A/N: Welcome to our next little bit about our gang. This one came about while I was chatting online with fellow author and friend Puppypants and I'm not quite sure what either of us said that triggered the plot bunny, but I immediately started writing. It's a little different, hope you enjoy!

Many thanks to Harmonfreak1, also a dear friend, for beta'ing for me – you rock!

Chapter One

"Got your farm boots and grubbies, babe?"

"Yep, feels like I should have a straw hat and overalls!"

"Nah, those jeans are fine and besides you look damn sexy in them. And your island sunhat does a better job of protecting your neck than a straw hat."

"I was trying to be funny, Jethro."

"Oops! If you'd thrown a rubber chicken in, I might have gotten that!"

The two men smiled at each other as they loaded their bags and some of Jethro's tools into the truck. They were on their way to Stillwater to build a small barn for the goats they'd brought home from the island. Luckily for the goats, the weather in Pennsylvania had been unseasonably warm this spring, but it was still early and spring snow storms were not unusual. Jethro had recently told Tim a story of a snowstorm during his childhood, one that ruined a family camping trip after school was out for the summer, in early June. Tim relayed a story from his teen years, going cabin-camping over the Fourth of July at Mammoth Lakes in California and getting snowed in for a couple of days. That was when the two had decided they'd better get the barn built sooner rather than later.

Tim found a simple design online that Jethro said the two of them could build with some help from Jack if he insisted. Tim printed the design, along with step by step instructions and a list of supplies they'd need. Jethro had all the tools needed of course, but they would stop at the lumberyard closest to Stillwater to purchase the wood, roofing, double doors and fasteners that they'd need. While the barn would be simple, it would need a floor, a fenced in back corral and power for heat and light. Rather than run wire, Tim was going to install 2 solar panels and Jack had already asked him to take a look at the house while they were there, to see if he could make the change to solar power.

Home for just over three weeks now, they'd spent most of the time reveling in their new lives together, enjoying each other and their relationship. Over the months on the island, they'd talked about plans to update Gibbs' home with Jethro insisting that they update the house to better reflect the needs and tastes of both of them. After all, he wanted Tim to be as at home there as he was. They set to work on their third day together - two days after Jack had departed for home. They'd first cleaned out and then painted the master bedroom and en suite bath, installed a new and jetted bathtub, large enough for the two of them, and a separate shower, also large enough for both men. They bought a new bed, one long enough so that Tim's feet didn't hang over the end and were happy to pay a little extra to have it delivered and set up.

The two had also done some work in the kitchen, restoring the cabinets and other woodwork to their original glory. New appliances were on order including a dishwasher, and would be installed a couple of days after their return from Stillwater. The day before the appliances arrived, they'd be tearing out the old floor and laying in a new one. Jethro had been amazed and relieved to find patterns and styles for nearly everything that matched or meshed with the Craftsman architecture of the house. They wanted to work on the rest of the house, but figured by the time the kitchen was done they'd be going back to work, so had concentrated on the two most important rooms.

Tim's typewriter, writing desk, computer, accessories and TV had been moved from his grandmother's garage into the house, as well as the rest of his clothing and books. That was really all he was interested in as far as his personal belongings. His album collection and other items had been sold after his supposed death and Penny and Sarah had used the money to start a small foundation providing essentials and scholarships for homeless students. That was such a worthy cause that Tim had no regrets about the loss of his collections.

Sarah had privately told him that they had been very close to selling the Porsche when they started listening to Abby and her belief that Tim and the others were alive. Tim was very happy to have his car back. He and Jethro had taken some fun drives and after extracting several promises involving safety, Tim agreed to let the other man drive his car. The younger man, being the smart lover that he was, had planned ahead and found a parkway in the hills fairly close by. It was a nice long stretch of road, with enough wide curves and inclines to make Jethro's maiden drive fun without giving Tim heart failure.

The morning of "The Drive", Jethro was awake well before dawn and subtly prodded Tim until he too was awake. "Oh, you're awake Timmy, I'm going to make some coffee. " Tim, having figured something like this would happen, had a plan of his own. He reached over as Jethro moved one leg out of bed and pulled him back for a soul searing kiss and some strategic stroking and petting. Jethro moaned as warm hands stroked his cock, reaching back to fondle his balls and swiping a long finger along the sensitive area between his scrotal sac and his entrance. He tried to say something, but an impatient demanding tongue had invaded his mouth and he groaned into it. That one tantalizing finger was circling his entrance and he squirmed with pleasure, any thoughts of "The Drive" disappearing. He bucked when that finger breached him and searched until it found his sweet spot.

"Ooohh Timmy, want more."

"What's that sweetie, I didn't hear you?"

"Want MORE! ...fuck me babe, want you inside me."

Tim leaned over and whispered in his ear, "Always happy to oblige. Now do you want me to fuck you before or after the drive?"

"Evil…NOW, fuck me NOW Timmy!"

While this was going on, Tim had continued with his finger. After searching for the lube, they found where it had landed the night before; Jethro held the bottle while Tim reached for a condom, ripped the package open, stuck it under his pillow and slicked up his fingers. Both men were hard and Jethro was keening his need to have Tim inside him. Tim gave him a soft sloppy kiss and then returned his finger to his lover's hole. A second finger soon joined it and Jethro thrust himself against them, impaling himself on Tim's long fingers. He groaned in loss and anticipation when Tim withdrew his fingers and gestured for the condom. Jethro rolled it onto Tim's long shaft and then lubed him. Fully sheathed and lubricated, Tim knelt between Jethro's legs and pulled a pillow from the floor. When his lover patted his hip, Jethro wrapped his legs around Tim's waist and the pillow was scooted under his bottom. Tim leaned over and gave him a long kiss, then moved his head lower, licking and sucking Jethro's cock and balls. Finally he gave in to his lover's pleas and aligned his cock with Jethro's hole and pushed in. Slowly he set the rhythm that would carry them both through to completion. With his hands he stroked Jethro's belly and penis, cupped his balls and rubbed lightly behind them. Neither man lasted very long; Tim, trying to delay his climax looked up and saw that dawn was breaking as Jethro shouted his name with his release. As Jethro panted through his orgasm, he reached up and tweaked first one then the other nipple of his lover. That and the internal muscles tightening around Tim's cock sent him over the edge and he groaned out Jethro's name as he too fell over. With Tim's shaft still inside him, Jethro moved his legs and the two men spooned on the bed, Tim finally pulling out, removing the condom from his penis and disposing of it. They rested for a bit, Tim rubbing circles on his lover's ass. "You have one sweet ass, J. I can't decide which cheeks I like better." He reached over and licked Jethro's face and then dipped his tongue down to his backside. Jethro groaned and turned onto his back, pulling Tim with him. The two rested for a bit, Tim running his hand through Jethro's chest hair and Jethro playing "dip the tongue" in Tim's belly button. Eventually, someone's tummy growled and laughing they forced themselves to leave their nest of tangled bedding. Jethro grabbed a pair of boxers that might be his and headed downstairs, while Tim jumped into the shower. He was out by the time his lover was back upstairs with two mugs of coffee. Tim dressed while Jethro watched, threatening to undress him again and return this morning's favor.

Tim laughed, "So you've given up on the drive? Want to stay home and play all day – because that sounds great to me, you know I can't get enough of you."

Jethro growled, "Not giving up the drive. You can keep fucking me into the mattress but I'm not giving up driving the Porsche. "

Tim smiled wickedly, "You have to admit that was a fun delay."

Jethro smirked at him as he got in the shower, "It was and we'll play when we get home, hot stuff, trust me!" Tim turned and patted his own ass as he walked away, laughing at Jethro's watery growl.

Downstairs, he pulled the breakfast burritos he had made the previous week, out of the freezer and when he could no longer hear the water running in the shower, popped them into the microwave. He sat enjoying his coffee and reading the overnight news on his tablet. Engrossed in an article about the future of space exploration, he nearly jumped out of his chair when Jethro swooped in and licked the back of his neck. Turning his head, the two kissed until the microwave rudely interrupted them. Jethro pulled out the burritos and put them on plates. He handed Tim his while he reached back for the coffee pot and refilled both their mugs. They ate in companionable silence, Jethro reading the sports page of the local paper and Tim continuing to read his tablet. Finally the food was eaten and they'd had enough coffee to get going.

Tim decided on one more tease. "I'll just do the dishes, J. Then we can see about going."

"Oh no, Timmy boy, delaying us for some loving was a great idea, but no dishes, I got a country full of roads and a hot Porsche waiting for me!"

Tim looked at him, an eyebrow cocked. "I mean a country full of roads, a hot lover and a rockin' Porsche."

Tim grinned, "Nice save, Jethro! Let's go then, what are we waiting for?" They grabbed jackets and keys and flew out the door. In the driveway, Tim had to force himself to turn in the direction of the passenger seat; he'd never before let anyone drive his precious sports car and as much as he loved Jethro, this was not as easy as he'd thought it would be. He had a suspicion that both Penny and Sarah had driven it while he was away but had decided he really didn't want to know. Noticing his partner's deliberate turn, Jethro smiled to himself. His love really was having a bit of a problem with this. They got in and Jethro moved the seat up a hair, checked the mirrors, the instrument gauges and started the engine. It purred to life and Jethro turned and grinned at Tim. "All teasing aside, Tim, I promise to be careful."

Tim smiled sweetly back at him, "I know you will, Jethro, because I'll freakin' hurt you if you aren't."

Jethro laughed, "Ah, trust between lovers, that's always a good thing."

They motored quietly down the street and toward their target parkway. The drive there gave Jethro a chance to get used to the acceleration, turning and braking of the car. He absolutely loved the feel of the vehicle, especially enjoying the feeling of control over such power. Tim saw that and gave him a few minutes on the surface streets to enjoy it before warning him. "That feeling, Jethro, that you're in control and have all this power under your feet, waiting for you?"

Jethro nodded.

"Yeah, it's a rush, but it's also the danger. It's a powerful car but the control you think you have is mostly a temporary illusion, easily stripped away by speed, the road, unpredictable traffic and good old Mother Nature. You have to respect those things when you're in this beauty, never forget them."

His lover thought for a moment. "The speed and power are there but they're conditional."

"Very conditional and when the conditions change, the power can work against you. You have to be aware and in control of the vehicle, don't let the ease of driving it fool you. Having said that, we should take it through the desert sometime, wouldn't that be cool?"

"Yeah babe, I can see us trippin' through the Mojave at 120 miles an hour."

"Problem is, we have to get there first and in this car, we'd be on every traffic cop's radar across the U.S.!"

Jethro smirked, "I can imagine. Have you ever…?"

"Yes and no. Cop pulled me over once driving through Georgia, but he got a call out – a multi-car accident, it was awful."

"You saw it?"

"Um, yeah, ended up helping out for a while."

"And you never said. Was that on your way back from Florida?"

"Yep."

"And you came straight into work on Monday; you were supposed to be home Sunday."

"Yeah, after helping out at the wreck, I was too tired to drive all the way home, so I drove halfway and got a room, then got up early and drove straight into work the next day."

"You were in jeans, not your usual suit, I remember Tony teasing you."

"Yeah, it wasn't bad though and I was still normally wearing suits and ties, I don't think I'd ever worn jeans to work before then."

Jethro leered, "No you hadn't, trust me I would have remembered because that was a whole new view of you. Sure put me in a good mood, I think I made you jump up and run around doing stuff for me a lot that day. You should wear jeans all the time, mmm the look coming and going really works for you. On second thought don't wear them to work; I don't want you flaunting that 5 out of 5 backside of yours at anyone but me."

As intimate as they'd been with each other, Tim still blushed a little as he laughed, "As if I would, Jethro! It was just luck that I had the jeans and shirt in the trunk of my car, I'd left them…someplace and when I got them back, I just threw them in the car. All I had in my luggage on the Florida trip were shorts and tee shirts, oh and swim trunks."

Jethro moaned, "Speedos? Uh…I think we need to change the subject, hot stuff, or all my control is going to fly out the window and I did promise, you know."

"Ok, concentrate on the road, my man. The exit for the parkway is coming up soon. Then the real fun begins!"

Jethro grunted, "With you, my love, the fun continues…it never really ends."

Tim smiled happily, "Who knew my grouchy ass 'stone face' boss was a romantic?"

"Grouchy? I thought you liked my ass!"

"Silly Jethro, I don't like your ass, I love it!" They grinned at each other.

"There's the exit, J!"

"Got it babe."

The drive on the parkway was a resounding success; both men thoroughly enjoyed the ride – the one while driving in the car and the one afterward at home.

XXX

Despite their love of privacy and all their projects, they had not exiled themselves from the rest of the Big Fish crew. Just two days before leaving for Stillwater, they'd hosted a crew dinner – extended to include Abby, Jimmy and Fornell.

Abby had at first declined the invitation but after some time and discussions with Tony and Ziva, she'd changed her mind. With some soul searching, she had accepted the new relationship between Gibbs and McGee. She finally admitted that she'd always seen McGee as her backup plan. Additionally she had been told of the changes that would happen at work once they returned – no favorites, no hierarchy, no 'totem pole', most of all, no bullying – of anyone. That too was hard to deal with although Gibbs acknowledged that he had helped create the atmosphere in the first place and had unknowingly fostered it over the years. He was also quick to assure her of his continuing affection. He did warn her that he would no longer put up with her lying to him or any childish behavior toward anyone, whether it was Tim or anyone else. That had happened when she was presented with specific examples of her past unacceptable behavior toward Tim and the lying she'd done to Gibbs about it. That was her current sticking point.

Tony and Ziva had stepped in after they realized that Tim, Gibbs and Ducky could only get so far with the stubborn woman. Abby was indeed part of their family, albeit a high maintenance member, and the two of them, having already been through some of this, thought they could help. With the advantage of having been through their own emotional turmoil on the island and here at home, they understood her reluctance to a degree and certainly the underlying shame. However, they were disheartened by her adamant refusal to admit any wrongdoing. Tony finally told the story of what had happened to him after the book bullying: his horror at what he'd overheard Gibbs and Ducky say about him, his internal refusal to face his mistake, how he'd broken the buddy rule, bungled the cistern cover and then found himself embraced in the arms of the man he'd disrespected - because he was after all, loved and forgiven.

Away from the people she had been starting to avoid, Abby relaxed enough with her friends to admit she had behaved badly toward their co-worker and friend and other people in the agency, frequently let her emotions rule her in a childish manner and had taken advantage of her status as Gibbs' favorite. Her friends helped Abby recognize her mistakes, some of the thought processes that had led her astray and to consider ways she could continue to work with them all, with the end result that she agreed to join in the dinner. She went to it with hope, feeling a little awkward but knowing she was part of the family and with the knowledge she'd gained from Tony's story - she was loved and would be forgiven. If they didn't care about her, nothing would have been said.

Jethro had planned to grill burgers and have the party outside, but when Tim called Cory to invite him, their friend asked if he could prepare the meal. He had been inundated with paperwork for his return to his studies and thought cooking a nice dinner for his fellow former castaways would be a great stress reliever. Rarely one to turn down a meal prepared by Mitas, Tim gladly agreed.

The result was a feast, definitely a crew pleaser. With a chilly and rainy weather forecast for that weekend, the party plans moved indoors and Cory adapted the menu to counteract the chill. He prepared a grilled beef Tri-tip with a lime-honey glaze and a Tropical Fruit salsa. Rather than serve the potatoes everyone expected, a tropical sweet potato casserole accompanied the meat, along with a green vegetable and Hawaiian rolls. Dessert was simple: bowls of the freshest berries available, topped by creamy vanilla bean ice cream.

It was a dinner fit for a celebration. They had just received word that their as yet unnamed chronicles would be published by the same firm that handled Thom E Gemcity's books. After their return home, the three younger agents and Cory had put together a draft for the publisher and it had roused sufficient interest to generate an advance check and a deadline. Before they settled in to the hard work of preparing their tales for publication, with the added participation of Ducky and Gibbs, they were taking the time to celebrate their initial success.

The evening had been a rousing success. Along with mapping out their work on the book, they'd also taken a calendar and planned some sails on the Big Fish. With the publicity surrounding their return, they'd had no trouble finding a berth for her at a marina not far from the Navy Yard. As planned, the ship had been registered in all their names. With Cory's return to school and their eventual return to NCIS, planning an outing for all of them took some doing. However, they managed to find a few dates throughout the rest of the spring and summer. Ducky made a suggestion that two of the bunkrooms be combined so Timothy and Jethro would be more comfortable. The original 6 put it to a vote and it was unanimous. They also discussed turning the animal and plant compartments into additional sleeping quarters and decided that for now, the compartments would be cleaned up but no permanent changes would be made. If guests accompanied them on overnight sails, they would provide comfortable air beds or fold up beds. Coyly angling for invitations to one of the sails, Abby, Jimmy and Tobias agreed that would be fine with them. Gibbs thought it would be easy enough to make additional bunks; he just didn't want to commit to the time required. Tim, their work on the house and building a barn for the goats came first.

Tony proposed they consider chartering the boat, either for fishing or cruises down the coast. That caused some discussion as Gibbs was very reluctant to have any strangers on the 'Fish, while Ducky liked the idea as a way of offsetting the annual registration and mooring fees. Gibbs agreed to think about it and Tim gave Tony a smile that he hoped meant Tim liked the idea and would work on their boss.