Leroy Jethro Gibbs didn't do subtle. Nor did he care to try.
"Have a nice chat with Sec Nav?"
It had been a full minute since Tony had come downstairs and sat at his desk. "Define chat?"
Gibbs only stared.
"Cuz chat to your standards is like three words…and there were definitely more than three words spoken. Although I was at a loss of words at one point." He paused. "I used the word, word a lot just now…" He instantly rubbed the back of his head. "Sorry boss."
"Anything you wanna share DiNozzo?"
"Want to… cant."
It was simple, and Gibbs was all too familiar with that equation. "Take two eh Tony?"
"Nice director metaphor boss."
Gibbs was silent.
"Look, I know you're worried…" he caught his glare. "Not that you worry, but if you did, this would probably be a good time to worry…not that there's anything to worry about."
"Comforting."
Tony took in a breath. "He gave me an assignment. I can handle it."
"Like you handled the last one?"
"Words can hurt boss."
"So can the truth DiNozzo…" he looked away for a moment. "Just promise me you'll clue me in before I go the scene of your alleged death."
He knew Gibbs was expressing concern, even through the sarcasm. "I will."
"Good."
Tony watched him walk away, and started to absorb the last ten minutes of his life; only to realize yet again, how quickly things can change…