A/n: This is a sequel to my first fanfiction, though is far in the future set early season seven when Ziva is first becoming an official NCIS agent. Maybe the beginning will also fix some things from the last chapter/story.


Job Descriptions

Years had passed since Tony had joined NCIS. Tony and Gibbs had realized how fast they had taken things in Baltimore, and slowed things down when they got to D.C. They had already shared a lot, but decided to back off. The physical, and work on really understanding their emotional connection. Both of them were really surprised with how things had gone in Baltimore. Neither of them ever shared so much about themselves with anyone, let alone a couple hours after meeting. And though Tony often slept with people on the first date, he normally didn't when he wanted to go somewhere with the relationship.

So, they dated for a couple months without getting any more physical than a kiss. They both decided that Baltimore was just a lapse of common sense, and they would do this relationship right. But pretty soon, they were back to where they started. They knew each other really well, and were very much in love. Tony still flirted with everyone, but it never went beyond that. Gibbs was still a bastard, especially at work. They never acted like a couple at work, even when they were alone. They fought often, but they always made up before bed, which always resulted in hot make-up sex. They never let on that they were Doctors, and no one thought they were, even though it was in the job description. They knew the qualifications, and that the two had the job, but never seemed to realize what that meant (except, of course Abby, who already knew). Anyone who looked in their file couldn't see it, and no one thought to look past it.

However, their luck ran out when Ziva was studying for the citizenship test and learning all the NCIS rules and regulations. She was just reading the job descriptions for Senior Field Agent and Supervisory Special Agent. She was surprise at what she found.

As neither Tony nor Gibbs was there (they were at a conference for a couple of days) she asked McGee.

"McGee?"

"Yes, Ziva?"

"Were you aware of the job qualifications for Senior Field Agent and Supervisory Agent?"

"Yes, Ziva, I went to FLETC," replied McGee with a roll of his eyes. "All Senior Field Agents must have at least a Masters in some discipline. All Supervisory Agents require a PhD. No exceptions."

"But Gibbs and Tony… they do not have these degrees, yes?"

McGee looked shocked. "I never thought about it. It's not in their files, but Vance would have demoted them if they did not meet qualifications. Maybe we should ask Ducky? He knows Gibbs best"

"Yes, McGee, I think that is a good idea."


They made their way down to autopsy, and were not surprised to find Ducky there with Palmer, no body in sight.

"Ah, Ziva, McGee, what can I help you with this fine day. I was just telling Palmer about the time when…"

"Sorry Ducky, but we do not have time for your stories now. We have a question for you."

"I apologize my dear girl, what did you need?"

"Ducky," McGee started, "Do you know if either Tony or Gibbs has a doctorate? Only, Ziva was reading the job qualifications, and it said that a PhD was required of every Supervisory Agent"

"I am not aware of either of them having a PhD. But it is possible they just haven't told anyone except the Director. If I were you, I would ask Abby to run a search."

"Thanks Ducky. It just seems so weird thinking of the two of them being doctors. But they must be, right? Otherwise Vance would have demoted them."

"Yes, I do see your point, Timothy. Let me know what you discover. Maybe I'll find something new to discuss with Anthony and Jethro."


Thrown off by Ducky's lack of knowledge, they went to Abby to run a search on them. As usual, Abby was listening to music so loud, she couldn't hear them enter.

"Abby!" McGee shouted.

"McGee! Where's my Caf-Pow! Neither Gibbs nor Tony is here to bring it to me, so the responsibility should fall to you. Now where is it?"

"Uhhh… Abby… I didn't get you one. We just had a question about Tony and Gibbs," replied McGee hesitantly.

"Oh! Were you wondering if I saw the sexual tension between them? Because it would be so hot if they got together…"

"Abby!" interrupted McGee. "Tony and Gibbs aren't gay, and they would never be together like that. I can't believe I have that image in my head now."

"I don't know McGee," said Ziva. "They are awfully close. But I still don't believe they would sleep together. Tony chases everything in a skirt, and Gibbs has been married three times. But that's not what we wanted to ask about. I was reading up on job qualifications, and it says they need a PhD to hold the Supervisory Agent position. We were wondering if you would search to see if Tony and Gibbs are qualified."

"I can't! I've tried before, but there's nothing online!" lied Abby. Unfortunately for our Gibbs and Tony, Abby was a bad liar.

"You're lying Abby. You must know something. Did they swear you to secrecy?"

"Yes! But now that you know to look, I'm sure you'll find it anyway. They both have PhD's in criminology."

"Since when?" said McGee.

"Since before Tony joined NCIS. They wanted to keep it secret because with their degrees people would relegate them to research instead of field work. Also, they've found many agents don't like working with those who appear too educated."

"So that's why Vance didn't demote them! They actually do meet qualifications; it's just not in their files."

"It actually is in the hard copy, they just bribed the HR people to keep it out of the computers."

"We got to go check on Ducky now. We'll be upstairs if you need us," said McGee.

"Bye! And bring me Caf-Pow!"

After they had left, Abby said to herself, "Tony and Gibbs are not going to be happy about this."


She then grabbed the phone and called Tony.

"Hey, Abs, what's up? Did McGee forget to bring you Caf-Pow?"

"Well, yes, but that's not why I called. I already yelled at him for that."

"Well, what is it then Abs?" he said.

"Is Bossman with you? He needs to hear this too."

"Just a sec. Jethro! Abby's on the phone and wants to talk to us?"

"What's wrong? Did McGee forget her Caf-Pow!"

"Yes, but she has something else for us."

"I'll be there in a second Tony, just got to get dressed."

Moments later he walked out dressed in sweats and a shirt.

"Hey Abs, what you got for us?"

"I think Ziva and McGee know your secret?"

"WHAT?" shouted Tony.

"I'm sorry, but Ziva was reading up on the qualifications for your jobs…"

"Wait, you mean they just found out about our doctorates?" Tony said, relieved.

"Yeah, what did you think I was talking about?"

"Uhhh… Nothing. Just thought it was something worse the way you were talking. Anyway, we gotta get ready; we have another talk in 20." Tony said, and then hung up.

"Thank God!" said Tony, "I thought they knew we were together!"


Abby was confused at the way the conversation went. What was the secret they shared that they wanted to keep a secret so much they didn't care the others knew about their doctorates? Maybe she was right earlier, thought Abby, maybe they are in a relationship. She decided she would stop by Gibbs' house when they were back; see if she could catch them in the act.

Tony and Gibbs got back just before noon a couple days later. They had been dodging phone calls from the team the whole time. But now, Tony called everyone together so they could explain. They would meet at an Italian restaurant down the street from NCIS for lunch.

Tony and Gibbs were the first to arrive, followed closely by Abby.

"I'm sorry I wasn't able to throw them off track, Bossman," said Abby.

"I don't blame you Abs. They would have found out anyway, McGee is too good at computers," answered Gibbs.

At that moment, the rest of the team walked in. Ducky was looking a bit hurt that Gibbs hadn't told him. Ziva and McGee just looked surprised.

"Ok, guys. I'm only going to say this once. Yes, we both have Doctoral degrees in Criminology. Yes, we kept it out of our files. We wanted to keep in the field and not be forced into a desk job. Also, we felt we could relate better to the rest of the team after one of our team members found out and was intimidated. Since then it's just been routine not to tell anyone," explained Tony.

"Why didn't you tell me though?" asked Ducky. "You know I wouldn't treat you any differently."

"Don't take it personally Duck, not even Franks knew. Tony only knew because I found out about his threw a background check I had Abby run. She knew about mine because she runs background checks on those she works with regularly" explained Gibbs. The others all knew that was as close to an apology as they would ever get from Gibbs.

"You run background checks on us regularly Abby?" asked McGee slightly threateningly.

"Uhhh… It's to make sure you're all alright. I trust you all," said Abby quickly, and slightly nervously. "And I don't go too far into personal details. I still respect your privacy"

"We know Abby. I was just giving you a hard time," said McGee with a smirk.

Abby gave him a punch on the shoulder, and everyone laughed.

"So, we all good?" asked Tony hopefully.

"Yeah," said McGee. "I think we are. Just never keep something like this from us again."

The rest all nodded their agreement. Tony and Gibbs looked at each other slightly guiltily. Maybe they should tell them about their relationship soon? But neither was quite ready for that now. One team bonding moment was enough for now.

They sat and finished lunch, laughing and chatting like usual, though slightly subdued due to Gibbs' presence.


When the rest had gone back to the lab, Tony and Gibbs stayed a little longer.

"I think we need to tell them the truth about us soon," said Tony.

"Yeah, they'll feel betrayed if they find out without us telling them. Maybe we should have a barbeque at home with the whole team and tell them," suggested Gibbs.

"How about next weekend? Gives us some time to plan."

"Sounds like a plan. I love you Tony."

"Love you too. Now let's go home so I can suck your cock and then you can fuck me over the table."

And so they did.


A/n: That's the end of this one. I will probably do one more chapter, with the teams reactions to the bigger secret, but it may take a while.

Thank you for reading! Please leave a review telling me what you thought. Constructive criticism is especially appreciated. The more reviews the quicker the last chapter will come.