Hello guys! How are ya? :) here's the next chapter update! Hope you all like it! later tell what you thought, okay?
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Ziva came down the stairs, from Jenny's office only to notice that no one was in the bullpen. ''Did they catch a case?'' She asked herself. She checked her cellphone, but no texts, and also Jenny hadn't received any phone calls.
Sitting down behind her desk, she looked at the time on her phone. Maybe someone was getting lunch, and it wouldn't surprise her if that someone was Tony. But with Gibbs and McGee gone on the same time?
She picked up her phone and dialed a number.
''You've reached Labby! how can I help you?'' The cheery Goth answered after the second time.
''Abby. Do you know if Gibbs and the rest received a phone call?''
''McGee said that Gibbs and Tony went on a long lunch break. Since there's nothing to do, McGee decided to entertain me'' Abby said simply.
Ziva smirked. Lunch. Yep that would be Tony. ''How long ago did they go''
She heard some muffled. Then, ''I think it was about an hour ago'' McGee voice came through.
''Okay, then what am I supposed to do?''
''Cold cases, paperwork... cleaning up your desk. I don't know'' McGee replied.
''Well that's certainly something I can do'' Ziva sighed, looking over at the files on her desk. As she worked on some cold cases, the elevator opened and she looked up, expecting one or two of her team.
She frowned however when she was an unfamiliar man stepping out and coming towards the bullpen. He stopped in the bullpen and looked at the three empty desk. Shaking his head he turned towards Ziva.
''Gibbs still out for his coffee?'' He asked.
''Yeah, I think so'' Ziva answered a little confused. She recognized the man. She had seen him before, but when?
''Is Director Sheppard in her office?'' The man asked.
''That I know'' Ziva commented. ''She is''
''Very well, thanks!'' And without saying anything more, he headed upstairs to Jenny's office.
Ziva shook her head. ''What the hell?''
...
As Tony and Gibbs returned at the HQ they still had ten minutes to go. As the doors closed, Gibbs reached for the emergency switch and the cart stuttered to a halt. ''You sure about this?'' Gibbs asked. He had been surprised about Tony's plan, but had been even more surprised by his own input. Since when did he think of this?
''I want to be you know... a foster parent, but keep being an NCIS agent too. It's want I want. And you were the one that changed the plan'' Tony reassured.
''Jenny won't be happy about it'' Gibbs pointed out.
''She wouldn't be happy with my resignation either. Besides... it's a good thing we already called in with Davenport'' Tony grinned. ''I can't believe he agreed to agree with this and to meet us. Hell I still can't believe you would suggested such a thing!'' He was grinning now, but when Gibbs suggested the change in his plan, he was shocked.
''If you don't want... you just have to say it. You didn't a few weeks ago. But it gives a whole lot of options''
''Why do you want this?'' Tony asked, not understanding why this was so easy for Gibbs. ''I know you don't like change''
''Not so much change, if I get to keep you on my team, DiNozzo'' Gibbs forced a smirk. Honestly it was good for him in more ways he was willing to admit to Tony.
''Aw I knew you liked me'' Tony grinned again, fully expecting and getting the slap to the head.
Gibbs shook his head. Calling in favors with SecNav, wasn't his style, but he had gladly done it. It was the only risk to guarantee the plan they had made, came through and Jenny wouldn't be able to say no. luckily Davenport saw potential in Tony's changed-up-by-Gibbs plan.
''So really you want to do this?'' Gibbs asked.
''Yup'' Tony said, nodding ''You still want to do this?''
''Yup''
''Well come on that. I'm sure Davenport is already upstairs''
Gibbs smirked and reached for the switch again. This was going to be an interesting meeting and years.
…
Again the elevator dinged and Ziva looked up. This time it were Tony and Gibbs coming out.
''Hey, Zee-vah!'' Tony walked in. His dropped his backpack on his desk.
''Had a nice lunch?'' Ziva asked.
''Sure'' Tony replied with a smile. Really they just bought a sandwich and ate it while driving to the Navy Yard. He turned around and sat down behind his desk.
''Where's McGee?'' Gibbs almost growled.
''In the lab with Abby. He was bored after finishing the cold case files on his desk'' Ziva said. ''Can we go to lunch now too?''
''Depends''
Ziva frowned, glancing at Tony, who seemed busy on his computer. ''On what?''
''Has anybody been here looking for me?'' Gibbs asked.
''Yes. A man bold, late fifties, begin sixties'' Ziva described. ''He's up with Jenny''
Gibbs nodded. Knowing that he would have to wait for the phone to ring or something. 'Than no. You can buy something to eat downstairs, by Olivia, but I want you back here''
Ziva huffed and sat back.
Tony glanced at Gibbs for a moment and got a nod in return. Ziva watched between the two of them. Again she was surprised at how their relationship had changed in such a short time. She still didn't know what had happened next to Olivia and Tony's father to cost that change. She only knew there was still something else.
...
Half an hour later, McGee had returned and it was quiet in the bullpen. Ziva was cleaning her weapon, leaning back in her chair, McGee was upgrading... something on his computer. Gibbs was going through reports of the cold cases the team had been through again and Tony... Tony was concentrating on his computer screen.
Gibbs didn't know that the foster parent thing wasn't the only thing that he had been doing research for. At least, he didn't think Gibbs knew, but hey, he was thinking of Gibbs here. You can't just assume.
Scrolling down the page, houses and plots in D.C. scanned by. He still wasn't exactly sure, but knew that had to move. He couldn't pursue his foster parent plan if he hadn't a house. There were so many bigger houses, but all were in residential neighborhoods, far away from the city and NCIS building. And personally, Tony really wasn't searching for a house with a white picket fence. As perfect that would seem for a home. He knew better then anyone that it wasn't perfect. But he didn't want city either.
If he thought about it, he already knew what kind of neighborhood he liked. Quiet and where you could see the stars, without the constant noise of cars. Near the city, but away enough that you could be in the forest in a matter of minutes.
Tony kept scrolling with the one, the pictures of houses and plots going by, while his chin leaning on his other hand. As he was starting to think that he should stop searching for the day, he suddenly stopped and scrolled back up a bit. He lifted his chin up, looking at the picture of the empty grassland and read the description. He tilted his head slightly. He knew the address.
Quickly he clicked on it and more photo's and a longer and more detailed description came on.
''This plot is placed just outside of the City of D.C and has the size of a baseball field. (unofficial sizes). The entrance is around some houses. It as been unused for 15 years, but the owner of the land had hold on to it, for as long as he could. And held it open for use for anyone. Due of his death the land has been put on the market.
On the north and east side it's surrounded with close parks, that you can use for walks, sports, relaxation, while on it's south and west side, it's surrounded by streets of the 90's neighborhood. It's adjoined to several fences of backyards due, because houses were build later then the field.
The neighborhood is build in late 80's to early 90's and the municipality would like to keep their style into any future building plans...''
Tony didn't read further and scrolled down to the contact information. This ad had been up on the site only just for a couple of days. He wrote the phone number and name down on a post it and put it on the corner of his computer.
He quickly read the reviews of several viewers and the weird thing was, no one seem to like it. It was a old baseball field, of dead grass and dried out sand with no potential, several had said something like that. The neighborhood seemed a little abandoned and it was difficult to build something or use it for something, that wouldn't damage the reputation of the neighborhood.
Luckily Tony knew the neighborhood all too well. Hell he had lived in the neighborhood for months now. It wasn't as abandoned, but it wasn't crowded either. Oh Gibbs was going to love this, if not.. well he wouldn't think about that. But Olivia would love it for sure.
Suddenly Tony's hesitations about this seemed to have faded. At that scared him more that anything. He never thought about buying a plot, let alone one with the size of a base ball field. He frowned at the thought that people didn't seem the like the style of the houses around it that the the municipality to keep. He loved it, as long the furniture would be a little more his style.
Tony shook his head. Wait. Was he already thinking about how to decorate and what kind of furniture he would use? Surreal. He had to chuckle about that.
''Something funny, DiNozzo?'' Gibbs came through his thoughts.
He looked up. ''Uhm... no, boss. Nothing at all'' He replied, clicking away the site before anyone could see.
He looked back at the post-it on his screen, up at the door that was going to the waiting room of Jenny's office, then to Gibbs. The older man had returned to a report. He looked at the two other agents, but they were also busy. He took a deep breath and looked back at the post-it, think for a minutes, then grabbing it, stuffing it into his pocket.
''Going to the head'' Tony announced, standing up and walking away.
Gibbs looked after him. This time he didn't know what Tony had been so focused on. The courses program maybe? But it was sealed, Tony was going to do it. A small smile tugged at he corners of his lips, as he thought of that. Had anyone told him this about Tony 3 and a half months ago, Gibbs would've probably laugh in their faces. He knew that the Tony then wasn't the real one, it was one with a mask, but this was the other extreme.
He resisted the urge to stand up and go to Tony's computer, trying to find out what his... SFA, was up to. But Shannon's words reached his thoughts.
''I know you want to know everything about that boy. But you don't need to. If Tony wants you to know or wants to talk about it, he'll come to you. You still have a life time to get to know more about him'' She had said.
''I know'' He whispered to himself.
Suddenly he felt eyes on him. He looked at the other two agents, but they were still busy and didn't turn quickly back to whatever they were doing. He looked around, then up, not surprised to see Jenny and Davenport leaning over it, looking down at his team. Clearly they were waiting for Tony to return.
Five minutes later, Tony came back. Gibbs knew that Tony hadn't used the toilet and frankly he didn't care as he saw Tony's eyes sparkle mysteriously happy.
At the moment Tony sat down, Gibbs phone rang. He picked up. ''Yeah?''
''My office. Now, Jethro. Take DiNozzo with you'' Jenny's voice came through and then a click again. She didn't sound so pleased. He smirked. ''I wonder how that is possible''
He looked up, but saw they were gone. ''DiNozzo!'' He barked, his normal Gibbs voice in place.
Tony looked up. ''Yeah, Boss?''
''Got a meeting with the Director. You ready?''
''Sure boss'' Tony stood up. Following his boss up the stairs. He looked down as they walked towards the office, knowing that Ziva and McGee didn't know what was going to happen.
Cynthia stood up as Gibbs marched in, Tony on his heels, but didn't stop for the okay. He opened the door going in, then stopped.
''Agent Gibbs. DiNozzo'' Jenny greeted. She and Davenport were sitting, at the big conference table, both on the other side of the end.
''What's this about, Director?'' Tony asked, innocently.
''Have a seat gentlemen'' Davenport said and gestured to the two chairs still empty. He looked at Gibbs knowingly.
Tony and Gibbs both did, at the other end of the table. A passive expression on their faces.
''We have to discuss something'' Jenny announced.
''I kind of figured that, Jen'' Gibbs told her.
''Right'' Jenny said. She looked down at some files, shuffling them around. Taking a deep breath she looked back up. ''Me and Mr. Davenport, as you well know as the Sectary of the Navy, had an interesting conversation'' She started. ''Agent DiNozzo, how long have you been a SFA?'' She already knew how long but this were standard questions.
''I was a Junior Agent when I first came to work for Gibbs. He promoted me a year later so I'll say, 5 years'' Tony answered, sternly.
''In the absence of Agent Gibbs, you took over the team leader position''
''You know that, Director'' Gibbs interrupted.
''Yes I know'' Jenny said. ''And I know how his days were as an team leader. How has your relationship with your teammates changed, after Agent Gibbs came back, Agent DiNozzo?''
''It was tough and the events of the last couple of weeks have made emotions run high, but it also gave us the chance to let out what bothered us. My personal relationship with my teammates are still... in progress'' Tony decided that that were the right words. ''But professionally it's going a lot better then it has in months''
Gibbs glanced at Davenport, who hadn't said a words since this conversation started.
''Okay, I have to admit something'' Jenny said. ''A couple of weeks ago, when I came down to see what was the fuss in the bullpen and I heard that Gibbs was informed about what went down in his absence, I was already looking at your file again''
This time Tony frowned. ''Why?''
''Because, again a spot has opened. It seems that a team in Miami will be without a Supervisory Agent, due of a pregnancy of Agent Lindsay Curtis'' Jenny informed. ''I thought you would be perfect for the job'' She told him. ''The agents are fresh and need some experienced agent to lead them''
Gibbs thought back at something Jenny had said a while ago.
..Flashback..
''Jethro, I should've been used by you abusing my door like that'' He just stared at her. ''What is going on, Agent Gibbs''
''I have a case'' Gibbs stated.
Her eyebrows shot up. ''Really? I didn't receive a phone call from dispatch''
''It's not that. DiNozzo filed charges—''
''Has he finally have enough from his coworkers?'' Jenny asked.
''—Against his father'' Gibbs finished, ignoring her question.
..End Flashback..
''Is that where you wanted to talk about, Jenny?'' Gibbs asked annoyed, that she again wanted to transfer Tony.
Jenny looked at him, than to Davenport, who gave a nod. ''Ah, no'' She replied. ''It seems that the Higher Ups have noticed the outstanding results of your MCRT. Even in your absence the results didn't go down even with the personal problems with Agent DiNozzo. They are extremely pleased by both your results''
''So?'' Tony asked.
''So, the Higher Ups want to force a promotion to you Agent DiNozzo'' Jenny informed looking at Tony.
''Force?'' Tony frowned, playing like he didn't like what it meant.
''Yes'' Jenny nodded.
''With out due respect, Madam Director, as I said months ago and I would say if you had offered me the job for Miami. I don't want to leave D.C. My family is here and I don't want to leave them'' Tony stated.
''That's why I'm here, Agent DiNozzo'' Davenport spoke up.
''Sir?'' Gibbs asked.
''The higher Ups have decided that we want to experiment with your team, Agent Gibbs'' Davenport said.
Had someone said that to Gibbs, months ago. Gibbs would have exploded, Tony thought. But this was his own plan. Still Gibbs looked annoyed. Tony smirked, the older man was good at undercover work.
''Agent DiNozzo is promoted at Team leader of the MCRT'' Davenport stated.
Tony looked shocked. And Gibbs stared. ''But—'' He wanted to protest, but Davenport held up his hand, making him close his mouth again.
''But Agent Gibbs also stays Team leader'' Davenport added.
Jenny observed Gibbs reaction, noting that she couldn't read his face, she narrowed her eyes.
''How do you see that work, Sir?'' Gibbs asked.
''It wouldn't be that different, due that Agent DiNozzo is already Second in Command. His rights however will be upgraded. He will no longer take orders from you, unless he wants to, but will order around with you'' Davenport started. ''You will take turns co-ordinating crime scenes, while the other stays behind and coordinates at the office. Who does what and when is up to you. As of your history together it shouldn't be a problem to clear that out for yourselves'' Davenport explained. ''It also gives the opportunity to take leave days or longer periods of absence, without losing man power''
''Wait'' Tony interrupted. ''So, we have two in the field and two at the office? Wouldn't that damage our speed of clearing the scene?'' He asked.
''Well...'' Davenport said hesitantly. ''We would like to add another member to your team''
''A team of five?'' Gibbs raised his eyebrows.
''Yes. Two at the office and three in the field. The three in the field, will be sending their info while on the crime scene, to the two at the office, so that you have a head-start doing the investigation, instead of starting investigating the case after your back from the scene. The difference should be a couple of hours. Which in most cases can make a big difference''
''Tony and I will be forced to do this... experiment'' Gibbs said. ''What are our rights in this, because we are forced to do this, obviously'' Though he already knew all of it.
''We would like you both here, but you can choose to work together or to take turns in days who will work, that's up to you''
''So lets say. Gibbs works on Monday, Wednesday and Friday and I will on Tuesday and Thursday'' Tony asked.
''Yes'' Davenport nodded. ''But only if there isn't a case. A case you always work together, so if one of you is not at work and a case comes in, you will be called in. And the weekend you are on rotation you also have to be in together''
Gibbs nodded thoughtfully. This was going as planned. ''What else?''
''Normally, Director Sheppard would be in charge for the new member of your team'' Davenport informed. ''But as you likee to pick your own members, I will have you and Agent DiNozzo decide if you promote one of the current agents to SFA or that the new agent will a SFA. You have the weekend to decide that, and five days to find a new member out of 20 candidates, the higher ups will send files from to Director Sheppard, after your decision''
''What do you think of this, Director?'' Gibbs asked, looking at her.
''This experiment is also dropped on me, Jethro. There is nothing I can do to change it'' Jenny said, thinking that Gibbs didn't like it.
''DiNozzo?'' Gibbs asked, now seriously asking again if he was sure.
''I guess, it wouldn't be appropriate to call you boss anymore?'' Tony gave a small grin.
Gibbs hid the smirk. ''Guess not''
''I'll say, hello Supervisory Special Agent Jethro Gibbs'' Tony reached out his hand
Gibbs chuckled, taking the hand that was offered and shook it. ''Nice to meet you Supervisory Special Agent Anthony DiNozzo''
Tony looked at Jenny. ''Is there anything else?''
''You'll have to read and sign the forms of your new contract of course'' Jenny said. She was confused as to how easy this went. She had thought that Gibbs wouldn't want to have a co-lead agent, of a new member to his team. Would want to growl and yell at the Higher Ups, but he was oddly okay with all of it.
''You okay with this Jethro?'' She asked.
Gibb smirked, knowing that his old partner was trying to wrap her brain around his behavior. ''Everything to solve crimes faster, Director'' He said simply.
Tony read through the contract, see if everything Gibbs and Davenport had talked about was on it and smiled. There was. He signed off. ''Anything else?'' He asked.
''No you can go back to the bullpen'' Jenny said. ''My and Davenport have something else to talk about''
''Thank you'' Tony said and stood up followed by Gibbs.
Walking out of the office and not slamming the door behind him, Gibbs smiled brightly as he saw the grin on Tony's face. He didn't even remember how he had came up with making Tony co-lead, but it seemed that he had made the right decision.
Cynthia looked confused. She hadn't seen Gibbs smiling... ever. Specially not when he came out of the Director office.
Tony looked at him as they walked over the balcony. ''What do you want to do now?''
Gibbs smirked and grabbed his phone. He speed dialed and it went over two times.
''Jethro, did we caught a body?'' Ducky answered.
''No Duck. You have to come up. Take Abby with you'' Gibbs asked. ''We have to discuss something with all of you''
''Oh dear. I hope it isn't anything bad'' Ducky asked.
''It all depends on how you're going to take the news' Gibbs simply stated. ''Can you get Abby now?''
''Certainly Jethro. Be there in a jiffy'' Ducky said and hung up.
Gibbs smirked at his words. ''Ready?'' He asked Tony.
''Yup'' Tony said and they made their way down the stairs.
…
''What do you think they are discussing?'' McGee asked Ziva after Tony and Gibbs left ten minutes ago.
Ziva shrugged. '' I do not know. They have been acting weird all day''
''Yeah I know'' McGee said, leaning back in his chair. ''Did you know that Tony has mutual friends with Gibbs?''
''Huh?'' Ziva frowned.
''Tony went to visit some friends and after a moment Gibbs seemed to know which ones, asked if he could come along. Tony said yes!'' McGee said eyes wide.
''That is odd'' Ziva tapped her pen against her lips. ''Indeed I did not know they had''
''You think we should be worried?'' McGee asked.
''Of what?'' Ziva asked confused. ''Is it worrying that Tony and Gibbs have mutual friends?''
''I'm not really sure'' McGee chuckled.
''I have learned something about all that has happened. We are all friends and a team. But we do not need to know everything that goes on in the other friends life, as long it will not interfere with the job negatively'' Ziva vowed.
''Amen to that'' McGee said, slumping his shoulders a bit. That was a true fact. ''Still, they are both up there now, so something is going on involving the job right?''
Ziva sighed. ''That is true''
They both fell silent, went back to what they were doing and just waited for the two others to come back.
...
It took half an hour longer for Gibbs and Tony to return. Ziva was the first to look up as the two men came down the stairs. Tony went to sit down on his desk, rather then behind it. And to the other surprise, Gibbs stayed along side with Tony.
''That was a long conversation?'' She commented.
''You guys ate lunch?'' Gibbs asked.
''Yes boss'' ''Yes, Gibbs'' Was said at once.
''Good'' He said.
''Boss?'' McGee asked.
''What is it, McGee?''
''What are you waiting for?'' McGee stammered, but managed to ask.
''For Ducky, palmer and Abby to come up'' Tony answered for Gibbs, crossing his arms.
''Why would they?'' Ziva frowned.
''But I asked, David'' Gibbs retorted.
Tony chuckled. ''Asked.. sure'' He thought.
The ding of the elevator sounded and not a thought later Abby came bouncing in followed by Ducky and palmer. ''Bossman! Hi! I haven't got a Caf-Pow from you after lunch!'' She exclaimed. ''And now you want us here. Why do you want us here?'' She asked. She looked at Gibbs and took his is impassive face. ''Is it something good or bad?'' She asked. No reaction still. ''Something bad'' She concluded, by that.
''Abbs! Will you be quiet and sit down somewhere?'' Tony asked.
Abby frowned at him, but settled on top of Ziva's desk. Ziva scoffed, but did nothing to get rid of her.
''What is this about, Jethro?'' Ducky asked patiently.
Gibbs looked at the people in front of him, taking in the confused, nervous and questioning eyes. McGee looked passive, as did Ducky. Ziva was playing with a pen, Abby was moving back and forth her legs as they didn't touch the ground and Palmer was fidgeting his shirt, nervously. All waiting as to what Gibbs was going to say.
''As for not this Monday, but the Monday after that, Tony will be Supervisory Lead agent, Again'' Gibbs stated, gruffly.
Everyone froze. The playing with the pen, Palmer's nervous fidgeting, Abby's legs... they all sat there eyes wide looking at their two friends, in disbelieve. Thinking over all the reasons why Tony would be team leader again.
Yup! thats it for today!
Well? what do you think. I wasn't sure about it at first, but as I wrote more and more and read back, it made sense as I explained the plan. What do you think about it? Review! Love to hear your thoughts!
I will update soon :) Leonie