Reticent

Gibbs drove almost reticently for him as he stayed at or below the speed limit. He knew that Tony couldn’t handle anymore excitement for the day. He didn’t know what happened with Rivkin, but he knew that Tony never took a life for granted and that each death he took hit him hard. Then on top of that, dealing with Ziva’s general assholeness would have worn him to a thin thread.

While he was sure Tony wouldn’t have said anything if he’d driven at his normal speed, he wanted to take care of him. He still needed to make up for helping start this disaster in the first place. Parking the car in his driveway, Gibbs called out “Tony?” when Tony made no move to exit the car.

“Wha?” Tony startled out of his thoughts. “Oh. We’re here. Wait, why aren’t we at the office?”

“I figured you’d need a break before the onslaught that would be assured to happen at the office. I have steaks.” Gibbs offered softly.

“Thanks. Boss.” Tony unbuckled his seatbelt and climbed out of the car, heading for Gibbs' door.

While he had been prepared to shoulder through the day, knowing he could relax and didn't have to be strong meant the world to him. He practically collapsed on the couch, not bothering to even wait for Gibbs, knowing his door would be unlocked as per usual.

Tony knew this day would eventually come after he saw the evidence McGee had gathered, but he'd still hoped that Ziva would realize she was wrong before it was too late.

While it was true that he held his calm while she spewed venom at him that didn’t stop it from hurting. He had truly tried to be her friend.

Gibbs left Tony alone. He knew he needed time to process and would talk when he was ready. Instead, he started preparing the steaks knowing that Tony needed food and water more than anything else right now. He had to make sure Tony didn’t go into shock.

He alternated between checking on the steaks and working in the basement, content to give Tony as much time as he needed. He knew it was the right decision to come home instead of returning to work. Both Fornell and Vance would know where to find them if they needed them. Though truthfully, he hoped their part of this disaster was over.

Unfortunately, there was likely to be a trial and they’d probably have to get on the stand for that. He just hoped that wouldn’t send Tony spiraling again. He needed his loyal Saint Bernard. McGee still had a long way to go to become a promising agent.

Even though he’d made steps in the right direction, the fact that he hadn’t even called to check up on Tony, despite knowing the basics of what happened, told Gibbs that he wasn’t all the way to where he needed to be. Though he hadn’t heard McGee proclaim how good he was in a while, so he was making progress even if it wasn’t fast enough to suit Gibbs.