Duncan sat in interrogation; steadfastly hiding the nerves he was feeling. Gibbs leaned lazily on the wall behind Duncan; making sure to stay in the man's blind spot, forcing him to look at Gibbs in the two way mirror. This tactic had served him well over the years, and it seemed to be working now. Moving swiftly, not giving Duncan time to adjust, Gibbs stopped behind him.
"I'll be honest," Gibbs started, leaning on Duncan's chair and speaking right into his ear. "Normally I'd be sitting over there, showing you evidence folders and telling you what we know. We know everything you did, Duncan. We know about the girls; about Raven, and we know you killed Petty Officer Bill Weathers." Duncan looked like he was about to protest, but Gibbs didn't give him a chance. "But you know what you did; and you know we can prove it. So, I'm just gonna hand this case over to the DA, because I've got somewhere better to be." Gibbs straightened up, and he had the door open before Duncan called out.
"Wait." Gibbs turned back, hiding the smirk on his face. "I want a deal."
"You've got nothing I want," Gibbs countered, but closed the door.
"I've got contacts," Duncan argued. "Drug suppliers, black market guns."
"Not interested," Gibbs said flatly. He revelled in the scared look on Duncan's face for a moment, before giving an exaggerated sigh.
"The DA might want to hear this. Baltimore PD could be interested."
"So how do I get a deal?" Duncan asked carefully. Gibbs move to stand next to the table; putting a paper and pen down in front of Duncan.
"Your confession," Gibbs stated. "Write it. Sign it. Call for us when you're done." Without another word, Gibbs left the interrogation room.
Burley was waiting outside. He smiled at Gibbs, who allowed himself a small smile in return. They walked together as Stan began to speak.
"That was quick," He offered. "Fastest I've seen."
"Wait for Duncan to finish his confession. Throw him in lockup right after, and then go home. We can call the DA tomorrow." Gibbs belatedly noticed that Burley wasn't walking next to him. Turning back, he saw his Senior Field Agent looking uncertain. Raising an eyebrow, Gibbs waited for Burley to speak.
"Uh, Boss," Stan fidgeted as he looked at Gibbs. "There's something I need to tell you."
(~*~*~)
Gibbs smiled softly as he closed the door behind him. For the first time in too many years there was someone at home to greet him. The soft, dulcet sounds of Jazz filled the house, and Gibbs' smile only widened when Tony emerged from the kitchen, wearing an apron and with a wooden spoon in his hand.
"Just in time," Tony smiled. "Dinner's almost ready. Did you remember…?" Tony didn't need to finish when Gibbs held up a six-pack of Corona bottles. Tony laughed softly and led the way back into the kitchen.
"What're we having?" Gibbs asked, resting against Tony's back as the younger man stirred some unknown sauce.
"Nothing fancy," Tony replied, focussing on his task. "Just some spaghetti and red sauce. I bought some goat's cheese, but I didn't know if you'd like it."
"What does it do?" Tony laughed at Gibbs' wording before putting his spoon down and turning to Jethro.
"You crumble it on the top; adds some salt to the dish," He explained, and Jethro nodded. "Why don't you go relax on the sofa; open some beers, and I'll call you when dinner's ready." Jethro laughed softly, causing Tony to look confused.
"Just thinking," Jethro whispered, leaning in to peck a kiss on Tony's lips. "I have three ex-wives, and still nobody's done this for me since… since Shannon." Tony could see the sorrow in Jethro's eyes when he spoke of his first wife, and he tried his best to lighten the mood.
"Well," Tony smiled, kissing Gibbs softly. "Maybe that's why they're ex-wives." Jethro laughed softly before stepping away from Tony.
"I'll set the table," Jethro offered; Tony shook his head.
"Already done." The look on Jethro's face was priceless, and Tony couldn't stop a laugh at the utter surprise there.
"Guess I'll go sit down then," Gibbs said before leaving the kitchen. Tony watched him go then turned back to dinner on the stove.
Tony and Jethro sat across from each other at the table; the silence comfortable between them. Once he was finished eating, Tony leaned back in his chair.
"So is the case wrapped up?" He asked, a little hesitance in his voice. Jethro nodded.
"Burley found the murder weapon in the pawn shop. Duncan confessed; gave up a bunch of suppliers and gun-runners for a lesser sentence."
"And Raven?"
"Kate's taking care of her; got her registered as a dependent so Weathers' pension and any compensation will go to her and her son." The silence rose again, as Jethro ate and Tony just watched him.
"This is really good," Jethro complimented as he ate. Tony smiled.
"I'll make some up before I leave," He offered; masking the sadness in his voice. "At least I'll be sure you're eating right." When Jethro took Tony's hand in his, Tony realised he hadn't covered very well.
"Stay."
The word was simple, but the sincerity in Jethro's eyes took Tony's breath away.
"How?" Was all Tony could think to say.
"Burley's leaving," Gibbs explained, putting his fork down and abandoning his meal. "He starts an Agent Afloat position in two week. That's enough time for you to give your notice in Baltimore; apply for a job at NCIS." Tony's face lit up, his hand curling around Jethro's.
"You mean it?" Tony's words were timid and Jethro's hand tightened on Tony's.
"You ever known me to say something I didn't mean?" Jethro asked, and Tony shook his head somewhat bashfully. "I lost you once, Tony. Not gonna let it happen again." Tony's nod was a little jerky, and it forced Jethro to his feet. Tony followed suit, hugging Jethro tightly.
"I love you, Anthony DiNozzo," Jethro whispered in Tony's ear. "I don't want you to ever doubt that." All Tony could do in reply was nod and hug Jethro tighter. Pulling back a fraction, Jethro captured Tony's lips in a long, gentle kiss that had the younger man keening in the back of his throat. Jethro pulled away slowly and took Tony's hand. He led the younger man towards the stairs, but was stopped short by Tony pulling him into another kiss.
"I love you too; Special Agent Leroy Jethro Gibbs." Jethro couldn't help smiling at how much pleasure Tony took in speaking his full name. The sparkle in Tony's eye didn't go unnoticed as he looked at Gibbs.
"Now; take me to bed."
Special Agent Leroy Jethro Gibbs didn't need to be told twice.
The End.