Sec Nav: None of your other team members need to know.
Tony wasn't sure what landed him in front of Gibbs house, shortly after leaving NCIS. It could've been fear, guilt or some actual sense, but either way, there he was.
He entered through the unlocked door to find Gibbs walking in from the kitchen with two beers in his hand.
"Expecting me or double fisting?"
Gibbs only set the bottle on the table in response and sat down.
Tony took to pacing instead. "Ya know how sometimes there were things I've wanted to tell you, but I haven't and you end of finding out anyhow…then there's all this guilt and shame…and you're potentially pissed at me?"
He watched him nod.
"Then usually you teach me a lesson, or it blows up in my face…literally…" He cringed at the memory. "So I'd rather not put you or myself through that again…"
"Well that's a relief."
He finally sat down. "I know the past week hasn't been easy boss, and I know I haven't exactly been perfect in your eyes lately…"
"DiNozzo…"
"The point? Right. Sorry." He swallowed. "You see…"
"You're going undercover."
"How did…"
"It's not my first rodeo…or yours…" He examined him. "Barrett?"
Tony nodded. "I'm not sure what's more shocking…that you're right or that you already knew."
"You alright?"
He hadn't expected that to be the next question, but replied in stride. "I'm fine…but I'm getting ready to do it again…"
Gibbs agreed. "Rule number ten."
"I've been having a hard time with the rules lately huh boss?" He didn't get a response. "You think I can do this?"
"You? No."
Tony didn't respond.
It was then Gibbs stood up and moved towards the stairs. "Rule 15." He started to ascend before gesturing towards the front door. "Lock up on your way out?"
And Tony was left with two simple answers from two simple statements.
Always work as a team.
And the second as he locked the door behind him…
Things change.