Title: Comfy leather chairs. Author: SA3466996. Rating: T, PG-13. Category: Friendship. Genre: Gen. Pairing: None. Character(s): Gibbs, DiNozzo. Summary: Small gestures go a long way. Spoilers: Vague references to S7.10 Faith. Disclaimer: NCIS characters belong to Bellisario, CBS and Paramount. No copyright infringement intended.

AN: Based on 'Try a little tenderness' by Otis Redding (3:52). 481 words. This is the other one that I went over time on. Again, I'm really sorry. *ducks another head slap*

Twenty hundred hours. He really ought to go home. Get something to eat. Sleep. Check in on his dad at least. Gibbs rubbed at his tired eyes with the heels of his palms and then raised his head to look across the bullpen. The light from the desk lamp lit up his second's face and Gibbs suddenly realised how tired his senior field agent looked. Normally he'd be well aware of all his team, their physical and mental states but he'd been preoccupied of late. He'd worried about Ziva's divided loyalty. Abby's disappearance had rocked them all. His father. Gibbs hadn't looked at Tony recently. Really looked.

Studying him now, he knew that things weren't okay. Things weren't fine and dandy with his senior field agent. They'd all been through a lot these past 12 months. Tony too. Some of it his own doing; some of it forced upon him. But that was Tony's job. And it would continue to be his job. He looked tired though. Thinking about it, Tony had lost that sparkle in his eyes, the cheek in his voice. It was easy to miss the almost inaudible sigh in response to an order or a half hearted—and oft whispered—'Yes Boss' instead of the usual 'On it.'

Something was troubling his agent but Tony wasn't one for long winded conversations – at least not when he was sober. Usually, at this time of year, he'd try to take DiNozzo's mind off his thoughts and on the job by piling on the work. Tony didn't seem to mind. He'd complain to the others but it was all an act. Or so Gibbs thought. Maybe it was time for a change.

"DiNozzo," he called across the squad room.

"Almost done, Boss."

"Go home. Get some sleep. Go... hook up."

Tony hesitated but then began powering down his computer and packing away his things. Gibbs took a moment to rub his eyes a second time, waiting for his own desktop to shut down but on looking up found Tony standing in front of his desk.

"There's a bar. Not far. Comfy chairs, low music. They do all kinds of bourbon. I'm buying."

Gibbs contemplated Tony's offer. He didn't want to dismiss Tony's gesture but he was concerned about his dad back at the house.

"We can pick him up," Tony offered. "Comfy leather seats. Leave your car here. I'll drive."

Gibbs smiled. Not bad, DiNozzo.

"Okay."

"C'mon, Gibbs. You could do with going somewhere other than your basement. Those steps are not comfy. They're cold. Jackson shouldn't have to—"

"Tony! I said okay," Gibbs interrupted before DiNozzo could say anything he might regret later. "I'll let him know we're on the way. Go on," he said rising from his chair, ushering Tony towards the elevator. "Go get your car."

"On it, Boss."