Disclaimer: I do not own NCIS or its characters. I'm just playing puppetmaster.

Note: so this is my first supernatural-ish story. And I wanted to do something a little different because I feel like most supernatural stories are centered on vampires and werewolves. In this story, I went with a lesser-known mythical creature known as a Crusnik or Black Angel. I explain what exactly they are so keep reading if you're curious. Anyway, this is me dipping my foot in the supernatural pool. I hope it doesn't suck too bad. It starts out kind of slow.

Oddly enough, this idea came to me when I saw one of those Capital One card commercials. Ya know, the ones with Alec Baldwin. Not really sure why.

~~~~NCIS~~~~

"Tony you've got to be kidding me!" Abby exclaimed at him, punching him hard in the upper arm.

"Ow!" he squealed and rubbed the spot on his arm that was surely forming a bruise at that moment. He had come down to Abby's lab, TWO extra large Caf-Pows in hand, to give Abby some news, news he was sure she wouldn't be too pleased about. That's when he hoped the two Caf-Pow would help him. So of course, as soon as he had regretfully told her his news, she furrowed her brows at him and punched him in the arm. He looked back at Abby sheepishly, "I didn't mean to put it off! I just wanted to wait a few days, and then Vance sent me under cover; there was the Roman case. Then my father came to town to give you his blessing and insist on him helping me shop for a good present for you. By the time I realized I hadn't even gotten my flight ticket, it was too late. Flights to New Orleans are all booked Abby. It's not my fault!"

She pouted sadly, "But this is my wedding Tony! Two of your best friends are getting married! Doesn't that mean anything to you?"

He immediately threw his arms around Abby to soothe her. "Of course it does Abbs," he said with all the conviction he had, "McGee and your wedding is the most important, happiest thing to happen to me in a while! I'm sooo happy for you guys. You've been my best friend since Gibbs brought me here. And McGee is like my little brother."

"Well you ARE his best man," Abby inputted.

Tony swelled with pride, "That I am. And THAT is why I'm going to do everything in my power to make sure that I am at that wedding. I'm gonna look online and see if there are earlier flights. I have some vacation time piled up; I'm sure Vance will understand since he and his family are coming too; he's always trying to get rid of me at least for a few days, so I'm sure he'll say yes." He pulled away to hold Abby at arms' length. He looked in her eyes so that she would hopefully see his determination as he said, "I'll figure it out. I promise."

She stared at him, as if saying she wasn't so sure he'd be able to, when another voice added itself to the mix. "Figure out what DiNozzo?"

Tony and Abby looked at Gibbs, Abby with an adoring smile and Tony with a wince as he said, "I put off buying my flight tickets and now all flights before the wedding are booked."

Being Abby's father figure, Tony expected Gibbs to headslap him for not preparing for the most important day in Abby's life. But then Gibbs actually cringed and started rubbing the back of his neck, showing how awkward he felt all of a sudden. "Actually Abs. I didn't get my ticket either."

Abby and Tony's mouths dropped in shock.

Gibbs just glared, his eyes flicking between Tony and Abby, daring them to chastise him.

Abby opened her mouth to start freaking out but Tony beat her to it, giving in to the overwhelming need to save Gibbs from Abby's wrath. "No problem Boss, Abby," Tony blurted, "I'll look online for flight tickets for us both." Tony turned to stand in front of Abby, in between her and Gibbs. He didn't know why, he just felt his odd sense of protection for his Boss. Usually, he felt it when he knew his Boss was in danger, like when he almost drowned saving Maddie Tyler, when he was trapped in Mexico by Paloma Reynosa, or when he went to deal with Dearing ALONE. Tony had never thought much of it except that Gibbs meant a great deal to Tony and he would give his life to save Gibbs', just as Gibbs would do for him. Not that Abby would even think about killing Gibbs; she loved him too much. But she did look really pissed and incredibly offended which didn't bode well for either of them if they stayed. So Tony smiled silkily at Abby as he slowly started walking backwards. As his backside pressed up against Gibbs, he shoved a little harder, hoping Gibbs would catch on to his plan of escape, and said with his most charming DiNozzo smile, "Don't worry about a thing my little bride-to-be. I will handle everything, and I will be there to be McGee's best man, and Gibbs will be there to walk you down the aisle and give you away."

They were just getting to the threshold; just a few more steps and they could make a break for the elevator. And it was a good thing too because Abby looked like she wanted to kill both of the two most important men in her life besides McGee. She opened her mouth but Tony continued, not letting her speak, "This is me making a promise. No, it's a vow. The Unbreakable Vow like in Harry Potter. I know you know what I'm talking about because you recommended the books to me and we saw all the movies together." He stopped when he felt Gibbs' hand on his back, meaning they had reached the elevator and Gibbs was pressing the button. "And I know you know what happens when someone makes an Unbreakable Vow in the magical world Abby. I give you full permission to kill me and leave no trace if I should break this vow." The elevator dinged and opened behind them. Abby suddenly seemed to realize that Tony and Gibbs were about to escape. She started walking towards them but Tony and Gibbs had safely backed into the elevator, where Gibbs was franticly pushing the "door close" button. "Just go back to your work Abby and by the end of tomorrow, I'll have figured this all out!"

Thankfully the doors started to close. Abby narrowed her eyes and folded her arms over her chest, but stopped coming towards them and nodded, showing she'd allow what just happened if Tony kept his promise. The door closed all the way and both Tony and Gibbs sighed in relief.

Gibbs looked over at Tony who had slumped against the back wall, his head tilted back, eyes closed. Gibbs' gut was churning, which meant one of two things, something bad was coming or Tony was really upset. Gibbs decided it was the second one and flicked the switch to stop the elevator. Then he too leaned back and waited for Tony to either look at him or say something. The latter came first.

"I can feel you looking at me Boss."

Then Gibbs was looking into Tony's deep green eyes. Even before Gibbs got to know Tony, the real Tony, he had noticed how Tony's eyes literally were like the windows to his soul. Tony had tried so hard to keep up his persona of the goofy, carefree, frat boy and ladies man most of the time when he was at work and out in public. That had become Tony's go-to mask after Wendy left him at the alter. It was his way of burying his pain, his insecurities, his true feelings deep inside and not letting anyone see. But for some reason, Gibbs was the one person who could always see past that persona. All he had to do was look into Tony's expressive eyes, and he could see just what the younger man was thinking and feeling. And quite frankly, Tony could do the same with Gibbs; it was how they had gotten so good at communicating to each other with just one look. And right now, Tony's eyes were emulating guilt and sadness. Gibbs took a step closer to Tony and lifted one eyebrow, silently telling Tony to explain what was wrong.

Tony got the message loud and clear, and he took a deep breath. "I feel really bad Boss," Tony said quietly, "I hadn't meant to put the ticket thing off. And now, Abby thinks that I think that her wedding isn't important enough… I don't like hurting my family Gibbs."

Gibbs' sympathy went out to his senior agent. He reached out and put a hand on Tony's shoulder. "Then make it right Tony. We'll both make it right… I don't like hurting my family either."

Tony felt Gibbs' conviction and faith in him flow through his veins. Tony knew that, no matter what happened, if Gibbs believed in him, Tony could do almost anything. Tony smiled and stood up straight, "Right. On it Boss."

Gibbs half smiled back and flicked the switch back. When they exited the elevator to the squadroom, Tony led the way so he could immediately start researching flight availabilities. He ignored questions on how the talk went with Abby from Ziva and McGee, who had been more understanding about the ticket thing than Abby, and set right to work. There was four hours left of the work day, and Tony was determined to find a solution.

~~~~~NCIS~~~~~

When Gibbs came in the next morning, he was more than surprised to find Tony still at his desk, passed out and snoring as he slumbered. Despite being in public, Gibbs smiled affectionately at his Senior Field Agent. A lot of people in the agency thought that Tony and Gibbs' relationship was a lot like father and son. And, although Gibbs could see how people would get that impression, he knew that wasn't true. He loved Tony in a much different way than a father loves his son; Gibbs loved Tony period. He had always felt this connection with the younger man, something he couldn't explain. They fit together right off the bat; they were always privy to the other's thoughts and feelings; they would give their life to save the other; they'd come to mean so much to the other. Tony was not only the best young agent he'd ever worked with, he was the best kind of friend. Tony looked out for Gibbs, was there for him even when Gibbs didn't think he needed him. He came to Gibbs when he was upset or in trouble, making it obvious just how much Tony trusted Gibbs; it proved that Tony knew he could trust Gibbs enough to drop the mask and be himself and Gibbs would still accept him. Truth was Gibbs still loved him despite-no, because of seeing Tony's true self.

He wasn't sure for just how long he knew he had fallen for Tony. He remembered how terrified he'd been when Tony had gotten the plague, how empty he felt when he woke up from his coma and knew that he was forgetting people-forgetting Tony, how grateful when Tony had saved him and Maddie from drowning, how wrong it felt to continue working while Tony was reassigned as an agent afloat, how proud he felt whenever Tony got out of a tough situation or took down a suspect or led a case or stood up to Eli David, how relieved he had been when Tony emerged from Saleem's hideout with McGee and Ziva alive, how pissed and jealous he was whenever he saw Tony with EJ because he knew from the very beginning they'd slept together, and how relieved he had felt when Tony was rescued from being trapped in the elevator with Ziva after Dearings' bomb went off. Everything Tony had ever done had affected him in some way, in a different way than anyone else. He just wasn't sure when he realized that.

Sometimes, Tony made it nearly impossible for Gibbs to control himself. His talks of his conquests with the ladies nearly drove Gibbs to rage with jealousy. Whenever he wore a green shirt, one that really brought out the color of his eyes, Gibbs had to think gross thoughts in order to not get a boner. Tony looked drop dead gorgeous practically all the time, and even when he wasn't trying. It took all of Gibbs' willpower to not fly across the room and ravage his Senior Field Agent's body. Gibbs chuckled internally at his use of the word 'fly'. Ironic, seeing as Gibbs wasn't exactly human. Another fact that made everything that much more difficult.

See, Gibbs is a creature known as a Crusnik or sometimes "Black Angels". Crusniks look like regular humans only they have the ability to sheath and retract black wings; they possess incredible speed and strength, and eyes that glow red when hungry for the blood of vampires. Yah, that's right. Crusniks feast on vampires. Gibbs tried to look at this fact as a blessing; vampires feast on and turn humans, and Crusniks hunt the vampires. In other words, on this food chain, the humans are at the bottom, the lowest form of prey. So, in a way, Crusniks almost help humans out by eating vampires. At least that's how Gibbs forced himself to think about it. He could never look at himself in the mirror once his eyes changed color, and he had to find his prey. Even if vampires are, for the most part, awful beings, they're still living. And there's Gibbs, with the need to drain them of their blood.

Gibbs had always felt find of bad having to keep his true origins from his family, especially Tony. He felt as if he knew Tony inside and out for the most part, and Tony knew Gibbs in the same way. But this was one thing he didn't think he could ever tell Tony, not unless he had to or he was on his deathbed or if by some miracle he and Tony ever got together. Knowing the truth could put Tony in too much danger as well as himself. Some of the older vampires, the ones that have been around for hundreds of years, have the ability to read minds and/or emotions. And since vampires have higher numbers AND many friends in the supernatural society, they could prove to be a very deadly enemy, and Gibbs was not willing to put anyone he loved at risk.

Finally, the ding from the elevator brought Gibbs out of his thoughts, and he went to Tony. He picked up a dictionary from McGee's desk and dropped it from a few feet high onto Tony's desk. The slam caused Tony to rocket out of his chair, shouting, "On your six Boss!" as he pulled his gun out from his holster and aimed it at nothing in particular. Gibbs did his best to hide his chuckle but didn't quite succeed. Tony looked at Gibbs and slowly he came back to reality. He dropped the gun and said grumpily, "Did you really have to do that?"

Gibbs just smirked and nodded, earning a glare from Tony as he sat back down and put his gun in one of his drawers. Then Tony rubbed his hands over his face, wiping the last bit of sleep away. Then suddenly he froze. "Oh crap!" Tony looked at Gibbs with a grimace, "I've been here all night."

"Figure that out on your own didja?" Gibbs chuckled. Tony glared again so Gibbs asked, "What'd ya find out?" He came to stand behind Tony so he could look at his computer screen.

Tony pulled up page upon page as he explained that he had checked every air service site in the country, finding no available flights. "Apparently Mardi Gras is making it nearly impossible to get down there!" Tony growled, "Abby would pick such a difficult time… However, I think I may have a solution. Though I'm not sure you'll like it." At that Tony turned to look at Gibbs.

After a moment of not saying anything, Gibbs said impatiently, "What?"

Tony turned back to the screen and brought up another page. "The only option we have that's available between now and the wedding is if we were to leave tomorrow."

Gibbs gaped at Tony, "Wedding's in two weeks DiNozzo!"

Tony sighed, "I know Boss! But like I said, it's either this or we get one of those cargo planes you love so much." At Gibbs glare, Tony said, "Yah. I didn't think that would be possible. Those are for emergency, job usage only. Okay, then it's either this or we miss the wedding."

They both knew how the whole group of misfits would feel if Gibbs and Tony missed the wedding for something as stupid as them both forgetting to buy tickets early. And they couldn't do that to Abby especially; she'd be devastated. Neither of them wanted to do this either though; it wasn't because they didn't want to spend the next two weeks together. It was more along the lines of missing work, the job they both loved, and having to ask Vance to authorize that. As if they thought that thought at the same time, they simultaneously turned to look up at the door leading to Vance's office. Being Director usually meant Vance was here about as early as Gibbs, or behind by a half hour or so. So with a sigh, Gibbs said to Tony, "Book the flight for us. Get a hotel room in the hotel where everyone else is staying or at least in one near it. I'll talk to Vance."

As Gibbs started walking away, Tony called, "What if this is one of those days he decides to be difficult?"

"Then I'll just have to live up to my name," Gibbs smirked as he went up the stairs.

Tony smiled lightly, despite being grumpy, "Right. Second B is for bastard."

Gibbs half smiled to himself before entering Vance's office.

~~~~NCIS~~~~

About two hours later, Gibbs remerged from Vance's office. Ziva and McGee had arrived, and Tony had filled them in. They had anxiously awaited to hear Vance's verdict which according to Gibbs' attitude had been fought over. When asked if Vance put up a fight by McGee, Gibbs just shrugged and said that Vance had been more upset by Gibbs and Tony's lack of responsibility in the first place. He wasn't happy about his two best agents being gone for two weeks plus the week that they had already taken off for the guided tour by Abby, the Mardi Gras celebration, and the wedding itself. But after he had reamed Gibbs out for his lack of judgment, he had agreed that he didn't think it would be right to make them miss Abby and McGee's joining and risk their family falling apart. Because as much as Vance and Gibbs would deny it, Vance really was a part of the NCIS family, an estranged part but a part nonetheless. So Vance told Gibbs that he and Tony could work until four, and then they could leave. McGee and Ziva would be put on filing paperwork and cold case duty, but they didn't care. They were all just relieved Gibbs and Tony would be there.

Tony had paid for the tickets, printed them out, and reserved a suite at the Marriott they were all staying at which had luckily not been booked. He gave one of the tickets to Gibbs and went off to show Abby that he had kept his word. Abby had crushed him in a hug, squealing about how happy she was that they were gonna be there. She wished him luck with staying with Gibbs and sent him on his way, also saying that she hoped they had a safe flight and to call her when they got settled into their room. Tony kissed her on the cheek and went back upstairs. Five hours later, the time came when Gibbs and Tony could leave. They both shut down their computers and checked to make sure everything at their desks was in order. Ziva hugged each of them, wished them a safe journey, and expected to hear from them. McGee gave Tony a hug, saying thanks for putting up with all the trouble and that it meant a lot that both Tony and Gibbs would be able to be there. Then he said bye to Gibbs and the two men left together.

"So our flight departs at 09:30. We'll need almost two hours for the security process and an hour to get there and maybe get some breakfast. So I'll pick you up around 06:00?" Tony liked to plan these kinds of things ahead.

Gibbs had half a heart to tell him that they could go separately, but truthfully Gibbs wanted the time with Tony. "Sounds good."

Tony smiled and they parted ways to head to their own cars. They had a lot of packing to do before the morning. Gibbs looked in the rearview mirror to watch Tony leave and noticed he also should probably feed before morning as well. His eyes were just starting to change to the blood red color. If he didn't feed, not only would Tony notice and ask why his eyes were glowing red, but Gibbs might also be tempted to feed from Tony. There was no way Gibbs could allow that to happen, so, begrudgingly, he made up his mind to go home, hunt, then pack, and rest before Tony came to get him in the morning.

~~~~~NCIS~~~~~

When Tony showed up the next morning to Gibbs', the sun was rising, garbage trucks were scattered throughout the city, and there was a crisp chill about the air. Tony emerged from his car and stretched, still trying to shake his tiredness. He had gotten maybe five hours of sleep by the time we was done packing. He spent hours upon hours putting everything he would need into three suitcases, then he had spent an hour getting in and out of bed to check that he had this or that or to pack in some items he forgot. He was still sort of panicking about forgetting something important as he walked up to Gibbs' door and went inside. Gibbs was sitting, dressed and ready to go, at his little kitchen table, sipping at a cup of coffee. Tony suddenly remembered he hadn't had his morning coffee yet, and his eyes lit with hunger. Reading Tony's thoughts, as usual, Gibbs tilted his head over towards the counter where another cup of coffee was sitting. He didn't need to ask if it was hazelnut-flavored and full of sugar; Gibbs knew how Tony liked it and wouldn't give it to him any other way. He hummed his thanks and quickly moved to grab the coffee. He took a long gulp as he leaned back against the counter, eye closing in appreciation as the beverage both warmed his body from the inside and started to give him the energy he needed to stay awake.

Gibbs chuckled to himself as he watched Tony. Even as exhausted as he looked, he was still incredibly handsome. And the look of utter bliss that came over his face as he drank warmed Gibbs too and let him know he had done well in making some coffee for Tony. Then Tony opened his eyes. He didn't seem to mind Gibbs watching him as he just smiled at Gibbs and said quietly, his voice still slightly croaky from sleep, "Thanks. I really needed it."

Gibbs smirked, "I can tell."

They both finished the last few sips of their coffee and put the mugs in the sink. Then Tony led the way towards the door saying, "You ready Gibbs? Where's your stuff?"

Gibbs pointed over to the one suitcase he'd packed. Tony looked down at it with a frown. "Are you kidding me right now Boss?" he gasped, "That is ALL you're bringing?"

Gibbs bent down to pick it up. "Yup," he said gruffly.

Tony shook his head but looked at Gibbs in wonder, "I envy your simplicity Gibbs. I was up most of the night packing. I've got three suitcases and a carry-on."

Gibbs rolled his eyes, wondering what Tony could possibly have packed that would fill up three suitcases.

"Where's your tux?" Tony asked.

"Packed."

"So you're telling me that on top of the clothes and toiletries needed, you also have your tux stuffed in that one single suitcase?"

Gibbs nodded.

Tony looked unsure but said, "Alright Gibbs. Whatever you say. Let's get going then." Tony reached for the door knob but was suddenly overcome by a yawn, causing him to miss his target.

"Gimme the keys DiNozzo," Gibbs said instantly.

Tony opened the door and started walking, "What? No! It's my car; I'm driving."

Gibbs closed his door and followed. "I'm not getting in that car with you being so tired you can't even find the doorknob!"

"It was one yawn!"

"Yah and another could make you miss a turn or rear-end someone. I will not die with you at the wheel of our deathmobile!"

They continued arguing for a few more minutes, failing to notice some of Gibbs' neighbors coming out to leave for work and seeing them bicker. They were all thinking the same thing. God, those two must have been together a long time if they argue like that without getting mad at one another.

"Fine!" Tony finally gave up and threw the keys at Gibbs, "You can drive! Ya happy?" Then he grumbled as he walked around to the passenger side and got in. Gibbs smirked in victory, loaded his suitcase in the back, and hopped in the driver's side. Once in, he started up the car and looked over at Tony who was pouting adorably with his arms crossed over his chest. Feeling "un-Gibbs" for the moment, he reached over and poked Tony in the side, where he knew the younger man was ticklish. Tony squealed and tried to shimmy away from Gibbs' finger. But Gibbs just reached over with both hands and started tickling his side unmercifully. Tony started squirming and laughing so hard he started to cry. Gibbs kept it up until Tony shouted, "Okay! Okay! Stop! Please! I'm not mad anymore!"

Gibbs grunted as he smiled, clearly proud of himself, and fell back into his own seat. He started driving away while Tony caught his breath. Finally Tony said, "I will have my revenge for that Gibbs. Just you wait."

Gibbs flashed a grin in Tony's direction before looking back at the road, "I look forward to seeing you try."

Tony had been momentarily stunned by Gibbs' smile. The older man had looked truly happy, his blue eyes bright with his joy. He wasn't sure he had ever seen Gibbs excited, but he was sure this was it. Gibbs had never looked so happy. Tony recovered and laughed at Gibbs' dare. He relaxed in his seat, feeling completely at ease and happy in Gibbs' presence.