A/N: I thought that Tony's agitation was a little more deep-seated than just comic relief. I absolutely adored this episode!

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Perturbation

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Gibbs watched his senior agent pace behind his desk. Tony glared at his phone every now and again, the lines on his face deepening. When he finally sat dow, Tony let out a heavy sigh. Raking his hands through his hair, the agent closed his eyes.

"What's up, DiNozzo?" Gibbs asked, already knowing the answer. It was late on a Friday night, and he was sure the other man had big plans for the night.

"I'm waiting," Tony replied, voice barely audible over the short distance.

"Waiting?"

Leaning back, Tony turned his exhausted face toward his boss. "The other shoe is gonna drop. I know it."

Taking off his glasses, Gibbs studied the frustrated man slumped at the next desk. Something was off. The dark smudges and slightly pale face should have been an indicator; Gibbs filed away the niggling guilt for later. Right now, he had a troubled agent on his hands. "When was the last time you slept?"

Tony flinched a little, laughing bitterly. Shaking his head, he rose again to pace. "Does it really matter?"

"You bet it matters, Tony!" Rising quickly, Gibbs stalked over to DiNozzo's desk. "Get your stuff. Let's go."

"Boss," Tony began, whining at his superior's retreating back. "I can drive home. I just have to –"

Stopping suddenly, Gibbs turned, standing toe to toe with his agent. He searched Tony's eyes; a flicker of – what? – flashed and disappeared behind a mask of stubborn exhaustion. "No arguments, DiNozzo. Let's go!"

Sighing, Tony finally capitulated, grabbing his bag. He followed the other man into the elevator, checking his phone once more, Gibbs snatched it out of his hand. Just as the doors closed, he tossed the phone gently back toward the office. Tony watched in shock as the phone slid across the carpet, bumping a cubicle wall. Lurching forward, he found his arm restrained.

"Boss! I –"

"He won't call you," the older mad said quietly.

Lowering his head, Tony was pretty sure he wasn't ready for his superior's bluntness. "Something's going to happen. I know it!" Turning around, Tony squeezed himself into the opposite corner, still avoiding Gibbs' eyes. "At some point, he's going to need money, or a ride, or something, and I'll have to –"

In one step, Gibbs was in front of DiNozzo. Reaching over, he pulled the stop button. "Tony, stop."

"No, boss! You don't understand! I have to –"

The older man stood close, bracketing Tony's face with warm hands. "Tony. He is not your responsibility. He never was."

"Yes he is! Someone has to be the grownup here! Someone has –"

Lowering his hands, Gibbs let them rest on Tony's shoulders, giving him a gentle shake. Blue eyes measured Tony's wide, frantic eyes; Gibbs held the gaze until understanding dawned. When he was satisfied, Gibbs hit the elevator button.

Tony took several deep breaths, trying to center himself and slow his heart rate. Blinking in subdued shock, he could finally look at his actions objectively. Of course, Gibbs was right, he thought rationally. I'm not my father's keeper. At least not today, he amended. Loosing his tie, DiNozzo leaned against the wall as the elevator stopped on the designated floor.

Suddenly, all his late night worrying and agitation left him in one swift moment. Locking his knees, Tony tried to walk unaided upon exit. If he were honest with himself, he was actually waiting for the obligatory head-slap. But it never came.

Gibbs moved in, grabbing an elbow and steered the flagging senior agent toward his car. Once Tony was settled in the passenger seat, Gibbs started the car.

They drove out of the parking garage in relative silence; Tony's soft snores drifting over the sound of the engine.

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The end.