Tony had always enjoyed running.  He loved the feel of pushing himself to move faster, to go further, air rushing past, muscles working together to propel him forward.  But he usually was running on a groomed trail or pathway, not a private woodland strewn with debris, wet leaves, thorny bushes and fallen trees.  And he usually he didn't have the same incentive during a regular work out that he had today.  He didn't bother looking over his shoulder; he could hear his pursuer easily enough.

Couldn't out distance him, not yet.  He needed to keep the big behemoth of a naval petty officer distracted long enough for the rest of the team to secure the evidence.  Aaron Persun had been a busy boy, stockpiling a hell of a lot of weapons he'd already negotiated the sale of.    

At the moment Persun and his buddies thought Tony was on his own.  They also though he'd stolen their ledger book full of contacts and delivery dates and hidden it somewhere.  He needed for them to think that for as long as possible.  Backup was on its way, but that would take a little time.  Time Tony intended to make sure they got.

He slipped, right ankle complaining painfully as he struggled to keep his balance, but Tony ignored it.  Adrenaline keeping him moving.  Persun towered over Tony by a few inches, something the tall former cop rarely encountered, and he outweighed Tony by more than a few pounds.  Letting Persun catch him was not part of the plan, and definitely not a good idea.  

Tony lunged left, dodging around a tree and easily hurdling a fallen log.  He heard Persun curse.  He risked a glance over his shoulder, smiling slightly, slowing just a bit.  Wouldn't do to lose him now.

Tony put on a burst of speed to top the forested hill, knowing open ground was just up ahead and he could circle back to where Persun had stashed the goods.  As he crested the rise he was blindsided in a full body tackle by one of Persun's gun smuggling buddies. Momentum carried them down the hill.  Tony grunt in pain as a tree halted their progress.  He saw stars when his head connected forcefully with an adjacent stump, but he still managed to slam his elbow hard into the other man's solar plexus making him lose his grip.   

Tony wiggled away.  He struggled to his feet only to go down again when Persun's fist hit him hard in the kidneys.  Tony gasped for air, trying to catch his breath, moving to scramble away from his attacker.  He didn't get far when Persun kicked him in the stomach flipping him over.  Stunned by the powerful blow, but not out for the count, Tony kicked out catching Persun in the knee.  He felt as well as heard the joint snap, feeling a sense of savage satisfaction when the bigger man went down with a scream of pain.  

Still trying to get his wind back, Tony made it to his hands and knees.  He tried to push himself up, ready to run once more when Persun's buddy caught him again, arm around his neck in a vicious head lock, jerking him upright on his knees.  Tony struggled to break free, but knew he was loosing ground.

"I should snap your neck." The man growled.  "Break you like a twig…and I will."  The hold around his neck tightened brutally.  "But not until you tell me where you hid the book."

Tony's vision started to darken and he knew too much longer he'd be unconscious.  Desperate, he turned his head sideways, sinking his teeth into the other man's arm with as much force as he could muster.  His action caused enough pain and surprise for the grip around his throat to loosen; it was sufficient for Tony to get a small breath of air.  

"Why you little bastard!!"  The man snarled in his ear.  He shoved Tony away, backhanded fist clipping Tony's cheekbone, narrowly missing his temple.  He slammed Tony into the ground with bruising force.  Tony coughed, spitting out blood from where he'd bitten the inside of his cheek, his ribcage protesting the recent abuse.  

Feeling hands on him again, Tony tried to do something to get away, but he couldn't seem get his limbs to cooperate.  He was lifted bodily off the ground and shaken.  In desperation Tony raised his hands and slapped his attacker hard on both ears popping his ear drums while bringing his head forward to slam his forehead hard against the other man's nose.  Tony staggered, stumbling backward as his attacker released him to clutch at his broken and bleeding nose.  

Tony leaned heavily against a tree, sucking in air.  Persun's buddy having gotten over the initial shock was now reaching for a fallen limb, his intent to bludgeon Tony with it clear in his bloodied face.  

"NCIS!!" A voice hard as nails barked.  "Drop it or I'll kill you where you stand."

Tony was never so grateful in his life to hear Gibbs issuing orders.  He glanced up to see the former Marine above them, icy blue eyes leveled firmly on Tony's assailant, gun unwavering in its aim.  

Tony coughed again, sucking a lungful of air.  "Good timing, Boss." He rasped out wanting desperately to just slide down the tree and close his eyes for a bit.  But he had enough trouble holding on to any sort of illusion of competence around Gibbs as it was so he locked his knees and stayed upright.

"You okay, DiNozzo?"

"Never better."  Tony managed a quick grin, before turning his head to the side to spit more blood out of his mouth.  Lord but his head hurt.  He was getting little messages from his chest and ankle too.  

Gibbs' eyes flickered over him.  The younger man was surprised to see him look genuinely concerned.  Gibbs wasn't known for his sympathetic nature and Tony wondered if he looked worse than he felt.  Shrugging it off, he mentally chastised himself for the little thrill it gave him to think his boss might actually care.  The man doesn't even like you DiNozzo, he reminded himself with a tired sigh, and he's liable to outright hate you if he finds out you got the hots for him.

Tony leaned heavily against the tree, breathing shallowly as he waited for the momentary dizziness to fade.  He watched as Kate, McGee and two agents he didn't know appeared and moved to secure Persun and his buddy.  He hadn't even noticed the rest of the team showing up until Persun protested being forced to his feet.

"You might need a stretcher for Persun." Tony offered quietly, left arm moving to support his aching ribcage.  

"Why?"  Kate glanced over at him, her gun leveled at Persun who was still lying on the ground, clutching his injured limb.  

"Think I might have broken his knee."  

"Nice job, Tony."  She smirked before sobering, dark eyes giving him the once over.  "You okay?"

Tony shrugged, wincing slightly as more abused muscles made themselves known.  "Yeah, I'm good."

"You sure about that?"  Gibbs questioned.  Tony blinked surprised to find the older man only an arms length away.  He hadn't realized Gibbs moved closer.  The former marine was part cat, way too quiet by far.  

Gibbs pointed to his sweatshirt.  "There's blood on your shirt."

Tony glanced down, nearly regretting the action when the world spun for a moment. He was glad the tree holding him up was good and solid.   Looking up, he smiled at Gibbs, striving to project an air of nonchalance.  "Not mine."  He pointed to Persun's friend whose nose was still bleeding profusely.  "Think it's his."  

Icy blue eyes studied him.  Tony hated it when Gibbs did that.  He always felt so exposed, like some sort of specimen under a microscope, or in Gibbs case more like a target he'd gotten a bead on and was just waiting to take a shot.

"McGee."  Gibbs looked over his shoulder.  

"Yeah, Boss?"  The newest member to the team looked up from where he was cuffing one of the suspects.

"Tell the medics when they bring that stretcher I want someone to take a look at DiNozzo."

Tony straightened, pulling away from the tree he'd been leaning against.  "Now wait a min-"

"You will let them look you over, DiNozzo."  Gibbs' eyes were on him again, pinning him in place as surely as if he'd been tied there.  

"Okay."  Tony recognized the 'don't mess with me' look and tone.  He'd already lost the battle.  Resigned to his fate, Tony resumed leaning against the tree, closing his eyes with a tired sigh.  

He flinched when he felt a fingers brush against his face, eyes snapping open in a moment of fear as he jerked back and away.  Tony blinked, aborting his move to put the tree he'd be resting against between himself and who'd ever touched him when he realized it was Gibbs.   He looked away, bit his lower lip.

"Sorry, Gibbs."  Tony gave him a rueful glance.  "Didn't realize it was you."  

Gibbs frowned.  He opened his mouth to say something but was interrupted by an approaching medic.  Tony was grateful the guy showed up when he did.  It nicely cut short what was no doubt going to be an even more awkward and embarrassing moment.  

"You the guy they want me to look over?"

"That would be me." Tony admitted.  No point in denying it, not with Gibbs still standing so close by.  Tony couldn't figure out why he didn't go help secure their suspects or head back the where weapons were stashed and organize the collection of the evidence.

The medic nodded toward a nearby stump, likely the one Tony's head had already been introduced to earlier.  "Why don't you sit down there for me?"

Since the guy was easily half a foot shorter than Tony, he figured it was a much for his convenience as it was for Tony's comfort.  Sitting down didn't seem like a bad idea at the moment.  He pushed off the tree and moved to sit where the medic wanted him.  

His right ankle picked that moment to give out on him, and Tony stumbled. He would likely have fallen if Gibbs hadn't caught him, a firm grip on his arm bracing him easily.  "Thanks, Boss."
 
Tony's arm tingled from the warmth of Gibbs' touch.  He wished he had an opportunity to get Gibbs to touch more often, but the man had definite thing about personal space and maintaining a comfortable distance, at least when it came to Tony.  Gibbs didn't seem to mind getting close to Kate, Abby or even Ducky.  Tony sighed silently and forced himself to casually shrug out of that all too welcomed hold and limp over to the stump under his own power.
 
The medic crouched down, making eye contact.  "Ankle?"
 
"Yeah."  Tony stretched out his right leg.  "Slipped earlier."  
 
The medic's gentle touch and rotation of the joint made Tony hiss in pain.  The shorter man gave him an apologetic look.   Tony waved it off with an understanding smile.  Man was just doing his job.  Not his fault it hurt.
 
"Probably just a sprain."  
 
"Figured."  Tony had sprained that ankle before, he knew what it felt like.  
 
The medic made eye contact, frowning slightly.  "You hit your head?"
 
"Once."  Tony winced when the light flashed in his eyes.  He hated it when they did that.  "Maybe twice."  He amended.

"Any blurred vision….dizziness?"

"Little dizzy earlier, but I'm okay now." Tony learned long ago to be honest about his condition when confronted by a medical professional.  Typically they were only focused on an accurate diagnosis, and didn't care how he'd gotten hurt-at least they never had when he was a child.  If they had, he might not have learned quite so much about them at such a young age.  He was never quite sure if it was outright incompetence or the wealth of his family that made them overlook the obvious.  He finally decided it didn't matter; the end result was the same.

The medic lightly touched the bruise on his cheekbone.  Tony didn't flinch.  "Don't think you broke the cheekbone, but it wouldn't hurt to have that x-rayed."

Tony knew it wasn't broken.  He knew what that felt like too.  But he didn't say anything to contradict the medic.

"Your ribs bothering you?"

"Only when I breathe."  Tony answered with a small smile.  He clenched his jaw to keep from crying out when the medic lightly palpitate his chest.  He was pretty sure nothing was broken there either.  Bruised, cracked maybe, but not outright broken.  

"What's the verdict?"  Gibbs asked gruffly.  Given the older man's infamous lack of patience Tony still couldn't figure out what he was still doing standing around.  

"I'll be fine, Gibbs."

"Wasn't asking you, DiNozzo."  Gibbs glared at him.  

"He'll be fine."  The medic reiterated.  Tony's 'I told you so' smirk appeared.  It vanished when the medic continued.  "I definitely recommend him going to the hospital to get a more thorough check up though."

Tony scowled.  "No, I don't."

"Sir, I really think it would be best-"

"Not going."  Tony stated, and stood up.  He swayed dangerous, the bout of dizziness he'd experienced earlier back with a vengeance.  Once more Gibbs caught him.  Tony closed his eyes, and swallowed hard.  

"You are going, Tony."

He had to be imagining the gentle tone.  Gibbs never sounded like that.  Ever.  

"I'll take you."  

Tony took a deep breath and then another, eyes still closed.  He'd fucked up.  No doubt about it.  Wouldn't have gotten hurt if he hadn't.  He knew that.  Past experience had been a damn good teacher when it came to that.  He sighed.    

"Tony?"  Gibbs definitely sounded… worried, anxious even.

Tony opened his eyes, and nodded.  "Yeah.  Okay."  Time to face the music.

He let Gibbs help him up the small hill, mostly because he was fairly certain he might not have gotten up it without assistance.  He was limping more by the time they crested the top.  Tony tried to move away once they reached the flatter terrain, but Gibbs simply stayed with him.  He resigned himself to being tortured by the older man's presence.  It wasn't like Gibbs knew what sort of affect it had.  And if Tony had anything to say about it he never would.

Gibbs hated hospitals.  They were an assault to the senses; the biting scent of antiseptic and sterilizing agents, harsh overhead florescent lighting gleaming painfully off white walls and stainless steel, a cacophony of sounds that felt unrelated and yet couldn't be completely ignored.  The bustling activity grated on Gibbs nerves.  People coming and going on mysterious errands; worried friend, parents and crying children; harried doctors and tired interns; it all made him want to just walk away and leave the bedlam behind for someone else to deal with.  

More than anything else Gibbs detested the atmosphere so rife with the full range of human emotion.  Hope and despair, pain and relief, joy and sorrow all made their appearance, often simultaneously yet still mutually exclusive.  Devastated parents who'd just lost a child juxtaposed with a housewife relieved her husband was recovering nicely from a mild heart attack.  Drunken frat brothers teased one of their buddies for some act of alcohol induced stupidity, while a dock worker tried to look unafraid waiting for a doctor to decide if the cut he'd gotten was bad enough to warrant stitches.  

Gibbs hated the chaos, the feeling of helplessness, the lack of control.   But he had to know Tony was going to be okay, his personal animosity toward medical institutions notwithstanding.  So he put on the best neutral expression he could muster and stayed.  If Tony could handle being here and letting them poke and prod, something he obviously detested as much as Gibbs hated the place in general, then Gibbs could certainly tough it out and stay with him.

He waited, leaning against the wall, faking patience he didn't really feel.  He'd been with Tony through the initial exam; fierce, unyielding glare overriding whatever objections the doctor might have had to his presence.  Tony hadn't asked him to leave---he hadn't asked him to stay either-but Gibbs wasn't planning on going anywhere until he knew for sure the younger man was all right.  Tony was far too important to him for him to do anything else.

He snarled in silent frustration as he glared the closed door in front of him.  It led to the x-ray room.  Tony had been taken in only a few minutes ago, and Gibbs hadn't been allowed to follow him there.  The little blonde nurse, who might have made five feet tall if she stood on her toes had staunchly denied him entrance.  She wasn't intimidated, meeting his gaze easily and holding it with an effortlessness he had to admire.  Very few people managed to defy him.

Gibbs told himself he'd only given in because Tony had made a shooing motion.  Moss green eyes sparkling with humor as they met his dark blue counterparts.  "I think she can handle it, Boss."  He'd smirked.  "Pretty sure she can handle you too."

Gibbs' gaze had narrowed, stance clearly stating how much he resented being told to wait outside.  He wanted to be there.  Tony frowned at him, obviously confused by his behavior.  Gibbs couldn't really blame him.  It wasn't like he'd ever gotten been this before, but then he was finding his control increasingly ragged around Tony.  

Most of the time Gibbs found it easy to pretend he was unaffected, to fall back on his usual gruff, uncaring demeanor.   Hell, on a day to day basis, he could ignore how eager he was to see Tony each morning, how much he delighted in their verbal sparring, how comfortable he found being in the former cop's presence, how much he liked watching him tease Kate and McGee and get teased in return, how it made him feel better just to see Tony smile.  But then something like today happened, and he had so struggle just to make himself stay even an arm's length away.  Gibbs had to keep reminding himself that Tony was a consummate ladies man; he wasn't going to appreciate his male supervisor taking a more than professional interest in him.    

"You gonna do like the nice lady says, Gibbs, and wait out here?" Tony's quiet question had brought him out of his reverie.

"Yes."  Gibbs agreed reluctantly after he'd given the nurse another hard look, one she appeared unaffected by.  "You sure you don't want me to-"

"I'm a big boy, Boss."  Tony had smiled slightly, lips curling upward in the barest hint of a smile.  "Not my first rodeo."  Tony grimaced, eyes shadowed as he looked away.  He cleared his throat, and made a dismissive motion with one hand.  "Been there, done that.  Got the t-shirt to prove it."

Gibbs pondered that while he continued to glare at the door.   He'd read Tony's file.  Nothing it referred to more than routine physicals and occasional job related injuries akin to what he'd gotten since he started work at NCIS.  There were no x-rays mentioned.  Nothing that would explain the dispirited, resigned tone that was easily discernable in Tony's parting comment.  

The bulk of Tony's file, like that of most agents, was little more than a background search that had focused on his professional qualifications and education, along with a blurb regarding his family, friends and acquaintances.  Other than the obligatory psych evaluation, the only health issues normally outlined in detail were those that might have precluded him from doing the job, or conditions like allergies or asthma that were something a supervisor might need to know.  

Gibbs knew something was definitely missing.  A piece of the puzzle was out of place.  Ordinarily he wouldn't have been so curious…this wasn't a case, it wasn't really any of his business since it had no bearing on younger man's job performance or ability to do the job, but it was about Tony.  That alone meant it was something he couldn't simply ignore.  

Over the past two years, he thought he'd gotten to know the younger man rather well, but there were apparently some rather substantial gaps in his knowledge.  Gibbs knew, absolutely knew Tony had never lied to him when asked a direct question-he wouldn't be on Gibbs team otherwise-but that didn't necessarily mean he always told the complete truth either.  Tony had mastered the art of blending the truth and lies to create a sincere, believable persona while undercover, but Gibbs never honestly considered how much of that skill might have been used on a day to day basis.   He was beginning to suspect Tony let him assume things, had added the right inflection to mislead without actually lying outright, had downplayed certain things to make them seem unimportant while emphasizing others to shift focus to more innocuous details.  

Gibbs grimaced.  He should have known better than to assume.  He'd told Tony and Kate that NCIS agents don't assume, they check and recheck.  Well, he was just going to have to do some checking of his own.  As soon as he got the final word on Tony's condition, saw to it he was settled in for the night, he'd make a few calls, pull a few strings, and get some answers.  

Gibbs was relieved when the door finally opened.  According to the clock on the wall it had only been twenty minutes, but Gibbs wasn't trusting it to be accurate.  It had felt a lot longer than that.  

Tony was flirting with the blonde as she pushed his wheelchair out of the room.  Gibbs had long since realized flirting as a much a reflex reaction for Tony as breathing.  The former Marine didn't like it, always feeling a rush of jealousy that the other man could so easily flirt with everyone else but him.  But he also realized that most of Tony's flirting was harmless.  It went nowhere, and most of the women he engaged in playful banter with knew it was nothing more than good fun.  Even the most hostile woman seemed to warm to Tony like ice exposed to room temperature.  

Gibbs didn't know what Tony said the nurse but he managed to get a smile out of her.  She seemed to be treating Tony well, and that was the only reason Gibbs was willing to forgive her shutting him out of the room.  She nodded coolly to him.

She pushed the wheel chair into the same examine room Tony had been in earlier.   "Doctor will be with you once those X-rays are ready."  She patted Tony's shoulder in a comforting gesture that made Gibbs clench his jaw so tightly it ached.  He wanted to snarl at her, tell her to keep her hands to herself, but he restrained himself.

"Should only be a few minutes, Tony."  She nodded toward the table.  "You want back up there? Or do you just want to wait in the chair?"

"Waiting in the chair sounds like I'm going to be executed."  Tony rolled his eyes, sardonic amusement sparking the green depths.  "I think I'd prefer the table."

She nodded.  "Lets get you up then."  She pointed a finger at him.  "And try not to put any weight on your right foot."

"No problem."  The doctor wanted them to wait on wrapping his ankle until they'd x-rayed it to confirm there was nothing more serious wrong than just a sprain.  The swelling wasn't too bad, but a deep purple bruise was starting to show along the outer side of Tony's foot and around the joint.  

Gibbs knelt down to flip the foot pedals out the way.  Tony snickered, making him look up.  "If I only had a camera."

Gibbs stifled a smile but knew it showed in his eyes.  "Only way anyone would believe it."

"Ain't that the truth."  Tony laughed, but stopped abruptly, face turning pale and one arm moving to curl protectively around his ribs.

"Little breathes." Gibbs coached, hand unconsciously moving to lightly rub Tony's leg.  "Just take it slow and easy."

"I…know…that."  Tony glared at him, eyes awash with a mixture of pain, hostility and annoyance.  "Done…this…before."  

Gibbs felt his gut clench.  Definitely a piece of the puzzle was missing.  He gently squeezed Tony's thigh, just above the knee.  "Sorry…just trying to help."

Tony nodded tiredly before smiling wanly as his breathing evened out once more.  "Know that too."  There was definitely an apology in his tone and a touch of embarrassment in his expression.  Gibbs wasn't sure he had anything to be sorry or embarrassed about, in Tony's position Gibbs would probably have snarled like a rabid dog.  

The younger man's color improved, but the bruise along his cheekbone still stood out harshly in contrast to his wan complexion.   Gibbs winced internally knowing just how luck was to have not had that blow land solidly on his temple.  He reluctantly removed his hand and stood up, giving Tony some room.

"Remind me not to laugh, will you?"  Tony asked, expression rueful.

"I'll make a note."  Gibbs promised.  

"You okay now, Tony?"  The nurse asked, her sympathetic look clearly indicating she was willing to wait all night if he needed her to.

Tony smiled warmly at her.  "I'm good, Claire, thanks."

Until then, Gibbs hadn't realized Tony even knew her name.  He shouldn't have been surprised.  The younger man made a point of knowing who people around him were.  Gibbs knew it was part of his easy charm and desire to get along with people, something Tony seemed to do better than anyone one Gibbs had ever met.  Even when he was teasing Kate or McGee, Tony wasn't the sort to be malicious.  Annoying perhaps, but never cruel or vindictive and the rest of the team gave as good as they got clearly feeling comfortable enough to return the favor.  

"Any time, honey."  She gave him a warm smile that Gibbs was surprised to note included him.  "Let's get you on the table."

"You take the left side," Claire nodded toward Gibbs, "I'll take the right."   

Between them they gave Tony enough support to see him on the table safely.  Tony shivered slightly.  Hospital gowns weren't known for providing much in the way of warmth.  Claire turned to rummage through a small cabinet, pulling out a lightweight blanket.  She offered it to Tony.

"Why don't you use this until I can see about getting your clothes back."  She wrapped the blanket around Tony's shoulders.  

"Thanks."  Tony smiled shyly, reminding Gibbs of a little boy.  Claire clearly thought the same thing as her expression softened, light brown eyes crinkling slightly at the corners.  

"You're welcome."  She patted his arm again, and Gibbs once more stifled the urge to tell her to back off.  "Doctor will be in just as soon as the x-rays are ready."

She left and Gibbs found himself torn between being grateful she was gone and uneasy that he was now alone with Tony.  He didn't know what to say, if he should say anything at all, so he opted to remain silent.  Unlike Kate, Tony seemed comfortable with his silence, not reading anything into it or feeling a need to fill the void with pointless conversation.  Of course, just this once he wished Tony would initiate some sort of dialog to give him a starting point.
 
Gibbs expected the younger man to fidget, but Tony continued to sit quietly, eyes focused on the far wall.  He bit his lower lip and sighed silently.  "I'm sorry."
 
Tony blinked, looking at him in confusion.  "For what?"
 
"You getting beat up wasn't part of the plan."
 
Tony's shoulder rose in a minute shrug.  "Not your fault I wasn't fast enough."
 
"Tony you led them on chase that went nearly three miles."  Gibbs stared at him.  "Think you were more than fast enough."
 
"Then I wasn't smart enough."  Tony looked away.  "Not the first time I fucked up, Boss.  Don't worry about it.  No big deal.  Like I said...not your fault."

Gibbs nearly growled.  Tony hadn't 'fucked up'.  He'd done everything he'd been asked to do….followed the plan to the letter.  And him getting hurt wasn't something Gibbs was willing to be so cavalier in dismissing.

"You did a good job, Tony."  Gibbs stated succinctly, wanting to be clear on that point.  

Tony didn't say anything.  No cocky grin, no words of acceptance or even a smart comment.  Gibbs blinked as he realized the younger man never said anything when given a compliment.  Not that Gibbs handed out many, but looking back over it, the younger man had never acknowledged it when he'd told him he'd done well.  He certainly took the reprimands to heart, rarely making the same mistake twice.  

Gibbs was prevented from saying anything else by the arrival of the doctor.  The former Marine didn't think the guy looked old enough to shave, much less treat a patient.  When they'd first arrived, Gibbs had reined in his initial desire to tell the guy to get the hell out and send in someone more experienced, like Ducky.  

Despite his young age, the doctor had certainly appeared to know his stuff.  He seemed competent.  He'd given Tony a thorough examination, checking possible injury no matter how minor.  And he was gentle, touch deft and sure, something Gibbs knew Tony appreciated even if he hadn't actually said so.

"Hi, Tony."

"Dr. Marshall."  Tony greeted him easily, but his green eyes betrayed his wariness.  Gibbs instinctively stepped closer to Tony.

Marshall nodded to Gibbs.  Gibbs could tell he still wasn't entirely happy to have him there, but Gibbs didn't care.  Claire might have been able to keep him out of the x-ray room, but Marshall didn't have the valid argument about unnecessary exposure to radiation or even the force of will she had.   

Marshall posted the x-rays on the mounted light table, turning on the light.  Having seen enough x-rays' in Ducky's lab, Gibbs could tell Tony's ankle wasn't broken.  Marshall tapped the film, finger tracing the bones for a second before he looked at Tony.

"Nothing broken in the ankle." Marshall smiled slightly.  "The sprain isn't too bad, so you can walk on it, but I'd recommend staying off it as much as possible for the next few days or so.  Keep it elevated when you get home tonight and ice it…that should reduce the swelling.  Wrap it for the next few days for added support."

Tony nodded.  "Sprained it before."

Marshall tipped his head in acknowledgement.  He pointed to the chest x-ray.  "Looks like you cracked three ribs."  He cocked his head to one side studying the film before pale gray eyes once more looked at Tony.  "Based on the calcification I'm seeing here, I'd say this isn't the first time…or even the second time you've broken those."

Tony's head bobbed once in silent agreement.  Gibbs' eyes narrowed, eyes shifting from Tony to the x-rays.  He wanted a copy of those.  His gut was telling him there was evidence there that was part of the puzzle.  Nothing in Tony's history mentioned him breaking ribs once much less twice.

"Would explain why they cracked this time." Marshall nodded.  "They healed well, but aren't nearly as strong as they once were."  He pursed his lips.  "You know the drill for them too then?"

"Probably as well as you do, doc."  Tony smiled slightly.  

Marshall arched an eyebrow.  "You'll need to take it easy for a bit."

"I'll make sure he does."  Gibbs interjected when it looked like Tony might protest.  The younger man shot him a wounded look and Gibbs steeled himself not to take it personally.  "Desk duty, DiNozzo, until the doctor clears you."

Tony sighed, grimacing, voice resigned when he spoke. "I hate desk duty."

Gibbs hated seeing Tony's shoulders slump.  He felt like he was punishing the younger man.  Being assigned to a desk wasn't a bad thing, but he had a strong feeling Tony would never see it that way.  But then, Gibbs had to agree.  He preferred field work to being stuck in the office too.  

"Not like its forever, Tony."

"It'll just feel like it."

Gibbs smiled slightly, pleased that Tony wasn't completely cowed.  He'd come to depend on that intrinsic upbeat nature, that irrepressible attitude.  He lightly cuffed the back of Tony's head, keeping the slap far lighter and more gentle than he had in the past.  It earned him a bright smile.

Marshall lightly tapped the x-ray of Tony's skull.  "Cheekbone is intact, no fractures."  He gave Tony a speculative glance.  "Seeing some calcification there too."

Tony didn't comment.  Gibbs jaw tightened.  He knew all about the power of silence, just how damning it could be, telling more than words ever would.  But it still left out the details.  What the hell happened that Tony had broken ribs more than once and his cheekbone?  When had it happened?  Gibbs wanted answers to those questions.  He wanted them badly.  But he wouldn't get them here…and as much as he hated to admit it, now was not the time.

"You'll likely be passing blood from the hit you took to the kidneys."  Marshall pointed out.  "It should clear up in a few days.  I want you to call me if it doesn't."

"Sure, Doc."  Tony agreed far too easily.  Gibbs knew what he was really saying.  Satan would be learning to ice skate before Tony willingly called the doctor about anything.  That was okay, Gibbs would be watching out for him.  

"Concussion is mild, but you should still probably have someone stay with you.  Monitor you for bouts of dizziness, nausea--"

"And wake me up every hour or two and ask me the usual questions….my name, year and who is president."  Tony sighed and shook his head, wincing slightly.  "Doc, I'm fine.  Other than a headache, I'm good to go.  I don't need a babysitter."

"I'll stay with him Dr. Marshall."  Gibbs nonchalantly interjected, getting warm smile from the doctor and a dark look from Tony.  "I know the drill for dealing with a concussion too."

"Good."  Marshall nodded, sounding pleased.  "I'll make out list of warning signs, just in case, along with a prescription for a mild painkiller."

Claire tapped on the door before entering. She held up Tony's clothes.  "Got these back for you.  Thought you might want to get dressed."

"Thanks, Claire."  

She smiled at him, offering him his clothes.  "Any time, honey."  She turned to Marshall. "Got another one ready for you in room three."

Marshall nodded.  "Be there in a minute."  He looked at Tony.  "Would you like some privacy?"

"Please."

"You need help?"  Gibbs asked, uncomfortable with the idea of leaving Tony alone.

Tony rolled his eyes.  "I've been dressing myself for a while, Boss, I'm pretty sure I can handle it."

Gibbs nodded and stepped out with Marshall.  The doctor offered him a prescription slip that was surprisingly legible.  He handed him another sheet of paper with concussion warning signs to watch for.  

"Doubt you'll need that, but better safe than sorry."

Gibbs nodded.  "Can I get a copy of his x-rays?"  He slipped both sheets into his pocket.  "His injuries occurred during an investigation.  May need them for evidence."

"Sure."  Marshall didn't even bat an eye.  "Just tell Claire where you want them sent before you leave."

"Thank you."

Marshall nodded and headed off to see his next patient.  Gibbs waited a few minutes before heading back into Tony's room.  The younger man was once more clothed.  He'd removed the laces from his right sneaker in order to get the shoe on.

"You ready to go?"

"More than ready."

Gibbs nodded.  They'd fill Tony's prescription on their way out.  Once he saw the younger man safely home and lying down somewhere with his feet up, Gibbs would be free to pursue figuring out this mystery.  

Tony sighed as he settled into Gibbs car, glad to sit down again.  He was tired, his ribs ached, his ankle throbbed and his head hurt, the pounding above his eye making him feel just a bit nauseous.  Tony was grateful Gibbs had forgone his usual breakneck driving as they headed out.  He wasn't sure his stomach was up to that.  

"You doing okay?"

"Not going to puke in your car, Boss."  Tony replied tiredly.  He knew he had to be looking a bit green around the gills.  

"Wasn't what I asked you, DiNozzo."

Tony smiled slightly.  That sharp tone was familiar, comforting.  "I'm fine."

"You want one of the painkillers?"  Gibbs sounded vaguely guilty making Tony open his eyes too look at him.  Gibbs gave him an apologetic look.  "I should have thought to offer you one before we left."

"If I wanted it…I'd have asked for it."  Tony shrugged one shoulder, absolving Gibbs of any blame.  It wasn't his fault Tony hadn't thought to find out what Dr. Marshall had prescribed or to even ask for a pill.  "I'll wait until I get home."  

They'd stopped at the hospital pharmacy before they left, but Tony had been more focused on trying not to give into the impulse to lean into Gibbs than on what they were there for.  He liked having the older man's hand on his shoulder. Enjoyed being so close to him, even though he hated the fact he had to feel like shit in order to be in that position.  

Tony had been reluctant to admit his ignorance of what Marshall had prescribed, and just as reluctant to take any of whatever it was.  The last thing he wanted to do was take something that would knock him out or make his upset stomach worse while still in Gibbs' car.  He knew from past experience his reaction to painkillers could do either depending on what he took.  It was one of the reasons he avoided taking anything at all.  He fully intended to flush the pills Gibbs had the first chance he got.  The aspirin he had would be enough to take the edge off.  It wasn't like he hadn't made do without in the past.

Even driving sedately, it didn't take long to get to Tony's place.  A fact he was grateful for.  He wanted a very hot shower and then go to bed so he could pretend this day hadn't happen.  With any luck he could get up tomorrow, go to work, take the ribbing he deserved from Kate and McGee and things would be back to whatever it was that passed for normal.  

He shifted in his seat as Gibbs parked the car, turning carefully to look at the older man.
"You don't have to stay, Boss."  Tony smiled reassuringly.  

Gibbs didn't blink, blue eyes fixed on Tony with that same intensity that made him nervous every time.  Tony tried not to fidget.  

"I'm fine."  Tony sighed.  "Really."  

He studiously maintained eye contact.  He was fine.  He'd had worse.  The last thing Tony wanted was for Gibbs to think he was weak.  He'd worked to hard to get even as little respect he did have.  The older man wasn't ever going to see him as anything but a coworker, no matter how much he might want more, at the very least Tony needed him to continue to see him a competent agent.  Even if he wasn't ever going to be who Gibbs regarded as his best man, but he sure as hell wanted to be thought of good enough, strong enough, smart enough to be part of his team.

Tony made a meaningless gesture with one hand as though he were brushing away his thoughts.  He needed to focus on the issue at hand.  "I know you'd rather take care of wrapping up the case rather than baby sit me.  Dot all the I's, cross all the T's, the usual stuff.  Know that's more important."

Gibbs' expression shifted and he almost looked embarrassed, like he was ashamed that Tony thought he'd prefer working on a case to taking care of him.  Tony figured he must be mistaken.  Gibbs cared about his people, but he just naturally put the job first and it was hardly something he'd be ashamed of.   Besides the man wasn't exactly the nursemaid type.  Tony understood that.  

"I've got my laptop, Tony."  Gibbs stated firmly.  "And my cell.  I can stay in the loop here just as easily as if I were at the office."  Blue eyes narrowed.  "Your….ah…the health and well being of my agents does not take a back seat, Tony.  I told the doctor I'd say with you and I will."

Tony sighed and nodded, conceding defeat.   He should have known better.  Gibbs was famous for following through on doing what he'd said he would do.  Tony should have never let him tell Dr. Marshall he'd stay with him.  Although, in his defense, Gibbs offer had caught him by surprise.  By the time he'd gotten over being pissed that Gibbs agreed with the doctor about him needing to be watched, and being surprised the older man had volunteered to do so, it was too late to say anything.

Tony got out of the car, bracing himself against it for a moment when the world spun.  He closed his eyes, breathing deeply through his nose.  He new the dizziness would pass soon enough.  This recent bout was far less intense than what he'd experienced earlier.

He opened his eyes when he felt a hand on his arm.  Tony shook his head, bemused to find Gibbs standing right next to him.  He'd never heard him move.  "You're part cat aren't you?"

Gibbs' lips curled upward in the barest suggestions of a smile, but blue eyes were shadowed slightly with concern.  "You okay?"

"How many times you going to ask me that?"  

"As many times as I need to."

Tony chuckled softly, mindful of his aching ribs.  "I'm fine."

"Uh-hunh."  Gibbs grunted.  "Might actually believe you if you didn't look like a stiff wind would know you over."

Tony grimaced.  Hard to argue when he felt like a stiff wind would knock him over.  Tony sighed and pushed away from the car.  He didn't bother trying to shrug out of Gibbs' hold.  He didn't think he could and Tony didn't really want to.

He limped his way up to his apartment, Gibbs at his side.  Tony dug into his pocket for his keys.  His key chain held only the key to his car, his bike and his front door.  He'd thrown away the key to his parents' house years ago.  

He was glad his cleaning lady, Louisa, had been by yesterday.  At least he wouldn't be embarrassed about the state of his apartment.  Not that he was a slob.   Most of the time he wasn't home to do much other than sleep there, so Louisa didn't really have to work too hard.  Run the vacuum around, dust, clean the bathroom, and check the fridge for takeout too old to be kept any longer.

Tony had cleaned his other apartments himself.  That fact would no doubt have surprised the hell out of Kate if she knew he not only knew how to clean, he also preferred to keep things neat.  But his neighbor, Louisa, needed the extra income.  At sixty-nine, she used the cash he paid her to supplement her social security check.  She was a nice, matronly sort who had too much pride for charity and not so much that any task was deemed beneath her.  Tony liked the spunky old woman, and if the cookies she always left were anything to go by, she liked him too.

He took off his shoes as soon as he stepped through the door.  His right foot felt better free of the constraint.  The bruise was definitely taking on a deeper color.  Tony whistled silently.  It had been awhile since he'd had one that color.  He was surprised to see Gibbs studying his ankle was well….but his boss looked more distressed than impressed.  

"Looks worse than it is."  Tony offered quietly.  

Gibbs raised an eyebrow, expression speculative.  "You told the doctor you'd sprained it before?"

Tony shrugged one shoulder.  "Yeah."

"When?"  

Tony wasn't surprised Gibbs asked.  The older man had a curious nature that rivaled anyone he'd ever met.  At least the sprained ankle was easier to explain than other injuries he'd gotten.  

"First time was high school.  Track."  Tony preferred long distance to sprints and ended up shifting to cross country.  "Second time was in college.  Basketball."  He'd had to wrap the joint his entire senior year to make sure it stayed sound, but hadn't had any trouble with it since.

Not wanting to give the older man a chance to ask about the other, older injuries his x-rays had revealed, Tony stepped into the living room.  He pointed toward the antique roll top desk in the far corner.  "You can set up your computer over there if you want.  Just move mine over or pull out the leaf on the right side."

He looked down as his still bloody shirt with a grimace.  "I'm going to clean up a bit."

"Tony?"  Gibbs call halted his movement toward his bedroom.

"Yeah, Boss?"

"You got something to eat?"  Gibbs held up the small white bag they'd gotten from the pharmacy.  "Directions say take with food."

Tony managed not to scowl.  He hadn't planned on taking any of those damn pills, but he should have known better than to think Gibbs would have forgotten about them.  Turning to look at his boss, Tony grinned.  "I got milk and cookies."

"I was thinking more along the lines of a real meal, DiNozzo."  Gibbs stated dryly, looking decidedly amused.  

"You mean like the left over lasagna in the fridge?"  He asked innocently, green eyes sparkling.  

"That'll do."  

He turned to head back down the hall when Gibbs stopped him again.  "Don't lock the door.  You pass out in there, I need to be able to get in."

"McGee told me you can pick locks." Tony smirked.  "So I'm thinking it wouldn't matter if I locked the door or not."  It had to be the lighting that made seem as though Gibbs was blushing.  Tony wondered if he asked, if Gibbs would teach him how.  Probably not.

"Feel free to make yourself at home."  Tony tossed over his shoulder as he headed down the hall.  "I'll be out in twenty minutes or so."

Outside of the location, the one thing that had sold him on this single bedroom apartment was the bathroom.  It rivaled the bedroom in size having both a freestanding shower stall and a deep whirlpool tub.  He gave the tub a longing glance. Immersing himself in hot water while massaging jets worked their magic was very tempting but he didn't think Gibbs would be willing to give him that kind of time.

Tony stripped out of his clothes, tossing everything in the laundry hamper.  He turned on the shower, waiting for the water to warm up before stepping into the spray.  The wide shower head he'd installed after he moved in provided much better coverage without reducing the pressure.  The water was nearly scalding.  Perfect.  

Tony moaned softly as abused muscles relaxed under the heated spray.  He pulled his favorite soap from the shower caddy.  The fragrance was a blend of peppermint and eucalyptus.  The natural oils in it ensured the fragrance wasn't over powering, and didn't linger long after he got out.  It wasn't as harsh as most commercial soaps, and was easier on his skin than anything else he'd ever used.  

Tony snickered thinking Kate would probably envy a lot of the stuff in his bathroom. He frowned thinking about what Gibbs reaction might be.  Not that it mattered.  The older man already thought he was a spoiled rich kid.  And he hadn't done anything to disabuse him of that notion.  The truth was harder to explain, and not something he thought Gibbs really needed to know.

Tony took his time lathering up, enjoying the affect the hot water was having.  He could easily spend more than twenty minutes, but if he stayed in too long, Gibbs would probably storm in thinking he'd passed out or something equally embarrassing.  Tony sighed and reluctantly made quick work of washing his hair, rinsed and turned off the water.  He grabbed one of the fluffy sage green towels from the heated rack and dried off.  Wiping of the mirror he shook his head as he looked at his reflection.  

The bruise on his cheekbone was taking on an eggplant shade.  At least the swelling wasn't too bad.  He was glad he wasn't going to get a black eye out of it.  

The kick he'd taken to the abdomen didn't leave a visible bruise.  Tony figured it might take a little longer to come to the surface if it ever did. He felt more stiff than sore in that area.  His lower back hurt like hell, and he had no doubt that the bruise there rivaled the one on his cheek and right ankle in terms of color.   He hated pissing blood.   

Tony grabbed an ace bandage from the medicine chest.  He sat on the small padded bench near the tub to wrap his ankle.  He kept it tight enough to give support and loose enough not to constrict.  "Nothing like having a lot of practice to get it right."  Tony muttered to himself.  
He hung up his towel and slipped into the white terry cloth robe that hung on the back of the door.  Ordinarily he wouldn't have bothered with the robe, but with Gibbs in the living room, he was a little too self-conscious not to.  Once in his bedroom, Tony pulled out an old t-shirt and a pair of cut off sweats.  

He ran fingers through his hair to give it some semblance of order.  No reason to really do more than that.  It wasn't like Gibbs would even notice that he hadn't styled it.  

Something smelled good as he entered the kitchen.  "Found the lasagna, I take it?"

Gibbs nodded, looking up from where he was setting the table.  "Figured since we didn't get lunch, now would be a good time as any to eat."

Tony glanced at the clock, somewhat surprised to find it was three in the afternoon.  It had taken longer at the hospital than he thought.  "You call the office?"

"Yes."  

Tony was willing to bet Gibbs hadn't even waited for him to get to the bathroom before he'd pulled out his cell phone.  "Everything okay there?"

"As much as it can be."

Tony frowned.  "That means what exactly?"

"Evidence has been tagged.  And Kate is reviewing the ledger you stole.  She's supposed to scan it an e-mail it to me."  Gibbs filled one of the glasses on the table with milk, the other was already full of water.  "You did break Persun's knee.  Nice clean break, but they'll have to wait until tomorrow before they put a cast on, so he's under guard and cuffed to a bed at the hospital for now. Likely won't be able to interrogate him until tomorrow or the day after.  And Henderson is going to spend the night stewing in solitary, in shackles."

"Henderson?"  Tony didn't recognize the name, or why Gibbs seemed so pleased about the guy spending the night trussed up so he couldn't step more than half a foot at a time and couldn't raise his arms enough to scratch his nose.

"Henderson is Persun's buddy."  Gibbs smiled grimly.  "The guy whose nose you broke."

"Ah.  Right. We were never formally introduced." Tony frowned slightly.  It wasn't uncommon for some of the more violent offenders to be to so tightly restrained but usually only for transport.  "What did he do that he ended up in shackles all night?"  

Gibbs jaw tightened, blue eyes taking on the color of glacial ice.  "Besides beating the crap out of you?"

Tony wasn't sure why his getting a little banged up was enough to cause that Gibbs to look furious.  He'd already explained that was his fault, owned up to having made a mistake.  Gibbs usually let him off with a verbal reprimand, maybe a slap to the back of the head.  He unconsciously backed up a step, uneasy.  He swallowed nervously.  "Shackles seem pretty extreme, Boss."

He could have sworn Gibbs muttered, 'Lot less extreme than a bullet between the rotten bastard's eyes.'  Tony shook his head.  Gibbs rarely got quite so hostile toward a suspect unless a murder was involved, or someone important to him got hurt, like Ducky or Abby.  

"Come again?"

"Henderson tried to escape when they got him back to headquarters."  The older man put the milk back in the fridge.  "I told the duty sergeant to restrain him, and leave him that way until I say otherwise."

Tony nodded.  It made sense he'd be furious that Henderson tried to escape, especially if it meant they might lose a lead on buyers not written in the ledger or if a civilian in the building had been threatened in anyway.   No one at NCIS was going to question Gibbs orders, and Henderson might be decidedly uncomfortable, but he wasn't being out right tortured.  If the way Gibbs looked was anything to go by, Henderson was lucky.

"Lasagna should be warm enough to eat."  Gibbs pointed toward one of the chairs.  "Sit."

"Going to teach me to roll over too?"  Tony shot back as he took the chair Gibbs had indicated.  

"Maybe later."  Gibbs smiled slightly.  He put a plate in front of Tony with a generous helping on it.  The former cop was glad his stomach had settled enough for him to actually be hungry.  He tried not to think about how nice it was to sit down to eat with Gibbs.  It wasn't like this would ever happen again, no point in his getting used to it.

He frowned when Gibbs set a pill bottle down in front of him.  Green eyes looked at the older man in askance.  

"You're supposed to take two."
 
Tony sighed internally. He picked up the bottle, reading the label. Not a powerful drug, not really, but still one likely to make staying awake difficult for him.
 
"I really don't--"
 
"DiNozzo."
 
"It's not nec--"
 
"Two, Tony, just like the prescription calls for."
 
Tony pursed his lips but didn't argue any more. He recognized that tone of voice. He popped the top and shook out two small white pills into his hand. Tony swallowed them with a mouthful of milk before returning the pill bottle to the center of the table.
 
Dinner was mostly a silent affair, but not uncomfortable. Tony had long since gotten used to Gibbs less talkative nature, and he didn't feel like making conversation.
 
Gibbs finished before Tony, pushing his plate away. "Didn't know you could get lasagna delivered."
 
Tony smiled. "Can if you know the cook." In addition to leaving him cookies, Louisa often left him an entree or two. She seemed to think he needed looking after. Tony had tried to dissuade her several times, but she was adamant that he should be eating more than pizza and Chinese takeout. Tony added a little extra into her cleaning salary and made sure to shovel her sidewalk in the winter time. Tit for tat.
 
Gibbs started to clear the table. Tony rolled his eyes. "You don't have to do that."
 
Gibbs just gave him a look. "Okay." Tony sighed. "Just load them in the dishwasher."
 
"Doctor said for you to ice that ankle." Gibbs stated pointedly.  "And to keep it elevated."
 
Tony bit back a curse. He should have made Gibbs sit in the waiting room.  Knowing arguing wasn't going to get him anywhere, Tony got an frozen gell pack from the freezer.
 
Seeing Gibbs raise his eyebrows, Tony shrugged. "Ice makes a mess." He held up the blue plastic square. "This doesn't leak."
 
Gibbs nodded. Tony wondered into the living room. He'd rather just got to sleep in his bed, but that seemed rude with someone else in his house. Not that he was really acting as a host since Gibbs seemed to have taken him at his word when he told him to make himself at home.  

Tony shook his head, lips turning upward in a wry smile.  It was better to just go with the flow for now.  Gibbs was bound to get tired of hanging around eventually, no matter what he told the doctor.  Tony couldn't see the older man staying for long.  Something more interesting, exiting or worthwhile was bound to pop up; it always did.   

He made himself comfortable on the sofa.  Tony propped his foot up on a pillow, balancing the gell pack on his ankle before stretching out, a pillow behind him to give him an angle that was didn't aggravate his ribs. It felt good to lie down.
 
He instinctively grabbed the remote from where it sat on the coffee table, cueing the plasma screen TV. The guide feature, courtesy of his satellite provider, allowed him to see what was available without having to channel hop. Nothing interesting was on which was hardly surprising given the time of day.
 
Gibbs sat at the desk and powered up his computer. Figuring the older man might object to the TV, but wouldn't mind music as background noise, provided it wasn't Abby's usual heavy metal with screaming guitars, Tony scrolled down the music selection offered. He saw one he liked and thought Gibbs would tolerate. The screen listed the name of the artist and the album before going black.
 
Gibbs cocked his head as the music began to filter through the speakers. He listened for a moment before asking, "What is that?"
 
"The group or the style?"

Gibbs blinked.  "Both."

"Group is Incognito.  Style's what they call Acid Jazz." Tony pointed the remote toward the TV. "I can pick something else or turn it off it bothers you."
 
"No...it's fine." Gibbs smiled slightly, looking a bit bemused. "I like it."
 
Tony smiled in response, inordinately pleased to have guessed correctly Gibbs wouldn't dislike the music. He picked up the book he started several days ago. He felt Gibbs eyes on him and looked at him over the top of his book.
 
"What?" Tony smirked. "Just because I prefer TV and movies doesn't mean I don't occasionally read for enjoyment."
 
"Just never would have figured you for the type to read a book on the history of Pompeii."
 
Tony looked away, cheeks warming with embarrassment. He knew he wasn't the type anyone would accuse of being a genius or even smart enough to be interested in history and archeology. His father and mother had always been quick to point out his intellectual short comings. Having worked for Gibbs for two years, Tony was sure the older man knew he got by on good instincts, training and experience. There was no reason for the former Marine to expect him to engage in serious reading versus just indulging in skin magazines drooling over pictures. Kate certainly had no doubts about that.
 
"I got to visit Pompeii a few years ago." Tony said quietly. "Sort of sparked an interest."
 
"You liked it?"
 
"Loved it." Tony smiled as memories of his visits to Italy surfaced. He had gone to Rome, Milan and Venice, but Pompeii was his favorite, drawing him back again and again. It just seemed to bring the era of ancient Rome more alive than anything else. There was a sense of the immediate about the place, like the people had just stepped away for a moment and would return soon.
 
"Tell me about it."
 
"Wouldn't do it justice, Boss." Tony shook his head. There was no way he could ever describe the way the place made him feel or how it looked. That was a task better left for someone with more depth than he could lay claim to. "Sort of place you have to see for yourself."

Gibbs almost looked disappointed.  Tony mentally chastised himself for projecting his own wishes on to the other man.  Gibbs had never expressed in interest in hearing him talk about anything.  No reason to think he was suddenly going to start now.

To his surprise Gibbs turned to face him squarely.  "When were you there?"

"Last time was before I met you and signed on with NCIS."

"Last time?"  Gibbs raised an eyebrow.  "How many times have you been there?"

"Four."  Tony shifted slightly, reaching to grab the multi-colored granny square afghan that hung over the back of the couch.  He tossed it over his legs.  "Finally made it to Herculaneum then."

"Herculaneum?"

"City not far away that was buried just like Pompeii."  Tony shook his head, amazement and fascination coloring his voice.  "Was just stunning, Boss.  The mosaics and painting the walls look as good as they day the paint dried."

Tony's eyes glowed as he remembered the things he'd seen.  "They've even found scrolls preserved in the ash.  The writings are everything from poetry and letters to loved ones to legal documents."

Gibbs smiled warmly.  "You have a thing for archeology?"

Tony was saved from having to answer that question when Gibbs computer peeped.  He figured it was the documents Kate was scanning and sending.  The intent focus Gibbs radiated pretty much guaranteed it wasn't spam.  He wasn't surprised their conversation taking a back seat to work, he'd expected that.

Tony waited to see if Gibbs would fill him in, but quickly realized that was unlikely.  Gibbs would share when he was ready or thought there was something Tony needed to know.  Sighing to himself, Tony went back to reading.  Patience wasn't something most people thought he had much of, but working with Gibbs had certainly helped him acquire more of it.  

Tony settled more deeply into the couch.  He yawned and regretfully closed his book after just a few minutes.  He'd hoped to read more.  Ah well, it wasn't going anywhere.  Unlike his pointless fixation and lingering feelings about his boss, Pompeii would always be there for him, ready to reveal its secrets, to welcome him with open arms, to indulge him whenever he had time.  

Gibbs read and reread the scanned documents Kate had sent.  Persun and his crew might not have been the brightest bulbs on the Christmas tree but they certainly kept detailed records.  Names, dates, amounts and items were all nicely organized and outlined in a standard log book---no encryption, no indecipherable abbreviations or shorthand.  They provided ample evidence to see them locked away for some time.  

Gibbs wasn't entirely convinced the written documentation was complete--a name or shipment could have easily been left off.  He still needed to interrogate Pesun and Henderson before he'd be completely satisfied.  Although, given how exact the rest of the ledger Tony had lifted and then hidden for them to find later it seemed rather unlikely.  Gibbs glanced toward the couch wanting to ask Tony just how he'd managed to snag the ledger in the first place.  

He smiled softly staring at the sleeping younger man.  Gibbs' chest tightened as he memorized every detail not knowing when he'd get another opportunity to just drink in the sight of Tony without having to worry about the other man, or anyone else, noticing.  He forced himself not to get up and brush an unruly lock of hair off Tony's forehead.

He'd been astounded by the baby soft feel of Tony's hair the first time he'd lightly slapped the back of his head.  Now it seemed as though his fingers constantly itched with the desire to know what it would feel like to have those silken strands slide through them.  He was damn glad he'd established a habit of using that little slap as a wake up call because when the urge got to be too much he could give in, in such a way no one questioned it.  
 
Tony shifted in his sleep, a small moan escaped, his brows coming together slightly as though his unconscious mind was trying figure why such an innocent action should cause him pain.  Gibbs watched intently, waiting for the younger man to settle again. He didn't breathe easily until the untroubled, open expression returned once more making Tony look far younger than his thirty-two years.    
 
When Tony shivered, Gibbs frowned.  He was up and moving to adjust the haphazard arrangement of the afghan before he even realized what he was doing.  He spread it out to more fully cover the younger man, relieved that his actions hadn't disturbed Tony.  

Gibbs lightly fingered the soft yarn, once more curbing the impulse to run his fingers through Tony's hair.  The afghan was definitely not something one bought off a shelf.  Gibbs hadn't seen anything like it since his first wife's sister had made one for them as gift for their first anniversary.  She'd taken it with her when she left him.  

He felt a sudden flash of jealousy wondering if the same woman who'd made the lasagna they'd eaten for dinner had also made the afghan.  Tony's comment about knowing the cook seemed to imply something very personal.  The former cop never mentioned dating anyone with 'domestic' skills, but then Tony never talked about his dates much to Gibbs.   He'd overheard a few things as Tony talked about former psycho girlfriends or had mentioned who he spent the weekend with to Kate or McGee, but the younger man never directly mentioned his love life to Gibbs.  

Gibbs sighed softly, giving into temptation, fingers lightly smoothing over Tony's forehead to brush through his hair.  Heavy, silky strands slid easily through is fingers, almost teasing him with their feather light touch. He did it again, unable to resist.

Gibbs froze when Tony shifted.  Sleepy green eyes blinked up at him.  "Boss?"

"Yeah, Tony?"  Gibbs was pleased he didn't sound like he'd been caught doing something he shouldn't.

"Ever'thin' 'kay?"  Tony slurred, clearly more asleep than awake.

Gibbs smiled, hand instinctively running through Tony's hair again in a soothing motion.  "Everything is fine."

"Good."  Tony sighed, heavy lids held steady at half mast, reminding Gibbs of a cat about to settle in for a long nap.  

"Go back to sleep."

 "Hmmm."  Tony's eyes closed completely.  "S'nice."

"What is?"  Gibbs leaned closer trying to hear him clearly.  

"Playin' w' my hair."  Tony's voice was little more than a whisper.  "Like it."

 Gibbs smiled suddenly very glad he'd given into temptation. "So do I."
 
A slight twitch of Tony's eyebrows as the only indication he'd heard the softly voiced statement at all. Gibbs continued to run his fingers through Tony's hair, finding the action nearly as relaxing as Tony seemed to. After a moment or two, Gibbs reluctantly pulled away. Having already fallen prey to one temptation, he was helpless to resist another; in a moment of great daring he leaned in to place a butterfly soft kiss on Tony's forehead.

Gibbs stepped back and took a deep breath and then another, feeling decidedly guilty.  He shook his head, smiling to himself at how ridiculous he was being.  It wasn't like he'd ravished Tony in his sleep.  Not that he wouldn't like to.  And therein lay the problem.

Gibbs wandered into the kitchen.  A cup of coffee would be really good about now.  Something else to focus on, something else to do with his hands, and keep him the hell away from Tony.

He was relieved to find Tony had a standard, run of the mill coffee maker, not some modern monstrosity that made cappuccino, espresso, and God only knew what else.  Gibbs searched the counters and the cupboards, finally locating a filter and what looked to be fresh ground coffee in the refrigerator of all places.  Gibbs eyed the small white bag embossed with a store name he didn't recognize.  He raised an eyebrow, giving the bag a curious sniff, eyes closing as he drank in the scent.

He measured out the necessary amount and set the pot to do its thing.  Gibbs leaned against the counter while he waited, blue eyes drawn back to the couch.  From this angle he couldn't see Tony, but he had no trouble forming a mental picture of the younger man.  
Stop it, he mentally ordered himself.  The urge play with Tony's hair again, to touch him made Gibbs clench his hands into fists as he struggled not to give again.

A flicker on the TV caught his attention for a moment.  He'd forgotten it was even on having grown used to the uninterrupted soft music filling the apartment.   Information about the new artist playing and the album filled the screen before it went dark once more.  

Tony said the style was 'Acid Jazz'.  Gibbs had no idea what that meant, but he liked it.  There was a more of a blend of styles and rhymes than anything Gibbs thought of as truly Jazz, but it wasn't overly harsh like the stuff Abby favored.  The current selection had a Latinized groove to it, and Gibbs had no difficulty picturing dancing to it.  

Curious about Tony's taste in music, Gibbs found himself drawn to the extensive rack of CD's near the stereo system.  He blinked, seeing titles he recognized and ones he didn't.  The younger man was decidedly eclectic in his tastes.  There was everything from Classical to Rap, New Age to Rock and Roll.   There was even Big Band music from the 20's and 30's.  

The impressive collection of vinyl made Gibbs pause.  The stereo looked like it had more buttons than the console of the space shuttle, but he couldn't see anything that would play the old stuff.  But he wasn't sure he'd recognize what a modern version of a record player would look like anyway.  

Gibbs' attention wandered to the bookshelf. The titles weren't nearly as diverse as Tony's collection of music.  They were all works of non-fiction that focused primarily on historical events and places, archeology and art.  The former Marine frowned.  Nothing was what he'd call light reading.  Clearly Tony had a far more an intellectual bent in his reading than he let on.  

Gibbs was embarrassed that he'd never realized Tony read more than skin magazines.    He consoled himself with the fact that he had no idea what Kate read for fun or McGee either.  And it was best not to ask Ducky too many questions about stuff like that unless you had a lot of time on your hands.

The lightly fingered the books.  They were concrete proof Tony's interest in Pompeii was more than just a passing fancy.  There were books on ancient Egypt, Rome, and Greece, as well as the Incas and Mayans.  Nestled in among the books were guides to some of the most famous collections from around the world.  Gibbs wouldn't have been at all surprised to learn that Tony had been to most of those world renowned museums.   
Gibbs grimaced.  He shouldn't have let the younger man downplay his interest, brush it off as insignificant.  The way Tony lit up talking about it had been a blatant indicator of how much he enjoyed the subject, how interesting he found it.  

Gibbs mentally smacked himself.  He shouldn't have let work distract him.  He'd had a golden opportunity to learn more about Tony, to really talk to him, and he blew it.  His jaw tightened.  It wasn't like it was too late.  He'd make sure of that.  

He glared at the computer when it peeped, indicating new mail.  Steeping over to it, Gibbs checked his mailbox.  It was a message from Ducky.  He'd gotten Tony's x-rays.

Gibbs had asked the nurse to forward them to Ducky under the heading of John Doe #21.  He told Ducky to expect them and review the films, but hadn't really give the ME any more details that that.  Gibbs didn't think Tony would appreciate being the subject of investigation, and he certainly didn't want anyone else on his team to know he was doing it.  Or why.

One of the things he liked about getting e-mail from the ME rather than talking to him directly is Ducky tended to be far more concise when he typed than when he spoke.  No rambling, seemingly pointless monologues.  Ducky's reports were always neat and succinct.  

Ducky confirmed the doctor's suspicions that John Doe #21 had indeed broken several ribs more than once.  He went so far as to hazard that most of the breaks occurred when the subject was anywhere from 12 to 20, stating that fractures occurring at a younger age tended to heal cleanly without any tell tale evidence like the calcification the ER doctor noted.  Based on the rate of calcification in the cheekbone it had likely been fractured at about the same time as when he last broke his ribs. The rest of Ducky's report indicated that he believed John Doe #21 was relatively healthy, but without a more complete examine or a more extensive set of x-rays, he really couldn't comment in any great detail.  

Gibbs frowned.  What the hell could Tony have been doing that would have resulted in repeated breaks to his ribs?  Most children broke a bone or two growing up, but rarely repeatedly.  And Tony's record didn't indicate that he engaged in contact sports like football that might have caused such injuries.  Track and basketball weren't typically sports that resulted in broken bones.  Sprains like Tony had told Gibbs about were more common.

He glanced over to study the dozing man again.  Tony hadn't ever said much about his family, at least not directly.  Gibbs knew they were old money wealthy, the bulk of it having been increased through each successive generation and passed on.  As an only child, Tony stood to inherit a substantial amount, but Gibbs had gotten the impression Tony's father and mother had deliberately denied him access to most of those funds attempting to prevent him from living as a 'do-nothing spoiled playboy', something Tony had claimed once to want.  

Looking back on it and now knowing Tony far better than he had when the younger man first made that claim, Gibbs realized that just how false it rang.  Tony obviously enjoyed being a cop.  He clearly delighted in the challenge the job presented, worked hard at whatever task he was assigned, and saw things through from start to finish.   He occasionally stepped over the line and made mistakes, but Gibbs didn't know any one who hadn't.  And Tony rarely made the same mistake twice.  

Thinking it over, Gibbs really couldn't see Tony enjoying himself doing nothing.  The younger man had too much energy, innate curiosity and drive to ever be content spending his time jetting around the world from one sandy beach to another with some pretty woman on each arm worrying about nothing more important than his tan.  Glancing back to the bookshelf, he had no trouble envisioning Tony as a modern day Indiana Jones.  
 
So if his parents really weren't concerned with him foolishly spending money, indulging himself like a spoiled brat, why had they cut him off? Maybe they didn't realize Tony had matured. They wouldn't be the first parents to have lost sight of the fact that their children were now adults and should be treated accordingly.  
 
One thing Gibbs was sure of, Tony's parents were not a big part of his life. The first year Tony started at NCIS Gibbs had indicated that as the low man on the totem pole Tony would have to work some of the traditional holidays, like Thanksgiving and Christmas. Tony had just smiled and said, "No problem. I don't ever have plans for those days anyway." At the time Gibbs had thought it just false bravado, something to show the boss he was willing to take one for the team, but now he suspected that might have been a completely honest answer.
 
Gibbs had found out a year ago that he was listed as Tony's emergency contact. When he'd asked Tony why, the younger man had shrugged and replied, "My parents can be hard to get in touch with." That was it. No other explanation. That in itself didn't really mean anything.  Kate had Tony listed as her emergency contact, and Gibbs knew she was close to her family.  
Thinking about it, Gibbs was suddenly aware he didn't even have the phone number for Tony's parents.  He only knew their names because they written in Tony's file.  The younger man never called them by name.  He consistently referred to them as his parents.
 
Gibbs didn't think Tony could be completely cut off from them. Government employees didn't buy four hundred dollar shoes. Or suits as expensive as those Tony occasionally wore to the office. He had to have money from somewhere if not his parents. A trust fund? Something from another relative?

Gibbs sighed.  It would be easier just to ask Tony, but Gibbs had never expressed an interest in the younger man's past before, to do so now might seem out of character.  Still, he wanted to know.   Even if Tony never saw him as more than his boss, Gibbs wanted to know everything about him, wanted to at least be considered a friend.

Maybe he could work in a question here or there.  Tony had readily answered when he asked about his sprained ankle.  That proved to be surprisingly easy.  

Gibbs nodded to himself.  He had a plan. He just needed a chance to exercise it.  He had a gut feeling the risks would be worth the rewards.

The smell of fresh brewed coffee wafting from the kitchen reminded him he wanted a cup.  Gibbs glanced at his watch and then back at the couch. He'd let Tony sleep another hour and then wake him up to make sure his concussion wasn't turning into anything more serious.  And he'd start with his plan of attack then.  

Tony heard someone call his name softly.  He ignored whoever it was, unwilling to give up the nicest dream he'd had in a long time.  He was on a beach, warm and sunny, deep blue sky overhead reflected back from waves that lapped against the shore.  Gibbs was there with him, running fingers through his hair, holding him in a loose embrace as they watched the water together.  It was so calm and peaceful.  He hadn't been this relaxed in a long time.

His name was being said again.  Tony frowned.  It sounded like Gibbs, but that couldn't be right.  The voice was insistent, quietly demanding, impossible to ignore.

Tony sighed and reluctantly opened his eyes to see a hand descending toward his head.  He flinched, unconsciously anticipating a blow.  He tried to scramble away, actions hampered by the back of the couch, eyes still barely open.  He swayed slightly as sat up, the sudden change in altitude affected his sense of balance and his ribs objected to such violent movement.  

"Easy, Tony."  Strong, gentle hands on his shoulders steadied him, holding him in place without actually making him feel trapped.  "It's okay.  Just relax."

Tony shook his head slightly and blinked in confusion.  "Boss?"

"Yeah, DiNozzo, it's me."

Tony nodded slowly, no longer trying to press himself into the back of the couch, shoulders easing out of a defensive curl.  He remembered now.  He'd been stupid and gotten the crap beat out of himself and now Gibbs was babysitting him.  He was safe in his own living room. Nothing to worry about.  No reason to be afraid.  He deliberately chose to overlook the fact that it was Gibbs presence that made him feel safe not the location.

"Didn't mean to startle you."  

The older man sounded contrite, which surprised Tony.  It wasn't like Gibbs had done anything wrong.  It wasn't Gibbs fault Tony had woken up a bit disoriented and out of sorts.  The other man's couldn't know that his mother used to slap him awake if Tony wasn't up fast enough to suit her or that Tony hadn't forgotten the experience.  It hadn't take him long to learn not to sleep late or deeply when he knew she was in the house.

"S'okay.  Not your fault."  Tony assured his boss.  He rubbed one hand over his face, trying to get the sleep out his eyes, incidentally hiding his face as he struggled to regain his composure.  

"You all right?"

Tony really wished the other man would stop asking him that.  He tried to ignore the feel of Gibbs hands on his upper arms, warm and reassuring.  He couldn't quite understand why the older man hadn't let go yet, but he's grateful for the contact and the support.  

"Yeah." He nodded slowly.  "I'm okay."  His ribs ached, his head still hurt, but his ankle no longer throbbed.  His heart rate slowly returned to normal.

"You know my name?"

Tony frowned looking at Gibbs in confusion.  "Hunh?"

"You've got a mild concussion. Remember?"  Gibbs smiled slightly.  Concerned blue eyes offset his smile leaving him looking worried rather than reassuring.  "Standard questions, DiNozzo."

Tony pursed his lips, amused in spite of himself.  "Thought you were supposed to ask me my name first?"

Gibbs chuckled and Tony tried not to react to that light hearted sound so rarely heard.  At least Gibbs didn't look worried any more.  That was definitely better.  Tony didn't like people worrying about him.  It usually meant they were expecting him to screw up somehow.   

"Okay then, what is your name?"  Gibbs asked.

"Anthony Michael DiNozzo."  Tony grinned easily.  "Tony to my friends."  

"You know what year it is?"

"2005." Tony snorted, resisting the urge to roll his eyes.  "George Bush is president.  Junior, not his old man."  

Gibbs' eyes crinkled at the corners even though he didn't smile.  "When was Pompeii buried?"

"August 25th in 79 AD."  Tony answered promptly not sure why Gibbs would ask him for that bit of obscure information.  He smirked, green eyes bright with amusement.  "Doesn't this question answer stuff only work if the guy asking the questions knows the answers too?"  

"I might have known that."  Gibbs responded gruffly.

"Yeah, but you didn't." Tony smirked, completely sure of himself.  When he answered Gibbs had gotten that look he only had when he was processing new information.  

He shifted slightly, trying not to look like he was attempting to wiggle out of the hold Gibbs had on him.  It was unnerving to have him so close, too tempting by far.  He was torn between being grateful and disappointed when Gibbs stepped back, hands dropping to his sides.  

Tony decided not to dwell on that ambiguity; his head hurt too much to figure it out now.  He tossed off the afghan Louisa had made for him last year as a Christmas present, leaving it lying haphazardly at the foot of the couch.  The gel pack on his ankle was now too warm to be effective.  He had another in the freezer.  

Tony yawned, belatedly covering his mouth.  "How long was I out?"

"About two hours."  

Tony nodded, accepting what Gibbs said even though he felt like he'd been a sleep for a lot longer.  He moved to stand up, neatly avoiding Gibbs attempt to help without looking like he didn't want the older man to touch him.  His ankle protested supporting him but stayed sound.  

"Where are you going?"

"Bathroom." Tony answered succinctly.  He wasn't sure what to make of the way Gibbs was hovering so he opted to ignore it.  It was probably just his imagination anyway.  Gibbs wasn't the sort to hover; certainly not over him.

He tossed the warm gel pack on the kitchen counter as he made his way to the bathroom.  Tony limped down the hall and took care of business.  He made a point of not looking at his reflection in the mirror.  He already knew he looked like hell, confirming it wasn't really a high priority.  

He gave his bedroom a longing look.  He'd love to just go in, lie down and sleep until morning, but it was still too early in the day for that.  A glace at his watch confirmed it wasn't quite six o'clock.  And he doubted Gibbs would let him sleep uninterrupted.  Tony knew concussion orders, and knowing what a stickler his boss was probably going to be about following them he was certain he could look forward to being woken repeatedly throughout the night.  He sighed and headed back out to the kitchen.  

Gibbs was filling one of his large coffee mugs.  Tony smiled.  "Found everything okay?"

The older man nodded, sipping the dark liquid with obvious satisfaction.  "This is good stuff."

Given what I pay for it, Tony thought, it should be.  It was worth it to see Gibbs smile, to witness his near reverent enjoyment of it.  "Glad you like it."  

"You want a cup?"  

"Nah."  The pot he had only made about three large cups, and judging by the level remaining in the pot he was pretty sure Gibbs must have had one cup already.  Tony had no doubt Gibbs would finish the pot and saw no reason not to let him do it.  Knowing Gibbs he'd probably start another pot when that one was finished.

Tony plucked the gel pack from the counter where he'd tossed it.  He put it into the freezer.  Spotting a pint sized container of Ben and Jerry's ice cream Tony decided he could do with something to eat.  He pulled it out.  Tony loved ice cream, Ben and Jerry's Phish Food in particular.  Dark chocolate fish shaped fudge mixed with milk chocolate ice cream, marshmallow and gooey caramel.  It didn't get any better.  

He saw Gibbs raise his eyebrows as he got a spoon from the drawer.  "What?"

"No bowl?"

Tony grinned.  "I'm going to eat it all, Gibbs.  I don't need a bowl."  

Gibbs blinked.  "The whole pint?"

"Yep." His mother had constantly been on a diet of some kind so there were never any sweets in the house while he was growing up.  Now that he could indulge himself, he did.  Although, not very often.  Last time he'd been to the grocery store, Ben and Jerry's had been on sale, a small temptation he chose not to resist, buying a carton or two.  

Gibbs shook his head.  "Don't understand how you stay so skinny eating like that."

"Skinny?"  Tony snorted.  "I'm not skinny."  His mother monitored his weight along with her own most of childhood.  She had insisted that he if he wasn't careful he would end up fat and ugly like her brother, his uncle Alfred.

Gibbs raised an eyebrow.  "I've seen your annual physical reports, DiNozzo.  You consistently come in a good five to ten pounds underweight."

"Really?"  Tony had never asked for specifics on his evaluations, he just wanted to know if he was classified as fit for duty.  Nothing else mattered to him.

"Really." Gibbs confirmed.  

Tony shrugged.  A few pounds underweight was better than a few pounds over in his opinion.   "Still don't think I'm skinny, Boss."
 
He tried not to fidget under that appraising gaze. It didn't mean anything. Certainly not what he wanted it to mean, that Gibbs really saw him, might even find him attractive. More likely he was seeing the same faults his mother and father always saw, the same ones every one eventually spotted; physical and emotional shortcomings he just couldn't overcome long enough to establish anything meaningful.
 
"Lean." Gibbs declared after a moment.
 
"Lean?" Tony repeated in surprise.
 
"Not skinny." Gibbs declared definitively. "Lean is a better description."
 
Tony gave him a quizzical look. "And that's good?"
 
"It's not bad." Gibbs smiled wickedly; making Tony's heart beat faster. He looked away, sure he was reading too much into Gibbs expression and statement.  No way was his boss flirting with him.  Or had been checking him out.  

"This mean I can eat my ice cream in peace?"  Tony asked quietly, trying to redirect things back to more neutral territory.  

"Only if you share."

Tony laughed softly, wincing and biting back a moan as his cracked ribs reminded him of their presence.  He ignored the way Gibbs grin faded into a frown, too delighted to know the older man might just like ice cream as much as he did.  Tony pointed toward the freezer with his spoon.  "There's another carton in there.  Help yourself."

Tony wandered back into the living room.  He grabbed the remote to see if there wasn't something more interesting on to watch now than there had been earlier.  He tossed a pillow on to the coffee table and propped his leg up on it, sighing at the relief just being off it caused.  It felt good to sit down again.  

Tony yawned as he ran through the list of what was available.  He settled on ESPN and football highlights.  He was surprised when Gibbs joined him on the couch, expecting the older man to sit at the desk and go back to work.  He grinned seeing Gibbs had the container of Chunky Monkey in his hand and a spoon.

"Shut up, DiNozzo."

"I didn't say anything."  

"You were going to."

"True."  Tony conceded.   He pulled a pillow in behind him so he could lean back more comfortably.  Sigh softly in contentment has he dug into his ice cream.  Damn good stuff.  

"You finished going over the files Kate sent?"

Gibbs nodded, swallowing a spoonful of his own ice cream.  "For now.  Everything else will have to wait until we can question Persun and Henderson directly."  He glanced over at Tony.  "How did you manage to get that ledger anyway?  Not the sort of thing I'd have expected Persun to leave lying out in the open."

"Had an aunt who was in to magic tricks."  Tony answered with a smile, deliberately taking the round about way knowing how much it would annoy Gibbs.  "She taught me a few card tricks and some slight of hand."  

He'd loved Sully.   She was really more of a second cousin or something like that.  Tony had never been able to quite figure out the exact relationship, but it didn't really matter.  She'd been Aunt Sully for as long as he could remember.  And she was the only one of his father's relatives he really did like, the only one who seemed to really like him for that matter.  

"Probably the most useful thing she taught me was how to make the most of misdirection and distraction."  Tony lifted one shoulder in a small shrug.  Sully was famous for her ability to simply disappear in a crowd, vanishing at family gatherings and avoiding more troublesome relatives with a deft skill Tony had admired from the time he was five.  She'd taught him out to blend in with the walls when he needed to; shown him how to capitalize on a moment of distraction to slip away unnoticed and be gone before anyone even knew he'd ever been there.  

"Getting the ledger and hiding it was just a matter of waiting for the right moment and making the most of it." He'd never expected that posing as middle man, a new contact for Persun's organization, would be so damn easy to do. But all the schmoozing and glad-handing he'd seen is parents do over the years had paid off.  Gaining Persun's confidence, at least enough to gain access to the warehouse, had proved to be fairly easy.

"You were only in the warehouse twice before we set up the bust."  Gibbs commented, although he made it sound more like a question.

"Right moment came sooner than I expected it to."  Tony wasn't sure how to explain the whole thing other than to write it off as dumb luck.  

There was no other way to characterize the fact that Persun was afraid of rats and that one happened to run over his foot the second time Tony at the warehouse.  Persun had freaked out, scrabbling around looking for the rodent while trying to find something to kill it with.  Tony was grateful he hadn't grabbed a gun to do the job given the amount of fuel and munitions stored in the building.  

Persun's frantic activity had been a golden opportunity for Tony to search the office in the guise of trying to be helpful.  He couldn't believe his luck when he'd found they'd actually written everything down.  He snickered at the memory even as he relayed the story to Gibbs, pleased to share a look of amusement with his boss.  

"Persun must have been an accountant in a former life or something.  Anal about the details."  Tony shook his head.  His checkbook wasn't that well documented for crying out loud.   

"Just had to switch out the ledger for another book."  It had taken less than a minute all told to locate and replace the incriminating evidence.  There was no way to take the ledger with him---and leaving it at the warehouse to be found with a valid search warrant seemed like the best alternative.  Tony had even used a small rag he'd found to handle the book just to make sure his prints weren't on it and no issue could be raised that he'd planted the evidence.  Gibbs might play a little fast and loose with the law from time to time, but Tony's time as a cop had certainly taught him the importance of following the rules to get a solid conviction.
 
Tony knew showing up for the third time at the warehouse was going to be a little tricky.  Although he didn't tell Gibbs he had any concerns; he didn't want the older man to think he couldn't do his job.  Tony figured everything would be okay as long as Persun and Henderson were willing to ask questions first and shoot later.  Simple.  

Persun had to have realized Tony was the only one who could have taken the ledger.  And Tony chose to capitalize on that, playing it as though he wasn't really interested in being a business partner as much as he was a potential rival looking to steal Persun's list of clients.  He made it seem as though he'd come back to replace the ledger on the sly with them being none the wiser.  Running like a rabbit, ensuring they'd give chase, had been child's play.  

It gave Gibbs and the others time to secure the evidence with as little fuss or danger.  No one wanted to risk a shoot out in that building.  Not when they didn't know for certain exactly what all was stored there.  

Tony sighed.  "Everything worked out okay."

Gibbs glared at him.  "You really think it worked out okay?"

Tony instinctively shifted to put more distance between them, not sure why the former Marine seemed so angry.  Green eyes regarded Gibbs warily.  "We got the bad guys.  Got the evidence we needed.  So yeah, I think it all worked out okay."

"You. Got. Hurt."  Gibbs almost snarled at him.

"Nothing serious, Boss." Tony responded hesitantly, unsure why that mattered.  It wasn't life threatening.  And it wasn't he couldn't be replaced.  There were dozens of agents looking for a shot at getting a spot on Gibbs' team.  

"He could have killed you."  Gibbs looked bleak, jaw muscles visibly flexing as he clenched and unclenched his teeth.  "He was GOING to kill you!"  The former marine raised his voice, not really shouting but not far from it.   "If I'd been a second later---"

"You were there in time, Gibbs."  Tony interrupted quietly, hesitantly reaching out to lightly squeeze Gibbs tense shoulder.  Henderson could have done some serious damage with the tree limb he'd been about to use, but he never got the chance.   

"Hell, boss, you're always there in time."  Tony never worried about it.  Gibbs was the best damn back up he'd ever had.  He lightly patted the older man's shoulder before withdrawing his hand, not wanting to risk prolonged contact, afraid of revealing too much.

"I don't like having you…ah, my people being threatened or hurt." Gibbs shook his head, voice getting a bit softer.

Tony felt a burst of warmth.  It was nice to know Gibbs cared.  Tony reminded himself he should be surprised or reading anything into that.  He was on Gibbs team; it didn't matter if he didn't like you, if you were on his team, Gibbs looked out for you.  
 
Tony sighed.  That was probably why Gibbs was pissed.  He'd never lost an agent, and Tony had come perilously close to ruining that record.  

"I'm sorry, Boss."

Gibbs head snapped up as he fixed Tony with a narrow eyed glance.  "You didn't do anything wrong."

Tony was taken aback just a bit by the quiet vehemence of Gibbs assertion.  "If you say so."

"I say so."  Gibbs shot back firmly.  "You did good."

Tony wasn't sure he deserved that so rarely given bit of praise, but he knew better than to argue.  He nodded his head, acknowledging Gibbs' statement without actually agreeing.  
He went back to eating his ice cream and watching TV, hoping to end this conversation.  He breathed easier when Gibbs seemed willing to let it go.  

Tony smiled to himself suddenly struck by how weird this situation was.  He'd have never believed in a million years that his boss, the object of many a secret fantasy, would be at his house, eating ice cream and watching TV as if he did it ever day.  It was damn near surreal, and Tony bit the inside of his cheek just to be sure he wasn't dreaming.  

Gibbs looked at him, eyebrow raised.  Tony just shook his head.  There was no way to explain what he was thinking and he wasn't going to bother trying.  He held up the remote instead.  

"Anything you want to watch?"

Gibbs lips curled upward slightly in the barest hint of a smile.  "I don't watch much TV."

"On that archaic little thing you've got I'm not surprised."  Tony smirked.  "Picture quality has to suck….so much snow you think every show is about a blizzard."

Tony didn't bother trying to doge the light swat he got to the back of the head.  He expected it and would have been disappointed if Gibbs didn't do it.  Tony was somewhat surprised that older man used a lighter touch than normal, more of a caress than anything else, fingers running through his hair rather than over it.  The gesture felt familiar, comforting, but Tony couldn't figure out why.  He didn't remember Gibbs ever running fingers through his hair before.  

Dismissing the déjà vu as being a product of his earlier dream, Tony held up brought up the guide feature on the screen.  "Let me know if you see anything interesting."

Tony briefly considered exposing Gibbs to the Simpsons before dismissing the idea.  He didn't think his ribs could handle laughing at the older man's reaction to the likes of Homer.  He was pretty sure Gibbs wouldn't tolerate the cartoon network either.  

"Jeopardy is still on?"  Gibbs asked.  "Would have thought that had been cancelled a long time ago."

"Still pretty popular, I guess."  Tony selected the game show.  "Hasn't been on as long as the Price is Right, but pretty close."  Tony didn't mind watching it.  He liked trivia.  

He knew all the answers for the Oscars category, beating out the three contestants each time.  He was astonished when Gibbs began playing along, correctly answering most of the Literature category, and several in Geography.  Tony found himself keeping score as they played against each other, enjoying the friendly competition.  Neither of them knew the answer to the final jeopardy question, so Tony considered it a draw.  

As the show ended, Tony fought off another yawn.  It had been a very long day, even with the nap he'd gotten.  He hadn't slept well last night or the night before, too worried about how the bust would go down to really sleep soundly or for very long.  He'd been up well before the sun rose both days and not bothered going to bed until after midnight.    

Tony got up, and held out a hand for the empty carton Gibbs held intent on throwing it away along with his own.  "Not hard eat it all, is it?"

Gibbs rolled his eyes making Tony laugh, his arm automatically curling in to support his ribs.  "Ow."

Gibbs checked his watch.  "You should take another painkiller."

"Don't need it."  Tony shook his head.  

"DiNozzo-"

"Hasn't been that long since I took the last ones."  Tony countered.

"The prescriptions says you can take a dose every four hours."  Gibbs pointed a finger at him.  "And it's been over four hours."

"By what---all of two minutes?"  Tony tried again.  "Look, Boss-"

"Take the damn pills."

Tony grimaced.  "You're not going to let this go are you?"

"No."  Gibbs' flat, uncompromising tone left no room for argument.  

Tony sighed softly, admitting defeat.  His head hurt more than it had earlier and he just couldn't muster the energy to keep fighting a losing battle.  "Fine.  Pills."

He limped into the kitchen, throwing away the empty cartons while he was there, spoons in the sink to be dealt with later.  Tony didn't think he could handle bending over to put them in the dishwasher.  He knew Gibbs had followed him, could feel dark blue eyes burning a whole in his back as he reluctantly shook out two pills and swallowed them.  

Tony still planned to flush them the first chance he got.  Tomorrow would be his best bet.  By then Gibbs would have stopped hovering and things would be back to normal.  Or at least whatever passed for normal for him.

The desire to lay down was nearly overwhelming now, exhaustion and pain weighing him down so suddenly it took his breath away.  Tony gripped the counter, knuckles whitening.  He took as deep a breath as his ribs would allow and let it out slowly.  

"Tony…you okay?"  

He could feel the warmth and weight of Gibbs hand on the small of his back.  He chastised himself for his weakness.  Gibbs wouldn't have to keep asking him if he was okay if he just sucked it up and acted like man the way his father had always told him to.  

"Yeah, I'm good….just need ta lay…down for a bit."  

"I think your bed will be a lot more comfortable than the couch."

He nodded slowly.  Tony wished he felt better so that he could really enjoy the feel of Gibbs running his hand up and down is back. "Think bed is a very good idea."

He didn't want to think about what it meant that the older man continued to touch him as they headed down the hall together.  It didn't mean anything, he was sure, but it felt wonderful.  Tony was almost sorry they made it to his bedroom so fast.  

Gibbs pulled down the comforter and Tony smiled as he sat down on the bed.  "You going to tuck me in too?"

"You want me to?"  There was no mistaking the lighthearted tease in Gibbs tone.  

"Nah."  Tony shook his head, laying down, tugging the blankets in place for himself.  He yawned again, eyes drifting to half mast.  "Don't think anyone's ever tucked me in, no reason to start now."

He could just barely make out Gibbs indulgent smile.  "I'm sure your mother must have put you to bed when you were little."

Tony sighed, too glad to be horizontal to monitor is words.  "Been putting myself to bed since I could walk.  My mother didn't have time for that."

Tony was already more than half asleep so he missed the way Gibbs jaw tightened and the sudden flash of anger in his expression.  

"Never?"  

Tony shook his head.  "Nope."  It wasn't a big deal.  Not really.  Not once his mother finally got rid of that canopy bed.  He'd hated that thing.  

He sighed and settled more deeply into the bed.  He figured Gibbs had mastered the coffee maker, he'd be fine on his own until he had to come wake Tony again in a few hours.  Maybe by then he could convince his boss to go home.  

He could have sworn he felt Gibbs' hand brushing through his hair as he drifted off.  Tony smiled.  It was such a nice dream.  Little more real than most, but not bad, not bad at all.

Pacing wasn't something Gibbs did very often.  Pacing only came about when there was no other way of focusing, when the only real option he had available to him was to wait and do nothing.  He hated that and movement, even something as pointless as walking in circles, was a better alternative.  He traversed the length of Tony's living room, back and forth, arms folded against his chest.  He really wanted to hurt someone, badly.  

What kind of mother never tucks her child in?  He must have asked himself that question more than a dozen times since Tony's sleepy revelation.  Gibbs could still remember his own mother reading to him at night, getting a kiss on the forehead, a hand running through his hair.  It had made him feel safe, comfortable, loved.  At ten he told his mother he didn't need to be tucked in, but he still got a kiss nearly every night until he left home for the service.  Hell, even now, his mother having died years ago, Gibbs still remembered her touch, still missed getting that small token of affection from her.  

He grimaced as he thought about what he'd dug up on Tony's parents since he'd seen the younger man safely to bed.  Ordinarily he'd have assigned the task to someone more suited to it like McGee or Abby, but this wasn't something he wanted to involve the rest of the team in.  And while he didn't particularly care for technology, he was not completely inept as utilizing it.  With sufficient incentive he could search the internet and track down what he was looking for.  He was simply never going to be as good at it as McGee---it's why the younger man was on his team in the first place.

The DiNozzo family wasn't nearly as famous or powerful as the Kennedy's, but they were sufficiently wealthy and influential that it wasn't hard to track down some information.  The bulk of what the former Marine found focused on the business and not the family directly.  It had taken longer than he liked but Gibbs had weeded through a lot of chafe to get to the stuff he really wanted.  

Tony's grandfather, Michael DiNozzo had completely turned over the reins of his company four years ago, dying only two years later.  Right up until his death Michael had continued to participate actively in the day to day operations.  There was some speculation that the old patriarch didn't entirely trust his children and had hung on long after he should have let go.  Several rumors from different sources claimed Michael often pitted one child against the other constantly challenging them in a game of one-upmanship, make them vie for place as the new top dog of the company.  Tony's grandfather had made his children compete for the coveted position holding it out like a carrot that could be snatched back out of reach at any moment.  

Gibbs couldn't find any thing to confirm those rumors, but he was still digging.   He put in a few calls to some friends who would be able to discretely verify the rumors.  Based on what he'd read about Michael DiNozzo, the old man had been a ruthless businessman who focused almost exclusively on the bottom line, pushing all his people to perform at optimum levels at all times.  It didn't seem outside the realm of possibility that Michael treated his children the same way he would any of his employees or business partners.

Gibbs grimaced.  He was uncomfortable with some of the adjectives used to describe Tony's grandfather.  Many of the same words---driven, uncompromising, tenacious, hard-had all been used to describe Gibbs at one time or another.  He smirked bitterly thinking the only reason 'bastard' hadn't appeared was likely because of some federal regulation governing what could be placed in print.   

At the moment, the company was headed by Tony's uncle, Gabriel.  Anthony DiNozzo, Sr., Tony's father, was a senior vice-president.  Their younger sister, Maria, was the chief financial officer, and had by all accounts a very sharp financial mind; much of the recent success of the company was being attributed to her and recommendations she'd made regarding expansion of the business.  The youngest daughter, Tony's aunt Anna, evidently had nothing to do with the company, and the only reference Gibbs could find to her mentioned her being married and residing in Italy.  He wondered if she'd been ousted by the old man, if one of the siblings had done it, or if Anna had made a conscious choice to turn her back on vicious family in fighting.  

The business stuff didn't interest Gibbs much except for what insight it offered him into the rest of the family.  He worked to glean more personal information, somewhat disappointed the DiNozzo clan seemed to appreciate the value of discretion.  Had they been 'new money' Gibbs didn't doubt there would be ample information on their sex lives, drug habits and god only knew what else.  As it was, what he'd been able to find was rather skimpy.

He stalked over to the computer, pulling up again the wedding announcement of Tony's parents.  Anthony DiNozzo, Sr., had married the oldest daughter of a wealthy, old family friend.  Anthony Sr.'s wedding announcement to Elizabeth Parducci read more like a business merger to Gibbs than any sort of declaration of love.  But after three failed marriages he really wasn't in a position to judge.

If it was just a business merger, then it had been more or less successful.  Anthony and Elizabeth had been married for sixteen years until Elizabeth was killed in car accident when Tony was fifteen.  Gibbs grimaced looking at the second wedding announcement.  Anthony had married again two years after Elizabeth's death.  The second wife as definitely a younger, prettier version of his first wife, what some might call a trophy wife.  Based on what was in Tony's background check, the timing was too coincidental for Gibbs not to realize that she likely played some role in the younger man being shipped off to boarding school.

Gibbs went back to the first wedding announcement.  He had to admit Anthony and Elizabeth made for a striking couple. Tony's mother had been a statuesque, willowy blonde who had bequeathed her green eyes and lighter complexion to her son.  Tony's father was tall, broad shouldered and had passed on his handsome features and dark hair.  

Gibbs scanned through several other newspaper clippings he'd found online.  There were a number of photos and blurbs regarding Anthony and Elizabeth's attendance a high society functions, charity dinners and auctions, and a whole host of things Gibbs knew he'd have hated going to. Definitely black tie and lots of money. The same references were made for Anthony and his new wife as well, so evidently not much had changed there.

He'd found similar pictures for all of Tony's aunts and uncles, at least on the DiNozzo side.  Gibbs hadn't been able to track down much about the Parducci side.  His maternal grandfather was still living, there as at least one uncle maybe more, and they were wealthy albeit not quite as wealthy as the DiNozzo family.  Other than that, Gibbs had been unable to garner much in the way of specifics about the rest of the family.  

All he could find on Tony's stepmother was reference to her having been a model.  He wondered what she was like and what the younger man thought of her.  Gibbs had put in another call to an old friend to have some digging done there too.

Gibbs had smiled when he found Tony's birth announcement.  His smile faded when he read the news clipping, learning that Tony had been premature and the first week of his life the doctors hadn't held out much hope for his survival.  His gut had tightened painfully when he thought about how close he'd come to having never even met Tony.  He simply couldn't imagine his life without the younger man as a part of it.  It was hard to remember he hadn't always been there, right at Gibbs side where he belonged.  

Gibbs had made note of the hospital and the attending physician listed in the announcement and had called in another marker to have someone provide him with more details.  The hospital there might have more records from Tony's childhood.  He wanted something to explain the history of broken bones.  He was really hoping it wasn't what he thought it was, but his gut was telling him some sort of abuse occurred and his gut was rarely wrong.

There was too much evidence to be anything else.  Gibbs was no profiler, but understood people and even he could do the math in this case.  He sighed and ran a hand through his hair, mentally reviewing the list of things he'd notice but never really put into context.  

Tony's insecurity about his place on the team---after more than two years, he should know he was valued, respected, but he didn't seem to believe that.  Gibbs didn't mind playing one teammate off another to encourage them to perform, but he never really thought they didn't get what he was doing, see it for what it was.  He winced, belatedly realizing he might have gone further than he meant to.   

Although recently McGee and Tony seemed to be getting along better than they had been.  It could just be the team dynamics finally smoothing out to accommodate the newest member the way Gibbs expected it to eventually.  Or---Gibbs' shoulders tensed as he wondered if the two younger agents might be developing a real fondness for one another, that McGee might be competition.  He took a deep breath and then another telling himself to stop being stupid.  McGee was no threat to him.  Hell, it wasn't as if Tony had ever expressed much interest in men---certainly not in Gibbs at any rate, no matter how much he wished otherwise.  And McGee clearly had an interest in Abby.  

He shook his head and refocused his thoughts.  Tony's constant search for approval and inability to accept praise as being genuine were yet another clue Gibbs had on his list of evidence of abuse.  Tony seemed decidedly confident when Gibbs had met him, so sure of himself.  The older man snarled silently, getting up from the computer to resume pacing, pissed at himself for missing what that mask hid.

The way Tony repeatedly pushed the boundaries was akin to a teenager testing his parents.  Even negative attention was still attention and Tony clearly needed some sort of re-enforcement that Gibbs cared enough about what he said or did to hold him accountable for it.  It was only now that Gibbs realized he'd done the right thing there.  

If he'd let it slide all that would have accomplished was confirming Tony's innate belief that he wasn't good enough or sufficiently important to be bothered with, that he didn't matter.  His mother evidently hadn't made much time for him, and his stepmother appeared to have been influential in seeing him pushed out of his own home.  Although if it was Tony's father beating the crap out of him, his stepmother might well have done the young man a favor.  

Gibbs sighed.  He hated not knowing all the pieces.  Too many ifs still existed, too much he couldn't pin down for certain.  

Gibbs smiled suddenly remembering Tony's crack about Moby Dick when he'd been obsessed with find Ari.  Whatever had happened in his childhood, the younger man still had enough backbone to stand up to him that the rest of the team lacked.  McGee would never have made that sort of remark, and neither would Kate or Abby.  The only one not at all cowed by his behavior during that case had been Ducky.  

Tony might not have all the confidence he pretended to possess but he was not as insecure as he seemed at times either.  Tony would stand up to him, but had never refused a direct order.  He might whine about an assignment, but never failed to put in one hundred percent.  Tasks Gibbs knew he wouldn't have done himself in a million years the younger man saw through from start to finish---Tony had massaged an old man's feet and stood guard letting the elderly Marine work through memories of a time long past, he'd put up with a demented old woman's ramblings and her yappy dogs, he'd babysat a whiny, spoiled teenager, he'd fought his way out of a sewer bringing a wounded man with him.

Gibbs shook his head, honestly somewhat amazed by Tony.  The younger man was capable of being light-hearted, quirky sense of humor usually rising to any occasion, but he could just as easily be focused and serious.  He obviously delighted in verbally sparring with Kate but took it as well as he dished it out.  He clearly enjoyed interacting with Abby, relating to her easily from the moment he met her, not put off by her gothic attire, tattoos or strange view on life.  Yet, he could just as comfortable chatting up some socialite.  The paradoxes that made up Tony DiNozzo were as much an attraction to Gibbs as the physical beauty of the man.  

Gibbs rubbed a hand over his face, stopping his pacing in the middle of the living room.  This wasn't getting him anywhere.  He glanced at the clock.  It was time to wake up Tony again and make sure he wasn't slipping into a coma.  It was highly unlikely, but Gibbs was determined to follow the doctor's orders, just in case.

Gibbs hesitated in the doorway of Tony's bedroom.  He didn't want to startle the younger man this time the way he had the last time.  It still bothered him that Tony had flinched away from him clearly expecting to be hit.  The memory of that look of fear on Tony's face still left a bad taste in Gibbs' mouth.

He sighed and squared his shoulders, entering the dimly lit room.  Gibbs sat on the edge of the bed, just studying Tony for a moment.  Tony was sleeping peacefully, breathing deep and even.  He looks so young, Gibbs thought.  The age difference between them didn't seem that great during the day, but right the moment Gibbs felt like he was robbing the cradle to be even considering what he'd like to do with Tony.  

It didn't look like Tony had moved since he laid down.  The lack of animation made Gibbs frown slightly.  He'd always assumed the younger man would be a restless sleeper.  Gibbs was somewhat surprised to also note Tony didn't snore.  

Very gently Gibbs reached out to cup Tony's cheek, mindful of the bruise.  His fingers lightly caressed the smooth skin, reassured by the normal temperature he found, wondering if Tony's skin felt as good everywhere else.  He smiled when Tony sighed, nuzzling his hand, clearly comfortable with his touch.  

He moved to lightly run his fingers through Tony's hair, once more giving into the temptation to just play with it.  He couldn't get over how soft it was. He was reminded of petting one of the stupid plush toys his second wife collected.  She'd loved those damn teddy bears, probably more than she loved him.  

"Tony."  Gibbs didn't whisper, but kept his voice low.  "Tony...I need you to wake up for a minute."

He continued to run his fingers through Tony's hair.  He thought his mistake the last time was not touching the younger man to start with.  Gibbs had to admit that if he woke up to see a hand coming at him, he'd have probably flinched too.  

"Tony…It's Gibbs."  He thought maybe if he identified himself, even though still asleep, Tony would recognize he was safe.  "It's been a couple of hours and I need to make sure you're okay."

Tony's eyelids fluttered and he shifted slightly.  He winced, and Gibbs felt bad for disturbing him.   Green eyes blinked blearily at him, a small frown forming between his brows as he stared at Gibbs.

"You awake?"  

"Yeah."  Tony's voice was raspy from sleep, and Gibbs shivered slightly suddenly grateful the younger man didn't sound like that at the office.  He'd have never been able to hide his interest otherwise.

"Can you answer a few questions for me?"

Tony smirked, eyes blinking sleepily.  "Thought I just answered one."

Gibbs smiled.  "So answer another."

"Okay."  Tony agreed easily, sighing softly, eyes drifting closed.

"You still with me, DiNozzo?"

"I'm here."  Tony didn't open his eyes, but there was a sense of alertness that had been absent before.   Gibbs could almost see the usual intensity and energy he associated with Tony coalescing around the younger man.

"Name?"

Tony blinked, eyes sparkling with mischief as they opened again.  "What? Don't tell me you forgot it already?"

Gibbs smiled.  "Just answer the question wiseass."

"Anthony Michael DiNozzo." Tony replied crisply and Gibbs felt faint pang of loss as Tony's voice smoothed out into his usual tenor.  "And you are Leroy Jethro Gibbs.  A more redneck name I have yet to encounter."  

"I'm not a redneck."

"Parents had to have been."  Tony argued a smile playing about his lips.  "Why does everyone call you Jethro anyway?  I mean you're first name is Leroy."

"I was named after my father."  Gibbs shrugged one shoulder.  "Was easier to avoid confusion if I went by my middle name."

Tony nodded his head slightly.  "Have to admit I can't see you as a junior."

Gibbs wasn't sure why but he was pleased by that statement.  He cleared his throat.  "You know what year it is?"

"Yeah."  

Gibbs waited.  Blue eyes pinned Tony with a hard look even as he struggled not to smile.  Every once in awhile it paid to be reminded that if he wanted the right answer he had to ask the right question. "And what year is it, Tony?"

"2005." Tony answered, expression nicely innocent.   Only the twinkle in his eyes gave him away.

Deciding to push just a bit, Gibbs asked, "What's your parents' phone number?"

"Why?"  Tony's expression shifted so fast to wary neutrality it was virtually impossible to see the transition.  One second he was open, readable, the next Gibbs might as well have been staring at a stranger.  "You planning to call them?"

Gibbs blinked in surprise.  "No, I'm not planning to call them."  At least not just yet, he amended silently.  And he was definitely leaning more heavily toward showing up on their doorstep and beating the shit out of them.

"Then why do you want to know the number?"  

"It's not listed in your file."  Gibbs answered honestly.  The fist time Tony had gotten hurt on the job, Gibbs had the personnel department check to make sure there wasn't someone else Tony might have named as a point of contact, someone else who should be informed.  There was a number listed but when Gibbs had tried rang to a message service not a live body.  He hadn't given it much thought at the time since Tony's injury had been minor and he hadn't needed to call since.

Tony snorted.  "No reason to list it."  There was no self pity in his voice, just a bald statement of fact.

Gibbs waited a beat, getting his own thoughts under control, keeping his expression bland before asking his next questions.  "What if I had been too late this time?"  He shuddered internally at the images that brought to mind.  "How was I supposed to let them know you were dead?"

Tony's lips curled into a bitter smile, far more telling than anything Tony might have said.  The younger man clearly didn't think his father and stepmother would care that much.  Green eyes assessing Gibbs in a way that confirmed what the older man suspected….under the right conditions, Tony DiNozzo would be a damn fine interrogator.  "You tried the one in the file, didn't you?"

"Yes, I did." Gibbs answered honestly.  "First time you got hurt."

"More than two years ago, Boss." Tony observed casually.

"Yeah."  Gibbs had expected Tony to ask him why with the injuries that had occurred since he hadn't asked before now, so the he was a bit surprised by what the younger man asked instead.  

"You leave a message?"    

"No, I didn't."  He made a meaningless gesture with one hand.  "I hate talking to machines, and not knowing who the hell I'm talking to."    

Tony studied his face clearly assessing his honesty before nodding once.  He smiled slightly.  Tony gave Gibbs a bemused, tolerant look that he remembered getting a lot from his first wife the first year they were married, back when things were good between them.    

"Machine's wont bite, Gibbs.  You do know that, right?"

"I still want to talk to a live body damn it."  Gibbs ground out, hiding how relieved he was that Tony seemed more amused than upset with him.  

Tony shook his head.  He sighed, suddenly looking very tired.  "This time of year my stepmother is probably at some resort in the Caribbean worried about tan lines and eying up some unsuspecting pool boy like he was on the lunch menu.  I never had a permanent number where she could be reached."  His tone made it clear Tony hadn't wanted one either.    

"And my father has his calls screened at the office.  And he never answers the phone at home.  So if it's not important, you aren't going to talk to him."  Tony seemed vaguely ashamed and uncomfortable about that admission, looking away from Gibbs.  "And believe me if it doesn't involve business or the status of his next martini, it's not important."

Gibbs clamped down hard on the rage that suddenly arose.  He really wanted to beat the shit out of Tony's father.  Just corner him somewhere and hurt him a lot.  Nothing was more important than Tony.  He got control of his rage in time to catch Tony's next statement.   

"Best thing to do is leave a message with the service and either Andrea or Denise will pass it along.  It's why I gave that number to personnel."

"Andrea or Denise?"  

"Personal assistants." Tony replied tiredly.  "Andrea has been with my father for more than fifteen years.  Denise has been working for my stepmother for about four."  He snickered darkly.  "Never understood what she needed an assistant for exactly, but I guess someone has to make sure her manicure appointment doesn't interfere with her getting her hair done."  

The earlier inscrutable expression was suddenly back.  Gibbs was betting Tony just realized he said more in the last few minutes about his family than he had in the last two years.  "We done playing twenty questions?"

"Yeah."  Gibbs knew pushing at this point was not an option.   He patted Tony's shoulder.  "I'll be back in a few hours to wake you again."

"You could just go home." Tony offered.  "I'm fine, Boss."

"Not going to happen, DiNozzo."  Gibbs said firmly.  "I take care of my own.  And you are definitely one of mine."  He wanted to make damn sure Tony never thought Gibbs would think a fucking drink to be more important than he was.  It was bad enough Gibbs had messed up and Tony seemed convinced he took a back seat to the job.  He needed to correct that impression, but he wasn't sure how.

He knew he'd said the right thing, at least gotten some of his point across, when Tony's eyes took on a glow they only got when something or someone really pleased him.  "Thanks, Boss."

"You're welcome." Gibbs ruffled Tony's hair affectionately before he stood up, not wanting to give into the temptation to stay right where he was.  "I'll be back in another two hours."

Tony grinned.  "I'll be here."

Gibbs sipped his third cup of coffee, savoring the rich, robust flavor.  It was darker and richer than his usual fare, but it wasn't quite as strong as what he normally drank.   He had to admit the flavor was better though.  Gibbs wouldn't mind drinking whatever it was on a regular basis.  

He frowned at the empty pot.  Why the hell anyone would have a pot that didn't make at least half a dozen cups was beyond him.  He sighed, resigned to having to start a new pot.  
He paused to study the bag of fresh ground coffee he'd pulled from Tony's fridge.  Other than the name emblazoned on the white bag in large black letters there was nothing else to indicate where the coffee had come from.  He'd have to ask the younger man where 'Manny's Mud' was located and see about getting some for himself.

He just finished setting the coffee maker to brew a second pot when his cell phone rang.  Gibbs snapped it open and answered in his usual curt fashion.  "Gibbs."

"Hello, Jethro."

Gibbs smiled slightly.  He immediately recognized the gravelly voice that bespoke of too many cigarettes and more than a few shots of whisky packed into one lifetime.  "What have you got for me, Sam?"  

Sam's rough chuckle carried easily through the phone.  "You know, a little 'hi, how are you?' wouldn't be a bad idea, Jethro.  A little chitchat about the weather, some of that make nice small talk you always here so much about.  Heard tell making nice goes a long way."

Gibbs snorted, one eyebrow arching.  "Since when do you give a rat's ass about that crap?"  

Gibbs had met Sam when he was a raw Marine recruit, and Sam was working as a homicide cop considering early retirement.  The old detective turned private investigator had never cared about social niceties any more than Gibbs had.  

"I've given a shit about that stuff since Julie's been on my ass about etiquette, won't let me smoke in the house anymore and is insistin' I eat somethin' green and leafy with at least one meal a day."

Gibbs smirked.  Sam and Julie had been married for nearly thirty years.  It still amazed Gibbs that they appeared to love one another as deeply now as they did the day he'd met them.  "She's good for you."

"Yeah, she is."  Sam agreed with a smile Gibbs could hear in his voice.  There was a faint sound of expelled air letting Gibbs know Sam was smoking, probably finishing off his first pack of the day.  He knew Julie had been working on getting him to cut down, trying to reduce his two pack a day habit down to one a day.  But at 62, having smoked more than half his life, Sam wasn't likely to change is ways any times soon.

"So you wanna know what I found out so far?"

Gibbs rolled his eyes.  "No, Sam, I want to hear all about your love life.  Maybe catch up on old times."  His tone was dripping with sarcasm.  

Sam chuckled again.  "Nice to know you haven't changed."  Gibbs waited while there was a sound of a striking match and indrawn air.  Sam sighed softly, and Gibbs had no trouble picturing the faint cloud of smoke swirling about his old friend.  "This guy….Tony DiNozzo, he important to you?"

"Very."  Gibbs answered honestly.  He trusted Sam---never would have asked him to research the information otherwise.  And the old P.I., semi-retired, now specialized in gathering information for younger, greener investigators, showing them ropes so to speak.  He was fast, thorough, and outside of Gibbs' team there was no one better at ferreting out information.

Gibbs couldn't actually see Sam nod in response to his one word answer, but knew the other man well enough he knew he was doing it.  A sound of understanding carried through the line letting.  "Didn't figure you'd ask me to check into his medical records real quiet like if he wasn't.  Nice to see you takin' an interest in someone, Jethro."

"Sam."  Gibbs growled, losing his patience, not wanting the older man to delve into his reasons for digging into Tony's past.  "Tell me what you found out."

"Okay."  He heard Sam sigh heavily.  "Tracked down what you wanted.  Wasn't really hard."  There was a faint click of ice against glass, and the sound of gurgling liquid as it was being poured.  Gibbs knew Sam was having his usual nightly shot of whiskey.

"Was convenient the hospital being just an hour from here."  The location was another reason Gibbs had asked Sam to do the digging.   He lived close to Tony's home town.  

"Hell, Jethro, did you know the doctor you mentioned retired a good ten years ago?  By all rights they should have shredded everythin'."  A faint snort of disbelief sounded, and Gibbs could almost see Sam shaking his head. "But they kept everythin', and I mean everythin'.  Got it all on microfiche, microfilm, or whatever they call it."  

Sam huffed out a breath.  "Just had to make a trip to the tombs where they keep the old stuff.  God bless the little anal retentive shit who had everything filed by year and alphabetized.  Guy even cross referenced all the records."  Sam sounded unmistakably impressed.  "Everyone should have a guy like that on their staff."  

Gibbs bit his tongue to keep from trying to push Sam along, struggling to curb his impatience.  The old P.I. wasn't one to be rushed.  

"And before you ask, yes, I got copies of everythin' and I'll send that along to you tomorrow. Knowin' you, I thought you'd want to hear it all as soon as possible, and since it wasn't even nine o'clock I figured I might as well call."  

"Thank you."

"You're welcome."  Sam returned easily.  Gibbs heard anther faint clink of ice and knew Sam was sipping his drink.  
  
"First bit of info you already know about.  Kid was about a month premature.  Must have been tough little shit to have survived.  Thirty years ago they weren't as good as they are now at that sort of thing."

Gibbs unconsciously tightened his grip on the phone.  He was still trying to come to terms with the realization Tony might have died before he had the chance to meet him.  Gibbs took a deep breath and then another, keeping his focus on what Sam was saying.

"Records are blank for a couple of years other than the usual immunization shots."  Gibbs could hear rustling and knew Sam was flipping through paper.  His fingers itched to be able to see and touch that information for himself.

"About the time the kid was seven there is more."  Sam cleared his throat.  "At seven he was in with a busted arm.  Mother said he'd fallen off his bike, but it was a spiral break to the radius, so I'm thinkin' that story doesn't wash."

Gibbs jaw tightened.  He knew breaks like that were indicative of someone twisting a child's arm.  They were typically a red flag for child abuse.

"At eight he was in for stitches, a split lip and a black eye.  Statement says it was a scuffle at the park with another child."  Sam's tone clearly stated he didn't believe that either.

"At nine he was in for a broken hand.  Report says he got it caught in a car door."  Sam muttered darkly. "Probably did with a little help."

Gibbs gripped the counter, his knuckles whitening as he held on to his rising fury.  "Why the hell wasn't any of this reported to child services?"  He ground that out between tightly clenched teeth.  Repeated injuries like that were supposed to alert medical professionals that there was something wrong.

"DiNozzo family has a lot o' money, Jethro.  Well known around here.  Likely the administration didn't want to rock the boat by saying anythin'."  The sound of Sam swallowing created a pause, and Gibbs really wished he had something stronger than coffee.  "Hospital got itself a new wing.  Got some new equipment, and chance to do more research."

"Hush money."  Gibbs snarled.

"Maybe."  Sam hedged.  "Got notes here that a couple of ER physicians contacted social services but nothin' came of it.  So if it wasn't the hospital, could easily have been the government bureaucracy messing up or getting paid off.  Wouldn't be the first time."

"Doesn't make it right."

"Didn't say it did."  Gibbs could almost see Sam rub a hand over his face.  "You want the rest?"

No.  He didn't want to hear it but he needed to.  "Yes."

"At ten he was in twice. First time was for a concussion.  Second time was for dehydration….bout of the flu that must have gotten pretty damn severe.  He was in the hospital for three days."

Either incident could have been innocent.  They could have been the product of a normal childhood, but in light of the history of injuries Gibbs doubted they could be so blithely ignored.  Sam's next comment confirmed his suspicions.

"When he had the flu, the kid was brought in by the housekeeper.  She said his parents were out of town for the week and had given her the weekend off.  She found the kid passed out in his bed looking like death warmed over so she brought him in.  Said she hadn't found him until noon because she usually saved cleanin' his room for last and she thought he'd gone to school.  Kid was probably alone from Friday after school until she found him."

"Jesus."  Gibbs cursed quiet vehemence.

"Yeah."  Sam agreed quietly.  "Housekeeper was an illegal immigrant.  She was deported a week later."

Gibbs jaw tightened.  "No witness to interview."

"Can't  prove it but I'm betting it was the mother who called INS.  She's on every other report.  Old man isn't mentioned….Ever."  

Gibbs considered that statement and the emphasis the P.I. placed on 'ever'.  Sam wasn't the type to jump to conclusions.  There was likely a definitive pattern of some kind in the documents he had, something he wasn't relaying in detail, that would make him suspect Tony's mother was the abuser.  Gibbs new child abuse wasn't exclusively the purview of men, any more than it was limited to poor families.  He still couldn't fathom what sort of mother would willfully hurt her child.  He grimaced.  The same sort who never tucked her child in, obviously.

He could hear Sam take another long drag on his cigarette.  "At twelve he was in for a broken elbow and busted ribs.  His mother said he fell down a flight of stairs."
 
"You believe that?"

"Hell no."  There was a rush of air as Sam blew out smoke.  "Stairs might have been involved, but I'm thinking he didn't just trip."

Sam sighed, and faint sound of him crushing his cigarette in what was probably an already overflowing ash tray could be heard.  "Kid crackin' some ribs again at thirteen might be legit.  That happened at school during a baseball game.  Kid was playin' third base.  Was a pile up when a runner slide into him.  Coach took him to the hospital.  Note says his parents couldn't be reached so he went home from the hospital with another relative."

Gibbs frowned.  "Who?"

"Signature says Suzanne DiNozzo."

Gibbs wondered if that might not be the Aunt Sully Tony mentioned.   He made a mental note to track down this Suzanne. She wasn't listed with among his father's sisters.  Tony seemed to regard her fondly but if she knew about his mother beating the crap out of him, Gibbs intended to have a few words with her too.

"Last record I found was when he was fifteen." Ice clinked against glass again as Sam shifted his drink.  

That would have been about the same time Tony's mother was killed.  It made sense if she was the abuser that trips to the hospital would stop with her being dead.  

Gibbs could hear the sound of more papers ruffling.  "Found a news clipping on the accident that I'll send you with everythin' else.  Drunk driver hit them at an intersection.  Kid was lucky to get away with a couple of broken ribs, a fractured cheekbone, and a concussion.  Needed the jaws-of-life to get Elizabeth DiNozzo's body out of the car.  Cause of death for her is list as blunt force trauma…guessing she bled out internally before they could get her out of the car."  

Gibbs swallowed hard.  He hadn't realized Tony was in the car with her when that happened.  It was yet another incident of how close he'd come to having never met Tony.  He made a note to light another candle the next time he was in church.  It wouldn't hurt to continue to pray for Tony's well being and let God know just how grateful he was he'd been given the opportunity to get to know the younger man.  Of course, if he and the almighty ever met, Gibbs fully intended to express his displeasure with how Tony had been treated while growing up.

"Nothin' else in his records from that point on."  Sam coughed, the harsh hacking sound of a long time smoker.  "I'll have this in the mail to you tomorrow."

"Thanks, Sam.  I owe you one."  

"Don't owe me a thing."  Sam countered.  "Always happy to help out a friend."  There was a brief pause.  "Let me know if you need anythin' else."

"Will do, Sam."  Gibbs ended the call.  

He took a deep breath and let it out slowly.  He really wanted to hit something.  If he were home, he'd be in the basement putting his anger and frustration to work on building his boat.  

Gibbs shook his head.  He forced himself to sip his coffee and relax his shoulders.  He unconsciously started pacing again, thoughts churning as he worked through all the details Sam had given him striving for analytical distance, to not view the repeated incidents as happening to someone he care for.  

He was suddenly overcome with the urge to make sure Tony was all right, to know he was where Gibbs could protect him.  Gibbs headed down the hall to the younger man's bedroom without conscious thought.  He left his now empty mug on the counter has he passed by.  

He hesitated inside the door way, blue eyes seeking Tony.  He had expected to find the younger man the way he had the last time, stretched out on his back, sleeping soundly.  Instead, Tony was curled into a tight ball, huddled against the headboard, shivering.

Gibbs winced knowing that position had be wreaking havoc with Tony's cracked ribs.  He stepped closer, intent on waking the younger man, getting him into a more comfortable position.  He frowned as he heard Tony whispering, his voice sounding almost childlike.

"I'm sorry…..I'm sorry…I didn't…please Momma….Please…I'll be good."  Tony ducked his head as though avoiding a blow, breaths coming in harsh pants.  "Shouldn't run….Not in the house…Know better…..sorry….don't…please."

Gibbs sat on the bed, reaching out to touch Tony's shoulder, maintaining the contact even when Tony flinched away from him and huddled closer to the headboard.  "Shhhhh…easy, Tony….It's me, Gibbs…You are having a nightmare."

Tony stilled, face turning blindly toward Gibbs.  "Boss?"  

"It's me, DiNozzo."  Gibbs rubbed Tony's shoulder, not liking the tension he could still feel wracking the younger man's lanky frame.  Or the fact that Tony didn't appear to be awake.  He didn't want him to stay trapped within his nightmare.

"I don't want to be here."  Tony whispered.

"Then come with me."  Gibbs offered, the plea in Tony's voice nearly undoing him.  

"I can…go with you?"  He sounded so desperate, so eager.

"Yes."  Gibbs stated firmly inordinately pleased that Tony placed that much trust in him, wanted to be with him even if it was simply to escape a nightmare.  He raised his other hand to softly caress Tony's cheek.  "You are one of mine, remember?  Of course you can come with me."

"Can we go back to the beach?"  Tony smiled shyly, eyes still closed as his posture uncurled slightly.  "Loved it there."

Gibbs raised an eyebrow not sure what Tony was talking about, but he figured it didn't matter.  As long as it got Tony wasn't afraid any more and relaxed he was fine with it.  "Sure, Tony, we can go to the beach."

Tony sighed and uncurled completely.  He moaned, one arm wrapping around his ribs.  Gibbs helped him stretch out.  He pulled the comforter back up around Tony, wondering if he shouldn't wake the younger man completely and get him to take another painkiller.
Gibbs shifted to pull away, but Tony had a firm grip on his shirt.  The younger man made a soft sound of distress, clearly troubled by the Gibbs attempt to leave.  Unwilling to upset him any further, Gibbs sighed and opted to stay put.

He ran his fingers through Tony's hair, smiling when Tony sighed and relaxed even further.  He continued to play with Tony's hair, letting the action soothe them both for several minutes.  Tony's breathing was again deep and even, the earlier stillness Gibbs had noted once more settling over him.

Gibbs shifted when the slightly hunched over position he'd been in started to bother his back.  The grip on his shirt tightened.  "Easy, Tony…it's okay.  Just need to find a comfortable place for me."

To his surprise, Tony moved over on the bed, an unconscious invitation.  Gibbs debated with himself for less than a second before simply giving in and lying down next to Tony.  He couldn't believe how satisfying it was to have the younger man curl into him slightly, the hand gripping his shirt shifted to wrap around his stomach, head moving to rest on his shoulder.  

Gibbs sighed.  He hadn't been this comfortable in a long, long time.  It was wrong---hell, Tony was injured, vulnerable, had suffered through a nightmare likely related to childhood trauma---Gibbs knew he should not be taking advantage of this situation.  

But he wanted this.  Desperately wanted this moment of intimacy, of shared comfort.  He turned his head to lay his cheek against Tony's hair, nuzzling him, enjoying the fragrance that teased him.  He was unable to stifle the sudden rush of simple joy when Tony reacted to his touch by moving even closer.

One hour, he promised himself.  One hour.  Then he'd wake Tony again like he was supposed to.  No reason the younger man even needed to know about this.  None at all.

Tony resisted the idea of waking up despite the steady insistence of his full bladder that he do so.  He was warm and comfortable. He felt safe and secure, like he hadn't felt since he was six when his mother fired his nanny and flatly refused to hire another.  

His nanny, Rosita Manuel, hadn't particularly maternal, any more than is own mother was.  But she saw to it that Tony got enough to eat, a bath every day and was always neatly dressed and well behaved when his parents were around.  She didn't object to him playing in the dirt outside or entertaining himself in the numerous rooms of the house as long as he didn't interrupt her soap operas or damage anything.  And while she drew a firm line at doing any more than the minimum for or with Tony, she didn't have any reservations about doing whole lot more for his father.

Elizabeth DiNozzo was willing to turn a blind eye to her husband's dalliances most of the time.  It was one thing for him to fool around at the office with a secretary, but quite another to disrespect her within confines of her own home, in her own bed no less.  When she found out about Rosita and her husband, she put her foot down.  Rosita was out the door so fast she barely had time to dress.  

Tony didn't understand the fight he'd overheard between his mother and father until years later, but even at he age of six he was smart enough to realize the phrases 'gold digging whore' and 'drunk horny bastards always looking for perky tits' were not good things.  When he asked about Rosita---once and only once--his mother told him he was too old for a nanny and he was never to speak of her again.  Tony readily understood the argument was far more likely the reason Rosita was gone.  

Without her, his mother woke him for school in the mornings.  He'd learn quickly that she had no patience for him, usually more concerned with ensuring her hair was perfect and her makeup flawless before she left the house.  By the time he was seven he was up and out of bed, had eaten his breakfast and was ready to go when his mother was prepared to leave.  He dreaded having to face her wrath for making her late or embarrassing her in front of the other mothers at school by not being dressed appropriately.

He shifted restlessly, memory of his earlier nightmare surfacing.  He froze when he felt someone's touch; a hand ran lightly down his chest in what was clearly intended to be a soothing gesture.  Tony didn't remember going to bed with anyone, the lack of memory terrifying him for a moment.  

Memory gaps usually coincided with painful events.  Like when he was twelve and had awoken at the hospital after his mother had met him at the top of the stairs, livid at him for running through the house and making so much noise.  He vaguely remembered trying to dodge her slap, something that always made her even angrier, then losing his footing and a sensation of falling, but after that everything was a blur.   

Tony kept his eyes closed, now wide awake, assessing his surroundings.  Warm and comfortable, he easily recognized the feel of his own bed and linens.  He had paid an exorbitant sum for a high quality mattress with just the right blend of resistance and give.  Tony had yet to encounter another bed as comfortable as his own.  The thousand count Egyptian cotton sheets and down comforter were soft as silk, and as distinctive as his mattress.  

He listened intently, keen hearing focused on what was going on around him.  The usual silence of his bedroom was broken by the sound of a light snore---not loud, more like just someone breathing very deeply.  It was oddly familiar to him, as though he'd been hearing it for awhile and simply hadn't recognized it.  Everything else was as it should be.

He kept his breathing slow and even, scenting his surroundings at the same time.  Tony had always had a good sense of smell and had used it to his advantage on more than one occasion.  He could easily make out the faint lavender and sandalwood scent that permeated his linens.  He caught the faint citrus smell from the cleaner Louisa used when she dusted, and the barest hint of her delicate gardenia perfume.  

And right next to him---sawdust, something faintly spicy and coffee.  Tony unconsciously smiled.  The combination of scents could only mean one thing, Gibbs.  

His smile faded into a frown.  Why would Gibbs be in his bed?  Maybe he was still dreaming.  He vaguely remembered Gibbs coming to get him, rescuing him from his parents' house and taking him back to the beach.  But that wasn't real.  He knew that.  It couldn't be.  The older man had never been to his parents' place, and he had never been to a beach with Gibbs.  It was just a very pleasant fantasy.  

He'd tried once to find a substitute for Gibbs, thinking maybe if he just got a chance to get it out of his system the attraction would go away, but that had been a dismal failure and he never tried again.  The other man had looked a bit like Gibbs.  He had Gibbs' build, gray hair and blue eyes, but he hadn't sounded, smelled or acted anything like the former marine.  They'd ended up with Tony sucking the man off and leaving almost immediately afterward.  The other man hadn't seemed to notice or even care that Tony hadn't really been turned on or gotten off during their blessedly brief encounter.  

Steeling himself, Tony sighed and opened his eyes, ready to find out who his bedmate was and find out what it would take to get him to leave without too much fuss.  He rarely invited anyone home with him, almost never in fact.  He flirted a lot, dated a great deal but very few of his dates really ended the way he let his coworkers assume.  

Tony was genuinely surprised to encounter the object of his fantasies curled up next to him, soundly sleeping.  Tony blinked---Gibbs was still there.  He studied the older man's face, enjoying the opportunity to so without having to censure himself.  

Usually when sleeping, people appeared younger.  Gibbs simply looked like himself-a bit more approachable, more relaxed, but essentially the same.  Tony hesitated to even think the older man looked 'unguarded', feeling somehow disloyal for even considering that adjective.  

Tony bit his lip to keep from giving into the urge to lean in and kiss Gibbs.  He didn't know why the former Marine was in his bed, but he was sure it had to be something innocent, platonic.  Kissing him would be a huge mistake.  Monumental.

Gibbs had been married three times, Tony reminded himself brutally.   Even if Gibbs was interested in a relationship with a man it wouldn't be someone like him.  A one off thing maybe---hell that was pretty much all Tony really expected from most of his sexual encounters.  His own mother couldn't stand him for very long, there was no reason to expect anyone else would either.  As much as he craved and enjoyed being cuddled, he simply couldn't fathom Gibbs being interested in doing that with him.  There had to be some nicely logical reason for him to be in Tony's bed.   Just because he couldn't figure out what it might be didn't mean there wasn't one.

Tony shifted, trying to move away, to put distance between himself and the older man. Resisting temptation had never been his strong suit, so it was better to practice a policy of avoidance. If he stayed where he was too much longer he'd be unable to keep from kissing Gibbs and most likely attempting a lot more. Best thing to do was put distance between them.  And his bladder was still insisting he get up and take care of business, now certainly seemed as good a time as any.
 
His attempt to move away was halted by Gibbs arm around his waist tightening.  The older man mumbled something and curled in closer to him. Tony wiggled a little more smiling slightly as he tried to escape the older man's hold without waking him. Gibbs likely thought he was sleeping with one if redheads. Tony blinked in surprise when Gibbs whispered his name.  

"Sssshhh…s'okay, Tony."  Gibbs patted his chest.  

Well, I guess he knows who he's sleeping with, Tony thought with a small smile.  Still didn't explain why Gibbs was in his bed, but it was nice to know that he didn't seem to mind being there.  

His bladder complained, and Tony tried again to slip out of Gibbs' grasp.  Again the older man tightened his grip.  This time it caused Tony to gasp softly, reminded anew of his cracked ribs and why Gibbs was at his house.  Tony, closed his eyes, taking a few shallow breaths, riding out the little flash of pain.  

He opened his eyes to find himself looking into Gibbs' clear cerulean counterparts.  Tony smiled uncertainly.  "Hey."

Gibbs' brows pulled together slightly.  He looked as confused as Tony had felt when he woke to discover Gibbs in his bed.  

"Hey, yourself."

His voice was a gravelly, far less smooth than normal, and Tony quivered internally as it the rough words seemed to almost tangibly ghost over his skin.  He memorized the feeling, filing it away for reference, where he could find if later and use it to embellish future fantasies.

"You cold?"  Gibbs asked, already reaching to pull up the comforter that had slipped down in response to Tony's efforts to pull away.

Tony shook his head, taking advantage of the older man's movement to roll away toward the other side of the bed.  "Need to get up."  He made a vague gesture with one hand, unwilling to risk looking at Gibbs again.  "Didn't mean to wake you."

"I shouldn't have been sleeping in the first place."

If he didn't know better, Tony would have said Gibbs sounded embarrassed.  This would be a great time to ask what the older man was doing in his bed, but Tony couldn't quite bring himself to voice the question.  Discretion was the better part of valor, he told himself.  

Tony levered himself out of bed; he ignored the faint chill of the bedroom that contrasted sharply with the shared warm of the bed he'd just vacated and caused goosebumps to appear almost immediately.  His ankle, still wrapped, protested supporting his weight and he would have fallen if Gibbs' hadn't suddenly been there to offer support. Tony could feel the heat in his face, and was grateful the small lamp on his night stand didn't cast enough light to reveal his mortification.

"Thanks, Boss."

"You okay now?"  Gibbs asked, sounding genuinely concerned.

"Fine."  Tony let himself enjoy the thought that Gibbs might really care about him as more than just a member of his team before his internal voice told him to stop being stupid.  He was damn lucky to have a place on the team, and it would be best not to forget that.  He shrugged off Gibbs hand and limped toward the bathroom.  

He shut the door, glad to have the privacy the bathroom afforded him, taking the opportunity to regain some of his composure.  Tony took as deep a breath as his ribs would allow, letting it out slowly before doing it again.  He flipped on the light, and flinched, holding one hand up to shield his eyes from the bright light.  He stared at his reflection, wincing at the ugly bruise on his cheek.  At least his head didn't hurt any more, a fact he was grateful for.  

He took care of the pressing issue that got him out of bed in the first place.  Tony washed his hands.  Not liking the taste in his mouth he brushed his teeth as well realizing he had forgotten to do that before he went to bed.   He grinned to himself, amused that if he'd known before hand Gibbs would end up in his bed, he'd have made sure he was better prepared.  

He snickered.  Stupid concussion must still be messing with his head.  Not like he'd have had the courage to kiss Gibbs anyway.  Stupidity maybe, but not the courage.  And Gibbs sure as hell wasn't likely to just plant a big wet one on him, mores the pity.

He grimaced remembering what he'd said about his mother and father when Gibbs had woken him before.  Maybe Gibbs wouldn't remember that.  Tony snorted.  Would be easier to imagine the former Marine forgetting his own name.  It wasn't like it what he said was a lie, but Tony had learned a long time ago that the truth wasn't necessarily what people wanted to hear.   It was better to tell them what they wanted to hear, or couch things in the right way to let them assume whatever they hell they wanted to since they would most likely do that anyway.  

At least he hadn't told Kate anything definitive about his family.  She'd want to talk about it, analyze it, would no doubt use it against him.  Better to simply keep her guessing as he'd been doing.  He trusted Gibbs----more so than he ever had anyone else in his life---so if he had slipped up and say more than he should, it was better to have done with Gibbs.

A soft tap at the door startled him.  Tony shook his head.  He must have spent too much time thinking.  Gibbs wasn't known for is patience.

"Tony…you okay in there?"

Tony sighed.  It was time to go face the music.  He opened the door.  "Fine, Boss."  He knew his tone made it clear he was tired of answering that question.  Maybe Gibbs would take the hint and stop asking, but Tony doubted it.  

Tony smiled slightly at Gibbs wrinkled, slightly disheveled appearance.  He could count on one hand the number of times he'd seen the other man with even a hair out of place.  It was nice to know he wasn't always perfect.  Tony filed that bit of information away for future reference.

"You should go home."

"Think we've already had this discussion, DiNozzo."

Tony snorted, unable to stop himself.  He was pretty sure 'discussion' wasn't exactly the right adjective for what they'd done.  Although, if Gibbs thought Tony suggesting something and him flatly refusing was a real discussion it went a long way to explaining why he'd been divorced three times.

Tony nodded, accepting that Gibbs was still set on staying.  He didn't quite understand it, but there was a lot about the other man he didn't get. Tony was learning to be comfortable with the experience.

"You want another painkiller?"

"No."  Tony shook his head.  He felt pretty good at the moment.  A little achy, still very tired, but nothing he couldn't handle.  

Blue eyes raked over him, clearly assessing him, before Gibbs slowly nodded.  "If you're sure-"

"I am."  

Gibbs nodded.  "Okay."

Tony as pleased that Gibbs wasn't going to force any more pills on him.  He yawned, still feeling the need for more sleep, eyes unconsciously seeking the antique mantel clock that sat on his dresser.  The small numbers posed no problem for him, even in the faint lighting.  

"Did I sleep through a concussion check?"  Tony asked, confused to find it was nearly midnight.  The last check he remembered had been around eight.

Gibbs looked rueful.  "No….I…ah…I fell asleep and forgot."

Tony chuckled softly and waved a hand in a dismissive motion.  "Happens."  He hadn't really thought being woken ever two hours was really necessary.  

Feeling more certain of himself now that they weren't actually in bed together, Tony couldn't resist teasing Gibbs.  "Know my bed is more comfortable than the couch, but I didn't think it was irresistible." He waggled his eyebrows.  "Unless of course it was me you couldn't resist."

Tony was astounded to see Gibbs blush.  He figured it had more to do with the former Marine being embarrassed he'd fallen asleep when he was supposed to be on duty than anything else.  He immediately felt bad for teasing him knowing how seriously Gibbs took any responsibility he assumed.  

"Don't sweat it, Boss.  No harm done."

"You don't mind that I-"

"Fell asleep in my bed?"  Tony interrupted with a smile, not wanting to make a bigger issue of it than it was or embarrass either of them.   It wasn't like anything had really happened, certainly nothing like what he wished had.  "Like I said, no big deal."  

He turned back to the bed, wanting to lay down again; he missed the relieved, faintly hopeful look on Gibbs face.  Tony slid back under the covers with a quiet sigh, glad to once more have weight off his ankle.   He already missed the weight and warmth provided by the older man, feeling chilled and lonely in spite of the residual heat and the fact that Gibbs hadn't left the room yet.  He shivered, stifling a faint moan that action caused.

"You're cold."  

The statement made him look at Gibbs again, piercing blue eyes holding him in place, almost demanding an explanation.  The room really wasn't that chilly, certainly not enough to cause Tony to shiver under normal conditions.  The younger man wanted to ignore Gibbs' look, reluctant to admit to anything that might make the other man think less of him, but another shiver racked him making that impossible.  Tony sighed.  At least his teeth weren't chattering this time like they did when he was stuck in the hospital.

"Sometimes, when I get hurt, I have trouble staying warm."  Tony reluctantly told Gibbs, unable to not answer the unvoiced question.  After the car accident that had killed his mother, a doctor had explained to him that the chill he felt could be akin to delayed shock or possibly physiological need for temporary comfort.   Tony preferred to think of it shock rather than the product of fear.  

Gibbs frowned.  "This has happened before?"

"Yeah."  Tony admitted hesitantly, refusing to say how often since he didn't think Gibbs needed to know that or would care.  "Look…It's not a big deal.  I'll warm up eventually."  He should have turned up the heat, but had forgotten about it until now.   

He opened his mouth again to say what he wasn't quite sure, but stopped abruptly when Gibbs moved to get in bed with him again.  "What are you doing?"

"Making sure you're warm enough."  Gibbs answered, tone very matter of fact.

Another small shiver made him wince.  "Boss, you don't have to do-"

"Shut up, DiNozzo."  Gibbs ordered gently.  "Told you before, you are one of mine, and I take care of my own."

Tony knew he should argue, resist the temptation being offered, but he wanted the warmth, wanted to share space with Gibbs again and actually be aware of it this time.  He smiled to himself as Gibbs made himself comfortable in Tony's bed wondering why he even thought he had a choice in the matter.   

"Comfy?" He couldn't resist asking.

Gibbs gave him a cheeky smile and made a show of settling, like a little kid.  It surprised grin from Tony who was always delighted to learn there was a playful side to the older man even if it was often at his expense.  Tony rolled his eyes and laid down, instinctively shifting closer, drawn to Gibbs heat and the feeling of safety that he always associated with him.

"Name?"  Gibbs asked abruptly.

Tony snickered, both amused and reassured that Gibbs was determined to continue with the required concussion twenty questions routine.  "You know I think it's safe to say I've answered that one enough we could take it off the standard question list."

Gibbs rolled on his side, facing him, not quite as close as Tony would like him to be, but closer than he was really sure Gibbs should be.  "Okay---I'll ask you something else then."

Resigned to the situation, Tony nodded.  "Fire away."

"Tell me more about your Aunt Sully."

"Don't think that's a question, Boss."  Tony couldn't resist pointing out, his irrepressible sense of humor making itself known, lips quirking upward in a wise ass smile.  He was rewarded with a light tap on his forehead that morphed into Gibbs running his fingers through Tony's hair.  It was likely the best he could do given that the back of Tony's head was on available.  The younger man felt himself relaxing under that touch, wondering vaguely why it felt so familiar, so natural.  

"Just tell me about her, DiNozzo."  Gibbs commanded softly, his hand running through Tony's hair once more before pulling away, leaving Tony feeling a bit disappointed by the loss of contact.

"Sully." Tony smiled, as he always did whenever he thought of her, not really curious as to why Gibbs wanted to know about her.  She was definitely a better topic of discussion than the rest of his family, the only one he really had more good memories of than bad.  He didn't mind talking about her at all.

"Her real name was Suzanne, but I don't think anyone ever called her that. At least not that I know of.  Not sure when or why she got the nickname but it was pretty much all she used."

Tony yawn, instinctively moving even closer to Gibbs enjoying the warmth too much to really question his actions.  He chose not to think about how natural having Gibbs in his bed felt, how comfortable and safe he felt with him there.  "She was really a second cousin or something like that, but I always called her Aunt Sully.  She was cool---a bit of a free spirit I suppose."  

Compared to the rest of the usually staid, and oh so proper in public DiNozzo family, Sully was definitely unique.  She was energetic and engaging.  And she had an innate sense of how to navigate the rough waters of family politics, able to converse and interact with the most pompous and pretentious as well as with the young children and disaffected.  She never married or had children of her own, but there was no way he could ever think of her as a spinster.  Sully had too much life for that title to ever fit.

Tony shook his head slightly.  "Sully was one of a kind.  Never knew for sure what color her hair would be when you saw her next, had a tattoo or two, and would try anything once, twice if she liked it."

"Sounds like Abby."  Gibbs commented quietly.

"A bit." Tony smiled sleepily.  "Might be what Abby will be like in another twenty years or so."  Assuming Abby ever learned how to blend in as well as stand out while still being herself at all times.  It was a trick he really wished he'd learned.  

"You spend a lot of time with her?"

"Almost every summer from the time was seven until I was seventeen."  Tony answered honestly.  He never quite understood why she made the offer to take him on when there were so many other kids in the family to choose from but he was grateful. It got him away from his mother and father, gave him something to look forward to, and she seemed to enjoy spending time with him.

It was Sully who'd taken him to Disneyland.  She took him hiking in Yellowstone and whitewater rafting in New Mexico.  She also took him to the theatre on Broadway and Art at the Louver.  It was with her that he was introduced to Pompeii for the first time and became fascinated with history.  She encouraged his interests sending him books each year for his birthday.  Many of which were on his bookshelf, the small notes she'd written in the front cover of each one still evoked many fond memories.  God, but he missed her.

"Where is she now?"  Gibbs soft question interrupted his thoughts.

Tony sighed softly.  "She's dead."  Sully had died a week after he'd graduated from high school, and he grieved for her far more than he ever had for his mother.

"I'm sorry."  Gibbs' apology sounded genuine if a bit awkward.

"Not your fault, Boss."  Tony closed his eyes, burying that old sense of loss back where it belonged.  "Happened along time ago."  

"I shouldn't have asked."

"Sully is worth talking about."  Tony countered quietly.  "Doesn't hurt to remember her."  It hurt to think of her as gone, a void being left, but it never hurt to think of her personally.

Sully was one of the few people he'd known who had really lived her life.  She'd reveled in it, throwing herself into each new adventure.  In the letter she left for Tony she'd stated quite clearly that she had many joys and only a few regrets, and didn't want him thinking how tragic it was her life was cut short---she believed a tragedy would have been to have died without really living.  She also made it clear that her biggest regret was that she'd been unable to keep him for longer than three months a year.   Although they'd never discussed what went on in his house, Tony knew she knew and had done her best to help---he didn't hold it against her.  

All his aunts and uncles likely knew but none of them had bothered to do anything, she'd at least given him a safe place every year.   And she left him enough money to be able to be able to do anything he wanted, a means of escaping the family business the way his Aunt Anna had years before.  He'd paid for college, and had enough invested that the interest supplemented his income so that he could indulge himself once in awhile and didn't have to rely on his father and stepmother for any financial support.  

"How did she die?"

"Cancer."  It had been so far along when it was diagnosed there was nothing the doctors could do.  She'd never said so, but Tony suspected she'd hung on as long as she did because she wanted to see him graduate, determined to be there when he walked across the stage, proud of him even if he wasn't valedictorian.

"Anything else you want to know?"  Tony knew his tone clearly implied the right answer was 'no', verbally erecting barriers again, but he didn't care.

"Not right now."  Gibbs answered softly, one hand patting his arm in a soothing gesture.

"I can…go to sleep?"  Tony asked, wanting to be sure, although at the moment he wasn't sure he'd be able to stay awake if Gibbs said no.   

"You warm enough?"

He was likely asking that as in preparation of getting out of bed and letting Tony sleep alone.  Tony shivered, unconsciously reacting to the thought of Gibbs leaving.  The older man moved even closer.  "Guess not.  I'll stay for a bit yet then if that's okay?"

"Sure."  Tony whispered, drowsily, relieved he didn't have to ask the other man to stay, grateful Gibbs was willing to make the offer.

"Go to sleep, Tony."

Now that was one order he'd have no trouble following.

Gibbs roused himself, coming awake and aware in a moment.  He instinctively checked Tony, making sure the younger man still okay.  Tony was sleeping peacefully, his breathing slow, deep and even, just has he had been since the last concussion check.

Gibbs sighed and glanced toward the clock on Tony's dresser, squinting to read the numbers.  Why they hell Tony didn't have an alarm clock on this night stand was a mystery.  Although, Gibbs had to admit he rather liked the faint chime that the antique clock used to mark each hour and half hour.  

It was four forty am.  For getting less than six hours, and most of that broken into two hour blocks, Gibbs felt more relaxed and rested than he had in a long time.  Tony's bed was definitely better than his, no doubt about that.  

He knew it was more than the bed that made for such a refreshing night's sleep.  Gibbs always found he slept better with someone than when he was alone.  It was one of the reasons he'd remarried so quickly after each divorce-he craved being able to curl next to warm body, to be able to relax and be near another person.  The craving to be close to another human being was something he could control or at least ignore during his waking hours.   But at night, on his own, Gibbs found the craving for the comfort that could only be found with someone one else kept him from sleeping deeply or for more than a few hours.   That he could help Tony by sleeping with him---ease those shivers that had made him wince in pain---well that was an added bonus making last night a win/win in Gibbs opinion.  

He stretched slightly, muscles flexing and twitching.  Gibbs sighed, enjoying the novel feeling of heavy limbs and lack of tension.  He shifted again, careful not to disturb Tony.  He would love to wake up like this every morning.  

Gibbs sighed softly, studying the younger man's profile.  He couldn't believe how easily Tony had accepted his presence in his bed.  Gibbs had expected more ribbing over his falling asleep in the first place, and a lot more awkwardness between them. It was heartening to know Tony really didn't seem to mind sharing space with him, wasn't offended or nervous about it at all.  Would be a bit more of a leap to think he'd want to do more in bed with Gibbs than just sleep, but older man couldn't quite stifle the bit of optimism that rose within him.  

Gibbs glanced at the clock again.  Ordinarily he'd be getting up in another twenty minutes or so.  He liked to get in some time working on his boat before going to the office.  Gibbs would never admit it out loud but it was a form of meditation for him, something that it helped him focus and get ready for the day, unwind from a less than relaxing night.  

He also used the work to get centered, to be firmly in control before he encountered Tony each morning.  It was too easy to slip up otherwise, and give into the desire to pin Tony up against the wall and ravage him.  Especially after some of the more vivid, erotic dreams he'd been having lately.  It was getting hard to ignore those, to pretend it didn't mean anything that he dreamt about getting well and truly fucked by the younger agent.

Gibbs shook his head, relieved that those dreams hadn't made an appearance last night.  It was dangerous to even think about them in his own home or at the office, but here in Tony's bed, lying next to the object of his fantasies---it was close to suicidal.  Gibbs shuddered and told himself to behave, to shut those thoughts and dreams safely into the back of his mind.  

He trusts me, Gibbs told himself savagely, don't you even dare think about betraying that.  Based on what he'd learned about Tony's childhood that trust was far more of a precious gift than Gibbs had realized.  He didn't want to lose that.  Not now.  Not when he thought he might, just might have a shot at more.  He needed more time to figure out just how good a shot---time to repair the damage he'd done without realizing it, time to ease the old hurts both emotional and physical inflicted by Tony's mother.  He wasn't sure, but he had a feeling if he moved too fast he'd lose a shot at the reward he was planning to risk it all for.  

Gibbs sighed regretfully. He wasn't good with temptation; and right now Tony was one hell of a temptation. Most people would never believe Gibbs had a weakness, that he ever wanted anything he didn't just take or had issues with controlling himself-and he worked hard to maintain that impression but it was still just an illusion, one that was fading fast.   

Even as he told himself to stop, Gibbs found himself playing with Tony's hair.  It was innocent enough, he told himself, harmless.  He could do this, just this.  Tony hadn't objected before.  In fact he seemed to sleep better for the attention.  

Gibbs loved the way the silky strands slid through his fingers.  It was almost as though the soft locks were caressing him in turn.  He closed his eyes to better focus on the sensation, memorizing it, knowing he might never get another chance.  Gibbs smiled when Tony made a soft sound of satisfaction that the former Marine could only think of as purring.  

He leaned in to breath in the scent of the younger man. The former Marine could never pin down the exact fragrance, but Tony always smelled good, appealing. He'd managed to grasp components of the scent---a little mint, a little musk, something light and sweet like tree ripened peaches he'd eaten as a child-but he had yet to pin down what it was exactly.  Gibbs had mentally labeled the combination 'Tony' and let it go at that.  

Remembering his moment of great daring when Tony was asleep on the couch, Gibbs placed a whisper soft kiss on younger man's forehead.  Tony sighed and moved a bit closer.  Gibbs smile deepened, innately pleased that the younger man responded favorably even though still asleep.  He cupped Tony's face, enjoying the feel of light early morning stubble brushing against his palms, reveling in the new sensation he could add to his growing collection of things he'd mentally marked as belonging to the younger man.    
 
Gibbs held his breath when Tony turned his head to nuzzle one calloused hand. It could have been just his imagination, wishful thinking on his part, but Gibbs would swear that Tony placed a kiss in his palm. The rush of heat to his groin suddenly brought his usual morning hard on painfully to his attention.  

Struggling for control, Gibbs slid out of bed.  He was not going to ravish Tony in his sleep.  He shuddered, hands curling into fists.  He was not going to abuse the trust he'd been given.  He'd never taken advantage of someone he cared about before; he wasn't going to start now.  

He ignored the faint sound of loss Tony made, ignored the disappointed sigh as the younger man moved restlessly for a moment.  It was as though he already missed Gibbs presence.  Gibbs forced himself to back away.  He made his way silently to the bathroom.  He closed the door quietly behind him and leaned against it.   

He took a deep breath and then another.  It was no good. The whole bathroom smelled like Tony.  His hands still tingled from touching his hair, the feel of Tony's skin.

Gibbs recognized a losing battle when he saw one.  He undid his pants, and shoved them aside to give him enough access to his hard cock.  He moved away from the door, biting his lip to keep from crying out as he stroked himself.  

He kept his stokes quick, his touch just right to get him off quickly.  This wasn't really about pleasure, it was simply the need for release.  He couldn't really even pretend it was Tony's hand---every sensory memory he had of Tony it was Gibbs who did the touching,  so while he knew what the younger man felt like, he had no idea what it felt like to have Tony touch him.  He'd thought about it often enough.  Dreamed about it.  But still, he had nothing concrete to draw on.

Not that it mattered at the moment.  He stifled a moan as he remembered the feel of Tony's hair, the softness of his skin, that rough 'I just woke up' voice, the tantalizing and oh so alluring scent of him, the warmth and weight of him so close as they lay in bed together.  Gibbs unconsciously called up the crystal clear memory he had of seeing Tony naked.  

God…he'd never been so damn grateful for iguanas before in his life. He desperately wished he'd had more time to memorize the vision of Tony naked, to take in all the details.  He had suspected the younger man was solid, nicely toned and defined, but finding out for sure had been---breathtaking.  

Gibbs stifled a moan as he used the pad of his thumb to rub across the head of his cock on each up stroke.  He gripped the vanity, knuckles whitening as he rode out another wave of pleasure, desperately wishing he had more than a fantasy to draw on at this moment.  His widened his stance as his hips started rocking in time with his stroke.

There were white flashes behind his tightly closed lids and he knew he wouldn't last much longer.  He didn't want to; made no effort to hold back giving himself over to the breaking wave.  Gibbs bit his lip to keep from crying out Tony's name as he came hard, cum splattering in the sink

Gibbs shuddered, drawing in a shaky breath as he recovered, leaning against the vanity waiting for his knees to stop shaking.  He swallowed hard and took a deep breath, holding it before letting it out slowly.  One more deep breath and he opened his eyes, deliberately avoiding looking at his own reflection as washed away the evidence of his climax.  He washed his hands and face as well.  

He straightened his clothing, tucking himself back in, grimacing at the wrinkles and the vaguely grungy feeling.  Gibbs shook his head.  He needed a shower.  He had a change of clothes with him in the car.  Now might be a good time to go get them---before Tony was awake.  It would be easier to face the younger man, especially after this, if he could at least pretend that he had it together

He stared at his refection for a moment.  "Okay…step one, get a change of clothes.  Step two, shower, shave and pull yourself the hell together.  Step, three a damn big cup of coffee.  Then wake Tony and…." He took a deep breath.  "And then I start figuring out how to find out if he'd wants what I want."  

Gibbs nodded to himself.  He could do this.  It didn't matter if he wasn't entirely sure how.  He'd figure it out.  It's what he did for a living---and Tony was worth it.  

The soft chime from the mantel clock woke Tony at six just like it did every day.  Having owned the clock since Sully bequeathed it to him more than a decade ago, Tony had long since learned to subconsciously tune out those chimes that didn't matter and key into the ones that did.  Ordinarily he'd be up and headed for the gym, but he knew it would be awhile before the cracked ribs and sprained ankle were up for a regular work out.  

He sat up with a soft sigh, one hand rubbing sleep from his eyes.  Sleeping in had stopped being an option when he was seven; habit kept him from being able to capitalize on the opportunity as an adult when he was afforded a chance to do so.  He glanced around the room, disappointed to find himself alone.  

Tony couldn't clearly remember but he thought he might have heard the shower running earlier.  That had to have been Gibbs.  He didn't really begrudge the older man a chance to freshen up, nor was he surprised to find the former Marine was an early riser, but he'd been hoping for the chance to wake up next to him again.  Tony just filed that hope away with all the others he knew didn't stand a snow ball's chance in hell of happening.

He did a few limited stretches, working to get rid of some of the kinks yesterday's events had created.  The cracked ribs kept him from doing anything to strenuous, but the activity still felt good, limbering his joints and easing left over aches.  Satisfied, Tony limped his way to the bathroom, wincing at the bright lighting when he flicked the switch.  

The only indication Gibbs had used the bathroom was the still damp light blue towel hanging neatly from the rack.  Guess he found everything okay, Tony thought, shrugging to himself.  He knew he wouldn't win any awards as a host, but then Gibbs was hardly the sort who seemed need catering to.  

Tony stripped out of his t-shirt and sweats.  He hated sleeping in clothes but he was damn glad he'd bothered to last night.  One more layer of protection between him and Gibbs had probably been a good thing.  

He deftly undid the ace bandage around his ankle.  The swelling wasn't too bad.  He'd seen it a lot worse.  In another day or so it would be back to normal.  A glance in the mirror at the bruises decorating his torso made him purse his lips in a silent whistle.  It had been a long time since he'd had ones that color.  It would be a week or better before those faded.

Tony stepped into the shower with a sigh.  The hot water felt wonderful, easing residual aches and pains.  He grimaced as he washed his hair, belatedly remembering he had a few sore spots there to be wary of.  At least the main affects of the concussion-the headache and dizziness---hadn't lasted long.  He knew he'd still have to be careful about what he ate for the next day or so---nothing too heavy or anything that would hurt on the return trip just in case the nausea returned.  

Tony shaved while he was in the shower.  It was just as easy to do it there as over the sink in his opinion, especially with a water proof electric razor.  And there was the added bonus of no nicks to worry about.  He'd never been able to grow much in the way of a beard.  Not that it mattered since most of his dates seemed to prefer him to be clean shaven.

Tony turned off the water and stepped out of the shower, bracing himself carefully until he was sure his ankle would hold.  He dried off, hanging his towel next to the one Gibbs had used.  He smiled slightly wondering how surprised Gibbs would be to learn he was one of only a scant handful of other people who'd used his shower.  

Tony rewrapped his ankle before heading back to the bedroom to dress.  A suit was out of the question since he'd never be able to get his dress shoes on with his foot and ankle wrapped.  He opted for a pair of black jeans, a black knit turtle neck that fit like a second skin and a dark green v-neck sweater.  It would qualify as office casual, and wouldn't look too out of place with his sneakers.  

He finger combed his hair.  Styling it could wait until after he'd eaten breakfast.  By then it would be mostly dry anyway.  Best thing about getting it cut shorter.  

Tony wasn't surprised to see Gibbs at his kitchen table in a fresh set of clothes.  He knew the older man kept a change of clothes in the car as well as at the office.  Tony had started doing likewise not long after he joined NCIS.   It just paid to be prepared.  He was mildly disappointed to not have the chance to again see a rumpled Gibbs.

Gibbs had a mug of coffee in hand and Tony's morning paper spread out in front of him.  Tony was confident it was not the other man's first cup of the day.  He made a note to run by Manny's and get more coffee.  He normally didn't drink more than a cup or two at home, and he hadn't really planned on having a coffee hound like Gibbs in his house or he'd have stocked up.  

Gibbs looked up from the paper, arching an eyebrow and glancing toward his watch.  "Wasn't going to wake you for another hour, DiNozzo."

Tony shrugged as he pulled a mug for himself from the near by wooden tree.  "Get up the same time every day, Boss."  He poured himself some coffee leaving room for cream and sugar.  He breathed in the fragrance, eyes half closed, an unconsciously sensuous smile forming as he allowed himself this moment of simple pleasure.  

He opened his eyes to find Gibbs staring at him.  The younger man froze for a second, thinking he must have done something wrong to warrant that laser beam look although he couldn't fathom what.  Tony thought he saw an appreciative, hungry--wanting---expression on the other man's face but it had to be his imagination.  He swallowed nervously.  "Boss?"

Gibbs blinked, and his expression was blandly neutral. He cleared his throat.  "Yeah?"

Tony really wanted to ask what the other man had been thinking, why he was looking at him that way, but he just couldn't bring himself to do it. Instead he held up a loaf of bread for Gibbs to see.  "You want toast?"

Gibbs nodded.  Tony popped four pieces into the toaster.  "I have cereal if you want."

"Kid stuff?"  Gibbs looked skeptical.

Tony grinned.  He actually kept an assortment of cereal in the house.  It was quick, easy, and Tony liked it.  He opened a cupboard door.  "I got Fruit Loops, Captain Crunch, Raisin Bran and Shredded Wheat."  Tony opened another door.  "Got oatmeal too if you'd rather have that."  It was just instant but it would do in a pinch when it was cold outside and he wanted something filling.  
 
Gibbs looked surprised.  "Raisin Bran?"  
 
Tony shrugged.  "I like raisins."

"So do I." Gibbs lips twitched in the barest suggestion of a smile.  "I'll have a bowl of that."

Tony nodded, setting the box on the table along with a bowl and spoon.  He put the milk within easy reach.

"You're not having any?"  Gibbs' blue eyes assessed him.  
 
"Toast will be plenty for me this morning."  
 
Gibbs eyes narrowed.  "You feeling sick?"

"No."  Tony resisted the urge to roll his eyes.  He'd be so glad when Gibbs got over this uncharacteristic 'mother hen' mode.  "Just not that hungry this morning."  

"I don't think I've ever known you not to be hungry."  Gibbs stated dryly.

"I'll be hungry later." Tony shrugged. He normally didn't eat in the morning until after he worked out.  He figured it just took awhile for his appetite to wake up.

The toasted popped.  Tony placed two pieces on a plate for Gibbs before getting a plate for himself.  He left the butter and jam in easy reach for the other man before he took a seat at the table.  

"Can I have the funnies?"  

Gibbs separated the paper and offered Tony the section he'd requested.  Tony always read the comics first.  It seemed like the news was universally bad, and the job often reflected the worst of human nature, so Tony liked starting his day on a lighter note.  

Once done with the funnies, he moved on to the crossword puzzle.  Aunt Sully liked doing crosswords.  It was something they often did together and it was now a habit he rarely gave much thought to.  Tony reached out and pulled a pen from the small catch all bowl in the middle of the table.  He worked his way through the crossword puzzle as he sipped his coffee, filling in the words and crossing off clues as he went.   

Feeling Gibbs gaze on him, Tony looked up.  "What?"

"Didn't know you did crosswords."

"Just the easy ones."  Tony shrugged dismissively.  He wasn't smart enough for the really hard ones like what was in the New York Times.  He'd bet money that Ducky or McGee could do those easily.  

"Shouldn't you do those in pencil?"  Gibbs looked slightly amused.

"I get it wrong, no one's going to come check my work, Boss."  Tony pointed out with a smile.  Sully had always used pen, laughing about mistakes, challenging Tony and herself to find alternative words that would work with the error.  He'd developed a genuine appreciation for the monster dictionary and numerous thesauruses she had.

Tony finished the puzzle, neatly folding that section of the paper before setting it aside.  "You finished with the first page?"

Gibbs handed it over before he got up for another cup of coffee.  Tony found himself enjoying the moment---the quiet, comfortable interaction of eating breakfast and sharing the paper.  He'd never done this with anyone but Sully before, but he imagined a lot people did it on a regular basis.  Tony sighed softly, regretting that he probably wouldn't have the chance to do it again with Gibbs.  

Tony turned his attention back to the paper, skimming the articles, focusing mostly on the headlines.   The only section he really read in detail was the stock market and the sports page.  But he usually did that after work since he seldom had time in the morning.  
Knowing Gibbs was not what anyone would call patient Tony finished quickly, downing the last of his coffee.  He got up and put the dishes in the dishwasher.  "I'll be ready to go in ten, Boss."

"No rush, DiNozzo."

Tony mentally snorted.  Right.  Just because Tony liked having Gibbs around didn't mean the older man enjoyed his company.   He knew a 'just being polite' statement when he heard.  God knows he'd heard them often enough from his family.  The former Marine was likely eager to be gone.  Gibbs had already lost enough time from work, from his own home and hobbies volunteering to baby sit Tony, no reason to make him lose any more.   

Tony headed for the bathroom to finish getting ready.  He put a little gel in his hair and styled it roughly.  The end result was what a long time friend had called 'an order chaos of spikes'.   He grinned to himself, still amused by the oxymoron and unable to find anything that really fit better.  

He brushed his teeth and checked his appearance one last time.  Not much he could do about the bruise on his cheekbone.  At least it didn't look any worse than yesterday, and it would fade long before those on his torso.  All he needed were shoes, and he was ready to go.

He headed back to the foyer for the sneakers he'd left there yesterday.  Bending over to tie his shoelaces hurt, making him clench his teeth.  Tony took a careful breath before straightening up, bracing himself with one hand against the wall.  

He caught Gibbs giving him another of those assessing glances but decided to ignore it.  Tony was grateful that at least Gibbs wasn't asking him if he was okay any more.  He slid into his leather jacket, smiling easily at his supervisor.  "You ready, Boss?"

Gibbs nodded.  He had his laptop packed in its case slung over one arm and a small duffle bag that probably held his dirty clothes.  The only thing missing was his ever present cup of coffee, but Tony was pretty sure they'd be stopping somewhere along the way.  

Gibbs had just started the car when he looked over at Tony.   "Is Manny's on the way to the office?"

"Not really." Tony blinked.  "Why?"

"Wouldn't mind another cup of that coffee."

Tony grinned.  "Like it better than your usual sludge?"

"Maybe."

Tony snickered.  "You made at least three pots of it, so I'm thinking that's more a yes than a maybe."

Gibbs frowned.  "How do you know how much I made?"

"Bag is in the fridge, Boss."  Tony reminded him.   He'd seen it earlier when he'd gotten the milk, butter and jam out of the fridge.  "Can tell just looking at it how much you used."  The bag which had been nearly full yesterday was now less than half.  

"You need a bigger pot."

"Maybe you should drink less." Tony chuckled softly at the glare he got from Gibbs. "Or maybe not."

"Directions, DiNozzo."  Gibbs ordered.

Tony gave them easily.  He could always pick up more for himself while he was the there and save a trip after work.  Gibbs gave him a surprised look when they pulled up to an unassuming, plain store front.

"Manny likes to keep things simple."  Tony answered the unvoiced question.  Manny had no desire to compete with the upscale, trendy coffee shops or become the next Starbucks.  

Once inside, Gibbs looked over the choices available.  "What was it you have at your house?"

Tony pointed to the menu board.  "Blue Hawaiian."  

Gibbs frowned.  "Pricey."  

It was easily the most expensive option, but Tony never really paid any attention to the cost.  It was a minor indulgence.  He mentally winced.  He should have known Gibbs would think differently.

"My treat, Boss."  Tony offered.  It was the least he could do to repay the recent kindness the older man had shown him.  Tony didn't give Gibbs a chance to argue, ordering two cups of coffee to go as well as another half pound of coffee to replace what the older man had used at his house.  

"You don't have to-"

Tony handed Gibbs a cup with a smile.  "You can think of it as a more successful effort at sucking up."  Most of the time those failed miserably simply because Gibbs wasn't the sort to be bought.  Not that Tony was trying to buy the older man's approval.  He was just looking for a way to make the older man happy, a little less inclined to yell at him, maybe even like him rather than just tolerate his presence.

"Thank you."  Gibbs smiled before sipping his coffee.

Tony nodded, pleased to have the gesture accepted.  He took his own coffee, cup and bag, and followed Gibbs back to the car.  He tried to ignore the contented feeling the simple act of riding to work with Gibbs engendered.  It wasn't like it was going to happen again, Tony told himself, no reason to get used to it.

Gibbs parked next to Tony's jeep.  Tony hadn't worried about leaving in the lot overnight.  He left it there all the time when they had a case that had them out of the area.  It was safer at the office than it was parked as his place.

He didn't see Kate's car or McGee's either.  That wasn't surprising.  Tony was usually one of the first one's to the office.  He might be late with his reports, or take a long lunch, but he was never late to start the day.  

"You going to question Persun and his buddy today?"  Tony asked as they rode up in the elevator.  He wondered if Gibbs planed to let Persun's buddy out of restraints when he had him brought into interrogation.  

Gibbs sipped his coffee.  "Doctor said he'd be able to put the cast on and let Persun go sometime this morning.  The guard on his room will bring him here when the doctor gives the all clear."  

Gibbs smiled, but it wasn't what Tony would call a warm expression.  "Henderson will be brought up when I'm damn good and ready."

Tony figured that meant Henderson would be in shackles for most of the day.  It seemed a bit excessive, but Tony couldn't bring himself to feel sorry for the guy.  

"I want your report on my desk by this afternoon."  Gibbs ordered as he sat down at his desk.

Tony nodded.  He'd expected that.  While waiting around in the hospital he had already drafted the basic outline in his head.  

Tony's reports were always late, but not because he was lazy or procrastinated.  After having Gibbs send his first effort back to him five times, Tony was something of a perfectionist, determined to give an accurate and thorough accounting of the events and evidence.  He usually incorporated details other team member's reports, essentially creating points of reference and a simple means of navigating the entire case file.  

He knew Kate and McGee would be astounded to learn how meticulous he was---not that he was ever going to tell either of them.  He preferred to have them believe he was just lazy rather than too paranoid to think Gibbs would accept anything less than perfection. Although, Gibbs hadn't commented on anything in his reports since the first one, Tony wasn't taking any chances.  And he really didn't want his teammates to know just how long it took him to finish a report, sure that either of them did the same thing in half the time it took him.  

He had been pleased and astounded when he learned from other sources that Gibbs often submitted Tony's reports and summations of a case to the director for final filing.  Knowing that hadn't really lessened his paranoia.  Tony didn't want Gibbs to ever send another one back to him.  Nor did he want to do anything that might jeopardize the faith the older man had evidently put in the quality of his work.  

Tony logged in.  The initial part of his report was already on file describing the case and his role in it.  "Boss….Can you email me the ledger Kate sent you last night?"

"Yes."  Gibbs looked over at him.  "Be sure to document how you got it."

"Will do."  He'd already planned to.  Tony frowned slightly as he considered how to describe his bout of dumb luck.  He smiled remembering the whole scene with the mouse.  He snickered as he envisioned Persun's dance and little shriek when the rat appeared.  

He looked over at Gibbs.  "Boss?"

Blue eyes met his.  "Yeah?"

"You're going to question Persun to see if he might have left details out of this ledger, right?"

"So?"

"Was just thinking you might find his little phobia useful."  

Gibbs frowned and then smiled like a child who was just found out Christmas came early.  It made Tony's heart beat a little faster to see it, and to know he'd put that look of delight there.  He recognized that calculating look that took its place.

"I know a guy who runs a pet store."  Tony offered with a sly smile.  "Could have you a white rat to play cat and mouse with if you want."

Gibbs didn't even hesitate.  "Set it up."  

Tony reached with the phone when Gibbs calling his name stopped him.  "Yeah, Boss?"

"Good job."

Tony nodded, but didn't otherwise react to that compliment.  If he said something, Gibbs would probably take it back, or somehow dismiss it, and Tony didn't want that.  He wanted to enjoy thinking Gibbs thought his idea a good one.  He memorized that bit of praise and the small flash of pride just as he had every other time Gibbs bothered to tell he'd done well.  

He might not be a computer whiz or top notch profiler, but Tony still contributed to the team.  He knew that counted for a lot with Gibbs.  The former Marine didn't tolerate fools.  

Tony spoke to his friend, working out arrangements.  He cupped his hand over the receiver.  "Boss….Gary says he can drop off a cage with a couple of white rats for you around eleven.  That work?"

"That'll be fine."  Gibbs grinned.  It reminded Tony of a wolf bearing his teeth.  Persun wasn't going to have a good afternoon.  Tony really couldn't bring himself to feel sorry about that.  

He heard Gibbs mutter what sounded like 'teach that miserable prick to mess with one of mine'.  He tried not to smile.  It was nice to know Gibbs cared.  He might not care as much as Tony would like him to, or quite the way he dreamed about, but this wasn't a bad second choice.  Gibbs took care of his own….better than Tony's parents or family ever had…and that was worth a lot to Tony.  It was priceless.

Gibbs managed to contain his laughter until he left the interrogation room.  God.  He leaned against the wall and gave into the nearly uncontrollable laughter, doubling up as he tried to breathe, setting the cage containing two rats on the floor.  He had never enjoyed an interrogation so much before in his life.  

Persun, with his leg in a cast, couldn't really move well or fast.  Especially not when Gibbs made certain his crutches were well out of arms reach.  Walking in to the room with a cage containing two white rats had Persun practically hyperventilating in his haste to tell Gibbs everything he wanted to know.  

Any time it looked like the man was going to slow the flow of information or baulk at answering, Gibbs just toyed with the latch on the cage door.  The implication was clear, and more than sufficient to start Persun talking again.  Gibbs hoped the sound tech was able to catch all that rapid fire, panicked spouting off.  Although, he wouldn't have any trouble doing this sort of thing all over again if it was necessary.  Not one bit.

The crowning moment had been when Gibbs opened the door and removed one of the rats.  Persun nearly pissed his pants.  The terrified man had frantically shoved himself away from the table.  Persun would likely have hurt himself in his haste to put distance be himself and the rat Gibbs held if Gibbs hadn't opted to return it to the cage.  

He kept laughing, nearly crying as he remembered the look on Persun's face.  He'd never seen anyone so afraid of something so damn harmless.  If it had been a poisonous snake or a live grenade Gibbs would have better understood the man's terror.  

He now grasped how it was so easy for Tony to get the ledger.  Dumb luck indeed.  Only Tony would have had the good sense to capitalize on that situation.  

Gibbs would have likely slapped Persun for his histrionics rather than take advantage of them.  Kate had been nearly as freaked out by the rats as Persun when Tony's friend showed up with them.  She'd controlled it better, but Gibbs knew she'd never taken her eyes off the cage the whole time it sat on Tony's desk and her hand kept straying toward the drawer where she kept her gun.  McGee wasn't the sort to really appreciate the opportunity presented by Persun's distraction.  

Gibbs took deep breath and wiped his eyes.  Finally getting control of himself, Gibbs headed into the observation room still carrying the cage.   Kate and Tony had been watching as usual.  At some point he was going to have to let them handle the interrogations, but for now, it was going to remain his purview.  

She was a damn fine profiler, but Kate rarely got the finer points of an interrogation.  Her expertise was observation, not interaction, and a good interrogator needed to be able to do both.  Tony excelled at the interaction, and was far more intuitive in understanding people than Kate would ever be, but Gibbs still thought his observational skills and control needed a little more work.

Kate's expression was devoid of humor, but Gibbs didn't really care. She was far too uptight to see the hilarity in this situation. Gibbs was half tempted to turn the rats loose to see if he could maker her scream the way Persun had.

Tony on the other hand was grinning, green eyes alight with merriment.  He had one arm wrapped around his torso telling Gibbs the younger man had likely been laughing at some point.  The former Marine knew first hand laughing with cracked ribs was not any fun.   Gibbs gave him a quick once over to make sure the younger man wasn't in serious distress.

"DiNozzo?"

"Yeah, Boss?"
 
"Call your friend and tell him he can pick up his little buddies."

"Gary'll be back in about half an hour."  Tony smiled easily.  "Didn't really think we'd need them for all that long."

"Thought right."  Gibbs nodded.  He snickered involuntarily.  "Can't believe he's that afraid of rats."

"Phobias, are irrational by definition, Gibbs."  Kate pointed out dryly, dark eyes flickering to meet his before focusing back on the cage he held.  

Gibbs resisted the urge to roll his eyes.  Whatever.  "You get it all?"

"Yep."  Tony nodded.  "Might have to run it at half speed to understand it, but we got it all."

Gibbs struggled not to start laughing again.  He cleared his throat.  "Nothing new that wasn't in the ledger."

"Didn't sound like it."  Kate agreed.  "But then he did say he wrote most of it down because he couldn't remember it all."  

"Damn good thing he's just as afraid of computers as he is rats." Tony pointed out quietly.   "Would have taken me a lot longer to down load the information, or hack the system, than to hide that ledger."

Kate snorted.  "Like you could hack into anything, DiNozzo."

Gibbs fought down the desire to intervene.  He didn't like the flash of insecurity he saw in Tony's eyes at her comment.  Sometimes he thought Kate cut a bit too deeply, but then he was guilty of the same thing from time to time.

Tony recovered quickly, and shrugged off the insult with a small smile.   "I got into your PDA."  He pursed his lips.  "Really shouldn't use your mother's maiden name for your password on everything, Kate."

"Tony-"

"Kate."  Gibbs neatly cut off her outburst, stepping into her personal space when she looked ready to jab Tony with her elbow.  He wasn't going to allow that. Tony's ribs weren't up to her usual expression of anger.  

He wondered sometimes if Kate had no sense of self preservation.  Tony allowed her to hit him when she felt a verbal barb wasn't sufficient to express her displeasure, but he was still twice her size.  Special training or not, if the younger man wanted to, he could hurt her.  And if Tony retaliated in the same fashion, Gibbs had no doubts she'd have him up on assault charges in a heart beat.  

"Kate." Gibbs repeated her name, making eye contact and holding it, subtly making sure she was aware he was in charge, commanding her attention.  "Take Persun back to his cell and bring Henderson up. I want to make sure their stories match."

He glanced toward Tony.  "DiNozzo, I want your report on my desk in an hour."

"Sure thing, Boss."  

Tony's unhesitating answer and easy eye contact told Gibbs the younger man was likely already finished or very close to it.  He nodded, pleased.  

When Tony joined NCIS Gibbs had made him redo his first report five times.  There was never anything wrong with it the first or the fourth time; Gibbs had simply wanted to make a point-he was in charge and nothing was finished or good enough until he said it was.  In hindsight, Gibbs realized his actions had been overkill, but Tony had seemed so damn cocky, he'd just wanted to take him down a peg or two.  He wasn't really unhappy with the results, Tony turned in the best documentation on the team, but he was somewhat disappointed in himself.  He should have realized Tony's cockiness was in large part an act---or the former cop wouldn't still agonize over every damn detail of his reports even after two years.

"It'll be back with Henderson." Kate headed for the door.  

"Kate?"

"Yes, Gibbs?"  She looked over her shoulder.

"Leave him in the shackles."

Her eyes narrowed, clearly not pleased but she didn't argue. Henderson had attempted to escape before, Gibbs wasn't going to risk giving him a chance to hurt another of his team. And he still hadn't gotten over being pissed at the man for coming so close to doing serious, potentially fatal damage to Tony.  That just wasn't forgivable. He'd exact as much revenge as the situation allowed.

Gibbs offered the cage to Tony.  "I don't so suppose you know if Henderson has a phobia or two?"  He'd love to make Persun's buddy squirm too, shriek like a little girl.

"Sorry, Boss.  Never really spent much time with him."  Tony shook his head as he gently took the cage, careful not to jostle the occupants.  The apology was genuine.  Tony clearly thought Gibbs expected better of him.  

Gibbs sighed.  He hadn't meant for the comment to be taken as a though he were finding fault.  "Guess I'll have to do it the old fashioned way then."

Tony smiled, a quicksilver shift of emotion from apologetic to amused admiration.  "I'm sure you'll muster through somehow."  

Gibbs grinned savagely.  "Oh, definitely."  He was looking forward to spending some quality time with Henderson.  

Gibbs was pleased to learn that being tightly restrained had a similar impact on Henderson that the rats had on Persun.  The man didn't suffer from a particular phobia, but he wasn't far from it either.  He was more than willing to tell Gibbs anything he wanted to know just to regain less restricted use of his hands.  

The man's desperation didn't amuse Gibbs the way Persun's fear had.  He readily understood and even shared Henderson's desire for freedom of movement.  Any feeling of empathy or compassion though was readily vanquished by the image of Tony on the ground, Henderson standing over him with club in hand ready to take away from Gibbs someone he cared for deeply.

He took his time and made sure he got from Henderson what he needed.  The ledger was a complete accounting of there clients and sales.  Fortunately, Persun and his crew had spent more time stockpiling the weapons than selling them.  Total loss of munitions was far less than it could have been.  

Gibbs had Kate send Henderson back to a cell, sans the restraints.  He also told her to make sure the ATF had a list of what had been sold.  As much as he hated to admit it the ATF would likely have more contacts and be better equipped to track the missing weapons.  With the weapons on the market it would be irresponsible not to involve other government and law enforcement agencies.  

He headed back up to the bull pen.  Gibbs didn't deliberately keep his steps light but force of habit had him moving silently.  He paused to listen.   Everything was nicely focused on business.  That was…disappointing.  He liked catching his team unawares, to keep them on their toes.  He also liked the opportunity it afforded him to watch Tony without having anyone, especially Tony, know he was doing it.

He stepped around one of the cubicle dividers, positioning himself so he could see his team, but they wouldn't be able to see him.  Kate wasn't back yet, and he didn't really expect her for a bit.  McGee was typing, far more slowly than his usual speed.  He kept shooting concerned, vaguely guilty glances toward Tony.  Gibbs frowned, blue eyes studying Tony, searching for what had McGee looking at him that way.

Tony appeared focused on his work, eyes moving back and forth between something on his computer screen and several sheets of paper he had in front of him.  He looked a little pale, but otherwise fine.  Gibbs gaze narrowed, taking a closer look.  Tony's left arm was wrapped around his ribs and there were fine lines of pain around his eyes.  

Gibbs frowned.  The doctor had said Tony should take it easy for a few days, and Gibbs hadn't thought of anything they did today as being particularly strenuous.  But then, Tony had been out of his sight for the last hour or so.  God only knew what he'd been up to.

"Tony?"  McGee called out quietly.  "You sure you're okay?"

Tony sighed.  Gibbs was fascinated to see his entire expression shift, adopting a carefree nonchalance, any evidence of pain fading as he turned his chair to face McGee.  He'd never realized just how good Tony's acting abilities were.

"I'm fine.  No harm done."

"I really didn't mean to-"

Tony smiled.  "Relax.  It's not like you knocked me down a flight of stairs."

"I really didn't see you." McGee insisted, expression earnest, baby face reminding Gibbs of a little boy who'd broken the neighbor's window and was doing his best to apologize.  

"I know."  Tony shrugged.  "Stuff like that happens, McGee.  No one trips on purpose.  Don't worry about it."

"You're sure?"

"I'm sure you didn't mean it."  Tony rolled his eyes.  "If you meant to do it, you'd have hit me harder."

McGee looked surprised and then chagrined.  "I would not-"

"Would too."  Tony waggled his eyebrows.  

McGee snickered, the set of his shoulders relaxing.  "Well, maybe-"

"Knew it."  Tony grinned.  "Hope for you yet, Probie."

"You're sure-"

"I'm fine."  Tony huffed out, waving his right hand in dismissal, looking annoyed.  "Better get that cross reference on the buyers Gibbs asked you for done before he finishes grilling Henderson."

Gibbs saw that has his cue, striding forward to sit at his desk, effectively ending the conversation between Tony and McGee.  He had the gist of what had happened, and while he wasn't happy about it, there wasn't much he could do about it either.  They might fight like siblings most of the time, but Gibbs was confident McGee hadn't deliberately done something to hurt Tony.  

Unless Tony or McGee decided to tell him what happened directly, Gibbs wasn't going to call them on it.  He rarely got involved in disputes, and at this point, there wasn't one.  They'd seemed to have settled the matter without any fuss.  He had to respect their burgeoning friendship at least so far as it improved the working of the team.  The question that he struggled with was what to do about the fact that Tony was definitely in more pain than he'd been when the day started.  

His jaw clenched.  He hated the idea of the younger man in pain.  Gibbs was angry with himself for not remembering to make sure Tony took one of the painkillers or see to it he brought the pills with him.

Gibbs reached for the coffee cup sitting on his desk, considering his options and was surprised to find his drink was still warm.  He took a sip.  Gibbs was disappointed to find it wasn't the one he'd started the day with.  It was his usual.  Damn.  It really wasn't as good at that 'Blue Hawaiian' stuff.  Damn sight cheaper, but not as good.

Gibbs eyed Tony and then McGee wondering which one of them thought to get him a fresh cup.  Tony was not looking at him, attention once more back on whatever he'd been working on when Gibbs had walked in.  McGee was giving him covert glances making it a safe bet it had been the junior agent who'd supplied the beverage.  

From McGee, Gibbs knew it wasn't an act meant to curry favor.  The younger man just wasn't the type---and even if he was, it didn't matter, Gibbs wasn't the sort of man that sucking up bought his subordinates much of anything.  McGee had mostly likely gone on a coffee run for the entire team.  There was a cup on Kate's desk, and one on Tony' as well.

Gibbs spotted Tony's report was on the center of his desk.  Good.  Nothing the younger man had to do today in wrapping up this case that couldn't be done by someone else.  The doctor had said Tony should take it easy for a few days.  

"DiNozzo."

"Yeah, Boss?"  Green eyes met his in askance.

"You're with me."  Gibbs got up, taking his coffee with him.  He knew Tony would follow without question.  He noticed that Tony's limp was just a bit more pronounced than it had been, and he was moving slower than normal.  It wasn't unexpected but Gibbs still hated to see it.

It wasn't until they were in the elevator that Tony's curiosity got the better of him.  "Where we going, Boss?"

"I'm going to talk to Abby."  Gibbs sipped his drink.  "You are going home."  

"What?  Why?"  

"Doctor said you were to take it easy for a few days."

"I can do my job."  Tony's jaw clenched.

"Yes, you can."  Gibbs agreed calmly, projecting his confidence in Tony's abilities in that simple statement.  

"Then why-"

Gibbs held up a hand, cutting off Tony's argument before he really could get started.
He'd known Tony would fight him on going home early.  That's why he wanted the conversation to be relatively private.  "You got your report finished.  Got Persun to give us everything we needed.  McGee and Kate can handle the wrap up.  You are hurting."  He pointed a finger at Tony.  "Don't even try to tell me differently."

"It's no big deal."  Tony waved it off, and Gibbs wanted to shout at him that it was a big deal.  That Tony was too damn important to him for it not to be.  He shook his head.

"C'mon, Boss-"

Gibbs stopped him with a hard look.  He repeated his earlier statement, adding emphasis to make it an order.  "Doctor said you're to take it easy for a few days."

"Not like you've ever followed a doctor's orders."  Tony muttered.  

Gibbs smiled grimly, not denying it.  "Not about me."  

Tony sighed.  Gibbs hated seeing that defeated slump in his shoulders.  He reached out to lightly squeeze the nearest one.  "Don't get used to lollygagging, DiNozzo.  I'm expecting you back up to speed as soon as possible."

Tony nodded, looking resigned but not quite so defeated.  "Okay, Boss."

Gibbs felt like he was kicking a puppy.  Why the hell did doing the right thing always have to be so damn painful?  "Would it help if I promise to make you bust your ass tomorrow?"

Tony's smile was small, but genuine, green eyes shifting from wounded to impish.  "Maybe I should put in for time off then? Ensure a complete recovery."

Gibbs rolled his eyes, pleased that Tony was once again his usual upbeat self.  The rapid change of moods was something he loved about the younger man.  Tony was never down for long.  Gibbs cuffed the back of his head, fingers thrilled to be reacquainted with those heavy, silken strands.  He regretted not have the option of actually running his fingers through Tony's hair but he was willing to settle for having at least this much for now.

They parted company when the elevator stopped.  Tony headed for the garage.  Gibbs watched to make sure he was really going.  He wouldn't put it past Tony to try and sneak back up stairs.  

Satisfied Tony was really leaving, Gibbs went to Abby's lab.  She had been analyzing a number of prints found on the recovered weapons.  He was hoping she might shed more light on any members of Persun's crew they might not have located yet.  

He doubted she'd have anything new to tell him given how quickly and freely Persun had answered every question Gibbs asked.  He snickered just thinking about the man's face.  God.  He'd have to write a commendation for Tony's file.  The rats might not have been regulation, but they were a damn good idea.  And it had been Tony's quick thinking that gave them the evidence they needed to put Persun and his crew away for a long time.  

The rest of the afternoon passed slowly as Gibbs kept his team to work wrapping up the rest of the details of the case.  All the I's were dotted and T's crossed.  He reviewed Tony's report, not surprised to find it thoroughly documented the entire case even as it down played the younger man's role in it.  Verbally Tony might brag about his abilities, argue his right to take the lead on a case, but in his reports told another story.  If Gibbs hadn't known what Tony was personally responsible for, he'd never know from what the younger man wrote.  One more paradox that kept him interested in the enigma that was Tony DiNozzo.

Gibbs sighed in satisfaction at five.  He really wasn't disappointed to be finished on time for once.  He waved off Kate and McGee, pleased to be able to send them on their way at a normal hour for once.

He slid into his car, really wishing there was some way he could get a repeat of last night.  Spending time with Tony had been fun.  He'd found out so much in the space of twelve hours he'd never known, and not just about Tony's childhood.  Hell, he never would have figured the younger man would be so good at something so trivial as Jeopardy or had an interest in history.   Or that he liked ice cream as much as Gibbs and did crossword puzzles in pen.  

He grimaced, wishing he had some legitimate excuse to spend more time with Tony, something that wouldn't make the younger man immediately suspicious or scare him off.  He glanced over to the passenger seat and smiled.  Like a gift from god there sat his answer….the bag of coffee Tony had gotten this morning.  He must have forgotten to take it with him.

Gibbs grinned.  He could drop it off.  Just helping out a friend.  Maybe he should pick up a little dinner along the way.  Wouldn't do to show up empty handed and Tony probably hadn't eaten yet.  He'd never seen Tony turn down food.  It was an easy in and Gibbs had no qualms about taking it.   

Tony sighed, comfortably ensconced on his sofa.  He'd debated with himself for several minutes when he got home before finally deciding to take one of the painkillers.  He knew it was stupid, irrational even to be worried about being coming addicted, but the worry was there nonetheless.  It was one of the main reasons he shied away from any sort of medication.  

Having witnessed his father's steady, near constant consumption of alcohol had firmly cemented Tony's distrust in his own ability to avoid succumbing to some sort of addiction.  And he'd seen enough junkies when he worked as a cop, he never wanted to be one.  Was better not to even start.

But getting hit by McGee, even accidentally, had hurt like hell, and he desperately wanted the relief the painkiller would give him.  So he took one and flushed the rest, not sure if he felt better for taking the pill or getting rid of the temptation.  At least his ribs weren't screaming at him every time he breathed.  

He was genuinely grateful Gibbs had sent him home early, uncertain of his ability to maintain the façade that everything was okay.  It was an accident, and McGee already felt guilty enough.  While he enjoyed teasing the junior agent, even delighted in annoying the other man, he really didn't want to have those wounded puppy dog eyes on him all afternoon.  

Tony started reading, engrossed in his book for nearly an hour before the painkiller made him drowsy.  His reaction to medication was just one more reason to hate taking pills.  At least this stuff didn't make him ill.  

He put his bookmark in place and dropped his book on the floor.  He could pick it up later.  Tony shifted carefully, not wanting to dislodge the gel pack he'd put on his ankle when he settled in on the couch or reawaken the pain in his ribs.  He was warm, comfortable and drowsy.  Staying awake wasn't really an option.  

Tony drifted pleasantly, dozing more so than sleeping deeply.  His eyes fluttered some time later when his sharp ears caught the sound of his door opening.  A faint crease formed between his eyebrows.  He could have sworn he locked the door.  He always did.

"DiNozzo?"

His frown deepened when he recognized Gibbs calling his name.  He'd given the older man a key to his place not long after he'd joined NCIS.  Tony figured it was only prudent to make sure his boss had access to his home.  Gibbs could get in if Tony was sent undercover---water the plants and collect the mail, or more likely have Kate do it.  And if Tony died on the job…well, he figured Gibbs was as good a choice as any to box all his stuff and send it off to goodwill or whatever.  God knew no one from his family would likely give a damn.  To his knowledge Gibbs had never used the key.  

"DiNozzo?"  Gibbs called out again.  

Sitting up he looked over the back of the couch toward the door.  "Boss?"  Gibbs turned to look at him.   "What are you doing here?"

"You left your coffee in my car."  Gibbs held up the white bag Tony had bought that morning.  Tony raised an eyebrow.  Gibbs sounded almost nervous, like he needed an excuse to stop by.  Tony smacked down the surge of optimism that rose thinking Gibbs had just gone out of his way just for him.  

His boss held up a pizza box as though he were making a peace offering.  "I brought dinner."

"No anchovies?" Tony's eyes twinkled.  

Gibbs smirked.  "Since I wanted a piece too…no."

"Don't understand what you have against anchovies."

"You mean besides the fact that they smell funny and are slimy?"

Tony grinned at Gibbs' expression of distaste as he levered himself up off the couch.  He didn't really love anchovies either, but ever since he found out that his teammates actively despised the little fish he'd made a point of ordering them on his pizza to tease the others.  Anchovies weren't the worst thing he'd ever eaten and it was worth it to see that look on the others' faces.  

Tony grabbed the gel pack, motioning Gibbs toward the kitchen.  Gibbs gave the gel pack a pointed look and Tony shrugged one shoulder.  "Just icing the ankle like the doctor said I should."

Gibbs nodded.  "Ribs feeling better?"

"Yeah."  Tony grabbed a couple of plates from one of the cabinets, offering one to Gibbs.  "You want something to drink?"

"Coffee."  

"Right."  Tony chuckled softly.  "Should have guessed that."  He set up the coffee maker, using the coffee from the fridge.  He put it and the bag Gibbs brought in the fridge when done, pulling out a bottle of water for himself.   

"I could have picked up my coffee tomorrow."  Tony tossed out, making it more of a question than a statement, curious to see what Gibbs would say as he turned to look at the older man.  

"Given how much of your supply I of that obscenely expensive stuff I drank while I was here," Gibbs almost looked sheepish, "least I could do was make sure you didn't have to go without tomorrow."

Tony snorted.  "I don't drink gallons the way you do."  He cocked his head to stare at the older man.  If he didn't know better he'd swear Gibbs was fidgeting.  Wanting to ease whatever made the older man seem uneasy, Tony smiled warmly.  "Thanks for bringing it by….and dinner too. Nice not to have to cook."

Gibbs raised both eyebrows.  "You can cook?"

"Up to a point."  Tony admitted.  He usually just ordered take out or picked up something on the way home, but once in a while it was nice to actually make something for himself.  Louisa had even given him a few quick and easy recipes in an effort to encourage him to cook more often.  "Won't qualify as a gourmet, but I'm not likely to starve either."  He cocked his head to one side.  "You?"

"Me, what?" Gibbs frowned.

"Can you cook?"

"Better than average."  Gibbs grinned.  

"Hunh."  Tony sipped his water.  "Might have to make you prove that."

"You doubt me?"  Gibbs expression of overdone wounded outrage made Tony damn glad he'd already swallowed his drink or he'd have risked snorting it through his nose.  He didn't know what was responsible for the older man's uncharacteristically lighthearted demeanor but he was grateful to have the opportunity to witness it.

"Can't make a claim like that and not be expected to back it up, Boss."  He smirked.  "Check and recheck.  NCIS agents don't assume, they verify."  Tony quoted, mimicking Gibbs gruff, authoritative tone easily.  

Gibbs laughed lightly.  It was a nice laugh, Tony decided.  Warm and open.  It was a shame the older man didn't do it more often.  

Tony cleared his throat and tried to ignore how good it felt to be the one to make Gibbs laugh, to see him relax and enjoy himself even if only for a moment.  He reached to put two pieces of pizza on his plate, making a 'help yourself motion' offering the rest to Gibbs.  

"You want to watch TV?" Tony nodded toward the living room as he picked up his plate.  "News should be on."

"I'll be in as soon as I get my coffee."

Tony shook his head.  He wondered how the hell Gibbs slept at night drinking so much coffee.  Tony usually stopped drinking anything with caffeine by mid-afternoon or he found himself tossing and turning half the night.

He settled in on the couch, turning on the news.  Tony was secretly thrilled when Gibbs came in and opted to sit next to him rather than in the recliner.  Gibbs' shoulder didn't quite touch his, but he was closer than had to be.  Close enough that Tony could feel his body heat.  He could easy smell that delightful blend of coffee and spice, the fragrance of wood not quite absent but only a trace remained, a clear indication that Gibbs hadn't worked on his boat recently.

Tony was struck by how oddly normal all this seemed.  He rarely hung out at his place with anyone.  Dates were usually out at a club, a restaurant, the movies, never just a simple night at home in front of the TV.  Most of his long term friends lived out of the area so when they got together there were places to go, sites to be seen, things to do that involved more than spending time at Tony's place.  

He wondered if he should be worried, unconsciously anticipating something going wrong and upsetting this delicate balance.  It wasn't like he and Gibbs were really friends.  Some days he wasn't sure the other man even liked him.  Mentally shrugging, Tony decided to just go with it and enjoy the camaraderie while it lasted.  

"Everything wrap up with the case okay?"  Tony asked as he finished off his second piece of pizza.

"I's dotted.  T's crossed."  Gibbs nodded.  

"We get anything new?"  

"Not yet."  Gibbs delicately nibbled his pizza, tongue working to pull the hot cheese smoothly into his mouth.  Tony had to look away.

He used his empty plate as an excuse to get up.  "You want more?"

"I'm fine."

Tony initial reaction to that statement was to look the older man over with a leer and agree, but he stifled it.  He slapped down the small voice in his head that told him to push it, to find out for sure the other man really wasn't interested.  At the moment it still seemed preferable to just suffer by being close to Gibbs than to be fired.  H could always get another job, but as cliché as it sounded Tony wasn't so sure he'd be able to survive without at least seeing Gibbs every day.  

He headed into the kitchen and refilled his plate with just a nod to Gibbs.  Tony took a deep breath, releasing it slowly as he stifled the moan that wanted to escape as his ribs reminded him what a bad idea that was.  If nothing else, Tony thought ruefully, that little bit of pain definitely works to keep me in line.  

He headed back to the living room.  The nightly news was nearly finished.  "Think Jeopardy is on if want to watch that."

"Sure."  Gibbs agreed easily.

Tony sat down again, unconsciously narrowing the earlier gap just a little more.  He aced the category on geography, answering all but one.  Gibbs got that one, giving Tony a satisfied smile when he said, "What is Kuwait?".  

Tony bumped Gibbs shoulder with his own.  "Helps that you've been there."

Gibbs shrugged.  "Were you ever to Peru?"
  
That had been the answer to the previous question.  Tony shook his head.  "Closest I've ever gotten has been courtesy of the Discovery Channel."  

Gibbs raised an eyebrow, blue eyes shifted to stare pointedly at the bookshelf.  "You've got a few books on it too."

"Like reading about the Incans.  Amazing civilization."  Tony sighed.  "Wouldn't mind going to see the ruins some day."  He hesitated to say anything more.  The last thing he wanted was for Gibbs to ridicule or belittle his interest in archaeology the way his father had.    His father had been certain Tony wasn't smart enough to pull of 'such an intellectually demanding occupation', and thought Sully indulging him was a complete waste of time.    

"Always wanted to go to Chaco Canyon myself."  Gibbs commented philosophically, sipping his coffee.

"Really?"  Tony grinned, excited by the prospect Gibbs might have even a passing interest in something he found fascinating.  "I've been to Mesa Verde."

"Been there too."  Gibbs smiled.  "Sort of the reason I wanted to get to Chaco Canyon, just haven't had the time."

"You got plenty of vacation time on the books, Boss."  It was something of an open secret at the office that Gibbs hadn't taken a vacation in years.  

"Well, I sort of thought the experience would be better if I had someone to share it with."

Tony nodded.  He told himself he was being stupid for reading too much into the way Gibbs made eye contact when he said 'someone'.  There was no way he could mean Tony.  

Tony bit his lip, hating himself for what he was about to say.  "You could take your lady friend."

"Lady friend?"

"The redhead."  Tony kept his voice neutral, careful not to give away anything.  He tried not to be jealous of that woman, tried not to resent her or hate her.  He didn't know if she was someone special to Gibbs or not.  Hell he didn't even know her name.  

"Michelle?  She's an old friend but not someone I'd want to go see Anasazi ruins with."

"Old friend with benefits?" Tony asked, not sure if he was glad to have a name for her or not.

Gibbs snorted.  "Michelle has never been interested in me that way."

Tony had trouble believing anyone who'd ever meet Gibbs didn't find him attractive.  "But you-"

"Never thought of her that way either."  Gibbs shrugged.  "Not once I found out she's a lesbian.  Sort of made thinking about hooking up with her pointless."

"She's gay?"  Tony tried not to sound happy about it.  She wasn't competition.  

"Yep."

"How long have you known?"

"About a year after we'd met and she introduced me to her girlfriend, who also happened to be my second wife's sister."  Gibbs chuckled.  "They broke up about the same time we did actually."

With a long time lesbian friend, it was reassuring to know Gibbs likely wouldn't see anything wrong with Tony's bisexual tendencies.  At least he no longer ran the risk of being fired if Gibbs found out he 'played for both teams'.  That had been a real fear with more than one of his bosses in the past.  

It was one of the reasons he was always careful to firmly cement his 'skirt chasing ladies man' persona in the minds of his coworkers.  He'd damn near blown that over the incident with Voss, but in hindsight it had worked out better than he thought.  Kate and McGee were totally convinced that kissing a man had grossed him out, that he was close to being a confirmed homophobe.  

Abby knew differently, having run into him at a club one night.  She thought he should just be honest, but understood his fear and agreed not to say anything.  Her Goth attire, hyper nature and numerous tattoos had incited similar biases before.  If she hadn't been so good at her job some of 'the powers that be' would likely have pressed for finding a reason to dismiss her.  Abby was about as close to irreplaceable as anyone Tony had ever met, but he knew they could find someone else to take his place in a heartbeat if they wanted.  

He figured Gibbs was just as fooled as Kate and McGee, something he wasn't sure if he should regret or not.  Just because Gibbs was tolerant of alternate lifestyles didn't mean he'd care to actively participate in a relationship with Tony.  

The commercial break was over and Tony couldn't decide if he was relieved or disappointed that Gibbs attention was once more back on the game show.  He would loved to have continued their discussion but knew better than to push it.  Tony was used to finding out about the older man in bits and pieces.  In some ways it reminded him of doing a crossword puzzle, answer to one clue got him close to the answer of another.  The bit of mystery was one of the things that made Gibbs so interesting.  

Their scores stayed essentially even until the final round.  Tony knew the answer, Gibbs didn't.  He couldn't quite resist looking smug, delighted to get one up on his boss, even if it was as pointless as knowing on minor bit of trivia.  

He lightly bumped Gibbs shoulder.  "Beat you."

Gibbs rolled his eyes.  "They call it trivia for a reason."

Tony chuckled.  "You're just sore because you lost."

"Last night was a tie."  Gibbs pointed out, surprising Tony.  He hadn't realized the other man had kept score.  "Really should do a best out of three."

Tony smiled.  "I'd like that."  He wasn't going to pass up another chance to spend a relaxing evening like this, even though he doubted it would actually happen.

He got up, holding out a hand for Gibbs' empty plate.  "You want more?"

"No."  Gibbs followed him into the kitchen.  "I should…ah…I should probably go."

Tony was surprised by how reluctant Gibbs sounded.  He bit back the instinctive urge to ask him to stay.  He nodded, following Gibbs to the door.  

The whole thing felt like the end of a nice date.  Tony smiled.  Gibbs gave him a look, the same one he got at the office that demanded an honest answer.  Tony shrugged, unable to not give Gibbs what he silently asked for.  "Feels like I should kiss you good night."

Gibbs smiled, such a warm and soft smile Tony had never seen before.  "Maybe you should."  Before Tony had the chance to process that as a real statement and not just a tease, Gibbs lips were pressed against his.  

The kiss started out light and delicate like the touch of a flower petal.  He sighed, opening his mouth in response to the hesitant nibbling, the tentative request for entrance.  Tongues met, like old friends saying hello after a long time apart, natural and easy.  

Coffee was the dominate flavor of Gibbs mouth….coffee and something uniquely Gibbs.  Tony tilted his head for a better angle, desperate to get more of that tantalizing, addicting flavor.  He instinctively raised his hands to cup Gibbs' face, wanting to keep him from breaking the kiss even though the other man didn't seem intent on pulling away.

He didn't resist the arms wrapping around him, reveling in the added contact.  Tony wanted to be closer, to connect as completely as possible before this impossible moment ended.  His hands moved to slip through Gibbs' hair, thrilled to let the silver strands caress his fingers.  It was a bit coarser than his own, fingers cataloging the differences even as he enjoyed the simple freedom of being able to touch.  

The need to breathe broke them apart.  Tony opened eyes he didn't remember closing to stare at Gibbs stunned expression.  He immediately backpedaled, heart pounding in sudden fear as he continued to back away until he bumped into the wall.  

"Oh shit."  Green eyes impossibly wide as what he'd just done sunk in.  "Sorry, Boss.  Sorry….That was….I didn't mean-"

His desperate babbling was cut off when Gibbs stepped forward, placing one finger against his lips.  "DiNozzo…Tony, look at me."  

Tony stopped trying to find an escape route and reluctantly met piercing blue eyes.  He expected anger, disappointment, maybe even insulted dignity in Gibbs gaze.  Instead, the older man looked calm, maybe even a touch relieved.    

"It's okay."

Tony pulled his head back, trying to escape Gibbs feather light touch. He could sympathize with how deer must feel caught in the headlights of a car.  Gibbs moved closer, effectively pinning Tony against the wall, halting any further efforts to escape.  He raised a hand moving to cup Tony's cheek.

"It is okay."  Gibbs repeated, voice gentle.  "I kissed you, remember?"

"But…you didn't mean it….couldn't mean it." Tony swallowed hard.  It had to have been a joke.  There was no way Gibbs could have meant for the kiss to get that out of hand, for it to have been what it became.  Tony had fucked up again, acted without thinking.

Gibbs smiled, expression a blend of affection and amusement.  "Why do you think I didn't mean it?"

"Because…" Tony made a frustrated gesture with one hand, as though trying to latch on to something he could verbalize effectively.  "You've been married three times!"

"And you've chased a lot of woman."  Gibbs' thumb stroked his cheekbone, the action calming him as much as the gentle tone.  "Doesn't mean a thing."

"You don't even like me."

"Where the hell did you get an idea like that?" Gibbs frowned, shaking his head.  "Don't answer that."

Tony smiled sardonically, understanding all too well why Gibbs didn't need an answer.  "Second 'b' is for-"

"Bastard."  Gibbs finished that sentence for him with a sigh.  "Ducky's right.  I really do need to learn how to communicate better."  He muttered as he shook his head.  Gibbs rubbed the back of his neck in a nervous gesture Tony had never witnessed before.  It was more reassuring than anything the older man had said.  Tangible proof the Gibbs was at least a bit unsettled by the kiss---maybe not as much as Tony, but still not as in control as he normally was.

"Look…can we sit down?  We need to talk."

Tony nodded, waiting for Gibbs to head back into the living room before following.  He took a seat on the opposite end of the couch facing Gibbs.  He watched him, still a bit wary despite Gibbs earlier assurances that it was okay.

Gibbs took a deep breath, and Tony nearly smiled to see him square his shoulders.  Whatever the other man had to say it was clearly something he was bracing himself for.  
Blue eyes captured his, Gibbs expression earnest.

"I've been attracted to you almost from the day we met."

Tony brow creased.  He had trouble picturing that, but Gibbs had never lied to him before.  Omitted details now and then, but never outright lied.  

"It's been a long time since I was interested in another man.  Years in fact."  Gibbs shrugged one shoulder.  "And there you were….handsome, intelligent, funny.  Hell, I smiled more in the first two months you were on board than I had in the two years prior."

Tony absorbed that bit of knowledge silently.  He couldn't decide if he was flattered he'd managed to strike a chord in Gibbs or disappointed that he'd never noticed doing so.  

Gibbs held up a hand, ticking points off on his fingers.  "You're my subordinate… technically off limits.  You're fifteen years younger than me.  I suck at relationships.  And you didn't seem interested in guys, although, I got the feeling the whole 'skirt chaser' bit was more of an act."  Gibbs shrugged.  "Couldn't see you not catching what you went after."

Gibbs leaned forward slightly.  "With all that….action on what I felt seemed…like one hell of a risk.  I tried to just ignore it, repress it, redirected it…anything.  I kept hoping it would go away eventually."

Tony swallowed hard.  No one he'd ever dated stayed interested for long.   Eventually they all moved on to someone who could give them whatever it was Tony inherently lacked.  It hurt to hear Gibbs say he actually wanted that interest to wan, actively worked to kill it.   

If what Gibbs said was true, his attraction to Tony had already lasted longer than anyone else's ever had, and they hadn't even gotten close to having sex. Maybe that was why Gibbs kissed him.  Eliminate the temptation and thereby erase any appeal it had.  There was only one way to know for sure

"So this was," Tony waved a hand back toward the door referencing the kiss without actually mentioning it, "just an experiment on your part?"  His throat hurt.  "A way to exorcise the demon?  Force those feelings you mentioned to go away?"  

"No." Gibbs shook his head, reaching to ensnare one of Tony's hands, entwining their fingers.  "That was about me seeing an opportunity and for once in my life not wasting it.  About finally screwing up the courage to risk being rejected.  To suck it up and find out if my being older really mattered.  To say the hell with rule twelve."

Gibbs squeezed his hand. "I kept trying to figure out what would be the perfect time when I finally realized there wasn't going to be one."

"What exactly are we talking about here?" Tony asked.  He didn't want to misunderstand what Gibbs was really after.  He had no trouble thinking Gibbs just need to relieve a little tension.  The man probably wasn't looking for anything more than that.  "You just want a fuck buddy…that it?"

"No."  Gibbs snorted.  "Never been all that good at casual.  Bit too old fashioned."  His lips quirked upward in the ghost of a self-deprecating smile.  "Or more likely a bit too possessive."  His gaze assessed Tony.  "I want more than being a fuck buddy.  Pretty sure you want more than that too."

Tony bit his lower lip.  What he wanted never mattered. "It won't work."

"Why not?"  Gibbs stared at him.

Tony sighed silently as unbidden a quote about the definition of insanity came to mind, 'trying the same thing over and over again and expecting a different outcome'.  His own mother hadn't loved him and his father barely even acknowledged him any more.  None of his girlfriends ever hung around for more than two months.  And his experience with male lovers amounted to one night stands.  Sex was all they'd ever wanted, all he had to offer, and Gibbs just said he wanted more.  The older man thought he sucked at relationships, but at least he'd gotten three women to say 'I do'. Tony hadn't even gotten anyone to agree to six months.

"If you weren't interested, you wouldn't have kissed me back."

"Never said I wasn't interested." Tony shook his head.  "I said it won't work."

"Why not?"

Tony was tempted to tell him the truth, but he'd never really won an argument with Gibbs before, so maybe it would be better to let him find out on his own.  Tony could have the silent, petty satisfaction that came with 'I told you so'.  If he was lucky, he'd get that and a few good memories out of it when it was all said and done.   He was being offered what he'd dreamed about for so long, and even though he was sure it wouldn't last, he was willing to risk the heartache he knew would come of agreeing to this, just to have what he wanted for a little while.

"You're sure about this?" Tony asked instead of answering Gibbs question.  
.  
Sky blue eyes held his easily.  "Never would have kissed you if I weren't."

Calling himself a fool for even considering this, Tony nodded. "Okay."

"Okay?"  Gibbs eyes lit up.

"I'm game if you are."  Tony smiled, pleased to know his answer made Gibbs happy, even if only for the moment.  He'd probably be game long after Gibbs decided to call it quits.  He just had to make sure Gibbs didn't know that.  He silently vowed when Gibbs said enough already he'd let him go without making a fuss, or acting like an idiot.  He wouldn't be some sort of clingy, stalking psycho like Gibbs third ex-wife had been for the first year after the divorce.

Gibbs leaned in, narrowing the gap between them.  Like the first kiss, this one started out gentle, sweet.  And to Tony's surprise it stayed that way, a promise of more to come rather than a passionate declaration.   It was one of the most powerful things Tony had ever experienced.  

Gibbs pulled back, resting his forehead against Tony's.  He smiled, blue eyes sparkling in a way Tony had never seen before.  "I know you don't believe me."  Gibbs whispered.  "Know you think I'm going to change my mind.  That I'm going to mess it up and this is probably a huge mistake."  

Tony opened his mouth, not sure if he should admit to his doubts or deny them.  Gibbs once more placed one finger against his lips.  Gibbs pulled away to place a kiss on his cheek.  "It's okay.  I get it."  He spoke softly, breath tickling Tony's skin.  "We'll make it work.  Together."

Tony closed his eyes.  "I'm not good at this."  He needed Gibbs to know that.  Wanted him to be prepared.  When things went south, it had always been his fault.  

"Neither am I."  Gibbs kissed his cheek again.  "Maybe we can teach each other."  

Tony opened his eyes when he felt Gibbs pull back.  With anyone else, he'd have invited them to spend the night, acted on that sparkle of interest, feeling of mutual attraction, that low grade background hum of arousal.  Gibbs smiled and shook his head.  

"Dinner tomorrow night.  My house."

"What?"

"Dinner."  Gibbs smile broadened.  "I'll prove it to you I can cook."  He lightly squeezed the hand Tony had forgotten he was even still holding. "We take it slow.  Do it right."

Tony blinked.  He found himself smiling back.  "You think slow is the way to go?"  He couldn't help the innuendo that laced his words, his voice unconsciously dipping a bit lower, taking on a roughness.

"Definitely."  Gibbs shivered, pupils dilating.  Tony loved knowing he had that effect.  He liked feeling the older man's pulse jump when he stroked his thumb across his palm.

Gibbs sighed, and slowly disentangled their fingers.  He cleared his throat. "I should go."

Tony chuckled.  "I think that's where this got started."

Gibbs laughed.  "True."  He stood up and leaned down to place a light kiss on Tony's forehead.  The gesture should have felt paternal, but it was decidedly more intimate.  "You're ribs aren't up to more."

"Think you should let me be the judge of that."  Tony argued.

"No."  Gibbs shook his head, one finger running down Tony's forehead, over his nose to rest on his lips.  "Want it to be about pleasure, not enduring pain.  Want us both to have a good time….not just me."

Tony shivered, responding not just to that strangely erotic caress but also the Gibbs declaration.  No one had ever cared that much.  He pursed his lips to kiss that fingertip before dipping his head slightly, accepting Gibbs decision.

Gibbs stepped away.  "I'll see you at the office tomorrow."

Office.  Oh shit.  "About that…..We'll have to play it cool there, right?  Nothing changes.  No one knows, right?"  

Tony didn't want the others to know anything about this.  Kate would no doubt think he was trying to sleep his way to the top.  McGee would probably see it as a desperate bid to stay on the team since the rest of them had skills Tony couldn't hope to match.  Abby would be delighted, happy for him, not seeing the inevitable end as clearly as Tony could.  And Ducky would likely tell some long winded story that had no bearing on the situation at all.  But when Gibbs broke it off, Tony knew it would be a lot easier for him to act like everything was normal if the others never knew things had ever been any different.  

Gibbs hesitated, sharp eyes measuring him.  Not wanting the older man to think he was ashamed or embarrassed, Tony latched on to an earlier statement Gibbs had made about why he hesitated to act on his feelings.  "You're still my supervisor.  Director would take me off the team or fire me if he found out."  Tony shook his head.  "Not worth ruining your career over, Gibbs."

Gibbs frowned.  "Don't give a rat's ass about ruining my career."  His gaze narrowed.  "But if that's how you want it-"

"It is."

Gibbs nodded slowly.  "Nothing changes at the office."

Tony nodded, breathing easier, grateful Gibbs had agreed.  He didn't really think Gibbs career would suffer.  The man was damn near a legend at NCIS, but that didn't mean he wouldn't take some flak for getting involved with a subordinate, especially a male one.
 
"Walk me out?"

"Sure."  Tony got up and followed Gibbs to the door.  He wasn't sure what to expect this time, but the warm embrace wasn't it.  He found himself relaxing into it, head resting on Gibbs shoulder as he soaked up the feeling of safety, comfort and welcome.  If he could spend a lifetime in the circle of Gibbs arms he would.  

He didn't know how long they stood there, entwined, breathing in sync, before Gibbs pulled away.  "Dinner at my place. After work."

"You want me to bring anything?"

Gibbs grinned.  "Ice cream."

Tony smiled.  "Sure."    

He leaned against the door after Gibbs left.   He chuckled to himself.  At least things in his life were never dull.  He wondered what Sully would have made of this new development.  He had no trouble picturing her grinning, green eyes so much like his own alit with eager anticipation.  She'd say 'go for it', 'nothing ventured, nothing gained'.  Maybe she was right.  He sure as hell hoped so.

Gibbs hit the alarm clock and sat up without opening his eyes.  He sighed and rubbed a hand over his face, yawning tiredly.  God, he hated sleeping alone.  He'd had spent one night in Tony's bed and he already missed it.  

He smiled.  Last night had gone so much better than he'd hoped.  It made him feel foolish for not taking the risk a lot sooner.  He snorted, amused in spite of himself as words his grandmother told him came back to him, her voice just as clear in his memory as if she were in the room with him.  

"Leroy Jethro Gibbs, you are such an impatient child.  Things happened in their own time, in their own way.  When it's ready, you'll get it.  And not before."

At the time she'd been talking about his trying to filch a cookie fresh from the oven, and she'd smacked his knuckles with the wooden spoon she wielded with an accuracy his drill instructor would have envied.  But Gibbs was beginning to see where that bit of advice had more use than just in the kitchen.  It had taken him three failed marriages to realize that sometimes rushing ahead wasn't the best option or the wisest course of action.

He already knew rushing would ruin what he was trying to achieve with Tony…and he now had an even better idea of why.  He sighed and shook his head, remembering the file that had been waiting when he got home.  Good as his word, the documents Sam had promised to send were all there.  Gibbs couldn't believe it hurt more to read than it had been to listen to Sam's recitation of the details.  But then he hadn't had the pictures to go along with that laundry list of abuse.  

God.  Gibbs rubbed at his eyes wishing he'd gotten more sleep.  He'd seen war, atrocities and crime scenes that still gave him nightmares, but nothing had ever affected him as much as one picture of Tony DiNozzo as a child, sporting a split lip and black eye.  Those world weary green eyes far too old for that young face, looking back at the camera with an odd blend of defeat and defiance in his expression just made Gibbs chest hurt.  There was no mistaking the resignation there, the knowledge that this would happen again, and that no one was going to do a damn thing about it, that no one really cared enough about him to bother.  

Christ.  He'd seen that bleak look before on the faces of orphaned children in war torn Bosnia, and it hurt to think Tony had ever looked like that.  Fragile wasn't a word he'd ever thought to associate with Tony, but Gibbs was beginning to understand he shouldn't confuse resilience and determination to survive with being unbreakable.  

Tony had been hurt, more than just physically.  Gibbs saw that for himself in the way the younger man had doubted him last night, had been briefly frozen with fear.  He knew Tony expected him to abandon him in the future, to walk away like everyone else had, to hurt him and not see anything wrong with having done so.  Well that wasn't going to happen.  Come hell or high water, for once in his life Gibbs was going to get it right.

He shook his head, forcing his hands to unclench from the painfully tight fists they curled into, and levered himself out of bed.  Gibbs dressed in his running gear and headed out for his usual jog.  The early morning routine cleared his head of remaining cobwebs.  

Ordinarily he didn't push as hard as he used to.  He understood all too well the toil his age had taken and that he couldn't match what he did at eighteen, but today he drove himself ruthlessly, trying to banish those pictures from his mind.  He wanted to work out the rage at Tony's family, at anyone else who'd hurt him before he got to the office.  It wouldn't be right to unleash all that anger on innocent bystanders.

He was gasping for breath when he finished his run, his knees loudly complaining.  Gibbs grimaced.  He really should know better than to do that.   But at least he wasn't quite so pissed any more.

Showering for work, he realized in some ways Tony's strength of character was far greater than he'd given him credit for.  The younger man could easily have internalized all what had happened to him, becoming sullen, angry and hostile to women in general---an abuser in his own right.  Tony used humor more often than not as a weapon rather than his fists, seldom lashing out in anger.  He treated women with more respect than distain, although Kate saw his behavior as juvenile and demeaning to women, Gibbs doubted any of the women Tony dated saw it that way.  And the younger man retained a measure of confidence and more than his share of backbone that made him damn good at his job and a good fit for Gibbs' team.  

Gibbs shaved and got dressed, sipping at his ever present mug of coffee.  Mastering the timer on his coffee pot still ranked as one of his best technological achievements.  His coffee was ready every morning when he got back from his run.  

He'd already decided on the dinner menu.  An old fashioned meat and potatoes sort of meal, the kind he was fairly certain Tony hadn't gotten much of and would honestly appreciate.  Gibbs grinned a he got out the crock pot.  

There was nothing better than a slow done roast. It was something his grandmother had taught him.  Virginia Gibbs, Ginny to her friends, never used a recipe, but if you were willing to spend the time in her kitchen she'd show you how to cook.  Gibbs learned how to cook intuitively, following her example of just doing something until one developed a feel for it.

He'd let the roast marinate overnight, careful to season lightly.  Tony didn't seem mind spicy food, but Gibbs didn't want to risk ruining their first meal together---well, their first as a date.  He couldn't help grinning at that thought.  

He was whistling as he drove to work.  Pulling into the parking lot he sobered as he took the spot next to Tony's Jeep.  The younger man didn't want anyone at the office to know.  And while he was sure there was more to that request than the reason Tony had vocalized last night, Gibbs had agreed and he intended to respect the younger man's wishes.  

He took a deep breath and then another, removing all traces of his good humor from his face.  He'd never walked into the building smiling before, starting now was bound to draw unwanted attention.  Gibbs grabbed his cup of coffee and headed in, greeting the security guard the way he did every morning.  

Taking the elevator up to the right floor, he was glad Tony was usually there early.  He'd get the chance to see the younger man alone before the others got in.  He fought to curb the smile that thought engendered.  His effort was wasted when he spotted a cup with Manny's label on the side sitting on his desk.  

He glanced around, frowning when he didn't see Tony.  He relaxed when he saw the younger man strolling around the corner from the general vicinity of the rest rooms.  Tony's lips curled upward in an easy smile.

"Morning, Boss."

Gibbs tipped his head, smiling slightly.  "Morning, DiNozzo." He wanted to say more, to move closer, but Tony made the smallest shake of his head.  Green eyes looked up, darting toward where the security camera hung from ceiling.  For the first time Gibbs resented the security that was intended to keep the building safe.  

Some days he agreed with Abby's assessment of 'Safety sucks.  A little risk is so much better than having someone looking over your shoulder all the time'.   But he'd agreed to beefed up security after Ari, it would be hypocritical to get pissed about them now.  Gibbs sighed and nodded infinitesimally, letting Tony know he got the message.

Resigned to business as usual, Gibbs headed for his desk.  He tossed his still half full coffee cup in the trash in favor of the one Tony had placed on his desk.  Tony grinned but didn't comment as he went to his own desk, booting up his computer.   

McGee was the next to appear.  Tony greeted him cheerfully, but Gibbs gave him little more than a grunt of acknowledgement before asking fore the cross reference he'd assigned the junior agent yesterday.  He knew he was a bastard for enjoying seeing McGee get flustered and try to explain why he hadn't managed to finish it.  There was just something so entertaining about making people squirm.  

"I want it in an hour, McGee."  Gibbs ordered, effectively ending the computer expert's dithering.  

He didn't miss the looks that McGee and Tony traded.  Gibbs wondered just what the hell that was about.  He frowned, as Tony went back to focusing on whatever he was working on.  All he had to do yesterday was finish his report and that was done before Gibbs had sent him home.  

The cross reference was necessary, but tedious.  The background check on names mentioned in Persun's ledger would take time, and two people working on it would make it much easier.  Gibbs hadn't prohibited cooperation on the task, but he hadn't suggested it either.  He was confident McGee hadn't asked for help, which meant Tony had offered.  

Gibbs wondered just how long the two younger men had been helping each other.  He knew that lately they were getting along better, working as team more so than in the past, but he wasn't clear on the extent.  He reined in that instinctive knee jerk reaction of jealousy.  McGee was not competition, Gibbs reminded himself forcefully, he was dating Abby.  Although, how the hell anyone could ignore Tony's appeal was beyond Gibbs.  

Gibbs shook his head and focused on clearing paper off his desk.  He signed his own report on the case, filing it with Tony's, Kate's and McGee's.  He sipped his coffee, appreciating the flavor, giving Tony a quick smile before moving on to the next order of business.  He barely acknowledged Kate's arrival.  

Gibbs knew his just being at his desk stifled the normal back and forth banter between his staff.  Sometimes he hated knowing that he cowed them somewhat, although never completely.  At other times was damn glad they knew better than to goof off in his presence or at least not get so carried away they forgot to knock it off when he told them to.  

Gibbs finished off a commendation for Tony's file, ready to submit to the director.  He grinned internally, wondering what the younger man's reaction would be if he knew this wasn't the first one Gibbs had entered in his file.   His good humor vanished as he considered the fact that Tony didn't know Gibbs had officially documented just how good a job he thought the younger man did at least five times.  Given that they were now 'dating', Gibbs realized he couldn't say anything.  He knew Tony well enough to know what the younger man would assume….the commendations were not genuine, they were just a means to an end.  Tony would overlook the dates as being unimportant.  He'd seen enough backdated documents to make those meaningless.

Gibbs grimaced.  He'd traversed mine fields with greater ease than this.  He glanced over to watch Tony covertly, a skill he'd had to master two days after the former cop started working for him.  He couldn't help but take in the masculine beauty of the younger man, the graceful movements as he typed, the intent expression as he studied what was in front of him----Gibbs nodded to himself.  Tony was worth it.  

Gibbs went back to 'killing trees', wanting to clear as much off his desk as possible.  Never knew when they might get a call.  And it kept him nicely focused on not spending his time just staring at Tony, which was clearly far more preferable, but not nearly as productive.  It wasn't like he didn't have practice in keeping himself focused on the job and away from the younger man.  He'd been doing it since Tony was hired.

He glanced up when McGee appeared in front of his desk.  "Yeah?"

"The cross reference you asked for."  McGee offered him what looked like a spread sheet.  "Most were known arms dealers….legitimate, the more shady operators, and those suspected or convicted by other agencies in the past five years.  Not much new there."  McGee cleared his throat.  "There are a handful in Persun's ledger that may just be starting in the business or---"

"More likely simply haven't popped up on someone else's radar before now."  Gibbs finished for him.  "Good job, McGee."

McGee nodded, smiling, the set of his shoulders relaxing.  "Thanks, Boss." Gibbs mentally contrasted McGee's reaction to that brief compliment to Tony's usual response.  McGee reminded him of a puppy eager to please, tail wagging when he got it right.

"Touch base with ATF and local law enforcement on these possible neophytes.  I'm sure they'll want to know if there are new players out there."

"Already on it, Boss."  Tony pointed to his computer screen, giving Kate a smug smile.  Kate shot him a dirty look.  

Gibbs had told her to give ATF a heads up on the weapons-serial numbers, as well as makes and models.  By all right she should have followed up with the rest.  Tony had probably gotten the idea when he'd offered to help McGee with the cross reference.  It was always possible someone new would pop up, someone that should be watched in the future but would likely fall outside their jurisdiction.  It's why he wanted McGee to check the names in the first place.  

Gibbs smirked slightly, but didn't say anything about Tony beating Kate to the punch. The younger man played up brownnosing from time to time, but Gibbs understood that was more to tease and compete with Kate and McGee than any real effort to curry favor.  Tony never really tied to parlay his good work into any favors or special treatment.  The former Marine didn't really mind their competition, or efforts to impress him since more often than not it resulted in his people excelling at their jobs.  
        
Gibbs was torn between wishing they'd get a call, anything to keep busy, and being glad the phones remained silent.  He didn't want a case to interfere with his plans for the evening.  It had been ages since he had plans that involved more than just working on his boat.  He was looking forward to dinner with Tony.  

Gibbs shook his head, trying to remember the last time the clock had moved so slow.  He could now better understand Tony's propensity for watching the clock on Fridays.  God, it was going to be a long day.  

Gibbs grimaced at his coffee cup, disappointed to find it empty.  He was going to have to drink the weak-as-well-water shit in the break room or walk down to the coffee shop on the corner.  At least the walk would get him outside, give him a chance to do something that got him away from the temptation of Tony.  He got up and caught Tony's amused glance.  He pointed a finger at the younger man, knowing the smile lurking around his mouth and eyes ruined the warning effect.  

Tony tipped his head in an abbreviated bow.  It was an oddly refined gesture, something that would have been right at home in Victorian England.  It was a reminder that Tony's background was not just affluent, but old money.  While he didn't do them very often, those gestures of casual courtesy and polite respect were probably ingrained from the time he learned to walk; there was no other way to execute them with such innate grace.  Learning them as an adult always made them seem forced, planned rather than natural.  

Fortified with another cup of coffee, biggest one he could buy, Gibbs headed back to the office.  He didn't consciously sneak in, but he did lighten his step as he got closer to the bull pen.  He learned a lot by eavesdropping.

"Meditating again, Tony?"  Kate asked dryly.  Gibbs could see her eyeballing Tony's desk.  He couldn't see Tony from where he stood, but Gibbs had no difficulty picturing what the younger man was doing.  He still had trouble figuring out just how he could actually balance himself in the chair that way; somehow the younger man managed.

"Yes, Kate."  Tony answered, his voice just a bit deeper than normal.  It wasn't quite as deep or rough as Gibbs knew it got when Tony just woke up, but it still made the older man shiver in response to it.  It might be what he sounded like as he drifted off.  

"You should try it some time."  Tony sighed, softly, a sound of contentment that Gibbs wouldn't mind hearing again.  "Might help loosen you up a bit."

Gibbs sipped his coffee, privately agreeing that Kate could do with learning how to relax.  She took things way too seriously.  He supposed it was a side affect of guarding the president, of having a single purpose objective.  God knows he never wanted his job to be so limited in its focus.  
        
"You know Gibbs will be back soon." McGee tossed out.

"I know, Probie."  Tony sounded like he was smiling.  "Five bucks says he's already in the building.  Another ten says he's already on our floor."

McGee glanced around, smirking.  He obviously thought he'd be getting one over on Tony. "Done."

Gibbs shook his head.  Fools bet.  Although, how exactly Tony knew he was there was definitely something he wouldn't mind knowing.  Sneaking up on Tony was getting harder to do all the time.  

Gibbs strolled out into the open where he could be seen.  He suppressed the urge to smile at McGee's disappointed expression.  Gibbs had no doubts on who would be buying Tony's lunch today.  

Tony rotated easily in his chair, sitting up like he'd never been prone.  He didn't look guilty, but then, he hadn't been doing anything wrong so there was no reason he should.  Gibbs noticed a slight hesitation in Tony's movements.  His ribs probably still bothered him, and likely would until they healed completely.

Gibbs was grateful they hadn't gotten a call.  Tony was desk bound until cleared for field duty.  Gibbs grimaced realizing it would be three weeks, maybe four, before Tony cleared to do more than ride his desk.  He hated the idea of leaving the younger man behind.  

Mercifully the day came to an end.  No calls.  No last minute meetings.  Nothing to keep Gibbs from enjoying the evening he had planned.  

He glanced at the clock.  "Okay people…go home."  He wondered if he ought to mark the calendar.  Two days in a row they were going to leave on time.  

Kate gathered up her things, and not for the first time did Gibbs wonder why she needed so much stuff.  Or why the hell she didn't just leave a bag at the office the way he did.  He shook his head.  Three failed marriages had proven to him rather concretely he knew nothing about women.

McGee followed her out, no doubt having planned something with Abby.  Gibbs privately thought they made for an odd couple.  Abby was far more of a free spirit than McGee appeared to be.  But he must have something to hold her attention, and Gibbs couldn't argue with that.  

Tony shrugged into his jacket.  Gibbs walked with him to the elevator, unconsciously walking in step with the younger man.  He hadn't gotten to ride up with him that morning, but going down with him wasn't a bad choice.  And there were no cameras in the elevator.  He'd made sure of that.  There had to be one place in the whole damn building where he could have a private conversation.  

He was tempted to stop the elevator, but resisted.  He smiled when Tony reached out to do it for him.  An impish grin lit up the younger man's face before he leaned in and kissed Gibbs.  

The kiss didn't last nearly as long as Gibbs would have liked.  He growled when Tony pulled back.  Gibbs followed, pushing Tony against the wall, pinning him there as he dove in to see if he could find the tonsils Tony's medical records said had been removed.  

Tony moaned, and Gibbs stepped away quickly recognizing more pain than passion in that sound.  Oh shit, he'd forgotten…three cracked ribs.  Pinning Tony like that had to hurt.  "Sorry, Tony…Shit, I didn't mean-"

"It's okay, Boss."

"I didn't mean to-"

"I know that." Tony reached out and cupped his face, green eyes warm as they met Gibbs' sky blue counterparts.  Tony's touch and expression were as reassuring as his words.

 "Kind of does nice things for my ego."  Tony waggled his eyebrows, grinning.  "Maybe I can get you to forget your name next.  Wanna try?"

Surprised laughter bubbled out of Gibbs.  "Yes.  Not just yes, hell yes."

Tony leaned in and ever-so-gently warm, moist lips met Gibbs'.  The kiss was soft, but no less passionate for that.  He opened his mouth to suck Tony's questing mouth into his own, reveling in the taste of the younger man.  It was weird letting someone else control the kiss, but Gibbs found himself enjoying it nonetheless.  There was just something so damn erotic about stolen kiss, a cheap thrill he hadn't let himself indulge in for years.  

He was dizzy and panting when Tony ended the kiss.  Lord.  He had to reach to rearrange himself, pants uncomfortably tight.  Gibbs could feel his face warming a bit as Tony watched him, a faint smirk appearing.  He couldn't remember the last time he'd gotten hard so fast from just from a kiss.  

"Glad I'm not the only one." Tony said with a sly smile.   

Gibbs licked his lips, trying to recapture the lingering flavor.  He watched Tony's eyes follow his tongue, pupils so large as to make his eyes seem black.  Was probably a damn good thing they hadn't ridden up in the elevator together.  He'd have never made it through the day.

His throat suddenly felt incredibly dry.  He reluctantly stepped back, not wanting to risk losing control again.  Tony gave him a wry smile, and Gibbs felt better knowing the younger man understood.  

Gibbs cleared his throat and started the elevator again.  "So….you are still coming to my place for dinner?"

"Yes."  Tony chuckled.  "Still have to find out if you really can cook."

Gibbs found himself laughing lightly.  Leave it to Tony to ease tension and make things normal again.  The younger man had a gift for doing that.  Gibbs had appreciated it on a professional level, often recognizing when Tony ran interference when he was pushing too hard and keeping things from getting out of hand.  He shook his head, never thinking he'd find himself grateful for that skill on a personal level.

"What flavor of ice cream to you want?"

Gibbs blinked.  He'd forgotten he'd even asked Tony to bring any.  He gave the younger man a sly look.  "Surprise me."

Tony grinned.  "Think I already did that."

"Well, then doing it again shouldn't prove to be too difficult."

Tony snickered.  "You are so easy."

"But I'm not cheap."  Gibbs countered as the elevator doors opened.  "I'll be expecting you in an hour."

Tony nodded.  He still looked a bit uncertain, but not nearly as scared as he had last night.  Gibbs thought that was progress.  He just had to work on convincing Tony that the risk was worth the reward, that he wasn't going to walk away.  Gibbs knew good things took time.  He nodded once to himself, reaffirming what he'd thought earlier….Tony was worth it.  Now he just had to convince Tony of that.

Tony neatly laid the utensils on his now empty plate, and sat back with a soft sigh of satisfaction.  The last thing he'd ever expected from Gibbs was an old fashioned, meat and potatoes sort of meal.  Although, in some ways he probably should have.  It had been delicious.  It was the sort of meal he'd seen Harriet make for Ozzie in reruns he'd watched a hundred times but until now something he'd never actually had himself.

"You get enough to eat?" Gibbs stood, holding his own plate and eyeing the one Tony had

Tony chuckled, offering his plate to Gibbs.  "Any more and I'll burst."  He finished off the last of the wine that Gibbs had poured for him. When Gibbs held up the bottle in a silent offer for more, Tony shook his head.

"So, can I cook?"  Gibbs asked, a teasing glint in his eyes as he poured for himself a another glass of wine.

"Well, I can say for certain that you can make at least one superb meal." Tony grinned.  "Can't confirm yet that your cooking skills are actually better than average.  Not enough evidence."

Gibbs gave him a speculative look, a smile hovering about his mouth as he sipped his wine.  "So another dinner together must be in order."

"So it seems."  Tony tipped his head in agreement.  He'd enjoyed both the meal and the company and would love to make a habit of this, but he wasn't going to say so out loud. In spite of his decision to go with the flow, to enjoy this while it lasted, he still worried he'd do something or say something to jinx it.  

Thinking now was a good time to change the subject, Tony glanced toward the basement door.  "You make much progress on the boat lately?"

"You want to see it?"

"I'd love to."  Tony had only seen the boat once, about a year after he started working for NCIS.   Back then it was little more than a skeleton, just a frame that had yet to be fleshed out.  Until now he'd never felt comfortable enough to ask to see how much progress Gibbs had made since then.

"You know anything about boats?"  Gibbs asked as he waved Tony to follow him to the basement.

"If a little knowledge is a dangerous thing, then I verge on lethal when it comes to boats." Tony said with an easy smile.  He'd gone sailing a time or two. And Sully had been fascinated by wooden ships, taking him to see everything from Viking dragon boats to the USS Constitution.  But he knew little about practical construction of a boat.  

He let out a low whistle when he saw how much progress Gibbs had made.  Tony could now easily envision what the boat would look like when it was finished.  He reached out hesitantly to touch the wood, wondering if it was as smooth as it looked.  He halted his reach, looking askance at Gibbs, seeking permission before taking liberties with something so obviously important to the other man.

Gibbs smiled.  "You can touch her."  

Tony ran his fingertips lightly over the wood, following the grain.  It was as smooth as glass.  He wondered just how long it took to achieve that finish without the benefit of power tools.  

"You have a name for her yet?"  He asked.

Gibbs shook his head.  "Will wait to name her until she's finished.  Bad luck otherwise."
        
Tony chuckled.  "Never took you for a superstitious sort, Boss."

Gibbs lightly smacked the back of his head, the gesture morphing into a gentle caress as fingers found their way through his hair.  Tony sighed, enjoying the touch.  He unconsciously shifted his weight, silently asking for more.  

He tilted his head forward when Gibbs fingers found their way to the back of his neck.  Tony was genuinely surprised when the older man stared a light massage, both hands moving to work his shoulders.  He moaned when strong fingers found a tight spot, and worked out the tension.  

"I'm only going to give you the rest of my life to stop that."

"A lifetime."  Gibbs chuckled warmly.  "Like the sound of that."

Tony smiled, sighing softly as Gibbs continued the massage.  "You're good at this."

"I've had practice."

Tony frowned.  He knew he wasn't Gibbs first.  Hell, he'd even met two of his ex-wives.  And it wasn't as if Gibbs was his first either, far from it in fact, but it still hurt to be reminded that the older man had done this for someone else.  

"You okay?" Gibbs asked, his hands still.

"Fine."  Tony summoned up a smile before turning to look at Gibbs. He didn't want his moment of insecurity to ruin whatever was growing between them.  

 
He glanced around the basement, looking for and finding a way to change the conversation.  "How the hell are you going to get her out of here when you get her finished?"

Gibbs shook his head, biting his lower lip.  "When I started her, I just needed something to focus on.  Something to get my mind off---"  He trailed off, shrugging one shoulder.
 
Tony figured out easily enough what Gibbs needed to get his mind off...ex-wife number three.  He made a small sound of comprehension, encouraging Gibbs to continue speaking.  

Gibbs lightly stroked the boat.  "Just sort of got started, and wrapped up in the details of the whole process."

Tony nodded.  "Lost sight of the big picture."  Gibbs gave him a sheepish look, making Tony chuckle.  "Wouldn't be the first person that's happened to.  Sort of doubt you'll be the last."

"I do have a plan."  

Tony arched an eyebrow.  "A plan." He repeated.

"Yeah."  Gibbs nodded.  "Basement was originally supposed to be a garage."  He pointed to the far wall.  "Just have to take that out, and frame it for doors."  

"And the need to get the boat out will prompt that eventual remodel?"

Gibbs laughed.  "Well, no real hurry to have a garage.  Its waited this long."  He shrugged, hand moving to once more stroke the boat.  "It's taken me two years to get this far on her....might take another two before I get to the point where I have to worry about getting her out and on the water."

He smiled softly, hand once more moving to lightly curl around the back of Tony's neck.  "Good things take time."

Tony shivered, unable to stifle the ripple of pleasure at the implication in Gibbs statement.  Maybe this would work-or at least last for far longer than he expected.  Tony snickered internally, his inner voice observing, 'the man just spent more than two years working on a life size ship in a bottle, can't say he doesn't have experience with the power of persistence or lacks endurance'.  

He asked Gibbs about the building process, curious about how the parts he saw lying around would become part of the whole.  He found himself enjoying just letting the older man talk freely, surprised by how eloquent Gibbs could be, hands moving to practically diagram his words as he indicated what went where and why.  It was fun to see him so animated.

"No nails?"  Tony observed.

"No." Gibbs held up several wooden pegs.  He looked a bit sheepish.  "Wanted to do it all the old fashioned way as much as possible, right down to the very last detail."

Tony chuckled.  "You got this obsessive compulsive thing down, don't you, Boss?"

Gibbs snorted, blue eyes twinkling.  "An attention to detail is not a bad thing."

"Guess it depends on what details you are paying attention to."  Tony looked at Gibbs coyly from under his lashes.  

He didn't resist when Gibbs backed him into the boat, gently leaning up against him in a move that held him in place but didn't put any pressure on his still healing ribs.  He sighed, enjoying the careful ravishing of his mouth.  As Gibbs' tongue thoroughly and completely mapped every bit of his mouth, Tony had to agree that attention to detail was definitely a damn good thing.

Gibbs hands' moved to wrap around his wrists, pinning his arms when Tony wanted to move things further than just kissing, pulling at the older man's shirt trying to get it to the skin beneath.  He got the message, relaxing and letting Gibbs take control and set the pace.  Tony found himself enjoying this unhurried exploration, no pressure to do anything more.  It brought up fond memories of necking as a teenager in the back seat of his father's car, back when kissing was the goal, before he really had the guts to do any more.  

When Gibbs moved his attention from Tony's lips to his neck, Tony tipped his head back to give him greater access.  He shuddered when Gibbs found that spot under his ear.  Tony whimpered when the older man nibbled there before soothing that tiny hurt with lips and tongue.  

Tony widened his stance, hips rocking against Gibbs in a lazy rhythm.  The friction felt so good.  He moaned, deep in his throat when the older man sucked hard on his neck.  That was bound to leave a mark.  And he knew it was deliberate, not an act of careless passion when Gibbs growled, 'mine'.

Tony tried moving his hands again, but Gibbs tightened his hold.  He lifted his head enough to make eye contact with Tony.  "Stay still." Blue eyes darkened with what Tony recognized as guilt.  "Don't want to hurt you again."

 "I...won't break...Boss."  Tony argued, trying to control his breathing.  His sense of control felt about as substantial as wisps of fog.  

"Wanted to take this slow."  Gibbs whispered, voice hoarse.  "Wanted to do it right."

Tony smiled.  "From where I stand, you haven't done anything wrong yet."

Gibbs raspy chuckled ghosted over his skin as a nearly tangible thing.  He rested his forehead against Tony's.  "You could tempt a saint to sin."

"That a good thing?" Tony asked, enjoying the feel of Gibbs leaning against him. He felt less like he was going to burst into flames, but no less aroused.  There was something so damn grounding about being near Gibbs, something he'd never experienced before.

Gibbs sighed. "I want to-"

"So do I."

Blue eyes held his, so close, so intense in their gaze.  "You sure?"

"Oh yeah."  Tony executed a sensual roll of his hips, rubbing their groins together, pleased when Gibbs' eyes drifted closed in an expression of exquisite pleasure.

Gibbs nodded once, decisively.  "Let's take this somewhere more comfortable."

Tony breathed out a silent sigh of relief.  He was half afraid Gibbs was going to say no.  

Gibbs linked their hands, placing a kiss on Tony's knuckles.  "We do this my way."

Tony smirked.  "Is there any other way?"

Gibbs laughed lightly and tugged him toward the stairs.  Tony followed eagerly, trailing after Gibbs all the way to his bedroom.  Gibbs flipped on a bedside light, giving Tony his first look at the other man's private domain.  

He wasn't surprised to find the room tasteful, definitely masculine.   The furniture was all Mission Style, simple and elegant, and about what he'd have expected from Gibbs.  Nothing like the gaudy, French inspired furniture Tony's mother had favored.   Solid, muted colors created a feeling of comfort and relaxation.  He was grateful there were no busy floral patterns that his step mother had added to nearly every room once she started decorating the house. This was not a room any of Gibbs' ex-wives had a hand in decorating.  

Gibbs worked the buttons on his shirt, placing kisses on each bit of newly exposed skin.  He knew Gibbs had spotted the rather impressive array of bruise still darkening his torso when the older man gasped, hands stilling.  Tony cupped Gibbs face, tilting it upward so he could make eye contact.

"It's okay."  

Gibbs searched his face.  "Maybe we should---"

"Shhh."  Tony kissed him.  "I want this."  He smiled, moving one finger to trace a line from Gibbs forehead, over his nose, to rest on his lips just like Gibbs had done to him the night before.  "I need this."

Blue eyes searched his face and Tony held his breath waiting.  Gibbs smiled and then nodded.  He went back to undoing Tony's shirt.  Soft kisses were carefully placed on each bruise, as though Gibbs was trying to erase or diminish their presence with his lips.  Tony swallowed hard.  No one had ever shown him that much care and attention.

He gasped when Gibbs lightly sucked on one nipple.  His hands rose automatically to hold the other man in place, chest arching into that wonderful sensation, trying to encourage more.  He shuddered when Gibbs fluttered his tongue, teasing taut flesh before applying his teeth just enough for the contrast between soft and wet and hard and wet to register.

"God."  Tony ground out, hands clenching tightly in Gibbs hair when the other man subjected his other nipple to the same treatment.  

Worried he might have unintentionally hurt the older man, he forced himself to uncurl his fingers.  Tony ran them through Gibbs silver strands in a soothing gesture, smiling when the older man sighed. The sound reminded Tony of a purring cat.  He did it again, committing that sound of pleasure and contentment to memory.

With shaking fingers, Tony worked to divest Gibbs of his clothing.  He was suddenly desperate for that sense of connection he'd only ever found in skin to skin contact.  He was delighted to have free rein to roam over Gibbs' chest, pleased to find the older man was nearly hairless.

"You feel so good."  Tony whispered, awed.  He'd always known Gibbs was in good shape, but he'd never expected him to be so solid or his skin so soft.  It was like caressing steel wrapped in silk.  

"Glad you approve."  Gibbs' raspy chuckle, was another thing he committed to memory.  The older man nipped his earlobe before sucking on it.  "Bed. Now."

Gibbs backed away toward the bed, leading Tony there with a soft smile.  He pushed down the dove gray comforter before lying down.  He gave Tony what had to be the most sensuously look he'd ever gotten.  Gibbs patted his thigh in an inviting gesture.

 "C'mere."   

Tony grinned.  He lowered himself slowly to cover Gibbs completely, leaning in to kiss him.  Tony took his time, exploring that tantalizing mouth all over again.  Gibbs tasted as good as he felt.  

He moaned when Gibbs rocked against him, their hard cocks brushing against each other.  Tony wanted more of that delicious feeling.  He found himself effortlessly following the pace Gibbs had set.  

He growled in frustration.  It wasn't quite enough.  He wanted more.  Needed more.  

"I want you to fuck me."

Tony froze, staring at Gibbs wide-eyed.  "You want-"

"You. To. Fuck. Me." Gibbs repeated, punctuating between each word with a kiss.  

Tony grinned.  "Somehow that wasn't....quite what I thought you meant...when you said we'd be doing this...your way."

Gibbs smiled slyly.  "Disappointed?"

"Disappointed, no....surprised, yeah."  Tony's voice dipped an octave just thinking about it. He didn't miss Gibbs reaction to his voice.  "You want me to talk dirty to you?"

Gibbs groaned, eyes closing.  He nodded jerkily.  "Please...god...you can say anything you want...just keep talking."

"So you want me to fuck you, Sailor."  Tony rolled his hips, nibbling on Gibbs throat.

"Yes."  That one word came out as one long hiss.

"Face to face?"  Tony tried to ignore how good it felt to have Gibbs hands on his ass, kneading him and all but begging him to keep moving.  "Back to front....doggy style?"

"Too damn old to...bend far enough for face to face."  Gibbs sighed, regret coloring his tone.

"Not too old."  Tony countered, kissing the older man sweetly.  Christ guys half his age weren't as in good as shape as Gibbs was now.  

"On our sides?"  He suggested, wagging his eyebrows.  "Can still see me.  And I want to see you with my cock buried in your ass."  He whispered roughly.  "See you when you lose it."

Gibbs shuddered, a small whimper escaping him.  He was already moving, sliding out from under Tony.  Tony knew the little shimmy the older man did was a deliberate tease, not something done just to make changing positions easier.

Tony lightly swatted Gibbs ass before running his hand up and down the older man's hip in a calculated caress.  He'd noticed earlier the hollow of his hip was a personal hot spot for the older man.  Tony used his thumb, massaging that erogenous zone in slow, steady circles.  

"I need something slick."  Tony nuzzled the back of Gibbs' neck.  "You got anything?"

Gibbs nodded jerkily.  "Nightstand."  

Tony reached for the drawer, grunting when his ribs protested the stretch.  That little twinge wasn't enough to stop him.  He snagged the handle, pulling it open and reaching inside.  He grinned as found the lube and condoms.  

He left the lube lying on the bed while he made quick work fo the condom.  Lots of practice came in handy there.  He hadn't had sex without 'protection' in years.  He'd had too many partners not to be careful.

Tony held the lube, offering it to Gibbs.  "You want to do the honors....or do you want me to?"  He leaned in to nibble on the pulse point he could see throbbing Gibbs' neck.  "I could stretch you out....get you ready....make you squirm...hold you near the edge."

He loved feeling Gibbs' heart rate jump, hear his breath catch, his whole body almost quivering with eagerness.  "Just say the word."  Tony whispered.  "Tell me what you want...Jethro."  He honestly couldn't remember if he'd ever used Gibbs first name or not, but he didn't want to call him by his surname while they were naked.  

"God."  He could feel Gibbs swallow hard.  It was so damn heady to know he was having such an effect on the older man.  It was only fair-Gibbs had the same effect on him.

"You....do...it." Gibbs turned his head, bringing there lips together in a sloppy, passionate kiss.   
                
Tony popped the top on the lube, slicking his fingers with a generous amount.  Gibbs bent one leg at the knee, tilting his hips to give Tony easy access.  That willingness allayed any doubts he might have had that Gibbs really wanted this.  

Not wanting to rush this, Tony rimmed Gibbs tight entrance getting another of those purring sighs for his trouble before he penetrated with one finger.  He shivered thinking out having that tight heat surrounding him.  Tony bit his lip to distract himself.  He wanted this to last, wanted them both to get there together.  

The little mewling sounds Gibbs made when he added a second finger nearly undid him.  He had no idea the older man could sound like that.  So damn needy, so eager.  God.  He shivered when Gibbs raised a hand to cup the back of his neck, playing with his hair.  

"Want you in me."  Gibbs managed to make that sound as both a plea and an order.  

"You sure?"  Tony didn't want to move to fast and hurt the other man.  Given Gibbs' reaction, Tony knew he wasn't a virgin to this.  He was way too eager and knew how to relax into it for him to be a virgin.  But Tony had no idea how long it had been since Gibbs had done this, and he was willing to bet it had been awhile.  

"I'm sure."  Gibbs' smiled, blue eyes nearly black with passion.  "Please."

There was no way to resist that.  Maybe 'please' really was a magic word.  Tony tilted his head to taste that smile, not at all surprised to find it just as sweet as it looked.  

He used his already slick fingers to slick his leaking cock.  He pinched the head just hard enough to take the edge off, to ease back from the brink a bit.  Tony had been so focused on Gibbs he'd lost sight of just how close he'd gotten.  

He pressed in slowly, drawing out that exquisite pleasure for both of them.  "So hot...god, Jethro...so tight....damn good."  

Gibbs rocked back, encouraging Tony to go faster, deeper.  It reminded Tony of dancing.  Although, in this case he really had no idea who was leading.  It didn't matter.

He reached around to stroke Gibbs cock, matching his stroke to the rhythm they'd established.  He could hear someone moaning and it took him a moment to realize it was him.  The soft little pants and whispered words of encouragement, 'harder, faster, deeper', were coming from Gibbs.

Tony could feel small tremors ripple through Gibbs.  Muscles clenching and random spasms. Those seemed to touch off something inside him, like an erotic feedback loop.

He ducked his head, nuzzling Gibbs neck.  He breathed in deeply.  Spice, sawdust, coffee and musk.  If he could bottle that scent, he'd make a fortune.  
  
"So close....Tony...don't...please...don't stop."

He couldn't stop even if he wanted to.  And god knew he didn't want to.  The tingling at the base of his spine started, the harbinger of his own climax.  

Their joined pace picked up, the timeless action taking on an urgency as they neared completion.  Tony tried to slow down, control his breathing and make this last, but Gibbs wouldn't let him.  The older man continued to push the pace, and Tony had no choice but to match him.  They shared another kiss, tongues mimicking their other more intimate actions.

Gibbs broke the kiss, a soft cry of Tony's name as he came, warmth coating Tony's hand.  That sense of being caught in a feedback loop remained as Gibbs climax triggered his own.  Tony cried out silently, his throat so tight it was nearly painful as he came.  

They lay together, panting in unison.  Tony would almost swear their heartbeats matched.  It was the singularly most powerful moment of his life.  Rather than scare him, he felt nothing but awe, and a fierce desire to experience this again.

He sighed, and reluctantly withdrew, already regretting the loss of that intimate union.  Tony raised his hand and licked it clean, eyes closing as he took in the flavor, enjoy the unique taste.  He stopped when Gibbs gasped, freezing in place.  He glanced up, green eyes silently asking what was wrong.

"You got to promise me not to do that when I'm in no position to do anything about it."

"Hunh?"  Tony looked at him in confusion.

"That is the most erotic thing I've seen in a long time."

Tony looked away, embarrassed and flattered at the same time.  He wasn't sure what to say or do.  He hadn't felt that confused since he was a teenager.  

He looked up when he felt a light touch under his chin.  "Relax, Tony.  It's not a bad thing."  Gibbs gave him a sweet, nearly chaste kiss.   

"Okay."  Tony chuckled, already feeling the tension and uncertainty draining away.  He shook his head, realizing just how conditioned he was to following Gibbs orders.  He yawned, belatedly covering his mouth.  

"You have a change of clothes in the car?"

He blinked.  "Always.  Why?"

"So you're staying the night?"

Tony's brow furrowed.  "You want me to?"  Somehow he hadn't really expected that. Although, he wasn't sure why.  

"Yes, I want you to."  Gibbs smiled, fingers moving to smooth Tony's brow.  

Tony nodded.  He really wanted to stay, to snuggle in with Gibbs.  Wanted to recapture that feeling of safety and security he'd gotten from just sleeping with the other man.  

Gibbs pulled away from him.  Tony immediately thought that the other man had changed his mind.  He must have made some sound, given away his disappointment in some fashion because Gibbs turned to look back at him.

"Just need to get something to clean us up."  Gibbs reached out to cup his face, thumb caressing his cheekbone.  "I'll be back in a minute."

It took less time than that for Gibbs to clean them up, dispose of the condom and settle back into bed.  He opened his arms and Tony willingly snuggled in, head resting on Gibbs shoulder.  He kept waiting for this to feel awkward, to feel nervous, but the overwhelming lassitude and naturalness of it made it unbelievably easy to just relax into Gibbs hold.  

Tony felt Gibbs tip his head to place a kiss in his hair.  He smiled, slipping easily into a boneless state.  He could get used to this.  

Gibbs' eyes opened abruptly and he searched the dark bedroom seeking what had brought him out of a sound sleep.  He focused, fighting off the lethargy that made his limbs heavy and mind sluggish.  His cell phone was ringing.  Damn.  That had to be work related.  He reached for where his phone lay on the nightstand.  

He snapped it open, wanting to turn off the ring tone before it could disturb Tony.  He didn't quite bark his name as he normally did, but the quiet tone didn't mask his terseness.  Whoever was on the other end had to know he wasn't pleased.  

"Sorry to wake you, Gibbs."  

He could almost see her wincing.  With Tony on desk duty until the doctor cleared him, she was on call.   Gibbs smirked thinking at least Tony always sounded wide awake when they got an early morning call.  Kate sounded even less alert than Gibbs, like she was the one just woken and not him.  

"We've got a case."  Kate sighed.  The way her voice drifted from the phone Gibbs guessed she was getting dressed.  Why the hell she didn't wait to call him until she was ready to leave mystified him.  

"Where?"

"Hotel room in Newport, Virginia.  Body of Marine Lance Corporal Kevin Hembury was found after an anonymous 911 call."

Gibbs nodded, sighing regretfully.  He lightly patted Tony and tried to move away.  The younger man mumbled and shifted to pull him in closer, nuzzling Gibbs chest in a way he found decidedly distracting.  He tried to roll away, determined to put enough distance between them so he could concentrate.  Tony made a soft sound of distress and Gibbs immediately stopped his efforts to put space between them.

"Shhhh...S'okay."  He ran his fingers through Tony's hair.  "It's all right.  Just the phone."  It wasn't until Kate went completely silent that he realized she'd heard him talking to Tony.

"Sorry, Gibbs, I didn't mean to interrupt anythin-"

"Save it Agent Todd."  He scowled.  There was no way she could know who he was with.  Tony hadn't said enough to make his voice distinguishable, or even allow her to identify the gender of who Gibbs was with.  Gibbs wasn't ashamed or embarrassed, but Tony had asked that the rest of the office not know, and he'd agreed to respect that.  

"You call the others?"Gibbs asked, bringing himself on task, making sure Kate's focus stayed on the case where it belonged, and off his personal life.

"Not yet."  The 'sir' was implied.   "Thought you'd want to know first."

"Good."  He lightly placed a finger on Tony's lips when the younger man raised his head to look at him, eyes open and curious.  "Call them.  Have everyone at the office in twenty."  Gibbs shut the phone, terminating the connection in his usual curt fashion.

"Where's your cell phone?"  He asked Tony before removing his finger.

"Should still be on my belt." Tony answered without hesitation.

Gibbs was glad Tony could go from sound asleep to wide awake in a second.  It was a good skill to have.  "Kate's going to call."

Tony nodded.  He rolled smoothly to his feet with a fluid grace Gibbs couldn't help but envy.  The younger man had his cell phone in hand just as it started ringing.   He let it ring again before flipping it open.

"Yeah?"  Tony rubbed at his eyes, yawning.  "It's four in the morning, Kate, most people are asleep at this hour."  He nodded his head, smiling at something she said.

 "Twenty minutes?" Tony sounded incredulous but looked amused.  "Yeah, yeah, I'll be there."  

He snapped his phone shut, laughing lightly.  Tony pointed his finger at Gibbs.  "You really should work on those deadlines, Boss."

"They motivate people."  

Tony snorted.  "More like scare them shitless."

Gibbs shrugged.  He wasn't going to apologize for using what worked.  He wanted results from his team, and setting tight deadlines usually go them.  

He sighed regretfully, eyes lingering on Tony's naked form.  He wanted more time to appreciate the masculine beauty before him.  Gibbs had envisioned his day starting out so differently, especially given how the previous night had ended.  He silently cursed Kate.  Even though he knew it wasn't her fault, he already decided she'd get the shit detail on this job.  

"Don't do it."  Tony's statement interrupted his thoughts.

"What?"

"She's just doing her job, Boss."  Tony pointed out as he slipped into the pants he left on the floor last night.  Gibbs was once more momentarily distracted, mesmerized by the ease and fluid grace that marked every movement the younger man made.  He'd never seen anyone make getting dressed a turn on before.  Tony had a gift for turning the most mundane activity into something decidedly erotic.  

Tony bent to grab his shirt from the floor, and Gibbs swallowed hard.  He tried not to look at the younger man's ass, but failed miserably.  When Tony pulled on his shirt but didn't button it, Gibbs curled his hands into fists to keep from reaching out to touch.  That bit of skin, lightly covered in hair was somehow even more enticing than it was when totally exposed.  

"If you want to make Kate's life miserable, wait until she's actually done something wrong."  A quicksilver grin appeared as Tony buttoned his shirt, deftly tucking it into his pants.  "Pretty much a given she or McGee will piss you off for a good reason before this case is solved."

Shaking his head to dismiss his wandering thoughts, Gibbs arched an eyebrow.  "And you won't?"

Tony grimaced.  "Not while I'm riding a desk."

Gibbs frowned, dressing quickly.  He had a feeling he was going to hate Tony's being trapped at the office almost as much as the younger man would.  He'd come to rely on the younger man being there.  Tony often made insightful observations.

He wanted to tell Tony that, but had a feeling the younger man wouldn't believe him.  He was more apt to ignore the compliment the way he did all the others.  So instead, Gibbs said, "I wouldn't bet on being behind a desk as being enough to keep you out of trouble."

Tony shrugged, green eyes shifting away from him.  "Keeps things interesting."

Not liking the other man's tone, Gibbs stepped forward.  He cupped Tony's face with both hands.  "I like interesting."  He declared firmly before kissing Tony.  

He moaned when Tony opened his mouth, readily granting Gibbs access.  How the hell Tony could taste so good first thing in the morning was just one more mystery that fed Gibbs' fascination with him.  He ravaged that sweet mouth, reveling in the way Tony melted into him.

Tony pulled back and Gibbs growled, resenting the loss of contact.  He only just managed to keep himself from reaching out to clutch Tony to him.  He hadn't forgotten the reason the younger man was on desk duty, or that he'd hurt him before when he lost control in the elevator.  

"Wish you'd set a longer deadline."  Tony sighed deeply, expression full of regret and disappointment.  "Can't start this when we don't have time to finish."

Gibbs nodded, reluctantly agreeing with both statements.  He really should have given them more time.  "Next time."  Gibbs whispered, kissing Tony again, gently, almost chastely.  "I'll make sure we have plenty of time."

"Next time?"  Tony grinned, green eyes aglow with delighted pleasure.  It was a look Gibbs rarely saw, and wouldn't mind seeing more of.  

The former Marine was glad Tony clearly realized the significance of what he said.  This was not a one time thing.  He never intended for it to be, but Gibbs wasn't sure Tony got that.  At least the younger man was beginning to understand.  Convincing him would take time.  Undoing the damage done by his parents and family wouldn't happen over night.  Gibbs wasn't worried.  He'd already signed on for the long haul.

Gibbs patted Tony's face, smiling gently.  "There will definitely be a next time, DiNozzo."

Tony eyes dipped shyly, a bit of color rising in his cheeks.  He cleared his throat.  "We...ah...we better get going."

"Yeah."  Gibbs sighed.  "To work, to work, to buy a fat pig."

"Home again, home again, jiggity, jiggity, jig."  Tony laughed lightly.  "Never would have figured you for a nursery rhyme, Boss."

Gibbs raised both eyebrows.  "Never would have figured you to know that one."  

Tony shrugged.  "Dated a girl who was an education major.  She loved those things."

Gibbs nodded, ignoring the reference to the former girlfriend.  He had people in his past too, he wasn't going to hold Tony's against him.  Unless one of them made an appearance that challenged him in some way for Tony, then all bets were off.  

His first wife thought he was jealous of anyone who spoke to her or even smiled in her direction.  But then Gloria never understood what being a 'harmless flirt' meant.  She always flirted with the intention of having it go somewhere.  And Gibbs thought his suspicions were justified when he found out she was cheating on him.

They headed to the office in their respective vehicles.  Gibbs shook his head wondering how he could miss having Tony ride in with him when the younger man never had.  Maybe the next time he'd find a way to work it out so they could have those last few moments together.

Gibbs shivered in the early morning chill as he got out of his car and headed inside, studiously not looking toward where Tony had parked.  He waited inside though, unable to resist having the chance to ride up in the elevator.  Tony smirked at him as he went through the metal detector and nodded to the security guard on duty.

"Going my way, Sailor?"  Tony didn't quite whisper the question as he joined Gibbs at the elevator, but pitched it low enough only the other man could hear him.

"Always."  Gibbs affirmed, with the barest of smiles.

He was sorely tempted to push the emergency stop but didn't.  If they didn't have time at his house they really didn't have time in the elevator.  He looked at Tony and the younger man gave him a sympathetic, understanding smile before turning away to face the doors.

Gibbs was somewhat surprised to see Tony's expression and stance change.  It was subtle, but the younger man was almost visibly putting on his game face.  Gibbs was once more confronted with the knowledge that Tony was more complex and capable of playing far more roles than he'd ever expected.  Even though he genuinely liked and enjoyed the persona the former cop adopted at the office, Gibbs was damn glad he'd had the chance to meet the real Tony DiNozzo.

Kate was at her desk.  Her hair was up in a pony tail that Gibbs knew was done for the sake of simple expediency rather than fashion.  He'd never understood, given some of the disgusting things they'd encountered on various cases, why she didn't wear her hair up more often.  But he'd long since given up trying to figure out why women did anything.

She nodded to him, unable to make eye contact, a delicate blush dusting her cheeks that wasn't the result of makeup.  Gibbs found that amusing, biting the inside of his cheek to keep from laughing.  He narrowed his eyes, not quite glaring at her, but making sure she knew he wasn't happy.  It was a look he'd given everyone of them on more than one occasion.  

"You have a summary for me yet?"  Gibbs asked.  When Tony got a call he always pulled together as much information as possible.  Having it ready for Gibbs when he got in.

Kate blinked.  "I...ah...I don't know much more than what I'd told you over the phone."  She straightened her shoulders just a bit.  "Marine Lance Corporal Kevin Hembury was found dead in a hotel room after a 911 call this morning around 2 a.m.  First responders were paramedics from Newport General Hospital and the local police.  An officer Reilley called when they found his wallet and service identification card inside."

Gibbs grunted, and arched an eyebrow, pleased to see her flush darken with a different sort of embarrassment.  He wasn't being deliberately nasty or unreasonably cruel by insinuating Kate hadn't done a thorough job.  She hadn't.  The person on call was responsible for pulling together preliminary information so that the team arrived on the crime scene with as much detail as possible.  What she'd just supplied was far from sufficient and he was making sure she knew it.

When Kate had initially come aboard she'd made no secret of the fact that she thought it ludicrous that a former cop, with no special training, technically outranked her.  Gibbs wondered if this morning might not prove to be a wake up call for her in more ways than one.  If she was going to be working as his right hand man, then she was damn sure going to be up to the same standards he held Tony too.

"You've got five minutes, Agent Todd."  He tipped his head to her.  "I'll have my coffee by then and I expect you to have more to tell me."

He strode away, heading for the break room.  Just as like it was aboard ship, the coffee pot was never empty at the office because the office was always open.  A skeleton crew held down the fort after hours most days.  

He got his cup and took his time, mentally ticking off the seconds.  He'd given her five minutes, she'd get the full time allotted.  Next time she'd know better to take the five minutes before she called him and be prepared when the team arrived.  

"How do you like being on call, Kate?"  Gibbs couldn't see Tony smirking but he could hear it as he left the break room.

"At least I'm not wearing the same clothes I was yesterday." Kate sounded snippy.  "Never make it home, DiNozzo?"

Tony's soft, throaty laugh sent shivers up Gibbs spine.  He loved that sound.  He hesitated, waiting to hear Tony's rejoinder to Kate's comment.  

"Yeah, well, some of us have lives."  Gibbs could see Tony's desk from where he stood and didn't miss the mischievous expression lighting up Tony's face as he turned away from his computer to look at Kate.  "Oh, and they may be yesterday's clothes, but at least I got all the buttons in the right holes."

She looked down at herself, looking back up with a glare.  "Leave it to you to notice that."

"Attention to detail Agent Todd." Tony shrugged one shoulder.  "And you've got ten seconds to have something for Gibbs."

Her jaw tightened, lips pursing in annoyance but she didn't say anything else.  Gibbs stepped back into the open, sipping his coffee.  Kate was saved from his asking for her progress report by the appearance of McGee.

"You're late."

"I'm....sorry, Boss, but...there...it wasn't..."  McGee's shook his head, squaring his shoulders.  "It won't happen again."

"Good."  Gibbs nodded accepting what should have been the first words out of the junior agents mouth.  He wasn't interested in excuses.  Unless McGee's being late had something to do with the case, it wasn't important.  

"Tony...I want a copy of that 911 call and everything you can get me on our victim."  Gibbs directed calmly.  "McGee get the truck ready to go.  Kate...You can brief us on the way.  Ducky will be right behind us, I'm sure."

Kate grabbed her purse, and McGee headed back the way he'd come with satisfying speed.  Gibbs caught Tony's eyes, trying to convey his personal good-bye without actually saying anything.  He knew Tony got it when he smiled slightly, not the usual carefree, teasing grin.

"Be careful out there, Boss."  

Gibbs nodded, welcoming the sentiment implied in both the words and the tone.  He could get used to having similar moments on a regular basis.  Kate looked over her shoulder, clearly expecting to find him immediately behind her.  

Gibbs sighed silently, and headed for the elevator.  He called over his shoulder.  "I'm expecting a call with information in an hour, DiNozzo."

"Will do, Boss."

Tony rubbed tiredly at his eyes.  He had a new found respect for McGee's ability to spend hours in front of a computer pulling information from it the way a magician pulled rabbits from a hat.  He sighed.  Being office bound for another three weeks was going to suck....big time.

He could probably get cleared in less time.  He'd done it before-a little selective hiding of details, a little flirting, careful obfuscation.  But then no one cared about his health one way or another as long as he could do the job and back up his partner.  Tony knew Gibbs would not let him back in the field without x-rays.  Those he couldn't fake, and the in house doctor wasn't one he could snow.  

Tony sighed and went back to pulling together information.  He'd stayed in touch with the team via Gibbs' cell phone, but it wasn't the same as being there.  He hated feeling like he was one step removed, even though he'd managed to supply a number of pertinent details and give them more than one lead on what had happened to Lance Corporal Kevin Hembury.

Tony had started his investigation with getting a copy of the 911 call to Abby for examination.  The caller had been a woman, clearly hysterical.  Tony had gotten one bit of information from the initial listen through before passing it on to Abby that had seemed worth pursing.  

The woman, in her upset babbling, had said she thought Kevin knew what he was doing.  She'd repeated that statement several times, crying quietly, whispering that she'd have never brought the stuff if he hadn't said he knew what he was doing.  Since Ducky had pinpointed the cause of death as an overdose, Tony took the anonymous caller's statement to mean there was a possibility their victim might have had more than a passing familiarity with recreational drugs.

So, Tony dug into Hembury's background.  Knowing Gibbs wanted a thorough review, Tony went as far back as possible.  Noticing their dead Marine had been born in raised in Baltimore, Tony had called in an old marker to see if there was anything criminal in Hembury's past.

The Lance Corporal had been arrested as at 15 for drug possession, serving a minimal sentence in a juvenile facility.  He'd entered the Marine Corps when released, and as far as Tony could find Kevin Hembury had been clean ever since.  The cynic in him said that Hembury had just figured out how to avoid getting caught, because if he had a habit he likely hadn't given it up.

It was possible Hembury was a novice at hard core drugs or that he hadn't used in a while so his susceptibility to an accidental overdose was be higher. Tony made no assumptions nor did he pass judgement on the young Marine.  The team kept digging so they could be sure of the real cause of his death.  

McGee had interviewed the hotel owner who had also been on duty as the desk clerk when Hembury checked in.  The place was well known in the area as a rent by the hour sort.  Such places weren't exactly rare near the naval bases.  

The desk clerk remembered Hembury.  Evidently the Lance Corporal had made himself memorable by paying for the entire night in cash.  He'd also had a woman with him.  A working girl the clerk knew worked in the area, but he didn't know her name.  They did manage to pull a grainy still shot of her from the surveillance camera in the hotel office.  

Tony would have given his eye teeth to have seen Kate's reaction to having to go with Gibbs interviewing call girls and streetwalkers to see if any of them were their 911 caller.  She'd no doubt been the epitome of professional, and just about as warm as a glacier.  Her attitude had turned off most of the working girls, Tony was sure of that.  They'd be more inclined to see Kate as looking down her nose at them.  

 
Gibbs had charm, and the look of most of their clients, so Tony was pretty sure the older man had no trouble finding out what he wanted to know.  The former Marine never had trouble getting what he wanted-charm and looks not withstanding.  Tony snickered, thinking determination likely got Gibbs further.

Tony had tracked down several guys in Hembury's unit.  All of them said the same thing.  Hembury was a quiet guy, never caused any trouble.  A junkie might have been the sort who could have been unreliable or volatile, but not always.  Tony's father was an alcoholic but he still managed to do his job with better than adequate skill and no one at the office suspected he was dependant on drinking three shots for breakfast just to leave the house.  

Ducky's preliminary exam didn't show any signs of habitual use-height and weight ratio were normal, no track marks, no raw tissue in his nasal passages to indicate snorting, needle mark was fresh.  The tox screen had come back positive for a high grade smack, likely far higher than Hembury ever had a chance to use before.  It was certainly potent enough to do serious harm to even a habitual user.  Ducky also hadn't uncovered any sign Hembury was restrained or forced to ingest the drugs in anyway.

The more digging the team did the more it looked like this had been an accidental overdose, but Gibbs wanted to be sure.  So more questions got asked, and Tony kept digging.  He rubbed at his eyes again, tired of staring the computer screen, tired of another senseless act of stupidity.  

A wry smile formed as he wondered if Hembury getting murdered would have made more sense.   He sighed deeply.  No, it wouldn't have made more sense, but it would have seemed less senseless in a way.  Dieing from an act of deliberate malice was preferable in Tony's opinion than being a victim of one's own stupidity.

He glanced up when the elevator dinged.  Tony felt the tension drain out of him as the rest of his team walked off the elevator safe and sound.  God, he really hated being stuck behind a desk.  Hated not being there to back them up.  Hated not being there to make sure Gibbs was okay.  The former Marine didn't seem to realize he wasn't immortal.  

Kate and McGee looked like they'd been put through their paces, and Tony was glad to know he wasn't the only one.  Gibbs still seemed fresh and ready to go.  Tony wondered if there was some trick to that he could learn.  

"What have you got, DiNozzo?"

Tony stood up.  He always did to address Gibbs, although he couldn't quite say why.  It wasn't like coming to attention, but not far from it.

"So far, Boss, all the evidence still points to an accidental overdose."  Tony ticked off the points Ducky had noted in his preliminary autopsy.  Sited briefly the main points the team had uncovered so far.  Summarized his own digging into Hembury's past.

Gibbs nodded, his expression grim.  Tony knew everything was circumstantial.  They couldn't prove it was an accident.  But they couldn't prove it wasn't either.  The key to being able to do so lay with their 911 caller.  

"Sorry, Boss."  Tony shrugged one shoulder, sensing the other man's frustration.

"Not your fault, DiNozzo."  Gibbs turned to Kate.  "Go back out on the street and canvas the area again."  He glanced at his watch.  "More of the regulars will be out by now.  Find the hooker. I want to know exactly what happened in that room."

"But Gibbs… that could take all night!" Kate protested.

"Not going to happen any faster standing here, now is it?"  Gibbs arched an eyebrow, blue eyes assessing her and almost physically taking her down a peg for daring to disagree with his order.  She flushed, eyes dropping.  

Tony didn't even think of speaking on her behalf.  He'd argued against Kate getting a shit detail, sympathetic to her situation because he'd been in similar ones before himself, but this was just a part of the job.  Neither the look nor the assignment was out of the norm from the former Marine.  

Gibbs smiled slightly.  "Take McGee with you."

Tony gave McGee a sympathetic smile.  He honestly felt sorry for the junior agent.  "Have fun, Probie."

McGee glanced at Kate, taking note of the set of her shoulders and the tight look around her mouth before he rolled his eyes at Tony.  The former cop wouldn't trade places with McGee for all the tea in china.  Kate would likely make the junior agent's night miserable.  For the first time Tony was glad he wasn't cleared for field duty.  

"DiNozzo, you're with me."  

Tony nodded, ingrained habit kept him from asking where they were going or hesitating to move.  He simply followed the older man into the elevator, waving cheekily to Kate as he did so.  He knew he was going to enjoy needling her tomorrow.  If things worked out right he might even be able to get McGee to join in.

In the elevator, Tony looked askance at Gibbs.  "Where we going, Boss?"

"Home."  Gibbs smiled warmly, hand moving to capture Tony's, entwining their fingers.  "Nothing more to do on the case until Kate and McGee get that hooker."   

Tony noticed fine lines around the older man's eyes and the slight slump to shoulders, proof that the day had been just as taxing to him as it was to the rest of them.  He squeezed the hand holding his.  Not sure quite what Gibbs meant by home, he asked, "Your place or mine?"

"Your place is closer."  Gibbs sighed, shifting his weight just enough to rest his shoulder against Tony, leaning in a little.  Tony found he liked the idea of Gibbs just assuming he'd support him more than he expected.  

"Okay."  Tony nodded.  He ducked his head to place a quick kiss in Gibbs' hair before the elevator doors opened to the garage.  He squeezed the older man's hand once more before pulling away.  "I'll see you there."  

"Definitely."  Gibbs reached up to lightly stroke the back of Tony's head, fingers carding through his hair in an affectionate gesture.  Tony preferred it to the slap, but would take either one when offered.  

Tony drove himself home, yawning widely has he pulled into his usual parking spot.  He rubbed his eyes hoping to dispel the gritty feeling that always came with staring at the computer screen for too long.  He could never quite figure out why being desk bound was more draining than being in the field, but a day at the office always wiped him out.

He sighed and levered himself out of his Jeep.  Tony didn't feel like cooking.  If he was lucky he wouldn't have to.  Louisa should have cleaned his place again.  She likely put something in the fridge for him.  

He left the door ajar for Gibbs.  Tony hung up his coat, and slipped off his shoes before heading for his bedroom.  Gun and badge were placed in a beautiful birds-eye maple wood box he'd bought for just that purpose.  It didn't lock but all Tony had wanted something attractive as well as utilitarian.  

He striped out of his suit coat and tie, wincing when his ribs protested the abrupt movements.  He shook his head.  He should have moved more during the day, sitting still made him stiff.  Tony did a few careful stretches, feeling better for doing so even though it hurt.  

He sighed, wishing he had time to grab a quick shower to wash off the stale feeling that always seemed to come with spending an entire day inside.  But Gibbs couldn't be more than five minutes behind him, if that.   Maybe he could talk the other man in to sharing one with him.  Tony wasn't surprised to find Gibbs perusing his refrigerator when he wandered back out to the kitchen.

"Anything good in there?"  He asked with a smile.

Gibbs looked up with a faint frown.  "You call someone today and have food delivered?"

"Nope."  Tony reached around Gibbs to pull a bottle of water from the fridge with an easy intimacy he opted not to think about.  "Never call.  Louisa is by twice a week."

"Louisa?" Gibbs stiffened, blue eyes narrowing as he fixed his gaze on Tony.

"She's old enough to be my grandmother, Boss." Tony sipped his water.  He was genuinely surprised to realize Gibbs might really be jealous.  No one else had ever thought him worth keeping long enough to worry he might stray.  They were usually glad to have him gone.  

He ducked his head, feeling a blush warming his cheeks, toying with his water bottle before leaving it on the counter.  "She thinks I'm a good Italian boy who needs someone to look after me."
 
Gibbs smiled, one hand reaching to cup Tony's face, gently forcing him to look up and make eye contact.  "She's right."

Tony laughed softly.  "Not sure you're what she had in mind."

"Probably not." Gibbs agreed with a quick grin.  "But am I what you had in mind?"  Gibbs tone and emphasis on 'you' made the question more serious than playful.  Tony found it reassuring to know he wasn't the only one with a few insecurities.  

"And are definitely what I had in mind.  All that and then some."  Tony whispered before he leaned in for a kiss. The taste of coffee was rich and delicious in Gibbs' mouth, and Tony was willing to bet Gibbs had a cup not more than an hour ago.  He had a feeling he was never going to be able to drink coffee again without thinking about the older man.  

Tony moaned softly as the kiss deepened.  He unconsciously moved closer, welcoming the warmth as Gibbs' arms wrapped around him.  He was grateful for that strong, gentle hold when they finally broke apart, dizzy and panting for breath.  

"Was thinking….a shower….would be a good idea."  Tony offered, shivering as Gibbs lips found their way to the pulse point on his throat.  He sighed when the older man nibbled delicately, enjoying the attention being lavished on that sensitive area.

 "Shower?" Gibbs raised his head, blue eyes dark with desire.  

"Uh-hunh." Tony nodded.  His hand were already busy working to strip Gibbs out of his clothing, deftly undoing buttons, eager for more intimate contact.  He liked the way the other man arched into his touch, satin smooth skin sliding easily under his exploring hands.

They left a trail of clothing behind them as they traded kisses and heated caresses, traversing the short distance from the kitchen to the bathroom.  Tony couldn't help laughing as he nearly tripped trying to get out of his pants.   Gibbs caught him, holding him easily, blue eyes sparkling with an emotion Tony wasn't sure he could identify.

Not wanting to ruin the mood they had going by asking what Gibbs was thinking, Tony kissed him deeply instead.  He was fascinated by how soft and inviting Gibbs' mouth was.  It seemed so at odds with the nature of the man himself.  

They stumbled into the bathroom, neither willing to let go of the other long enough to make a graceful or smooth entrance.  It didn't matter.  All that mattered to Tony was they made it.  

He pulled away long enough to turn the shower on.  He gasped a bit when Gibbs pulled him in before the water had warmed up.  The water wasn't really cold, but it was a shocking contrast when compared to the warmth that had radiated out from every bit of skin the older man was in contact with.  

He moaned when Gibbs raised both hand to force his head back under the spray, exposing his neck to that talented mouth.  His hands found their way to Gibbs ass, kneading those firm hemispheres.  Tony shuddered as they rocked against each other, surprised to find himself so close to the brink.    

He felt like he should say something, do something to slow this down, prolong the moment, but he didn't want to.  It felt good to be out of control for the moment, to just let things happen naturally, easily.  And it was made even better to know he wasn't the only, that Gibbs was right there with him, matching each thrust, breathing ragged, hard cock sliding against his.  

It was like they were making up for lost time.  Capturing the opportunity denied because of the early morning call.  

His climax took him almost by surprise, washing over him like a breaking wave, leaving him gasping and shaking.  The bite to his shoulder and hiss of his name from Gibbs was the only thing that made Tony aware he wasn't alone in his climax.  Gibbs had gotten there too.

He leaned into the other man, smiling as the Gibbs leaned into him as well.  Tony liked how they held each other up.  The passion spent, but not lost.  It was not a feeling Tony could remember experiencing before.  

Tony sighed softly and reached for the soap.  He turned them, chest tightening at the level of trust Gibbs showed by following his move without resisting.  He kissed Gibbs temple, trying to convey the same level of trust and affection.  

Finding it easier to let his hands speak for him, Tony set so lovingly washing Gibbs, careful to map every inch of his lover.  He kept his touch light enough to be soothing and heavy enough to border on a massage, enjoying the way Gibbs responded to his ministrations.  Muscles relaxed, breathing deepened, and an expression of pleased bliss graced the older man's face.

Gibbs kissed him gently, a simple 'thank you'.  It was another novel experience for Tony.  He had a feeling Gibbs would keep introducing him to things that should have been familiar a long time ago.

He wordlessly passed the soap to Gibbs when the older man held out his hand.  He sighed, head tipping forward when Gibbs turned him to wash his back, hands massaging his neck and shoulders.  Kinks and knots were worked loose under that skillful touch.  Tony no longer cared when Gibbs learned this or who he'd practiced on before, he was just grateful to have the opportunity to experience it again.  The touch was lighter on his chest and abdomen, mindful of fading bruises, but no less pleasant and relaxing for that.

He was fairly certain he'd died and gone to heaven when Gibbs washed his hair.  Strong fingers rubbing his scalp raised goosebumps along his spine, skin tingling in sympathetic response.  He could easily spend hours enjoying this, but the water started to cool.

Tony sighed, and reluctantly turned off the water after one last rinse.  He offered a towel to Gibbs before grabbing one for himself.  He grinned when Gibbs looked surprised to find the towel was warm.

Tony nodded toward the rack.  "It's heated."  

Gibbs arched an eyebrow.  "Decadent."   

"Little pampering is not a bad thing."  Tony shrugged one shoulder, feeling oddly defensive about indulging in such an unnecessary luxury even though Gibbs hadn't sounded like he was passing judgement as much as he was making an observation.  

"Not bad, no."  Gibbs agreed with a smile, fingertips lightly running up and down Tony's spine in a light, calming gesture.  "Not bad at all."

Tony ducked his head slightly, trying to hide the pleased flush he could feel warming his cheeks.  It was silly, but knowing Gibbs didn't disapprove made him feel better about indulging himself.  

"You…ah…want dinner?"

"I could eat."

Tony nodded.  Getting dressed again seemed pointless, but wandering around naked with Gibbs wasn't something Tony felt completely comfortable doing yet.  So he offered Gibbs the robe that hung on the back of the door, a blue silk he'd picked up a few years ago.  It matched Gibbs eyes beautifully.  Tony bit his tongue to keep from voicing that thought, not sure how the former Marine would take such a compliment.  

He had another robe in the linen closet; a white terry cloth one that he wore before he bought the silk one.  Tony wasn't sure why he'd kept it, but was glad now that he had it.  He slipped into, loosely belting it closed.

He neatly hung the towels up before nodding toward the door.  "Let's go see what Louisa left us."

Gibbs shook his head, dumbfounded by the meal Tony was laying out on the table.  This was more than just simple leftovers.  Louisa certainly took providing a good meal for Tony seriously.  

"Was she expecting you to bring someone home?"  Gibbs' eyebrows climbed, impressed with the amount of food, his curiosity about this woman rising another notch.  Turkey, mashed potatoes, green bean casserole and half a loaf of homemade bread were all present and accounted for.  It looked like Thanksgiving.

"No."  Tony chuckled.  "Louisa only comes by twice a week…so she always leaves enough for more than one meal.  Think she's convinced I'll waste away to nothing if she doesn't stock my fridge."  Green eyes twinkled as they met blue, long fingers deftly removing foil from dishes.  "She's been trying to fatten me up since she met me."

Gibbs didn't think she'd have much luck in that endeavor since Tony hadn't gained any weight in the two and a half years he'd known the younger man.  It wasn't something Gibbs had never given much thought to until lately.  The minutiae of Tony's health and well being were becoming increasingly important to him.  

The rest of the team teased Tony about his eating habits, but Gibbs noticed the younger man didn't so much eat large quantities as he was more in the habit of partaking in frequent light meals or snacking throughout the day.   Gibbs couldn't blame Tony for opting out of healthy, tasteless stuff Kate would prefer they all ate.  The former Marine wouldn't willingly eat that crap either.  

Tony didn't overindulge as much as Kate and McGee thought he did.  It was more smoke and mirrors, just another illusion Gibbs knew Tony created even though he wasn't quite sure why the younger man bothered to.  He suspected it had a lot to do with Tony's childhood.  Gibbs didn't think for a moment that the run down Sam had given him covered everything his lover had gone through.

"You want a beer?"  Tony asked.

If he was going to drink, Gibbs' preferred bourbon to beer.  It didn't look like Tony was going to have one, so Gibbs just shook his head.  "Water is fine."  

Tony nodded.  He filled two glasses and put them on the table.  Tony waved Gibbs to a chair.  It was an unconsciously graceful, polite gesture Gibbs rarely saw anyone execute outside of an expensive restaurant.

He took his seat, feeling a bit self-conscious wearing just the borrowed robe.  The silk was so light he felt nearly naked.  But it did feel wonderful against his skin, and he couldn't bring himself to feel bad about wearing something of Tony's.  It was…nice…intimate.  Definitely something he'd never done with anyone else before.

"Can I ask you something?"  Gibbs hesitated after several minutes of companionable silence.

 "Think you just did." Tony's lips quirked upward in a slight smile.  "But feel free to ask me something else."

Gibbs rolled his eyes, but couldn't quite stifle the answering smile.  "What got you interested in archaeology?"

Tony looked surprised.  "You really want to know about that?"

"I really want to know."  Gibbs savored the pleased glow his answer caused in Tony's eyes before the younger man shyly looked away.  Need to remember just how little it takes to make him happy, Gibbs told himself.  

"When I was ten Sully took me to several museums in New York."  Tony smiled fondly.  "We didn't just walk around and look at stuff….she told me stories.  Stuff about what we were seeing and the people who owned it."  He chuckled softly.  "I thought she was making them up because some of it was….well, a bit over the top to my ten year old mind, too fantastic to possibly be real.  She challenged me to prove her wrong.  So I started digging into textbooks and the library.  Sully even helped."

Tony grinned, eyes dropping self-consciously.  "She made it seem like a treasure hunt. And I was hooked.  Liked looking for the details, trying to fill in the gaps and connect with the people who lived then."

Gibbs could understand that.  Mysteries, whether they were two thousand years old or two days old, just naturally drew Tony.  It was what made him a good investigator.  And his desire to relate to people, to connect, made him far better able to comprehend people's actions and motives than his outwardly upbeat, childish behavior would suggest.  

Tony looked up from under his lashes.  "When did you get interested in archaeology?"

"When I was in basic."  Gibbs wiped his mouth with the linen napkin Tony had placed under the eating utensils when he set the table.  "Big part of Marine training is on tactics, strategy and military history.  And military history covers a lot of ground.  Found myself interested more than just the outcome of battles like Thermoplyae.  I wanted to understand the Spartans.  Understand what made it possible for them to face down an army four times their size.  And once I got started-"

"It snowballed."  Tony finished for him with a warm, understanding smile.  "Has a way of doing that."

"Yeah."  Gibbs smiled, pleased they had this in common.  

The conversation naturally drifted to cover places they'd been, ancient events and people they found the most interesting, things they'd most like to have been alive to witness.  Gibbs couldn't remember the last time he enjoyed a discussion more.  No one else he knew, not even Ducky, liked letting him talk about his theories and ideas.  

"I still think Atlantis was the isle of Thera."  Tony stated firmly as he got up, taking the empty plates to the sink.  "Too much fits for it not to be."

"It is supposed to be in the Atlantic."  Gibbs insisted stubbornly, moving to help clear the table.  

"Yeah, and the world was supposed to be flat too."  Tony snickered.  

"No one ever believed it was flat.  That's a stupid myth." Gibbs tossed back.  "Archimedes knew it was round."

"Fat lot of good it did him."  Tony arched an eyebrow.  "Roman Centurion gutted him as I recall."

Gibbs sighed, conceding that point, but not feeling bad about it.  Tony challenged him to hold his own, and that wasn't something Gibbs would ever think of as a bad thing.  "Shame he died then.  No telling what mathematical discoveries Archimedes might have made if he'd lived longer."

"Senseless waste."  Tony sighed deeply, shoulders dropping slightly.    

Knowing where the younger man's thoughts had probably gone, Gibbs wrapped his arms around Tony from behind in a warm hug.  "No thinking about work."

Tony snorted, head tipping back to rest on Gibbs' shoulder.  "Ironic coming from you."

"I know."  Gibbs placed a soft kiss on Tony's temple.  "I'll do enough thinking about it for both of us, if it makes you feel better."

Tony laughed softly, rolling his head enough so he could make eye contact.  "I appreciate the offer, Boss."

"Maybe I should give you something else to think about?"  Gibbs whispered, voice rough.  He loved the little shiver it caused to ripple through Tony.  

"Don't think…I'd object…to that."  Tony moaned when Gibbs hands undid the knot holding his robe closed and worked their way inside to caress his chest and abdomen.  

"Let's go get comfortable?"  Gibbs suggested, fingers toying with Tony's nipples before backing away, eliciting a faint sound of distress from the younger man.  

Gibbs continued backing away, heading for the bedroom and that sinfully comfortable bed.  He loved the faintly predatory look in Tony's eyes and the lithe way he moved as he followed where Gibbs led.  It was flattering to be the focus of that lusty gaze, to know Tony wanted him as much as he wanted Tony.

Gibbs let Tony catch him in the hallway, their lips meeting in a heated kiss that literally stole his breath.  He reveled in the way Tony leaned into him, heat passing easily through the silk of the robe he wore.  As nice as the silk felt against his skin, it wasn't anywhere near as good as the feel of Tony's skin was, and he wanted skin to skin, right now.  

Gibbs growled in frustration as he struggled to shuck the robe without losing contact.  Tony pulled back, head cocked to one side, a faintly confused expression on his face.  "Not you."  Gibbs spoke quickly, hands tugging on the belt holding the robe stubbornly in place.  "This."

"Ah."  Tony grinned.  Rather than give Gibbs space to wiggle free, Tony ducked his head to lave one of Gibbs nipples through the robe.  Gibbs arched his chest, head tipping back to thud dully against the wall as the feeling of wet silk against sensitive skin made it hard to think, blood rushing south.  

Tony's hands were busy roaming over Gibbs.  His actions added to Gibbs inability to concentrate beyond the immediate, tantalizing him with heat and near contact that was prevented by the frustratingly substantial sheer fabric.  He was absently glad he didn't own anything made out of silk.  After this, he'd never be able to wear it again.  

He gasped when Tony mercifully undid the knot, hands finding their way to caress his bare skin.  He sighed, eyes blinking open when he heard Tony's soft huff of laughter.  Green eyes met blue easily, a blend of humor and passion in their depths.

"You sound like a purring cat."

Gibbs wasn't sure if he should be offended or flattered.  He decided it didn't matter.  He'd make whatever noise Tony wanted as long as it kept those wonderfully talented hands busy touching him.

Tony placed a gentle kiss on Gibbs lips, before tilting his head enough to lay his cheek against Gibbs. He sighed softly, his warm breath making Gibbs shiver.  "Bedroom."

Gibbs nodded.  He had no problem with that suggestion.  None at all.  

He wasn't entirely sure how they actually made it down the hall.  Gibbs was more focused on just maintaining as much contact with Tony as humanly possible.  He couldn't believe how much time he'd wasted, how much he'd missed out on.  

Gibbs didn't realize they'd made it to the bedroom until he felt the bed against the back of his legs.  He wanted to just fall back into that incredibly comfortable bed with its sinfully soft bedding and pull Tony in with him, but he didn't.  The bruises on Tony's abdomen had faded, but Gibbs hadn't forgotten why he'd spent an excruciatingly long day in the field without him.

Tony laughed, kissing the tip of his nose.  "I won't break, Boss."

"Not if I have anything to say about it."  Gibbs countered with a grin not really surprised Tony knew what he was thinking.

Tony smiled, green eyes bright.  He very carefully untangled himself from Gibbs grasp, lying down on the bed with exaggerated care.  He waggled his eyebrows as he neatly managed to position his open robe into something that left nothing to Gibbs imagination and provoked it at the same time.  

He licked his lips, shrugging out of his own robe before accepting the younger man's blatant invitation.  He neatly executed a slow reverse push up, lowering himself to cover Tony completely, reveling in the feel of full body contact.  Tony's head tipped back, eyes closing.

"God…you feel good."

"So do you."  Gibbs nibbled Tony's neck, seeking that spot he'd found before that made Tony gasp and shudder.  He was careful not to leave a mark when he found it.  Not that he didn't want Tony wearing his brand; Hell he wouldn't mind proclaiming ownership to any and all, but Tony had never come to the office with visible hickeys before and Gibbs really didn't think now would be a good time to start.  He grinned wickedly, marking Tony where he knew his shirt collar would hide it.

Tony moaned, tilting his head back further.  Gibbs wasn't one not to take what was freely offered.  He sucked hard, applying teeth and then tongue to soothe the pain.  

Gibbs worked his way up Tony's neck, this time aiming for his ear.  He located another spot near the lobe that sent a rippling shiver through the younger man.  It was nicely gratifying to get such an honest reaction.  

Tony's hips were moving in a distracting rhythm.  Gibbs found himself thrusting to match, hands busy touching every bit of smooth skin he could reach.  But it wasn't enough.  It wasn't the total immersion Gibbs needed.

"I want to be in you."  Gibbs whispered, a desperate edge adding a raspy edge to his voice.  "Would you….can I-"

Tony's hands cupped his face, a sweet smile gracing his features.  "Condoms and lube are in the nightstand."

Gibbs grinned, giving Tony a fierce kiss that left them both breathless.  He pulled the drawer open grateful it was within easy reach.  He blindly felt for the items he sought, somewhat surprised to find they were the only things in the drawer.

Tony grinned up at him.  "I keep the other toys in a box of their own."

Gibbs' struggled to regain the breath he lost at the thought of just what sort of toys Tony might have.  Next time, he promised himself.  Next time he'd find out what sort of toys Tony had and what games he liked to play.  

Tony gave him a coy smile, green eyes peeking through impossibly long, dark lashes.  "Face to face?"  A slow, sensuous roll of Tony's hips punctuated the question.  "Doggy style?"  Another of those maddening, teasing thrusts.  "On our sides again?"  

"Face to face." Gibbs nearly growled.  He wanted to see Tony come, wanted to be able to share his breath, taste his skin, bury his nose in Tony's neck until that wonderful scent obscured anything else.  

Tony took the condom, opening it with an ease that bespoke of a lot of practice.  Gibbs was tempted to protest, to not use protection, wanting nothing between them, but he didn't.  This was still too new for him to risk challenging Tony on so small an issue.  

He shivered, biting back a moan when Tony neatly slid the condom over Gibbs' erection.  Long fingers teased him with feather light touches.  Gibbs hands fisted the comforter, trying not to give into the urge to just hump Tony like some poorly trained dog.

Tony chuckled, a deep, rough sound that was nearly as tangible as his touch had been.  He lightly patted Gibbs chest.  "Easy, Boss, don't want to miss out on the main event."

Gibbs captured that teasing smile in a bruising kiss.  He hadn't felt this out of control since….well, since they showered together a little over an hour ago.  It was like being a teenager again.  

He popped the top on the lube, squeezing out a generous amount on his fingers.  Preparing Tony was as heady an experience as everything else had been.  The younger man was so responsive---soft sighs, moans, Tony willingly opened himself up mutely begging for more, fucking himself on Gibbs fingers.  

"You ready?"  Gibbs knew the answer, but he asked anyway.  He wasn't going to risk hurting Tony.  He knew first hand how vulnerable letting another man fuck him could make him feel, and he didn't want to do anything that might damage the trust Tony had placed in him.

Tony wordlessly reached up to grip the headboard, arching his back as he rolled his hips.  His long legs curled upward, effortlessly putting himself in a position that gave Gibbs the answer he needed.  The older man gave silent thanks that Tony was so limber.  

Gibbs bit his lip as he slid slowly home into that tight, welcoming heat.  He breathed deeply, giving them both time to adjust.  His hands unconsciously moved soothingly up and down Tony's chest even though the younger man hadn't made any indication of discomfort or distress.  

Gibbs kept his thrusts long and slow, letting the moment build.  He enjoyed the nearly languid moment of everything feeling good that always came before the urgency that followed.  He reveled in the way Tony matched him, long legs wrapped easily around him.    

Gibbs leaned in to capture Tony's lips, tongues naturally mimicking movement of their hips.  He worked a hand between them to stroke the younger man. Tony whimpered, breaking their kiss to gasp for air.  Gibbs nuzzled Tony's neck, once more taking what was freely offered, breathing in deeply that wonderful, musky scent.

Gibbs wasn't sure which of them increased the pace, thrusts coming faster as passion built.  He shuddered when Tony's hands found their way to his chest, tweaking his nipples hard enough to verge on painful.  The little mewling noises of pleasure he made would have been embarrassing if he actually gave a damn.

The tingle at the base of his spine told him just how close he was.  Tony's soft cries and barely intelligible stream of words let him know his lover wasn't lagging behind.  Gibbs changed the angle of his thrust slightly, aiming for the sweet spot.  He knew he'd found it when Tony's lanky frame quivered, his hands once more reaching for the headboard, knuckles whitening as muscles flexed convulsively.  

Gibbs willingly gave into Tony's panting demands for harder and faster.  He forced himself to keep his eyes open, memorize the wanton expression on Tony's face, the flushed skin beaded with sweat. Tony was gorgeous.

He teetered on the edge, so close, so very close, struggling not to give in just yet.  Gibbs waited for that quiet keening cry, a nearly silent sound that had so far been the harbinger of Tony's climax.  He didn't have to wait long.

Small tremors graduated to an almost fully body spasm as Tony came with a cry of Gibbs name.  Gibbs made another thrust, burying himself completely before he came so hard he saw stars.  

When he came back to himself, Gibbs head was resting on Tony's shoulder.  He could feel Tony's hands moving up and down his back.  Being held was a novel experience for Gibbs.  Usually he was the one doing the holding.  

"You with me?"  Tony whispered.  

"Yeah."  Gibbs sighed, enjoying this moment as much if not more than everything that had come before it.  He smiled when he felt Tony place a kiss in his hair.

Gibbs stretched carefully, reluctantly pulling away.  He wasn't fat, but he was no lightweight either and it couldn't be easy for Tony to breath with him lying on his chest.  He eased himself out of Tony, immediately missing the intimate connection.  

Gibbs struggled to get to his feet to dispose of the condom and find something to clean them up.  He felt like a newborn foal.  Lord, he was grateful the bathroom wasn't far away.  A warm wash cloth made quick work of cleaning up both of them.

Gibbs tossed the wash cloth in the direction of the bathroom to be dealt with later.  He snuggled into Tony's bed, sighing deeply with contentment when Tony curled into him, his head on Gibbs' shoulder.  Gibbs arranged the comforter so that it covered them both.

"Should get one of these things for my bed."

"Next you'll be wanting a heated towel rack."  Tony teasing, clearly amused tone was muffled as he affectionately nuzzled Gibbs' chest.  

Gibbs tipped his head to place a kiss in Tony's hair.  "That's not a bad idea."

"Not hard to get used to good stuff, is it?" Tony asked around a sleepy chuckle.

Given that he considered everything about Tony to be 'good stuff', Gibbs had no trouble agreeing with that sentiment.  No trouble at all.

Tony woke at four a.m., frowning at the feeling of déjà vu.  It wasn't Gibbs cell phone this time, it was his.  The Loony Tunes theme song ring tone was definitely his.  Gibbs had a standard ringer.  

He raised his head, reluctantly pulling away from the solid warmth of his lover's shoulder.  He cocked his head listening for the ring again, trying to remember where he'd left his phone.  Tony wanted to track it down before the noise woke Gibbs, but judging by the slow, even breathing, Gibbs was well and truly down for the count.  He never would have pegged the older man as being a deep sleeper.

He tracked his phone to the dresser, not where he usually put it, but then last night had been far from his usual.  He sighed deeply as he tried to pull away from Gibbs.  The other man tightened his hold.

"Gibbs….Gibbs." Tony whispered, although he wasn't quite sure why when the goal was to wake Gibbs enough to get him to let go.  "Boss…Phone.  You have to let go."

"Not my phone."  Gibbs mumbled.  

Tony grinned.  "My phone, Boss."

"Your phone?"  Gibbs blinked dully, a small frown forming between his brows.  "Who's calling you?"

"I don't know."  Tony bit his lip to keep from laughing.  Somehow he didn't think Gibbs would see the humor in this situation.  "I need to get up to answer…which means you have to let go."

Gibbs looked like a pouting child told he had to let his mother wash his favorite plush.  Tony gave him a quick kiss before wiggling free.  He knew he wasn't going to actually be in time to answer the call, but no one called at four in the morning unless it was work related.  

He flipped open his phone to see one missed call from McGee.  Tony didn't bother listening to whatever message the junior agent had left.  He hit the speed dial listing and called McGee back.  

"Tony?"

"Yeah, Probie."  Tony resisted the urge to roll his eyes.  He knew full well McGee had a caller ID feature on his phone.  "You called?"

"We found the hooker."

"Good job."  Tony was impressed.  He hadn't expected they would actually manage to do that in one night.  "You call Gibbs?"

"Well….not yet…I was sort of..."  McGee cleared his throat.  "I know he wasn't happy with Kate…and I'm not exactly his favorite person….I don't think he's forgiven me for spilling his coffee."  McGee sighed, and Tony had no trouble picturing him pacing or gesturing wildly with his free hand.  "I was-"

"Hoping I'd call him for you?"  Tony asked, trying hard not to laugh.  Gibbs really had McGee well and truly terrified.  

"He hates me, Tony."

"He doesn't hate you, McGee."  Tony countered.  "If he hated you, you'd already be off the team."  He chuckled already knowing he was going to let McGee off the hook.  "I should make you suck it up and take it like a man."

"Thanks, Tony." He could hear the relief in McGee's voice.  "I'll buy you breakfast."

"And lunch."  Tony added.  No reason McGee should think he was getting off easy.

"Done."  

Tony snapped his phone closed.  He yawned widely, glad they'd gone to bed as early as they had.  At least he didn't feel quite so much like he was suffering from sleep deprivation.  

"They found the hooker."  Tony told Gibbs, answering the question before he could ask.

Gibbs nodded and slipped out of the bed.  Tony tried not to watch, not wanting to give into the temptation to do a lot more than look.  Even though no firm deadline had been set this morning the way it had been yesterday, Tony still didn't think they'd have time to mess around.  Damn shame.  

Tony rifled through his closet, tossing a simple white shirt to Gibbs.  At the raised eyebrows he got, Tony shrugged.  "Didn't think you'd want to show up wearing the same clothes you had yesterday."

"I have a change of clothes in the car."

"You really want to waste time getting dressed to run out and get them?"  Tony arched an eyebrow.  "Because you are just going to have to come back in to get undressed again so you can get redressed."  

Gibbs grimaced.  "Good point."

"I thought so."  Tony smiled.  "You want boxers or briefs?"

"You have both?"

"Never know what I'll be in the mood for." Tony shrugged, not embarrassed by his choices in underwear.  He never understood why most guys limited themselves to only one option.  He didn't bother to mention thongs figuring Gibbs for a traditional sort.

"Good to know."  Gibbs smiled.  "Boxers."

Tony dug out a silk pair from the dresser and tossed them to Gibbs as he pulled out a pair for himself.  He noticed the former Marine's hesitation.  "Problem, Boss?"

"They're silk."

Tony frowned.  "So?"

"Never mind."  Gibbs cleared his throat and Tony could have sworn he was blushing.  

Tony mentally shrugged.  Maybe Gibbs didn't like to wear anything but cotton.  He certainly hadn't objected to the silk robe Tony had offered last night.  "I got others if you'd rather wear something else."

"It's fine."  Gibbs didn't quite make eye contact, and Tony decided not to press the issue.  

Gibbs stared at him as he got dressed.  The older man had done the same thing yesterday.  Tony could understand the attention if he was stripping off his clothes or making a genuine effort to tease or entice Gibbs, but  something as mundane as getting dressed didn't seem to warrant intense scrutiny.  It was a harmless quirk so Tony did his best to ignore it.

He wasn't that much taller than Gibbs, but that height difference was mostly in his legs.  There was no way any of Tony's pants would fit the older man.  He doubted anyone would notice that Gibbs was wearing the same pants from yesterday.  

"You want a tie?"  Tony waggled his eyebrows knowing full well the answer would be no.  Gibbs hadn't worn one in all the time he'd known him.  Tony grinned at the look he got.  

"I need coffee."  Gibbs growled.  

"Have to get it on the way." Tony sighed, giving Gibbs an apologetic look.  He'd forgotten to se the timer on his coffee maker last night, and even if he had it still wouldn't have started perking for another hour.

"Manny's isn't that far out of the way."  

Tony nodded, knowing better than to argue.  "No, no it isn't."  He never would have expected Gibbs to develop such a fondness for good coffee since the former Marine seemed inclined to drink coffee more akin to road tar.  He smiled suddenly thinking he might just have more influence on Gibbs than he thought.  

"What?"  Gibbs' blue eyes pinned him with a piercing look.

"Nothing."  Tony shrugged.  "We better get going or we'll be late."

"Late?"  Gibbs shook his head, expression darkening.  "They should have found her hours ago."

Tony pursed his lips, accepting that statement without comment.  Gibbs expected the best of his people, all the time, every time.  It was one of the reasons he cycled through so many agents, but Tony had grown up pressured by high expectations, he was used to it, felt uncomfortable with anything less.  If he could achieve the goals set, or lived up to the expectations, it usually meant the bar hadn't been raised high enough.  

Tony was caught by surprise when Gibbs leaned in and kissed him.  It was a gentle kiss, somehow more intimate than the passionate ones they'd shared the night before.  "Good morning, Tony."  Gibbs smiled as he pulled away.

"It is now."  Tony gave Gibbs a kiss of his own.  His sigh was full of regret as he pulled away.  "We have got to stop getting these early morning calls."

"Definitely."  Gibbs shook his head.  "Sooner we get this thing done, sooner we can get back to picking up where we left off."

Tony had a feeling that might become a running theme for them.  Assuming they lasted long enough to establish a pattern.  Tony didn't have that much faith, his good mood suddenly dimming.  He knew Gibbs said they'd take it slow and do it right, but Tony wasn't sure it would be enough.  Gibbs was different from anyone else he'd ever dated, but that didn't mean he was going to stay for the long haul.   No one else ever had.  Something in his expression must have given away what he was thinking because Gibbs was appraising him with another one of those intense gazes.

"You okay, DiNozzo?"

"Fine."  Tony smiled easily.  He had a lot of practice at denial and fooling other people.  No reason for Gibbs to know so soon he was a needy, insecure loser.

Gibbs studied his face, and Tony tried not to fidget.  It was another reminder that Gibbs wasn't like other people.  He couldn't be misled easily, always managing to see past the surface.

"I'm going to let this go for now."  He raised hand to cup Tony's face, thumb stroking Tony's cheekbone.  "But we are going to talk."  Gibbs leaned in again, and rested his forehead against Tony's.  "And before you get the wrong idea, talking is not a bad thing."  

"You sure about that, Boss?"  Tony hated how uncertain he sounded.

"Positive."  Gibbs smiled gently.  "Every conversation we've had has been pretty good so far.  This one won't be any different, Tony."

Tony nodded.  He'd put his trust in Gibbs from the day he'd met him---he didn't see any reason to stop now.  "Okay.  We'll talk.  Later."  Tony turned his head to place a soft kiss in Gibbs palm.  "We got us a case to finish first."

"We put the case to bed."  Gibbs nodded.  "Then we talk."  His tone declared he wouldn't tolerate any argument or be sidetracked.  Tony wasn't sure why he found that so damn reassuring, but he did.  Maybe….maybe this time would be different.  

Gibbs grimaced as he finished his report on the Hembury case.  He wasn't surprised by the hooker's story.  Disappointed---without a doubt, but not surprised.  Everything had pointed toward an accidental overdose and the hooker's story confirmed that.  Hembury's death was a tragedy but it wasn't criminal.  Gibbs would have liked to arrest her on general principle, but there wasn't anything they could charge her with that fell within their jurisdiction.  

Kate looked decidedly pissed when Gibbs had her turn the hooker loose.   He didn't care.  He wasn't happy either.  No reason she should be.

Finding the hooker hadn't been some pointless undertaking, or just him assigning her a shit job because he was pissed at her for calling him and ruining his morning plans with Tony.  They needed to make sure Hembury's death hadn't been the result of foul play, and the hooker was the only one who could confirm that.  Arresting her for selling her ass or supplying drugs to a willing user wasn't their job.

Gibbs sighed.  It was a sad state of affairs, but not every case they worked on resulted in a conviction.  Not every criminal they encountered would be prosecuted.  Gibbs had tried to come to terms with the fact that some times the only reward to be had was finding the truth. He thought Kate would do well to cultivate a similar understanding.   

With his report finished he could call it a day.  Leaving early held a lot of appeal.  He wanted to talk to Tony.  Needed to make sure that the younger man understood that he meant it when he told him that he wanted to do this right, that he was in for the long haul.  

He tried to curb his uncharacteristic impatience.  He rarely left early, almost never in fact.  Breaking his habit wouldn't be a direct violation of his promise to Tony that no one at the office know about their relationship.  The rest of the team didn't need to know why he was sending them home early…..and it wasn't like he had to give them a reason.  He didn't explain himself any more often than he left early.  And it wasn't like it was all THAT early.  An hour at most.  More like a normal time really.

He gave his empty coffee cup a dirty look wishing he had more of Manny's good stuff to help see him through what was likely going to be the longest afternoon of his life.  Gibbs sighed again.  He glanced up to find Tony looking at him, amusement and understanding sparkling in those wonderful green eyes.  He raised a finger in warning, getting a quick grin for his trouble.  

"You have your report finished, DiNozzo?" He barked out, fighting hard not to return that grin.  

Tony held up a sheaf of papers and then pointed toward Gibbs' computer.  "E-mailed it to you as well, just in case you had any edits."

Gibbs nodded, before looking toward McGee.  "McGee, your report?"

"Just finished, Boss."  McGee's head snapped up from where he was focused on his computer screen.  The junior agent looked exhausted.  Gibbs hadn't forgotten he'd been up all night.  Sending him with Kate had been about McGee getting more experience in the field.  

He turned to look at Kate.  She held up her report, shadows under her eyes mute testimony of two days with little or no sleep.  "Okay, then.  Let's call it a day."

"Boss?" McGee looked uncertain, wary.  

"If you feel some need to stay, McGee, be my guest."  Gibbs kept his tone dry.  "But this case is finished.  We don't have anything new, and I don't see any reason for you to get paid for trying to look busy or falling asleep at your desk."

McGee swallowed hard and nodded.  "Right, Boss."

"Go."  Gibbs made a shooing motion with one hand, looking at Kate as well.  She didn't need to be told twice.  She held the elevator for McGee.  It was a blatant sign of how tired she was that she didn't notice neither Tony nor Gibbs had even moved from their desks yet.

Gibbs snickered, shaking his head.  "Am I ever that wrung out?"

"Not that I've seen."  Tony shrugged one shoulder, placing his elbows on his desk and leaning into them a bit.  "But then, you usually have other people to run ragged."

"Delegation is a good thing."

Tony snorted.  "For you."

Gibbs arched an eyebrow, manfully suppressing a smile.  "Rank has privileges."

"So I've been told."  Tony smirked.

Gibbs stood up.  "Let's go."  

Tony pushed himself up from his desk.  The movement was made with an easy grace and fluid motion that Gibbs envied.  Gibbs had always moved with confidence and a sense of power, but never had the same ease of movement or innate poise that defined nearly everything Tony did.  

He was relieved to see the younger man's injuries were no longer having a noticeable affect on him.  But he hadn't forgotten just how much damage had been done.  Gibbs knew he'd never stop giving Tony a thorough look at least once a day even after he was back up to one hundred percent; his lover's health and well being was a number one priority even if Gibbs found verbalizing the sentiment extremely difficult.  

His first two wives had complained about his habit of visual assessment, but they'd always assumed he was looking for flaws, short comings or evidence of affairs.  Given the basis of those relationships had been just physical, and that both women had cheated on him, it was not an illogical assumption on their parts.  His third wife understood what he was doing but resented his assumption that if she was physically fine then she should be emotionally fine as well.  Gibbs hoped like hell he'd learned enough from her not to make the same mistake twice.  Because he really needed to have his shit together to talk to Tony.  

He thought he'd gotten it right when they talked before they'd taken the step toward a physical relationship.  Was sure he had.  But he should have known it would take more than one conversation to convince Tony he really was interested in forever; that he wanted more than just a good fuck for a few weeks before he dropped Tony like a hot rock.

Hell, he had ingrained bad habits and assumptions.  There was no reason to think Tony didn't have a few of his own.  With a little luck, some determination, and a bit of love, Gibbs thought they could work through that.  

"Boss?  You okay?"  

Tony was giving him a concerned look.  He smiled, not wanting Tony to worry.  "Just gathering wool."

Tony arched an eyebrow.  "Making a sweater?"

Gibbs chuckled.  "Maybe."

"Man of many talents…I like that."  The innuendo laced in Tony's tone was accentuated by the sly look he gave Gibbs.

Gibbs shook his head, surprised to feel the warmth of a blush across his cheeks.  He hadn't blushed in years.  "C'mon, let's go home."

Tony smiled walking in step with Gibbs to the elevator.  "And which home are we going to?"

"Mine, I think." Gibbs hit the button, pleased to have the doors open immediately to reveal an empty car.  "Was thinking I'd make dinner."  

"You want me to bring anything?"

"Just yourself."  Gibbs smiled, and reconsidered that statement.  "Stop by your place and grab a few changes of clothes.  No reason for you not to keep a few things at my house.  Next time I'll bring a few things to yours.  Then I won't have to spend the day in your underwear.  It's just too damn distracting."

He knew Tony had understood the significance of his statements and suggestion when he got a nearly incandescent smile.  It was wonderful to be caught in the full force of that smile.  It was like stepping out from under a cloud and into the sun.  

"Distracting?"  Tony raised an eyebrow.  

Gibbs tried not to blush a second time. He should have realized Tony would catch that as well.   "It's just….well they're yours.  And they're silk…which is-"

"Yeah it is."  Tony grinned saving him from having to explain any further.  He gave Gibbs a sloppy salute.  "I'll swing by my place and pick up some things."

Gibbs couldn't figure out how that off the cuff gesture carried more respect than those he'd ever gotten in the Marines.  Tony was just a walking paradox.  One that Gibbs freely enjoyed even if he didn't exactly understand.

He was sorely tempted to halt the elevator but didn't get the chance to act on it before the doors opened on another floor.  Gibbs tried not to growl at the woman who got on.  It wasn't her fault she had no idea what she'd almost interrupted.  He did step closer to Tony, subtly indicating she should back off when she smiled a bit too warmly at Tony.  

Tony arched an eyebrow, looking askance at him.  Gibbs shrugged, knowing he couldn't explain his actions, not with the woman right there.  He wasn't ashamed of his possessive nature; he just didn't want to embarrass Tony with any obvious display.  

Tony rolled his eyes, shaking his head in a slight, yet obvious chastise.  It was weird to find his actions called into question and then dismissed the way he had so often done to Tony in the past.  Oddly, Gibbs wasn't bothered by this turn about.

He watched Tony pull out of the parking garage, following him until the younger man turned to head to his own apartment.  Gibbs was sorely tempted to follow him.  He wanted to just forget about dinner, forget about how damn hard it had been to concentrate on work every time he realized that he was wearing Tony's underwear, forget about doing anything but doing all over again what they'd done last night.  He sighed, and stayed the course, driving to his house.  

Gibbs gave his pantry a thorough look and opted for stir fry.  It was a quick and easy meal, and something he knew Tony liked.  He had a beer as he cooked, letting the chore relax him.  It was one of the reasons he liked to cook; the natural flow and pace of it was so different from his usual day to day activities.

He used cooking to center himself, working through what he wanted to say to Tony.  And how to say it.  He knew Tony was sharp enough to focus not just on the words but also the inflection and intent.  

He cocked his head when he heard the door open.  Gibbs couldn't see Tony but had no trouble picturing the younger man toeing out of his shoes, and hanging his jacket on the rack near the door.  He smiled, enjoying the homey picture that presented.  

"Hi, honey, I'm home."  Tony called as he entered the kitchen.  "Smells good in here."

Tony moved toward him, hesitating only slightly before leaning in for a quick kiss.  Gibbs sighed, enjoying the chance to reconnect, however brief.  He would have liked to have prolonged the kiss, but Tony pulled back before he could act on that thought.  

Tony smiled softly, one knuckle caressing Gibbs' cheek.  "Don't want to ruin dinner."

Gibbs snorted.  "Fuck dinner."

"Would rather fuck you."  Tony responded with a bright grin.  "After dinner."

Gibbs tried not to react to the idea of having Tony take him like he had that first night.  He knew he failed miserably when he saw Tony's eyes darken, pupils enlarging to nearly block out the green.  He thought they might well skip dinner when Tony's stomach rumbled loudly.

Gibbs couldn't help but laugh.  "Another country heard from."

"Lunch was a long time ago." Tony shrugged one shoulder.  "And they haven't restocked the vending machine yet."

Gibbs never ate anything from the vending machine but he knew Tony regularly had a snack in the afternoon.  That habit was one of the reasons Kate considered Tony a bottomless pit.  Gibbs knew better.  The younger man actually ate rather sensibly most of the time, in smaller portions than the former Marine would have expected given Tony's height and activity levels.  

"You want a beer?"

Tony nodded.  Gibbs pulled one from the fridge, twisting off the cap and handing it to him.  He deliberately did not watch as Tony took a long drink, throat working as he swallowed.  

"Anything I can help with?"

"You can set the table."

Tony nodded.  He set the table with a neat efficiency.  Gibbs hadn't realized Tony had been in his place enough to know where everything was kept.  But Tony was nothing if not observant, so once was likely more than enough to have learned how Gibbs organized things.  

They sat down to eat, conversation centering on neutral topics.  Gibbs wasn't quite sure how they managed to seem so opposite and yet have so many interests in common.  But he rather liked the process of discovery. He'd forgotten how much he enjoyed that part of dating someone.  He hoped it would continue for years.  

He made eye contact and held it for a moment, making sure he had Tony's undivided attention.  He reached out to capture Tony's hand, holding it gently.  "I love you, Tony."  It wasn't quite what he'd planned to say, but Gibbs thought it a good opening…honest.  "I need to make sure you know that."  

Tony blinked, and Gibbs was reminded of a deer caught in the headlights of a car before Tony's expression settled on something politely neutral.  "You don't have to say that, Gibbs."

Gibbs had no trouble reading what Tony was thinking.  They had already started a physical relationship, saying 'I love you' was almost cliché and expected at this point, and could easily be perceived as meaningless.  He tightened his grip on Tony's hand.

"When have you ever known me to say something I didn't believe?"

Tony frowned, thoughtful.  "Never."

"So why would I start now?"

Tony sighed softly.  "Wouldn't be the first person to say stuff they thought I wanted to hear."  Green eyes were shadowed with old pain.  "Wouldn't be the first person who didn't mean it either."

"Then let me the first one to mean it."  Gibbs insisted quietly, torn between being pissed that anyone had ever toyed with Tony's feelings and desperately wanting to reassure him that he was sincere.  "I'm not like them."

"Not like anyone else."  Tony agreed with a smile, shadows lessening in his eyes as he shook his head.  "But---"

"No buts."  Gibbs squeezed the hand he held.  "I mean it when I say I love you.  I meant it when I said I wanted to do this right.  I want to spend the rest of our lives together. I don't want you to doubt that, to doubt me."

"I'm trying."  Tony winced, looking apologetic.  "Not easy."

"I know." Gibbs smiled tenderly, thumb caressing Tony's knuckles.  "For me either.  Got some ugly history too."

"Quite a pair, aren't we?"  Tony looked away, voice failing to achieve the light tone Gibbs knew he was trying for.

"I'd like us to be."  Gibbs returned honestly, not letting Tony dismiss or avoid this moment.

"I'd like that too."  Tony bit his lip.  "But-"

"No buts."  Gibbs shook his head, tightening his hold on Tony's hand.  "I know I'm a bastard.  Hell, I've had three wives that could give testimony to just how difficult I am to live with."  Gibbs was pleased to see the set of Tony's shoulders relax.  "I want you to promise me that no matter how far up my ass I manage to get my head you will talk to me when you get scared, when you have doubts, when I do something you don't like, whenever you need me to listen for whatever reason."

"Quite a way with words you got there, Boss."

"I mean it, Tony." Gibbs insisted.  "I know how bad things get if two people aren't honest with one another."

Tony took a deep breath and let it out slowly.  "You….won't get mad?"  

Gibbs saw Tony wince and knew the younger man hadn't meant to sound so plaintive. "I won't get mad.  Just tell me you need to talk, and I'll understand.  I promise."

Tony nodded slowly.  "I promise to be as honest as I can be."

Gibbs nodded, accepting the implied caveat.  He didn't expect Tony to agree completely….at least not yet.  That would take time.  More than just a week, when Gibbs had a life time of experience to counteract.  More than ever he wanted to meet anyone who'd ever hurt his lover and beat them senseless.

"We're okay, then?"  Gibbs asked, needing to be sure whatever had upset Tony this morning had been adequately addressed.  He didn't want to give those insecurities any more ammunition or room to fester.  And he didn't assume for a minute that this would be the last time they had this conversation.  He just wanted to make sure they continued to move forward each time.

Tony smiled, pulling their linked hands up and leaning forward to place a kiss on the back of Gibbs knuckles.  "Think so."

"Good."

"So does this mean we can do more than talk?"  Tony's voice dipped an octave, rough and needy.  "Maybe take care of that distraction you had all day?"

"Yes."  Gibbs grinned, willing and eager. "Not just yes, hell yes."

"You are clear for active duty, Special Agent DiNozzo."

Tony grinned, stifling the urge to mutter 'about damn time'.  He felt like he'd been waiting forever to hear that magic sentence.  No more being desk bound while the rest of the team was in the field.  

"You want to write that down for Gibbs, doc?"  Tony asked as he buttoned his shirt.  "He's kind of a stickler for some things."  

The doctor snorted delicately.  "Only about things that don't apply to him."

Tony chuckled.  "Know him well, do you?"

"Better than I'd like to." The doctor's lips curled in a rueful smile, his tone dry. "I was the one who suggested he needed glasses."

Tony blinked.   "You do his annual physical."

Although not a question the doctor answered him anyway.  "Yes."  The doctor sighed.  "No one else is willing to volunteer to take my place."

Tony arched an eyebrow.  "I'm guessing you didn't volunteer either."

The doctor rolled his eyes. "Volunteer?  Hell, no, I lost a bet."

"Can't find anyone else, eh?"

The doctor snorted.  "The man's reputation precedes him, and--"

"They already know better than to bet with you."  Tony smiled, shaking his head.

The doctor touched his index finger to his nose.  "Got it in one."  He handed Tony a sheet of paper that clearly indicated his fitness for field duty.  "You could do with a few pounds but you're otherwise in good health."

Tony rolled his eyes.  He hoped to hell the doctor didn't add that to his file.  He'd never worried about what went in his file before, but then he knew Gibbs read it now.  He was damn glad a lot of his medical history wasn't in his official NCIS file.   There was too much he just didn't want to try and explain, too many questions he didn't want to have to answer.

He slipped on his jacket after tucking his shirt into his pants.  "Thanks, Doc."

"Have a good weekend."

Tony grinned, waving as he sauntered out of the doctor's office.  He planned to celebrate this weekend for several reasons.  Not only was he cleared for duty, but he and Gibbs had an anniversary of sorts. One month wasn't a long time in the grand scheme of things, but it was definitely a milestone for Tony.  

Tony whistled as he headed outside into the sunshine. He tilted his face upward, eyes closed as he took a deep breath.  The past month had definitely been one of the best of his life---being desk bound not withstanding.  

"DiNozzo, quit lollygagging and get in the damn car."

Tony sighed, unable to completely suppress a smile.  "You know, it wouldn't hurt you to relax and enjoy the day a bit, Boss."

Gibbs shot him a dirty look, but his eyes twinkled.  "I am relaxed."

Tony snorted as he got in the car, sliding easily into the passenger seat.  "Right."

"What did the doctor say?"

"You want me to tell you or show you?"  Tony asked, holding up the sheet of paper the doctor had given him.  

"Tell me."  Gibbs ignored the paper Tony offered.

"I'm cleared."  Tony grinned.  "Fit as a fiddle."

"Good."  Gibbs nodded.  He reached out and caught Tony's hand, weaving their fingers together. "You ready to go home?"

"Your place or mine?"  It had become something of a habitual question between them over the past few weeks.  Where they ended up was usually a function of how long a day it had been; Tony's place was closer.  Or how recently which one of them had done laundry and had clean clothes.  

"Mine."  Gibbs smiled, raising their joined hands to place a quick kiss on Tony's knuckles.  "Got steaks thawing in the fridge."

Tony ducked his head shyly, pleased that Gibbs liked to cook for him.  The older man hadn't been just blowing smoke when he said he was a good cook.  Between Gibbs' cooking and Louisa's, it was a good thing he'd been able to sneak in some gym time over the past month or the doctor would have been telling him to go on a diet rather than worrying about him being underweight.  

"Think we'll have the whole weekend free?"  That hadn't happened in quite awhile.  Tony was hoping the law of averages was finally going to tip in their favor.  Maybe he'd finally paid off some of his karmic debt.

Gibbs sighed, neatly avoiding a slower driver with a move that no longer surprised or worried Tony.  "I'll turn off my phone."

"Fat lot of good that'll do."  Tony snickered.  "They'll call me, not you."  Both McGee and Kate were still leery of calling Gibbs.  And not with out good reason. This past month had been hell on any morning plans he or Gibbs might have had.  It had made Gibbs decidedly surly with the rest of the team.  

"You could turn yours off too."

Tony stared at him.  "Okay…who are you and what have you done with the real Gibbs?"

"Is it too much to ask for one fucking uninterrupted moment?"  Gibbs growled.

"Thinking it is more like one uninterrupted fucking moment."  Tony chuckled, squeezing Gibbs hand lightly.  "And no, it's not too much to ask.  Just not terribly likely given what we do for a living."  

Gibbs sighed.  "True."

"It's not like we don't get time together."  Tony offered as consolation.

He was still not sure how long this thing would last, but he was already growing very comfortable with the day to day casual contact and intimacy.  Little things like sharing coffee in the morning to making space in his medicine chest for Gibbs stuff to figuring out which side Gibbs' bed was his.  Gibbs was more an integral part of his life than anyone else had ever been.  

In honest moments of reflection, Tony knew Gibbs had been even before they started sleeping together.  He'd never had a boss quite like Gibbs before.  It was the main reason he'd stayed with NCIS as long as he had.

"Don't get enough time." Gibbs smiled at him.  "Not nearly enough."

Tony felt his face warm and he dropped his eyes shyly.  He wondered when Gibbs saying stuff like that would stop having an effect, if it ever would.  He never would have guessed the former Marine was a romantic at heart.

Tony bit his lower lip.  He had yet to say 'I love you' to Gibbs.  It wasn't that he didn't love the older man.  Tony knew he did, had for more than a year.  But somehow not verbalizing it just seemed safer.   

He'd never said it to anyone else. He'd never been willing to risk actually putting himself out that far with someone. Not saying it made it a lot easier to pretend it didn't hurt when he got left high and dry, made it easier to fake a smile and laugh it off when yet another person passed out of his life dismissing him as no more important than yesterday's news.

 "What's wrong?"  Gibbs gave him a concerned look.  

"Nothing."

"You sure?"

"Yeah."  Tony smiled.  "I'm sure."  His smile grew a bit when he realized that statement wasn't just something he'd said to Gibbs to pacify him, he meant it.  Nothing was wrong, in fact everything was very right for the first time in his life.  Maybe, just maybe, he should tell Gibbs that.  

It wasn't the sort of detail he wanted to share in the car.  Not the way Gibbs drove.  It was just a bit silly, but being a momentous moment for him, a first, he wanted a bit more ambiance before sharing that detail.  Do it right.  Over dinner, he decided would be the best time.  

Gibbs parked the car in front of his house before pulling Tony to him, leaning in for a quick kiss.  That kiss was something Tony had come to expect.  He made a point of giving Gibbs one before they left in the morning, and Gibbs always gave him one when they got home.  It was another part of that casual intimacy Tony found so decidedly comfortable.  

"You going to grill the steaks?"  

"Best way to do them."  Gibbs grinned.  

"You want a salad?"  Tony asked as he got out of the car.  Neither of them objected as much to green and leafy as they led Kate to believe.  But Tofu didn't qualify as green or leafy and sure has hell didn't taste good.  

"Sure."  Gibbs agreed easily.  "I'll bake a few potatoes too."

Tony grinned when Gibbs patted his ass as they entered the house.  He wasn't really surprised that Gibbs was an ass man.   Tony gave his lover a sly look over his shoulder.

"You want to maybe have dessert first and eat dinner later?"

Gibbs eyes widened slightly, and he licked his lips.  "They tell me life is uncertain."  He wrapped his arms around Tony, pulling him back against his chest.  He whispered into Tony's ear, voice low and rough.  "Best to east dessert first.  Might miss out otherwise."

Tony shivered when Gibbs nibbled on his earlobe.  He tilted his head to one side, automatically giving his lover more access.  He sighed when Gibbs sucked gently on the spot behind his ear that made him go weak in the knees.  

"God, you smell good." Gibbs' whispered, breath warm against his skin as he nuzzled Tony's neck.  "Been wanting to do this all day."

Tony shrugged out of his jacket, not caring that it was ending up in a heap on the floor.  He let Gibbs undo his tie and buttons of his shirt, glad to be rid of them.  He turned in Gibbs arms, impatiently working to strip his lover, wanting skin to skin contact.  

He moaned as Gibbs hands moved with confidence over his chest, agile fingers finding all those personal trigger points.  Before getting involved with Gibbs, Tony had never known about that spot just to the left of his navel or the one an inch above his heart.  He sighed softly enjoying the attention.

He returned the favor, long fingers moving to ghost over Gibbs' back and shoulders in a touch so light it would tickle most people.  Tony had been delighted to find a feather light touch turned the older man on like nothing else.  He reveled in knowing he could get that purring sigh out of Gibbs every single time.  

"Let's move this….to somewhere more comfortable."

Tony grinned.  "Definitely."  They'd done sex against the wall before, hard and fast, and Gibbs' back had bothered him for a few days.  Not that he'd said anything, but Tony knew just the same.  

How they made it to Gibbs' bedroom without ever letting go of one another Tony wasn't quite sure.  He couldn't seem to stop kissing Gibbs, enjoying the taste and feel of his lover.  He never got tired of it, found himself craving it throughout the day like some addict looking for his next fix.  

Shucking out of the rest of their clothes wasn't graceful, but Tony didn't give a damn as long as they were finally, blessedly naked.   He broke their kiss long enough to lick and nibble his way along Gibbs' jaw and down his neck.  He grinned when he realized how sweet Gibbs tasted.

"You been using Honey Dust?"  

He was delighted to see the faintest of blushes appear on Gibbs' face.  The older man tried to shrug a shoulder nonchalantly.  "Well, you sent it to me."

"Yeah, I did."  Tony grinned.  It had been an accident, but then a lot of things in his life were so much the product of dumb luck, he wasn't going to complain.  

He gave Gibbs a sly look.  "You use it everywhere?"

"I followed the directions." Gibbs' smile was more of a leer.  "You want to taste me to see?"

Tony shuddered.  "Oh hell, yes."  

No way he was going to say no to an invitation like that.  Tony shoved Gibbs toward the bed, laughing a bit when the older man fell back with a quick grin and small bounce reminiscent of a little kid.  He liked it when Gibbs got playful.  It didn't happen often enough in his opinion.

Tony cocked his head to one side, studying his lover for a moment.  Gibbs was lean, strong and solid.  He must have been absolutely amazing when he was younger to still be this breathtaking now.  

Gibbs made a 'come hither' motion with two fingers.  Tony smiled.  He moved to start with Gibbs' feet knowing it would surprise his lover.  

He massaged the soles of Gibbs' feet, strong fingers working easily to erase tension spots before bending down to kiss the instep.  He worked his way up one leg and then the other.  Always massaging as he went before applying tongue, lips and teeth.  He deliberately ignored the gasping noises Gibbs made. He focused on the wonderful feel and taste of his skin, on the way his muscles twitched and respond to his touch.    
 
He by passed Gibbs' groin, hands sliding easily over his hips and up his chest.  Tony hovered over his lover for a minute before laying out full length, resting his weight against Gibbs as he leaned in for a passionate kiss.  He let Gibbs win the tongue dual, enjoying the way the older man took control of the kiss.

He moaned when Gibbs' hands found their way into his hair, running through it with casual familiarity.  Gibbs' hips rocked against his in a slow, sensual movement that reminded Tony he'd been just as turned on by what he was doing to Gibbs as the other man had been receiving it.  He wasn't surprised when Gibbs rolled them over, pinning him to the bed.

Gibbs sat up, still rocking his hips and groin against Tony's.  "I want to go for a ride."  Blue eyes nearly glowed as they met green.  "You up for it, Cowboy?"

Tony grinned.  This was one way they could do face to face where being limber definitely wasn't an issue.  It was one of Gibbs' favorite positions and was rapidly becoming one of Tony's as well.

"I think I can handle fucking you."  Having discovered how much Gibbs liked him to talk dirty in bed, Tony made sure he indulged his lover when ever possible.  He arched his chest slightly, hands moving to curl around the lower rung on of the headboard as he worked his hips just enough to mimic a post trot.

"Want to bury myself in you."  Tony whispered, voice deep and hoarse.  "Feel that tight heat.  Hear you scream my name when you come."

Gibbs breathing quickened, his eyes closing.  "Where…where did we…put the lube?"

"Nightstand, I think." Tony's hands were busy again roaming over Gibbs chest, tweaking rosy nipples.  "Condoms too."

Gibbs growled low in his throat, but it wasn't an angry or annoyed sound.  Tony liked that noise almost as much as he liked the purring sigh.  He stifled a sound of loss when Gibbs shifted his weight to reach the night stand.  Tony's hands drifted to rest on Gibbs' thighs, unconsciously helping him balance as he stretched, fingers scrabbling to find the sought after items.

He grinned triumphantly as he held them up for Tony to see.  "You want to do the honors?"

"My pleasure."  Tony smiled softly, taking the tube offered, leaving the condom on the bed for later.  

"I tell you how much I love your eyes?" Gibbs leaned in, resting his forehead against Tony's.  "They change color all the time."

Tony blinked.  "They do?"

"They do."  Gibbs declared.  He kissed Tony, a soft, nearly chaste meeting of their lips.  "Like them best when they are almost black…like they are right now."

Tony figured that meant his eyes must look a lot like Gibbs' own did.  Dark with passion and lust, pupils so large they nearly obscured the iris color.  If his looked like Gibbs', he could understand why the other man liked them.  

He popped the top of the lube and coated his fingers.  He lightly circled Gibbs' entrance with his slick fingers, while he nuzzled the older man's neck.  He sucked hard at the hollow of Gibbs' throat, applying teeth before soothing away that small hurt with his tongue.  

Gibbs rocked back on Tony's fingers, a faint mewling noise escaping as he easily took in two digits.  It wasn't the sort of sound he ever expected from a hardened marine, but then Tony tried not to think much about the noises Gibbs elicited from him.  

He tore open the condom package with one hand and his teeth, offing it to Gibbs.  His lover hesitated for just a second before using it to sheath Tony's erection.  Tony bit back a moan when Gibbs lightly stroked him, teasing him with that touch bringing him closer to the edge.  

"You ready?"  Tony asked, the rough, needy quality of his voice taking him by surprise.  

"More than ready."  Gibbs kissed him fiercely, hands cupping his face.

Tony withdrew his fingers from Gibbs, swallowing the faint groan of disappointment and loss his lover made.  He wrapped his hand around his cock, jacking himself once and then twice, making sure there was enough lube to keep Gibbs from feeling any pain.  Tony didn't mind a little burn, enjoyed the fleeting bit of pain that rapidly morphed into pleasure, but never wanted to cause Gibbs any pain or do anything his lover didn't want.  They'd done this enough for him to know how Gibbs liked it.  

He sucked in a breath, trying not to thrust upward as Gibbs centered himself and eased down on Tony's cock.  He knew Gibbs was teasing him by going slowly, deliberately prolonging the moment, silently challenging Tony to let him take the lead.  

Tony didn't mind.  It didn't matter to him who was in control because they'd both get what they wanted in the end.  This was the first relationship, the only one he realized, where he could actually say that.  He trusted Gibbs.

He moaned when he was finally all the way in, still amazed by how good this felt, how right and natural.  Gibbs rocked slightly, smiling down at him.  

"You okay, Tony?"

Tony wasn't sure why Gibbs asked him that; it wasn't like his state of mind and body wasn't blatantly obvious, but he liked the way hearing the question made him feel---cared for, important….loved.  He raised a hand to stroke Gibbs chest in gesture intended to calm and reassure rather than arouse.  "Shouldn't I be asking you that question?"  

"I'm good." Gibbs smiled, the corners of his eyes crinkling slightly.  Tony loved that smile.  "You?"

"Never better."  Tony rolled his hips, thrusting just a bit.  "You ready to ride?"

"More than ready."  

Matching movements with Gibbs was so very easy.  It always reminded Tony of dancing except that he was never sure who was leading and who followed.  It was amazing to be so in sync. That feeling alone was almost as good as having sex.  

The pace started out slow, languid and easy.  Tony knew Gibbs liked let things build.  That was fine with Tony; he enjoyed those unhurried moments of just feeling good, knowing there was no urgency, no need to rush to the end.  Getting there was just as much fun.

He moaned when Gibbs hands moved over his chest, playing with his nipples.  The older man braced himself, allowing Tony to make deeper, more powerful thrusts.   Tony's could hear little moans and sighs, not realizing for a moment those breathy sounds were coming from him.  

"Come on, Gibbs, come on."  He whispered, encouraging his lover to go harder, faster.  "Please…yeah, just…like that."

One hand gripped Gibbs' thigh, fingers flexing in time with the movement of the muscles underneath; the other hand circled Gibb's erection.  His had moved in time with each thrust, the pad of his thumb sliding over the head of Gibbs' cock on each up stroke.  By now he knew just how much pressure to apply, how tight, how fast, to bring his lover that much closer to the edge.  

Gibbs tilted his head back, exposing the long column of his throat, mouth open as he panted for breath.  Tony tried to memories the moment, to indelibly capture the beauty of the man.  Gray hair darker now with sweat, skin flushed and glistening in the faint light streaming through half drawn blinds, muscles flexing and moving fluidly.  

Tony could feel a warm tingle starting as the base of his spine and he shuddered.  So close.  So very close.  Eyes closed involuntarily as he gave into the sensations washing over him.

He heard a small keening cry, not comprehending for a moment that he was the one who made it.  His thrusts were losing rhythm, muscles tensing as his back arched.  Tony's head tipped back, tendons standing out in harsh relief.  He came with an open mouthed, near silent gasp of completion.  Gibbs' hoarse shout of his name, intense internal spasms milked Tony, and wet warmth splattering his chest let him know his lover had climaxed with him.

Gibbs rolled forward, head resting on Tony's shoulder as he gasped for breath, elbows braced on either side of Tony's ribcage.  Tony ran a hand up and down his lover's curved spine, fingertips tracing out the vertebrae in a light touch he knew Gibbs enjoyed.  He was struck by how even now they were breathing together, panting in unison as they recovered.  He could almost feel Gibbs heart rate slowing right along with his own.

Gibbs raised his head, and kissed him.  Tony enjoyed the thorough, leisurely exploration of his mouth, sharing a breath or two before Gibbs finally pulled back.  Blue eyes searched his for a moment before Gibbs smiled.

"Damn good ride."

 "Yeah it was." Tony laughed, grinning.  "First time I ever really understood 'rode hard and put away wet'."

Gibbs chuckled.  "Don't think this is what they meant."

"Probably not." Tony agreed.

Gibbs shifted his weight, moving to lie next to him, head pillowed on Tony's shoulder.  Tony sighed, already missing the more intimate contact but still too comfortable to really be upset by the loss.  He stretched, careful not to dislodge his lover.

"I think we need a shower."  He could feel Gibbs' spunk drying on his skin.

"Yeah."  Gibbs lightly patted his chest before raising his head.  "I'll wash your back, if you do mine."

"Deal."  Tony rolled away, getting to his feet before offering a hand to Gibbs.  Not that the older man needed it, but Tony liked the implied courtesy of the gesture.  He knew Gibbs understood from the way he smiled and took his hand.  He got a quick kiss and a pat on his ass for his trouble too.

Despite being naked, there was nothing erotic about them sharing the shower.  Tony liked knowing they could be together and simply be together, no pressure or expectation to do anything more than that.  It gave him the chance to indulge in his near constant craving to touch and be touched in return.  

"You really need to invest in a bigger hot water heater, Boss."  Tony shook his head as they finished up, far too soon for his liking.  

"Yeah.  Probably." Gibbs tossed him a towel as he grabbed one for himself.  "Should look into one of those wider spray shower heads like you have and maybe a heated towel rack too."

Tony blinked, surprised by Gibbs' agreement and faint appreciation for the set up of Tony's bathroom.  It was a close at the older man had ever come to admitting he liked a little pampering.  Tony hid a smile as he used the towel to dry his hair.  Maybe he could pick up the new shower head and rack this weekend, if they didn't get called out on a case.  It would give him something to do while Gibbs worked on his boat.

Tony pulled on a pair of faded blue jeans and a t-shirt.  He had gotten used to the way Gibbs watched him when he dressed and no longer even noticed it.  One of these days he was going to break down and ask him why, but that could wait until later.

Gibbs pulled on a pair of dark blue sweat pants and matching sweat shirt, both had a Marine Corps emblem on them.  "How do you want your steak?"

"Medium rare."  Tony didn't mind a little pink, but he didn't want it bloody.  And he didn't really care for it to be well-done, which was Gibbs' preference.  

While Gibbs fired up the grill on the small patio, Tony made a quick tossed salad.  He used the Italian dressing Louisa had made for him.  He wasn't sure if Gibbs had taken it or if he'd brought it along at some point.  Not that it mattered.  Louisa had already put another bottle in his fridge.

He chuckled to himself thinking what a domestic pair they made.  Kate would never believe it.  But then Tony wasn't sure he believed it himself at times.  It was a novel experience for him, and a good one.  He never expected to feel so comfortable with another person.

Tony ducked his head outside.  "You want a beer?"

"Yeah."  Gibbs had the grill going and was just putting the steaks on.  

Tony handed him a beer, before moving to wrap the potatoes in foil, handing them to Gibbs to put on the grill. He sat on the swing.  Gibbs had told him it was one of the first things he'd ever made, and the only thing he'd really fought to keep from his first marriage.

Tony smiled when Gibbs joined him.  He shifted so he could rest his back against Gibbs' chest.  It was nice to have a place sufficiently secluded they could to this without worrying about neighbors or people passing by.

He sipped his beer, sighing softly.  He felt Gibbs lightly brush his cheek against his hair.  Tony took a slow, deep breath when Gibbs free hand found his, fingers entwining naturally.  

"Love you, Tony."  Gibbs whispered before he kissed Tony's temple.

Tony knew Gibbs wasn't expecting him to say anything since never had before.  He smiled, turning his head to place a soft kiss on Gibbs' chin.  "I love you too."

Gibbs didn't say anything, he just hugged him tighter, accepting that declaration as though Tony had been saying it all along.  In way, maybe I have been, Tony thought.  Actions spoke loudly to a man like Leroy Jethro Gibbs.  

There were still a lot of things he needed to stay.  Stuff he needed to tell Gibbs about his family and about his childhood, about his life in general.  And there was stuff he wanted to ask Gibbs about his.  

Tony decided one momentous step was enough for now.  They could get to the rest; Tony knew they'd have plenty of time.  Years in fact.

Tony smiled, relaxing into Gibbs, enjoying the shared warmth and contentment.  There was still a risk---he could still get hurt, it could all still fall apart, but that didn't scare him as much as it once had.  Somehow Tony was sure the rewards were going to be worth it.   

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