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Gibbs sighed as he looked over the still four membered team. It was Tuesday and he and Tony had given the news they were going for a new Senior Field Agent. He hadn't missed the look on McGee's face when he told it. He had given a nod to Tony, who had asked McGee to come and talk to him in another room.
When they came back McGee seemed better and yesterday evening, Tony had told him, what was bothering the younger agent. He had thought that he was ready, while he and Tony didn't think so. Tony explained to him, what still had to be improve and McGee had taken the advise, determined to work on it.
Gibbs shook his head. Tony was a great team leader already. He had always the the mentor vibe around him. More then Gibbs. Tony could get along with almost everyone and wanted to help in anyway he could to improve the things others still needed to improve. Gibbs just wanted everything to go as planned and Tony was there to calm him down and protect the probies, when it was was the more patient one.
Gibbs however had the more natural instinct to take the lead. Tony had that somewhat less, first looking around if there wasn't someone better, or like when he went to Mexico it was forced upon him. Maybe it was a better idea than he thought. They supplemented to each other.
Tony sat behind his desk. Bored! Cold cases, that didn't seem to have missed points or break throughs or paperwork that didn't have to be finished in five days. Luckily Tony still had the task to check up on their supplies. Printing paper. Bullets for their guns. The little things that a SFA did, but didn't get credit for. But also that he had done.
Gibbs sighed and sent Ziva and McGee away for a lunch break, as himself went for a coffee run. Tony was busy with a game of tetris on his computer, when the elevator dinged. Out of reflex he clicked the game away and turned to some useless papers on his desk.
He noticed the man that stopped in front of his desk and noticed too that it wasn't McGee or Gibbs, he looked up at the guy who stood in front of him. ''Hi'' He smiled.
He observed the man. He had dark blond hair, that was slightly longer. The fringe on his eyebrows and the longer locks at the back touching his neck. It looked as though it was grown out of the hair cut model, but still the man to care to make it look good.
Other then that. He had a brown dress shirt, over his jeans, that matched his brown eyes. And sport shoes. He had a pair of sunglasses hanging on the collar of his shirt. As Tony would say the man knew how to look good, but not overly trying. It was the kind of style he wore when he went out to a club. He had a little stubble, which Tony thought, some girls would find attractive.
''Hey.. uh. I'm here for the interview for the position on the MCRT?'' The man sounded awfully unsure, while his body language was much more confident.
They still had three agents to go. Yesterday they had done two guys and a woman. Now again two guys and woman. It was like auditioning. They had to pick three agent, for another interview and a round at the shooting range and such.
''Ah yes'' Tony grinned at him and stood up. ''Anthony DiNozzo. But call me Tony. Anthony is my father'' He reached out his hand
The man took the hand and shook it. ''Christopher Waite, but people call me Chris. Nice to meet you'' He said. ''So I take it I found it?''
''You did'' Tony nodded, opening the drawer, where he had left the files and pulled out the right one. ''Let me introduce you to the famous leader''
''Huh. Thought you were'' Chris looked at him, as Tony rounded his desk.
''Not yet. Were you informed about the change of this team?'' Tony asked as he walked, going to look for Gibbs.
''Only that despite no one left, you were looking for a SFA. I just resigned and it seems that a spot has opened and you asked me for an interview. So here I am''
Tony nodded as he kept walking.
''Where are we going?'' Chris asked.
''Conference room. Then we wait for the Big boss. He went for a coffee run''
''God I would love to have one!'' Chris said longingly.
Tony chuckled. ''I'll get you one here'' He said to the machine in the corner of the room. ''though it won't be a good as downstairs''
''Bet the Big boss is downstairs for the good stuff. I take what I can get'' Chris vowed as Tony let him into a room.
''Make yourself comfortable'' Tony said, as he grabbed his phone and speed dialed. Chris sat down on the one of the many chairs
''Yeah?'' Gibbs answered. Tony could hear him swallow, just before that.
''Next to interview is here, Gibbs'' Tony said matter-of-factly.
''I'm on my way'' With that he hung up again.
''Man of few words?'' Chris said.
''Only on the phone or at work'' Tony smiled, walking over to the coffee machine.
''Hm'' Chris said in acknowledgment.
''How's your coffee?'' Tony asked.
''Black'' Chris stated.
''Okay'' Tony said. Making the coffee. He had just handed it over and was sitting down as Gibbs came into the room.
As Chris saw the gray haired man he knew that Gibbs was a marine. He stood up again, placing his coffee on the table. He reached out a hand. ''Christopher Waite, sir''
Gibbs took his hand and shook it, while taking a sip of his coffee. He swallowed. ''Gibbs''
Chris frowned and looked at Tony, who had a look on his face that said. ''Just go with it''
''Nice to meet you, sir'' Chris said.
''Don't call me sir, I work for a living'' Gibbs said gesturing to sit down again.
''Okay'' Chris said and did what he was told, sitting down again.
Gibbs walked over to sit across from Chris and next to Tony. He took one more sip before placing his cup down on the table. He had read the file of this man, and remembered somethings, but not much. The man was 27 years old, came from a big family, was a agent for 3 years before becoming a SFA. Gibbs had been surprised, by the age. But as he remembered who was next to him, Tony, who had just turned 30 when he became SFA, he shrugged.
''Have you been informed about the the position?'' Gibbs repeated, Tony's earlier question.
''The director has only told me that the position is SFA'' Chris asnwered.
Gibbs nodded. ''Well, okay. What the director said is true. We are seeking for a SFA. Agent DiNozzo here is the SFA now, but he has been promoted to Lead agent'' Gibbs began, looking at Chris. ''However I'll be also staying lead agent of the team''
Chris frowned. ''Sir?'' That wasn't usually how it worked.
Gibbs wanted to tell him off, but heard the normality in the younger mans voice, as if he always talked like that, he decided to let him be for the moment. ''Agent DiNozzo and I will be running the team together. Have you any difficulty with listening to two leaders?''
''Not at all, Sir'' Chris said. ''It's not my first time''
''Okay. Well tell us about yourself'' Tony said.
''Uhm. I'm from Strongville, West Virginia. Grew up and lived there all my life. With my mom, father and 5 younger siblings-'' He was cut off.
''You have five siblings?'' Tony asked in awe.
Chris had to chuckle, seeing the look on his face. ''My mom loved babies'' He grinned. Then continued. ''I went to study Computer Science, but stopped in my last year''
''Why?'' Tony wanted to know.
''My father was a marine and he got shot in the line if Duty. So I went to honor his life and joined as well''
''Ah'' Gibbs thought. The younger man knew he was a Marine as well, that's why he called him Sir. He was put of guard. He blamed the haircut ''What are you?''
''Corporal, Sir. I wanted to do it as fast as I could and that's how far I got before I was sent away. Operation Enduring Freedom. Afghanistan. Was there for 6 months''
Gibbs nodded in appreciation and slight respect. ''when did you get out?''
''Four years ago. I was sent home and I thought I had accomplished my father honor, by coming home from the war my father was killed in'' Chris said, taking a sip from his cup.
''What did you do after that?'' Tony asked.
''I took the year off. Deciding what to do. I finished my Computer Science study then studied Criminology, while working for NCIS''
''Why did you resign?' Tony opened the file for the first time. ''Huh, didn't know they had one there''
''Everyone says that. It's small, but they do'' Chris smirked. ''I was just promoted SFA. before I left a couple of weeks ago. That was after I completed Criminology''
''So why did you leave?'' Gibbs repeated the question.
''The team, it just didn't feel right'' Chris started. ''After the death of one of members, it just sort of fell apart. Everyone was blaming the other for not backing him up. As much as I loved my home there, the trust was gone'' He explained. ''And I can't work with them, if I'm not sure if they have my back. No one should doubt that they won't be left behind''
''So you leave your family, to stay at NCIS?'' Tony asked.
''Yes. I am a little nervous about that. I have always been in Virginia except for my trip to Afghanistan, that is. So it's a big step for me to be here, even though it's just 360 miles away'' Chris told them. ''I'm usually closer to home, so I can help my mom with the youngest two of my siblings''
''What made you change your mind'' Gibbs asked, downing his coffee.
''My mom said that I have to follow my heart and if that was NCIS and it would lead me to see other surroundings, so be it'' Chris smiled at the memory. ''Plus my oldest sister who's two years younger than me, assured my to take care of them. I trust her'' He took a sip from his coffee.
''I wouldn't see you as a Marine'' Tony commented.
Chris smirked. ''I get that a lot. It's the hair'' He said while raking his fingers through his locks. ''I let it grow after I came back. It was the only thing I hated doing for the Marines. It wasn't a good look on me''
Tony grinned at Gibbs.
''Don't even think about'' Gibbs growled, light hearted. Knowing that Tony was picturing him with longer hair. It made Tony's grin even wider.
Chris resisted to chuckle.
Gibbs look back at him. ''We're done, with the interview, but you can drink up your coffee. One of us will contact you, if we want a second interview and shooting date''
''Thank you for meeting me, Sir''
Gibbs nodded in acknowledgment, then stood up and walking out, dumping his empty cup on the trash near the door.
''He always like that?'' Chris asked Tony.
''At work, yes'' Tony stated. ''He'll loosen up to you. He will always will be the tough Marine, but he mellows with the years''
''How long do you work with him?''
''6 years now. He dragged my out of Baltimore PD'' Tony said. ''Best thing that ever happened to me''
''He sounds like a loyal man''
''He is. Got your six always. He's got two family's Marines and NCIS and out of work of course'' Tony said.
''So... how does the two leaders, one team work?'' Chris was interested.
Tony smirked. This was the first one who asked and he would definitely take that in consideration. He knew that Gibbs was interested in this guy to interview him again and see what he was capable of, so he began to explain to him.
…
McGee and Ziva had returned from their lunch break as Tony walked towards the bullpen, with a blond man. McGee observed him, as Ziva just stared. Gibbs shook his head at her face.
Tony led him to the elevator and disappeared in it with him.
''Who was that?'' Ziva asked, as soon as the doors closed.
McGee turned to her. ''I don't know. Friend? Frat buddy?''
Gibbs chuckled softly. The other man's clothes made him indeed look more as one of Tony's frat buddies then as a marine. But he could see it in the way he walked. Straight and in pass.
He frowned as he thought back to their short conversation, the man's body language was confident, strong, like a real Marine, but as he spoke, it was more uncertain, like he was afraid that he would say something wrong.
Gibbs wanted to see what the man was capable off, in combat and shooting range, but for the first time he had a better feeling about the agent than the previous three. They all had something that they were good at, but Gibbs just didn't feel it yet. Maybe after the shooting range and the combat training? But he was pretty interested in what Christopher would show.
The elevator dinged ago and Gibbs sighed as he saw Tony step out with a petite girl, then looked at Gibbs, giving him a nod to come along. The next candidate.
...
''Hey, what are you doing?'' Olivia asked, later that evening when she walked into the kitchen. Tony was sitting over on the dining table. A big sketchbook in front of him and a dozen crumpled papers on the table and ground.
He looked up at her and had to smile as she wore a red NIS t-shirt, that was way to big for her, with grey sweat pants. She wore their shirt more than the night gowns Abby had bought for her. It made him remember of the his first college year.
''Drawing?'' Tony said hesitantly. He had told her about the plot and she was ecstatic about the idea.
She came closer, putting a strand of blond hair behind her ear. Instead of sitting down next to him, she walked up behind him and wrapped her arms around him resting her hands over each other on his chest and rested her head on his shoulder. She looked down at the sketch. ''Looks like you don't know what you want''
Tony sighed. ''I don't. I thought I did, when I bought the plot. I just can't get it on paper''
''What about that thing that you talked about'' Olivia asked.
''What thing?'' Tony turned to look at her. She didn't move though.
''Smosh... muns... Silm?''
''The Sims'' Tony corrected with a chuckle.
''Yes that. I thought you made houses with that game or something''
''I did. It's just that every time I play it. The houses turn out completely different than the previous one'' Tony admitted. ''Like every time my style or priorities change''
''I'm sure that's not true. You just express it differently'' Olivia told him. ''What do you not want?''
''A white picket fence'' Tony said quickly confident.
Olivia smiled, she had seen that coming. Everything that reminded him of his childhood home, Tony hated. She couldn't blame him. So did she. ''And no, meters long lawn. Or symmetric design''
''No. absolutely not'' Tony stated.
''What about... things you see in movies or series?'' Olivia asked. ''Something you liked and couldn't get out of your head?''
Tony again looked at the new sheet of paper in front of him, as he thought about that. ''I have. I just don't think it is appropriate for the 1980's or 1990's''
''Hmm. Well you are creative. You can think of something right?''
Tony let out a small smile. ''Maybe'' Olivia patted his chest, and Tony grabbed her hand for a minute to squeeze it. ''Thanks''
''You're welcome'' Olivia said, kissing his cheek as she untangled herself from his shoulders. ''I'm going to look how Gibbs' boat is coming along''
Tony looked after her, studying her body language. She looked happier as well. He truly thought thought she was as well.
Looking back at the paper. He changed his plan of drawing and started to sum up things he liked and thought always came back, in every single house he had drawn or made in the game.
After an hour. He read it over. It was so different than he thought it would be. The features of the house were older. Old, dark beams and dark wooden floor, but white to cream colored walls. The big attic was also always present. He loved the view, especially if he would set it up towards the woods and meadows behind it.
As he thought about it and bit his lip. The construction style was more towards the early 1900 then the 80's. Why he loved it so much, he really didn't know. It was weird because his furniture and equipment style was so modern. But he always managed to melt the two things together. God he would love to live there. And then realized once again that he actually had the money to build a house like that!
But he also realized that he had to get a lot of contracts and approval of the the municipality to build it. They were so damned stubborn about the year. Well it was worth a shot. Tony ripped the paper from the book, but instead of crumpling it, he laid it next to it and started to draw. Years of sketching scene's come in handy after all.
…
Somewhere else in the city Abby, McGee and Ziva were in a bar, having a drink and just talking.
''So guys!'' Abby said. ''Did you see some of the candidates for the new SFA position? Totally hot!''
''Not the girls though'' McGee mumbled. The girls he had seen were not all that exciting.
Ziva tapped her straw again her lips. ''Hmm, I do not know if the blond man this afternoon was a agent. He looked more like he was a friend of Tony's from college''
''Blond?'' Abby asked, frowning. ''How come I missed that one? I have to watch the security tapes tomorrow!''
''He indeed was very handsome. Quite young if you ask me'' Ziva commented.
McGee rolled his eyes. Why did he agreed to come along again?
''Are you still mad that Tony and Gibbs didn't choose you for Senior Field Agent?'' Ziva asked him, seeing his crabby expression.
McGee shrugged taking a swig from his beer. ''It's more that I realize that they are right. I'm not that good in a fight, I'm still unsure of what to do if by any chance one of them cant get the upper hand''
''McGee! Don't think that you are not a good agent!'' Abby said sternly. ''Yes you still have much to learn and you will!''
''Sure Abbs'' McGee said sarcastically.
''Timothy McGee!'' Abby slapped him hard on the back of his head.
''Ow Abby!'' McGee exclaimed rubbing the back of his head. ''Gibbs doesn't do it that hard''
''I don't care! You will learn, understand me?'' Abby asked.
''Yeah, yeah I understand''
''I could help you with combat'' Ziva suggested.
''Thanks, but would rather live''
Ziva frowned. ''I will not be hard on you''
''That's a great idea!'' Abby said excitedly. ''Come on, McGee! Train with her! Maybe you can win from Tony if you let her help''
McGee thought about that. ''Okay... but promise me, not to hurt me''
Ziva laughed. ''I promise''
The rest of the their night at the bar was much more relaxed. With light talk and Ziva who descriped the blond man she had seen with Tony.
…
Kelly sat once again on the bars of the crib, as she looked at her little friend.
''You know, my daddy is a great man! He was a marine, you know and marines help many many people. And he still helps people. You are lucky to be in this house. He doesn't like it when strangers in his house'' She chuckled. ''He even locks the door now that you are here. He hasn't done that in AGES!''
''And your mommy is very pretty!'' She continued rambling. ''Tony loves you and your mommy. Tony and your mommy are best friends, but I think he has a crush on her, but doesn't know. I had a crush on Tony once. when he was younger, now he's too old for me. I don't think my daddy will like it'' Kelly actually pouted.
Mason turned his head to look in her direction. He stared with big eyes in her direction... at her? No that couldn't be right? He couldn't look at her, because he couldn't actually see her.
''Mom?'' Kelly called out. It took a minute but then Shannon appeared in the room.
''Kelly Grace Gibbs. What did I tell you about sitting on the crib'' Shannon exclaimed softly accusingly.
Kelly 'jumped' from the crib. ''Mommy, Mason's staring at me''
''That isn't possible, Kelly. Mason doesn't see us'' Shannon said, she looked into the crib and gasped silently as the big blue eyes looked from Kelly to herself.
''He really does!'' Kelly protested. Mason turned to her again. ''See!''
''Don't you think he just hears us?'' Shannon asked.
''But mommy, how does he know where we are?'' Kelly reasoned.
''I don't know, honey. You father looked at me yesterday—'' Shannon stopped, as she realized that she had slipped.
''Daddy looked at you?'' Kelly asked with wide eyes. ''Does he hear you too?'' Her mother just looked at her. ''I knew it... I knew it!'' She yelled. ''Last Friday he was at the grave''
''I know, you told me'' Shannon said. Sighing. She knew what was coming.
''Yes, but I had to laugh and he stopped when I did. Did he hear me, mommy?'' Kelly asked. ''Does he finally hear me?''
''Yes'' Shannon admitted to her daughter. ''He does''
Yeah! another chapter complete. I'm trying to decide how to end this story... not that i want it to end, but I am just so excited for the sequel. I do have the summary and decided that just like the previous story, i will put it in the last chapter!
Well tell me what you think. Please give my Muse so food, she's hungry you know? ;)
Update soon! -x- Leonie