Severed Connection- Chapter 12
Chapter 12
The two weeks Tony had spent in the Cayman’s did wonders for his recovery. He had a lot of time to think about his life: where he had come from and where he was going. He spent hours sitting on the beautiful beach communing with the ocean. He was allowed to ponder the situation in DC and how he was to proceed from there. The time spent with his father was used to continue to slowly build upon the foundation they had set.
Tony was now off oxygen and as he returned to New York, he began to think more and more about NCIS. He and his father had a long discussion about his future as well. One of his father’s companies was in private security and he had offered Tony an advisory position on the Board. For now, he would attend quarterly meetings. Senior thought Tony’s background as a police officer and federal agent could provide invaluable information on how to keep their high profile clients safe. And his father also left the door open for Tony to take a larger role in the company if he ever decided to leave NCIS.
*
Jenny was in Manhattan attending a conference. Tony flew into the city to meet her for dinner. They were eating at a quaint restaurant in Little Italy.
“You are looking well, Tony.” She noticed a healthy glow to his face that had been absent for some time.
“I’ll start working out with a trainer next week. It’s a slow process, but I want to get fit again.”
“In due time.” She smiled as they ordered and sipped on some wine. “Have you decided what you want to do?” She saw him hesitate slightly but then nod.
“I want to come back, I really do.” He replied.
“But…”
“After everything that has happened, I don’t think I could work with the team anymore.”
Jenny knew that would be the case. But, she continued. “And Rota?”
Tony shook his head. “I don’t want to leave the U.S. right now, Jenny. After being sick…reconnecting with my dad…” He sighed. “I don’t want to be too difficult.” He looked apprehensive. “Are you disappointed?”
“I am not surprised by your dilemma nor am I disappointed in you. You are a great agent, Tony.” She smiled and paused as the waiter placed salad plates in front of them. “I wanted to hear that you were coming backing to NCIS to discuss with you my other proposal.”
“What proposal?”
“Our caseload at the Navy Yard is heavy. Especially in wartime, the stress placed on our armed forces naturally causes a rise in various offenses. And the country has been on heightened alert since 9-11 as well.”
“Okay.” Tony responded, not sure where Jenny was going with this.
“So, I decided to create a second Major Case Response Team, with you as lead agent.”
“Really?” Tony said in a surprised tone.
“Yes. It is a well deserved promotion, Tony. When you return from sick leave, we will choose three members for your new team. I already have a few in mind, but we will make the decision together.”
“Does Gibbs know?”
Jenny shook her head. “I wanted to talk to you first. When your return nears, I will send an official announcement throughout the agency.” She smiled. “Do you need time to think about it?”
“No. I’ll do it.” He answered with conviction.
Jenny raised her glass. “Congratulations, Special Agent Dinozzo.”
“Thank you, Director.” He answered with a wide smile.
*
Tony was at his apartment in DC one month later. He was looking around at the task at hand. The movers and his father were coming in two days. He had realized that a five flight walk up was not optimal for him anymore. Even though his health had improved, he now needed daily asthma medication in addition to his rescue inhaler.
With his increased salary from his promotion and the extra money he would get for serving on the board of his father’s company, he could afford a slight upgrade in his living arrangements. As he surveyed the room, he began to mentally map out his plan of action. He turned suddenly when he heard a knock on the door. He was not sure who it was. When he looked out the peephole, he sighed. He should have known his return to DC would not stay a secret too long. ‘Damn you, Jenny,’ he thought to himself as he laughed lightly. Tony opened the door to a surprisingly subdued looking Jethro.
“Hi.” Jethro said as he looked at Tony for the first time in over two months. He looked amazing. His color had returned and even though he was at least ten pounds lighter than before his illness, Gibbs felt at a loss for words at how beautiful the younger man looked.
“Gibbs.” Tony applauded himself silently that his voice sounded so calm. As hurt as he has been over his former Boss’ behavior, he couldn’t help the fluttering of his heart seeing him again.
“Can I come in?” Gibbs asked.
“Sure.” He said quietly and stepped aside. He was surprised Jethro had not simply barged in.
Gibbs walked in and was surprised to see some boxes. He turned to Tony and there was awkward silence for a time. “Congratulations on your promotion. You deserve it.” He said with a slight smile.
Tony snorted slightly as he walked to his kitchen. “Coffee?”
“Tony, I mean it. It was only a matter of time before you received your own team.” Jethro had a small smile on his face. “I’m just glad it wasn’t Rota.”
“I would have thought you couldn’t wait to get rid of me.” Tony answered with a bitter tone.
Gibbs looked angry and walked up to his former second in command. “Damn it, Tony!” He took a deep breath, trying to get his emotions in check. Tony was shocked to see Gibbs so unnerved. “I am so sorry I was such a bastard.”
Tony sighed. “You keep apologizing. What about Rule Number six?”
“I violate the rule when it is really important.”
Tony rolled his eyes. “So now I’m important?” He walked back into the TV area, to get a bit of distance from Gibbs. “I don’t understand you.”
“I am a bastard.”
“So you keep saying. It’s a shock you’ve been divorced three times, Gibbs.” His bitter tone dissipated quickly. He just felt exhausted all of a sudden. He sat down heavily on his plush couch. “I don’t get you.” Tony added, unable to look Gibbs.
Gibbs took a chance and sat down on the couch next to him. “I’m an idiot, Tony. I screwed up badly. For the first time in years, I found someone whom I made a connection with and I threw it away. There is no one I would rather have on my six, Agent Dinozzo. Not Franks, not Stan, and not Jenny. You are deserving of your own team.” He paused. “I was screwed up in the head for a time and while I was working through that I managed to throw away one of the relationships in my life that means the most to me.”
“What do you mean by that?” Tony asked softly as his heart beat rapidly.
“Tony, from the first time I met you in Baltimore…I felt…I mean…” Gibbs stumbled upon his words, not sure he could convey his true feelings.
“Gibbs?” Jethro looked at Tony’s hazel eyes and saw confusion and some pain, he knew he needed to make this right.
Gibbs gently grabbed Tony’s hand. “I love you, Tony. I have for years. I don’t deserve another chance, but I hope you can give me one.”
Tony looked down at his hand. The warmth of Gibbs against his was soothing. He bit his lip as he looked away. “I’m not sure what to say.” He whispered.
“I don’t know if you feel the same about me, but I wanted you to hear it. I...we...so many people have let you down, Tony. But I do love you.”
Tony slowly slid his hand away as he stood. It was amazing how all of sudden he felt cold. He stood by his window and wrapped his arms around himself. He wanted to lose himself in the warmth of Gibbs, but could he forgive him? After some time he spoke, although he couldn’t face him. “I’ve loved you for so long.” He said softly. “But I thought something was wrong with me. How could I love someone who treats me the way you did?” The pain was evident in Tony’s voice as he turned to face the older man. “How, Jethro?” His eyes watered at the question.
Gibbs heart was breaking as he walked over to Tony. “I know you’re scared. I know I have to earn back your trust. But…could we try?”
Tony took some deep breaths as he looked down. Gibbs reached out for his hand and clasped his in Tony’s. It felt so right; but, he was terrified. “I’m not the same person I was before.” Tony responded softly. After the situation he had endured, he was more guarded; less carefree than he was. But, Tony was ready to move on. He wanted to let go of the tension...the hurt...the self-doubt...he wanted a new beginning. The one thing he wanted for so long was within his grasp. Was it real? Could it be?
Jethro sensed his hesitation. He understood it. He wanted to wipe away all Tony's fear and insecurities. “Could we maybe start with a nice dinner?” Gibbs asked tentatively.
“Really?” Tony said a bit suspiciously as his eyes narrowed. “Like a date?”
“I can do romance.” Gibbs said in a defensive tone, but it was light and playful.
“We’ll see.” Tony answered. “Maybe we’ll begin with appetizers and a drink; less pressure and all that." He looked at Gibbs pointedly. "We’ll see how you woo.”
“Woo?” Gibbs asked slowly, a mischievous grin to his face.
Tony nodded. “Yes. I deserve to be wooed.”
Gibbs laughed heartily. “Yes, Boss.” Jethro replied as he stepped forward and embraced Tony. The younger man sighed as he melted into Gibbs, burying his face in his neck. He finally felt at home.
*
AN: one chapter to go…Coming up: The Team and more!
Continue to the Conclusion of Severed Connection
The two weeks Tony had spent in the Cayman’s did wonders for his recovery. He had a lot of time to think about his life: where he had come from and where he was going. He spent hours sitting on the beautiful beach communing with the ocean. He was allowed to ponder the situation in DC and how he was to proceed from there. The time spent with his father was used to continue to slowly build upon the foundation they had set.
Tony was now off oxygen and as he returned to New York, he began to think more and more about NCIS. He and his father had a long discussion about his future as well. One of his father’s companies was in private security and he had offered Tony an advisory position on the Board. For now, he would attend quarterly meetings. Senior thought Tony’s background as a police officer and federal agent could provide invaluable information on how to keep their high profile clients safe. And his father also left the door open for Tony to take a larger role in the company if he ever decided to leave NCIS.
*
Jenny was in Manhattan attending a conference. Tony flew into the city to meet her for dinner. They were eating at a quaint restaurant in Little Italy.
“You are looking well, Tony.” She noticed a healthy glow to his face that had been absent for some time.
“I’ll start working out with a trainer next week. It’s a slow process, but I want to get fit again.”
“In due time.” She smiled as they ordered and sipped on some wine. “Have you decided what you want to do?” She saw him hesitate slightly but then nod.
“I want to come back, I really do.” He replied.
“But…”
“After everything that has happened, I don’t think I could work with the team anymore.”
Jenny knew that would be the case. But, she continued. “And Rota?”
Tony shook his head. “I don’t want to leave the U.S. right now, Jenny. After being sick…reconnecting with my dad…” He sighed. “I don’t want to be too difficult.” He looked apprehensive. “Are you disappointed?”
“I am not surprised by your dilemma nor am I disappointed in you. You are a great agent, Tony.” She smiled and paused as the waiter placed salad plates in front of them. “I wanted to hear that you were coming backing to NCIS to discuss with you my other proposal.”
“What proposal?”
“Our caseload at the Navy Yard is heavy. Especially in wartime, the stress placed on our armed forces naturally causes a rise in various offenses. And the country has been on heightened alert since 9-11 as well.”
“Okay.” Tony responded, not sure where Jenny was going with this.
“So, I decided to create a second Major Case Response Team, with you as lead agent.”
“Really?” Tony said in a surprised tone.
“Yes. It is a well deserved promotion, Tony. When you return from sick leave, we will choose three members for your new team. I already have a few in mind, but we will make the decision together.”
“Does Gibbs know?”
Jenny shook her head. “I wanted to talk to you first. When your return nears, I will send an official announcement throughout the agency.” She smiled. “Do you need time to think about it?”
“No. I’ll do it.” He answered with conviction.
Jenny raised her glass. “Congratulations, Special Agent Dinozzo.”
“Thank you, Director.” He answered with a wide smile.
*
Tony was at his apartment in DC one month later. He was looking around at the task at hand. The movers and his father were coming in two days. He had realized that a five flight walk up was not optimal for him anymore. Even though his health had improved, he now needed daily asthma medication in addition to his rescue inhaler.
With his increased salary from his promotion and the extra money he would get for serving on the board of his father’s company, he could afford a slight upgrade in his living arrangements. As he surveyed the room, he began to mentally map out his plan of action. He turned suddenly when he heard a knock on the door. He was not sure who it was. When he looked out the peephole, he sighed. He should have known his return to DC would not stay a secret too long. ‘Damn you, Jenny,’ he thought to himself as he laughed lightly. Tony opened the door to a surprisingly subdued looking Jethro.
“Hi.” Jethro said as he looked at Tony for the first time in over two months. He looked amazing. His color had returned and even though he was at least ten pounds lighter than before his illness, Gibbs felt at a loss for words at how beautiful the younger man looked.
“Gibbs.” Tony applauded himself silently that his voice sounded so calm. As hurt as he has been over his former Boss’ behavior, he couldn’t help the fluttering of his heart seeing him again.
“Can I come in?” Gibbs asked.
“Sure.” He said quietly and stepped aside. He was surprised Jethro had not simply barged in.
Gibbs walked in and was surprised to see some boxes. He turned to Tony and there was awkward silence for a time. “Congratulations on your promotion. You deserve it.” He said with a slight smile.
Tony snorted slightly as he walked to his kitchen. “Coffee?”
“Tony, I mean it. It was only a matter of time before you received your own team.” Jethro had a small smile on his face. “I’m just glad it wasn’t Rota.”
“I would have thought you couldn’t wait to get rid of me.” Tony answered with a bitter tone.
Gibbs looked angry and walked up to his former second in command. “Damn it, Tony!” He took a deep breath, trying to get his emotions in check. Tony was shocked to see Gibbs so unnerved. “I am so sorry I was such a bastard.”
Tony sighed. “You keep apologizing. What about Rule Number six?”
“I violate the rule when it is really important.”
Tony rolled his eyes. “So now I’m important?” He walked back into the TV area, to get a bit of distance from Gibbs. “I don’t understand you.”
“I am a bastard.”
“So you keep saying. It’s a shock you’ve been divorced three times, Gibbs.” His bitter tone dissipated quickly. He just felt exhausted all of a sudden. He sat down heavily on his plush couch. “I don’t get you.” Tony added, unable to look Gibbs.
Gibbs took a chance and sat down on the couch next to him. “I’m an idiot, Tony. I screwed up badly. For the first time in years, I found someone whom I made a connection with and I threw it away. There is no one I would rather have on my six, Agent Dinozzo. Not Franks, not Stan, and not Jenny. You are deserving of your own team.” He paused. “I was screwed up in the head for a time and while I was working through that I managed to throw away one of the relationships in my life that means the most to me.”
“What do you mean by that?” Tony asked softly as his heart beat rapidly.
“Tony, from the first time I met you in Baltimore…I felt…I mean…” Gibbs stumbled upon his words, not sure he could convey his true feelings.
“Gibbs?” Jethro looked at Tony’s hazel eyes and saw confusion and some pain, he knew he needed to make this right.
Gibbs gently grabbed Tony’s hand. “I love you, Tony. I have for years. I don’t deserve another chance, but I hope you can give me one.”
Tony looked down at his hand. The warmth of Gibbs against his was soothing. He bit his lip as he looked away. “I’m not sure what to say.” He whispered.
“I don’t know if you feel the same about me, but I wanted you to hear it. I...we...so many people have let you down, Tony. But I do love you.”
Tony slowly slid his hand away as he stood. It was amazing how all of sudden he felt cold. He stood by his window and wrapped his arms around himself. He wanted to lose himself in the warmth of Gibbs, but could he forgive him? After some time he spoke, although he couldn’t face him. “I’ve loved you for so long.” He said softly. “But I thought something was wrong with me. How could I love someone who treats me the way you did?” The pain was evident in Tony’s voice as he turned to face the older man. “How, Jethro?” His eyes watered at the question.
Gibbs heart was breaking as he walked over to Tony. “I know you’re scared. I know I have to earn back your trust. But…could we try?”
Tony took some deep breaths as he looked down. Gibbs reached out for his hand and clasped his in Tony’s. It felt so right; but, he was terrified. “I’m not the same person I was before.” Tony responded softly. After the situation he had endured, he was more guarded; less carefree than he was. But, Tony was ready to move on. He wanted to let go of the tension...the hurt...the self-doubt...he wanted a new beginning. The one thing he wanted for so long was within his grasp. Was it real? Could it be?
Jethro sensed his hesitation. He understood it. He wanted to wipe away all Tony's fear and insecurities. “Could we maybe start with a nice dinner?” Gibbs asked tentatively.
“Really?” Tony said a bit suspiciously as his eyes narrowed. “Like a date?”
“I can do romance.” Gibbs said in a defensive tone, but it was light and playful.
“We’ll see.” Tony answered. “Maybe we’ll begin with appetizers and a drink; less pressure and all that." He looked at Gibbs pointedly. "We’ll see how you woo.”
“Woo?” Gibbs asked slowly, a mischievous grin to his face.
Tony nodded. “Yes. I deserve to be wooed.”
Gibbs laughed heartily. “Yes, Boss.” Jethro replied as he stepped forward and embraced Tony. The younger man sighed as he melted into Gibbs, burying his face in his neck. He finally felt at home.
*
AN: one chapter to go…Coming up: The Team and more!
Continue to the Conclusion of Severed Connection