Tony: Boss? One short?
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The bull pen was an eerie quiet that particular evening. Even Abby had managed to stay quiet as she sat dumbfounded in Ziva's desk chair. It wasn't long after quitting time that McGee was able to convince her to leave with him…leaving the bull pen in an even more eerie silence, despite the two remaining occupants.
"What happened on the run way?"
Gibbs looked up slowly. "Silence was killing you huh?"
"Bad enough I had to endure the entire plane ride home…but you can't keep me wondering forever boss…"
"I cant?"
"Well you can…but you won't right?" His eyes were tired but they still managed to plead with his counterpart. "I cared about her too boss…"
"I know," he said almost to himself before contemplating his response. "She asked for one of you to be transferred…end of story."
"She still didn't trust me?"
"Would you in her shoes?" Gibbs countered, but still managed to come across smoothly. "You did what you had to do…sometimes the consequences are hard to live with."
"Speaking from experience?" Tony prodded but was quick to continue. "I know it must've been hard boss….choosing me instead of her…"
Gibbs didn't respond.
"Anyway…I guess I'll see you in the morning…one short."
Gibbs watched him gather his things and made his way over. "What happened today…not your fault."
Tony managed a smirk. "Yeah, sure." It was then his head was thrust forward hard. "Deserved that."
"What you deserve is to be taken at your word…"
"Not by everyone…"
"Your word is your word…doesn't matter who believes it." He pointed towards the elevator. "Now go home…straight home."
Tony smiled slowly. "No bourbon for me tonight boss…my drug is a 6'4 Hawaiian PI in a red Ferrari…"
Gibbs didn't smile, knowing full well that an escape was an escape, no matter what the label. "See you in the morning." He watched Tony leave before lingering in front of Ziva's desk and concluding in a whisper. "One short…"