"You owe me one, Jethro. You realize that I just closed one of the worst cases I've had and was really looking forward to getting some sleep."

Yes, Gibbs did know it, but it had been the easiest and fastest way, calling Tobias Fornell, rather than the man's boss or someone else.

They were sitting in Baltimore PD and by then it was basically morning. Tobias and few of his agents had arrived a little while ago and now those agents were in their car with Langer, who was strangely quiet, waiting for their boss to join them so that they could leave. Tobias, however, was not in a rush since his eyes had spotted a certain young Detective, who sat behind his desk, staring at the cup of coffee in his hand.

"That your boy?" Tobias asked and Gibbs stared at him.

"Even you, Tobias?"

"Well, I have heard some rumors, which I could believe only when I see it myself. I came, I saw and now I'm a believer." Tobias smirked. "You haven't let him out of your sight. Is there something you need to tell me? Where's my cigar?"

Gibbs rolled his eyes. He was sitting where he could keep an eye on DiNozzo, but it was only because he was a little worried. Anyone would be. The young man had barely spoken few words after finally coming inside, only a few minutes before the FBI.

"So what's the situation?"

"Situation?"

"The kid. You don't go around making friends. Your expertise is making enemies, not bond with anyone. You're really going to pick him up and bring home with you?" Gibbs stared and Tobias smirked. "Abby called me. I could be wrong, but I have a feeling she's been talking to anyone you are close enough to talk with every once in a while. I'm pretty sure she's setting a trap for you."

"A trap?"

"Oh, don't try that on me. You know she's doing this in order to plant the idea into everyone's heads. Trust me, you will take the kid home with you."

Gibbs didn't say anything, but there was a faint smile on his lips, which he quickly hid behind his coffee cup, but that was more than enough for Tobias.

"I'll talk to you later. Just don't scare him off like you do everyone else, Jethro. The kid must be good to get your attention, and even Abby's approval." He gave a pat on his old friend's, and drinking companion's, shoulder and left.

Since he no longer had an audience watching his every move, Gibbs stood up and took a seat next to Tony's. "Belt knife?"

Tony shrugged without looking up. "It was a gift from one of my former partners before he retired—not in Baltimore—and he made me promise to always wear it, or just have any knife with me all the time. At first I thought it was stupid, but then it kind of saved my life, so now I am wearing it all the time."

Gibbs was humming in approval. "That's good. Never go anywhere without a knife. Rule 9."

Tony snorted. "You and your rules. You ever forget or get tired of them?"

"You were disowned?" Gibbs asked instead of answering, although he hesitated before asking the question. The dark look crossing Tony's face was enough of an answer.

"We're not talking about that."

"How old were you?"

"Gibbs..."

Gibbs opened his mouth again, but saw the almost hurt, pleading look, which reminder him once again of the boy he had almost killed, and he closed his mouth.

Drinking his now cold drink, Tony shook his head. "We both know you don't need nor want to ask these random questions. At least not right now. So you might just as well get to the point. What is it?"

Gibbs frowned with a thoughtful look on his face. Was it really that easy for Tony to read his mind? At least that's what it was starting to seem like. Perhaps everyone was right. He could already imagine them working together, with DiNozzo annoying him to no end, testing his patience, but never disappointing when it came to the work. He would have to try to teach him to not treat his own life with such a nonchalant manner. Oh yes, he was going to age ten years in a very short amount of time with this one around...

...

Tony, who had been staring at Gibbs the whole time, waiting for the answer, saw the man smile for the first time. Okay, perhaps he had noticed it before, but he had thought it was just his imagination. So it was the first time he truly saw it. He had to admit that the smile softened the man's features so much that one could be fooled enough to think he was a nice guy. Made him younger too.

The smile was still there when Gibbs finally asked, "So... How good are you writing letters, DiNozzo?"

Tony was startled. "Um... Pretty good I think... Why?"

"Good. Then it shouldn't take too long for you to write a resignation letter."

"Gibbs?"

"If you're fast enough, I'll give you a ride to D.C. I mean, your car did get totaled pretty bad, right?"

Tony had a feeling he knew where this was going, but he wanted to make sure. "Right... But, Gibbs. I really am not sure what you are trying to tell me. So help me out a little?"

...

Was he really going to make him say it? Of course he was. "DiNozzo... I'm offering you a job. So are you going to write that letter or not?" He'd never chosen anyone to work with. They were always given to him, whether he liked it or not. Never before had he wanted to work with a partner. He was a lone wolf. To finally want all those things and now the kid was just staring at him silently.

When the, hopefully former, Detective finally spoke, it sounded almost surprised and uncertain, like he wasn't sure if this was a good idea. "Yes..."

For some reason the answer made Gibbs genuinely happy. Before he remembered that hugging was out of question, he had already moved toward Tony. At the last moment, instead of a hug, he raised his hand gently against the back of the young man's head and squeezed softly. Both were surprised at Tony's reaction, when he leaned against the touch. The moment didn't last long, but it felt like it.

...

"I... Uh... I'll-I'll just... write it now, right?" Tony stammered and dropped the pen several times, when he took it out with the paper. He frowned when he thought of something and he looked at Gibbs with unsure eyes. The man still hadn't moved his hand. "Should I do something about Bolton? I mean, it's not like he actually held a gun at me."

Gibbs stared with a raised eyebrow. Tony got the message.

"Right... I'll call the big boss tomorrow and I'll... I'm sure Frost will be mad at me for letting things go this far, but It's the right thing to do and..."

"Hey. You need help with something, just ask. If you don't want to do this, then don't."

"Right. Thanks, Gibbs. I'll do it."

"Good boy."

...

Tony rolled his eyes, but didn't stop the smile that finally broke free. His true smile. And if Gibbs would say he wasn't surprised and pleased to see it, he'd be lying. Seeing it light up the whole room made the Agent realize, if it were up to him, he would much rather see this happy and carefree smile.

"All right. You go write the letter and I'll wake up the Director. He's going to want to know he's getting a new Agent."

"Gibbs. Wait." Tony looked nervous when Gibbs stopped at the door. "Are you sure about this? I mean, I can be a real—"

"Haven't been this sure about anything since Kelly was born."

...

Gibbs walked outside, leaving Tony to stare at the door. Suddenly writing that letter was both terrifying and easy. And by the time he was ready to leave the letter, he felt like a weight had been lifted from his shoulders. He wasn't entirely sure that going to NCIS of all places was a good idea, but now that his car was gone... Perhaps working at the NCIS, he could feel just a little bit closer to Howard.

"What do you think, Howie, am I doing the right thing?"

With a sigh, Tony walked outside. Seeing Gibbs waiting for him outside his car, Tony touched the back of his head with a small smile. "I promise to do my best, brother. I'll make you proud."

"Ready?" Gibbs asked when he saw the former Detective.

Glancing at the car, Tony hesitated for a moment and swallowed. Well. If he had survived the car chase, with Gibbs driving the car, he would survive it again. "Yeah. I'm ready."

...

— The End —