"Well?" prompted Tony.

"I heard what you said," said Gibbs.

"Good. I didn't think you'd gone deaf," said a puzzled Tony.

Gibbs glared at him. "When you were talking to Acting Director Bobbie," he said.

"What?"

"Now who's going deaf?" said Gibbs.

"Funny!" said Tony. "What did you hear me say to her? Did you know she's an OSU alumnus, by the way?"

"Explains a lot," said Gibbs darkly.

"So?" asked Tony, "What did you hear me say to her? I didn't see you anywhere near." Gibbs stared at him. "But, of course," said Tony hastily, "With your superior snipery skills I wouldn't have seen you if you hadn't wanted to be seen. And I'm guessing you didn't want to be seen."

"Not likely," said Gibbs with a hint of a shudder.

"And what was it that you heard me say to her?" asked Tony again.

"Apart from offering you a job back at NCIS?" said Gibbs.

"Yes. And don't tell me you thought it would be a good idea," said Tony.

"You'd always be welcome, Tony," said Gibbs.

"Why? So you could wind up Vance about it?" asked Tony cynically.

"I guess that could be fun," agreed Gibbs, "But no, we could find a spot for you. Place isn't the same without you."

"And some people would think that was a good thing," said Tony, "And Director Vance would be at the top of that list."

"Leon doesn't always get things right," said Gibbs, "When he gets an idea in his head it's hard to get it out."

"Whereas you're the poster boy for flexibility and adaptability," said Tony affably.

"See, you do know me," grinned Gibbs.

"I won't come back, Gibbs," said Tony. "Even supposing Director Vance would buy into it, I wouldn't come back. Not just because it would be a backward step but because I decided I didn't want to bring Tali up in DC. North Carolina suits us better."

"I guess," said Gibbs. "But the job offer wasn't what I was talking about."

"It wasn't? Then what was it?" asked Tony.

"You told Button that I don't respect anyone except myself," said Gibbs.

"That's right," said Tony easily.

"Just like that?" asked Gibbs.

"What you mean.?" asked Tony.

"No grimace, no wince … no protestations?"

"No," said Tony, "I got used to it. We all did. We knew that, if you had your way, you'd work on your own; that we were there as helpers, assistants, gofers."

"And you didn't mind?" asked Gibbs.

Tony thought about this for a moment or two. "I'm not sure, Gibbs," he said, "I guess the first few months working for you were so terrifying that I was grateful to go home nights still in one piece. By the time the panic had faded I was sort of used to being treated like an awkward child. It seemed the norm." He gazed back at Gibbs placidly.

"Oh," said Gibbs.

"Did it bother you then, hearing what I said to Acting Director Bobbie?" asked Tony.

"I always respected you, Tony," said Gibbs.

"You did?" asked Tony. He thought back to various incidents which he considered probably contradicted Gibbs' words but decided not to mention them. "You hid it well," he commented.

"Rule 12," said Gibbs.

"What!" said Tony in a less than manly squeak, "You wanted to date me?"

"No," said Gibbs, "God, no! I suppose it was really Rule 12a, a sub rule."

"You had sub rules?" said Tony aghast.

"An unwritten sub rule," said Gibbs helpfully.

"Then I give up, Gibbs," said Tony. "How do you expect us to keep your rules if you have unwritten sub rules?"

"It wasn't a rule for you, it was a rule for me," explained Gibbs.

"What?"

"Don't be friends with your co-workers," said Gibbs. "Or more specifically, with your team."

"Why not?" asked Tony.

"Boss has to be the boss," said Gibbs, "If you're friends with them it's tough if you lose them or when you have to discipline them."

"I didn't hear the word respect in there, Gibbs," said Tony. "You said friends, nothing about not having respect for the people around you."

"I guess I didn't always get that part right," admitted Gibbs. "But I'm the lead. I take responsibility. If my team gets it wrong I take the fall for them."

"So, the team is all about you?" said Tony. "You don't want people to see anyone in the team except you?"

"It's my way of making sure that I take the blame if anyone on my team goes wrong," said Gibbs. "My team, my responsibility."

"Doesn't sound like a team to me, Gibbs," said Tony.

Gibbs shrugged, "It works. You always had confidence that you were a good agent. McGee never really doubted that he had skills. Neither did Kate or Ziva. Tried a different tack with Bishop and turned out it was better to go back to the old ways."

"Wow," said Tony, "That's some real twisted logic there, Gibbs."

"What doesn't kill you makes you stronger," said Gibbs.

"Don't think you'll find that in the team building manuals," observed Tony.

Gibbs shrugged.

"And what about team as family that you used to bang on about?" said Tony.

"What about it?"

"Just that it always seemed crazy to me. I mean, you don't seem to have a family apart from Jackson and you spent years not talking to him. Scratch that, perhaps it does make sense after all. Your picture of family is one where nobody talks to each other."

"Not true," said Gibbs. "Family's there when they're needed. And that's what the team is like."

"You know, Gibbs, I learned a lot from you. And some of what I learned was how not to do things."

"We're all different, Tony. Perhaps that's why you've got all these job offers pouring in."

"Gibbs?"

"Ran into the Milsom Bay Police Chief. He told me that he hoped you'd step into his shoes."

"You know, Gibbs, you're the person least likely in the world to gossip but it seems you always know what's going on."

"It's a gift," said Gibbs modestly. "But the point, well one of them, is that I want you to know that I always thought highly of you as an agent. And I'm sorry if you didn't realise that."

"Good thing I'm sitting down," said Tony, "First you tell me about unwritten sub rules and then you break one of your cardinal rules by apologising!"

"Like I told Ducky once, an apology isn't a sign of weakness between friends. And I hope we're friends by now, Tony."

Tony sighed, "Yes, we are. Don't ask me why but we are. But you know, Gibbs you could try bending the rules a little. You know, so your new team don't all spend thirteen years in the dark."

"Sounds like you want to take the Acting Director's job offer after all," said Gibbs mischievously.

"No! Really, absolutely, categorically, definitely no!" insisted Tony. "What was your other point? You said that one of the points was that you thought highly of me, what was the other?"

"Oh," said Gibbs, "Just that you probably owe me for all these job offers."

"How do you figure that one out?"

"All the things you learned from me not to do are probably what make people think you're good at what you do."

"So you expect me to be grateful for you screwing with my head all these years?" demanded Tony.

"Not exactly expect," said Gibbs. "And I sure don't want you to send me a fruit basket."

"Gibbs, I am grateful to you," said Tony, "Not sure what for except that those years of working for … with you … were one hell of a ride and I learned a lot. You're one of a kind and I guess that's why Director Bobbie wants to make sure she keeps you."

"So, what do you suggest?" asked Gibbs.

"Excuse me?"

"What do you suggest? If you were taking up her offer what you have me do?"

"I don't know, Gibbs," said Tony promptly.

"Then you were probably right to turn her down," said Gibbs.

"Gibbs, you're not seriously asking my advice, are you?"

"Why not? I told you that I respect you."

"Now that unwritten sub rule 12a no longer applies," said Tony bitterly.

"Hey, let it go, DiNozzo."

"You really want my advice?" pressed Tony.

"Sure."

"You know, ever since you told me about being suspended I've been thinking about what you should do," said Tony.

"And what have you come up with?"

"I can't picture you taking my suggestions on board," said Tony.

"You won't know unless you try," Gibbs pointed out.

Tony took a deep breath and began, "I would tell a team leader that he needs to be firm but fair. Listen to what his team say, engage with them, build trust – and that might mean showing vulnerability …"

"Vulnerability?" queried Gibbs.

"Yeah. I don't mean in a breaking down and sobbing sort of way," said Tony hastily, "I mean, admitting to not being the best at something, admitting to getting things wrong. Perhaps bringing out Rule 51 a little earlier than you did 'cos sometimes you're wrong is one of the better rules."

"Anything else?"

"Sharing a joke with your team, not making your team members be so competitive with one another, smiling at them often enough that it doesn't freak them out when you do. Not always having impossibly high standards. Learning that sometimes your team will respond better if they're not shouted at. Believe that your team is already motivated to do the best they can. Accept that your team is human and sometimes like to sleep in their beds for a few hours."

"Sounds like you've really thought about this," said Gibbs.

"I had to work it out when I got people under me," said Tony. "Although I haven't got many people working for me directly. I acquire people when I'm on a case so throwing my weight around doesn't work because they're not actually on my team. I guess you could say that I've had to hone my liaison skills."

"And all this teamy stuff works for you?" asked Gibbs.

"Seems to," said Tony.

"Hmm. And this what you'd advise me to do? To stay on Director Bobbie's right side?"

"Hell, no," said Tony.

"What? Then why did you just say all that?"

"I said it's what I'd tell a team leader," said Tony. "But there's no point telling you all that stuff. I'm sure you know it all already but it's not your way."

"Go on," said Gibbs.

"Seems to me that you're one of a kind. You recruit people to your team who are one of a kind and probably the kind who won't do well on anyone else's team."

"So the misfits end up on my team?" asked Gibbs.

"And the nut-jobs," said Tony. "You're probably the only team lead who could keep them in line. NCIS needs them and needs you to keep them anything like in line."

"Which are you?" asked Gibbs.

"What?"

"Misfit or nut-job?"

"Oh. I'm the exception who proves the rule. Neither misfit nor nut-job – I like to think that I was the sanest person on your team."

"Do you?" said Gibbs.

"Either that or I was the person with the lowest IQ – I prefer to go for sane."

"Hmm. So you think I'm an asset to NCIS because I can act as the ringmaster keeping all the whack jobs in line?"

"Yep. And of course, you're a brilliant whack job yourself," said Tony in what he intended to be a reassuring tone.

"Thanks," said Gibbs. "So you think I should keep on doing what I'm doing and eventually Acting Director Bobbie will come to see that the agency can't do without me?"

"Pretty much," said Tony, "Although you might try that respect thing sometimes … it might help things along."

"You mean cosy up to the Acting Director?"

"You can be charming when you want to be, Gibbs. Why not deploy some of those Marine wiles?"

"You sure you think you're the sane one?" asked Gibbs.

"Yes," said Tony firmly. "So, the Pink House. Do you have plans for it?"

"Why do you keep asking that?" asked Gibbs.

"'Cos you keep turning up here. And because you've been pensive while you've been here."

"Pensive? Feel like I've talked more in the last few minutes than I have in the whole of the last six months."

"Gibbs?"

"OK. I guess I've been thinking about the future. Scuttlebutt is that Button may become permanent in the Director's chair. Not sure what means for me. And I'm getting older, Tony. I'll have to retire someday."

"And the Pink House figures in your plans?"

"Seems a waste it just standing here," said Gibbs. "Makes things like your pop-up den of iniquity more likely to happen. And you said the local teenagers sometimes hang out here."

"True," said Tony. "The town council is worried about it standing empty. The mayor says that the owners are giving up on it. There's talk about them either selling it to the town at a knockdown price or renting it out to them at a low rent. The town will put some money in to restore the old road down to the house."

"They got any plans for it?" asked Gibbs.

"Think they're open to ideas," said Tony.

"I don't want to run a hotel," said Gibbs.

Tony laughed, "Didn't think you would."

"Be a good place to teach sailing from," said Gibbs. "I guess someone else could run the hospitality side."

"Yeah. And it could be a centre for other classes too. Woodcarving. John might be up for teaching some classes in painting," suggested Tony.

"And Doug Sutherland seemed to be interested once," said Gibbs, "He's got the business knowhow."

"Yeah," said Tony a little less enthusiastically, "Good old Ug."

"Lots going for it," said Gibbs.

"You've been thinking about it," said Tony.

"Yeah," Gibbs sighed.

"And?"

"And what?"

"So, are you going to open the Gibbs Pink House School where you can build a boat and then learn to sail it? Guests would have to stay a long time but it could be a selling point," urged Tony.

Gibbs grinned and then turned to gaze thoughtfully at the Pink House. Tony waited for his reply and it seemed that the gulls stopped screeching and the waves stopped lapping the sand as the world waited.

"Nah," said Gibbs finally. "I'm not ready to hang up my boots yet. I've got years of worrying NCIS Directors ahead of me!"

"You sure?" asked Tony. "What am I saying? Of course you're sure."

"I'm sure," said Gibbs. "Later on, perhaps, but not now."

"OK," said Tony.

"And now," said Gibbs, "I'm hungry. Let's go see what Mrs Lacey has got for us."

"Sounds good to me," said Tony. "Millie's food always sounds good to me."

"Tastes better though," said Gibbs unanswerably.

NCISNCIS

The baptism had gone well. Tali had not had a tantrum. The three godfathers and two godmothers had managed their lines impeccably. Tony had been the proud father and he told himself that his eyes were suspiciously moist because of his black eye; choosing to disregard the fact that only one of his eyes had been injured yet both were wet.

Now they were all back at the café where Millie had produced an amazing spread of food.

"Tony," said McGee, "Can Tali be baptized again?"

"What?" asked Tony, "No, I don't think so. Pretty sure it's a once and forever kind of thing. "Why? Did something go wrong?"

"No," said Tim regretfully, "I just thought that Mrs Lacey could do this again." He waved a hand at the laden tables.

"Sorry," said Tony.

"Never mind," said Tim bravely, "I'll just go back for seconds."

"More like fifths," muttered Tony as the godfather walked away.

"Sutherland's made a good job of that painting," observed Gibbs as he returned from looking at the portrait.

"Yes," said Tony. "It's certainly Tali. Except that she's clean in it and that's a rarity!"

"And he put the dog in," said Gibbs.

"I wasn't sure," said John as he came to join them.

"Why not?" asked Gibbs.

"Cute child with a cuddly dog," said John, "Wasn't sure if it was too much."

"No," said Tony, "They go together. And anyone who knows Tali knows that the look in her eye is pure mischief."

"Knew I recognised that look," said Gibbs blandly, "She looks just like you, DiNozzo!"

"Thanks, Boss," said Tony. "I should have said that the look in her eye is angelic!"

"In your dreams," said Gibbs. He spotted that Millie had just refilled the coffee carafe and hurried away.

"Thanks, John," said Tony when they were alone, "It's perfect."

"My pleasure," said John. "Doug's pleased too."

"Why?"

"'Cos I decided I liked painting it. And I've told him I don't mind painting a few more if he wants to work on getting me some commissions. Only a few, mind!"

"Dad," said Doug as he arrived, "I'm putting out some feelers for clients. Should hear something soon."

John opened his mouth to remind his son that he didn't want to set up in business again but was interrupted by Tali who had spotted her idol,

"Ug!" she said as she put her arms around his legs. "Ug!"

Tony and John watched in bemusement as Doug bestowed a beaming smile on his goddaughter and lifted her into his arms. "Let's go and get some cake," he suggested.

"Seems like a miracle," said John.

Tony started to say something about his daughter's poor taste but realised that was tactless and turned his words into a cough. John grinned as if he knew what Tony was thinking and went to join his son.

"Are you quite well, Anthony?" asked the ever vigilant Ducky who had heard the sound of the cough from across the room.

"I'm fine, Ducky. Just being tactful," said Tony.

"Are you sure you're all right?" asked Ducky.

"Hey," said Tony in mock offence, "I can be tactful, you know."

"I'm sure you can, my boy," said Ducky. "What a wonderful day this has been. Sutherland's portrait is most striking."

"And Abby's taking lots of pictures of it," said Tony, "I'm sure she'll let you have one."

"Indeed," said Ducky looking across to where Abby was delighting in taking hundreds of photos. "She is enjoying herself very much. Although I can't help but feel that the church was right to refuse permission for her to record the service. I am sure it was much calmer as a result of her having to remain in her seat."

"Amen to that," said Tony.

"But it was kind of you to allow her this part in your celebrations," said Ducky.

"She's a friend," said Tony. "It's what you do for friends."

Ducky patted him on the arm and moved away to sample Millie's Victoria sponge.

"Hey, Bishop," said Tony as he spotted Ellie walking towards him. "Or I guess I should say Ellie."

"Why?" she asked.

"Doesn't seem right calling my daughter's godmother by her surname," explained Tony.

"I don't mind," said Ellie, "And thank you."

"What for?"

"For letting me be godmother."

"Think the thanking should come from me, Bi-Ellie. And you and mcgodfather must be the most knowledgeable godparents around. So, thank you."

"It means that we'll have to keep in touch even though we don't work together," said Ellie, "I'm guessing you're not taking Director Button's offer?"

"Does everyone know about that?" asked Tony.

"Tim and I know pretty much everything that goes on in the Navy Yard," said Ellie seriously.

"Do me a favour," said Tony.

"Of course. What is it?"

"Don't teach Tali how to hack. I don't want to be visiting her in prison."

"Deal," said Ellie. A devious look came into her eyes, "Or we'll teach how not to be caught!" She reached up and hugged Tony before scurrying away. Tony gazed after her wondering if she was serious and whether he should be afraid – very afraid.

Sometime later, after the Christening cake had been admired, sliced and eaten, Tony and Chaplain Burke were sitting in a quiet corner watching everyone enjoying themselves. After a few minutes, Tali wandered over and climbed into Tony's lap.

"Tired?" he asked as he put an arm around her.

She nodded wearily and leaned into him.

Melanie stroked the little girl's hair. "It's been quite a day for her."

"Yeah. All her favourite people in one room together," said Tony.

"I think you're the one she wants," said the Commander.

"I guess," said Tony. "I hope I'm the one she wants to come home to … for a long time." He kissed the top of Tali's head and chuckled when he saw that she was already fast asleep. "Thanks for what you did, Mel."

"It was a pleasure," said Melanie. "I don't get to do that many baptisms."

"Not just for today, but for putting up with my dithering," said Tony.

"Again, a pleasure," said Melanie.

"Spoke to Gibbs," said Tony.

"And?"

"And he doesn't want to buy the Pink House."

"He doesn't?"

"What's your obsession with the Pink House, DiNozzo?" asked Gibbs suddenly emerging from outside.

"Gibbs?" asked Tony.

"You've done nothing but talk about it," said Gibbs a little inaccurately. "And you seem to know a lot about what's going on with it."

"That's my fault, Agent Gibbs," said Melanie.

"Padre?" asked Gibbs.

"My time with the Navy is nearly up. I've been thinking of setting up some sort of retreat centre. I've got a few people interested and I heard about the Pink House from Tony. Seems an ideal place. Especially now that the council are willing to restore the road."

"So you were checking up on my intentions, DiNozzo?" said Gibbs.

"Wanted to give you first refusal," said Tony. "You changed your mind?"

"Not likely," said Gibbs. "But if your retreat centre wants to run some woodcarving classes, I might be interested."

"Thank you, Agent Gibbs," said Melanie. "Crafts can be very therapeutic, calming. That sounds like a good idea."

"Let me know," said Gibbs. He gave them both a considering look before nodding approvingly and walking away.

"There's a cellar, you know," said Tony, "He'd love to teach woodworking down there!"

"The light wouldn't be very good," objected Melanie.

"He'd manage," said Tony, "He's had lots of practice."

"So," said Melanie, "Looks like we might be neighbours. Some of the time anyway."

"Tali and I come down here most weekends," said Tony.

"And Raleigh isn't that far," observed Melanie. "For the other times."

Tony smiled at her.

Across the room, Millie saw the smile and was pleased. She suspected that Tony and Melanie's hands were entwined beneath the table but she decided that was none of her business.

Thank you to everyone who has taken an interest in this story. The NCIS characters have been returned safely to their boxes.