IMPORTANT NOTE THING:
Hey, for anyone that's been reading my story, I just want to let you know that I went back and added more into an onto the end of some chapters, um one mainly, then a little on two, three and four... Just thought I could improve them a little. Sorry if that annoys anyone or anything, dunno why. If so, toughen up.
Tony cut the car's engine and sat still in the driver's seat, hands still loosely holding the steering wheel. He swallowed hard and shut his eyes, drawing in a deep breath of the chilly morning air and releasing it slowly. He began counting to ten slowly in his mind, trying to calm himself; he reached nine and paused; creating imaginary suspense and tension for the anticipated number ten. He beat the steering wheel furiously in a silent drum role before he uttered 'ten' aloud in a barely audible whisper. As soon as the word left his mouth he moved into swift motion, reaching over and retrieving the backpack he had set on the seat next to him, he pulled the keys from the ignition and pocketed them, yanking open the car door and shutting it swiftly; he was moving through the quiet car-park in seconds.
He checked his watch, it was later then he would normally start work- everyone would already be there. He was due for his meeting with Director Vance in a few minutes, the meeting they had organized a few days before. Tony felt the required papers bouncing reassuringly in his backpack. The tests had been a breeze; he hadn't even needed to batter his eyelids at the female examiner.
The beefy guard that stood every morning at the familiar entrance to the building stood solid and stocky in his usual position. DiNozzo approached him with a spring in his step and raised a hand in greeting when he got close enough to the man. Everything looked so familiar and normal; it felt to Tony as though everything should have changed, it felt as if he had been away for years.
The guard nodded at him as he passed, Tony pressed the all too familiar elevator button, the doors slid open instantly.
Of everything he had gone through that morning, trying impatiently to get passed Margaret in the hallway as she rambled away at him, waiting impatiently at the café for his morning coffee, sitting in the morning traffic on his way into the building. Of everything that had happened that morning- the ride up in the elevator was the worst. He jingled up and down in excitement, pacing the confined space and running a hand through his hair. He felt the elevator come to a smooth stop and the door opened, minus the usual ding. He felt a tiny pang. He would miss that ding.
He stared out at the scene in front of him, wearing the goofiest grin he could sum up. Everything was exactly the same as it always was; nothing had changed in his absence. People busied about at their desks, the room was alive with hard working agents. It felt like he had been in another world, it was weird to think that NCIS still functioned without him. He was so happy to be back, he had been starting to feel like NCIS was just a half forgotten dream, now he could see it with his own eyes and reassure himself it was real, and he had made it back. He had made it back! The goal of returning had been his motivation, his reason for persisting, and his hope. At some of his low points, his goal of return had felt like a lie, a joke- a lie he had been telling himself, just to keep from falling of the edge. But never mind that now. He was back! Okay, he had really missed this place.
He composed himself and exited the elevator. He strolled out, shoulders back and head up high. People looked up from their work, heads turned in his direction. Not many people had even bothered to visualize Anthony DiNozzo's return to the office, not expecting him to come back at all. People nodded and waved. Tony noted the attention at the back of his mind but he had eyes only for the team in the far corner. He would have time for the others later.
McGee was sitting at his desk, apparently working hard on something, his eyebrows furrowed. He could see a dark mass of brown hair that had to be Ziva bent over her screen opposite McGee. Brigs was sitting in McGee's old spot, Tony recognized him from their little web-cam chat a few days earlier, Tony stifled a chuckle- man, this guy looked green. Gibbs was no where in sight.
Tony could barely control his excitement; he crouched low behind the portable dividers that ran along their workspace and made a dash quickly past the entrance to the bullpen, sliding down low behind the divider behind McGee's desk. Tony popped his head up slightly, none of them had noticed him, he almost laughed. McGee was sitting right in front of him oblivious, playing some sort of game that looked nothing like work. Tony leaned forward as far as he could go and took a deep breath.
"HEY MCGEE!" He bellowed, he could tell he'd said it loud enough because McGee sprang a few feet into the air, his chair shot back and crashed to the ground, the desk rocked and pens and pencils fell violently to the floor... Maybe he'd said it a little too loud; Brigs had sprung back onto the cabinets behind him and Ziva had leaped into a fighting stance, almost half the office were peering cautiously over at the bullpen, most having risen to their feet, trying to work out if they were at risk of terrorist attack, no- Tony was just back.
Tim reached out and grabbed the desk for support, catching his breath after his fright; Brigs stood awkwardly watching the situation cautiously. Ziva was the first to respond.
"How old are you?" She demanded, a small smile forming at the corners of her mouth. Ziva and Ducky were the only ones in the team that didn't know how to sign. She'd secretly been in some form of denial about the whole situation and couldn't bring herself to attend lessons, she had caved a few weeks ago and purchased a basic ASL book, but had hardly opened it.
Ziva was too far away from Tony for him to read her lips, he smiled it best DiNozzo smile.
"I beg you're pardon, Miss David?"
Tim turned to him and signed Ziva's message to Tony, who poked his tongue out at her childishly. She raised an eyebrow, a large smile had already spread its self across her face. It was good to have Tony back. She moved swiftly around her desk at the same time as Tony moved into the bullpen, McGee made his way out from behind Tony's desk a little more carefully.
"ElfLord! When did you get so tall? Ziva, my crazy-ninja-fighting-Israeli-chick, did you miss me?" Tony said cheerily, patting McGee on the head and bouncing on his heels. He looked over at Brigs who was looking dejected in his corner. Tony strolled up to him and extended a hand to shake.
"Hey man, Very Special Agent Anthony DiNozzo, but you can call me Sensei, or Tony- either one is fine." Brigs extended his hand and they shook, Brigs swallowed nervously. Tony glanced over at Brigs's chair, the back still decorated in pink and purple colours.
"Oh man Zach, you really got to hit that stuff early with the super-glue removal squirty-stuff," Tony said nodded to the chair, "Gibbs has some in his drawer I think, we'll he did last time I checked, too late with that one though- looks like it's going to be there a while."
Brigs nodded and looked sadly at his shoes, Tony had to bite back a laugh; the guy was still genuinely upset. He patted him playfully on the shoulder, turning to find McGee and Ziva either side of him.
"You know what kiddies, I'm almost disappointed in the two of you... Where are all the balloons, and cake! Good god!" He said pointing at them both with extended fingers. He moved his hands so they were holding his heart and looked at both of them in turn with what looked like genuine hurt. "You two should be ashamed, imagine what I would have done for you!"
McGee moved the conversation on quickly; disturbed by the mental image of what Tony would have done for him. Tony laughed and punched him playfully on the shoulder when he saw the shade of green McGee had suddenly become.
"What are you doing here? You back then?" McGee signed.
"Naah, I'm off to see Director Charming up there" Tony said and signed at the same time, out of habit. He moved away from the two and perched himself on the edge of his old desk, checking his watch. Vance could wait a little.
"This is one hot team we've got here! We've got a Deaf-guy," He said pointing at himself, "Vicious-Ninja-chick, the Scout-Boy, the Salt-and-Pepper Functioning Mute, and Harry-High-Pants here to help us out! All we need now is the blind guy from level - -"
McGee hit Tony on the shoulder and gestured up at the staircase behind them, Tony turned his head slowly already knowing what he was to see. Vance and Gibbs stood holding the banister at the top of the stairs, Vance frowning. Tony blinked and held up a hand, giving it a wave. Vance looked dead serious, he tapped his watch.
"Oh yeah," Tony breathed turning to look at Ziva and McGee, "I should probably go do that..."
He pulled his backpack over his shoulders and ascended the stairs meeting the two at the top.
Vance watched as Anthony DiNozzo climbed the stairs. The last time he had seen the agent was when he had stopped by the hospital the day after he had been admitted, Tony had been unconscious. He now looked like his usual self apart from the facial blemish he now sported.
When Vance had taken on the role of Director of NCIS, he had thought DiNozzo only as an incompetent agent, brimming with an irritating smart-ass attitude and what appeared to be an enormous load of self-centred childishness. Not to mention his lack of computer and office skills, he couldn't understand how Gibbs could be so loyal and trusting in such a man. Vance's ideas on Anthony DiNozzo had changed drastically earlier that year and Vance saw the skills that Gibbs admired in DiNozzo. Tony had presented Vance with his own case into the desert, returning to DC successful. After the impression Tony had left after that particular case Vance took the time to read carefully over Tony's file, his respect in the agent growing the more he read. He now understood why Gibbs had wanted the man back so badly when he had been sent away as agent afloat. When Tony's immature and juvenile behaviour in the office was looked over, he was a hardworking, smart and strong agent.
"Morning, Boss - es" Tony said on reaching the top, Vance looked at Gibbs who signed his message.
'Nice to see you finally made it, DiNozzo. Great way to kick it off with Vance.'
'I missed you too, Boss. Don't worry, I brought complimentary toothpicks in case it gets hairy' Tony signed back as he followed Vance and Gibbs into Vance's office. He stole a quick look back and saw the three in the bullpen were still staring up at them, he entered the office.
Vance took a seat behind his desk and gestured for Tony to sit facing opposite him, Gibbs stood behind Vance's chair. Tony reached into his backpack and pulled out the forms and handed them over to Vance who accepted them. He set them carefully to the side and then began to speak. Tony only read about a third of the words Vance was saying to him, even though he was focusing with all his attention. To Tony's relief Gibbs began signing what Vance was saying across to Tony, obviously present for the purpose of communication, and probably that fact that Vance couldn't get rid of him.
"Agent Gibbs is going to be signing what I say across today," Vance said, Gibbs signed," Nice to see you're doing well, DiNozzo. Let's cut this straight and get to the business end."
"Yes, Director." Tony nodded, on his best behaviour.
"I see you've got the required papers, I spoke to the examiners and heard you passed with flying colours, well done" Gibbs signed the message to Tony, Vance's face was stern and he did not look enthused at all about the congratulation. "We now need to discuss the arrangements and deals regarding you continuing work at NCIS."
Tony swallowed hard and nodded, he had known for definite that he would continue on working in the building. He was nervous; this was the moment he would be finding out exactly how his future would run. Across the room Gibbs looked stern; mentally he was just as nervous as Tony.
'You're title as field agent has been withdrawn, you are not longer permitted to work in the field. I suspect you know and understand that already, it comes under the strict Agent code. We simply cannot allow you in the field for obvious reasons, like the safety of yourself and others." Gibbs signed the words portraying no emotion, his eyes fixated on Tony's face, which was also stony and expressionless. Tony kept his eyes firmly on Gibbs's hands and Vance's face, not trusting himself to look into Gibbs's eyes.
"There is going to be no negotiation on that one, I'm afraid DiNozzo" Vance continued.
"Understood, sir" Tony replied, all business.
"Good. Agent Gibbs here was relentless in his quest to exasperate me into reaching a conclusion that he agreed with, seemed he had more choice in it then I did..." Vance said, he watched Gibbs as he signed the message across to Tony, expressionless. Tony raised his eyebrows slightly and turned his head a tilt to the side in question. Vance sat and watched their silent conversation
"I'm sure." Tony said absently in reply to Vance, watching as Gibbs signed something else.
'Don't let it go to your head, DiNozzo"
Tony flashed a quick grin and signed back, purposely leaving Vance out of the conversation.
"Boss, I'm touched! I knew underneath the impassive Gibbs-mask you were as gooey as McGoo!"
"Too late, I told you not to let it go to your head. You really want this job, DiNozzo?"
"Shutting it, boss"
Vance looked from Tony to Gibbs, bemused but slightly irritated. When he was satisfied they were finished he continued more forcefully.
"You will remain an active member of Agent Gibbs's team. You will aid the team in every way you can in regard to the regulations I have set out, concerning your continuation of work at NCIS. I have some paperwork here you need to sign, certifying that you will abide by the rules. These are strict DiNozzo, I had to work hard to keep you here. No funny business."
Vance held out a small bundle of files and papers, Tony groaned inwardly, more paperwork. He took them with a nod and flicked through the first couple of pages then set them down on the table next to him.
"I understand, Director." Tony nodded, "When do I start?"
"The paperwork needs to be signed and processed; as soon as that's done you can return. I expect that to be before the end of the week."
Tony let out a long breath and smiled, at Vance and then his boss. "Well, that's just- that's great"
"You will hold the same authority as you did before in the team as Senior Agent. Agent Zach Brigs will continue to help the team in the field and any other necessary situations. I'm aware that this may cause some inconvenience in some cases, but it's the way it's going to stand if this is going to work. And if you try that confetti prank on him, or the 'Auto-Insult' virus, I'll head-slap you into next week, even if he is a pain in the ass."
Tony was nodding as he watched Gibbs's hands, pausing when he read the last part. He frowned and looked at Gibbs who remained stolid, then at Vance who watched Tony's confusion curiously.
"You didn't say that last - Boss? I'm a little..?" Vance looked at Gibbs, who shrugged and signed something back to DiNozzo, a smile threatening the corner of his mouth.
"Care to clarify, DiNozzo? Or not?" Gibbs said raising an eyebrow.
"Uh - Yeah, no; never mind."
Vance nodded, dismissing it and took up the sheets Tony had handed him before, he pulled a file from a draw and slipped them in. Looking up to see Tony had already brought out a pen and was ready to sign the papers. Vance rounded the desk and watched over Tony's shoulder as he signed. Tony skimmed the contract speedily and signed his name hurriedly at the end of each page, glancing up at Vance when he had finished. There were signatures required from the Director, Gibbs, McGee and Ziva. Gibbs brushed past the director and signed his name. Tony looked up at the director.
"I'll get McGee and David to sign it later, DiNozzo" He said directly to Tony's face. Tony read his lips.
"Okay, so am I done then?" Tony asked, watching Gibbs as he signed Vance's longer reply.
"Vance says you can go now, he's going to email you as soon as the paperwork has gone through. You should be ready to return to work by Friday at the earliest."
"Friday?" Tony breathed out excitedly, "Yeah, Yes... Uh - Yes, Sir"
Vance nodded and Tony shook his hand, bouncing on his heels having given up on trying to control his smile. He had done it. He voiced his thanks to the director and followed Gibbs out of the office, winking at the female assistant on his way past. Gibbs strolled steadily ahead of him, Tony jogging slightly to keep up.
Gibbs was genuinely happy, which was a hard place for him to get. It had been entertaining watching Tony trying to control his excitement and happiness inside the office, without bouncing off the walls. Gibbs was glad his Senior Field Agent, no - Senior Agent was so happy. It was hard not to miss the appreciation clear in Tony's eyes, it was unspoken but it was dead obvious.
Tony danced along a couple of paces behind Gibbs as he made his way to the elevator. Gibbs realized what the conclusion of the meeting meant for him, Tony and the team - Anthony DiNozzo would have nothing to do for half a week. They were in for living hell.
Tony glanced down at the bullpen and then back to the elevator. Gibbs hit the button and turned back to him. They held steady eye-contact for a full few seconds, neither breaking it and both schooling their faces to give away not a hint of emotion. Tony wasn't sure if anything was said or meant in those seconds, he hadn't gained anything from Gibbs, but knowing Gibbs, Tony figured he'd just been read like an open book. They stepped into the elevator and Tony watched as his boss hit the button for the labs, duh, he'd be murdered in his sleep if he didn't go and visit Abby that second.
"Thanks, boss" Tony signed, not bothering to speak. Gibbs tilted his head back slightly. "I have no idea what you did to the director, I'm not really sure I want to know... Okay, I want to know... How the hell did you-? You've got a little something going on there, I can see it."
"Don't know what you're talking about, DiNozzo"
"You know what I mean, you've got this whole 'wink wink' 'nudge nudge' thing going on, don't worry, your secrets safe. What did you threaten him with? What? Poke out his eyes with his own toothpick?"
"Naah, I stooped much lower then that."
"Why do I believe that?"
"Vance likes you, DiNozzo. He thinks you're a good agent"
"Sure."
Gibbs's hand whipped up and slapped the back of Tony's head, wiping the dejected expression clean off his face. Gibbs brought his hand back and signed forcefully.
"Yeah, I am sure"
"Thank you, Boss." Tony patted down the back of his hair carefully, "Kind of missed that you know. Nice, physical contact. Ouch... hey, it's all good."
Gibbs chuckled lightly, the doors of the elevator slid open to reveal the lab. Gibbs and Tony stepped out in unison, Tony preparing himself for the explosion that was sure to come from the scientist; it was the calm before the storm.
Alright, I just thought I'd publish this now and tie it off here, we'll finish off this 'day' in the next chapter, see Abby and all :) Get pumped! Yeah!
REVIEW? Kay, cool thanks.