A/N: This went around my head for ages. I hate the way Tony was treated at the beginning of season 4 and what the writers won't do you'll have to do yourself.
I apologize in advance for any mistakes I don't have a BETA yet (should you be interested)

Disclaimer: I don't own the characters or anything else of NCIS (except my DVDs and the grammar and spelling mistakes of course)

Transfer

"Come in, Tony!"

"How'd you know it was me?"

"Because your deadline passed hours ago."

"I've made my decision."

"And I respect it. Sometimes I even wish I made the same one myself."

"So – when do I start in Rota?"

"You accept?" Jennifer Shepard slipped her glasses off and stared at her Agent – her voice and face perfectly schooling her shock.

"You thought I would decline."

'No question' she realized at once, mentally scolding herself for underestimating him. Again.

Jenny rolled back with her leather chair.

"Honestly," she said rising from her desk and offering him a chair at her meeting table "I am surprised. Watching you for the last few days suggested strongly that you would stay."

Tony moved to the chair across from her and slowly sank into the soft leather.

"Well," he started and fixed his gaze on his hands resting on the table in front of him.

"To be honest," he lifted his head and his eyes met hers "I just made up my mind up."

He paused "Outside your door." He added, nodding to the door.

Jenny noted how schooled his emotions were.

"What made you decide to leave?" she asked, preparing to scrutinize every reaction wondering how Gibbs read him so wrong?

She made note of his swallow, the short flicker of hurt and regret in his eyes, the barely visible slump in his shoulders and she could practically feel the walls going up around him.

"What made you decide to leave?"

Memories and pictures flashed up immediately and the barely suppressed hurt slammed into his soul.

Seeing McGee's desk– no his new 'old' desk – littered with his possessions thrown onto it carelessly.

Agent Lee standing like a lost puppy in the bullpen, holding a box with her belongings.

"He's been completely insufferable since you left."

"Stop trying to be Gibbs."

"Got a problem with that, DiNozzo?"

"Then I recommend you getting unused to being in charge, before Gibbs decides to kill you."

Kissing Ziva in the busy airport terminal before boarding the flight to Frankfurt.

Sitting under a desk in Abby's lab, holding the crying Goth in his tight embrace.

Patting the gasping McGee on the shoulder and pulling him up from the ground.

Making love with Ziva.

Cooking for Abby and Tim.

Having a drink with Ducky.

Playing basketball with Jimmy.

Cleaning up Gibbs house.

Doing paperwork in the dark and empty bullpen.

"Gibbs! Gibbs! Gibbs! Giiiiibbs! You are finally back! I missed you sooooooooo much! Now Tony can stop impersonating you."

"You are not Gibbs, Tony. Stop trying to be!"

"Boss! See Tony, I knew it was only temporary!"

"I am busy, Tony."

"Temporary team leader. And that was only because Gibbs quit."

"You don't think I rate my own team?"

"You wouldn't be here now if you did, would you, DiNozzo?"

"How could you think Gibbs would leave for good? You are such a power-hungry egoist, Tony."

"Not now, Tony"

"Having control issues, DiNozzo?"

"You have been whining like a little snitch all week!"

"It's good… it's good to see you again, McGee."

"DiNozzo."

"What'd I say?"

"You called him McGee."

"Oh, that's probably because if I left him in charge, you wouldn't be on the F.B.I.'s ten most wanted list right now."

He pushed the memories back down and put his carefully constructed walls up around them.

"I think my role change from Senior Field Agent to Team Leader – temporary Team Leader – back to Senior Field Agent is affecting the team. Right now I think that the change is not positive. Personally I think that right now I'm more of a hindrance - on the one hand to myself as I am having trouble reversing my role. I'm used to working independent now and taking charge. To the team, as my taking charge and independent way disrupts the workflow and puts more strain onto the ongoing investigation – both on a personal and on a professional level. As far as I see right now, I am the reason for that."

He took a deep breath and let it out slowly.

"Did you try speaking with the rest of the team?"

"Yes, ma'am." Tony replied straight and to the point. Only her keen investigative eyes saw him blink away the short flicker of pain.

"And?" the redhead prodded.

"Jimmy Palmer has quite an interesting take on his surroundings and the people around him. I suggest drawing him more deeply into investigations – he is quite underestimated."

"I see. What about the others? Did they have anything to say about Rota?"

A sharp swallow was the reply.

"You did try talking to your team, didn't you?"

"I tried, yes."

"So what did Ducky tell you?"

Tony left the elevator slowly – taking his time to enter the cold autopsy floor. He took – as always – a survey of his surroundings within seconds – even when his mind was on the promotion the director offered yesterday.

His thoughts were churning and he was desperate to talk to someone – now that he knew what it could be like to open up to someone and not get hurt by it, be ignored or ridiculed. So he tried. Sadly his try to talk to Ziva – his preferred confidant – didn't work out. So he tried his second option and made his way over to Ducky and Palmer, who were both up to the elbows in the chest of their dead Gunnery Sergeant. Returning Palmer's slight smile he turned his attention to Ducky's back.

"Ducky?" he asked timidly – interrupting the ME's monologue about some old African tribe.

Tony immediately noticed the visible tension in Ducky's shoulders as well as the sudden ramrod straight back. Years of experience made him school his features as the ME whirled around and snarled uncharacteristically: "Damn it Anthony! I told Gibbs minutes ago that I don't have any results yet. Science cannot be rushed and THAT will not change if you or Gibbs or anyone else storms in here and interrupts and thus delays our work. I shall give Special Agent Gibbs a call." With that the Scot turned around and ordered, "Mister Palmer, a bowl please."

Tony swallowed and replied quietly, "Of course, I'm sorry Ducky. See you later Jimmy." With that he turned and strode – quietly and quickly, as taught by his father – out of autopsy. Before the doors swished shut he heard the start of Jimmy's sentence.

"I don't think that was what Agent DiNozzo wanted, Doctor Mallard."

"Not much. I gathered that he is pretty piss- peeved with Gibbs."

"That was to be expected. Ducky and Jethro go a long way back. What about Agent McGee?"

"I don't think he quite grasped the matter at hand."

His eyes followed her every move as she quickly shut down her computer, grabbed her gear and switched off the desk lamp. He was about to open his mouth when she fired off a quick, "Bye Tim, bye Tony!"

"Bye Ziva, see you tomorrow!" came McGee's reply.

Tony could barely ground out a "Bye" and Ziva was already entering the elevator. He knew she was avoiding him on purpose – he just didn't know why. He started to shut down his documents and prepared to leave when he thought about his unsuccessful tries to talk to Ziva and Ducky when his gaze fell on McGee.

Maybe – "Hey McGee? Want to grab a bite to eat and get a few drinks afterwards?" he asked as he shut down his computer, switched his desk light off and shrugged his coat on.

"Why? You didn't get a date for the night or do you need to drown your sorrows because of your demotion to Senior Field Agent?"

That was like a kick to his gut, but – again – Tony managed to mask it perfectly.

"HAHA!" he laughed loudly "Good one, Pro – McGee." He nearly slipped there – just in time remembering the last time he did so – yesterday evening to be exact.

"I'll see you tomorrow." The Italian said while turning and making his way to the elevator.

"Right." the director paused "Miss Sciuto?"

"Is quite set on Gibbs' return and it's taking up her mind 24/7."

He knew that talking to Abby would be fruitless. She had been ignoring him since Gibbs' return. Abby was a very unique person. Tony guessed, that she had some hind of list called 'Abby's favorites' and while he must have been on it before Gibbs departure and maybe rose up closer to the top during his absence he must now be taken off it and added to the 'potential harm' list if not to the 'hating you with my gut and you are damn close to be killed without leaving proof of your existence' – list.

Well, that's what you get for trying to protect her – and worst of all – doubting the Boss. Ever since he voiced his doubts – that Gibbs' stay could be temporary again –the sisterly relationship with the forensic genius was, well, not existent anymore.

Abby had yet to utter one word to him. She ignored him when he brought evidence – even going so far that he had to go through a third party to stay true to the chain of evidence.

Thus he wondered what possessed him to try to talk to her again as he got off the elevator. He stopped in the doorway, knowing that she couldn't stand it when people entered her lab without permission. Being off the 'favorite list' and not being on speaking terms told you in bold red writing, that you are definitely do not have permission to enter said lab.

He watched her a bit dusting a knife for prints, before he took a deep breath and asked quietly, "Abby, can we talk?"

Her head snapped up, pigtails bouncing and she glared fiercely at him, before she swung around, stormed to her stereo and turned the volume up. That was all the answer he needed, eh? If that didn't spell no…

He turned around with a deep sigh and returned to the elevator, slowly giving up.

"Well, she is quite euphoric about his return. What about Ziva? Could she help you?"

"Ziva has been quite busy with her frame-up. She is still trying to pour oil on troubled water."

"Sadly true – nasty business these frame-ups. Well I guess you didn't talk to Jethro and as I know, that you should always be specific when you lie, I think I managed to gather the truth quite accurately."

Tony looked at her, the shock only showing in his eyes for the split of a moment.

"Let's see if I understood correctly. Ducky mistook your effort to talk; McGee ridiculed you for your attempt to have a serious conversation. Abby has been ignoring you since Jethro's return and Ziva has been avoiding you for weeks. Is that correct?" she asked sharply.

"Yes ma'am." Tony replied looking down.

"I'm sorry, Tony." said Jenny.

"For what, ma'am?" Tony asked quite confused.

"For not looking at the whole picture and comparing you – like many others – to Jethro. I should have handled your situation differently – don't get me wrong here – you did a great job! I should have shown more support."

"Thanks Jenny." replied Tony sand Jenny could see some of the tension leaving him.

"You did not think you did a good job." Jenny stated.

"I hoped so," replied Tony honestly "but I wasn't sure. It is nice to be told anyway."

Jennifer Shepard was truly, madly and deeply pissed, as she saw the younger Agent in front of her.

Quite a bit at herself, yes. For not seeing the workload DiNozzo managed and praising him on that. That man held her Major Case Response Team personally and professionally together and managed an equally if not higher solving rate without Gibbs.

That whilst having self doubts, being compared to Gibbs and being put down repeatedly by herself, other team leaders and the FBI and now by his own team as well.

And for what exactly?

Being harshly put in place by his former Boss and father figure. The person he tried not to disappoint – the person that ridiculed him and made him the Agency's laughing stock – proving all of them right. DiNozzo is just temporary and helpless without Gibbs.

But that had an end right now.

She took a deep breath and asked Tony kindly, "What did Jimmy have to say?"

Tony, who studied the director's face for the last few minutes, sighed and opted for honesty – the last time, he decided, should it go wrong.

"He came to me yesterday evening, inviting me along for dinner and a few drinks at his place. He thanked me for taking the time to explain the crime scenes and proceedings – something he never had with Gibbs and for apologizing to Agent Lee for her quick and unfair departure."

"He told me about the changes he saw during my team lead and what I did good and what rubbed people the wrong way. He was wondering about my role in the team as I did not look happy for the last weeks. Told me I didn't deserve the putting down from the others and that they probably didn't see what they do to me. They were afraid of the change when Gibbs left and they didn't have enough time to find a new role of their liking and now, with Gibbs back they fall back in their old, clear defined roles."

"Everyone expects it to be the same as before. The only problem is that I changed – I had to! I was no longer the Senior Field Agent but the Team Leader and I had more responsibility than before. My role was clear for the others and partly for myself. I might have acted like Gibbs sometimes, but only because it was expected and no one took me seriously as Team Leader DiNozzo. They only listened when I was DiNozzo channeling Gibbs."

"Maybe I am running away again, but it will destroy me if I go on like this. I'm not their scapegoat and if the others can't see what they are doing to me trust will become an issue and that can be deadly. That and I don't deserve it – not after all the work I did in the last few months."

"I'm also not sure, it I can trust Gibbs right now. Not when he started calling Ziva Kate today and certainly not with that – that thing under his nose." Tony tried to lighten the mood.

Jenny sighed deeply, "I am sad that it came to your promotion like this, Tony, but nevertheless congratulations! I understand your decision and I do know that you are the right man for the job and I am happy to keep working close with you in MTAC."

"Thank you, Jenny. What will happen now?"

"You are replacing Special Agent Walters as Team Leader in Rota. He transferred here last week to take a slot in Cold Cases. He is close to retirement and his wife wants to settle in the US. He is a bit of a difficult person. Scuttlebutt puts him above Gibbs on the bastard list. He had two Agents working for him, Special Agents Jonathan Hopps and Charles Layton.

"Hopps put in for transfer to the next open Agent Afloat position so that leaves you with Layton for now. HR will start to forward you all possible Agents. Rota itself has three teams including yours. Otherwise it is a very small version of our office here."

"You will be issued a new notebook, cell phone, PDA and you will get an agency car once you arrive. I hope you do not mind to drive a BMW 5 in future? A charger does not help along with laying low in Europe."

"As for lodging, you can either stay on base in unfurnished Officer-quarters or smaller furnished quarters maintained by NCIS or move off-base. It would be convenient for you to start ASAP. How soon can you manage to move?"

"Well, I own my apartment so I have no problems with my lease, if you can give me the details for the furnished quarters on base I know what to ship over. Otherwise I need to pack clothes and some essentials and I can be ready to go by Sunday afternoon."

"That would be perfect. I will take care of your transportation and inform your team officially on Monday. Feel free to tell others about your decision."

"I think that's it so far. Maybe you can try talking to them again – after all this time, I would hate for you to leave on a bad note. On the other hand, I can understand where you are coming from. Nevertheless Tony, I wish you all the best for your future in Spain."

"Thank you, Jenny."

"You are quite welcome, Tony. I think this is a great opportunity for you and your future within NCIS."

They shook hands and Tony stepped out of her office, not knowing what to feel. On the one hand he felt free, on the other a deep sadness settled within him as he looked down onto the dark and empty bullpen – his home for the last five years. Shaking his head to get rid of the melancholy feeling he headed down in one of the storing rooms to get a box for his belongings.

He sat at his desk for the last time, sorting through his stuff. Part of it he threw away and the rest he put carefully into his box. Making sure that every file he still had was up to date he did the rest of his filing, when the Director stepped up to his desk.

"How is it going?" she asked, pulling Ziva's chair close to his desk.

"I did all the filing and these are the cold cases assigned to me. All my reports are done as well and ready for signing." He pointed to the different stacks.

"These your finished reports?" she asked pointing at a large stack and at Tony's nod she took them and smacked them on Gibbs' desk with a loud thud.

"I will take over your assigned cold cases and distribute them on Monday." she said and signed on the first sheet, making her the new lead Agent and stacking them on a corner of his empty desk.

"Is there anything else I need to know?" she asked.

"No, I did everything else. Just – if McGee is my successor? He didn't do all the work assigned to the position of Senior Field Agent. There wasn't a lot of time to introduce him to the new reports. He doesn't know half of all the reports. He will need someone to instruct him."

"I see. I will take care of it. Do you think McGee can handle the job?"

"I – I'm not sure. McGee grew as an Agent in the last year and he made good process the last few months. Can he handle the paperwork – I see no problem there. Can he train new Agents – I'm not so sure. He's good, but he doesn't have the routine yet. Once that's settled I don't see a problem. Can he handle Gibbs and his moods? The old Gibbs – no. The new one, I have no idea, as I don't quite know what to make of him. He can work independently, but I have no idea if it's enough for Gibbs. I don't know how much I did to keep up the slack; I never gave it much thought. I don't know if he can watch himself and a new Probie at the same time and I don't know if putting him with Ziva is good for prolonged time. She's way too independent and to influential for that. I mean the two of us rubbed the wrong way in the field, but I was the Senior Agent and she never crossed the line. I dunno if she will keep that with McGee."

"Hmmn." murmured Jenny "Thank you for your insight. I will keep that in mind."

A small smile hushed over Tony's face and she had to wonder, how often someone valued him for the work he did and how often he was taken for granted.

She knew that on Monday, everything would be thrown off balance.

Jenny kept him company and around 0100 they left the office together - Tony for an indefinite period of time. He took a last look around, before taking up his box, closing a new chapter of his life.

They stepped into the car park and their cars were the only ones left. Tony smiled sadly at his car, gently brushing his fingers over the hood. He was going to miss his 'Stang.

"What are you going to do with your car?"

"Uhh, I haven't thought about that yet. I'll probably put it into storage. I'm not that trusting of the security in my apartment complex – for the garage at least."

"If you want to, you can leave it at my house. I have a second garage and it's empty and locked and you can leave your car there for free and you have easy access to it if you're in DC."

"I- thank you. That would be great."

"It's no problem at all. Just give me a call sometime tomorrow, when you want to bring it by."

"I will do that. Thank you, Director."

"You are welcome, Agent DiNozzo. I'll see you then. Good night."

"Good night, ma'am." Tony waited until the Director drove off, before sinking into the worn leather of his driver's seat. Leaning his head back, he wondered what the hell he was thinking.

Hid grumbling stomach reminded him, that he didn't have dinner yet. He called ahead to one of the delivery places on his way home and fetched most likely his last pizza on American ground for the next several months.

Sitting at his kitchen table, a notepad with a list of things to do and things to pack next him, he texted Palmer with his news, thanking him again for the insight.

He finished his pizza and opted to head to bed now and get an early start tomorrow.

A/N: Reviews make my day and help me to improve... (c: