Fate and Family

[lit_gal]

If you are reading this going WTF, you can go back and read the Snapshots story. You can also just hang in there and find out what is going on with Tony, who is also very confused.


Tony is a detective trying to prove himself at NCIS.  Gibbs is a bastard. 
And the smirking guy in the coffeeshop?  Well, he's something Tony never
expected.


Chapter One: Tony meets an interesting man... things go downhill from there.
Chapter Two: It's NCIS. A dead body is manditory, as are Ducky's stories
Chapter Three: Abby didn't like Tony right away.  He grew on her, like mold.



Tony arched his back and stretched. It seemed like very vertebrae in his back popped. If he thought he’d worked hard as a cop, he’d clearly underestimated how hard a human being could work. Well, he had wanted a job that didn’t let him get bored. NCIS fit the bill on that front.

“You’d better have some answers,” Gibbs said as he strode past Tony’s desk.

“Of course, boss. You know I wouldn’t—” Tony closed his mouth when Gibbs turned to glare at him. Swiveling his computer screen around so Gibbs could see it, Tony started pulling up details. “Lieutenant Charles Liber spent three years on USS Carl Vinson and transferred five months ago to the White House Communications Agency, and they seem very unwilling to say what the lieutenant might have been working on. In general, the Agency—” Tony didn’t get to finish because Gibbs started walking away. “Get down to Abby and get the trace results,” Gibbs called over his shoulder as he headed for the stairs up to the big boss’s office.

“Aww, boss.” Tony thought he complained soft enough to avoid being heard, but Gibbs reached the first landing on the stairs and looked down at him.

“You have to learn to play nice at some point, DiNozzo.” With that, he trotted up the rest of the stairs.

For a second, Tony just stared after the man. “Did Gibbs just smile? Was that a smile?” Tony asked a passing agent. The woman gave him an odd look and started walking faster, but that was fine. If Gibbs was telling Tony to learn how to play nice with coworkers, that meant Tony still had a job. Tony’s smile faded as he realized that also meant he had to get test results from Sciuto. The last time he’d been in her lab, she’d offered to test out a piece of evidence on him. Considering that the evidence was a knife and that he was only 90 percent sure she was kidding, he wasn’t looking forward to going back.

Tony made a quick detour to get a Caf-Pow before showing up in the crazy woman’s lab. Even with that ammunition, he felt the first knots of unease the second he heard her pounding music. He couldn’t be the sainted Stan, and he wasn’t sure how to get the woman to stop holding that against him. However, Gibbs had told him to play nice, so he pasted a plastic smile on his face and headed into her domain.

“What did you say to Dean?” she demanded the second Tony walked in the room. Tony froze, not prepared for this particular line of attack.

“Gibbs’ son?” Tony asked, not entirely sure he was following her logic. Sciuto sometimes took some strange verbal detours.

She gave him an exasperated look and hit the button to turn her music off. “How many Deans do you know?”

Tony shrugged. “Dean Martin, James Dean, Dean Jones of Love Bug fame, the classic actor Dean Jagger who made his breakthrough playing Brigham Young in the 1940 classic. He won an Academy Award for Twelve O’Clock High.”

Sciuto crossed her arms over her chest. “Why are you doing this?”

“Because you asked how many Deans I know?” Tony guessed. The more complicated answer was that he definitely didn’t want to talk about Dean Gibbs, not with Sciuto. Tony needed a little time to sort his own feelings, and Sciuto seemed like the sort to stir feelings up.

“Are you trying to be annoying?”

“It’s pretty much a side effect,” Tony said with his most charming smile. Sciuto didn’t look all that charmed. “And why are you asking what I said to Dean Gibbs?”

“Dean Winchester,” Sciuto corrected him. That surprised Tony. It had seemed like Gibbs and Dean were close. They had a certain comfort with each other that Tony associated with affection—not that he and his own father shared a whole lot of affection. Tony had assumed Dean would take his adoptive father’s name, but obviously not. “And I’m asking because he likes you. What did you say?” Sciuto narrowed her eyes like she was trying to stare down a perp.

“Mostly, I didn’t say anything. I stood there with my mouth open as he hit on me,” Tony admitted.

Sciuto’s arms dropped to hang at her sides, and her mouth fell open. “He hit on you?” she demanded, her voice getting high. Tony was starting to take this personally.

“People do occasionally hit on me. I’m attractive.”

“Only in a superficial male model for watches sort of way,” she said dismissively, and Tony had no idea whether to take that as an insult or a compliment.

When Tony couldn’t figure out a response, he returned to their original conversation. “Ducky seems to think the whole thing is some plan to annoy Gibbs.” Tony ignored the little twinge of disappointment he felt at that.

“It’s not,” Sciuto said firmly. “When he wants to annoy Gibbs, he doesn’t drag other people into it. Well, no one except Sam, and siblings don’t count. So it’s not a joke.”

The flash of hope scared Tony. If he got his hopes up, he was going to ruin his life. No way did he want to get involved with some prankster, especially not when that prankster was the boss’s son. There was stupid and then there was too stupid for words. Besides, Tony was usually the goofy one in any relationship. No way did he want to date someone who had Dean’s reputation. “Then why did he hit on me?” Tony demanded angrily. He didn’t want to have this conversation, and he suspected he was taking that out on Scuito.

Scuito gave him the evil eye. “I don’t know, because you’re annoying.”

“So is Dean.”

In a surprising turn of events, Sciuto took a step back and seemed to think about that for a second. “Well that’s true.” She eyed Tony again, but this time, it was a more speculative look that made Tony even more uncomfortable. “Huh. You and Dean.” Her gaze drifted up and down Tony’s body.

“Oh no,” Tony rushed to correct her, “there’s a me and there’s a Dean, there’s not a me and Dean. And unless you have some results, there may not be a me at NCIS at all. Gibbs sent me down here for results, not unfounded speculation. What did you find with the trace from Ducky?”

She waved her hand dismissively. “Gibbs knows you’re going to take a long time.”

“He does? He seems like a ‘get it done fast’ sort of guy.”

“He sent you to me. He knew I would find out what was going on with Dean.” She gave him a sharp, wicked smile. “So, do you like him?”

Deciding to go with intentional misunderstanding, Tony asked, “Gibbs? As a boss?” He shrugged. “Sure. And I’d like to keep from getting fired. So, the trace?”

That earned him a heavy sigh. “Dean. Do you like Dean?”

“I talked to him for thirty seconds.”

“And?”

“And what about that trace?” Tony tried again. When he’d heard that NCIS had their own forensics specialist, Tony had been so excited. In the police department, he packed up a sample along with the paperwork and sent it off to some lab downtown. If he was lucky, results wandered back to him three weeks later. The idea of being able to take the elevator down to talk to his very own forensics specialist had been like some detective’s wet dream. Only this was less dreamlike and more nightmarish. He just wanted his results.

“Now you’re trying to be annoying,” she accused him in an exasperated tone.

“I can be annoying without trying. Look. I don’t know Dean. I talked to him for thirty seconds, and I don’t have any strong feelings.”

“Liar.”

“Excuse me?”

She smiled at him, which was vaguely terrifying. “But that’s okay, because you like Dean, and Dean doesn’t like just anyone, you know.”

“Dr. Sciuto,” Tony said with a sigh.

“Oh please. I do not want you calling me doctor anything. Do you know what kinds of people like to be called doctor?”

“Doctors?” Tony guessed.

“See… you don’t know everything. Stuffy people like to be called doctor. Call me Abby.”

“Abby?” He had definitely fallen down the rabbit hole.

“It’s my name.” She gave him a bright smile, like they were friends, like she hadn’t spent the last four days telling him in detail every single way that Stan had done every single thing better than Tony. Tony opened his mouth and closed it, not even sure he knew how to participate in this particular conversation. Before he could sort out his thoughts, one of the machines chimed. “There!” Abby sang out happily.

“Where?”

“Major Mass Spec.”

Tony blinked. “What?”

“Major Mass Spec has our answer.” Abby danced over to the large machine and started petting it like it was some puppy. “It’s my new baby. I had to beg the director, and I promised to take care of him and feed him and clean up after him. That’s a good Major Mass Spec.”

The woman was insane. Certifiably insane. Tony was starting to wonder if he shouldn’t warn someone that she seemed genuinely unbalanced. “Dr….” Tony stopped when he got the hairy eyeball look. “Abby,” he tried again, “what did the test find?”

“Peaks.” Abby pulled out a paper and showed him exactly that. Peaks. Printed on paper.

“Which mean…?”

“Bromide. Specifically brominated flame retardant.”

Tony waited for the other shoe to drop, but Sciuto just looked at him. “Which is used where?” he finally asked.

“Pretty much everywhere. Well, everywhere commercial, anyway. It gets used anywhere that they need fast fire suppression like plastics production, textile factories, and even here at NCIS. And whoever touched our lieutenant touched a lot of brominated flame retardant. A lot of it.”

Tony felt that nervous tension he always got in his gut when he had a good lead. It was the same feeling he used to get before a game. “That means our bad guy has been somewhere that a building burned down.”

Abby nodded, her pigtails bobbing. “Or where they’ve had a fire anyway.”

Tony looked at her. She was smiling at him. Honestly smiling. Tony prided himself in reading people, and all the distrust and resentment she had radiated earlier had vanished. This woman acted genuinely pleased to have helped him. “Thanks Abby.” Tony said. He tried to communicate just how much he appreciated not only the results but the sudden thaw on the personal front. He didn’t like getting frozen out.

She shrugged. “I still think you’re annoying.” Her smile made it clear she didn’t mind all that much.

“Most of my friends do.”

“Maybe you will be a good fit for Dean. I’m going to reserve judgment on that, though.”

“You’re assuming that I would date a man.”

“You would.” She seemed incredibly confident about that.

“Excuse me?” Tony nearly got indignant about her acting like she knew him; however, he didn’t want to bring back the scary-Abby.

“No stuttering or flailing at the thought of a man hitting on you. That means you’re at least open to a relationship, and that’s a huge point in your favor so don’t screw up by trying to deny it. You’re still on probationary status with me, mister.” She poked a finger at him and then turned away and flipped her music back on. Tony had definitely been dismissed.

Rather than push his luck with scary-lady, Tony left. At least he had some results to report back to Gibbs. After the scare with Dean Winchester, Tony realized that he wanted this job. He wanted it deeply and passionately, and that meant two things. He was going to impress Gibbs and avoid Dean.

Comments

[shakatany.livejournal.com]

Every once in a while I think it might be fun to see an ep of the early days of the team. I don't think we've ever learned how Gibbs met Ducky or Abby though we do know that they go back years. At least now, thanks to you, we see how Tony entered the group. I wonder where you are going with the whole brominated flame retardant bit but you have something up your sleeve.

Shakatany

BTW there's a little prezzie heading your way.

[lit-gal.livejournal.com]

I really am enjoying playing with this Tony who doesn't yet trust Gibbs. And in canon, Abby mentions that Tony had to grow on her, so that's what I'm going with.

And the present came yesterday. I absolutely love them. Thank you so much. You pick the best gifts.

[chaoskir.livejournal.com]

Aaah! Your Abby is also great! You did a great job and I do like this story. Thanks!

[lit-gal.livejournal.com]

Thank you so much! I love Abby, so I'm glad she came off Abbyish here.

[spiceblueeyes.livejournal.com]

I have a feeling avoiding Dean will be more difficult than Tony thinks, hehehehe! So happy to see more of this story!

[lit-gal.livejournal.com]

Yeah, he's not going to keep that vow very long.

Fate and Family 3

[slashpuppy.livejournal.com]

Enjoying this!

Wee fixes:
- A dead body is manditory, as are Ducky's stories [mandatory]
- It seemed like very vertebrae in his back popped. [like every]
- learn how to play nice with coworkers [co-workers]
- 90 percent [90 per cent]
- boss's son [boss' son] too many esses
- Dr…. [Dr...]
- "Thanks Abby." Tony said. [Abby,]

Re: Fate and Family 3

[lit-gal.livejournal.com]

Man, I am trying to fix these and LiveJournal is being a real bitca. I'm working on it, and I'm glad you're enjoying the story.

[ruefull.livejournal.com]

The sudden thought of Abby and Dean together as partners in crime just made my head explode.

I feel very sorry for Gibbs! lol!

Love this, so good, so glad you couldn't leave it alone! *g*

[lit-gal.livejournal.com]

Those two could give Gibbs a few gray hairs, that's for sure.

[zazreil.livejournal.com]

I think I agree with Tony, he fell down the rabbit hole and he didn't even know he was chasing a.... Hmmm Dean's not exactly a rabbit, not even a Playboy Bunny. I still have trouble imagining how the male bunnies were costumed,, but I digress. Anyway, I love the little pause when you know, Abby had to be picturing them together. Tony was adorably uncomfortable. It also amuses me that Dean confides in Abby, though it makes sense.

Zaz

[lit-gal.livejournal.com]

And unfortunately, it's not going to get any better for poor Tony. The weird is just going to get weirder.

[texanfan.livejournal.com]

I love hurricane Abby! I can so see that being exactly how Tony and Abby became friends, Abby flipping it on like a light switch. Poor Tony must feel pinned to the wall like a bug.

As to his resolution, i'm pretty sure he'll impress gibbs before all is said and done but no chance he'll be able to avoid Dean. Hee, hee, hee. :)

[lit-gal.livejournal.com]

Abby really is one of the best characters on television, and I'm thrilled that her character comes across here. And yeah, avoiding Dean is hard. Poor Tony can't even make it through the next chapter.

[rogue-psion2.livejournal.com]

I love how this story continues to develop. It is neat to see Tony's interactions with the other characters (hopefully some more with Dean too).

[lit-gal.livejournal.com]

I'm so glad you're enjoying it, and you certainly will get more interaction with Dean.

[mayalaen.livejournal.com]

I'm so excited you've continued this so far!

I was hoping you would when I read the first bit the other day, but I really hate mentioning to authors anything about continuing things since it sounds pushy and rude.

I'm getting a huge kick out of Gibbs and Dean playing off one another, Tony stuck in the middle.

And you've brought in Abby! Awesome!

[lit-gal.livejournal.com]

I never see a comment as nagging or rude, although sometimes I can't get to the next chapter. It's good to know that other people are looking forward to stories, and honestly, sometimes I find my interest in writing fading away if I don't think anyone is waiting for more.

[jujukittychick.livejournal.com]

lmao yeah, good luck with that tony, you know what they say about good intentions and best laid plans. and scary abby is always hilarious, loving this :D

[1-mad-squirrel.livejournal.com]

I love the detail that it wasn't instant sympatico between Tony and Abby. Abby is a very loyal person, and we know from the episode withStan that everyone loved him. It makes sense that Abby would spend a lot of time in "you're not Stan" mode. It makes great sense too that Abby' Gothness and just plain Abby-ness would take some acclimating for a newbie like Tony.

I don't really know Supernatural, but I'm liking this story so far.

[catservant66.livejournal.com]

Man, I wish there was more of this. I like this "new to NCIS" Tony, and I would love to see how Dean would figure out a way past Tony's defenses. I'd also love to see how Tony would make Dean realize Dean's serious, too and not just playing.