Chapter Twenty-Five

You Had Me at Hello

Tony sipped his beer, watching the various members of his team huddled around the table at McNally's pub. It had been a harrowing few days, and he'd more than earned a stiff drink, but he wanted – needed – to remain in control. He was too on edge to let his guard down just yet. It was too bad really, considering the fact he couldn't drive anyway since his arm was back in a constricted sling.

Ducky and Palmer had joined them, and the rest of the team was laughing and getting a little rowdy. It was always good to burn off some pent-up energy and tension at the end of a case, and it looked like the whole team was letting off steam. Everyone except Tim. Tony couldn't help but notice that he wasn't the only member of their little group lost in his own thoughts. The Probie also seemed distracted and wouldn't meet Tony's eyes.

Tony suspected that, like Ziva, McGee was upset that Tony hadn't told him that he was seeing Jeanne again. Not that he ever shared what was truly important to him – he just lulled them with heaps of irrelevant, superficial nonsense. The Probie still didn't seem to have realized this. Still, he didn't want Jeanne's presence in his life to be hidden this time. He'd been working his way through the team slowly, letting them all in on his changed relationship status, but there were bigger issues with Tim and Ziva. Vance let the cat out of the bag to the junior members before Tony did.

At least Tim had come along to celebrate the successful conclusion of their case. Ziva had stomped off in a huff. Tony knew that Abby had called her, trying to convince the Israeli to change her mind. As of yet however, there was no sign of her.

Just as well as far as Tony was concerned, still fuming over her hostile words in front of the Director. He wasn't going to put up with it, and she'd better get with the program and realize it.

After she'd gone but before they'd left the office, Gibbs told Tony to call Jeanne and invite her to join them. He'd actually said it was time for her to meet Tony's family.

His family.

That's pretty much what they were despite the difficulties. He hadn't even spoken to his own father in years and had no desire to introduce Jeanne to him. He wouldn't enjoy seeing the elder DiNozzo flirting with her, trying to see if he could lure her away from his son. It had happened before, and a wealthy young heiress was just too big a temptation for him to resist. His father had never understood the concept of personal boundaries.

Not that he didn't know Jeanne would see right through him, but Tony still didn't want to witness it. No, what he wanted was acceptance from his NCIS family – Gibbs, mostly, and he thought he already had that. Still, they'd never all been together socially, so Tony could concede – if only to himself – that he was feeling a bit apprehensive. Abby had tossed Jeanne out of his hospital room the last time they'd seen each other, and other than Ducky and Gibbs, none of the rest had ever even spoken to her.

Jeanne was nervous, too. He could hear it in her voice, but she'd agreed to come and seemed rather pleased with the invitation. He supposed it was yet another step forward in their relationship, and it was one he wanted to make – despite his nerves. Jeanne hadn't quite finished her shift at the hospital when he'd called, but she'd promised to meet them at the pub. That way, she could drive him home so Gibbs wouldn't have to go out of his way.

Not that Gibbs would ever be bothered by it, but still, Tony knew the other man had a lot on his mind, as well. Jenny had been important to him once, and her situation had to be a bitter pill to swallow.

Tony wasn't really sure how he felt about the Director's hospitalization. It was obvious she needed help, but it also meant there'd be no repercussions for her break-in, and more importantly, for stalking Jeanne. There would be no consequences for illegally hacking into an FBI case, either. While he wasn't certain who would take over the Director's chair at NCIS, he suspected Leon Vance would remain. Tony didn't quite know what to make of Vance, but he had a distinct feeling that the man didn't like him.

He didn't think Vance liked Gibbs, either, so it would be interesting to see what happened to the team. He wasn't too worried about it. He'd only recently returned from a medical leave for a work-related injury, was still on desk duty for said injury, and he knew the NCIS handbook had strict rules that you weren't allowed to be fired or transferred after returning from those injuries. No, he wasn't going anywhere, but he didn't know about the rest of the team.

McGee should be fine, but Gibbs had brought up the possibility that Vance wouldn't be as amenable to the Mossad Liaison position as Jenny had been. Tony still wasn't sure what Jenny's motivation had been in getting Ziva on their team, although he was certain there was one hidden there somewhere. Why else would she have put a foreign national on an investigative team with access to classified intel? It didn't make any sense. Never mind the fact the slot on the team Ziva had filled was open because of the actions of Ziva's own family. It was messed up.

Taking another sip of his beer, he sighed and glanced around the table as the waitress dropped off chicken wings and potato skins at both ends of the table. Abby and Laura were engaged in animated conversation regarding some new band Abby was crazy about while the others were listening to Palmer tell an outlandish tale about his med school professor with varying expressions of disbelief on their faces. Gibbs always looked at Palmer as if he wasn't quite sure what to make of him. Tony loved Palmer for making Gibbs look like that. It wasn't very often that his boss was stumped.

Tony pushed back from the table deciding a trip to the men's room was in order. It wouldn't be too long before Jeanne arrived, and he didn't want her to face everyone alone. Once he'd finished in the bathroom, he stepped outside the door, where McGee collided into him as he came barreling down the short hallway. Tony had to grab the wall one-handed to keep from sprawling on the floor. The Probie's eyes widened in panic when he realized who he'd nearly knocked over, and Tony had the impression he wished it had been anyone else.

Best to get this out in the open and over with before it began to interfere with their working relationship.

Gibbs would never tolerate that.

"What's the rush, McWreckingBall? Who's chasing you? Did you make a move on that cute little waitress you're been eyeing since we got here?" Tony asked, checking that his sling was still holding everything where it was supposed to be.

"What? No!" McGee said, disconcerted. He held his arms out in front of him as if he wanted to be sure Tony was steady on his feet, but at the same time didn't want to touch him. The Probie was always too easy to wind up.

"Why not? She's hot," Tony said, leaning his back against the wall and bending one knee to prop his foot against it, as well.

McGee looked flustered, and Tony could easily read that he didn't want to talk about the waitress, but he wasn't sure how to approach what he really did want to talk about. McGee absolutely needed to learn how to bulldoze his way into a conversation to get the information he required.

"Just spit it out, Probie," Tony said, knowing that's how Gibbs would handle it. He folded his other arm across his sling, waiting for McGee to gather his thoughts.

"Why didn't you tell me you were back together with her?" McGee finally blurted, and Tony could hear the hurt beneath the question.

He sighed. "We didn't just jump right back where we'd left off, you know. Both of us needed to work through some things," Tony said, finding it was difficult to explain. He didn't want to hurt Tim's feelings again, but… he really hadn't been supportive of Tony's feelings after it all went to hell. Why should Tony trust that he would now?

Tim seemed to know what Tony was thinking anyway. "Look, I know I've been sort of… "

"An ass," Tony finished for him.

Tim's ears turned red, and he ducked his head. "Yeah, I suppose I was. I guess I liked finally having something to lord over you."

Tony mulled that over for a minute. "Fair… but it didn't make me want to give you any added ammunition," he said.

"I get that… but everyone else seemed to already know. Everyone except Ziva and me," Tim said.

Tony nodded. "You two were next on my list, but I hadn't made it that far yet."

"Your list?" Tim asked, a bite of derision creeping into his voice.

"Gibbs was the only one I told right away," Tony said, remembering that conversation. He had no intention of revealing the agreement he'd made regarding no more lies on his part, and Gibbs promise of support. That was just between the two of them, and Tony wanted to keep it that way.

The Probie didn't seem to require further explanation of that, anyway. "Yeah, well… he's Gibbs."

"Right. Ducky found out by accident when he drove me home from Physical Therapy one day. Once he knew, it made it easier to start filling people in. Palmer was always supportive, and Abby said she'd try to give her a fair shake," Tony said, a slight knot of apprehension twisting in his belly. He hoped the two White Russians Abby had already consumed wouldn't make her forget that promise.

"And Laura? She's a TAD who wasn't even here for the whole undercover fiasco. How did she know already?" Tim asked.

Tony could tell this was the one that was really bothering him – that a temporary team member knew before he did.

"That happened by accident, too. She heard me on the phone with Jeanne and asked who she was. It was easier because she wasn't here, so there was none of the baggage to go along with it," Tony said.

"Were you ever going to tell me and Ziva?" Tim asked.

"Yes," Tony said simply, and it was the truth. It was never meant to be a deep, dark secret. Jeanne deserved more than that. "It's not something I wanted to see in the pages of your next novel until I knew where I stood, though."

McGee's eyes comically rounded, as if he'd never considered the idea anyone might be hesitant to trust him after using all his co-workers as fictional characters in his book.

"Tony – I would never–"

"Never what, McGee? Use any personal information without informing me first? That ship has already sailed," Tony said.

Tim's shoulders slumped. "I know, and I am sorry," he said.

"Jeanne is still trying to come to grips with everything her father did. It's not fiction, its real-life pain, and she needs time to get a handle on it before it becomes fodder for someone else's entertainment," Tony said, being brutally honest. It was one thing for McGee to rip on his faults in such a public forum, it was another thing entirely to do it to Jeanne. He wouldn't allow it.

McGee looked down dejectedly. "I get that. I haven't been writing much of late, anyway. Director Shepherd gave me a warning that I couldn't use NCIS cases as source material," he admitted.

Tony didn't want to bring him down, though. This was supposed to be a happy night for new beginnings, and maybe he and Tim should work on getting back to being friends again. Tony was tired of always waiting for a knife in the back. It was draining.

"You'll come up with something else. You're a damned good writer, Tim, and I would've told you about Jeanne and me. I was just waiting for the right moment."

"The moment when you could've found a way to play some sort of joke or use it against me, you mean?" Tim asked, a very small, reluctant grin twitching in the lower left corner of his mouth.

"I have to keep up my reputation, and you do make it too easy sometimes, you know," Tony said, grinning widely.

"Yeah. For what it's worth, I'm happy for you, Tony – and you seem happy, too. I don't know how I didn't realize it before," Tim said.

"It's that situational awareness I keep trying to drum into your thick skull, McPadawan," Tony said.

McGee's cheeks pinkened, and he ducked his head, scuffing his toe. "What about Ziva?" he asked.

"What about her?" Tony asked, not completely successful at hiding the hard edge from his voice.

"She's pretty hacked off. I just called her and asked her to reconsider joining us all here," Tim said.

"Did she agree?" Tony asked.

Tim shrugged. "She said she'd think about it."

"Then I guess I'll figure that out if she shows. If she's civil like you've been, then we can talk it out, go from there," Tony replied.

Tim nodded. "That's fair, and just so all my cards are on the table, I promise to have your six even if she doesn't."

Tony felt his own face warm, but he hoped it wasn't noticeable in the darkness of the pub. "Thanks, Tim. We good?" he asked.

Tim reached out his hand. "Yeah, we're good, Tony. We're partners, and it's time we started acting like it again."

"I'd like that," Tony said quietly, pulling himself off the wall and shaking Tim's outstretched hand. "Something changed between us after Kate died… but I don't think she'd like how far we've drifted."

Bringing up Kate to his co-workers was something Tony tried to avoid at all costs. Just mentioning her name made him have to fight the impulse to swipe at the warm spray he felt on his face, even though he knew he'd simply be chasing ghosts. He, Tim and Gibbs always avoided mentioning her, but he suspected they all felt her in the shadows haunting some of their more questionable decisions.

"No. She wouldn't," Tim said heavily. "We should work on making her proud."

"That's a deal. Come on, Probie. I've only had one beer, and if Gibbs is buying, I definitely want to hit him harder than that," Tony said, feeling his mood lightening.

Tim grinned, following Tony back toward their table. "On your six, Tony," he said.

/* /* /* /*

Tony had finished another beer by the time he got Jeanne's text that she was in the parking lot. He was in a lighter mood, although he could still feel his stomach fluttering with nerves over how this would go – not that he'd ever let that show. He excused himself and went to meet her by the door. The music was loud and the hum of conversation lively as he strolled toward the entrance. Jeanne came inside, her eyes searching for him and sparkling brightly when she noticed him heading toward her.

She'd come right from work and was dressed in khaki slacks with a mint green blouse. She'd obviously left her doctor's coat behind, but she ran her fingers through her hair self-consciously.

"You look stunning. I like that top," he said, leaning over to kiss her in greeting, smelling the intoxicating scent of whatever fragrance she'd used.

"I'd like it even better on the floor," he whispered huskily in her ear and delighted at the shudder he felt go through her.

"You like everything better on the floor," she retorted, pushing gently against his chest, her eyes sparkling merrily.

"When it comes to your clothing, I certainly do," he said playfully. "Are you ready for this?"

"Don't make it sound like an execution," she said, taking a deep breath. "I can handle myself."

"I know you can," he said. "I think I'm the one who's nervous. Cut me some slack, though. This is all new for me. I've never been loved like this before."

Jeanne rolled her eyes. "Don't worry, I'll rock you gently," she said, making Tony beam. He loved how she not only got his obscure movie references, but she knew the old songs he liked to quote, as well.

"Look at you - Andy Kim and Neil Diamond would both be so proud. You really get me," he said.

He'd been doing a lot of introspection about their relationship since she'd came back into his life. Despite their unorthodox beginning, they really did fit well together. Both enjoyed the sophisticated and the quirky in equal measure. They also shared a competitive streak, even in the simplest of games. She could keep up with his rambling and even toss in her own zingers when required. He shared her passion for helping people, despite his penchant from distracting anyone from noticing that trait in him too clearly. Plus, when she got really caught up in the throes of passion – she reverted to French. Tony didn't think he'd ever found anything sexier.

He slipped his hand in hers and led the way toward their table. He felt a bit as if he were on stage as they approached the large table, and the entire group turned as one to silently watch their approach. Showtime.

"Way to play it subtle, guys," he said, rolling his eyes as he pulled out a chair for Jeanne. "I'd like you all to meet my girlfriend, Jeanne."

He made all the introductions, watching their reactions carefully. Ducky and Palmer, of course were the easiest, Gibbs simply nodded, and Tim and Laura greeted her pleasantly. It was Abby who moved her chair so she was seated on Jeanne's other side.

"I know I yelled at you the last time we met, but you kind of deserved it," she said, wincing. "You don't deserve it any more though. I can tell Tony's been really happy, and that's all down to you because there's been a whole lot of hinky stuff going on. Tony's been one of my bestest friends since he came to work at NCIS, and I hope you and I will become friends, too. Actually, that's not entirely true. When Tony first arrived, I didn't like him very much. I thought he was a preening peacock."

Abby took another sip of – was that her third or fourth – White Russian. Tony thought he might have to separate them, but Jeanne seemed thoroughly amused.

"Well, that's true. He does tend to preen a bit. He spends as much time in the bathroom getting ready as I do," she said, grinning.

"Oh, I just bet he does. Once I really got to know him, though, I just loved him to pieces. He's the best and most loyal friend you could ever have," Abby gushed.

"He does kind of grow on you," Jeanne said, catching Tony's eye and winking.

"She seems to have settled right in," Gibbs said, taking the seat on Tony's other side and leaning in so Tony could hear in the loud restaurant.

"She does that," Tony said, eyes still locked on Jeanne.

"You going to relax now? Quit worrying and have another drink?" Gibbs asked, already signaling the waitress for refills.

"I don't know. Are you still buying?" Tony asked, grinning. Gibbs had always been able to see right through all his masks. Why should it be any different now?

"NCIS is buying. Reckon they owe us, so I'm going to expense it," Gibbs said.

Tony lifted his glass and toasted Gibbs. "How about you? You all right?" Tony asked.

"Sure. No one broke into my house," Gibbs said gruffly.

"No… but it can't be easy on you, either," Tony said, not mentioning Jenny's name, but knowing Gibbs would understand what he meant. Unlike Tony, Gibbs never liked a lot of words.

"No, it's not, but she made her own choices well before that tumor. No point dwelling on what you can't change," Gibbs said.

While it was true, Tony had always had trouble with the 'not dwelling' part. Gibbs did, too – but Tony wasn't quite brave enough to say that to him when they were getting along so famously.

Laura swiveled her chair and joined the conversation with Jeanne and Abby in that weird way women had of bonding together in a group. Tony expected them to all go the ladies' room together any minute. It was nice and somehow comforting to see Jeanne simply being swallowed up by the gang.

"Thanks for this, Gibbs," he said, keeping his voice low and not meeting the other man's eyes.

"You do what you have to for family," Gibbs said easily. "Did Ducky say how much longer that shoulder pain will add to your desk duty?"

"What shoulder pain? I'm feeling just fine right now. Couple more weeks, and I'll be good to go. I could always just do ride-alongs, you know. Might give you an added perspective," Tony said hopefully.

Gibbs scowled at him like he was an idiot, knowing he'd never just stay in the car. "Not a chance."

Tony frowned, frustrated. "But–"

"Not happening," Gibbs repeated, and it was clearly the end of the conversation.

Jeanne suddenly slipped her hand into his beneath the table, giving it a reassuring squeeze.

"Why do you look so distressed all of a sudden?" she asked.

"I don't enjoy being sidelined when I know there's more I can do," Tony said, scowling at Gibbs.

"That's not distressed, that's pouting," Gibbs said. "He also got more painkillers that he refused to take."

Tony's eyes widened dramatically. "Did you just sell me out?" he asked incredulously. What was worse, Gibbs was actually smirking. Smirking as if he was enjoying putting Tony on the spot.

"He did? Oh, we can't have that. I'll make sure he takes them if he needs them," Jeanne said, a mischievous sparkle igniting in her eyes.

"That's what I was counting on, Doc," Gibbs said. He and Jeanne clinked their glasses together in front of Tony's incredulous eyes.

"Ziva!" Jimmy Palmer's excited call resounded down the table, gaining all their attention.

Ziva slowly approached them – catlike – and Tony's mind flashed on a predator stalking its prey. She wore a tense smile plastered on her lips while her dark, watchful eyes noted where everyone was seated. She walked around the table taking the empty spot between Gibbs and McGee.

"Glad you decided to join us, Ziva," Gibbs said, using his hand to signal the waitress to get her a drink.

"Yes, I decided the end of a case was a worthy cause for celebration, and I did not really want to miss it," Ziva said.

"I'm so glad you decided to come. It wasn't complete without you," Abby said, smiling widely.

"Yeah, I told you that you were missing a great party," McGee said, his eyes glancing over to meet Tony's.

Tony had known deep down that she'd come eventually. There was no way her curiosity would've allowed her to miss it. He also couldn't help but notice that Ziva had made eye contact with everyone but him and Jeanne, and she remained stand-offish as she made small talk with the others. He could tell Jeanne sensed the tension, too, but she returned the pressure on his hand beneath the table and waited to see how it would play out. Tony had told her that Ziva would be the hardest one to accept their rekindled romance. If Ziva chose to just move on and ignore it, he could live with that.

But apparently, Gibbs couldn't. "Ziva, have you met Tony's girlfriend?" he asked pointedly.

Ordinarily, Gibbs never bothered with social niceties like introductions, so a hush fell across their table watching how this would play out.

Ziva stiffened, but her eyes finally looked over at Jeanne, remaining expressionless. After a moment, she nodded. "Hello, Ziva David. I've worked with Tony for several years."

"Jeanne Benoit. I remember you from the night of the hostage situation," Jeanne said.

Ziva's expression darkened, and Tony knew that she took that as a dig for her mistake on which terrorist she'd targeted. Of course, Jeanne had no way to know that even happened, but it had played heavy on Ziva's mind. Plus, there was also the fact that the last time they'd seen one another, Ziva had flung her knife at Jeanne.

"You must be special. Tony does not often introduce us to his latest girlfriends," Ziva said coolly.

"Yes, a lot of people prefer to keep business and pleasure separated," Jeanne replied, equally cold.

Tony could nearly feel the frigid air passing between the two women. This wasn't going to work. Before he could interrupt the rising tension, however, McGee stood up, raising his glass.

"Well, it seems now is the perfect time to blend the two. We're not only celebrating the successful completion of our case, but a new direction at NCIS, and new friends joining our lives. Here's hoping the changes can help us all move past the mistakes of the previous administration, and bring us to a new, even more successful tomorrow," he said.

"Cheers! Well said, Timothy," Ducky said as they all raised their glasses and toasted.

Tim caught Tony's eyes and lifted his glass in a silent toast, reiterating that he had Tony's six. He and the Probie would be okay.

Ziva caught Tony's eye for the first time and nodded her head in an apparent truce.

Tony returned the gesture, willing to wait and see how the situation played out. Beneath the table, Jeanne's hand tightened on his, and she rubbed the pad of her thumb soothingly on the back of his hand, silently offering her comfort and support.

Perhaps they could all find a way to move on and develop a new… better normal at headquarters. He certainly liked the changes he'd made in his personal life, and Gibbs more even-handed, fairer approach in the bullpen made for an easier work environment. Things seemed to be finally settling and showing a promise of a brighter future. For the first time since he was eight years old, he had a family at last. He'd always been afraid to believe it could happen for him, but maybe this time was finally different. Tony was ready for it.

Author's Note:

Whelp, this story is mostly tied up – but I've left a few straggly threads in case I ever want to return to this universe. I really LOVED writing this one, and I love Tony with Jeanne. Thanks to both Sue and Unilocular for their assistance, guidance and unwavering support – and also thank you to the faithful reviewers who've stuck with me. The feedback really does make me want to write more all the time. There will be one more chapter and an epilogue still to come.