Well I think it might be time for me to wrap this one up and Tony and Penelope in here for now. There will be more of them down the line from me. Thanks for reading and to the person who suggested an epilogue in their review of His Mask Slips

One month later: Tony was buttoning the deep red shirt that he was going to wear for today's hearing. He slipped on a gray tie with a little red in it as well. No suit just a tie today. He was going to be at a different part of the FBI building for the morning than working with the profilers as usual. He took a deep breath and then felt Penelope come in and hug him.

"Hey sweets, it's going to be fine. All you need to do is just say what happened when you were hurt." "I know you hate it but it will be over very soon." She held her arms around him for a moment gently.

He smiled. "How did you know that was what I needed my lucky penny? You always remind me of what's good in my life when I need it most."

She kissed his cheek softly. "When you're done, you can come to my lair and see me ok? The team might have a surprise for you for lunch. I'm not allowed to say more."

He nodded. "Ok, well let's eat breakfast first so we can get moving. I don't want to be late for Fornell today."

She smiled. "I have some French toast casserole for you. I thought it would be nice and comforting for you today. I even put some extra blueberries in it."

"Good, I can indulge a little. I'm down a few. Who knew yoga with you and Krav Maga with JJ would help me with that."

They ate at the table together.

He said "You're wearing my favorite butterfly sweater today. It reminds me of the first day I met you. ""That and the blue streak in your hair. I knew you were going to be something in my life."

She smiled. "And here we are all these months later and so domestic."

"I know who would have thought."

Later that morning: Tony was taken to a room with Gibbs by his side. "Let's get this over with. I have work that I should be doing instead of wasting time on an old mess." He said.

Gibbs replied "Soon as you get done here you can get back to it cowboy. "

He nodded. "Good and then I won't have to think about any of this ever again."

They sat down at a table on one side with Hotch and Fornell beside them.

"Where's Kort? I would have thought he would have been here trying to smarm his way out of this somehow."

Then a woman in a designer dress walked in. "Gentleman I am sorry to inform you but the hearing is not going to happen today. Mr. Kort was unfortunately shanked last night in his federal holding cell. His carotid artery was severed and he bled out before the guards could get medical assistance and died."

Tony said "So it's over? Just like that. Never mind that I was injured and missed work because he decided to rig an explosion. Or well how about the fact that it was on ZNN and scared my girlfriend to death watching back here? But hey ding dong Kort is dead so my life is happy and all filled with fuzzy pandas or some shit."

The woman said "We do have a compensation check to offer you to replace a certain Camaro and also for any pain and suffering you endured. It is only good for sixty days from today."

Tony looked at the check and blinked. "Wow that is some serious cash. I think I feel a lot better. I know an animal rescue that needs some more kennel space for their dogs to run and I also know of a playground near my apartment that needs new basketball hoops. So sure I'll take this check but I am going to do some good with the spooks money besides maybe buying a toy or two for myself. Thank you."

She replied. "You're welcome Agent Dinozzo. On behalf of the CIA I would like to apologize for whatever emotional and physical stress you endured at the hands of Mr. Kort. I am Marissa Drummond the Agencies legal counsel."

"I would say it was a pleasure ma'am but I hope I never have to hear the letters CIA again. Now if you all will excuse me, I need more casual clothes and to get to work. It's been real."

"I'll see Emily this weekend Fornell."

"I may need a steak sometime soon Gibbs."

"And well Hotch, why don't we go talk about some people we can both help instead of someone who doesn't need any more of my energy today."