This started as a little one shot, but it looks like it's getting broken up into two or three smaller pieces :) It's a little fluffeh! I feel a need to disclose that I'm not anti-Ziva! We'll leave it at that so that I'm not ducking virtual logs being thrown in either direction of the Tiva war! :-D

This is unbetaed- all mistakes are my own! Hope you enjoy!

A Friendly Game: Chapter 1

"Tony, pool is all physics. It doesn't actually take any athletic ability, so your argument is not only ridiculous, but has absolutely no basis." Tim chastised Tony as they made their way to their desks from the elevator.

Gibbs was listening to the conversation immediately, but as always, pretended not to. If the time came where his two cents would be needed, he'd give it in his usual fashion, but seeing as both of his agents were half an hour early, he let them go on for a while.

As Tony approached his desk, he looked over at Gibbs with a smile, knowing his boss probably had his head buried in a file, or some paperwork, and wouldn't even look up. "Morning, Boss," he said as he turned to plop his stuff down. Tim echoed the sentiment before returning to his rebuttal of Tony's statement in the elevator.

Tony sat at his desk, maintaining a small smile. Rousing a rant out of McGee was his favorite way to start a week. He ran into his probie in the parking garage, and their discussion on the way up led to Tony talking about his friend's upcoming bachelor party, and a pool bet they still needed to settle. He hadn't played in a couple of years though, so he told Tim that he was going to ask Ziva to practice with him that week. When Tim asked why Tony was asking her and not him, Tony took the low road and brought up Tim's lack of athletic experience. He hadn't told him yet that Ziva was practically a pool shark. That would take the fun out of it.

Tim continued chattering at him. He listened as he booted up his computer and opened his email. "You would rather take Ziva to a bar to play pool than me? How do you expect to get any woman's number with Ziva around? They'll all think she's with you. She's got the whole..."more than a sister, but not sure what she is", vibe."

Gibbs looked up over his glasses at Tony to see his reaction. He wasn't sure what was there under the expression he saw the younger man wearing. He had been wondering a long time about Tony and Ziva's relationship, and whether or not Tony would ever realize Ziva's emotions ran a little deeper than what she usually let him see. He loved Ziva like a daughter, but the feelings he had for Tony were nothing like he would have for a son. He didn't want Ziva to get hurt, yet again, but it took everything in him to not give her empty desk a jealous glare at the idea that other people might think she and Tony were a couple.

"Well, McWhiney, I wasn't planning on going out. If you recall, the last time Ziva and I played pool in a bar, we had to take on half of the people there. I, for one, would rather not do that again." He looked up for a moment at Gibbs' snort. "Besides, the new place has a clubhouse, and there's a pool table there. Checked this morning, and no one has any time booked for Wednesday night. This time of year, people would rather be outside than inside, and since the swimming pool is closed, no one should be around at all."

Tony's words made Gibbs look out the window involuntarily. The trees he could see were mainly green still, but a beautiful array of reds, oranges and yellows were starting to tint the leaves. Summer was just turning over to fall in D.C., and the weather made for perfect walks along the piers and docks, as well as patio parties and other activities that it had been too hot that summer to do outdoors. He turned towards Tony. "How're you liking the new place, DiNozzo?"

Tony's head snapped towards Gibbs, and his abrupt entry into their conversation. He smiled brightly, loving whatever attention he could get from the older man. "It's different. The commute is a bitch, and it's not as urban as I'm used to. However, I know my heat works! Got down to 50 last night, and heard it kick on. Closed the living room windows, and it cut back off a few minutes later. Still enjoying the fact that it's not 95 degrees too much to close the bedroom windows."

Gibbs smiled back at that, and looked back down at his paperwork. "Yeah, mine were open last night, too."

Tony looked at his computer screen, trying to fight off the urge to grin like a fool at the idea that he and Gibbs had something in common last night as they slept. "I don't know if I will ever get used to how quiet it is. Used to hearing traffic at all hours of the night, and people stumbling home from the bars. Now, it's moms and dads yelling for their kids to come in from an impromptu soccer game in the side yard at sunset." Tony looked back up over his computer, and stared off into space, remembering the evening before.

Gibbs looked up to notice the bewildered expression on Tony's face, and snickered to himself. "Sounds pretty good to me. You'll get used to it."

Tim was watching their short conversation, not really sure where to jump in. He knew Tony had been going through some serious changes over the past few months. After chasing down Dearing, the team's summer became a collection of life changing decisions. Abby was going through a strong family bonding after reconnecting with her brother. It had everyone worried, but they were crossing their fingers for her. Ziva had started taking all sorts of classes for things that she had always wanted to learn how to do, but had always put off. Most recently, she was taking photography, piano, and learning Cajun cooking.

Tim had gotten a call from his dad last month. He tried not to be bitter about the fact that it took the man more than two months to call after the explosion, but he couldn't. Things finally came to a head, and he went off. He told the Admiral exactly how he felt about constantly taking a back seat to his work, and very explicitly told him that he didn't need someone in his life that would put him so far down the bottom of the list when he should be right at the top. He vowed to let the people who mattered to him fill the hole that his father had always left in him, and so far, he was succeeding.

Tony, however, had changed most of all. It wasn't lost on any of them that Tony and Gibbs had gotten even closer. They knew that Gibbs had been instrumental in Tony's decision to finally move out of the city and into the 'burbs, buying a condo. Tony was calmer, more focused, and simply more mature. Tim was relieved when he had asked Abby and Ziva, and they said that they had noticed, too. Ziva's reaction led to a concerned chat between Abby and Tim once she left. They were worried about how strongly her feelings were growing for Tony, when they both knew he wasn't into her.

It was that disconnect that was the real reason for why Tim was upset that Tony was inviting just Ziva to go play pool with him. It seemed that Tony was oblivious to their former assassin's emotional attachment to him, and Tim knew that an invite like this would say something to her that wouldn't be intended.

"How about this, Tony? I'll talk to Abby, and she and I will take you and Ziva on. Geeks versus street. Winner buys coffee all next week."

Gibbs' head turned slightly to see the look on Tony's face as Tim taunted him with the bet. It dawned on him that Tim might be trying to keep the other two agents from being alone, and a part of him was grateful. The last thing he needed was his team turning into a soap opera. He had enough of one playing out in his own head as he dealt with what he was feeling for Tony. He wouldn't know where to begin if Ziva's emotions were thrown into the mix.

He saw the fire in those green eyes that couldn't step down from a challenge unless the challenge, itself, was stepping down. He knew that Tony was sunk, unable to back-pedal now. Wednesday night would be pool night for their team. He shook his head, chuckling

"What do you think you're laughing about over there?" Tony asked, directing his comment at Gibbs, causing the older man to look up. "You get to come play referee. If we're all in, you're coming too." Tony smiled brightly in that way that he had learned Gibbs couldn't say no to. At least, he hadn't said no to it all summer, which meant looking at a few condos with Tony, each time ending with dinner afterwards instead of the basement. He had never tried its magical powers out in front of another teammate though. When Gibbs smiled back, and shook his head yet again, saying, "We'll see," Tony took it as a win. He turned to see Tim's confused expression and mouthed, He's coming, before turning back to his email.

Tim shrugged. "I'll go tell Abby."

"Tell Abby what, McGee?" Ziva asked as she came into the bullpen, dropping her things behind her desk before flashing Tony a smile.

"You and I are taking McGee and Abby on in pool Wednesday night to prepare for my friend's bachelor party on Friday. Have an old bet to settle with him, and I have to brush up on my skills. McGeek is convinced that he and Abby's big-brain understanding of physics will be enough to conquer good old-fashioned street experience." Tony got to his feet and leaned against his desk, forming a huddle with McGee and Ziva.

"Who's getting married, anyway, Tony? I never asked." Tim asked.

"A couple of my frat brothers actually!" Tony's voice was cheerful and showed his own surprise. "They've been together for years and never told any of us, but since Mark is working on the Hill now with the Human Right Campaign people, they decided to come out to their friends. When they were surprised by how supportive everyone was, they decided to have a real ceremony and tie the knot. Gotta give them kudos- none of us had any clue they were together or even gay. Not a single sign of their relationship. Then again, when you only see them twice a year, it's hard to pick up on much."

Tim looked at Ziva, realizing that she wasn't looking as upbeat as she had a few moments before. She was still smiling, but Tim could tell it was a little forced. "Maybe you just are not as observant as you think you are about what other people feel." Ziva's words were full of humor, but to someone listening for it, were laced with bitterness.

Gibbs felt himself cringe. It was time to jump into the drama headfirst. He opened up his email and sent a short message to Tony, then got to his feet. "McGee- go tell Abby about this... thing... and help her with Balboa's evidence. Ziva, you've got time scheduled in the gym this morning. DiNozzo, you're in court tomorrow. Go over the information again. No room for error."

Tony sat down at his desk as Ziva grabbed her duffel and headed towards the back staircase. Tim picked up his laptop bag, and headed for the staircase next to the elevator. Tony looked up to see him leave and found Gibbs staring at him from the elevator. Tony motioned like drinking from a cup, and pointed to himself. Gibbs nodded, getting the point, but didn't stop staring at him. The elevator doors opened, and Tony smiled, pointing at them. Gibbs turned towards them, looking like had had forgotten how to get in the lift for a moment, and then shook his head before stepping on.

Tony sat back in his chair, suddenly alone in the bullpen, staring at the spot in the air that Gibbs had just disappeared from. There had been signs all summer that their relationship had been changing. They were spending more time alone together, doing things other than sitting silently in the basement getting wasted. When they were alone together, they sat close to one another, and Tony could swear that Gibbs was flirting with him on a couple of occasions, It was so subtle and borderline, that Tony was confused enough to be too late to really respond to it, worried that his own emotions were making him read too much into it.

He had wanted Gibbs for a long time, but something was different now. The extent of what he wanted was different. Before, it could have been a "friends with benefits" situation, and he would have been happy. Now, there was no way he would be able to accept just that. Gibbs had meant more to him than just about anyone else in the world since he brought him on board, but over the past few months, he had become his everything. He was more than the boss, the mentor, the friend- he was who Tony had finally realized he wanted to spend the rest of his life with.

Tony could almost feel Gibbs' eyes still staring back at him. He knew that they had rule twelve in the way, but he just didn't care anymore. Something had to give. One more look like that, and he would break.

He snapped out of his daze, and looked back down at his computer. He saw the email notification from Gibbs, and his eyes scrunched up in curiosity. They rarely emailed one another.

My place tonight. I'll make the steaks, you bring the beer. I think we need to discuss this lack of observation skills Ziva's talking about.

Tony froze. Lack of observation skills? About what? Was Gibbs finally going to say something about what was happening between them? He was hot from head to toe suddenly. He knew he shouldn't get his hopes up, but so many images were flying through his head, and he couldn't keep them from being at least somewhat x-rated.

Then, another idea flashed through his head. Was there something on the job that he hadn't been observant of lately? Was that what Gibbs was talking about? Was he slipping? Tony shook his head. He was pretty sure that train of thought was his normal insecurities gnawing at him, like Gibbs had talked to him about this summer, but he couldn't be positive.

However, it brought him back to the importance of going over the files for court the next day. He shook his distractions from his head, and opened one of the folders. He was deep in reading twenty minutes later, when he saw the cup of coffee appear out of the corner of his eye. He reached for it and flashed a warm smile at his boss before taking a drink.

Gibbs stayed where he stood for a moment, staring at Tony. "Tonight?"

"Yeah. Sounds good." Tony said with a nod. Gibbs nodded back, and turned towards his desk. Tony let out a sigh, and turned back to his case file. What the hell is going on? he wondered.

That night, Tony walked up Gibbs' driveway, a six pack in one hand and a bundle of nerves in the other. He wanted this to be about them, and about his observation skills as they applied to their relationship. He was fully prepared for the discussion to be about work, though, after beating himself up all day about every single error, or possible error, he could think of. He had replayed the conversation he had had with Gibbs earlier in the summer about his insecurities being unwarranted over and over again, trying to calm himself down.

He finally made his way through the front door without knocking, and slipped his coat on the rack inside before heading into the living room to sit the six-pack on the coffee table. Gibbs came to the kitchen doorway and leaned against the frame. His smile made Tony relax immediately. This couldn't be about work. Gibbs looked happy.

"Hey," Tony greeted with a smile.

"Hey, yourself."

"Beer?" Tony asked, pulling two from the cardboard holder. When Gibbs nodded and his eyebrows rose, Tony realized that Gibbs was a little nervous. He took that as a good sign and opened his beer, handing the other to Gibbs. "Anything I can help with?"

"Nope. Steaks came off a few minutes ago. Sit."

Tony turned to the couch with a smirk. If Fornell were to ever hear him following Gibbs' command to "sit", he would never hear the end of it.

Thirty minutes later, they had finished eating and established that Tony was ready for court the next day. They were sitting close enough on the couch that when Tony sat back, he brushed Gibbs' arm with his. Gibbs took their plates to the kitchen, and left them in the sink to deal with later. When he sat back on the couch, he was right up against Tony.

"Do you have any idea how Ziva feels about you?" Gibbs asked quietly and bluntly.

Tony's whole body tensed. Is that what this is about? He thought to himself.

"Yeah, I do." He sighed heavily. "And no, I don't feel the same way about her." Tony's eyes bore into Gibbs, both of them looking at one another from less than two feet away. "I've tried to make it clear to her that we're never going to be more than friends when it's started to come up in the past, but..." Tony drifted off and shook his head, his eyes wandering to stare across the room into the fire with another sigh. "I've put as much space between us as I know how to without hurting her. She's one of the family, one of those people that have made their way in, past the bullshit. I am afraid of doing something to make her want to leave that inner circle, and I need her there, so I've let it go. I thought I'd be able to talk to her on Wednesday, but if everyone is going to be there, that won't happen."

"Do you want me to get them to call it off?" Gibbs asked quietly, placing his hand on Tony's leg in a way that had become comforting to them both this summer.

"No. The team needs a fun night out. I think it would be good for all of us." Tony turned to look at Gibbs, leaning his head back against the couch.

"Probably would, but if you don't talk things through with Ziva and clear the air soon, things are going to get a lot worse before they get better." Gibbs looked at Tony's shining green eyes as he leaned back next to him, wanting nothing more than to bend over him and kiss those delicious looking lips that were saying just what Gibbs needed to hear.

"No. I want you guys there. I'm looking forward to it. I'm going to have to find another way to talk to Ziva. I got to thinking about it today- it probably wasn't a smart idea to tell her I'm not in love with her while she has access to pool cues and billiard balls." Tony smiled as Gibbs laughed heartily.

"No, DiNozzo, it probably wouldn't have been." Gibbs leaned his back against the couch. They stared into one another's eyes. He knew that he wasn't misreading this. Tony wouldn't be sitting up against him, not flinching at the hand on his leg, staring into his eyes dreamily, if he wasn't waiting to be kissed, but Gibbs couldn't. He was frozen.

"I should head out. Have to be in court at 0800, and parking is going to be a bitch." Tony's voice was soft and regretful. Gibbs knew he wasn't reading that wrong, but Tony was right, and kissing him now would mean kissing him over and over again, and not letting Tony make it home that night. He nodded softly in agreement. "Hope you make it in sooner than later tomorrow." Gibbs knew his voice was too soft. He really wanted to say, Hope you make it in as soon as possible because I go insane these days when you're not there to ground me.

Tony finally sat up and got to his feet, stretching and yawning. Gibbs watched his SFA's body as he stretched. He wanted to feel every inch of it under his touch, but he knew that tonight wasn't the night. He wasn't sure how much longer he could take it though. The need was becoming overwhelming. One more night in the basement, or hanging out like this, and Gibbs was going to snap and ravage Tony, hoping that the younger man was ready for it.

Tony headed for the door and Gibbs followed him, seeing him out. He never used to do that, but this way, he was able to see the delicious younger man for as long as he could. Tony slipped his jacket on and nodded. "Good night." He smiled gently, and turned to head out to his car.

Gibbs watched as Tony got into his car and started it, and then turned around, closing the door behind him. He fell back against it, running his hands down his face. He was going to have to make time with Tony, and soon, to talk about what was going on between them, not him and Ziva. He saw the disappointment and frustration in Tony's face when he realized that was what they were discussing, and Gibbs knew then that Tony was hoping their discussion would be about their own relationship status.

Gibbs reached over and turned off the light, then headed upstairs to bed. He had started sleeping in the bedroom again after Ryan left. He figured if he was okay enough now to have sex in the bed again, then he was okay enough to sleep in it alone. It had helped his back significantly in either case, so he had forced himself to get used to it again, and was finally back to sleeping in it as regularly as work allowed.

He stripped to his boxers and bounced onto the bed, pulling the blankets over him, and turning off the bedside lamp. He laid there in the dark for an hour, thinking about Tony's warmth against him on the couch, and how much he wanted that next to him as he slept. Eventually, he drifted off, promising himself that he'd have Tony there with him soon.