Disclaimer: I don't own NCIS or the characters portrayed on television. The story is mine.

Summary: Tony has decided that he's not going to be Ziva's doormat. He has a different reaction at the end of Boxed In than is portrayed in cannon. This story is AU with some OOC.

The New Team

Gibbs arrived at his home after stopping at a nearby bakery to pick up DiNozzo's favorite pastry for the group. He felt the younger man could use a little spoiling. Entering the house, the Marine walked into his living room and stopped to watch the show. Tony was fighting with Abby who was determined to wrap him up in blankets.

"Abby! I have a bullet graze, I don't have the flu. I don't need three blankets! I don't even need one!"

The older man noted briefly that an amused McGee was watching the two from the kitchen area. He was a smart man to not get involved in this argument.

"Tony, you'll get sick! You won't take your antibiotics. Gibbs said you have to take your meds."

Tony sighed in exasperation. "You read the directions Abby; I have to take the antibiotics with food. A buddy of mine at Baltimore tried taking these pills without eating and threw them back up when he became nauseous! I'm not going to take Gibbs grunt candy until I eat either! I've barely eaten all day, I'll just get sick! Gibbs, help me, please."

Abby spun around, pigtails flying, "Gibbs! You told me to make sure he takes his meds, but he won't do it! You make him! I don't want him to get sick!"

The Marine smiled slightly as he strode into the room. He held out his hand for the bottle of antibiotics while pulling out his glasses and putting them on. He read the directions finding his Second was right. "DiNozzo's right, Abs. He can't take a pill until he eats. Did you get a dose of antibiotics at the emergency room DiNozzo?"

The younger man nodded emphatically. "I've been trying to tell Abby that I already had some and didn't need to take anything until I ate. I also took some grunt candy at the hospital, refusing the pain meds since I knew I was headed back to the Navy Yard and wanted to be in full control of my faculties."

"But Gibbs…"

The Lead Agent held up his hand. "Did he refuse outright to take them?" She shook her head, pouting, earning one of his infamous glares. "I said to make sure he takes his meds, not to force them down his throat and make things worse. Forget the blankets Abs. He was grazed by a bullet, he doesn't have the flu."

He smirked at DiNozzo's relieved look before heading for his kitchen. "When's the pizza due to get here McGee?"

Tim checked his watch, "Any minute now, Boss. I ordered four like we do at the office. I hope you don't mind but I called Ducky and Palmer and invited them over since this was going to be a real team dinner. Ducky's coming but Jimmy has a test tomorrow and needs to study. I hope that's okay." The young agent looked at Gibbs with a little apprehension.

Gibbs smiled proudly as he clapped the younger agent on his shoulder, "Good job McGee. You anticipated. Ducky'll get a chance to check on DiNozzo and get Abby to calm down." The two men grinned because the young woman was still trying to get Tony to use one blanket. "Abs! Leave DiNozzo alone about the blanket and get some coffee ready. No one is having beer tonight. Get some tea ready for Duck. There's a tea pot and loose tea in the cabinet next to the stove." Three pairs of eyes turned to stare at him. "What? Got it for Ducky since he only drinks tea brewed from a bag if there's no other choice. Why do you think he has a real tea pot in his office?"

DiNozzo smiled, "I get him that tea. An agent stationed at one of our bases in England likes to head up to Scotland when he has a little down time. We went to FLETC together and keep in touch. He was able to arrange for regular shipments of Ducky's favorite tea to be sent here. Don't worry Boss, it's all legal."

Abby and Tim stared at their friend surprised. "Why so surprised McGee? Abs? DiNozzo's very resourceful. It's one of the reasons he handles requisitions for the MCRT. He has more patience than me and knows how to get things done."

McGee smiled. "Tony, you're gonna have to teach me how to do that so I can be as good a Senior Field Agent as you are some day."

DiNozzo beamed, "No problem McGee. It'll give me more time to work with the new agent Gibbs picks for the team."

Gibbs directed a proud look at his younger friend when he knew the man was looking at him. This was one of the reasons he needed DiNozzo on his team; he seemed to read the older man's mind and was able to anticipate what was needed at any given moment. This young man may act the fool, but was anything but stupid or oblivious.

Ducky arrived at that moment. After giving Tony a quick examination, he pronounced the younger man fine stating that he should take the next day off to give his arm time to start healing. Naturally the younger man protested but stopped with the all too familiar glare from Gibbs.

The five people enjoyed their pizza and regaled each other stories ranging from cases to school and even Gibbs' time in the marines.

The next two weeks were spent working on cold cases and looking for a fourth agent for the team. Jenny had tried to pick an agent but Gibbs outright refused to let her, pointing out that her last choice hadn't worked so well and that he and DiNozzo seemed to have better luck. She conceded mostly because the man was right; besides the Marine would deliberately scare off any agent who didn't meet his standards. She didn't take into account that Tony, Tim and Abby would've helped him.

Eli David had tried to push for Ziva to be placed back with the MCRT but had backed off after a talk with Gibbs. He had been upset to learn that his own daughter was less than professional and had made such a blunder in studying the people she worked with on a daily basis.

The team learned that Officer David was having a difficult time in the anti-terrorist unit because she wasn't able to work with anyone who she considered inferior. She hadn't learned anything from being kicked off the MCRT. No one felt sorry for her and it wasn't long before she was dismissed from their conversations completely.

Gibbs and DiNozzo decided on accepting a probationary agent who had started her service in the Marine Corp West office. She was transferring because her husband was transferred to Quantico as an instructor. The two men felt she would add a female perspective but also be able empathize with military families better than most agents since she was a military spouse. Their assessment proved to be on the money as probationary Agent Felicia Monroe made a fine addition to the team.

The End