Disclaimer: I don't own NCIS, etc., etc.

A/N: This started out as a pre-series AU flashback tag to 5x07-Requim, but then it turned into two separate stories. This is a tag to Requiem, yes, slightly AU. I tried to keep timelines/dates as canon as I could, but feel free to let me know if anything's off. No flashbacks in this one, but the second chapter is almost all background info. It's not a long story, but too long to just be a oneshot. Starts the evening after Tony saves Gibbs and Maddie at the docks. Enjoy!

"Maddie," Tony greeted in surprise, seeing the young woman approach his desk.

It was late. Tim and Ziva had already gone home for the night. But he hadn't wanted to go home, not tonight. So, here he was doing paperwork. Yet, when security had called up and said he had a visitor, he hadn't expected it to be Maddie Tyler.

"Hey Tony," Maddie smiled.

"You okay?" Tony furrowed his brows as he stood up to face her.

She chuckled softly. "Yeah. Thanks to you."

Tony cleared his throat, trying not to let his inner discomfort out.

"I looked for you in the hospital, but they said you'd already checked yourself out."

"Yeah, I'm not a huge fan of hospitals," he shrugged.

"Never were." She was smirking pointedly.

He gave a conceding grin before she continued.

"Anyway, I just wanted to say thank you. You know, for saving my life and all."

"Not necessary," Tony said with a dismissive wave of his hand.

"No," she drawled. "But I want to. If it wasn't for you and Gibbs – I don't know what would've happened."

Tony sighed. "But it didn't," he said firmly.

Maddie smiled. "No. It didn't. Thank you."

Chuckling lightly, Tony nodded. "You're welcome," he said sincerely.

Still smiling, Maddie told him, "I should go."

"Take care Maddie."

"You too," she replied, giving him a hug.

Tony returned it and nodded.

She'd only taken a couple of steps away before turning back and saying, "Ya know, I think it's really cool you and your dad work together."

Taking a deep breath, Tony nodded, not trusting himself to say anything.

"It was good to see you again Tony."

"You too Maddie."

After the elevator doors shut, Tony let out a heavy sigh.

"Was that Maddie?"

Sighing again, Tony should've known he wasn't the only one still here. And that the other person always seemed to show up at the exact time Tony would rather see anyone else.

"Yep," he answered simply, returning to his desk to begin shutting off his computer and gather his things.

"What'd she want?" Gibbs asked, sipping on his coffee as he walked to his own desk.

"To say 'thank you'."

Gibbs stopped. He turned and looked at his senior field agent. The pointed look he received was gone in an instant, but it matched the tone that had gotten the team leader's attention.

Narrowing his eyes, the marine watched Tony for a minute. "You okay?" he finally asked, concern beginning to seep into his voice.

Tony paused and looked at the older man as if he'd grown three heads, or had just told him he couldn't eat pizza ever again. "Are you seriously asking me that right now? After today?" he retorted incredulously.

There was a harsh edge that Tony didn't let show most of the time. Gibbs had seen it before. Usually he would tread carefully, knowing Tony's temper rivaled his own. Not this time.

"You got a problem, DiNozzo?" Gibbs snapped, taking a step closer to the younger man.

For a second, Tony just stared, not answering. Letting out a scoff, he shook his head.

He had grabbed his bag and was in the elevator before Gibbs could even think to stop him.

The team leader stared after his agent for a moment, but then just shook his head and turned to go to his desk. Or that had been the plan, until he actually turned and came face to face with Ducky.

"Is Anthony alright?" the medical examiner asked. But from his tone, he already knew the answer.

Gibbs rolled his eyes, and gave the doctor a pointed look. "Why don't you tell me?" he suggested sarcastically. His impatience was obvious, and he was wearing his 'get to the point' scowl.

Ducky sighed, but relented. "Very well," he snapped softly. Gibbs wasn't the only one annoyed with his friend. "I know Tony is very adept at hiding his true feelings, so it's easy to forget or miss sometimes, but you of all people, Jethro, should remember that."

"What the hell are you talking about, Duck?" Gibbs asked, his brows furrowed in confusion.

Now it was Ducky's turn to roll his eyes. "Oh please, Jethro! Surely, you don't think today's events didn't affect him as well."

The doctor's stern words finally broke through the haze Gibbs had been walking around in since Maddie had shown up that morning. And Ducky saw the moment guilt-filled realization hit the marine. But that didn't stop him from making sure he'd made his point.

"You are not the only one who lost loved ones," Ducky said firmly. Gibbs closed his eyes, but, despite a long pause, the medical examiner wasn't finished. He had a question he needed answered. "Did Anthony ever really grieve?" he asked softly.

Gibbs opened his eyes and swallowed.

Ducky had his answer when the senior agent finally met his gaze. He sighed. "You don't even know, do you?" he asked sadly.