Disclaimer: Don't own them, don't make any money from them, just borrow them occasionally and play with them. But I'll bring them back, promise.
Tony pushed open the door and stepped inside, pausing briefly until he heard the familiar sounds of the TV coming from the basement. Shutting the door behind him he took off his coat and hung it on a hook before heading towards the steps that lead downwards. It wasn't that he felt unsure of his welcome, but there was a niggling feeling that he might not get what he needed. Sighing he made his way downstairs. Gibbs glanced briefly up at him but went back to work without a word, so Tony took it as an invitation and went fully into the basement. The boat had come on greatly since he last saw it, a testament to the fact he'd stayed away for months.
Gibbs continued to ignore him so Tony took up his once regular spot on a couple of old cushions in the corner and began to play on his handheld computer. Only the sound of the TV on a continuous news channel disrupted the silence. Presently Gibbs walked to the shelf and poured two generous measures of bourbon, handing one to Tony on his return to the boat. Tony sipped it, enjoying the burn as it slid down his throat and relishing in the sign of Gibbs' acceptance of his presence. The silence continued.
Tony woke abruptly, having not been aware of falling asleep. His head was pillowed on something warm and there was a hand resting gently in his hair. Rolling on to his back he looked up into a pair of intense blue eyes, softened by the acceptance and apology shining through them. Still no words. Gibbs reached down and carded his fingers through Tony's hair. Tony sighed and closed his eyes, enjoying the closeness to a man who had shut him out since his return from Mexico. This is what he needed.