A/N: Hey, all- sorry for the delay in updates, life has been pretty busy. Hopefully once things settled down in a few weeks I'll be able to update more. This chapter is pretty short, but important.
Thanks again to everyone still reading my fic! Many of you have alerted or favorited this story- I'd love it if you left me a review! I am happy to know that so many people are enjoying it, but it would be even better to read what you actually think about it! =)
The story was good—in fact, it was the only thing that made any real sense. He could work it in a way that she bought it, he hoped.
He didn't see Gibbs behind the staircase, waiting for him, most likely because he was distracted. Gibbs' eyes flashed, knowing that he had just come from the Director's office, and wondering what she had to say to him now. Tony knew in an instant that they must have had some pretty harsh words concerning his promotion. It was then that he realized that Gibbs was angry at Jenny for not telling him about the promotion, and surprised that Tony had accepted it. Although he had full confidence in Tony's abilities as team leader, as he had told Jenny—he wouldn't have left if he didn't, he knew that Tony himself didn't think he was ready for it. This had come about quite unlike Gibbs had envisioned, with Tony rallying to get his own team and making a big deal out of it. No, this was quite unexpected, and he recognized the look in Gibbs' eyes, as it mirrored his own when Gibbs bid them all goodbye and left for Mexico.
"Uh, boss…" Tony began. Gibbs cut him off with a handshake, and after a moment, a brief hug. It wasn't as tender as the way he hugged Ducky, wasn't as sweet as his kisses to Abby, but it was completely Gibbs and completely him, an accurate hug to encompass their relationship.
I'm proud of you DiNozzo," Gibbs said in his soft, deep voice, "you'll make a great team leader. It won't be the same without you."
"Thanks, Gibbs. You've taught me more these past few years…" he broke off, "…I'm going to miss working for you Gibbs. We had a great run."
Gibbs nodded in acknowledgement. "If you need anything… my door is always unlocked."
And with that, the rare, shared moment was over.
"Oh, and Tony," Gibbs called out before departing, "you need to talk to Ziva."
"I know boss," he replied, "I will."