When Jethro told me he was giving me a ride home, I just nodded and followed him to the elevator. I was exhausted, and that was probably a goddamn understatement compared to what he was, but he handled it better than I did. He probably needs less sleep or something, but neither of us had even managed to catch a cat nap in two days and Jesus Christ I was tired.
I remember getting into the car, but I must've fallen asleep pretty much right away because next thing I know we're parked in front of his house and he's softly shaking my shoulder, whispering to wake up. I get up, and I'm clumsy but I lead the way into the house and put my gun and badge away without shooting my hand off. He's quicker than I am, and when I follow him to the kitchen he's anticipated me and holds out a glass of water.
We sit in silence for a few minutes, just enjoying each other's company and the dull buzz sleepiness gives you. He stands up, sticks his glass in the sink. He moves and stands in front of me, pulls me to my feet, kisses me softly for just a second.
"I love you, Tony."
It takes me a second to process it, and then I remember we haven't said it yet, except now he has and I haven't, and isn't that bad? But he doesn't expect me to say it back, just expects me to hear it. I kiss him again, a little longer this time but I'm so tired. I'm still feeling the buzz of tiredness, and I don't notice that he's put my glass in the sink too til he comes back and starts leading me to the bedroom.
We walk side-by-side down the hall, and when we get to the bedroom we strip down to our boxers and slide into bed without preamble. I turn to face Jethro and he slides closer to me to press our foreheads together. I close my eyes and sling an arm over his side before I remember.
"I love you too, Jethro."