Section 15

Gibbs looked around the bedroom as he entered. He had done a final check around the cabin before turning in; ignoring Tony's knowing smirk as he went upstairs after his final own final check. Like downstairs the furnishings were comfortable and well-made but in style of the cabin; particularly the king size bed with a sturdy wooden frame. Seeing his go-bag on the bench at the foot of the bed, Gibbs moved towards it already unbuttoning his shirt.

"I'll be out of your way in a minute." Tony said startling Gibbs. He gestured to the door from where he had just entered. "En suite."

Gibbs looked at him. Tony had changed into a pair of loose sweat pants with a tight muscle shirt that hugged his chest and ab muscles. Tony opened the door to a large closet and as he leaned over, the sweat pants were drawn taut over a well-muscled and firm behind. Gibbs mentally head-slapped himself. This was his senior field agent who he was ogling. He firmly quashed the traitorous little voice which kept whispering "husband". Gibbs hastily re-focused his eyes as Tony stood up he had a pillow and quilt in his arms.

"You cold?" Gibbs motioned to the bedding.

"I'm going to sleep on the couch." Tony shuffled his feet nervously.

"Why?"

"McGee's in the guest room."

"We've shared a bed before." The agency was known for double-booking rooms and Gibbs was used to sharing with his agents regardless of the bed size.

"I'm fine with the couch." Tony didn't meet Gibbs eyes as he moved towards the hall door.

Gibbs reach out to take Tony's arm but he edged away. "What's going on here, DiNozzo?"

"Nothing. I'm just tired."

Gibbs moved to block Tony from exiting the room. "There's no reason for you to sleep downstairs." Again, he put his hand out towards his agent and again Tony leaned away. "DiNozzo, what the hell is going on here?"

"I just don't … I want to sleep on the couch." He sidestepped to go around Gibbs, who countered his move. "Gibbs, step aside."

"What's is this, DiNozzo? Do you think because we're married that I am going to suddenly be overcome with lust and attack you?" Gibbs felt his anger building at his agent's irrational behavior. He was surprised at the flush that darkened Tony's complexion. "What the hell? Tony? Twenty four hours ago, you trusted me to watch your back now you think I'm going what...rape you?"

"No."

"You know me. We've worked together for years. Have I ever, ever done anything to make you mistrust me?" Gibbs raised his voice in anger.

A wave of emotion crossed Tony's face. "Uh…"

"Dammit, Tony. Forget Mexico. I won't apologize for leaving or keeping back like that again. "

"Did you ever?" Tony said still bitter. Some wounds took a long time to heal. "Rule 6, right?"

"That has nothing to do with us now."

"There isn't an us." Tony was agitated.

"Tony, we have been partners for years. Where in the hell is this coming from? This morning didn't change that."

"I… We… It…" Tony shook his head in frustration. He hated the flush he felt on his face and he hated the situation. "This…"

"Spit it out, DiNozzo. What's your problem?"

"You don't understand." Tony raised his voice his own anger rising.

"Then make me understand." Gibbs demanded.

"Gibbs…"

For a minute, Tony meet his eyes directly and Gibbs could see confusion, fear, anger and uncertainty. He reach for Tony again, but Tony yanked his arm from his grasp, slammed the door open and it hit the hall wall with a loud bang. Before Gibbs could react Tony had stormed out and was already to the stairs. A slight noise drew his attention away from Tony's back and Gibbs saw McGee had opened the guest room door and was gazing between Tony and Gibbs in confusion. Catching his eye, Gibbs signaled him back into the guest room. Tim nodded and quietly shut the door.

Turning back to the staircase, Gibbs saw that Tony had successfully escaped. Reaching out he pulled the door closed. With a sigh, he sat down on the edge of the bed. He was tired but sleep would have to wait. He needed to figure out what was wrong with his agent. What he didn't know was that his senior agent spend much of the night lying on the couch wondering the very same thing.

Section 16

Tim cautiously opened his door and peered out. When he had heard Gibbs' and Tony's voices raised in anger the night before, he had decided to stay out of it. It wasn't often the two men ever showed any sign of conflict in front of the other team members preferring to present a united front. However, the loud bang had startled him and he had been concerned. Tim had only got a glimpse of Tony at the stairs, before Gibbs had motioned to him. Tim had retreated but was concerned about Tony's frame of mind. He lay awake worried for a long time before falling asleep.

This morning he was awake and eager to get started. He had to find out who was setting Tony up. He moved quietly to the stairs and made his way downstairs. A folded blanket and pillow were stacked at one end of the couch but Tony was nowhere to be seen. Tim took a deep breath in appreciation of the smell of baking bread.

"Morning, McGee." Tony greeted him as he exited the pantry.

"Hey, Tony." McGee eyed Tony intently. "Sleep okay?"

Tony paused and placed the food he was holding on the counter. He realized that his teammate had overheard something. "As good as I could, I guess."

"If you need someone to talk to, I'll listen." Tim perched on a stool at the counter.

Tony took in the earnest expression on McGee's face. "Thanks. It's just a bit strange." Tony shook his head. "I keep thinking it's a dream and I'll wake up. Maybe that burrito from Stan's the other day."

"It's going to be okay, Tony."

"Thanks, McGee. So, I'm going to throw this bacon and ham in a skillet. How do you want your eggs?"

"Whatever's easiest. You know you don't have to cook for us all the time. I can help."

"Don't worry about it. I kind of enjoy cooking when I'm here. It relaxes me." Just as he said it, Tony heard footsteps on the stairs and his body tensed. He turned away stiffly and threw the meat he was unwrapping onto an already hot griddle. He busied himself at the stove and avoided looking at Gibbs as he joined McGee at the bar.

"Morning, boss." McGee studied the body language of the two other men.

"Morning, McGee, DiNozzo." Gibbs noticed the rigid set of Tony's shoulders. He was again dressed in khakis and a fresh polo shirt which actuated his air.

"So Tony's special scrambled eggs alright with everyone?"

"What makes them so special?" McGee asked.

"Besides me cooking them?" Tony threw a quick smile at McGee over his shoulder. Gibbs gritted his teeth and felt angry at the easy byplay between them not realizing how hard McGee was trying to defuse the situation. "I use some onion, peppers, tomatoes and some various herbs and just before serving a nice layer of cheese."

"Works for me." McGee agreed. "How about you, boss?"

"Fine." Gibbs said grumpily. "You about ready to get to work?"

Tony moved smoothly around the kitchen area grabbing a large stoneware mug, filling it and plunking it down in front of Gibbs. "Drink your coffee and quit being a curmudgeon. Breakfast's all but ready. We'll all be more productive with full stomachs."

"I'll set the table." McGee took the opportunity slip away from Gibbs' arm reach. Gibbs without coffee delivered harder head slaps for less reason. He preferred to keep a safer distance for at least two cups.

Gibbs sulked as he took a long sip of his coffee. It was strong and black just like he liked. "Here," Tony set a full carafe down next to him. For a minute their eyes met, then Tony dropped his head and turned back to the stove. "Did you sleep okay?"

Gibbs took another long drink. "As good as I could, I guess," he answered unconsciously echoing Tony's words from earlier. "You?"

"About the same." Tony leaned over to pull a tray of biscuits from the oven. When he stood, he found Gibbs had left his seat and was invading his personal space.

"Everything is going to be okay." Gibbs held his senior field agent's gaze. "Tony, we will fix this."

"I'm sor…"

"Don't apologize." Gibbs shook his head and Tony braced himself for rule 6. "I shouldn't have pressed you so hard last night. The last forty-eight hours have been hell. Let's just focus on straightening your status out first." He took the mitt and the tray from Tony's unresisting hands, but before turning to the table, Gibbs touched Tony's arm and looked him directly in the eye. "We will get through this. Together."

McGee hurriedly laid the remaining silverware trying to hide the feeling that he had eavesdropped on something private. He stepped aside and let Gibbs toss the biscuits into the waiting bread bowl. When Gibbs stepped back he locked gaze with the younger man and Tim could see the resolve and determination in his eyes. He gave Gibbs a slight nod, letting him know that he was on Team Tony, too.