Look, a weekly update! Maybe I can keep it up. A quick thank you to all the reviewers and alerters, and a reminder that this is unbetaed, so all mistakes are mine, and I'm sure there will be some, no matter how many times I read through it. Just to clarify the time difference, the Seattle area is three hours behind D.C. Also, Ducky's email was a lot longer than Tony could read right away, so it's not all included here. And HORSE is a basketball game. Warning for explicit m/m sex in toward the end of the chapter.
25: Separation, part 2
Tuesday, Long Distance
Abby to Tony, email 8:17 a.m. Eastern time
Subject: MISS YOU!
Tonybear! How are you? Are you eating right? Sleeping okay? I was going to try to duplicate Gibbs' scent for you in the lab, sort of an Eau de Jethro for you, so you could spray it on your pillow, but Gibbs wouldn't sweat for me. I'm giving Timmy a mission to collect some when they're in the field, but I'm not holding out much hope, 'cause he says he never sees Gibbs sweat. Maybe I'll have him or Ziva try in the gym.
So far things are good, I mean the building hasn't collapsed or anything. Tim seems a little freaked out – I guess Gibbs told him to do the evaluations that you usually do. But you'll give him some advice, right? Segel's been behaving himself; he seems to have settled in to being a probie instead of trying to act like he knows what's going on, 'cause let me tell you, he really doesn't. He still can't seem to understand who Ziva really is. Come to think of it, do any of us really know who she is? Besides Gibbs, of course.
It was funny, yesterday Tim, Ziva and I all left Gibbs coffee on his desk. I think he kept it all and nuked it, which was really nice of him considering that he really prefers it fresh. Segel suggested he could have iced coffee, and Gibbs gave him one of those stares that makes you guys feel all of two feet tall. He hasn't said much to Gibbs since then.
I hear Ducky had Gibbs over for dinner last night, which is great 'cause I don't think those two get to spend much time together. Have you ever found out how they met? You need to share if you have. Every time I ask Ducky, he gives me one of those enigmatic smiles and launches into a story about fate and coincidences and doesn't really tell me anything. And if I ask Gibbs, he just smiles (4.3) and gives me a kiss on the cheek (no need to be jealous). I sort of imagine Gibbs trying to glare at Ducky and Ducky giving him one of his looks right back. They probably acknowledged each other as kindred spirits right away and then went out for bourbon.
What did Gibbs have to say about Beaker?
I am hugging you in my mind!
Love,
Abby
Ducky to Tony, 9:22 a.m. Eastern time
Subject: Hope you are well
Anthony, my dear boy,
I trust you are well and have no ill effects from your cross-country travel. Jethro and I had a lovely dinner together last night, and I am pleased to report that he was in good spirits. We had a delicious steak and potatoes sort of meal, just the kind of thing we can both appreciate. I took care of the potatoes and the greens – I do hope you are eating some salad at least once a day – and Jethro cooked the steaks. He has a truly deft touch with the meat, but refuses to share his secret. I dare say he enjoys teasing me.
We had a nice time talking about some of the 'good old days' as I am fond of saying. Abigail, bless her soul, has been trying to ferret out secrets, but I assure you there's nothing particularly ominous in our history. I did ask Jethro if he'd heard from you, and he immediately broke into a smile and told me about your email. I assure you he shared no details, but it was obvious from his smile, which I would rate as an 8.2 on Abby's scale, that you made him quite happy.
I am reminded of a lovely couple I used to know, many years ago in Scotland. They'd been family friends, in fact had grown up together, and believe it or not their history resulted in the most interesting near-scandal years later…
Tony to Tim, email 7:35 a.m. Pacific time
Subject: Evals
McGee, McGoo, McGiggles,
Probie, my Probie, I accept your offer of a six-pack of beer and two midnight movies.
The evals really aren't that bad. Have you read over the forms? You can handle it all just fine. I know it seems weird to write one for Gibbs… first time I had to do that, I got rip-roaring drunk the night before. That was way back before Kate, after Gibbs booted this former FBI chick, Viv Blackadder, off the team. That's a story I should tell you some time. Anyway, I had this headache from the hangover, and believe me, I was feeling no fear. Wrote what I thought, didn't pull any punches, submitted the damn thing right away. Of course, once I was entirely sober, I almost crapped my pants when I read back over what I'd written. I think the words 'arrogant' and 'foolhardy' figured in there at some point. Gibbs stopped in front of my desk later that day, and just stared at me. I stared back while I mentally revised my resume, and then he said, "Good job, DiNozzo," and that was that.
So be honest. You know he respects that. I mean, hey, look where we are now! Get that worried look off your face – he's not going to want to take you out on a date.
Heading off to work – watch his six for me, Tim.
Tony
Tim to Tony, 10:42 a.m., Eastern time
Subject: Re: Evals
Tony –
You're such a putz.
Thanks.
Tim
Tony to Gibbs, text 8:23 a.m. Pacific time
Morning sunshine! Hope u + bear very happy, not too happy. Hugs n kisses.
Overheard in the bullpen, 11:25 a.m. Eastern time
"McGee!"
"Yes, Boss?"
"Get over here and show me how to use this text thing."
Gibbs to Tony, text 11:37 a.m. Eastern time
Bear stayed on his chair. Consider yourself headslapped.
Tony to Gibbs, text 8:40 a.m. Pacific time
Did it for ya boss. Talk to you later.
Julie Stewart to Kevin Segel, email 8:53 a.m., Pacific time
Subject: Thanks
Hi Kevin,
Thanks for the inside info on Agent DiNozzo. I'm staying off his radar; I'm trying to make a good impression here, and I don't need him to make me look bad. Have to say, I'm not seeing any of the playboy stuff you said everyone in D.C. talks about – Kathy was wearing one of her girly outfits yesterday, and he didn't make any comments at all. If anything, he kind of looked skeptical.
Are you sure he's really all there? Mentally, I mean. He hit himself on the head a few minutes ago. On purpose, not like an accident, and there was no reason for it. I mean, I know you said he's a better agent than he comes across, and I have to assume the Director sent him out here for a reason, but that seems awfully strange.
You should apply for a position here once either Taylor or Burrows gets the promotion. There's going to be at least one opening. I'm keeping my fingers crossed for Taylor – I'm so tired of him trying to push the paperwork off on me. Eddie's being great though, and helps me out a lot.
Julie
Tony to Abby, email 10:05 a.m. Pacific time
Subject: I MISS YOU TOO!
Greetings to my Mistress of the Dark,
Thanks for the update on my man. Good to know the building is still intact, but remember it hasn't even been two days yet. Watch for growlies. Speaking of which, you did awesome! Gibbs said he almost shot the bear, though. Why 'Beaker?' I think he secretly likes it, btw. And don't worry, I'm fine. People here are a little strange, especially the girl-probie… she keeps looking at me and sort of smirking this morning, and I don't know why. I've been a perfect gentleman. Yesterday she did her best to be invisible.
I can tell you, though, this choosing a team lead is not going to be an easy decision. I'm betting I'm going to be out here at least the two weeks, which isn't great.
I got a really long email from the Duckman. Did you know that if you really follow his stories to the end, they're actually pretty good? Sounds like he and Gibbs had a nice time. Do me a favor? See if you can talk Gibbs into taking a laptop home and show him how to use the webcam. Would be fantastic to see him. The GSS scores are great, but it's just not the same.
About Ziva – don't the two of you ever do girls' night out? I don't think she's as inscrutable as she was when she first joined us. I bet you know her better than you think.
Oops, gotta go – Burrows' team just got called out and I want to shadow them.
Later,
Tony
Tony to Ducky, email 2:51 p.m. Pacific time
Subject: Re: Hope you are well
Dear Ducky,
I'm doing just fine, thanks. I even managed to include some salad with my lunch… lettuce on a burger! That counts, right?
I got to head out into the field with one of the teams, or I would have answered you earlier. Thanks for the update on Gibbs; I know you are all watching out for him. Those GSS scores really help!
That was a great story, about your friends. I particularly liked the part about the duel – I didn't think people did that anymore! You must have been honored to be asked to act as his second. Helps to have someone with medical training. And the run from the police – does Gibbs know this story?
Looks like Burrows is about to head out into the field again, so I am outta here. Say hi to the gremlin for me.
Tony
Tuesday Evening
Tony poked at the bottom of the carton of Chinese food, hoping to find another piece of shrimp. He was out of luck, so he tossed the carton in the trash and looked around the hotel room for the TV remote. He'd done his thinking for the evening and just wanted to relax before calling Gibbs. He'd tried earlier, but Gibbs had picked up and told Tony he was out in the field and they'd have to talk later.
He flipped channels for a few minutes, stopping here and there until he got to Turner Classic Movies, which was showing Abbott and Costello Meet Frankenstein. He fluffed the pillows up against the headboard and then sat back on the bed, letting himself get lost in the movie for a while.
By the second set of commercials, though, his mind had wandered back to work. It had been an interesting day. He'd gone back over case files for the first few hours, taking some breaks to read and answer emails from back home. He'd observed Taylor's team for a bit, watching as Taylor did nothing to correct his initial impression that the man was lazy. He kept dumping paperwork on his probie, Julie Stewart, the girl who kept giving Tony strange looks. Tony was getting the impression that she was waiting for the second shoe to drop, which was a little disconcerting since he had no idea what happened with the first one.
Taylor's SFA, Eddie Wright, was obviously used to handling his boss; as soon as Taylor's attention was elsewhere, Eddie would deftly take some of the work from Julie and do it himself, always passing it back to Julie to give to Taylor, whether hard copy or email. Eddie had run into Tony in the break room at one point, and brushed off Taylor's behavior as 'delegating.' He'd asked if Tony wanted to go out for a beer after work; Tony put him off for a day, wanting to gather more intel before quizzing Eddie about both Taylor and Burrows.
So far, Burrows was ahead of Taylor for the team lead position. Tony had found that some of his first impressions were perhaps a bit off. Kathy Nichols, for example, was able to execute a quick change worthy of Clark Kent, going from what Tony had overheard Julie call a 'girly outfit' to field attire in record time. Burrows was still short with her team out in the field, but was certainly efficient. Tony had reservations about her ability to earn her team's absolute trust and loyalty the way Gibbs had, but he rated her efficiency above Taylor's laziness.
They'd been called out to investigate what could end up being the accidental death of a Marine in an alley behind a bar. Witness statements were conflicting and confusing, so it was likely to take a few days before they knew the truth. Nichols worked well with Burrows; she had potential to be promoted to SFA if Burrows got the team lead. Fitzy, barely out of probie status, had certainly been well-trained. He had good instincts, and didn't hesitate to make suggestions. Burrows appeared to value his input, although Tony did notice her passing along some of Fitzy's suggestions as her own orders to Nichols. He'd wait and see how the final reports came out before passing any judgments on that, though.
Tony tried to focus on the movie, but found it difficult. He focused on the day ahead instead… he figured he'd stick with Burrows and her team through their current case, and once that was done he'd switch over to shadow Taylor and see if the man was any better in the field. He sort of hoped not, as it might make his job a lot easier and get him back to D.C. that much sooner.
He glanced at his watch: 9:30 p.m. That meant it was pretty late back home. Maybe he shouldn't try Gibbs again – if they'd caught a hot case, Gibbs would be working well into the early hours of the morning.
Just as Tony was getting caught up in the movie again, his phone rang with the Jaws theme. Smiling, he grabbed it off the nightstand, thinking he should find a better ringtone for Gibbs.
"Hey, Jeth."
"Tony. How's it going?"
"Going alright. If first impressions hold, I might have a recommendation for Franklin and Vance within a couple of weeks."
"Sounds good to me."
"How's your case?"
"Petty Officer went UA under suspicious circumstances. Guy probably snuck off base to go see his girl, but his friends say he's been getting some threats over the past few days. We're looking into it. Ziva's got Segel out in the field, McGee's following up on the paper trail, and I'm going for coffee."
"Ah. No phone sex tonight, huh?"
Gibbs let out a surprised laugh. "'Fraid not. Rain check?"
"I'll hold you to that."
"You do that."
"Don't hesitate to use the bear the way it was intended."
There was a long pause. Then: "Tony, I am not using a gigantic stuffed bear as a sex toy."
Tony started laughing and found he couldn't stop. He was vaguely conscious of Gibbs calling his name through the phone, but the mental images that statement brought up were too much. He laughed so hard his stomach hurt, and he thought he might lose his dinner.
"Tony!"
The growled shout finally calmed him down enough to speak. "Oh my God, Gibbs… I did NOT mean that! I got him for you because you always act like I'm your teddy bear when we're sleeping in the same bed."
"Shoulda just said what you meant," Gibbs grumbled, but Tony could hear the hint of a smile in his voice. "I haven't needed a teddy bear in bed since I was five, DiNozzo."
Tony's smile turned slightly evil. "If I remember correctly, before our trip to Stillwater you hadn't had a bubble bath since you were five either. Look how well that turned out."
There was another long pause, and then Gibbs' voice came over the phone in little more than a whisper. "When you get back here, Tony, I think maybe we'll have to indulge in a repeat performance – only this time I'll be the one taking care of you." There was a click as Gibbs hung up.
Tony stared unseeing at the TV, the phone still held to his ear. The images his brain was conjuring up were way more enticing than the movie; after a few seconds he visibly shook himself, flipped his phone shut, and headed for the shower.
Wednesday, Distance Long and Short
Emma Collier to Gibbs, email 8:47 a.m. Eastern Time
Subject: D.C. Visit!
Hi Leroy,
Just checking in to make sure you're still okay with my visiting this weekend. I'm staying at the Hilton Garden Inn on 14th Street, room 312. I should be there around mid-afternoon tomorrow. Maybe there's a good restaurant or bar near there where we could meet up for dinner? If you're free, that is – I know you may have to work. That's why I booked a place downtown, so I can go see the sights pretty easily if you're busy. But that was originally your suggestion, wasn't it?
I saw Jack yesterday when I stopped in the store to stock up on some things for Justin before I leave… it amazes me how much junk that kid can eat and stay skinny. I think the food companies add addictive chemicals so that kids have to eat or think they're going to die. Anyway, Jack says to be sure to say hi to you and to Tony and 'the kids'? What kids? He also mentioned something about a duck, which I didn't quite catch. I hope Jack's feeling okay… he mentioned Tony several times, as if he thought I didn't hear him or something.
I can't tell you how much I'm looking forward to getting away! It's been a long time since I've been out of Stillwater, and even longer since I didn't have one or more kids with me. I'm very excited about this; it's going to be so much fun to see you in your natural habitat (we both know Stillwater isn't it) and I hope I'll get to meet the people you work with.
Can't wait to see you!
Emma
Gibbs to Emma, email 9:52 a.m. Eastern Time
Subject: Re: D.C. Visit!
Emma,
We caught a case yesterday, but so far it doesn't seem to be shaping up into anything too serious. Dinner tomorrow should be fine. There's a nice pub around the corner from your hotel; I'll call you when I know I can get away and will pick you up at the hotel lobby.
Your son's a teenage boy, so of course he thinks he's going to die if he's not always eating.
I can probably give you a tour of the building, if we're not too busy. The duck my father was referring to is Dr. Donald Mallard, our medical examiner; Jack met him last time he visited. You'll like him. And as far as I know, Jack is perfectly fine. He happens to really like Tony, which is a good thing since he and I are together.
Call me when you get into town.
Leroy
Gibbs to Tony, email 10:23 a.m. Eastern Time
Subject: hey
Hey Tony,
Keeping you in the loop about Emma. She emailed this morning, said she's staying at the Hilton on 14th. Said Jack says hi. I managed to drop a hint that you and I are still involved, even though I still think you're off base about her.
Jethro
Tony to Gibbs, email 7:30 a.m. Pacific Time
Subject: Re: hey
Hey yourself, Loverboy,
Knowing you, it wasn't really a hint so much as a bald-faced statement. Something like 'Tony is my boyfriend,' although I don't know if that's really the right term. If you need to repeat it, try 'Tony is my soulmate and you and I will never be more than friends.' Although you may be cheating, in which case you'll have to fly out here even if she doesn't make a move. But she's gonna.
Jack rocks; I'm thinking of adopting him.
Hope you caved and cuddled with Beaker last night.
Love,
Your Snuggly Bear
Gibbs to Tony, email 10:40 a.m. Eastern Time
Subject: Re: re: hey
Can it with the endearments, Snookums. It doesn't help my reputation to be laughing at work.
For your information, I said that you and I were together, and I was even almost subtle about it.
You don't need to adopt Jack, you're already family.
I did not cave. The bear will have to get his own date.
Love, Jethro
Tony to Gibbs, email 7:45 a.m. Pacific Time
LOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOL
Overheard in the bullpen, 10:47 a.m. Eastern Time
"McGee!"
"Yes, Boss?"
"Get over here and tell me what the hell this means."
Ziva to Tony, email 10:58 a.m. Eastern Time
Subject: Hello
Hello Tony,
I hope you are well and finding your new assignment interesting. It seems as though I am the only one who has not sent you an email, so I thought I should do so, even if I did see you just a few days ago.
Our latest case appears to be a Petty Officer who went UA because of some threats tied to either his gambling habit or his sex habit. He apparently slept with the wife of a Master Chief, who found out about it and sent him threatening letters, which Abby easily traced back to the Chief. Gibbs interrogated him first thing this morning, and the man caved easily. I do not understand how your country has been so successful when your own military cannot stand up to simple questioning.
Gibbs seems to be well. He laughed a few minutes ago while reading something on his computer, and then had to ask McGee to translate some chatspeak, so I assume you and he are communicating regularly. I promise you that we are all watching his back.
I can also tell you that you are missed, and we all wish you home safe soon.
Ziva
Tony to Ziva, email 8:12 a.m. Pacific Time
Subject: Re: Hello
Hello my lovely former Mossad Officer,
I'm doing great, thanks. Notice my use of a contraction in the previous sentence? I'm not sure you can get citizenship in the good ol' US of A without using contractions, so you should start working on that.
Sounds like you've got a sordid tale of lust and betrayal going on. So far all we've got here is a dead Marine who may have just fallen and hit his head after one too many shots.
Shame on you for not realizing that Gibbs is a special force in interrogation. The strongest military mind has trouble standing firm in the face of that glare. Ask Abby; she swears the man is magic. It's a damn good thing he's on our side. Our enemies will just have to get their own Gibbses. Which makes me think that there could be a plot to steal his DNA for cloning purposes, so make sure you watch out for that.
Hey, I was thinking you and Abby should do a girls' night out sometime. Just let me know about it so I can do some visualization.
Thanks for watching out for Gibbs, Ziva, and I miss you guys too.
Tony
Tony to Montrell Davis, email 4:25 p.m. Pacific Time
Subject: Long time no beer
Hey Monty!
I know it's been just about forever since I'm been in touch – I think the last time was when I left Baltimore and did that mass email out to all the Buckeye crew to update with my new job in D.C. I think we stayed in contact for a few months after that, but then I fell off the map, so to speak. The new job was crazy, the new boss was crazy, life was insane. Not a good excuse, I know.
My point, and I do have one, is that I'm in the area… I'm still based in D.C., but I'm on temporary assignment out here in Silverdale, so of course I'm thinking maybe we can meet up for a beer or five and talk over old times, especially that one game of HORSE where I so kicked your ass. So let me know if you've got some time to spare this weekend, 'k?
Tony D.
Montrell to Tony, email 5:46 p.m. Pacific Time
Subject: Damn right that's a lousy excuse
Tony D! Talk about a blast from the past. I'll forgive you, this time. Next time, you're buying all night.
There's a great place here in downtown Seattle, easy enough to get to, not too touristy. I'll send you directions later, kinda in a rush right now. Say Saturday evening around 8?
For the record, I beat you in every other game of HORSE we ever played. The only reason you kicked my ass that day was because you poured that last shot out into the plant by the front door. Hanson has a picture, so don't bother denying it.
Monty
Tony to Montrell, email 5:52 p.m. Pacific Time
You can fabricate all the so-called evidence you want, my forensics expert will debunk all of it.
Saturday it is!
TD
Interview In a Bar
That evening, Tony walked into the bar down the street from the Navy Lodge and looked around, spotting Eddie when he waved from a booth along the far wall. Tony waved back and made a 'need a beer' gesture, which Eddie responded to by raising his nearly full mug. Tony nodded and went to the bar, then brought his beer over to the booth and sat down.
Eddie raised his mug. "Cheers." The glass clinked, and each man took a healthy swallow.
"So," Eddie said, "what do you want to know?"
Tony laughed. "You're not all that subtle, are you?"
Eddie grinned. "Subtle works fine with Franklin, but it's a bit lost on either Burrows or Ryan. Kathy gets it, and so does Fitzy, although you'd never know it with his sense of humor."
"Sense of propriety, you mean."
"Yeah," Eddie nodded. "Kid's got a good head on his shoulders, reads people much better than anyone gives him credit for. He's got a good future with the agency."
Tony sat back. "What's with girl-probie?"
Eddie laughed. "You mean the strange looks and the wary attitude?"
"Yeah, that."
"She's got a friend out your way, another rookie who she went through FLETC with, joined up with your team."
"Kevin Segel."
"I think so. Anyway, when Franklin told us you were coming to bail him out, and let me tell you, Burrows wasn't happy about that, Julie called him up for some info."
"She spying for Taylor?"
Eddie snorted. "As if. Not that she wouldn't if he asked her to, she's ambitious. But he doesn't give her all that much credit for intelligence."
"Any reason?"
"Yeah, the guy's a complete chauvinist. Doesn't think much of women agents."
"That's why he has issues with Burrows?"
"Most definitely. It's a mutual derision."
"Does he really want the promotion? Doesn't seem as if he's trying all that hard, delegating the way he is."
Eddie grinned. "Well… yeah, he wants it. The one thing about you that scuttlebutt communicated before your arrival was that you're one hell of a ladies' man, so Ry figures he's got the inside track. Man's different in the field, though. You'll see when we get out there."
Tony nodded, smiling a bit at how far off scuttlebutt was, and then as if on cue the Jaws theme came from his belt. He grabbed his phone and flipped it open, shooting Eddie an apologetic look. "Hey, sweetheart."
"Snookums," Gibbs replied.
"Miss ya, babe."
Gibbs chuckled. "Let me guess, you're not alone."
"Just out for a drink with Eddie here… say hi, Eddie." He held out the phone, and Eddie obliged by leaning in and saying "Hi, Eddie."
Tony brought the phone back to his ear.
"Establishing a cover, DiNozzo?"
"You got it. I'll give you a call when I get back to my room."
"Have fun."
"Bye, love."
There was an amused snort on the other end before Gibbs hung up. Tony put the phone back in its holder and turned to Eddie, who was looking at him with one eyebrow raised.
"You're not wearing a ring, so I'm assuming she's not your wife… you use the Jaws theme for your girlfriend?"
Tony smiled. "Inside joke."
"Good thing she's got a sense of humor."
"Very dry sense of humor, actually."
Eddie motioned to the waitress for another round, then looked back at Tony. "So what's her best physical attribute?"
"The most amazing blue eyes you've ever seen."
"Eyes are the windows to the soul," Eddie commented. "My girl's got a great ass."
Tony laughed. "I'll be sure to verify that if I get to meet her."
"She'll be sure that you do."
Tony grinned at him, then smiled at the waitress when she brought them their drinks. "So, if it were up to you?"
Eddie looked at him thoughtfully. "Ryan. And not just 'cause I work with the guy. But I'll let you figure out the why. Be good to have a neutral observer."
"I get that. Tell me one positive and one negative about each of them."
Eddie thought that one over, then tilted his head. "Alright. Don't see the harm there. Burrows, she's all about the job. Total fan of Shepherd when she was Director, although she never met her. That's both her plus and her minus, by the way."
Tony could tell Eddie wasn't going to elaborate, so he simply nodded. "And Taylor?"
"Ryan's minus is what you've already seen and what I've already told you… he hates paperwork and doesn't respect women as agents. His plus – he may not value Julie's ability in the field, or Kathy's, or Burrows', but he'll throw himself in the line of fire for them if necessary." Eddie pointed a finger at Tony. "He'd do it for you, too, even though he's only just met you. So it's not just a women and children first thing; he's got his natural protective streak, and it makes him a good leader in the field."
"I can respect that." Tony had another swallow. "Thanks for the insight – I appreciate it. And I can tell you I won't base my recommendation on what you've told me, I'll just use it as another perspective."
Eddie grinned at him. "You're going to ask all the others the same thing, aren't you?"
Tony raised his mug and tapped it against Eddie's. "Yup. It's all data, together with case files and observations, both in the field and in the office."
"I can get behind that… and if you can conduct an interview with beer, why not?"
"What say we add some potato skins?"
"You're a smart man, DiNozzo."
Calling Back
Tony found a jazz station on the radio and got into bed before calling Jethro back.
"Hi Jeth," he said, when Jethro picked up.
"Hey, Tony. How's your cover?"
"Just fine. Luckily Eddie didn't ask to see a picture of my girl."
"Could have shown him Abby or Ziva."
"Couldn't… told him my girl has the most amazing blue eyes."
Jethro laughed. "Gee, thanks, snookums."
"I may have to visit dire retribution upon you if you keep calling me that."
"Like to see you try."
"Could be fun."
"Mmm. How's the evaluation going?"
"Not bad. Eddie gave me some new angles, and I'll ask the others some questions as I get going on this. Probably interview Burrows and Taylor at some point. Need your opinion too."
"Ask me again if you're completely stuck at the end of two weeks."
"Figured you'd say something like that."
"You don't really need my input, Tony."
"Maybe not, but I'd still like to have it."
"We'll see."
"How's your case coming?"
"Pretty sure our Petty Officer is alive, just hiding out."
"Ziva shared some of the details."
"Yeah, just gotta find him."
"So, Emma emailed, huh?"
"Yeah, and then Jack called this evening, told me point blank not to screw up with you. Said if I do he'll formally adopt you and disinherit me."
Tony laughed. "I love Jack. You realize this proves I'm right about Emma's intentions."
"No, it just proves my father is paranoid. Not only that, he's fallen for your charm."
Tony pouted. "Thought he wasn't the only one."
"He's not."
"Hey, Jeth… thanks for what you wrote earlier - that I'm already family."
Tony could hear Jethro clearing his throat. "You are, Tony. Have been for a long time."
Tony wasn't sure what to say to that, so he deflected. "What are you doing right now?"
"Is this where you ask me what I'm wearing?"
Tony laughed. "What are you wearing?"
"T-shirt and boxers. Laying on the bed, was reading when you called. What about you?"
"Laying in bed, some jazz on the radio, a smokin' hot voice on the other end of the line."
"You left something out."
"Oh, yeah?"
"Yeah. So what are you wearing?"
"Nothing."
There was silence, and then, "Aw, hell."
"You up for your first phone sex with a guy?"
"Am now."
Tony made a growling noise. "So why don't you tell me how you're gonna take care of me in a bubble bath?"
"Hold on." There was some rustling, then "ok."
"Did you just strip?"
"Yup."
"Damn, Jethro."
"Bubble bath, huh?"
Tony shifted the phone to his left hand, letting his right drift down to his groin. "Yeah."
"Well… first I'll make sure the water's really hot, so the room's full of steam. Lots of bubbles too. Only light's from a few candles over by the sink."
Tony's fingers gently stroked over his cock, which was already hard. "Sounds nice."
"Mmm. I get in the bath first, and you follow, sitting in front of me, facing away."
Tony closed his eyes, focusing on Jethro's voice while he shifted his legs apart, palming his balls and rubbing gently. "Then what?"
"You lean back and relax. The water's really hot, and you're a little light-headed. My hands are moving over your chest and your stomach, bumping into your dick every so often, but I'm not taking hold of you, not yet."
Tony made a small sound of protest, and Jethro's voice changed a bit. "Tell me what you're doing, Tony."
"Rubbing my balls, stroking my cock."
"Stop."
"Jethro –"
"Really, Tony. Stop. Keep hold of the phone with one hand, lay your other hand down on the mattress, and just listen."
Tony groaned quietly, but did as Jethro said. "What are you doing?"
"You'll find out in a minute or two."
Tony's eyes flew open as images started to run through his head, and Jethro chuckled. "Stop thinking, Tony. Just lie back and listen."
"Okay… okay."
"So… I'm caressing you now, stopping on your nipples, pinching a little, rubbing circles around them with my fingertips. Then I move my left hand up to your hair, and I'm running my fingers through it, while my right hand is down at your dick… I take hold of you and I'm stroking you now, not too hard, not too light. Just like I'm doing to myself right now."
Tony moaned softly, his free hand clenching on the sheet below him. His legs shifted restlessly, and his cock felt hot and heavy on his abdomen.
"Can you feel it, Tony? You feel my hands on you?"
Tony nodded, then remembered that Jethro wasn't in the room. "Yeah… god, yeah. So good."
"Yeah… it's good, Tony. You press back against me, and you can feel my dick resting against your ass. And I'm running my fingers over your slit now, and you're caught between what you want inside you and what you want around you."
Tony took a deep breath, forcing his hand to stay where it was. He wanted Jethro with him, right there, wanted to feel him and touch him and smell him, wanted him inside, wanted him everywhere. "Jeth…"
"I know, Tony. I know." Jethro's breath was coming faster now, his own need clear across the miles that separated them.
"Jethro, I want –"
"Soon. Soon, Tony. Now I'm gripping your hair in my hand, and you can't move… your legs feel heavy in the water, and the steam has you almost dizzy. It's your ass against my dick, and my hand on yours, and now I'm letting go of your hair –" Jethro's voice cut off for a moment, and Tony heard him groan and take a deep breath before he was talking again, "- and I'm playing with your balls while I get the lube."
Tony shifted restlessly. "Jethro, I can't…"
"Wait. Wait a little longer. Not much longer for me either, Tone. I'm working on myself pretty good here, thinking of you in that bath, of my fingers opening you up now, it doesn't take long, you're so relaxed in the heat… and… and now you shift away a little, I move you forward and up and I shift down and right there –" a gasp and a moan, and Tony's not sure who it's from, "- I'm sliding inside, and it's so good, so hot and tight, and soft and warm and go ahead, now, Tony, touch yourself now, I'm in you and we're moving together and it's my hand on you and it's moving so fast now –"
Tony moved quickly, calling out incoherently when his hand closed on his cock, spreading the leaking fluid quickly over the shaft before his hand starting moving fast, his muscles already tensing up from listening to the sounds Jethro was making, not only his voice, but the sound of flesh on flesh, both here in the room and there on Jethro's bed, and then Jethro was crying Tony's name, and Tony flung his head back and yelled as he came, whispering Jethro's name over and over afterwards without knowing he did so, while the movement of his hand slowed and he gradually drifted into that boneless state of pleasure.
Tony wasn't sure how much longer it was until he came back to himself, hearing Jethro's voice in his ear. "Tony? You okay?"
"Damn, Jeth. I'm awesome. You're awesome. You're full of surprises, that's what you are. How the hell does a functional mute suddenly come out with all that?"
"Lots of time deployed away from home."
"Wow." Tony looked around for something to clean up with. "I might have to take a shower and ask for a clean set of sheets."
Jethro laughed. "I won't be putting my t-shirt back on, that's for sure."
Tony grinned. "Good. Hate to think I'm the only one."
"Oh, you're not."
They were both silent for a minute, then Tony sighed. "This sucks."
"Yeah, it does. Could be worse, though."
"How so?"
"You could have a roommate."
Tony laughed. "I guess you're right. Talk to you tomorrow?"
"Of course. Good night, Tony."
"Night, Jeth."