*Chapter 13 - Changes *

 

Elliot watched as the husband was cuffed and led away. He had killed his wife and her lover. They didn’t have a confession yet, but with the evidence they had found, they wouldn’t even need one, they already had enough to convict him. Nick Stokes had been present during the interrogation, had in fact led the questioning to a certain degree and although Elliot hated admitting it, Stokes had done a great job. Now though, that the killer was out of the room, the calm mask had fallen and Stokes looked exhausted.

 

“Tired?”

 

Stokes smiled at Olivia and nodded.

 

“Hard case”

 

Elliot looked closer and saw the signs of stress, the fine lines of worry but Stokes seemed to notice his look and straightened.

 

“Not this though, another one.”

 

A light shudder went through him and Elliot couldn’t help asking.

 

“What’s it about?”

 

Stokes’ eyes were haunted as he turned around.

 

“Dead boy found in his bed, beaten to death, the boy was eleven, his brother twelve.”

 

Elliot had heard of the case and had been relieved that SVU hadn’t gotten it. From what he had heard, it had sounded like a nightmare and Stokes’ eyes told him that his assessment had been right. Stokes sighed and stretched.

 

“Well, I wanted to thank you. I know we participate more than you are used to.”

 

The small smile was teasing, but Elliot had learned his lesson and was man enough to say if he was wrong.

 

“You did a great job, sorry for my behavior in the beginning.”

 

Now Stokes laughed openly and offered Elliot his hand. Elliot took it gratefully and Stokes grinned.

 

“Don’t worry about it. You know what they say, this could be the beginning of a wonderful friendship and anyway your partner is such a sweet heart, she easily makes up for one grumpy detective.”

 

Elliot grinned as he saw Olivia blush, but before he could formulate a response, Stokes’ phone rang. He answered and nodded twice.

 

“See you there in twenty.”

 

He sighed and took his jacket, then seeing Elliot’s look, he explained without humor.

 

“Double homicide, work never really stops in a city that never sleeps, does it?”

 

He left and Elliot grinned at Olivia.

 

“My partner is a sweet heart, now there’s something I haven’t heard before.”

 

She punched him playfully and he grinned. Olivia was a sweet heart, but like him she had her hard, rough side. Still she and Stokes would be a nice couple, maybe he should try and arrange something.

 

“Forget about it”

 

Her voice made him look up sharply, and even though he tried to look innocent, he knew that he had failed when she shook her head.

 

“He’s taken.”

 

He looked at her and frowned.

 

“How do you know?”

 

She gave him a look and turned back to her desk.

 

“I asked him.”

 

Oh... well okay...

 

---

 

“You wanted to see me?”

 

Gibbs knew that the tone of his voice was not appropriate for addressing his boss, but he had a hard time seeing Jen as his boss. It wasn’t because she was a woman, or because he had once trained her, no it simply was her way of mixing private and business, her non existent managerial skills and her treatment of his team that made him disregard her.

 

“What is this?”

 

She held Mac’s complaint in her hands and he smiled friendly.

 

“That is a complaint from Detective Mac Taylor, head of the CSI team we worked with in NY.”

 

His answer got him a cold and hard look, but she didn’t put the complaint down.

 

“I know what it is, but how dare this guy making such a complaint and even more send a copy to the supervisory board?”

 

Well done Mac, he congratulated him silently, but kept himself under control as he answered the question.

 

“Ziva verbally attacked two members of his team, I was there during one attack, didn’t see the second one, but enough people did. She was out of control Jen, and Taylor has every right to file a complaint.”

 

She regarded him coldly and then took the paper and carelessly put it in a drawer.

 

“Her version is quite different. She says he discriminated her right from the start based on the fact that she is a woman and Jewish.”

 

He couldn’t believe it and slapped his hand hard onto the table, making Jen jump a bit.

 

“He couldn’t discriminate her, because he didn’t give her any orders. She got them from me, so either I am the racist here or she is lying. Take your pick, I don’t care.”

 

Shrugging casually, she reached for another paper while she answered him calm but with obvious glee, that the complaint had already been filed with the NYPD. Gibbs felt as if someone had slapped him. Mac had done everything to help him. He had seen how Mac had held himself back when he had wanted to hurt Ziva for attacking Danny and now that? Glaring at Jen, he leaned forward prepared to threaten her, when her phone rang. She smiled at him and answered, for a long time there was silence, then though she swallowed hard.

 

“I understand Sir.”

 

Her face got pale, then red with an amazing speed and she swallowed once again.

 

“No Sir, of course not... yes, I understand... no, I will call him immediately. Thank you Sir...”

 

Her hand trembled as she put the phone down, but her eyes were shooting daggers at Gibbs.

 

“You called Morrow.”

 

Gibbs returned her glare calmly, evenly.

 

“I knew you would try to bury this.”

 

Still glaring at him, she calmed herself down and Gibbs knew that she would try to get back at him. He would have to watch his back around her, his and Tony’s because he knew that Jen was smart enough to know that as his second in command Tony was important to him. He simply prayed that she would never find out just how important.

 

“If that is all, then I’ll go back to work.”

 

He got up, but she shook her head.

 

“Tell Abby, that we hired an assistant for her.”

 

Blinking twice, he sat down again and shook his head.

 

“Abby doesn’t need an assistant.”

 

Her eyes were cold and hard, as she looked at him and something in her attitude made him shiver.

 

“She does need one. Her reports are rarely finished on time, her analyses often come in late, and her overtime is always reaching the maximum.”

 

Fuming at the way she put Abby’s work down, he wanted to tell Jen another piece of his mind, when she interrupted him before he could say anything.

 

“This is not your call Jethro; you are not the one who decides this. This is my call and he will start in two weeks.”

 

Knowing better than to fight a losing battle, he shrugged and got up.

 

“Well then, but I can tell you one thing for sure; I won’t tell her. It’s your call isn’t it?”

 

He left the office with a bad feeling, knowing that something was wrong; he just couldn’t put his finger at it. Pushing his thoughts aside, he instinctively looked for his lover as he walked into the office and smiled as he saw Tony chew on a pen. It was irrational he knew, but sometimes he still felt as if he would lose Tony if he let him out of sight for any longer than a couple of minutes.

 

“Reports in your inbox”

 

Smiling at Tony’s words, he opened his email and reached for his coffee. The first gulp made him look at his cup surprised and his smile had nothing to do with the coffee. He took another swig and savored the rich strong taste of his favorite roast.

 

“Thanks DiNozzo”

 

Tony nodded, but Gibbs saw the answering smile. Tony knew that he was thanked for the coffee and not for the report.

 

---

 

“Mac, can you stay for a moment?”

 

Looking at his supervisor, Mac felt a knot in his stomach. The budget meeting had gone well, he’d gotten the money he needed, but as he sat in Ralph Denton’s office, he couldn’t help feeling apprehensive.

 

“How can I help?”

 

Denton smiled and shook his head and the obvious amusement in his eyes made Mac relax a bit. The white complaint letter Denton handed over caught him by surprise.

 

“Mac, Mac, you really know how to shake things up.”

 

Reading the letter, Mac swallowed hard. He was angry, but as he read the accusations, he started to feel a sliver of dread.

 

“Do you take this serious?”

 

Denton smiled and then casually shrugged.

 

“The complaint was sent straight to the chief of police.”

 

The answer came as a shock, but again Denton’s casual behavior didn’t seem to fit the gravity of the situation.

 

“No offence but I am being accused of discriminating someone and you find it amusing?”

 

His boss smiled once more and handed him another letter. It had been faxed three hours after the complaint and contained an apology for the first complaint and the expressed wish to withdraw it. He read the signature and saw that it was signed by a Jennifer Sheppard, the same woman who had filed the complaint in the first place.

 

“Ok, now what has really happened?”

 

Taking a deep breath, Mac told Denton everything that had occurred from the point they had found the dead Navy Officer to the moment when the NCIS team had left again. Denton was silent and then sighed.

 

“The chief of police wants to talk to you, but don’t worry. He never really considered the complaint, still it helped that a second letter was faxed, someone at NCIS must like you.”

 

Mentally Mac made a note to thank Gibbs, but Denton wasn’t finished yet.

 

“But I actually called you because of something else. Your team has constantly exceeded the allowed overtime, and I know that you don’t write down all your hours.”

 

It was an ongoing argument between them and Mac was immediately ready to defend his team, but before he could say anything, Denton handed him a paper with an organizational chart on it. Looking at the sheet, he could feel himself tense. His team was divided into two groups one led by Stella and one led by Nick. Danny would report to Stella, while two open head counts were marked under Nick’s team. Trying to make sense of the change, Mac looked at Denton.

 

“You’re splitting my team up?”

 

Denton frowned and shook his head.

 

“No, we’re adding two new CSIs and want to relieve you of some administrative duties.”

 

Mac was shocked to see that his hand was trembling as he put the sheet down.

 

“So what? I am the one who writes the reports and oversees the lab? Ralph you know that I am not cut for this...”

 

He trailed off when Denton looked at him sternly. Ralph Denton was over twenty years older than he was and he managed to make him feel like a school kid. Mac sighed and with a light glare he waited silently.

 

“Believe me, I know that you are not an administrative person, but Mac you can’t lead a team of six CSIs, oversee two laboratory functions with ten techs and still work on your own cases. You only manage because you don’t sleep.”

 

Biting his lip, Mac kept silent knowing that Denton wasn’t done yet.

 

“This way you’ll have to supervise two CSIs and manage the general overall administrative roles for the labs while Messer reports to Bonasera who will also oversee the lab personnel and the two new hires will report to Stokes. The three of you will have to coordinate regarding cases, but there is nothing that stops you from still working with your team.”

 

It made sense and now that he looked at it more rationally he could see that Denton was right and that the new set up would not change the day-to-day work too much. Smiling he looked up and met Denton’s smiling eyes.

 

“I overreacted...”

 

A wry smile crossed Denton’s face and Mac grinned.

 

“You have been known to do so every once in a while.”

 

Mac blushed, but before he could say anything else, Denton looked at him seriously.

 

“I know you want Messer to report to you, but Mac he can’t and you know that.”

 

Mac froze and knew that this time his fear was visible in his face, but once more he forced himself to meet Denton’s eyes and relaxed at the friendly smile.

 

“I got a call a couple of weeks ago, the caller said that he’d take it to Hillbourn or even higher up, if I wouldn’t act. Now I have acted and they can’t touch either you or Danny.”

 

Denton had acted, but surely not in the way the anonymous caller had expected. Mac smiled lightly and closed his eyes in relief.

 

“Thanks Ralph”

 

Denton smiled and shrugged.

 

“I told you when I hired you, that I would have your back.”

 

Denton had indeed told him that, but until now Mac had not been sure if he would follow up on the promise. Now he knew.

 

“Now here, I have three applications. Have a look at them and talk to Stokes, see what he thinks.”

 

Mac took the three files and looked at the names.

 

Lindsey Monroe, Travis Turnham and...

 

“Sheldon Hawkes?”

 

Denton shrugged.

 

“It seems like our doctor has had enough of cutting through corpses.”

 

Mac shook his head, and then looked at the file once again.

 

“He knows that such a transfer entails a pay cut and that he has to work for Nick?”

 

He saw Denton nod and listened to his explanation that he had talked with Sheldon and that Sheldon had spoken about needing a new challenge.

 

“He’s a done deal, I guess.”

 

Mac nodded, he knew that Nick would love to work with Sheldon, hell they all would. Hawkes was a fun guy to be around and dedicated to what he did, handing Shel’s file back to Denton, he held the two other up.

 

“I’ll go through them and discuss them with Nick.”

 

He was already at the door, when Denton called him back.

 

“The new structure will be announced on Friday, but I congratulate you already Lieutenant.”

 

Lieutenant, Mac’s head was spinning with the changes and revelations from the meeting. He knew that it would take time to sink in, but as he sat back at his desk he realized that he shivered with relief. Only now did he realize how close he had come to lose his job and Danny. Taking a deep breath, he reached for the two files then stopped and called Stella and Nick into his office, he wanted to tell them himself.

 

---

 

“Yeah well, I had a hunch.”

 

Tony listened to the one sided conversation while reading his book at the same time. Didn’t matter what Kate had always said, men could multitask too.

 

“Wow, congrats then and tell Nick and Stella that I wish them well... Sheldon? Ok... well no, but I just had the mental image of Ducky... one word: long winded...”

 

Tony sniggered and watched Jethro while he was talking to Mac. He felt silly, but the open and carefree laughter from Jethro made him feel warm and fuzzy. Waving at his lover he indicated that he said ‘hi’, Jethro nodded and related his message before hanging up. Tony moved as Jethro sat down next to him and gently guided him so that his head was in Tony’s lap.

 

“They ok?”

 

Jethro tensed and growled lightly.

 

“Ziva filed a complaint against Mac. Jen of course sent it... The complaint was accusing him of racial and gender discrimination.”

 

Tony stopped the rhythmic strokes on Jethro’s head and stared at him.

 

“She what? What happened? Is Mac ok?”

 

Jethro smiled and moved his head against Tony’s hand. Tony grinned at the silent demand to keep caressing him, and he felt Jethro relax again as soon as he started the touches again. For a moment Tony forgot about being worried.

 

“He got a promotion.”

 

Ok, somehow he had missed a few things, because he was pretty sure that no one got promoted in New York because they accused someone of discrimination. Jethro looked at him and smiled.

 

“Jen had to withdraw the complaint so that cleared him, but his boss thinks he works too much. He’s got two more CSIs and their team has been remodeled.”

 

Tony saw that Jethro hesitated and waited until he continued.

 

“Danny isn’t reporting to him anymore.”

 

He tensed and a shiver ran through him as he felt Gibbs’ eyes on him. Not able to stand the look he turned his eyes away and forced himself to ask his lover the question he dreaded.

 

“That is what you hope for us too? Do want me to get onto another team?”

 

Jethro sat up so fast that Tony almost collided with him. The strong hands on his jaw forced him to look at Jethro and he relaxed as he saw the conviction in the blue eyes.

 

“No, I don’t want you anywhere else but right with me watching my back and me being able to watch yours.”

 

He felt like drowning in the blue gaze and instinctively leaned against Jethro.

 

“Love you.”

 

Jethro smiled before capturing his lips with a kiss. Tony smiled and leaned against Jethro’s body, this was nice.

 

“Tom has our backs.”

 

The words took a second to register but as they did Tony reacted as if Jethro had slapped him.

 

“You told who? What?”

 

Tony was once more pressed against Jethro and he felt himself relax almost against his will while Jethro explained his reasons.

 

“I told you I could not lose you, but believe me love; I can’t protect you against Jen. Tom can.”

 

Shaking his head, Tony looked up and kissed Jethro’s nose playfully.

 

“I’m fine with it, just next time you out me, can you tell me before?”

 

---

 

Nick left the office in a daze, Mac’s words and their implications were still going trough his head. He had just been promoted. Not even two years since coming to New York, he had already reached a position he would never have gotten in Las Vegas.

 

“Earth to Nick Stokes?”

 

A hand waved in front of his face and he smiled at Stella. Her face was as shocked and confused as Nick’s, but she also had a proud look on her face.

 

“Congratulations”

 

She grinned and shook her head.

 

“Do you always look like someone shot your best friend when you get promoted?”

 

Her eyes twinkled and Nick laughed openly, but as he remembered his last promotion his laughter died, the day he had been promoted to level three, Holly had been killed. He shook his head, pushed the negative thoughts away and smiled as he took his coat from his locker.

 

“That calls for a celebration.”

 

Stella nodded and then frowned.

 

“Yeah, but Mac has to be a part too, let’s discuss it with him ok? Now I’m going home to celebrate with my man.”

 

Smiling at her enthusiasm, Nick took his cell phone out and sent Don a quick text asking his lover whether or not he was done already.

 

“So will I, I hope. Say hi to Frank and tell him he had to spoil you tonight.”

 

She laughed again and her happiness was infectious.

 

“Oh, he will, don’t worry.”

 

Nick was already at the car when his phone beeped and Don told him that he would be leaving work in an hour. Thinking for a second, Nick punched in the speed dial and grinned at the thought of Don’s display now showing the name ‘Nicky’. It wasn’t a lie, just some camouflage.

 

“You are coming over?”

 

Don hesitated and Nick knew the reason. They had been together almost every evening this week. In some ways it was a miracle that no one had caught on yet, but Nick knew that with every night they spent together, they put themselves more at risk. And still they needed the closeness, the connection and that was the reason, why Don’s reply surprised him.

 

“I can’t actually, but can you meet me at the corner of 105 and Branson?”

 

Holding his phone at his ear with his shoulder, Nick steered his car out of the station parking and smiled as Don suddenly growled.

 

“No driving while talking on the phone, especially not while talking to a police officer ok?”

 

It was an ongoing argument between them, one that was fought without passion but with much pleasure.

 

“When shall I be there?”

 

They agreed to meet in two hours and Nick drove back to his place to get showered and changed. His flat was small compared to the condo he had lived in while working in Las Vegas, but it felt so much more like home. Taking his jacket, his badge and his gun off was almost standard procedure for him by now and with a smile he walked over and pressed the answering machine.

 

“Hi Nick, Tony here... just wanted to say congrats to the promotion... drinks on you next time, call me ok?”

 

An amused chuckle escaped Nick as he realized that Tony had called to congratulate him before he himself had even known about it.

 

“News travel fast.”

 

The tape beeped again and Greg’s voice came through.

 

“Hey bro... Got 260 points, beat that or I am the man!”

 

260 points, not bad, but a glance at his watch told him that he had no time to start the game and try and beat the record. Don would not be happy if he explained that he was late for their meeting because he was trying to beat Greg at the playstation. Still he had time for a quick chat with Tony and he relaxed on the couch as he reached for the phone.

 

“DiNozzo”

 

Nick smiled and suddenly wondered if Tony came up as a girl on Gibbs’ caller ID too.

 

“Tony how are you?”

 

---

 

Don was nervous as he waited for Nick. He wasn’t sure if Nick would like the idea or not and so he just hoped that at least his lover would not be angry. Slowly his eyes trailed over the object he’d been searching for so long. It was nice, but what made it even better was, it was not only nice, but also perfect for them.

 

“Hey there.”

 

Nick had taken the subway, something he had started doing only recently. It was another proof how far Nick had come since he’d moved to New York, how much he had healed and with a smile of love, Don nodded at his lover.

 

“Hey yourself”

 

Nick looked around and Don saw his eyes sweep over the area. Nick was assessing the neighbour hood in the same way everyone working in law enforcement automatically did. The subtle relaxing of muscles made Don smile, the area had obviously passed Nick’s test.

 

“Why are we here?”

 

Now or never, Don swallowed hard and pointed towards the building next to them.

 

“Looking at apartments”

 

Nick froze and Don cursed himself, before he could say anything though, Nick frowned.

 

“I didn’t know you wanted to move.”

 

He had to come clear now, but his throat was dry and all that came out was.

 

“It’s not for me.”

 

Nick stared at him and then slowly asked again.

 

“Who is it for?”

 

His lover’s eyes told him, that Nick had already guessed and taking a deep breath Don confirmed what Nick had thought.

 

“Us”

 

He saw Nick’s eyes widen, but before he could say anything, Don caught his hand and squeezed it gently.

 

“Don’t say no right away ok? Let’s look at it and then go home and talk, please?”

 

He knew that he was damn close to begging, but he wanted this, had wanted it since his father had told him about the empty apartments. Don knew that Nick and he were in for the long haul and he had already talked with his parents about the possibility of getting a loan. He wanted to stop pretending and be together with his partner despite the added risk for his job and that had been when his father had told him about the house. Nick was still looking at him, and then a smile crossed his face.

 

“Let’s take a look.”

 

The agent had waited at the door and smiled friendly as she showed them around while explaining the unique setting of the flats. They had been built for a separated couple that had remained friends and although two separate flats with separate entries, it had a connecting door which basically turned it into one big apartment if the tenants wished so. Don watched Nick as they walked around and he could see how his lover started to show more and more interest.

 

Finally they sat down at the table in what would be the living room, the agent explained about the cost and the payment structure while Nick nodded and asked several questions. Don just sat there and tried to imagine how the flat would look like after he and Nick had moved it. It was perfect for them, two entrances on different streets; they would even have different addresses and still one big apartment where they would live together.

 

“We’ll contact you, thank you very much!”

 

The agent left and on the way home, Nick looked as if he were in deep thoughts until he finally looked up and at Don.

 

“You planned this long ago, didn’t you?”

 

There was a smile in his face and love shone from his eyes. Don felt something inside him relax as he understood that Nick wasn’t angry.

 

“Do you want it?”

 

Don stopped in front of Nick’s house, but didn’t get out instead fixed Nick with a serious look. Nick nodded but his eyes were unreadable.

 

“Yeah, I do, but we have to talk it through first.”

 

His eyes changed and revealed a deep longing.

 

“God Don, you have no idea how often I dreamed of this. How often I wished...”

 

Nick trailed of and Don understood him only too well, their eyes met and suddenly they were out of the car and almost raced each other up to Nick’s flat. As soon as Don had closed the door behind him, Nick’s lips were on his, the fast and hard kiss took his breath away and made his knees buckle. Gasping lightly, he looked at Nick.

 

“I got promoted today.”

 

Don really wanted to congratulate his lover properly, but Nick batted his hands away and slowly slid down along his body until he was on his knees.

 

“Do I get a reward?”

 

Batting his eyes playfully, Nick grinned as he opened Don’s fly and Don moaned as cool, sure hands stroked him. His hands formed fists and his head fell back against the wall as Nick’s lips closed over him.

 

“Nick... love you...”

 

The words were intelligible and Nick moaned in answer as he slowly took Don’s hands, pried them open and put them on his head. Don didn’t need any more encouragement and as he looked down and saw Nick’s hand stroking himself furiously, he cried out once more and spilled into his lover’s mouth. Nick groaned then gasped and Don watched as he shuddered in the throws of orgasm. Sliding down along the wall, Don wrapped his arms around his lover.

 

“Congratulations to the promotion”

 

---

 

*Chapter 14 – Beginnings and Ends*

 

“So you are selling the house in Vegas?”

 

Nick nodded at Danny’s question. His friend’s hair was mussed and his eyes had that glitter that spoke of a heavy make out session, but his hand and voice were steady. Nick wondered how Mac and Danny had managed to escape for five or ten minutes without anyone noticing. Looking around he noticed the slightly inebriated state of most people and smiled, ok maybe it hadn’t been that hard.

 

“Yeah, it’s not like I’ll ever need it anymore and I need the money for the new place.”

 

He still couldn’t believe that he and Don would soon be living together and Danny’s smile told him that his friend was thinking somewhere along his line.

 

“Maybe I’ll have to start house hunting and Mac will get the hint.”

 

The man in question smiled and gently cuffed Danny in the back of his head. Danny yelped and turned to glare at his lover, Nick saw Mac’s smile as he answered the unspoken complaint.

 

“I’ve got my eyes and ears open. I want this as much as you do.”

 

Mac had spoken quietly, but now he stepped back from Danny and cleared his voice.

 

“Ladies and gentlemen, I just want to say a few words...”

 

Nick watched as Mac once more welcomed everyone to the party, explained the new structure and promised that nothing would change. The last was something Nick hoped too and leading Danny away from the noise, he looked at his friend.

 

“Danny, are you fine with this? I feel like I stole your promotion.”

 

Danny laughed and shook his head.

 

“No, you didn’t. I did that myself when I didn’t trust Mac to have my ass. Don’t worry Nick, I’m not jealous, we’re good, believe me.”

 

That was it and once more Nick was glad that he had met Danny, and out of an impulse, he clasped Danny’s shoulder.

 

“Thanks Danny”

 

His friend smiled and as their eyes met, Nick saw that Danny understood what he really meant.

 

“Ditto”

 

---

 

Danny’s eyes followed Nick’s as his friend left the room. He had been surprised about Nick’s question, but he had answered honestly. He wasn’t jealous that Nick had gotten promoted. Nick had more experience and a better knowledge than he had and if he was honest, he had absolutely no interest in all the administrative work that came with a promotion.

 

“You look edible.”

 

Mac spoke low, his voice was not carrying further than his ears and Danny shivered in response to it. Turning around he smiled at his lover, his boss and partner.

 

“So do you.”

 

And Mac really did in the more casual clothing he wore for the promotion drinks and Danny had to force himself not to touch him.

 

“Leave in an hour?”

 

Mac nodded and walked over to greet Jane. Danny’s eyes swept over the crowd and he smiled as he watched Sheldon talking animatedly with his replacement Dr. Sid Hammerback. Sheldon had started as a CSI three weeks ago and a girl called Lindsey Monroe would start next Wednesday. There were many changes, but Danny wasn’t afraid of them anymore. He had found his place and he grinned as his eyes met Don’s who pointed towards Stella. She had gotten stuck with an IAB guy and she growled lightly and exchanged a glare with both Danny and Don, before politely excusing herself. Danny checked his watch and made his exit. Mac would come home thirty minutes later unless they got another case.

 

Danny smiled; he hoped that no causes would come up, because he had a surprise planned for Mac.

 

---

 

The first thing Mac noticed was that Danny had cleaned his apartment. His lover wasn’t generally messy, but his flat tended to be cluttered with things. Tonight though everything was neat and clean, and Mac smiled, he looked forward to a nice evening with his lover.

 

“Danny, you want a beer?”

 

There was a noise from the bedroom and Danny’s voice sounded through the flat.

 

“I’ll get you one in a minute.”

 

Smiling again, Mac groaned as he sat down onto the couch and stretched his legs. He was tired but not exhausted, just pleasantly drained.

 

“Mac”

 

Something in Danny’s voice alerted him, but he still gasped as he stared at his lover. Danny wore a pair of tight black boxer shorts and nothing else. Any sleepiness disappeared as Danny stalked towards Mac and Mac swallowed hard as his body tensed and all blood rushed south. Danny looked very much like a hunter stalking his prey and right now, Mac very much felt like said prey. Finally Danny was standing right in front of him, but to Mac’s shock he didn’t sit down instead gracefully kneeled down next to the couch.

 

“Danny what is...”

 

His words trailed off as Danny pulled a box from under the couch. He recognized the brand and knew what it was. Shaking his head, he wanted to back away, but Danny took one of his hands and guided it towards his cock. His lover was hard and hot, the heat scalding even with the shorts between his hand and the skin and Mac groaned at the look of passion in Danny’s face. He tensed as his hand reached something hard.

 

“I told you before, that I want you to do it. But you never did, are you still going to hold back now? Please Mac, I am prepared, I ache for you, please take these...”

 

For a second Mac hesitated, but his own desire had flared up strongly as he listened to Danny’s pleas and looking once more deep into the blue eyes, he made his decision.

 

“Go to the bedroom, take of your clothes and lie down on your back.”

 

Danny almost ran towards the bedroom. Mac’s eyes followed him; somehow he had always known that one day it would come to this, that one day he would claim Danny completely.

 

And today would only be the start.

 

---

 

Don woke to find the bed next to him empty. Frowning he got up and finally found Nick in the living room.

 

“You ok?”

 

Nick nodded, and turning around showed him a CD.

 

“What is it?”

 

Nick’s face was in the shadows, but Don saw the tension in his lover’s body. He thought about it, but couldn’t think of anything that would have driven Nick away from their bed.

 

“It’s the feed from the camera in the box... I... I asked Grissom to send me a copy.”

 

Don was at Nick’s side as his voice wavered and pulled him close to his body. Tiny shivers ran through Nick as he continued speaking.

 

“I thought that I needed to see it, you know, to really make an end. But somehow I don’t think that anymore. I think I got closure long ago.”

 

He hadn’t known he had been holding his breath until Nick finished, but the deep sigh came from his heart and he pulled Nick even closer.

 

“Then don’t look at it. Keep it locked somewhere, but don’t watch it unless you feel you need to. And if that ever happens, I will watch it with you.”

 

Nick turned in his arms and smiled at him.

 

“Thanks”

 

Don watched as Nick put the CD away and held his hand out.

 

“Let’s go to bed.”

 

---

 

Gibbs watched from the door as Abby and Tony bantered back and forth. They had not yet noticed him and he allowed himself a couple of moment of just looking at his lover.

 

“You two fit.”

 

Ducky’s voice was calm and friendly as he patted Gibbs’ arm and stepped up next to him.

 

“Don’t lose him.”

 

Gibbs tensed for a moment, but his voice was sure as he answered.

 

“Never”

 

---

 

THE END