Disclaimer : I own nothing, but the typos. Oh and the OCs.
Warnings : Rated T for language, violence and mayhem.
Author's Note : Thanks for all of the follows/favorites so far. And many thanks to those who left reviews.
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One and a Half Years Later
HOLLYWOOD, CA. – Fans of Thom E. Gemcity's DEEP SIX will be treated to a rollicking good time in the thriller turned comedy movie adaptation. Tony DiNozzo's portrayal of Agent Tommy DeNiro steals the show. DiNozzo pours a lot of heart into what a character that appears to be a vapid stereotype of wisecracks and frat-boy humor in Gemcity's novel. When he isn't getting his head whacked by Jamison Paul's LJ Tibbs, DiNozzo is closing cases with his lovable and relatable teammates, Agent Lisa Davis (Jacklyn Bauer) and Agent Liam MacGregor (Maddox Cotta). Explosions and romance (MacGregor and Jeanne Benoit as Amy Sutton as well as DeNiro and Davis) heat up the screen, but it's the interactions of the cast and their subtle nuances of humor that will keep you on the edge of your seat and counting down the days to the sequel. Rumors have already started that the DEEP SIX franchise has the potential for many more installments. As soon as we get more novels for the movies.
Do you hear that, Mr. Gemcity? Get writing!
Rating: 3.5/4 stars
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11:02pm – A Friday in April – More Human than Human Lounge – Hollywood, CA –
As soon as he arrives at the after party for the Deep Six premiere, Tim knows that he is way out of his league. His rented, off the rack tuxedo seems to hug his body in all the wrong places. Even though Delilah swore up and down that he would fit right in with the rich and famous of Hollywood, he has never felt more out of place in his entire life. His outfit can't compete with the custom-tailored, designer duds of the other partygoers. Tim straightens his lapel as though that's all he needs to transform him from an ugly duckling into a beautiful swan.
Delilah grabs his hand, gives him one good squeeze.
When he glances down to her, he finally catches his breath.
She sighs wistfully. "This place is amazing."
He doesn't take his eyes off her. "Yeah, amazing."
And she does look incredible in her eggplant-colored, fit and flare dress that rivals the most opulent gowns in the room. She swore it was just an old prom dress, but Tim suspects it might be more than that. Then again, he still finds her as beautiful in sweatpants as he does tonight.
Her dark hair is pulled into a tight chignon that exposes the hollows of her neck. She tilts her chin towards the ceiling where tiny crystals hang, shimmering in the low light like raindrops. But they don't sparkle as much as he tiny diamond earrings.
Tim kisses the back of her hand. She smiles up at him.
Moments later, a passing waiter crouches to offer her a flute of champagne. She takes two and passes one to Tim. He takes a sip. Then, he sputters it back into the glass.
"Good G-d," he says, "I bet this costs more than my car."
"Yeah, but it is delicious." Delilah laughs. "I think we should get a bottle to celebrate when you get around to finishing your sequel."
"If my next advance is the same as my first, I doubt we can afford it." He samples it again and sighs. "I just need to find the time to get it done."
She shoots him a mischievous smile. "How long does it take before your agent comes and chains you to your typewriter anyway?"
"If you believe her, any day now. But I think I'm safe." He makes a face. "For now."
After Delilah finishes her drink, she motions for Tim to surrender his and he gladly does. Once she is done with that one, they slowly work their way around the room. Moving around a crowded space with Delilah is never easy, but Tim never leaves her side. They share a comfortable, familiar conversation as people that they recognize from movie and television screens mill around them. In the back corner, a DJ blares something that Tim thinks could pass for music.
His eyes keep searching the crowd for the one person he knows, the one person who called Gibbs every day until he gave Tim permission to attend the premiere.
But Tony isn't anywhere to be found.
Occasionally, someone will stop Tim to congratulate him on his wonderful book. He just smiles and nods, faking his way through every exchange as they ask him about what comes next, who gets together, and when they next movie will be. Every conversation leaves him feeling hollow and exposed.
He wishes he and Delilah were curled up on their couch, watching a movie while they share a bottle wine they can actually afford. But the look on her face tells him that she might be enjoying herself. When he can't bear the crowd any longer, Tim starts to suggest that they get the hell out of here.
Someone's hand smacks him square on the back.
Tim plasters on that phony smile that he can't seem to master and turns around.
He comes face to face with Tony DiNozzo. With a tuxedo that fits him so perfect that he looks to be sewed into it and expertly styled hair, Tony looks like he just stepped out of a fashion shoot.
Grinning broadly, Tony joins them. "I've been looking for you two all night." He and Delilah share their usual greeting: a secret handshake ending with a high-five. "Glad you could the time off from work, Wheels."
"It was just the matter of asking the right people, Bi-Ped." Delilah shoots back with a smile.
Tony laughs heartily. "I never get tired of that one."
"Me neither," she replies, giggling.
Even though he has seen the exchange countless times, it still makes Tim's stomach turn. Why they can't just say hello to each other like normal people doesn't make any sense to him.
Tim never knows what to do in this situation, so he just waves. "Hey Tony. I'm impressed that you were able to get us tickets at the last minute."
Tony shrugs. "It's not my fault the judge wouldn't uphold that end of Michaels' plea deal, so I had a few extras."
Tim blinks. "What?"
"I'm totally kidding. Michaels and his handlers left right after the movie to take him back to NCIS holding in Los Angeles." Before Tim has a chance to find out how the hell Tony knows that, he moves on. "So how does it feel being the 'The Man Behind the Curtain' and seeing your creation come to life?"
"I'm not sure I follow," Tim says, tilting his head.
Tony flounders. "The Wizard of Oz. The man – "
"Oh, Tony, don't mind him," Delilah says, waving her hand dismissively.
She and Tony crack up at the inside joke they share at Tim's expense like they usually do at get-togethers. Whenever Tony visits them in Washington, Tim often feels like third wheel to the Tony and Delilah show. Honestly, Tim probably would've stopped them long ago, but he loves seeing how she comes to life around Tony.
"I still can't believe how great you did in the movie, Tony," Delilah breathes. "I love how you interpreted Agent Tommy. You really made him feels real. He came across a little flat in the book."
"Yeah, you did a great job," Tim parrots, leaving out his complaint about how the studio rewrote the script to make MacGregor a minor character so Agent Tommy could steal the show.
Tony dips his head to hide his flushed cheeks. "Thank you guys."
At that moment, a redhead drunkenly stumbles into the group. She grabs onto Tony's arm as she fights gravity to stay upright. Her chest heaves as it nearly falls out of her skin-tight blood-red dress that leaves nothing to the imagination.
Tim stares at her like a deer in the headlights. "Bullock? What the hell are you doing here?"
"Taking a break from babysitting Michaels." Carolyn leans forward to tap Tim's chest, but misses by a mile. Then she stage-whispers: "Don't worry, McGee. I won't tell Gibbs, if you won't."
Just when Tim is about to let it go, he notices how close she leans to Tony, how his hand lingers at the small of her back, how he stares at her with unwavering adoration. Tim takes a step back, gesturing wildly between Carolyn and Tony.
"Wait, are you two…" he barely gets the word out "…dating?"
Tony and Carolyn share a glance that seems to say we're so busted. When Tony shrugs like a little kid caught in the middle of a prank, Carolyn collapses against him in a fit of drunken laughter.
Tim pinches the bridge of his nose as thought it might make the sight disappear from in front of him. For some reason, the thought of his direct superior and his movie star…his Tony….his friend feels like an insane betrayal like the pair had no respect for Gibbs' Rule 12—or was it Tibbs' rule 25?
"You really had no idea, McGee?" Carolyn asks as though he is too stupid to process the situation.
And it makes him think, for a moment, that maybe he isn't seeing things quite right. Tim hazards a glance at Delilah just to make sure he isn't going crazy, but she just shrugs.
Tony goes suddenly sober. "Why else would I keep coming to DC, Tim?"
"To see me." He points to Delilah. "To see us."
"Not that I don't love you both, but I would need more incentive to make the trip every other weekend." With that, Tony drags Carolyn closer and she crows with excitement.
Delilah smiles as graciously as she can. "You know what, I could use a drink."
"Bring me one?" Tim's tone borders on pleading.
"Absolutely," she says, giving his hand one last tight squeeze.
And just like that, she disappears into the crowd after a waiter with a tray of champagne flutes. Carolyn suddenly loses interest in Tony.
"Did someone say more champagne?" she slurs. "Wait up, Delilah. I'm on your six!"
Chuckling, Tony just lets her go when she pushes him away as though he turned radioactive.
If Tim didn't know better, he might think Delilah hit the gas on her wheelchair to escape Carolyn. Even though the women are friendly enough back home, he doubts the two would have anything discuss outside of work and mutual cases—and of course, Tim.
Turning his attention back to Tony, Tim fumbles with the lapel of his jacket again. No matter how many times he smooths it, the damned thing won't lay flat like it's supposed to. He works his fingers against the sateen edge, trying to feeling an ounce of the calm that Tony exudes like it's nothing at all. The movie star works the room like a pro, pointing and high-fiving and spouting movie quote at anyone and everyone who stops to congratulate him.
When they have a moment alone, Tony reaches over to fiddle with Tim's lapel for him.
"There. That's good enough," Tony says.
"So you and Carolyn, huh?" Tim blurts out. "How long has that been going on for?"
Tony's lascivious grin instantly makes Tim regret his conversation choice. "Ever since I followed you around last year. It sorta started when I needed a distraction one weekend while you and Delilah were busy. I kept traveling to keep those rumors about us going. And then, I just – " Tony's eyes search the room for Carolyn " – fell for her."
Tim tilts his head. "What do you mean? Rumors about us?"
"Have you read the tabloids lately? Or like ever?" When Tim makes a face, Tony laughs. "You really live under a rock, don't you?"
"I happen to like it there. But seriously, what's going on?"
"I guess some paparazzo got the wrong idea about my trip last year. They thought you and I were, get this – " He cracks up again, but Tim doesn't join in " – dating. Can you imagine that?"
Even though he can't, Tim still feels a tad offended. "What's wrong with that?"
The humor vanishes from Tony's face. "You're kidding, right?"
"Not really." Tim shifts his weight. "I mean, why couldn't you see us together?"
"For starters, I'm me and well, you're…" Tony gestures at Tim still tensely playing with the lapel of his jacket "…you." When Tim doesn't say anything, Tony huffs. "Do you really give a shit what people who read gossip mags and internet blogs think?"
Tim bites his lip. "Maybe."
"They thought we were gay. Together."
That makes Tim reconsider and he says firmly: "No, I don't care."
"If it makes you feel any better, everyone was rooting for you. But sadly, Tim, I think this is the end for us." Tony puts on a mock pout. "It's not me, it's you. You're just not my type. I prefer my love interests a little more…" his gaze searches the room for Carolyn and Delilah "…female."
Tim laughs, feeling oddly relieved. "Am I supposed to throw a drink in your face or something?"
"Only if you want to be known as the GILF who made a scene."
"A what?"
"Don't ask, Tim." Tony holds his hand up. "Don't ask."
And Tim doesn't. "Since we're not really dating, why did you let the rouse go on for so long?"
"All in the name of publicity, Mr. Gemcity." Tony grabs two glasses of champagne from a passing waiting and hands one to Tim. "Any time in the press is good time, if you want to sell movie tickets."
"And that's just it? You let your fans think you were gay to sell tickets? That seems like a terrible idea, if you ask me."
"You always manage to see right through people, Tim." For the first time all night, Tony's smile is genuine. "I had to keep Carolyn out of the spotlight until I was sure we could be the real thing. That sort of thing could've wrecked what we had before it even had a chance."
Tim follows Tony's gaze to where Delilah and Carolyn are parked in a corner. In her lap, Delilah holds a tray of champagne flutes while she and Carolyn work their way through them. Carolyn animatedly rambles, arms pinwheeling and head bobbing. Despite the good show she puts on, Delilah appears to be bored out of her mind. Tony's face turns winsome at the sight.
"Is it going well between you two?" Tim asks.
"About as good as you and Delilah," Tony replies, earning him a small smile. "Did you buy that ring yet?"
Tim makes a face. "It just never seems like the right time."
"Come on, MacProcrastinator, there's no time like the present." Tony claps his hands, but Tim just makes a face. "Or you could try big romance for the proposal? Maybe something with fireworks and champagne?"
"That only works in Hollywood."
"I can make it happen. I'll call in a couple of favors. I know a guy who knows a guy who does sky writing. Nothing works quicker than that to get a woman to say yes." He smiles to himself. "To anything."
Tim doesn't want to know what anything means. So he says: "Thanks. I'll keep that in mind."
"Don't wait too long." Tony gestures to where Carolyn and Delilah are. "You don't want to lose that."
Across the room, the women have moved on from champagne to stalking a waiter with a plate of crab puffs like lionesses on the Serengeti. When Delilah bumps into the waiter with her wheelchair, Carolyn swoops in for the kill and disappears into the crowd with the platter. Delilah wheels right after her.
Tony presses his lips together. "Not one of their finer moments, huh?"
Grinning, Tim just shakes his head.
"You know, I bet the sooner you ask her to marry you, the sooner you'll get over your writer's block."
"I don't have writer's block."
Tony glances over with eyebrows raises. "Then why haven't you sent me any new chapters on your sequel for months? I'm dying to know whether Tommy and Lisa finally get together or not."
Tim half-shrugs. "I guess I haven't felt like writing Deep Six recently."
"You better start feeling like it or my agent is going to start harassing you too."
"Mine already told me that she was going to have me locked up until I got the first draft done."
Tony chuckles. "Gotta love Lindy. The woman will get that book out of you."
"Or die trying," Tim says with a sigh.
Tony glances over, his expression suddenly solemn. "But seriously Tim, why did you just stop writing? You are so talented. It just seems like a waste, you know."
Shifting his weight, Tim looks out into the crowd. "I didn't stop. I decided to try a different genre, but I didn't want anyone to find out until I was done with the first draft."
"You abandoned Deep Six? What will your fans do without Agent Tommy and Agent MacGregor?" Tony's mouth falls open as he grabs Tim's shoulders. "What will I do without them?"
Tim tries to take a step back, but Tony holds him tight. They stare at each other for a long moment and Tim is pretty certain that he won't be getting out of here without confessing his latest writing sins.
He holds his hands up. "I didn't give up on my series."
Tony's face darkens like a deranged fan, ready to rip Tim apart in order to find out the ending. "Then what would you call it, Tim?"
"I think you like to describe changing projects as, 'expanding your horizons.'" When Tony still doesn't move, Tim forces a bright smile. "Don't worry, Tony. I'll get back to Deep Six soon. I've got some great ideas for Tommy and MacGregor."
"Like?"
"Deep cover stuff."
Tony nods like he finds it acceptable. "Spy shit, that I can work with. I've always wanted to play a CIA agent, but playing Agent Tommy as an operative. It could be amazing. Epic, in fact. I bet we could get the studio to raise the budget for the next one. We just need to – "
"Hold your horses, Tony. I still have a while before I get there. I want to finish my epic fantasy first." Before Tony has the chance to whine, Tim blurts out: "Do you think you'd be interested in playing a character in the movie version?"
When a waiter stops to offer them mini-quiches, Tim goes silent as though the worker might steal his idea. Tim politely declines the food while Tony takes one in each hand. Tony takes a bite, chewing thoughtful as he mulls over Tim's offer.
"That depends," he says, mouth full. "Are we talking Game of Thrones or Lord of the Rings level of epic? While I loved Tolkien's stuff, The Silmarillion bores me to tears. So if it's like that, I might - "
"Think Game of Thrones with the same level of world building as Lord of the Rings with a bit of Terry Brooks mixed in for good measure."
Tony nearly chokes on his quiche. "Tell…me…more."
Tim grins. "It all starts with an Elf-Lord named TimBo MacGraggins…"
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Author's Note 2.0 : Thanks again for taking the time to delve into another story with me. Hope you enjoyed reading it as much as I enjoyed writing it. I'll be popping in here and there with A Life Less Ordinary as the summer goes. Something new will be up...eventually.
36/11/18