Filler and tag for "Vanished."

This is a combination of scenes between different character pairings: McGee/Tony, Kate/Tony, Kate/McGee, and Gibbs/Tony, but with sort of a common theme.

"Partners"

A road trip with one very ticked-off Probie was not anywhere near the top of Tony's list of things he'd wanted to do today, yet here he found himself driving back to DC from Smoky Corners, West Virginia with a pouty Agent McGee in the passenger seat.

This case was trying everyone's patience, particularly the continued hours-long drives back and forth between their crime scenes in West Virginia, or "the sticks" as he'd affectionately begun to think of it, and the Navy Yard. Though you'd never know it, Tony was perhaps the most frustrated of all. He never thought he'd be longing for a few hours in the car with Gibbs, but since most of his trips had required him to be paired with either Kate or McGee, the thought now occurred to him that a quiet ride with his boss, in spite of the fear for his life which often accompanied those trips, would still be a welcome reprieve. At least that form of silence had become somewhat comfortable, unlike the current tension, so thick he was practically having difficulty breathing.

After the Brett Evans case, where his more junior partners had continually compared him with their suspect, Tony had decided to handle the situation by attempting to get to know his teammates a bit better. And, he hoped, in turn to give them an opportunity to learn that he truly was not psychotic. Unfortunately, it seemed no matter what he did, he was offending one of them, and the long hours in close proximity had greatly exacerbated the situation. Not one to be easily discouraged, Tony decided to try again with the Probie.

"So, it looks like Sikes left his trailer in a hurry. What do you think happened?"

McGee looked up at him briefly, as if considering whether or not to answer, and then sullenly turned back towards the window. Still, Tony charged forward.

"And, what could the connection be to Captain Newell? Is there a connection with our missing Captain? C'mon, Probie, what's your theory?"

"Gee, Tony, I don't know why you're asking me. Like you said, you will always outrank me. Shouldn't you be the one coming up with the theory?"

Still mad at me. Tony had played what he'd felt was a good-natured prank on the other man. It had been aimed as much at Abby as McGee. Her obsession with crop circles and aliens, paired with McGee's obsession with doing anything to please her, had been providing ample entertainment since the beginning of this case. The alien mask had been easy to find, what with Halloween coming up in a few weeks, and when he'd realized Abby had tricked McGee into searching the field for "evidence" of the paranormal, Tony simply couldn't pass up the opportunity. He had expected the younger man to be slightly annoyed at first, but had hoped the annoyance would turn to amusement eventually, and maybe even the chance to talk McGee into transferring the joke onto Abby. But unfortunately, McGee had simply seen the prank as yet another occurrence of Tony trying to demean and demoralize him. At least it made Kate lighten up. For like 30 seconds.

"It was a joke, McGee. That's what teammates do. They joke, they tease, they laugh. They play pranks on each other. Haven't you ever seen "Stakeout"?" McGee's expression remained blank. "And, in case you haven't noticed, Gibbs makes fun of me all the time. And so does Kate."

"Not the way you do," Tim grumbled.

"Okay, I'll admit that my sense of humor takes some getting used to. But, really, Probie, I mean it when I say you need to learn to lighten up."

"Oh, so now I'm the one with the problem?"

"Partially, yeah. Look, I've been in law enforcement a lot longer than you have and – "

"Yes, so you love to keep reminding me."

"If you'd let me finish here, I'm actually trying to help you. I've seen a lot of really bad stuff, McGee, and you will too. You can't be so serious all the time, cause it'll drive you nuts. The pranks might seem dumb to you, but believe me, one day when you wrap up a case and the missing kid you've been searching for for days turns up dead and you have to tell the grieving parents you didn't get there in time, then you'll be thanking me for giving you a few moments in this job that don't totally suck."

McGee's expression had turned from irritation to amazement as he took in the meaning behind Tony's words. "Has that happened to you? I mean, finding a child, that way?"

"You mean dead, McGee?" Tony realized that had come out more harshly than he'd intended, so he made an effort to soften his tone before continuing. "Not since I've been with NCIS, but before, yeah. It's happened. And it stays with you, believe me."

"Wow, I'm… sorry, Tony. That's awful."

"All I'm trying to say is just…..try to laugh every now and then, Probie. It'll do you some good."

"I laugh. Abby makes me laugh all the time."

Tony smiled. "I'll bet she does. By the way, just so you know, that new tat she promised to show you for helping find all the alien stuff that isn't there? It's on her ankle. Kate told me."

"Her ankle?" McGee said in obvious disappointment. "Are you sure?"

"No, but I tend to believe Kate. You know how they talk."

"Yeah. I keep trying to tell Abby that crop circles are a hoax…"

"And yet you still say 'How high' every time she says 'Jump.'"

"I do not!"

"What do you call it, Probie? Seriously, I hate to say it cause Abby's my friend, but I think she's jerking you around a little bit. And you're letting her." Tony realized immediately he'd screwed things up again, just when it had seemed the hurt feelings had been smoothed over.

"Well, thanks, DiNozzo, but I really don't need your advice about Abby. I took my own advice last time instead of listening to yours and it worked out just fine, so I think I'll just ignore you again, thank you very much."

Tony sighed in frustration and decided it was time to drop it. For now.

Ok, Probie. But don't say I didn't try to warn you.

Once again, Tony had made the trek to Smoky Corners, this time with Kate as his companion. He was tired, and he'd crossed the line on their journey here by suggesting that his partner was perhaps "PMSing" as a way to explain her testy behavior regarding his every move. She had not been amused, but he'd received a reprieve when they'd come across Daphne Everett at the site of Greg Sikes' trailer, looking for her boyfriend. Sadly, they had broken the news to her that he was dead, likely at the hands of her father who it seemed had roughed her up a bit as well. The three of them were now settled in the trailer to await the arrival of Gibbs and McGee, and Kate had convinced the young woman, who was also 5 months pregnant, to lie down and get some rest.

"How's Daphne," Tony asked.

"Upset. Scared. Alone. But hopefully she can get some sleep now that we're here. Did you get a hold of Gibbs?"

"Yep. He and McGee are on their way here." It would take them at least a couple of hours to arrive, even with Gibbs' driving. Figuring he may as well try to relax himself for a while, Tony started to take his shoes off.

"Ewww, Tony. Are you seriously taking off your shoes?"

"Well, excuse me, Kate, but since we're gonna be here a while, I thought we could maybe take a break from being so uptight for just a few minutes."

"So, I'm being uptight just because I don't want to smell your stinky socks?"

"Feel free to take your shoes off, too. I won't complain."

"You know what? I think I'll just….leave the room. Let me know when Gibbs gets here."

I can't win. "It's a trailer, Kate. Where are you gonna go?"

"As far away from your feet as possible."

"No, Kate, don't go anywhere. I'll put my shoes back on." Reluctantly, Tony did as promised. Kate kept a suspicious eye on him before taking a nearby seat and pulling out a magazine to read while they were waiting.

Tony realized his partner wasn't in the mood to talk to him and he had absolutely nothing to do. He pulled out his phone to begin playing a game, but Kate looked up in irritation at the noise. Finally, he'd had enough.

"You know what, Kate. Someone should probably keep watch outside. Just in case."

"DiNozzo, that's the best idea you've had all day. And clearly it should be you, since Daphne is more comfortable with me."

Already in the process of standing up, Tony responded, "For once we agree. I was just going to suggest the same thing. I'll be on the porch if you need me."

"Don't get shot." She was wearing the smug smile, the one that said I won. At least Tony was getting to know her better in some ways. He had names for most of her facial expressions now. Most of them involved being angry with him.

With a sardonic smile in return, he walked out the door and settled down in the porch chair. Tony wasn't generally a nature lover, but the birds' company was looking more and more attractive by the minute.

"You don't know how relieved I am to be riding back with you." After a wild ride to Smoky Corners yesterday evening with Gibbs at the wheel, and a full day spent there today before Captain Newell had finally turned himself in, McGee had been thrilled when Gibbs had decided that he and Tony would escort Newell back to DC, leaving him to ride back with Kate.

"Oh, that's right. You got to experience Gibbs' driving. And you lived to tell about it," Kate teased with a knowing smile.

"Barely. Does he always drive like that?"

"Oh, no. Sometimes it's worse." McGee groaned in response, causing Kate to chuckle. "I'm glad to have a break from DiNozzo, too."

"You're mad at him, too? What'd he do to you?"

"I'm not really mad at him. He's just driving me crazy the past few days. Why are you mad at him?"

"You saw that stupid prank he pulled on me with the alien mask."

"That? Oh, c'mon, McGee. You have to admit it was just a little bit funny. He wasn't trying to be mean."

"He's awfully good at it, for someone who isn't trying."

"Tony's just still stuck in his college fraternity. You know, trying to relive the days of his youth. He's hazing you. Like one of his frat brothers."

"He said I needed to lighten up. I do have a sense of humor, you know."

"I don't doubt that, McGee. You have to give Tony credit for keeping things interesting, though."

"I suppose," the young man reluctantly admitted. "Can I ask you something?"

"Sure, McGee." Kate was slightly flattered thinking the junior agent was about to ask for her advice.

"Is Abby's tattoo really on her ankle?"

Not the question I was expecting. "Uh, yeah, McGee it is. I guess Tony told you?"

"I never know when to believe him."

"Well, he's telling you the truth this time. Abby never said where it was. You're the investigator. You have to learn to start asking the right questions."

DiNozzo was right, he thought with dismay. The only thing more upsetting than that was the realization that he'd been played.

By Abby.

After having been in hiding for days, Captain Newell had fallen asleep in the back seat of the sedan almost immediately.

Tony understood the temptation, feeling the exhaustion himself, both mental and physical. Instead of trying to sleep, he'd settled for leaning his head against the headrest and staring out the window. Not in such a rush this time, Gibbs' driving was much more subdued than when he'd had McGee as a passenger.

"Everything ok, DiNozzo?"

"Fine. Why do you ask, Boss?"

"You're not talking. Usually means something's wrong or you're asleep. And your eyes are open."

"I'm afraid to speak. I might offend someone."

"Kate, again?"

"Kate, McGee. Take your pick. Think they've both had enough of me."

"We've got time, Tony. Tell me what happened."

"Well, McGee's pretty easy to explain I guess. He just apparently hates my sense of humor and thinks I'm trying to make his life hell for my own personal pleasure."

"He'll figure it out. Give him time, Tony."

"I tried to explain to him why he needs to not be so serious all the time in a job like this one."

"And? Did it get through?"

"I thought so but then…" Tony had almost added the part of the conversation involving Abby, but realizing who he was talking to, he stopped himself in time. Gibbs had a special soft spot for the forensic scientist and Tony wasn't sure how he'd react to anything that might be considered a criticism of her behavior. "….I just think he's still upset with me."

"And what's going on with Kate?"

"Kate. Well, let's see, she just pretty much hates everything about me. I can't move without annoying her. Can't clip my nails or take my shoes off for a few minutes. It seems that I've gotten too 'comfortable' around her and that is a criminal activity, no matter how many long days we have to spend together in close quarters, because I'm supposed to be on my very best behavior every second of the day."

Gibbs thought back to his own partnership with Mike Franks. Long days spent together, sometimes trips overnight. They had been like brothers, establishing an easy rapport and familiarity with each other. For the first time, the Lead Agent realized that had probably been what Tony had become used to in Baltimore with his partner.

"Kate isn't Danny Price. You can't expect her to act the same way."

Tony visibly stiffened. "If you don't mind, Boss, I'd rather not ever hear that name again."

Over three years, and he still can't talk about it. For a betrayal to cut that deep, an equally deep trust and friendship must have been in existence. Now Gibbs was beginning to understand what Tony must have been missing over the past three years. It had taken this long for him to get Tony even somewhat comfortable with him. There hadn't been any real stability on their team until Kate had joined a year ago. Now, Gibbs had a team in place that, from a diversity of skills standpoint, was nearly perfect, one that he intended to keep intact for the long-term. Unfortunately, from a personality standpoint, he probably couldn't have picked three people any more different from each other. Tony was the only one of the three with a true law enforcement background. The young man was trying to reestablish something he'd had in other police departments with two people to whom the concept was almost completely foreign.

"I just meant that you can't remake Kate into one of your police department buddies. Maybe you're going about this the wrong way, Tony."

"Obviously, Boss. But I'm all out of ideas. Any suggestions?"

That was a tough one for Gibbs. He'd only had a female partner once himself, and Jenny had been….not Kate. And he'd completely mishandled that situation, hence the birth of Rule 12. And the thought of Rule 12 had Gibbs wondering how close he should even encourage Tony to get to his partner, though he couldn't honestly imagine two people as different as DiNozzo and Kate being tempted to break that particular rule. Still, stranger things had happened.

Nevertheless, while his two agents had come a long way in a year from where they had begun, there was still a lot to be desired in the partnership. They'd learned to tolerate each other, but were nowhere near understanding each other.

"Kate's stubborn. You can't just force her to accept your ways. You gotta give her a little of what she wants too."

"If I knew what she wanted, we wouldn't be having this conversation."

"Can't help much there. Divorced three times, remember, DiNozzo?"

"Oh, yeah. Forgot about that for a second there, Boss."

"So, what do you do when you're trying to get in the head of a suspect?"

"Very good thinking, Boss. Treat her like a suspect. I like it."

"Didn't say that, Tony. Don't put words in my mouth."

Now Tony was laughing. "But Boss, someone has to fill in the gaps."

It was good that the younger man was laughing. But for some reason, Gibbs had a bad feeling about how Tony was going to proceed with the advice he'd just provided.

All of them exhausted, they'd finally arrived at the Navy Yard. It was late and they were all getting ready to go to their homes for what they sincerely hoped would be a full night's sleep. Kate had made a stop in the ladies' room and Tony was at his desk wrapping up just a couple of things. Suddenly, he noticed Kate's purse sitting on top of her desk. Her PDA was sticking out just slightly. Her PDA. A wealth of information about Caitlin Todd. If she was a suspect, I'd be all over that.

He looked around and, when convinced he was alone in the bullpen, he quietly made his way over to her purse, carefully pulling out the PDA. He decided to start with her contacts. Hmmm. I don't see Dwayne's name in here. Come to think of it, she hasn't mentioned him or having a date in a while. They must've broken up. Maybe that's why she's been in such a bad mood. Scrolling down the list, he stopped at something that caught his attention. Martha's Garden Florists. Flowers. That's it! And she must really like them if they are in her contacts…

"DiNozzo! What do you think you're doing?"

"Boss! Uh, I was just…."

"Put Kate's PDA back in her purse. Now!"

"But, Boss.."

"Now, DiNozzo! I thought you were trying to make things better, not worse. You better not even be thinking about using something you found in there, got it?"

"Got it." Tony put the PDA back in its place before Kate got back and caught him.

Gibbs doesn't know what I looked at. And Kate will just think it's a coincidence. Or that maybe she mentioned Martha's Garden to me before and I am just especially observant. Which works in my favor…

Kate's expression turned from delighted to furious the minute Gibbs revealed that Tony had found the number for Martha's Garden by going through her PDA. Gibbs had expected her to be briefly angry with Tony, teaching him a lesson about disobeying his orders and going through Kate's things. Had he known what was going to occur next, though, he wouldn't have said anything at all to Kate.

In a display of pure spite, Kate took the lovely flowers out of their vase and unceremoniously dumped them into the trash, looking at Tony all the while. Then she marched out of the room, presumably heading towards the break room to cool off.

McGee, wide-eyed and stunned, looked from Tony to Gibbs and back again. Tony was wearing an almost devastated expression of hurt and surprise, while Gibbs, no longer laughing, was actually looking almost remorseful. The junior agent decided to slink back to his desk in the corner to avoid whatever else might be coming.

Once Tony recovered, he turned on Gibbs, completely forgetting the presence of Agent McGee. "Why did you tell her?" he accused.

"Because I told you not to go through Kate's things, and not for the first time, and I specifically told you not to use something you got off her PDA and you did it anyway, DiNozzo. You don't think she'd have figured it out on her own when she had time to think about it?"

Tony couldn't really argue with anything Gibbs had said. He had hoped that Kate would love the flowers so much that she wouldn't care where he'd gotten the information. But obviously he'd underestimated how much Kate valued her privacy. Somewhat petulantly, he said, "She didn't have to throw them away. They're perfectly nice flowers. And I meant for them to make her happy."

Feeling slightly guilty still, Gibbs advised, "Just stay away from her for a while. Let her cool off. It'll blow over."

Tony looked over sadly toward the flowers, stems pointing upwards in the trash. Maybe I can get her more flowers from someplace else to say "I'm sorry" for these flowers…Or maybe flowers are just a bad idea.

"Boss, maybe I should get her some coffee?"

"That's a good idea, DiNozzo. Go."

While Tony made his coffee run, McGee had an idea as to how he might be able to improve the situation. Making his way to the break room, he found Kate sitting there, arms folded.

"Hey."

"Hey, McGee." She smiled slightly at the younger man and nodded towards a chair. "Can you believe him? I thought he was actually doing something nice for a change."

"Uh, well, yeah that was pretty bad going through your PDA and everything. But actually, I think he was trying to do something nice. And I think you kind of hurt his feelings when you threw the flowers in the trash."

Kate appeared interested. "Why do you say that?"

"Well, he's out getting you coffee. But, please don't tell him I told you. I think he'd kill me."

"Really?"

McGee nodded. "Yeah. He seemed pretty upset."

Maybe I overreacted. "Thanks, McGee. I won't let on that I know."

When she arrived back at her desk, she stopped at the trash can, empty except for the flowers she'd recently dumped there, and carefully gathered them and arranged them as best she could back in the vase they'd arrived in. She then stood back and admired them. Maybe just a little worse for wear, but still beautiful. Then Gibbs caught her eye and gave her an approving smile. She smiled back at him, her anger almost completely forgotten.

A few minutes later, Tony arrived with the coffee. Taking a deep breath and trying to come up with something to say that wouldn't make her angrier, he stopped in front of her desk only to discover to both his surprise and delight that the flowers had been restored.

Kate looked at him expectantly. "You got coffee, Tony?" She noticed how happy he looked as he studied the flowers.

"Uh, yeah, this one's for you, Kate."

She graciously accepted the coffee and took a sip. "Mmmm. Thanks, Tony. Just how I like it."

Finally. I got something right.