Teeny tiny spoiler for Season 13 episode 'Day in Court'.

"Agent Gibbs," said John Sutherland. "I thought Tony was bringing Tali?"

"Change of plan," said Gibbs. "He … er … had to go into work. He asked me to collect Tali from the Ratcheds."

"He said he was off work," said John.

"Something came up," said Gibbs.

"OK," said John. He was puzzled. He knew how much the weekend meant to Tony so he was surprised that he had allowed himself to be called away. "Everything all right?" he asked.

"Sure," said Gibbs, "Why wouldn't it be?"

"History," said John. "I remember when Tony first came here. After you two had had a falling out."

"Water under the bridge," said Gibbs.

"If you say so," said John. He turned his attention to Tali, "Come on, Tali. You want to play with Kalev?"

Tali nodded and trotted over to the play area which John had set up and settled down to play.

"How long will she do that for?" asked Gibbs curiously.

"Not long," said John, "But I capture bits of her. Fortunately, I go for the unfinished look in my work."

"Hmm," said Gibbs, "The opposite of woodwork. That needs to be finished completely."

"Maybe that's why you like working with wood," said John thoughtfully.

"Eh?"

"Because you need to be in control. I don't, so I can let the painting be sort of unfinished … people can look at it and finish it themselves."

Gibbs didn't respond to that but looked at Sutherland's latest work in progress, "It's strange …"

John wasn't oversensitive about criticism of his work but this struck him as odd, "What do you mean?"

"I don't always see a likeness between Tali and DiNozzo … but you've caught it in your picture. It's good."

John looked pleased. "Guess it's the investigator in you," he said.

"Trained to observe," said Gibbs. "Can I leave Tali with you?"

"Sure. Will Tony come pick her up?"

"Don't know," said Gibbs. "He'll let me know. If he can't, I'll come back."

John looked at Gibbs curiously; it was unlike Tony not to have made firm arrangements about Tali but he decided not to probe further. Somehow he knew it would be a waste of time anyway. He returned to trying to capture the essence of Tali.

Gibbs walked down to the water's edge after leaving John. He sat on the sand and watched the waves lapping on the shore. It had felt good to work with Tony again; he had forgotten the feeling of having Tony's solid presence backing him up although, truthfully, this time it had been him backing Tony up.

FLASHBACK

Gibbs and Tony watched as several figures emerged from the Pink House and marched towards them. Tony, mindful that Gibbs was unarmed, drew his own weapon as he decided that he would go on the offensive rather than playing a waiting game.

As the new arrivals got closer Gibbs saw that there were two men in the lead with a couple of youths in their mid to late teens behind them.

"You're trespassing," said the older of the two men.

"You need to leave now," said his companion.

"I'm a police officer," said Tony, "And this is Agent Gibbs of Naval Criminal Investigative Service."

"Navy?" said the first man. "What's he got to do with us?"

"What are you doing here?" asked Tony as he decided to ignore the question.

"Nothing," came the reply.

"A lot of you here doing nothing," observed Tony.

"We're thinking of buying the place," said the older man. "We were looking it over." He smiled pleasantly, "Greg Fletcher. Good to know the local police are on the alert. This is my business partner, Sam Jones."

"Not sure that Sam knew that's his name," said Gibbs who had noticed the expression on Sam's face."

Tony grinned at Gibbs' remark but didn't turn to look at him and didn't lower his weapon. "We heard banging," he said. "What's going on?"

Fletcher laughed, "I dropped something," he said.

"What did you drop?" asked Tony. "The house is empty. Nothing there to drop."

"A piece of equipment," said Fletcher.

"What sort of equipment?" asked Gibbs.

"Surveying kit," said Sam. "We're taking measurements."

"You're serious about buying the place then?" said Tony.

Gibbs looked across at Tony wondering if he was beginning to buy the story.

"Absolutely," said Fletcher, "it's a wonderful house. So much potential."

"I guess," said Tony thoughtfully. His eyes scanned the teenagers who were clustered behind Fletcher and Sam. "And you brought people with you."

"That's right. I'm thinking of setting up a school here. I thought it would be a good idea to bring some youngsters along. See what they thought of the place."

"Good idea," approved Tony. He looked at one of the boys, "Is that right, Michael?"

Michael shifted uncomfortably. He looked at Fletcher, who smiled at him encouragingly, and then at the other boy.

"Michael?" prompted Tony.

"No," said Michael after another few moments of hesitation. "No, I don't know what they're up to. But I don't think it's a school."

Tony took his cell out of his pocket and called up a number before passing it to Gibbs. "Gibbs, I've just called Milsom Bay police station. When they answer, tell them we need some help. No!" he added as Fletcher stepped forwards, "Stay where you are. Boys, come and stand by Agent Gibbs."

Tony's gun and Gibbs' glare were enough to subdue Sam and Fletcher and they waited quietly enough until reinforcements arrived to take them away.

"You coming, Gibbs?" asked Tony as he prepared to follow the local police officers.

"No," said Gibbs, "It's not Navy business."

END FLASHBACK

It had been almost comical, Gibbs remembered, to see Tony's jaw drop open in astonishment at Gibbs' refusal but he had quickly recovered and simply asked Gibbs to collect Tali and deliver her to John. Gibbs appreciated the restraint but didn't think Tony would rein in his curiosity for long.

Gibbs continued to sit watching the waves gradually recede as the tide went out and he finally became aware that his knee was stiffening up and that he was in need of more caffeine. He was about to stand up when he heard the sound of shifting sand behind him.

"John said you'd be out here," said Tony.

"Huh," said Gibbs.

"He also said he forgot to offer you any coffee. So, I'm guessing you'll need this," said Tony holding out a travel mug.

"Thanks," said Gibbs. "Really should get one of these."

"I'm surprised you haven't got a house full of them," said Tony. "Mind if I join you?"

"I don't own the beach," said Gibbs.

Tony decided to take this as an invitation and lowered himself down beside Gibbs. "I wasn't sure," he said.

"Sure about what?"

"Whether you wanted me around. After you passed on coming to the station."

"Like I said, wasn't my jurisdiction. Unless you're going to tell me different?" replied Gibbs.

"No," Tony sighed. "Fletcher and Jones are doing up the Pink House."

"You mean they're legit?" asked Gibbs in surprise.

"Oh no," said Tony, "They find places like this … big, remote and empty. And they use them as temporary accommodation."

"For what?"

"I guess you could say they're like pop-up dens of iniquity," said Tony.

"Dens of what?" asked Gibbs.

"You know the sort of thing … well, probably not personally but you'll have heard of them. Prostitution, drugs, gambling. They bring clients in by sea and they give them what they want away from prying police eyes," said Tony.

"And they really were doing the place up?"

"Yeah, adding a couple of chandeliers. Temporary bar. King size beds. I think they were going for the Folies Bergère look. Not really my taste."

"They haven't done any damage, have they?" asked Gibbs as he remembered the beauty of the Pink House he had previously admired.

"No. They were going more for a furnishing look," said Tony. "No actual paint involved."

"What were the boys there for? You seemed to know at least one of them," said Gibbs.

"Remember I said about the petty vandalism and the local youth using the place as their haunt of choice?" Gibbs nodded. "Well, Fletcher and Jones sort of hired them to do some of the work. Getting them involved meant that they weren't going to get interrupted by teenagers having a rave. And once they got sucked in, well, it was difficult for them to get out of it. I think Michael was almost glad to see us."

"So, it's all wrapped up?"

Tony sighed again. "Nope. Fletcher and Jones are just small fry doing what they're told. The first big party is going to be held tonight. And the man in charge is going to be there."

"You organising a raid?" asked Gibbs.

"Yeah, Milsom Bay police chief thinks I'm best qualified to organise it," said Tony. "It's not the sort of thing that happens very often around here."

"He's right," said Gibbs, "You'll do a good job."

"You want in?" asked Tony. "I can swing it, you know. Could use your input."

Gibbs hesitated, "No. You'll do fine."

Tony's jaw didn't drop open this time but he still looked puzzled. "What's going on, Gibbs? Never known you turn a chance to catch a bad guy."

Gibbs shrugged, "It's not Navy. Unless you're expecting some admirals to show up tonight.?"

"I'll be sure to let you know," said Tony grumpily. He looked out to sea for a moment or two before asking, "Have I screwed something up for you?"

"What?"

"You know, catching these scumbags – has it stopped you catching the guys you were really after?"

"No."

"You sure? And it's not like Baltimore all those years ago, when you got Danny and me to arrest you so you'd get credibility?"

"No, nothing like that," said Gibbs.

"Then I don't get what you're doing here," said Tony. "Oh, God, nobody's died, have they?" he asked in sudden alarm.

"What?"

"I can count on the finger of one hand the number of times you've voluntarily taken leave," said Tony, "And most of them have been because you were going to a funeral. Who's died?"

"Nobody's died," said Gibbs.

"You sure?" pressed Tony.

Gibbs directed a half-hearted glare at Tony, "Well, if I had my gun you might be a candidate," he said.

"OK, so nobody's died. That's good. You're not ill, are you?"

"Why would you think that?" asked Gibbs.

"'Cos you're scaring me here, Gibbs," said Tony. "So, tell me. Are you sick?"

Gibbs sighed and was about to answer when they were interrupted, "Abba, Abba," came Tali's voice. Tony spun around and saw Tali and John coming towards them.

"Hey, pumpkin," said Tony. He got to his feet and swept her up in a hug. "Er, John, I thought you were the one doing the painting. Why is my daughter covered in paint?" he said as he held Tali at arm's length.

"She wanted to have a go," said John, "It's important not to stifle artistic talent, you know."

"Abba, look!" said Tali as she thrust a piece of paper towards Tony.

Tony put Tali down and gingerly took the sopping wet piece of paper, "It's great," he said.

Gibbs whispered in his ear, "Don't ask her what it is," he warned.

Tony closed the mouth he had obviously just opened to ask that very question. He nodded and said instead, "Lovely colours, Tali."

"It's you," said Tali.

"It is? It is," said Tony as he canted his head to see if it looked better from another angle. "I'm big," he commented as he realised that Tali had filled every inch of the paper.

Tali nodded happily.

"Tell me, John," said Tony, "Does this paint come out of hair?"

"It will come out fine," said John serenely. "Might take a couple of tries but it will be fine."

"Thank you for looking after her," said Tony politely as he tried to find a way to stop Tali transferring the paint to him as she grabbed hold of his hand. "Come on, Jackson Pollock," he said to his daughter, "Let's get you into the bath. Then you're going to have a sleepover at Millie's."

"Ruskin come too?" she asked hopefully.

"Sure. The more the merrier. And Gibbs will be there too. As he doesn't want to come play with Abba."

NCISNCIS

Gibbs didn't sleep well that night. Logically he knew that Millie's café was too far away from the Pink House for him to hear anything but it didn't stop him lying awake on the alert for any noise. He kept telling himself that Tony had probably been on lots of missions like this since he had left NCIS but he hadn't known about them so hadn't had to worry about them. Towards dawn, he had just fallen asleep when he heard someone using a key to come into the café. Guessing that it might be Tony he slipped out of his room and went downstairs.

"Hey," said Tony, "I was trying not to wake anyone. Sorry."

Gibbs switched a light on. "You OK?" He peered at Tony who looked pale and tired, and wet. "Why are you wet?"

"Funny thing," said Tony, "The Pink House is right by the sea. You know, that thing full of water?"

"Ha ha," said Gibbs. "What happened?"

"Percival Pratt made a run for it," said Tony.

"You've just made that up," said Gibbs.

"Nope. That's probably why he turned to a life of crime. He didn't stand a chance with a name like that. It was predestined. Although his careers adviser should probably have suggested that he just change his name. Thank you, Boss," he added as Gibbs delivered a head slap to stop him rambling.

"And this Pratt was the ringleader?" asked Gibbs.

"Yep. Didn't look like a master criminal but I guess that's an advantage in the master criminal world. He snuck away and got into the motor launch. I was the one who spotted him and I managed to stop him. But, it involved …"

"Getting into the thing full of water," suggested Gibbs.

"You were always good at joining the dots," said Tony wearily.

"And it went to plan?" asked Gibbs.

"Some punches were thrown," said Tony, "I might be going to have a black eye in the morning … later today. Which is going to look great in the baptism photos. And I think I twisted my knee throwing myself into the boat. But, on the whole, it all went to plan. I reckon we put a stop to something very unpleasant. A good night's work."

"You finished?"

"What?"

"I mean, you got to write up any reports? Anything else to organise?" said Gibbs.

"No, the chief was happy for me to be there just as adviser. I've just got to write up a statement but Milsom Bay police will do the paperwork."

"And take the credit," said Gibbs drily.

"They're welcome to it," said Tony, "I just want to spend the weekend with my daughter. And the chief will tell my chief. It all works out in the end."

"Did you get anyone to look at your knee?" asked Gibbs, "And that eye?"

"Who are you?" asked Tony.

"What?"

"Don't remember you ever being this caring when I worked for you!"

"Well, did you?" pressed Gibbs.

"What, work for you? Don't you remember? I thought I was more memorable than that."

"You know what I mean," said Gibbs sternly. "Has anyone looked at your knee?"

"No," said Tony a little sulkily, "But I know what's the matter with it." He looked up and encountered Gibbs' glare. "OK, I'll go see Doc Murray when the clinic opens. And Ducky will be here later today. You know how he loves to practise."

"Well, see that you do," said Gibbs firmly as he resolved to ensure that Tony did as he had promised.

"Yes, Dad," said Tony cheekily.

"What you doing here, anyway?" asked Gibbs.

"I thought I'd wait until Tali wakes up. Which won't be long, she doesn't sleep late. And then I'll head home with her. If I go home now I'll fall asleep."

"Tony?" came Millie's voice, "Is everything all right? I heard voices."

"Sorry, Millie. I didn't mean to wake everyone up," said Tony.

"Don't be silly. Can I get you anything?" asked Millie.

"Coffee?" said Tony hopefully, "But I don't want to be a nuisance."

"Nonsense, I'd have been up in a few minutes anyway. But I don't think you should have coffee. You look as if you need your bed."

"Believe me," said Tony, "Coffee will be fine. It'll keep me awake just long enough to get home."

Millie tutted but went away. A couple of minutes later Gibbs and Tony could hear the sounds of breakfast being cooked. "That woman is a goddess," said Tony reverently.

Coffee, bacon and eggs soon arrived as did an idea from Millie.

"Tony, you need your sleep. Finish your breakfast, go up and say hello to Tali and then go home. I'll keep Tali here until you're awake again. No," she said as she held up a hand to prevent Tony from speaking, "You can't watch Tali when you're asleep. She can help me frost the Christening cake."

Tony blinked. He remembered Tali's artistic endeavour of the previous day and grimaced at the thought of what she would do to a cake but he recognised that Millie was, as usual, right.

"OK," he agreed. "I won't be long."

"You'll be as long as you need to be," said Millie firmly. She looked at him more closely, "And I'll get Doc Murray to make a house call," she added.

Gibbs suppressed a smile as he tucked into his breakfast.

"And Agent Gibbs will take you home," ordered Millie.

"Yes, ma'am," said Gibbs raising his coffee mug in a salute.

NCISNCIS

"Sit," ordered Tony when he and Gibbs arrived at Tony's cabin.

"You need your sleep," demurred Gibbs.

"I'm wired," said Tony, "The walk and the fresh air have woken me up again. I'll probably crash soon, but not yet."

"You need anything?" asked Gibbs as he looked around Tony's living space.

"No, I'm good," said Tony. "No, that's not true, I'm not good."

"What's wrong?" asked Gibbs.

"You know damn well what's wrong!" snapped Tony.

"There's nothing wrong," insisted Gibbs.

"So you're telling me you're not down here for a case?"

"That's right."

"And you're not pursuing some personal vendetta or crusade that you don't want anyone else involved in?"

"No."

"And nobody's died?"

"I'm sure lots of people have died, but nobody that I know."

"And that's not a misdirect?" asked Tony cautiously.

"No, it's not a misdirect."

"Then you're ill?"

"No."

"Then what are you doing here?"

"Why can't I just be here on vacation?" asked Gibbs.

"Hey, you remember the conversation we just had about you and vacations? You don't do them. And besides, McGee didn't know where you were."

"You been checking up on me?" asked Gibbs.

"No. Well, yes. You have to admit that it's hinky you being here."

"What did McGee say?"

"Nothing. He said he couldn't say anything but he sounded surprised you were down here. What's going on, Jethro?"

"You know the new Director?" said Gibbs.

"No, not personally. Never met her," said Tony.

"That's the thing," said Gibbs.

"What thing?"

"I don't know her either. She's a new broom. Nobody knows her," said Gibbs.

"And that's significant … why?" asked Tony.

"Think!"

Tony rubbed his eyes tiredly and this seemed to have an effect. "Oh!" he said, "You haven't got any history with her!"

"No."

"But you've got history with everyone in NCIS," said Tony thoughtfully. "You always manage to get people to see things your way. Even if they don't want to."

"Not with Button," said Gibbs gloomily.

"You mean you can't work the Gibbs magic with her?" said Tony incredulously. Gibbs shook his head. "Wow," said Tony, "That's something outside our experience. This is … life changing. Epic. The end of life as we know it. It's …"

"You finished?" asked Gibbs coldly.

"Shutting up, Gibbs," said Tony.

"I worked a case with Carrie Clark last year," said Gibbs. "She had a Petty Officer as a client. I was helping him out."

"Yes …?"

"And I slapped him," said Gibbs.

"A head slap?" asked Tony.

"No, across the face."

"Across the face? I thought you said that was humiliating?"

"He really made me angry. And I hit him again. Carrie was shocked."

"Not surprised," said Tony. "Did anything happen?"

"Vance saw the footage of the interview," said Gibbs.

"You did it at NCIS?" demanded Tony.

Gibbs shrugged. "Anyway, Vance put a reprimand in my file."

"And that's why you're down here?" asked Tony.

"Acting Director Button saw the entry," said Gibbs. "She told me she didn't think it was a severe enough sanction."

"But she couldn't do anything about it?" prompted Tony.

"No, but she made it clear that she didn't approve," said Gibbs, "And she said she wouldn't be so lenient if it happened on her watch."

"Gibbs, you didn't face slap someone else, did you?"

"No. But she caught me head slapping McGee."

"And?"

"She's suspended me for two weeks. On full pay, because she found out that I've been doing it for years. And it hasn't been announced. People just think I'm on vacation."

"Except McGee," said Tony.

"Except McGee. He's Senior Field Agent so he has to know. But the agreement was that I'd leave DC and not contact anyone from NCIS."

"You not staying for the baptism?" asked Tony in alarm.

"She's given permission for that," said Gibbs.

"Why did she suspend you?" asked Tony, "And on full pay?"

"She says that she doesn't want to punish me but give me a chance to reflect on my working practices and how they conform to modern expectations."

"Wow," said Tony.

"Everything's changing, nothing's the same, Tony," said Gibbs.

"What you going to do?" asked Tony.

Gibbs paused and looked out of the window before saying, "Reflect on my working practices and how they conform to modern expectations?"

Gibbs continued to gaze out of the window for a few moments as he waited for Tony to reply. When he was met by continued silence he turned back and grinned as he saw that Tony had indeed crashed and was fast asleep. He got up, manoeuvred Tony's legs up on couch so that he was lying down. He threw an afghan over him.

"Sleep well, Tony," he said as he patted his head before leaving the cabin.

AN: I decided to run with Agent 222's observation that Gibbs usually only takes vacation when he has to go to a funeral.

And I was shocked when I saw the season 13 episode 'Day in Court' when Gibbs slapped the Petty Officer in the face in interrogation. I wanted there to be a consequence for that.