Title: Party for two
Summary: Gibbs attends a party thinking maybe, just maybe he might meet someone to take his mind off of the person he actually wants. What happens when his desire is at the party and Gibbs is in a mood to play.
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Also thanks to all those that have added me to their favorite author and story updates. It means so much to me. Thank you, thank you.
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He hated parties, for the most part, hated people, hated making small talk, hated attending a gathering where he only knew a few people. But this time he wanted to go, needed to go, it was time to do something other than spend his time alone working on the boat. His friends Jonathan and Michael knew how to throw a party and it would be the perfect distraction. He was wound to tight and needed something or someone to take off the edge. Tonight he was in the mood to play and maybe, just maybe he would meet someone at the party that would interest him. He loved the chase. That initial attraction, stolen glances across the room, that first conversation, the coy looks and the sexually charged touches that spoke of more to come, and then finally the prize. It's an amazing, sexy, and unbelievable feeling. And more than anything Gibbs wanted that feeling tonight.
Still two thing bothered him about the party. It was being called a Pre-Valentine's Day party, since Sunday was Valentine's day. Not exactly the kinda theme he liked. He hated Valentine's day. It was nothing but a Hallmark holiday made up so people would spend money on cheesy candy, flowers and countless other meaningless gifts. And the second thing that bothered him was the fact that the one gift, the only gift he wanted for Valentine's Day would never be his.
Driving up to the house, Gibbs pulled in behind countless other cars already lining the arc of the driveway. Jonathan and Michael owned a beautiful huge home with three floors, countless bedrooms, several baths and more than enough space for people to mingle and even stay if they wanted to. Walking through the door, a few people turned and looked his way, then went back to their conversations. He was surprised that there weren't more decorations, only a few vases filled with red roses and plastic pink hearts on sticks were placed on several of the grand hall tables, a string of red hearts draped above several of the entrances, that was it. At least what he could see so far. Making his way towards the kitchen, he knew he would find at least one of them there, but found both Michael and Jonathan milling around.
"Jethro you came!" Michael smiled with shock, hugging his friend.
"Yeah." Gibbs smiled hugging the man back.
"You must be looking for something tonight." Michael smirked. "Or should I say someone."
Gibbs chuckled. "I'm looking for a drink right now."
"You're favorite." Jonathan stepped towards them and held out a glass of Bourbon.
"Thanks." Gibbs nodded taking the glass.
"So are you looking?" Jonathan asked wiggling his eyebrows.
"Maybe."
"Lots of single people here tonight. Might find someone to spend Valentine's day with." Jonathan grinned.
"And what menu are you ordering from tonight?" Michael inquired as he took a sip of his own drink.
Michael and Jonathan were a few of a handful of friends that knew that Gibbs tastes didn't strictly lie with women.
"Depends on what dishes I see." Gibbs answered taking a sip.
"Well let me say. Paul is here with a friend." Michael put quotes around the word friend. "And the boy is beyond yummy. Gorgeous and a smile that melts every part of me."
Jonathan smacked his husband. "HEY!"
"I'm just saying." Michael put his arm around Jonathan reassuring his husband.
"Not really into the pretty boys." Gibbs winced.
"Seriously." Michael rolled his eyes. "He's beyond a pretty boy. He's just plain hot."
Gibbs shook his head. Michael and Jonathan were always trying to match maker.
"Oh there they are now." Michael waved at Paul and his friend to come over.
Gibbs took a sip of the Bourbon waiting for the two to reach them.
"Paul." Michael smiled. "You remember Jethro."
"Sure." Paul extended his hand to Gibbs.
"And Jethro this is Tony." Michael said pulling the man forward.
Gibbs forced himself not to smile when he saw the familiar stare of the emerald eyes and the shock within them.
"I know Tony." Gibbs said casually.
"Really?" Michael looked intrigued. Gibbs knew a man this good looking and had never shared the information?
"We work together."
Michael turned and stared at Tony, eyes wide. "You're Tony DiNozzo?"
Tony nodded surprised at the use of his last name. "Yeah I am." Had Gibbs actually talked about him?
Michael shook his head. "Wow. Um small world.
"It is." Tony forced a smile.
"Anna just showed up." Paul said. "I'm going to go say hi."
"Sure." Tony nodded and watched Paul disappear into the sea of people. Then turned back to Gibbs. Michael and Jonathan suddenly found something in the kitchen to busy themselves with, although Tony could tell they were still trying to listen to the exchange.
"Bet you never expected to see me here?" Gibbs snickered.
"Um definitely not." Tony knew all too well how Gibbs felt about parties, especially Valentine's Day parties.
"Have you known Paul long?" Gibbs asked.
"He's a frat brother."
"Really." Gibbs looked surprised.
"Yeah." Tony grinned. "And yes everyone always knew he was gay and no one cared."
Gibbs nodded.
Paul reappeared at Tony's shoulder. "Come meet Anna."
"Sure." Tony looked at Paul then back at Gibbs. "I'll see you later."
"You will." Gibbs nodded as Tony followed Paul into the crowd.
"Really how could you never tell us how hot he was?" Michael came up beside Gibbs and punched his arm.
"What?" Gibbs glared at Michael.
"You talked about Tony. You never once said the man is hot as hell." Michael rolled his eyes.
Gibbs shrugged. "Never crossed my mind."
"You work with him every day and it never crossed your mind that he's a gorgeous piece of ass."
Michael laughed. "Did you suddenly go blind at work? Not wearing your glasses?"
"It's work Michael."
"So I'm not saying jump the man at work." Michael grinned. "Take him home."
Gibbs shook his head. "Tony is a skirt chaser."
"That's never stopped you before." Michael raised an eyebrow. "You've made more than one man want to cross the line, made a couple jump right over it."
Gibbs rolled his eyes.
"Come on Jethro. You're good looking and." Michael smiled. "I think Tony was more than happy to see you."
"Surprised is the word." Gibbs explained.
"No there was more than surprise there." Michael looked at Jonathan. "Am I right?"
Jonathan shrugged. "There was a certain glimmer in his eyes when he saw you."
"So who else is here?" Gibbs asked needing a change of subject. "Anyone I know?"
He knew all too well how good looking Tony was, he'd noticed long ago. But there were countless reasons he'd never crossed the line with Tony. And rule twelve was not one of them.
Gibbs stood by the stairs having a conversation with a man and woman he had met at a previous party. They were talking about boats when he felt the eyes on him. Turning in the direction of the stare, he caught Tony's gaze just as the younger man looked away. He chuckled to himself, he was sure Tony was wondering how he knew Michael and Jonathan, as well as why he had actually come to a party. He was close to his team, considered them family, but his personal life was just that, personal. Tony knew more about him than anyone, but it was still limited. Again, he felt the stare and glanced over to find Tony looking at him. This time Tony held his gaze and smiled before turning back to the people around him. Catching a glimpse of the bottle in Tony's hand, Gibbs excused himself from the conversation.
"Here." Gibbs walked up to the group Tony was talking with and handed Tony another beer.
"Um, thanks." Tony looked bewildered at his boss.
"Saw you needed another." Gibbs commented then walked away, disappearing into the sea of people.
"Who was that?" One of the women asked.
"My boss."
"Wish my boss looked like that." She grinned.
"Does your boss always just bring you drinks and disappear." A man asked.
"Um no, never." Tony shook his head just as confused as the people around him
The man smiled and his eyebrow went up.
"Nothing like that." Tony chuckled. "Believe me."
"Right." The man grinned.
Tony wondered through the party looking for his frat brother Paul, well looking for Paul but hoping to possible run into Gibbs.
"Tony." A voice spoke his name then a hand was on his arm.
"Michael." Tony smiled.
"Looking for someone?"
"Um hoping to find Paul."
"Ah yes." Michael chuckled and looked towards the other side of the room. "I think he found something he likes."
Tony followed Michael's gaze and saw Paul talking with a tall blond man, tight jeans and a t-shirt that showed off his arms.
"Yeah guess he did." Tony grinned.
"Looking for anyone else?" Michael tried to act uninterested.
"Seen Gib- Jethro lately?"
Michael forced himself not to smile. "I think an interested young man has him cornered."
Tony cocked his head.
"Over there." Michael nodded towards the window in front of them.
Tony saw a young man talking to Gibbs, laughing and touching his boss' arm. The man was good looking. His brown hair trimmed and well groomed. He wore a red dress shirt and perfectly pressed gray slacks. His six hundred dollar Gucci shoes went along with the rest of his designer outfit. It was obvious the man was coming on to Gibbs and his boss was just smiling and letting it happen.
"I'm sure he would appreciate you saving him." Michael smiled.
"I don't think he needs saving." Tony chuckled. "Gibbs can take care of himself."
"Maybe saving wasn't the right word." Michael paused. "Interrupting is better."
"You interrupting might be a better idea." Tony knew how Gibbs would react if he interrupted and it wouldn't be pretty.
"Why don't we both interrupt." Michael practically dragged Tony with him towards the pair. "Jethro."
"Michael, Tony." Gibbs nodded.
"David are you monopolizing my dear friend." Michael said to the young man talking to Gibbs.
"I am." David smiled at Michael, then turned to Gibbs. "I was trying to find out the mystery behind the man, but he doesn't give up information easily."
"That's Jethro man of mystery." Michael wanted to roll his eyes. Everyone thought Gibbs was some mystery or riddle that needed to be solved.
Tony chuckled. "I've known him over ten years and he's still a mystery."
"You know more than most." Gibbs smiled and winked at Tony.
What the hell was that about? Tony thought to himself. Never once in his almost eleven years of knowing Gibbs had the man winked at him.
Catching the exchange, David suddenly focused on Tony, appraising the other man with a quick look up and down. "And you are?"
"Tony."
"A friend of Jethro's?" David questioned.
"Yes, we work together." Gibbs nodded, answering for Tony.
"Is Jethro your boss?"
"He is." Tony smiled.
"Must be hard working for such a handsome man." David grinned looking at Gibbs. "I'd never get any work done with a boss like Jethro to look at."
Gibbs gave a half smile. "Tony's focused on the ladies."
"Oh sorry, didn't mean to assume." David tried to look apologetically at Tony, thrilled to hear that Tony wasn't into men.
"It's okay. I've seen countless men and woman enthralled by Gibbs." Tony chuckled. "He's a good looking man, I get it."
Gibbs smirked taken aback by Tony's observation.
Getting the hint that Michael and Tony weren't leaving. David smiled his brightest smile at Gibbs. "You have my number. Use it."
Smiling back, Gibbs nodded.
"Michael. Tony." David spoke the names sounding annoyed as he walked away.
Gibbs watched David disappear then turned to Michael. "Decided I needed rescuing?"
Michael shrugged innocently.
Gibbs chuckled. "And is Tony your protection or did you think I needed rescuing too?"
Tony shook his head. "I know you don't need anyone to rescue you."
"Good to hear."
"Do you want me to get him back here for you?" Tony asked trying to figure out exactly what Gibbs was thinking about David.
"No. I have his number." Gibbs patted his right pants pocket and stared at Tony. "And he's not actually who I'm interested in tonight."
Tony swallowed the lump in his throat. Was Gibbs implying he could be interested in a man?
"I need another drink." Michael was already half way across the room when he finished the sentence.
There was a long silence as Tony stared at the beer in his hand. Finally Gibbs leaned in towards him.
"Just ask." Gibbs said then drew back.
Tony looked up. "Ask what?"
"Whatever it is you want to ask."
"I'm not sure I'm ready to ask it yet." Tony sighed. This all seemed to bizarre.
Gibbs nodded and went to step passed Tony but stopped beside him. "When you are ready to ask, come find me."
Tony stood there completely frozen as Gibbs walked away.
Gibbs strolled slowly away, this was a dangerous idea and it could completely backfire. Still, something in him couldn't help but wonder and he needed to know. Let the games begin.
Making his way through the people Gibbs finally ran into Michael who smiled and held out the glass to Gibbs.
"Thanks." Gibbs took the glass and glared at Michael.
"Don't glare at me." Michael snipped. "Tony said he was looking for you and I just brought him to you."
"Right." Gibbs knew Michael too well to believe that.
"Why the denial Jethro?" Michael's eyes narrowed. "It's obvious you're attracted to him."
"Not denying anything."
"Ah yes you do love the chase don't you." Michael grinned. "Think Tony is up for it?"
"Guess I'll find out."
"And if he's not and you have to see him at work Monday?" Michael asked knowing how much Jethro kept work and personal separate.
"Tony would never let anything affect our relationship at work."
"Well then." Michael smirked holding up his glass. "Good luck." He walked away mingling with his guest along the way.
Gibbs glanced around the room, not seeing his intended target he walked through the room and into the next. Taking his time he made his way through the people, when he was about to walk through the doorway into another room, he felt the familiar sensation of someone watching him. Glancing to his right, Tony again quickly looked away. Ah yes Tony was definitely curious, maybe even intrigued. The first question was already swirling inside the younger man's head. Now it was a matter of would he ask out right or tip toe around it. He changed directions approaching outside of Tony's field of vision, brushing his hand against the small of Tony's back as he passed by.
Tony felt the touch and turned just in time to see Gibbs walk by and out onto the balcony. As if compelled by some unseen force Tony followed. He stopped at the threshold and looked at Gibbs. His boss was leaning against the balcony railing and staring out at the back yard.
"Ready to ask that question?" Gibbs spoke continuing to look out over the view before him.
"Considering it."
"Whenever."
Making his way over, Tony stood next to Gibbs, leaning back against the railing. "Did you take David's number to be polite or because you wanted it?"
Gibbs shrugged, turning towards Tony. "A little of both." So Tony was going to tip top around it.
"Didn't think you'd go for someone so um-." Tony turned and met Gibbs' gaze.
"Young, stylish." Gibbs chuckled.
"High maintenance." Tony grinned.
"Ah right." Gibbs nodded then smirked. "Someone like you."
"I am not high maintenance." Tony scoffed playfully.
"Young and stylish though?"
"Stylish but nowhere near as young as David." Tony figured David had to be at least eight or ten years younger than him.
Gibbs slid closer to Tony. "And not gay like David."
Tony nodded. "Yeah."
"But you have no problem with it?" Gibbs asked as his finger innocently brushing over Tony's hand on the railing.
"No." Tony shook his head, his body and mind struggling with how to process Gibbs' touch.
"Good to know." Gibbs sighed as he removed his touch.
"And you?" Tony took a swig of his drink. "You've been married four times, divorced three, is this interest the reason?"
"No." Gibbs chuckled at Tony's choice of words.
"So you're bi?" Tony's voice cracked as he asked the question.
And finally Tony asks the real question. "I'm open to whoever catches my interest."
"Okay." Tony wasn't exactly sure how to take that answer.
"Not into labels." Gibbs shrugged. "Attraction is attraction. The question becomes is the person you're attracted to, interested.."
Tony nodded somehow feeling as if Gibbs was asking him a question.
"I'm just waiting to find out." Gibbs smirked. "But I'm a patient man. So I can wait." Walking off the balcony, he check his watch. Tony had asked the first question. Now the next question was one Gibbs needed to discover the answer too. Could Tony be interested or persuaded? If he was lucky he'd get the answer soon and maybe it would be the answer he'd been praying for.
Running his hands down his face, Tony took a deep breath. This had to be some bizarre dream, he pinched his arm. "Damn it." He winced at the sting. Not a dream.
Emerging from the balcony and back into the room Gibbs came face to face with Tony's frat brother Paul.
"Paul." Gibbs nodded.
"Really going after Tony?" Paul folded his arms across his chest.
"We were just talking."
"Right." Paul said sarcastically. "Jethro don't insult my intelligence."
"And if I am going after Tony what business is it of yours?" Gibbs glared at Paul.
Paul shook his head. "None, just wanted to tell you I've seen men try before."
"And?" Gibbs took a sip of his Bourbon.
"They all failed miserable." Paul grinned.
Gibbs just nodded.
"No comment?" Paul expected some smart ass reply.
"Only one."
"What's that?"
"I'm a very different kind of man." Gibbs smiled.
"And Tony looks at you like some God, so he's just going to give in?" Paul rolled his eyes.
"I hope not." Gibbs smirked. "What fun would that be?"
Gibbs was seated on a couch deep in conversation with a woman. Two men seated at a couch next to them. Two empty chairs in front of them.
"Could you really just walk away?" The woman asked.
"Sometimes." Gibbs chuckled. "But never for very long."
"I understand." She smiled. "I feel the same about my job."
Out of the corner of his eye, Gibbs caught Tony walking by. Tony seemed to not notice but then he suddenly turned and made his way over to the group.
"Hello." The woman looked up. "Come to join the conversation?"
"If I'm not intruding." Tony gave that famous DiNozzo smile instantly charming the woman.
"Of course not." She smiled back. "Sit."
Tony sat down in a chair opposite the woman and Gibbs.
"Tony." He introduced himself.
"Pamela." The woman nodded.
"We were discussing careers." Pamela looked at Tony. "What do you do?"
"I'm a Federal Agent."
"So is Jethro." She glanced over at Gibbs.
"We work together actually." Gibbs added.
"Gibbs is my boss." Tony explained.
"Really?" She grinned. "And how would you evaluate him as a boss?"
"He's the best." Tony nodded.
She looked over at Gibbs. "High praise."
Gibbs smirked. "What do you expect him to say with me sitting here."
"True." She laughed. "So would you be honest in an evaluation of Tony."
"Gibbs is always honest." Tony chuckled. "Doesn't matter if the person is sitting right in front of him."
"Well then let's hear it." She asked.
Gibbs leaned back. "Tony's the best I've worked with."
Tony waited for the rest.
"Unfocused at times, but he's getting better." Gibbs sighed. "But I can't complain. I mean he does everything I ask of him."
"Is that true?" Pamela turned to Tony with a raised eyebrow.
"Um." Tony searched for an answer to that. "At work that's very true."
She laughed realizing more was going on here than the obvious conversation. "And does Jethro ask you for things outside of work that you can't do?"
Gibbs eyebrow went up and he smirked at Tony waiting for an answer.
"Well um." Tony again stumbled for words. "I'll get back to you on that one."
Pamela grinned at Jethro. "And what are you asking of Tony tonight that he's not sure he can deliver on?"
Gibbs laughed. "I haven't asked yet. But I'm sure Tony can deliver just fine on whatever I want from him."
Tony's eye widened and he coughed, almost choking on his drink.
The reaction caused Pamela to chuckle. "I'm not sure Tony agrees with you on that."
"He's a fast learner. Always has been." Gibbs smiled as he took the last sip of his Bourbon.
"And I'm sure you are an excellent teacher." Pamela grinned.
"So I've been told." Gibbs smiled, glancing at Tony.
Tony took another long swig from his drink. "I'll be right back."
"Of course." Pamela nodded hiding her smile. Once Tony was gone she shook her head and turned to Gibbs."You do know how to get a rise out him don't you?"
"I hope so." Gibbs grinned.
Pamela laughed. "Jethro why do I feel you are playing with fire."
"Tony can handle it."
"And if he decided he can't give you what you want?"
"Life goes on." Gibbs didn't really want to find out what would happen if Tony wasn't interested.
"Here." Tony returned and held the glass out to Gibbs. "Saw you needed this."
Gibbs looked taken aback but accepted the drink. "Thanks."
"I need to find my husband." Pamela made the excuse wanting to leave the two alone. "Enjoy the rest of your evening."
"We will." Gibbs stood up as Pamela rose to leave.
Tony went to walk away but stopped when he felt the hand on his arm. He slowly turned to Gibbs
"Be careful." Gibbs blue eyes fixed on green. "Or I might get the wrong impression."
"What impression is that?" Tony's voice cracked nervously.
Gibbs leaned in and pressed his lips to Tony's ear. "That you could be an option for me tonight."
As Gibbs released him, Tony stumbled back forcing himself to take a deep breath. Again he felt the war raging within him, the fight between body and mind. His body responding to Gibbs touch and words. His mind rebelling, unable to comprehend his bodies physical response. He needed air, water, a stiff drink, something.
"I should go mingle." Tony managed to stutter.
"If that's what you need to do." Gibbs nodded.
Tony almost ran away.
There was most certainly interest there, even if Tony didn't realize it fully yet. Gibbs chuckled and shook his head. The struggle had begun in Tony. That battle between his bodies response and his minds rebellion. He had felt Tony's response to the small caress on the balcony, the heat under his fingers. Then the words he had spoken that caused Tony to shiver and stumble back. Gibbs had felt it all, even if Tony hadn't realized he'd given himself away.
Now it was Tony's turn to ask the next question, a question that was already plaguing him, confusing him. Gibbs had planted the seed of his own desire, now he just needed to give Tony a little push to get him to ask.