Nice to hear that all of you guys, liked my idea to make them Co-leaders! i was a little nervous about the explaination, but it has been aproved by you guys! Thanks! :)
Hello to the new followers! and thank you for your reviews! Let's get the show on the road again! Enjoy your reading
''As for not this Monday, but the Monday after that, Tony will be Supervisory Lead agent, Again'' Gibbs stated, gruffly.
Tony looked over the team, His team... no, their team. ''Wow! That has a weird ring to it. Will take a while to get used to that one''
It was like they were frozen or that time stood still. He couldn't believe that Davenport had agreed so easily. But this was a great solution for his time, he needed for the courses, it was a great bonus to have Jenny in such a position, she couldn't do anything about it.
It wasn't his idea to be co- leader. He just thought that if they could rotate the hours somehow he would have the time. He really hadn't thought about it that deeply, and how Gibbs thought of it, maybe he will never know. But as they talked about it, it just started to roll and come together.
Tony didn't think he wanted to be team leader again, after what happened last time. But Gibbs talked him into it. And that's when he realized it. He wasn't alone in this. And it was the first time he really believed it. He had Gibbs, at his six. Hell he had the older man on his 12, 3 and 9 too and all the other numbers on the clock, just like he had his. Tony smiled at that. He was no longer the second in Command, he was Gibbs' equal.
The only thing that worried him, was that he wouldn't be in the field all the time, to actually be at his six. Tony grimaced at the thought, but it was a compromise he was willing to take.
His thoughts were interrupted by Abby's explosion, that seemed to break everyone out of their shock. And now everyone was talking through each other.
''Gibbs you can't go back to Mexico!'' Abby yelled over everyone. She jumped off Ziva's desk. Going over and standing right in front of him. ''You can't leave! We just got you back! You are the center of the team Gibbs! The... the thing that keeps us all together! Without you everything will fall apart!''
''Like last time?'' Gibbs glowled angrily, glaring at her.
''Yeah!'' Abby stated. Then her eyes went wide. ''Not... not that Tony can't handle the team... He can''
''He really can, but—'' McGee added.
''We just want you!'' Ziva joined.
''So you don't want Tony?'' Gibbs asked. He wasn't making it easy for them and they weren't making it any better. Luckily he knew that they didn't mean it... it was just their way of panicking and Gibbs way of getting the point across.
''We do!'' They all said.
''What is Rule 8?'' Gibbs asked.
''Never assume?'' Palmer spoke up. He had been silent the whole time.
''Ding ding ding! A correct answer from the Gremlin!'' Tony said, doing a game show-host voice.
''And what did you just do?'' Gibbs stayed serious.
Ziva frowned as she realized that she was caught. ''We assumed''
''Yes and the whole Rule 8 thing, was what cause the problems in the first place!'' Gibbs trying not to raise his voice.
''But Gibbs, you just said that Tony's going to be team leader'' McGee said frowning.
''Good to know your ears still work, McGee'' Gibbs told him. ''But I never said I would leave. You just assumed that. That's was you all got in trouble the last time''
''Was this a lesson?'' Abby asked, nervously.
''Yes'' Tony and Gibbs said at once.
''So Tony isn't going to be our team leader?'' McGee asked.
''Oh... no that he is'' Gibbs stated.
''Gibbs!'' Abby whined.
''I think you got the poor lads confused, Jethro'' Ducky spoke up. To be honest so was he. But he, just like Palmer, stayed quiet.
''Gibbs will stay team leader of the team, but I will be leading it with him'' Tony announced.
''Why would the Director do that?'' Ziva asked.
Gibbs glanced at Tony. They hadn't talked about telling why they were doing this. Would Tony want to tell them everything? Or did he want to keep personal business at home for a moment longer? ''Tony?'' He asked.
''Shit!'' Tony thought groaning. He had so forgotten the team would want a reason. Did he want to tell the team? Tony hesitated a moment too long for himself, so that would be a no. ''It's a experiment ordered by SecNav, who got it from Higher Up'' He told them. He glanced at Gibbs again, seeing the older man nod his approval of not telling the team... yet. ''Because of our fabulous solve rate, they want to see if changing up the team a bit will effect us positively or negatively''
''Changing?'' McGee asked uncertain. ''Changing how?''
''Relax, my Probie'' Tony said with a grin. ''No one will be leaving, there will however come someone new''
''Gibbs agreed to that?'' Abby asked in disbelieve.
''Yes'' Gibbs rolled his eyes.
''Do we know who?'' Ziva asked.
''No, Gibbs and I have to discuss many things'' Tony told her.
''How long will the experiment take?'' Abby asked.
''A year and a half'' Gibbs said, remembering that the courses would take that long. ''They will keep checking in, and if they are pleased it will be permanently''
''To say it fast. We will be a team of five. Three in the field and two at the office. We are rotating that, based on the case and crime scene. We send the info, such as photo's, and name of the victim to the ones at the office who start with searches, we now have to wait for until we're back at the office. It is supposed to be quicker, which can made a whole difference in our line of work'' Gibbs explained.
The others nodded, finally understand something about all this.
''When we don't have a case'' Tony added. ''One of us, I mean Gibbs or me. Will be here during the week. The other one doesn't have to be at work, but has to be reachable for when we do catch a case. Weekends we are on rotation, Gibbs and I will both be here'' He explained.
''So, Ziva and I and the new agent will have to be here all the time and one of you can be at home doing nothing?'' McGee asked. And somehow it sounded annoyed. As if he thought it was unfair.
''Yes'' Gibbs said. ''It will cut into our paychecks McGee'' It was his choice. ''For Abby, Ducky or Palmer, things won't change besides the faces when at a crime scene or bringing Caf-Pow's'' Gibbs smirked at her.
''This is so weird'' Abby said, taking it all in.
''So you get to decide the new member'' Ziva said thoughtfully. ''With you'' She gestured towards Tony. ''Being team leader we will be a Senior Field Agent short, yes?''
At this McGee stood a little straighter. Gibbs noticed and didn't say anything. He knew that Tony also saw that. That was something they were gonna talk about.
''What are we to do now?'' Ziva asked.
''Director gave us the rest of the day off, for you to let the news settle in. And this weekend we're on call, but otherwise free'' Gibbs explained. Tony and I have to discuss certain things. Days off, when and who teams up with whom. I have to get files from the Director. Now off you go!'' He ordered.
''Yes, boss'' ''Okay, Gibbs'' And ''Yes, sir'' were heard. McGee and Ziva grabbed their things and made their way towards the elevator with Abby and Palmer. Tony also grabbed his things, but had to wait for Gibbs.
''Oh and one more thing!'' Gibbs called out to them, making them turn as the elevator opened. ''If I hear, notice or get the slightest idea, that one of you disrespect, disobey Tony's orders or if you refuse to listen to him as team leder. Your badge and gun will be in my drawer and your stuff will be in the trash before you can break rule 6. You can hesitate, you can think it's a bad idea, but you are to follow them anyway , just like you do with me, is that clear?!''
''Yes!'' They all called out, nodding. Then hurried into the elevator to go home.
''How about we celebrate this, with a big pizza?'' Gibbs asked. His voices had changed and was no longer the boss.
''Have to wait though, Olivia isn't finished until four o'clock'' Tony pointed out. Gibbs nodded, grabbed his coat and backpack, to go visit their friend downstairs.
…
It was later that evening, Tony and Gibbs said on the couch drinking their beer, as Olivia said on the chair with Mason. They had informed her of the changes and she was delighted to hear the reason, Tony going to be a foster parent and all. She had given him a tight hug and a kiss on the cheek, while she whispered, ''I knew you would find your parent in yourself''
''So, the course program... How does that work?'' Olivia asked Tony.
''I get books for the studies by mail. along with that are my account name and password. I have to log in to the site to fill out the assignments i get my email. I get a week to do them at the time. Once in the three months I do a exams, 5 about separate subjects and one of the total package. Exams are at the University though'' Tony explained.
''And then what? What are you? What do you get?'' Olivia asked interested.
''It's the basic knowledge from the two years child psychologically studies, only a little faster'' Tony said. ''I don't get a degree, but I get a certificate that I would have passed the first two years of the study, to indicate I do know certain things. I just can't get a job with it and can't call myself a doctor. It will help with the placing of a foster kid''
Olivia nodded in understanding. Tony looked over the young little human, that slept peacefully on her arms. How had that baby changed in such a short time. He remembered himself about something he had read, about babies. They would change the most in the first couple of months. He smiled.
''Can I put him to bed?''
Olivia looked at Tony, trying to hide her surprise, but then she sees the look on Tony's face and had to smile. ''Sure''
Tony stood up and grabbed Mason under his armpits. He has him right against his chest he puts his wrapped hand carefully under Mason's butt and the other one on the babies shoulder, having two fingers against the little head, keeping him steady.
Gibbs observed Tony. In just two months the man that was scared to even touch the baby, who thought he would break it,had gained the fatherly instinct and was holding Mason, like it was the most normal thing in the world. He had to smile at the little whispers he heard as Tony went up the stairs.
''Gibbs?'' Olivia asked.
Gibbs turned to meet her eyes. ''Yeah?''
''Thank you''
''Thank me?'' Gibbs frowned. ''For what?''
''Having his six and giving him the courage to do what he wants'' Olivia answered.
Gibbs stood up and sat down next to her. ''Thank you for making him remember the things he wants''
''Then again, thank you'' Olivia smiled.
Gibbs chuckled. ''For what?''
''For giving me a home'' Olivia said softer this time. ''I didn't have it, except for the few months I was'' She paused. ''I want pregnant with... Caden'' She finished, her voice trembled as she said the name.
''Caden?'' Gibbs asked, looking at her.
''When i was prengant the first time, we thought it was going to be a boy, but I didn't want to know, you know, until after the birth. then Caden died and i told Tony I didn't want to know. but after I left Tony, I asked the doctor about the gender. It was a boy. He asked if I wanted to give him a name... I decided to go with Caden Anthony''
Gibbs closed his eyes at the second name. ''I'm sure he would love to know that''
''I don't know'' Olivia casted her eyes down.
''Hey'' Gibbs put a finger on her chin and moved her head up and towards him again. ''He will'' He stated firmly, but soft. He saw the corners of her lips twitch. ''And thank you again''
''For what?'' She asked this time.
''For you and Tony and Mason. I love having you here, this house used to be filled with laughter and family'' Gibbs paused. ''That's back now''
''Tony will be leaving, as soon he finds a house''
''And you?''
''I...'' She trailed off.
''You're welcome to stay'' Gibbs said. ''I meant it, you know''
''Never had a family''
''Then let me make it up to you''
''Under one conditions'' Olivia told him.
Gibbs raised a eyebrow. ''What?''
''Mason gets to call you grandpa'' She let out a teasing grin.
Gibbs looked at her and in the first time in a very long time he opened his mouth to say something, but closed it again, because the words got stuck. He swallowed. ''You.. you sure?''
Olivia nodded. ''You're Tony's father, who's my best friends and Mason's godfather, if he likes it or not'' She stated. ''So you are his God-grandfather, but that isn't a word so Grandpa will do''
''Be happy, Jethro'' Shannon said softly. She leaned against the door frame between the living room and kitchen and had listened to them talking.
Gibbs closed his eyes again as he heard her voice. He opened them again. ''What am I to you, then?''
Olivia's grin changed into a small shy smile, but said enough.
Gibbs pulled an arm around her and pulled her into a hug. He felt her tense up for a moment, but before he could pull away, she relaxed and returned the hug. He kissed her temple. ''We're a family''
He looked over her head to entrance of the kitchen. He didn't know why exactly. It was a gut feeling.
Shannon smiled as her husband looked in her direction. He was learning to feel her and where the voices came from. He was always a fast learner. Shannon looked up the stairs when she heard Kelly giggling and sighed. Kelly had told her about Jethro's visit at the graves and she was trying to decide when it was best to let Gibbs talk to her. If that was a good idea.
Pulling herself of the door frames she 'walked' upstairs. It was more a sort of levitating, but she just wanted everything to sound as normal as possible. She went to Mason's bed room and this time she found Tony sitting on the window seat. she just looked for a moment, before deciding it was time to go, leaving Kelly to watch over Mason.
…
Tony went upstairs with the sleeping Mason in his arms. He soothingly swept his hand over his back. He walked into the room and placed Mason in the crib. He was surprised to see him stretch his arms and legs, then put his thumb into his mouth. It was the first time Mason had done that in front of him and Tony smiled at the image.
''Sleep tight, Little Bug'' He whispered, stroking his fingers through the blond locks, that were just a little bit longer then when he first saw him.
Tony turned around and looked at the window seat. He walked over and sat down. Looking outside he took a deep breath. It was a clear night and the stars were just starting to show up, next to the moon. It enlightened the field behind Gibbs' back yard. The baseball field. His field. Well... most likely. He still had to get the call that his offer was approved and sign of course.
What had gotten into him, putting a offer on the plot so spontaneously? Tony chuckled softly. He was already picturing where he wanted the house. What he had to do to make a great back yard. Maybe he could convince Gibbs to make a door thought his hight fence so that the two yards would be connected.
Would be a lot faster, since long driveway that went to the field, went through the woods for around 50 meters to a side street that was connected with the street of Gibbs house.
Tony shook his head. What the hell had happened to him? He knew something though, He looked at the brightest star at the moment. ''Thanks mom'' He whispered. Without her help this all wasn't possible.
Kelly sat down on the bars of the crib, happily swinging her legs back and forth. Now she could, the bars wouldn't break. She looked at Mason and giggled at the image as well.
She turned to look at the man that was looking outside. She loved it when he smiled. Made his green eyes shine. She didn't know what had happened to him, but was glad that he had gotten a happy ending.
Tony frowned for a moment, but let the thought go. He stood up and walked back to the door. Turning of the light, he walked out and closed the door behind him.
…
It was the next day. The sun was shining and Olivia was out with Mason to the park. It was the first time for her to be out on her own with Mason. Gibbs had gotten the stroller from the attic. Noting that slowly the attic was getting emptier.
To Olivia's amusement, Tony was being overprotective again and said she could wait until he and Gibbs were finished, but Gibbs helped her by saying that she would be fine, that she was a grown woman that could look after herself in the middle of the day, something that she seemed to fail to convince her best friend from. Eventually Tony had sighed and kissed her on the cheek and Mason on the top of his head, making her promise that she was careful anyway.
Now Tony and Gibbs were sitting on the dining-room table, looking at the stack of files in front of them.
''Well first of all'' Tony started. ''We have to decide if we need a SFA or a Junior agent''
''How was McGee when I was gone, besides the obvious of following Ziva's lead to disrespect you?'' The tone in his voices was letting Tony know that he still was angry about it.
''Gibbs. Move on will you? It's in the past'' Tony sighed. Gibbs mumbled something Tony didn't catch. ''His computer skills are great and therefore he will be great for the one to stay at the office with one of us to get the info from the crime scene'' Tony started to evaluate. ''His skills in the field has improved too. He no longer stutters or is uncomfortable with taking statements from people, his fear doesn't show as it used to. His investigation instincts are better too. See's things faster and he's developing a gut feeling''
Gibbs agreed with that. ''He has gotten better''
''But'' Tony said.
''But'' Gibbs repeated.
''His combat skills still needs approving. Don't get me wrong, I know he will have my back when I need the help, but he's not as good as any other. Plus when it's gets ''too hot under his feet'' although he doesn't panic anymore, his mind doesn't catch up with the speed that is required in a unexpected situation''
''He's not that good with change'' Gibbs said simpler . ''It puts him off guard''
''Yes, that'' Tony said, glad that Gibbs understood what he was saying. ''He's getting there, but he's not there, yet. Maybe in a year or three''
''Hmm'' Gibbs said. ''And Ziva... now she is officially a probationary agent, won't be permitted to be a SFA either for a couple of years.
''Yeah''
''But we can evaluate her'' Gibbs said. ''Her combat skill always were at top level, better than us maybe and she's good when things turn around, staying calm and that kind of circumstances, but she doesn't see wide. It's good to have a gut feeling and going into that direction, but you have to be open for other possibilities''
''That's what I had the most difficulty with, when you were gone'' Tony admitted. ''She constantly wanted to have it her way. McGee's idea's had potential and were pretty good, but he didn't have to time to get some of his plans out there. Ziva kind of overrules him''
''That's something we will have to talk to her about'' Gibbs concluded. ''Okay... so a SFA?''
''Might be best''
''A new probie for you than'' Gibbs grinned.
''What? can't take another probie?'' Tony asked.
''Probies can't take me, the only one that stayed long enough was, Burly maybe, and you'' Gibbs said.
''Others won't take the head-slaps'' Tony stated.
''Might be one of the reasons'' Gibbs chuckled.
''Okay so...'' Tony pulled the files of SFA's towards them. There were 15 left. ''So in order to make this work, we have to have someone that knows how to work the computers. I'm not saying MIT great, but who knows his way in the technical world... a little better then you and me and Ziva'' He snickered.
Gibbs snorted. ''Yeah, one things that's sure''
They each took five files and read over them. Now and then getting the other's attention to share something. Eventually an hour later, they still had six files left. All of them, with agent's that had some skills with the computer, but all of them, had other skills or potentials. Two women and four men.
''So now what?'' Tony asked.
''We have to wait until Monday. We give the files to Jenny, saying we want to have so interviews'' Gibbs suggested. ''I like to meet the person first, before I go and take him into the team''
''Yeah'' He cleared up the files into two stacks. 6 on the left and 14 on the right. ''So Gibbs. Can I ask you something''
''Sure'' Gibbs frowned as the question was filled with excitement?
''Do you like this neighborhood?''
''Uhm... sure?''
''But Shannon was the one that wanted to live here, right''
''Yeah. Because it was new.. Well in the time we moved here. It was lively, full of people, but also away enought from the city for it to be too crowded'' Gibbs explained. ''What the hell?''
''So there's a lot area's for entertainment?'' Tony asked. ''I mean parks and stores?''
''Enough'' Gibbs furrowed his eyebrows. ''Why are you asking, Tony?''
Tony grinned, then laughed as at that moment his cellphone rang and he looked at the caller I.D. ''You will know in a minutes'' He promised Gibbs.
''Ya Hello?'' He answered excitedly. He listened, while Gibbs watched him. ''Uhu... what did he say?... hmm... But?... He did?... really?... That's great!... Sure I make an appointment for that. I'll call you back for that... Uhu... No thank you!'' Tony said and with that hung up.
He stared at his phone for a moment longer then he thought.
''Tony!''
''Yeah?'' He looked up at Gibbs.
''What is so great?'' Gibbs demanded to know.
''Did you know that the baseball field behind your back yard was on sale?'' Tony asked.
Gibbs frowned. ''No... I knew it still belonged to someone, but it hasn't been used in years''
''Well it was on sale. The man that owned it died a week ago, so it was for sale'' Tony explained. ''Not anymore'' He grinned.
''It's been sold already?'' Gibbs asked.
''Uhu'' Tony kept grinning, like a kid on christmas morning.
It didn't take long for Gibbs to put the pieces together. His eyes went wide and his mouth dropped open ''You bought it?!''
''Uhu'' Tony laughed at Gibbs expression of disbelieve.
''When?''
''Yesterday... I was looking for a house or plot and I come across the ad'' Tony said. ''The reviews were bad... the land is dried out, the neighborhood seems to be a little abandoned now... not a lot of good words''
''Then why the hell would you buy it?''
''Because I love it!'' Tony said, laughing, making Gibbs join his excitement. ''It's close to work, close to family. It's in the middle of the neighborhood, yet it's a little isolate and close to the shopping area and woods. It's perfect''
''Tony that plot is huge!'' Gibbs pointed out.
''So?'' Tony shrugged. ''I thought, maybe connect your backyard with mine, once it's finished. For you, Olivia and Mason to come over. Without going out on the street''
Gibbs laughed, half-heartedly. ''So how long is it going to take?''
''I don't know'' Tony said. ''Maybe as long as my courses? I will design. I had something in my head all my life so I shouldn't be too difficult. I just never thought I would have the money to work it out. I will hire the builders and everything and keep a close eye on them''
''Hmm'' Gibbs nodded his approval. ''You going back to your apartment in that time?''
Tony raised a eyebrow. ''What and be too far away to head-slap them if they do something I don't like?''
Gibbs chuckled. ''The room's always for you'' answering the unspoken question.
''Gibbs, I can't let you sleep on the couch for a year!'' Tony protested.
''I'll make a new couch. One that folds out'' Gibbs reasoned.
''You know how to make one?'' Tony frowned. He got a glare. ''Of course you do'' He made a mental note to have Olivia help Gibbs buy new cushions for it.
Gibbs thought back to a couple of weeks ago.
..Flashback..
''Are you happy?'' Gibbs asked suddenly.
''What are you talking about?'' Tony asked.
''Just like I asked. Are you happy? With your job, with your life how it is. I know you love your job, but are you happy?'' Gibbs wanted to know. ''Cause loving something doesn't always make an happy ending''
''Are you trying to make me quit?'' Tony asked a little in disbelieve. ''Cause if you don't want me on your six anymore, you can just say it!''
''Of course I want you on my six!'' Gibbs growled. ''But this isn't about me, DiNozzo! This isn't about what I want. This is about what you want!''
''It's never about what I want. It's always to please other people! To keep them satisfied!'' Tony snapped again.
'Well then it's time that changed!'' Gibbs stated as-matter-of-fact as he stopped the car in the parking lot of the bank.
''We don't have time for this. We are here'' Tony stated as he unbuckled his seatbelt and stepped out of the truck, slamming the door as he did so.
..End Flashback..
''I'm going to ask you a question that I ask you a couple of weeks ago'' Gibbs stated.
''Okay''
''Are you happy?'' Gibbs asked.
Tony remembered the same conversation. How it had upset it. But this time it wasn't a difficult question. ''Yes. Yes I am. '' He smiled. ''Thanks dad. For everything''
Wow! that was a nice chapter to write. Tell me what you think! :D I love hearing your thoughts.
Next update will be soon! -x- Leonie