is going on … and where the hell is Abby?"
Tony sat back and crossed his arms. The penny dropped. He nodded knowingly.
"Ah, I see. She sent you, didn't she? Abby. She set this all up?"
Gibbs shrugged.
"Let's just say I knew you two were supposed to meet here for dinner. She told me she might have to cancel. Something about a date. I didn't want you to have to eat alone."
Tony narrowed his eyes.
"Uh huh. Gibbs, you have never straight up lied to me, far as I know, so don't start now. I've had a really crazy day and I don't feel like solving a puzzle right now. What the hell is going on?"
The restaurant wasn't too busy, but there were still a number of people within earshot who could overhear their conversation. Gibbs was nervous enough without worrying about a bunch of strangers listening in.
"What do you say we finish this, then go somewhere more private - where we can talk? I think we both have some things we need to get off our chests," Gibbs suggested.
Tony cocked his head.
"Talk? You and me? Right. Okay, only if you mean we both talk. Not just me rambling on like an idiot and you sitting there like a functional mute like you usually do. I know how you clam up when things get serious. If you have something to tell me, then by all means I want to hear it. Where do you wanna go?"
"Your place? My place? The park? I don't care. Just somewhere without a bunch of other people around."
Tony thought for a moment.
"Okay, how about this … your place in two hours. I'll bring a six pack … unless you think we're gonna need something stronger," he offered.
Gibbs cracked a half smile.
"Beer will be fine. Better not drink too much. It is a school night."
With their meeting terms settled, their conversation turned to the latest goings on at NCIS while they finished their pizza. Tony fell back on his default setting of rambling on about absolutely nothing, while plagued with questions. What the hell did Gibbs have to say that was so important or personal that he didn't want anyone else around to hear it? Was it good news? Bad news? He knew one thing; Gibbs wasn't going to tell him anything until he was damn good and ready!
Tony paid the check and Gibbs left a generous tip. They walked outside and found they were parked next to each other.
"My place, two hours," Gibbs said.
"Two hours," Tony replied, tamping down an impulse to fire off a salute.
Abby grinned when she looked through the peep hole to see who was pounding on her door.
"Hello Tony. I wasn't expecting you. Come on in. Can I get you something to drink?" Abby greeted cheerfully - too cheerfully.
"Cut the crap, Scuitto. Don't try and play innocent with me. You set me up! I thought you had a date with a hot drummer. Or did you lie to me about that just so you could send Gibbs?"
Abby smiled despite Tony's accusatory tone. Seconds later her exuberance disappeared with an over-the-top eye roll and heavy sigh.
"Okay fine. Yes, I let Gibbs know where you were. He was in the lab when you called and overheard me," she lied.
"Uh huh. Try again. You let him know on purpose, didn't you? Now, tell me why," Tony said as he pulled Abby down to sit next to him on her couch.
"Okay. Truth. After you left last night, Gibbs and I talked. Well, actually I talked and Gibbs pretty much just listened. You know how he is. He must have listened or he never would have gone to meet you. Anyway, I told him you were going through some stuff, but I did not tell him any details, not that I really know any, and that you two needed to talk. I don't think he was too crazy about you meeting someone. Look, I'm not going to repeat the whole speech I gave him, but I know you two and I can see how much you mean to each other and how much you care about each other, even though you're both too stubborn to admit it. Take that however you will. But my point is, you guys care for each other … a lot … and you need to figure out a way to do something about it. Trust me, McGee and Ellie and even Ducky agree. We're not stupid, Tony. You and Gibbs aren't always as subtle as you like to think you are. We see the looks that pass between you guys. We see the not so subtle leers, and how you get all tongue tied and nervous around Gibbs, like you're trying to impress him. And he has that annoying little half smirk that is just for you. So, what are you going to do about it? So, he went to see you. Did he tell you anything?"
Tony blinked repeatedly as he tried to process what Abby was saying.
"I don't know what the hell you're talking about. There's never been anything hinky between me and Gibbs, I don't care what all of you think you have figured out, but we're meeting later at his place to talk. About what, I have no idea. And for the record, he knows who I met with last night. For your information, it was Fornell - offering me a job. Now before you get all excited or pissed off or whatever, I haven't accepted it, but I am considering it. Now, anything I need to know before I go and face Gibbs?" Tony asked.
"Just be patient and hear him out. He's facing some stuff too, real feelings kind of stuff. And you know how he hates anyone thinking he even has feelings? Well, this may be a tough convo for him too, so just be cool. Remember, me and the others care about you and love you both. You should be happy, Tony. You and Gibbs should both be happy, and you can be, if you want it," Abby replied.
Abby yanked Tony to his feet and practically shoved him toward the door. He stopped short and turned to face her.
"Feelings. There you go, again. And aren't you forgetting something? It's not just about me, or Gibbs and our friendship. Yes, we're friends and that's all! And there are other people to consider?"
Abby put her hands on her hips and shot Tony a look of disapproval.
"Like I could forget. I get you want to protect the kid, Tali, even if she isn't yours. As for her mother? Sorry, but I've seen how Ziva manipulates everything and everyone to suit her purpose and get what she wants, to hell with anyone else. Just look at her history. I don't trust her one bit, and I bet if you really let yourself see it, you don't either. Still wish you'd let me run a DNA test. It's not too late, you know. Anyway, we all know your dad is a great con-man and can take care of himself. Now, go. You don't want to be late and Gibbs hates being kept waiting. Oh, and for your information Mister, I am meeting the hot drummer in about 20 minutes," Abby said before kissing Tony on the cheek and gently pushing him out the door.
Across town, Gibbs sat on his couch with his head in his hands and listened as Ducky's words washed over him. He had called his friend for advice, but now found himself at a loss. He stared at his cell phone laying open on the coffee table as Ducky's tinny voice came through the tiny speaker. All he could do was listen as his most trusted friend shared his thoughts and opinions on Gibbs, Tony, Gibbs and Tony, and the "most wonderful possibilities and years of happiness lying ahead for you both, Jethro my dear boy."
Much like Abby had informed Tony, Ducky made it clear that "you two aren't fooling anyone", and "we have eyes, Jethro, your longing for each other is quite obvious."
"Jethro, are you still there?" Ducky asked after a long moment of silence.
Gibbs cleared his throat.
"Yeah, Duck, I'm here. I'm just wondering if you've gone completely crazy, because there has never been anything between me and Tony. For God's sake!"
"Protest all you wish, but you shall not dissuade me, nor the others I'm afraid. Abigail, Timothy, and Eleanor are terribly fond of you both, as am I. Even Mr. Palmer has weighed in on the subject. One thing is for certain, and that is that you and Anthony belong together. Now, I shall let you go so that you may prepare for your talk. Just do yourself a favor, Jethro, and look into your heart. It will not lead you astray. If there is a sliver of room in there for Anthony, you would do well to let him in. Good night, Jethro. I wish you all the best. I shall be standing by should you be in need of my assistance."
The "Call Ended" message flashed on the screen. Gibbs shook his head and picked up his phone.
"They've all gone crazy," he mumbled under his breath just as Tony pulled into the driveway.
Gibbs stood and waited until Tony was standing in front of him holding a six-pack of his favorite beer. Tony didn't wait for the "that's good work, DiNozzo". Tony sat the six-pack on the coffee table and plopped down on the couch.
"Gibbs, you okay?" Tony asked, his voice full of concern. Seeing the phone crushed in Gibbs' hand, he continued, "You get a bad news phone call or something? I can leave if you want." He thumbed in the general direction of the front door.
"No, it's okay. Just, uh, got off the phone with Ducky," Gibbs replied. His knees popped in protest as he joined Tony on the couch.
Tony removed two bottles from the six-pack and twisted off the caps. He handed one bottle to Gibbs and they clinked the necks of the bottles like they had done a hundred or more times over the years. The both took long pulls and settled back for several long moments of awkward silence.
"Okay, this is awkward. I'm almost afraid to ask, but what's on Ducky's mind?"
Gibbs snorted. "If he only knew," Gibbs thought. Figuring he really had nothing to lose, he turned to face Tony.
"You sure you really want to know? I mean, Ducky, Abby, McGee … it, uh, seems they have some ideas about me … and you. Got a whole speech on Ducky's theories."
Tony threw his head back and laughed.
"Yeah, I know all about their ideas about us. I stopped by Abby's place before coming here. Wanted to know why she bailed out on dinner and she admitted she set me, well, us, up. I got a whole earful from her, too. I know she's not exactly shy. Told me she laid into you last night after I left. Turns out you and I are quite the subject of gossip. Guess we have been for years. How'd she put it? Oh yeah, "we're not stupid and you and Gibbs aren't exactly subtle", or something like that. Who knew, right? Now, Abby wants to know what we're gonna do about it. Can you believe that?" Tony declared.
Gibbs didn't miss a beat.
"Yeah, Tony, I can believe that," Gibbs answered around a sigh. "Okay, before things get too heavy, tell me about your interviews today. Any offers?"
"Changing the subject. Okay, then. Um, I aced FLETC, of course. I pretty much just told them a few stories about some of our biggest cases. They were impressed that I worked for you for so many years," Tony said proudly.
"Yeah, and what about DOJ?" Gibbs asked.
"Went well, I think. Same thing pretty much. Have to get through a background check and all of that. I think being a U.S. Marshal might be kind of cool. It's still federal law enforcement, just with different options."
Gibbs pinned Tony in place with the weight of his stare.
"You gonna tell me, or do I have to ask? Ziva? Your daughter? Where do they fit into your plans?"
Tony sighed and looked down at his feet. He couldn't bring himself to look Gibbs in the eye.
"I don't have any plans. Just looking for options."
After a long pause, he continued, "Gibbs, can I tell you something, but you have to promise not to tell anyone, including Ducky? I mean it. I know you trust him, but this has to stay between us. I told Abby something the other night. I didn't mean to, but I was drunk and, well …," Tony stammered.
"You can always talk to me, you know that. I won't tell anyone anything," Gibbs replied with a hint of tenderness, while keeping a firm hand on Tony's shoulder. He hoped he sounded sincere. "Whenever you're ready."
Tony took a deep breath and let it out slowly. He stood and began to pace.
"Oh boy! Well, I should say Fornell kind of picked up on it last night. You see, I'm not sure Tali really is my daughter. That last night I was in Israel, Ziva and I talked over dinner and put away a couple of bottles of wine. I can usually do that by myself, no problem, but I'm missing a whole bunch of time. That's never happened before. I think a couple of people she knows may have shown up at some point, but I can't be sure. I just remember waking up the next morning with a raging hangover and few memories of the night before. Just flashes of things. Later that night we said our good-byes. I flew home; she stayed there. I got on with work and my life. I dated a lot of women and didn't give Ziva much thought. We were too busy finding her replacement, I guess, and then things with The Calling kicked off. Anyway, fast forward to that night three years later when we were told Ziva was killed in an explosion, and "Oh hey Agent DiNozzo, meet you and Ziva's daughter". Gibbs, as God is my witness, if I slept with Ziva I do not remember it," Tony reported.
Gibbs said nothing but nodded and motioned for Tony to continue. There had to be more.
"Ziva was my partner. That's it; nothing more. I tried to be friends with her, but you saw for yourself how that turned out after the whole Rivkin mess. She wanted me dead! And you know she never once thanked me for us rescuing her in Somalia? Anyway, where was I?"
"I have no idea, but keep going," Gibbs encouraged.
Tony took a drink of his beer to buy a few seconds and to ease his parched throat.
"Oh yeah, Ziva. I told McGee the other night before he threw me out and then Abby … I never broke Rule 12; I swear. Not with Ziva, not with anyone. Not knowingly, anyway. I didn't have a relationship with her or even fool around when we were on stake outs. I may have flirted with her, it's kind of what I do, but I swear I've never had feelings for her - still don't. Gibbs, you have to believe me! After everything, I could never trust her. And I am nothing if not careful, or there would be dozens of little DiNozzos running around out there somewhere, so there is no way in hell I would have slept with her without wearing at least one condom. I just don't remember, and that is so not like me. I'm not 100 percent sure she didn't set me up."
"Come here and sit," Gibbs requested, and Tony complied.
Gibbs gave Tony a minute to calm his ragged breathing then continued.
"You think you could have been drugged? Do you remember anything about that night? Any idea who might have stopped by? I know you don't want to hear this, but you think maybe she drugged you and took advantage of the situation - with a little help from some friends?"
Tony's face drained of all color and for a moment Gibbs wondered if he was going to be sick right there in his living room.
"Are you saying you think she raped me? She couldn't do that, could she? Are you kidding me? I'm easily twice her size! And why would she do that? I'm not Jewish. Her dad hates, well, hated me. Besides, there is no way she just wanted a kid. Ziva's not really the mother type, you know what I mean? You think it's possible that Mossad had something to do with all of this?"
Tony jumped to his feet and began pacing again.
"Gibbs! Oh my God, this is insane. What do I do?" Tony begged.
Gibbs motioned him back over and patted the couch.
"First, you sit here and calm down. Tony, we can get answers to a lot of your questions with one simple DNA test. If you don't want Abby to do it, I can call in a favor with Fornell and have the FBI lab do it on the QT. I'll go with you. You don't have to deal with this alone," Gibbs stated.
Tony choked up over Gibbs' acceptance and offer of help and strength.
"Thanks, Gibbs," he muttered softly.
"Listen Tony, we all have questionable history where Ziva is concerned. I've never been able to truly trust her, either. For a few years, after a rocky start, she seemed like she was one of us, but I never could shake the feeling we were all being played. I wouldn't put anything past Ziva, especially if Mossad was somehow involved. If you do have a daughter with her, fine. We can deal with that. But if she's not your daughter, then Tony you can't just stop living your life to raise her. We can find a family member, hopefully from Ziva's mother's side, to take her. Then you wouldn't have to worry about Mossad. You have a lot of people right here who care an awful lot about you. Your life is here, DiNozzo, not Paris, and not with Ziva and some kid that may not even be yours. When's the last time you even saw Ziva, anyway?"
Tony leaned back, sighed, and let his head fall to the back of the couch.
"It's been quite a while. At least two or three months. I've lost track."
At a grunt from Gibbs, Tony sat up and turned to face him.
"Gibbs, it's not like Ziva and I are married or anything. It's not like that at all. When she comes back from wherever she's been, we barely talk. She has her space and I have mine. But like I told Abby, the thought of turning Tali, an innocent little girl, over to Mossad makes me sick. I don't want her raised in that messed up world. We all saw how Ziva turned out. And now, I can't imagine Ziva giving up whatever she's up to to raise her. She's really not much of a mother. Hardly spends any time with her when she does come back. Tali spends most of her time with Senior, if you can believe that! He dotes on her like crazy, and she absolutely adores him. I don't want to mess that up, but I can't go on like this. That's why I'm looking into my options. Actually, an anonymous DNA test was going to be part of any agreement to work for the FBI. Fornell said he could set it up if his proposal, which he's supposed to be putting together, is good enough. Gibbs, talk to me. What should I do?"
"Get the test and then we'll figure things out from there. I'll be right by your side. Who do you want to do the test? We're gonna need Tali's DNA for comparison. You have anything of hers that might have any?" Gibbs said.
Tony thought for a moment then chuckled. Tali had helped him pack for his trip and put her "Frozen" hairbrush in his shaving kit. Tony didn't notice it until unpacking his toiletries at the hotel.
"Something funny, DiNozzo?" Gibbs asked.
"As a matter of fact, yeah. Tali, she wanted to help me pack. I guess she decided I needed to bring her little hairbrush with me. I found it in my shaving kit when I got to my hotel room. It has some of her hair in it. I'm sure Abby can work her magic on it," Tony replied.
"So you want Abby to run the test?"
Tony nodded.
"Yeah, I trust her. I kind of told her the other night that I'm not sure about Tali. Told her I didn't remember anything about my last night in Israel. She wanted me to tell her there was no way Tali was mine, and I told her I couldn't. She was - is - still mad at me for not letting her run DNA that night Mossad dragged Tali in and handed her off to me. Abby won't tell anyone. I'll threaten to rip the stuffing out of her farting hippo or threaten to beat the crap out of McGee. That usually buys her silence."
Gibbs patted Tony's leg and nodded.
"Okay, I'll set it up tomorrow … unless you have more interviews I should know about."
Tony smiled.
"Nope. All done. Just waiting to hear from your buddy Fornell. Curious what kind of offer he'll come up with. Still leaning toward the Marshals Service, though. Don't really see myself as a teacher at FLETC. I need the excitement of working cases! I know I certainly don't want to be around Fornell all day everyday. That would be too weird, especially if we had to run a joint op with NCIS. Can you imagine?"
One crisis tackled, several minutes of nervous tension fell over the room.
"So, I guess we still have that other thing to talk about. The hinky thing." Tony stated.
Gibbs sighed. He really wanted to be anywhere else, but the most important person in his life was counting on him. It was time to get to the heart of the matter - the real reason they needed to talk.
"Yeah, I guess so. How do you want to do this? You know talking about feelings, or just talking about anything, isn't really my thing," Gibbs replied.
"No! You, unable to talk about your feelings?" Tony teased.
He was instantly rewarded with a head slap. Both of them laughing was the perfect tension break they needed. It was also the perfect time to crack open two more beers.
"Okay. Seriously. Gibbs, God - how many bombs can I drop on you in one night? Here goes. I don't know what Abby and the others know or think they know, but I'm a little confused. I thought I could just leave and walk away. I thought after a few months I wouldn't miss you so much, but I do. And honestly, Gibbs, it's not the job or working cases that I miss the most. It's this; sitting on this lumpy couch with you drinking beer and talking. All that's missing is a fire and cowboy steaks," Tony said an affectionate tone.
At Gibbs' shocked expression, Tony laughed.
"Sure, I miss Abs and McGee and everyone. Hell, I even miss Vance - just a little bit. But you are the one person I haven't been able to stop thinking about. I worry about you like crazy. I worry if you've gotten yourself shot or blown up again, and about who is on your six now. I know it's not McGee! He turned into an okay investigator, but he's still mostly a computer geek. I don't know this Nick guy enough to trust him to have your six. I don't have anyone to keep me sane and grounded. I don't have anyone I can count on. Yeah, my dad and I have mended a couple of fences, but I'm still wary of him. I can't let my guard down around him or trust his motives. And forget Ziva! Like I said, there is nothing there."
Tony looked at Gibbs, who looked back at him with affection and a sense of understanding in his eyes.
"We're gonna have to bring everyone into this, finding out if Tali is my kid thing, aren't we?" Tony asked.
Gibbs furrowed his brow and cocked his head.
"What brought that on?"
Tony stood and once again began to pace.
"Come on, Gibbs. Even with Eli David out of the picture, Vance still has plenty of Mossad contacts. We will need him to help track down Ziva's family, and you know he'll need McHacker to get involved. Abby will know before anyone else when she runs the DNA test. No way we'll be able to keep it from Ducky. From there, you know as well as I do that everyone else will find out - eventually," Tony stated.
"And that's a problem for you?" Gibbs asked.
"Yeah it's a problem for me! Gibbs, McGee and Abby both read me the riot act the other night. You wouldn't even talk to me. Everyone is still pissed off that I left without getting a DNA test. Like I told Abby, or it may have been McGee, I don't remember - you were all going to be mad at me no matter what. If I am Tali's father, then I somehow broke Rule 12 fucking around with Ziva. If I'm not, we all got played and I'm a big idiot for wanting to save an innocent little girl from a life in Mossad."
Gibbs swallowed hard.
"You are not an idiot! Tony, I understand, more than you know. You're trying to do something I wasn't able to do for Kelly. Whether she's your daughter or not, that little girl depends on you to keep her safe. And you are doing everything you can, but is it really the best thing for her or for your? Hey, you said it yourself that Ziva isn't much of a mother. Your dad is getting up there in years and he can't take on raising her himself. You need help, Tony, to do the right thing for all of you. I can help you, and I will, but you are going to have to trust me. Can you do that?" Gibbs asked.
Tony dropped back down next to Gibbs and for some unexplained reason took hold of his hand. Gibbs didn't pull it away, and a look of mutual affection and trust was exchanged.
Barely above a whisper, Tony declared, "Of course I trust you. I always have. Even when I didn't think you wanted me around. I wouldn't be pouring my guts out here if I didn't trust you. Are you sure you want to take all of this drama and my problems on?"
Gibbs smiled.
"DiNozzo, I've been taking your drama and problems on for years. This is no different. Look, let's take this all one step at a time. I'll set the DNA test up with Abby. Can you bring the hairbrush by the office tomorrow?"
Tony beamed at Gibbs. He knew Gibbs would know what to do.
"Yeah. I don't have anything going on tomorrow. Just waiting to hear from Fornell. Let me know when to show up and I'll be there. Might give me a chance to check in on the Duckman and Palmer, drop in on Abby, and meet this Torres guy you had to bring in to watch your six for me. Then what?"
"Then we wait until we get the results. No reason to panic until we know for sure. From there you decide what you want to do. See how the job offers pan out. See if you want to come home where you belong. Whether she is your daughter or not, I will be here for you. I can help you look for a place, or you're welcome to stay here - both of you if necessary - until you figure things out. Like I said, Tony, you are not in this alone," Gibbs replied.
Gibbs felt strong arms pull him into a hug and the dampness of tears falling on his shoulder. He held Tony in a protective embrace and ran a hand up and down Tony's back until his sobs of relief subsided.
"Hey, you okay?" Gibbs asked once he had Tony back at arm's length.
Tony wiped his eyes with the back of his hand. Gibbs handed him a Kleenex from a box on the end table. Tony wiped his eyes and blew his nose.
"Yeah. Sorry about that. Just a little overwhelmed. I, uh, still don't know where that leaves us, whatever that means," Tony confessed.
Gibbs sighed then took a pull from his beer bottle.
"Okay, I don't know what 'us' means either, but I'm not going to deny that I've missed you, too. We've been friends for years; we were close. Closer than we probably should have been. I was hurt by you leaving the way you did, I admit that. I regret a lot of things. I was angry, and sad, and confused by it all. I've had a lot of time to think since then, and I realize just how much I took you for granted. For years, and I can't believe you stayed around as long as you did. You had the whole loyal St. Bernard thing going on, and I just got used to you being there. McGee may be my SFA now, but we don't connect like you and I did. Torres thinks he's my go-to guy, but he will never measure up to you. Do you think anyone ever shows up here uninvited with pizza and beer? No. They wouldn't dare, and I don't want any of them here. You, on the other hand. You are welcome here anytime, day or night. I've missed you dropping by whenever."
Tony became uncharacteristically quiet. After several minutes, he looked at Gibbs.
"Simple question, Gibbs; do you want there to be an 'us'? Us as in friends, or us as in … 'us'; you and me together?"
Gibbs thought for a brief moment.
"We're already friends, Tony. Whatever else there is, I guess that's something we both have to want. To be honest, I haven't given it a lot thought. Is there an attraction? Hell, probably yeah. I mean, I've never gone out of my way to pick up or date men. The Corps opened up all kinds of possibilities, especially Boot Camp, but when I was deployed I was more worried about staying alive and completing my missions. Whatever or whoever was waiting for me when I got back to base was just … a distraction or a way to cope with the fear and loneliness? I don't know."
Tony grinned.
"So you do have some experience with men?"
Gibbs blushed.
"Yes. Not a lot, but there have been a few over the years."
"That's good to know," Tony said with a relieved chuckle. "You know me. I date … a lot. Mostly women, as you well know, but I've had my fair share of men, too. They are less complicated. They don't expect candy and flowers and all that wooing and romance stuff. It's so much easier. It's just hanging out and sex; no pressure, no strings."
Gibbs' expression turned puzzled, and a little hurt.
"Is that all you want, "hanging out and sex with no strings? Because that's not what I want. I'm too damn old to play games. I'll still help you sort out some things, but I'm not going to waste my time just to be some sort of safe distraction for you until something or someone better comes along. If there is something between us as everyone thinks there is, then let's look at that."
Taken aback by Gibbs' reaction, Tony leaned in and looked him in the eye.
"I don't know what I'm saying! I do know you're one hell of a good-looking guy. Sexy even. Of course there is an attraction! What are you saying? Are you saying you want a … relationship, with me? An exclusive, as in we're boyfriends, kind of relationship?" Tony stammered.
"Well, yeah! Isn't that how it works?" Gibbs replied.