Author's Note: Sorry for the long delay. Hope this makes up for it.

XXIII

The atmosphere in the bullpen was tense. It had been two days since they had left Tony in Paris and they were upset for different reasons.

Gibbs was upset because he thought Tony was being stubborn and didn't have his head on straight, McGee was upset because Gibbs was taking his anger out mostly on him and he couldn't help but being mad at Tony for that, and Kate was upset because Tony had decided not to return with them and consequently lessening her chances of being with him.

The back elevator opened and a very gloomy looking Abby stepped out. Kate gave her a half smile.

"Did Tony call?" Abby asked Kate sadly standing right in front of her desk.

Kate shook her head.

Abby sighed, "Do you wanna go grab some lunch?" she asked.

Kate nodded affirmative.

"McGee?"

"Sure Abs." McGee answered standing up.

McGee paused halfway to a standing position. Kate and Abby looked over to him questioningly and saw that he was staring behind them in the direction of the main elevators. They both turned to see what he was looking at and froze.

"Tony," Kate managed to croak out after a few moments of shocked silence.

"I guys," Tony said giving them an awkward half smile.

At that moment Gibbs walked from around the corner carrying his usual cup of coffee and snarled upon seeing Tony.

"I thought you weren't coming back DiNozzo." Gibbs said pushing past the younger man and heading to his desk.

Tony giggled uncomfortably and shrugged, "Things change," he said trying to sound nonchalant.

"Damn it DiNozzo," Gibbs said slamming his fist down on his desk, "you don't just get t…"

He was cut off by a cough from overhead. They all looked up to see Director Sheppard.

She made a come here signal with her head and Gibbs started to move towards the stairs only to stop as he watched Tony start up the stairs towards her.

"What do you think that's about Gibbs?" Abby asked after Jenny and Tony had disappeared in the Director's office.

Gibbs shrugged, "Beats me." he said and took his seat behind his desk.

In the Director's Office

"It's nice to finally meet you Agent DiNozzo," Jenny said ushering Tony to a seat in front of her desk.

"Same here Madam Director," Tony said and watched as she grimaced.

"Director Sheppard, Director or even ma'am, but please never madam." she told him.

Tony grinned, "Yes ma'am." he said.

Jenny smiled back at him, "So, how is your arm?" she asked, "Have you been keeping up with your exercises."

Tony was taken aback, "You been keeping tracks on me Director?" he asked her.

Jenny laughed, "I tend to want to keep an active interest in the well being of my agents," she said, "especially those who are considered to be the best in the field."

Tony blushed, "So does that mean I still have a job here?" he asked.

"If you still want a job here," Jenny told him.

Tony nodded, "Of course," he told her.

Jenny smiled, "Well then Special Agent Anthony DiNozzo you are reinstated to the MCRT and if Agent Gibbs have a problem with that I'm more than prepared to offer you your own team." she told him.

"Thank you ma'am." Tony thanked her sincerely.

"I heard your second visit to Tel Aviv wasn't a pleasant on," Jenny said somewhat amused as she leaned back in her chair.

Tony groaned and looked at her questioningly.

"I have friends everywhere," she told him answering his unspoken question.

Tony sighed, "I have been trying not to think about it ma'am." he told her.

Jenny chuckled, "You may leave." she told him, "I'll see you around Tony. I can call you Tony can't I."

Tony nodded, "Yes on both counts," he told her and quickly made his way out of her office.

Back in the bullpen

McGee, Kate and Abby had gathered around Kate's desk. The three friends kept their eyes glued to the catwalk and so they saw immediately when he came bounding out of the Director's office and down the stairs.

This time Abby didn't hesitate to pull him into a great bear hug.

"Tony I missed you soooooooooooooooo much." she said bouncing in place, "I'm sooooooooooo happy you came back."

"Easy Abs," he said hugging her.

She released him and he turned to McGee and Kate, "Kate, McGoo! You missed me?"

McGee rolled his eyes, "Strangely enough I actually did," he said patting Tony on the back.

Kate nodded, "Are you back for good?" she him.

"If it's ok with you boss." Tony answered looking over at Gibbs.

"Gear is already on your desk DiNozzo," Gibbs said and got up to leave, he walked passed Tony and head slapped him, "Never pull a stunt like that again." I called over his shoulder as her walked away.

"I won't!" Tony called after him.

Tony walked over to his desk and picked up his badge and gun.

"I wonder how boss man does that?" Abby asked causing all of them to laugh.

"We were just going to get some lunch," Kate told Tony, "Are you coming?"

Tony nodded and the four of them headed out.

As the elevator doors closed and the car began it's descent Abby said, "Did I mention how happy I'm that you're back?"

Tony grinned, even though he had reluctantly agreeded to return to D.C. he was still glad he was home.

Author's Note: Alright I know what you are thinking but don't worry it's still Tiva and next chapter will be a flashback to why Tony returned to D.C. instead of staying with Ziva in Israel.