Outside Tony's house:

"So what's the deal about that brunette with red tips on the end of her hair?", Fornell asked Gibbs

"Before I came to NIS after well Shannon and Kelly, I did a security detail in Positano and Rome for Ambassador Prentiss. Emily was 15 then , she was a nice kid. Haven't seen her recently until she started to be friends with Dinozzo." "Then there was the Ziva mess."

Fornell nodded. "So she was a redhead once?"

Gibbs said "Likes her hair black these days, She's like my daughter nothing more."

Fornell nodded. "Dinozzo didn't look so good. Seen the edge of burnout before and he's heading there."

Gibbs sighed. "He's had a lot to handle. I'll keep an eye on him and so will Hotchner when we talk."

A while later: Emily decided to take Jet out to her dog run out back for some fresh air and exercise.

Tony said " I'm going to grab a nap for a while honey."

Emily smiled "Ok Jet and I will get some air for a while. Then I will make dinner. You have had an interesting day."

Tony kissed her cheek. "That I have thank you."

He stretched out in his recliner under a blanket and put his glasses on the table nearby. He yawned and his eyes closed slowly.

Then as Emily was watching Jet run for a while, Spencer Reid walked into the backyard.

"I brought you some books to read while you're healing as well as one for Tony."

She smiled. "That's very nice of you. Tony's resting right now. He's having some allergy issues today. The goldenrod and ragweed are getting to him."

Reid nodded. "It is that time of year. I am sure he has been worrying about you too. He might blame himself for what happened."

She sighed. "What do I do for him?"

"There is nothing but being there. When he is ready he will open up."

Jet came over and sniffed Reid's hand. He smiled. "That is one impressive dog. Has more Rottweiler markings on her even though her head is Bull Mastiff."

She smiled. "Is there anything you don't know Reid?"

He looked at her. " I'm not sure but I will leave you alone to spend time with Tony." "I will see you when you get back to work."

"You are welcome to visit anytime."

He nodded . "I know, but I also understand other peoples space too."

"Well thanks for the books. I am sure Tony will enjoy his too."

A few hours later:

Tony woke up and smelled something cooking . " Is that homemade minestrone soup? I haven't had that in a really long time and it is one of my comfort things ."

David Rossi stepped out of Tony's kitchen and said "That would be it. Hope you like my version, I use sweet sausage in it with the tomato base and a few less beans."

Tony blinked. "Wow , how long was I out?"

Emily smiled and touched his hair. "A few hours but he needed it."

He rubbed his face for a minute. "Yeah I did."

Dave said "I brought Jet a new rope toy or two. She's playing with Rambo out back. Mudgie had to have a procedure at the vets so he is taking it easy."

Tony smiled. "My pup is getting spoiled and I think she has a little crush on Rambo too."

Emily said " She works hard so she deserves a few treats now and then."

Tony nodded.

Dave said "Well the soup is almost ready. Just need to check the garlic bread." He went back into the kitchen.

Emily looked at Tony for a minute. " You're not used to being taken care of are you?"

"No." He answered then realized it sounded sharp and said "Sorry honey."

"You are allowed to have feelings Tony."

He sighed. "It's just been a really long time. I grew up fast and learned a lot on my own. My friend Danny Messer's mom in New York helped with some things. She made the best devils food cake. Haven't had that in years. Maybe I need to go up to Long Island and take some down time soon."

She held his hand. "I would like to go with you and see where you grew up. Or what the good parts were about you doing that."

He smiled. " I would like that too. "

Then Dave came in with the soup in some mugs and a plate with garlic bread on it for them.

Tony said "Dave you're staying to eat. And don't argue, you cooked this for us."

Dave nodded. "Well then, if you say so Tonio."

He looked at Dave. "My aunt Laverne on my dads side used to call me that. Haven't heard it in years."

Dave said "It's not a bad thing?"

Tony smiled. "No you're just making me feel warm and fuzzy Italiano tonight."

Then they ate on the big coffee table. Tony had sat on the floor with his back against the couch while doing so.

"I want that recipe Dave. It could be good on a cold winter night by a fire with some red wine and a pretty lady."

Emily blushed slightly. " Someone is being romantic."

Dave said " On that note I will get my dog and head home. I'll see you both when you're ready to be back at work."

Emily nodded. "I have about two more weeks and then I can be on desk duty. Or as I hear it with Penelope to be mother hen."

Tony said "Well we may take a little down time before that. I feel like a trip to New York is in order, I want to have Emily meet some friends of mine on Long Island."

Dave nodded. "Sounds good, I think you could use a break ."

Tony shrugged. " You mind if Jet visits Rambo and Mudgie?"

Dave said " Not at all it can be hard for dogs like her that work with law enforcement to get in the kennel on short notice."

Tony smiled. "She does like to swim too. Might enjoy your pool. "

Dave smiled. "That I will be sure and take pictures of. She can race Mudgie around the deep end and have the water be warm and heated."