Gibbs had managed to get David released into NCIS' custody before leaving the crime scene. The child had clung to Tony the whole way home, and Tony being Tony, he allowed the child to snuggle against him. Now, the child was with Abby, playing games in her lab while the team worked. Gibbs had sent Tony to Ducky for a check-up, just to make sure he hadn't done damage with all the vomiting he had done at the scene, and was relieved to hear that Tony was just fine.

"Boss, we got the statements from the police," said Tony. "It's pretty obvious that there was abuse going on. Bishop called a judge and explained the situation- David can't be charged because it is a clear case of self defence. We can release him into the custody of social services today."

"Alright. Thank you Tony. You did a great job out there today."

"Thank you boss." Tony stood up and handed a file over. "Transfer papers for David. I'm going for coffee. Do you want some?"

"I'm good. Hey, Tony?"

"Yeah?"

"If you need a break, take one. You've been working non-stop since we got back. I know this isn't easy for you."

"I'm good, just need a drink if I'm going to stay awake any longer."

Gibbs nodded. "Alright, just checking."

Tony was grateful for Gibbs' care. He couldn't help the small smile that was still plastered to his face as he walked through the Navy Yard to his favourite coffee cart. He had the best boss in the world, no doubt about it. Gibbs was tough when it was needed, but fair and caring as well. His punishments were justified and never cruel, yet they were effective and most people never made the same mistake twice. It was nice to be in his company, even if he was being a grump at the time. Gibbs was Gibbs, and he hoped that would never change.

"Agent DiNozzo?"

Tony turned to find David and the social worker behind him.

"Hi. Is something wrong?"

"Actually, David wanted to tell you something. I told him he should have just said it to Agent Gibbs while we were upstairs, but he insisted on telling it you."

"I'm listening."

"I lied about something when you came to my house today," said David. "I'm sorry."

"It's alright. Tell me what it is."

"Uh... well... I killed my dad, but it was because he was hurting me."

"I know, you already told us that."

"He was hurting me, but not the way I said."

"How was he hurting you, David?"

"He was touching me... on my private spot..."

Tony went to reassure the child, but as soon as he stood up from where he and David had sat on a bench, he felt dizzy and sick. He could feel fear rising inside him at the same time that someone grabbed his arms and steadied him.

"Agent DiNozzo? Are you okay?"

Tony was shaking as he realised that he was at work, in the Navy Yard, not back in his childhood home. He looked up to find the social worker in front of him, her kind eyes staring at him.

"I'm... I'm alright. Just tired, and maybe a little unwell." Tony smiled weakly. "David, I know that it was hard for you to say that, so thank you for trusting me enough to tell me. I'll add it to your statement."

"Thank you, Tony." David hugged him for a second.

"Hi, David," said Gibbs as the child let go of Tony. "Saying goodbye?"

"Yeah. Tony's fun."

"He sure is, bud, he sure is."

Gibbs smiled at the child, then looked up at the social worker. The look on her face, combined with the pale tone to Tony's skin told him that something had happened. He nodded at the social worker, said goodbye, then pulled Tony back down onto the bench with him.

"Hey, what happened?" he asked quietly.

"Flashback," Tony whispered. "David, he said that he lied about how his father was hurting him. I asked, and he said that his dad was touching his private spot. I couldn't help remembering it. I'm sorry."

"Do not be sorry. Tony, this case is not going to be easy on you. You are going to remember things that you don't want to, but that's okay. You have me to lean on, and Rachel will be there for you too. It's going to be okay."

"I hope you're right, Gibbs. I really do."

"You'll be okay. Now, let's get you some coffee and head back up. We'll amend David's statement and start investigating these police reports. Do you want off the case?"

Tony shook his head. "No, I'll be alright."

"I thought so. Let me know if you need help." Gibbs stood and ordered two cups of coffee. He handed one to Tony, then walked back to the office slowly, watching his senior field agent from the corner of his eye.

The day was over. Finally. Everyone was exhausted. The reports they were looking over were going nowhere, and any hope they had about getting some answers for David had been dashed.

"Go home, you two. I'll see you on Monday," said Gibbs finally.

Bishop was up in a heartbeat. She had a date with Qasim that she was excited about. "Bye," she said as she danced to the elevator.

Tony stood up, less hurried, and gathered his belongings. "You'll still be there on Sunday?"

"Of course. Do you really think I'll let him hurt you again? He's lucky he's in prison, because I'd love to put an end to your suffering for you."

Tony smiled. "I don't really want you to go to prison, boss."

"Who said I would go to jail? Nobody would ever know it was me."

Tony laughed. "Good night, boss." He left with that statement, feeling somewhat better.