Chapter 5
Disclaimer: See previous
spoilers to Minimum Security
Tension: it permeated the air nearly squeezing the life out of the two men preparing for the elevator ride up. it had been a mere day or so since their excursion with Agent Paula Cassidy. Over the past few days, Gibbs made his wishes about Rule 12 clearly known, but Tony being Tony was stubborn. Two can play this game, thought Gibbs as the two men entered the welcoming elevator doors. As the doors swished before them, it took a mere few minutes before one of them pushed the emergency stop button.
"What's your deal with me, Gibbs?"
Gibbs turned to face the younger man head on.
"You know damn well what 'the deal' is..." he emphasized with quotations.
"Paula is not even on our team..."
"She's still an agent..."
"So you're telling me you're happier knowing I have one night stands whose names I can' remember half the time or no one for that matter than someone I might have a future with because she's an agent?"
The words spilled rapidly from the younger man's lips before he realized how much information he had shared. He felt his cheeks burned furiously and his hand went to slam on the button when Gibbs grabbed him roughly halting the action.
"There are rules for a reason, DiNozzo." The words came out softly.
Tony turned to face the senior agent, his hair falling into his eyes , eyes bright, making him look vulnerable.
"Your rules, Gibbs. Not mine."
Tony pulled his hand away. Gibbs pinched the bridge of his nose with his thumb and forefinger in despair.
"Things don't always turn out the way you like... God forbid, what if you two were working a case and she gets shot in front of you. What would you do? Assess the situation or go to your lover?"
Tony continued to stare directly unflinching into Gibb's blue eyes. He really took a good look and saw something else there, rarely seen.
"You were hurt before weren't you, Gibbs?"
Gibbs surpressed a twitch.
"Better to distance yourself, Tony. You'll be a better agent for it."
Tony smiled wryly.
" A better agent, but what about a better man? Are you telling me that you keep everyone at arm's length? Ducky, Abby? " more softly. "Me?"
Gibbs took a deep breath knowing that his next words would be the final straw as he stepped into his senior agent's face but that for Tony's own sake they needed to be said.
"DiNozzo. Think with your other head for a change. Rule 12 stands."
Tony hit the emergency button allowing the elevator to continue its ascension.
"I'm not thinking with my head at all. " He dropped his eyes for a moment gathering strength.
"I'm thinking with my heart."
Their eyes met. Tony's face fell hating to disappoint his boss.
"I can't be like that Gibbs... living everyday with no one to care about."
The ding of the elevator caught them both off guard. Tony stepped out of the elevator leaving Gibbs behind. He paused allowing he door to remain open.
"Besides. It's too late, Boss. I already care about the team" He took a deep breath"....about you." He let the door close as he stepped away his back facing Gibbs.
Gibbs stopped the door allowing it to reopen watching his surrogate son walk away.
He whispered to himself. " It's too late for me too, Tony."
I know not a totally happy ending but even fathers and sons fight, right? a bit short but I wanted to update since I hadn't RL and all Please review! I really love them!