DISCLAIMER: I DO NOT OWN NCIS OR ANY OF ITS CHARACTERS

THE RESOLUTION

Resolutions: Unrealistic goals made under the influence of alcoholic substances that we make an attempt to strive for until the realization becomes evident that we should never ever, under any circumstances make potentially life altering decisions unless we are completely sober.

Unfortunately it takes some people longer to learn this little bit of knowledge. For one particular individual it took a whole year of valiant efforts before the inevitable truth had to be accepted.

It was New Year's Eve and the celebrating was underway. Drinks were being consumed and happy bantering was being exchanged. Happy that is until Tony tried to convince everyone that his stint as team leader during their boss's absence had proven he was able to stand in for Gibbs at any time.

"You're no Gibbs," Abby told him straight out. It wasn't the first time she'd said it to him, but this time it struck him a little bit harder.

The previous New Year's Eve Tony made a resolution to better his skills as an investigator, interrogator, and leader. He thought all his training under Gibbs had prepared him for any situation.

He was stunned when Gibbs handed him his badge and sig saying, "You'll do," before leaving NCIS behind and spending five months in Mexico with Mike Franks. No one knew if he was ever going to return.

Tony gave the team his best direction and encouraged each member to give their input during every case.

Gibbs' departure had been hard for everyone, but the hardest hit was Abby. She was missing the man she looked up to with admiration. She was upset because he left without giving a real good-bye. She was the only one who believed he was coming back to stay and she wasn't going to let anyone take his place.

So on the rare occasion that Tony felt he had to motivate her to find evidence in a hurry, it got her dander up. She'd narrow her eyes at him and tell him to quit trying to be Gibbs.

Though Tony knew he'd never be exactly like his mentor, he'd thought through that year he'd made big steps in displaying his finer agent skills. To hear Abby tear him down after all that effort was a blow to not only his ego, but to his heart as well.

"Look Tony," Abby was saying, pulling Tony from his reverie.

"What Abs?" he asked, not really interested in hearing how he was such a failure.

"You can't drink that much bourbon. Gibbs drinks it like its water, so he can handle it. You're a light weight in comparison. If you keep it up, we'll be dragging your drunken ass out before we ring in the New Year."

Tony shook his head bewildered. "What?" he asked trying to clear his mind of the flashback he'd been experiencing.

"I'm telling you to stop downing the drinks. You're not Gibbs when it comes to the booze," she explained taking the half filled glass from his hand. She put her hand on his shoulder and looked him in the eyes, "Tony last year you wanted to better yourself. And you did. Don't end the year reverting back to your old ways."

"You really think I bettered myself?" Tony half smiled.

"Sure you did. Everyone knows it. At least I thought everyone did," she smiled at him.

Tony's eyebrows knitted, "Who didn't?"

"Apparently... YOU!" she mussed his hair. Together they both shared a laugh.