A/N: Implied relationship between Gibbs and DiNozzo which began when Tony came back from the Sea Hawk (Agent Afloat). Takes place post Bounce.
From across the bullpen and the safety of the subdued light of his desk lamp, Leroy Jethro Gibbs silently studied the form of his senior field agent. Tony DiNozzo sat, locked in deep concentration, at his desk. Every so often, a hand would sweep at his forehead smoothing the tension behind the furrowed brow.
"DiNozzo, you finished?"
"Just checking your report, Boss... before I send it upstairs." Tony replied, without taking his eyes off the report.
Gibbs smirked at the way DiNozzo confirmed both their authorities in one statement. Tony had sent McGee and Ziva home once he'd signed off on their reports. That just left the two of them, alone. "Been a long one. Want me to wait. Give you a ride home?"
"Nah, s'okay. Go on. Won't be long."
"I'll wait." Gibbs growled.
Tony looked up from his desk. Where had that come from? That growl was usually reserved for moments when Gibbs really wanted to grab his or the team's attention, but as far as he could think, Gibbs hadn't asked him to do anything nor been expecting something from him. He wasn't injured, hadn't made an inappropriate joke, and he definitely hadn't quoted from a classic movie in the last couple of hours. Tony looked over towards Gibbs and saw him eyeing him, impatiently.
"Gibbs, you can go. I'll be fine."
"Like being in charge, do we?"
So that was it. "Gibbs. Boss." Tony sighed. "Thank you for letting me take lead on this case. But..."
"I said... like being in charge?"
"You're the Boss..."
Gibbs snorted and Tony tried to reassure his partner once again. "Look, I'm not about to..."
Tony paused, trying to read Gibbs. Frustration was evident, as was lust. There was a flicker of something else too. Tony couldn't quite place it. It seemed familiar but so alien in Gibbs. And then it hit him. Need.
"unless..."
Gibbs's mouth opened in anticipation and Tony swore he could hear Jethro's heartbeat quicken. Tony's own eyes widened in surprise. Gibbs wanted him to take the lead, and not just in the office. He hadn't been expecting that. For a brief moment, Tony hesitated; unsure of his position. Had he read Gibbs right? Was he about to make one of the biggest mistakes of his life? He had to be sure.
"Gibbs. Front and centre."
Gibbs obeyed the order without hesitation and Tony smiled inwardly; pleased he'd not misread the signs. That would have been disastrous.
"Like me being in charge, do we?" Tony stated as Gibbs stood to attention in front of him.
"Yeah."
"Yeah, what? And I'd think very carefully before answering that, Gibbs."
"Yeah. Boss."
"Hmm. Better." Tony picked up the report in front of him. "Good report. But why is it the last one to hit my desk?"
"Won't happen..."
"Again." Tony sighed. "I know. It's only gonna be a onetime thing."
"...very often." Gibbs corrected deadpan.
Tony leaned back in his chair, taken aback by Gibbs's surprising offer. That was a new development in their fledgling relationship. Tony felt himself reacting in anticipation and fought to keep control.
"In that case, Special Agent Gibbs, go get my car from the garage. I'll meet you round the front," he said tossing his car keys to his lover, unable to stop the smile on his face from widening into a grin. "I'll be giving you a ride home tonight."