Note: the casserole that Tony is making is a tater tot casserole, and it's incredibly delicious. :)
Tony pushed his door open with his foot as he came through, arms full of shopping bags. He whistled to himself as he pushed it closed with his other foot, and took his purchases into the kitchen. He'd decided on his way home that he was going to make Tim a casserole. He'd voiced his intent to Gibbs earlier that day, in the bullpen, but of course, the Boss was indifferent about the whole thing. While Tony wasn't sure exactly what his friend was going through, he felt that a casserole would be a good way to help.
As he continued to whistle, Tony started to empty his shopping bags. He put away his normal groceries, and left out the bag of ingredients for a tater tot casserole. He took out a package of hamburger meat, and started to warm up his skillet. He put in some pre-chopped onion and browned it up, before putting the hamburger meat into the skillet.
As he cooked the meat, his thoughts wandered back to Tim. He remained adamant that he was all right, but Tony had known his partner for far too long to know that Tim wasn't all right. Tim and Gibbs were so much alike, in that both men routinely hid their emotions from other people. Tony was hoping a casserole might not only cheer his friend up, but possibly get him to open up a bit.
When the meat was successfully browned, Tony took it off the burner and, after separating the grease, spread it out over the bottom of a casserole dish. On top of the meat, he poured a can of cream of celery soup and spread it around to cover the meat. He topped it off with a layer of frozen tater tots, and popped it in the oven. Tim was going to love this casserole.
NCISNCNCISNCIS
~The Next Evening~
Tony knocked on Tim's door for the second time, as he balanced the casserole in his other hand. He was about to give up, when he heard the deadbolt click. The door opened, and Tim stood there, looking emotionally drained and exhausted.
"I brought you a casserole," Tony said softly, with a small smile.
Tim stepped aside, and Tony brought it in and set it on the table. Tim studied the odd casserole.
"It's a tater tot casserole. I used to make it in college. It's good."
"Thanks for bringing it," Tim said flatly.
"How's Delilah?"
Tim looked away from his friend, deciding to study the casserole instead. Tony stood there for a moment, and then took the silence as his cue to leave.
"I hope you like the casserole. See you tomorrow?"
Tim nodded, and Tony left.
END