Ducky: You're gonna get that girl in trouble Jethro.

--

"Miss Scuito…a word." Leon entered her lab and watched her finish off the rest of her Caf Pow within seconds of him ending the phrase.

"Um, to be honest. I don't think that's really possible. The whole, one word thing. But I can try."

He shook his head at the absurdity of the statement but was starting to become more accustom to her mannerisms. "I would normally have these types of conversations in my office, but I thought you'd feel more comfortable in your own element."

"Okay."

He continued. "Would you like to sit down?"

"No."

"Alright," he proceeded slowly. "I wanted to follow up on yesterdays events with you. So there's no confusion."

"Okay."

"I realize your loyalty is to Gibbs…its no secret. But so we are clear; direct violation of an order in the future will result in disciplinary action. I can't have my people working against me."

"Understood."

"I also realize that bonds were in place here well before my arrival, so I don't expect an immediate taking to me. But I do expect you to follow orders when given them. Clear?"

"Yes."

"You can say more than one word Miss Scuito."

"Oh," she let out a deep sigh. "Because honestly, I was dying there…you totally have the right to be mad at me, I definitely helped Gibbs…but see you have to understand, Gibbs and me, we're tighter than blood…and I've probably used that phrase to describe us before and I should really think of new descriptions of us…but it will do for now. And when he comes to me with that silver hair and those puppy dog eyes its really really hard for me to resist…not that I could never resist…it's just really really hard…"

"Miss Scuito…"

"Right sorry…and even though it's really really hard. I'm going to try harder next time…if there is a next time. Which I really don't think there should be a next time, because Gibbs always finds out everything, so there's really no point in keeping anything from him…he's like magic…I know I've used that before too, but I'm nervous so I'm reverting back to what I know…but back to my original point. If you had asked for Gibbs help in the first place, which is what I always do, then things work out better in the end. And there's no sneaking around or using sign language or code words or making me lock my door…you see, its simple."

"Uh huh." Vance agreed. "I see, well I'm glad we cleared that up."

"Me too." She grinned happily. "Was there anything else you wanted to have a word about?"

"No," he glanced at his watched and moved towards the door. "That about covers it…all of it."