Sep 20
A friend must not be wounded even in jest. – Publilius Syrus
Tony knew he was going to be lucky to walk away from this with only a concussion. However, he still followed Gibbs obediently into the elevator.
It was not his fault. Or rather it was. He had been being an idiot for the last few days, harassing the Probie. Perhaps a little more than he should have done. Even so, he had not expected the McGeek to start yelling at him in the middle of the squad room to stay off his back.
It had definitely not helped his case that Gibbs had just returned from a coffee run and had heard every word. McGee had rapidly vented his displeasure in Tony's ears before storming off, evidently without having seen Gibbs.
During the course of the yelling, Tony had learnt that this week had not been the best time to trouble his teammate. McGemcity had a deadline coming up and his publisher was all over his back. His mother was ill and in the hospital and McGee wanted to be there but couldn't get a flight until next week. His sister had practically burnt down his apartment when she had stayed over at the weekend.
And now Gibbs was going to chew him out. Big time. There was no escaping the confines of the elevator.
Tony wasn't sure he wanted to escape. He'd screwed up. Should have been paying more attention. Definitely shouldn't have been picking on McGee like that. He needed to be yelled at so he could start to feel better.
And so he wasn't as stupid next time.
Gibbs opened his mouth and Tony winced. He was a dead man for sure.