To The
Dogs
by Stevie F'n J
Spoilers: "Chained" and "Caught On Tape"
Author's Note: I really have no idea where this idea came from cough. Call it my attempt at comedy. Or a drabble. Or something.
As I walk up to Tony's apartment I can't help but chuckle to myself.
"Caitlen Todd, you should get an award," I say to myself as I yank on the leash Tony is on, "Heel girl."
I admit, it was a petty jab to name the dog Tony, but hey, after that stunt he pulled by having that poor guy go after a small annoying dog that just happened to be named 'Kate,' I just can't help but want to rub this in a little bit more.
Oh, I suppose you're wondering why I, of all people, am going to Tony's apartment after work? Well, after Tony left still looking for his hat (which had become Tony's food dish), Gibbs made me go to the overgrown boy's residence and, "fess up." Hopefully Tony's demented sense of humor will extend to this too. Oh, it's not because I want him mad at me. Oh no. It's because I don't want my hat for the next month to be filled with dog food. For seeming so oblivious half the time, that guy is really good when he wants to be.
As I reach Tony's floor, I can feel Tony tensing besides me. She really doesn't like her namesake. Good. I'll keep her around me often then so Tony can't sneak up on me anymore.
I hear some barking up down the hall; I didn't know Tony's apartment allowed animals. Reaching his door, I see he has a message written on a whiteboard next to the door: ON THE PATIO, MEET ME THERE. No way he was expecting me. No, he must have ordered pizza or something.
Walking down the hallway some more, I notice that Tony's apartment ALSO has a patio on it. This guy sure found a great place. As I reach the door to go out on the patio, I notice something that makes me stop in my tracks. Tony is out on the patio…playing fetch…with a brown Shih Tzu. Oh no…
Making sure I have Tony fully secured on her leash, I walk out onto the patio just as Tony is throwing the small ball towards the door. Needless to say, it hits me in the head.
"Ow!" I exclaim as I hear a very rapid 'yip' coming nearer to me.
"Kate! Are you allright?" Tony asks, running over and trying to look at my face.
"I'm fine," I respond, shaking my head and looking up. Instead of looking into his eyes, I'm looking at the top of his head because he's looking down at my feet.
"Well they certainly have hit it off," Tony says, calling Tony's attention to him. The dog growls for a second at my partner, then goes back to sniffing Tony's dog.
"They certainly have," I say under my breath.
"So, what are you here for Kate?" Tony asks, then looks down and says almost under his breath, "Not you, her."
"I, um, well," I hold out Tony's hat which I had been holding, "Sorry, me and Abby borrowed it for Tony's dog bowl."
"Uh, thanks," Tony says, taking his hat and looking at it with his head crooked for a second, "Want something to drink?"
"Sure," I respond, tugging on Tony's leash.
"Just let me get Kate's toys," Tony says, walking away.
"Tony, what is your dog's name?" I ask, as he walks away, not believing it.
"Kate!" He yells back, picking up a small leash and attaching it to his dog, "I've had her since I lived in Baltimore."
"So that one day…"
"Just thought of the first thing that would come easily to mind that would give you guys a clue," he explains, "I'm surprised that Gibb's didn't tell you about her."
"I think I know why," I mumble under my breath. As tight laced as Gibbs seemed sometimes, he was an expert at pushing our buttons. Just then my thoughts are broken by lots of growling and barking. I look down to see Tony chasing Kate around, but both obviously being restricted by their leashes.
"The irony of this is astounding."