Written for ncis-drabble Challenge 059. Distractions
•••
Distractions
"I'm taking you home, Tony."
"No. You'll be late for work."
"It's only noon; they're fast asleep in Okinawa." Tim pulled over to a quiet spot near the Potomac and Tony pulled out his go-bag.
After applying a cold pack, eye drops and concealer under his eyes, Tony was good to go – at least on the outside. Unless you were looking for the signs, you'd never know that a short time earlier Tony had been an emotional mess.
Tim watched curiously as Tony spread Visine on his lips.
"Takes the red out." Tony checked his appearance in the rear-view mirror and seemed satisfied. "It's good for after a make-out session in the elevator."
Tim couldn't tear his eyes off Tony's mouth. He didn't want to think about who had kissed Tony like that. "We've never done anything in an elevator."
For the first time since his meltdown, Tony smiled, and although it was subdued, it was good to see. "Well then, it's about time we gave it a whirl."
Tim studied his husband. "How do you do it, Tony?"
Tony smirked. "How do I kiss? How do look so good? I possess talents few are blessed with."
Refusing to be put off, Tim asked, "How'd you put it all behind you like it never happened?"
For a moment, Tim thought that Tony was going to make light of the situation, but Tony surprised him by saying in a restrained voice, "If it's bad…you learn to turn it off. You have to."
"I'm glad you told me about your mother, Tony, but I hate seeing you upset," Tim replied, squeezing his hand. Tony nodded and stared blindly at the river, and Tim knew that the door, so briefly opened, had closed.
• •
From the moment he walked off the elevator, Tony was on. Like a very skilled actor, he greeted his friends and coworkers – and even the director – with smiles and reassurances that all was fine in the world of Special Agent Tony DiNozzo.
Tim saw the relief in people's eyes. They liked Tony and many remembered how sick he'd been after the plague. He looked good now, and nobody was to know that the color in his cheeks was from crying.
Except for Gibbs, who stood to the side and watched Tony closely, as pensive as Tony was animated.
Tony fielded their questions about his wellbeing. He was funny and charming, always giving the perfect response to his audience. He never mentioned he was pregnant. It didn't show, anyway, not unless you knew to look.
Abby asked, "Have you decided when you're going back to Okinawa?"
Tony smiled at Abby. "They need Tim's expertise over there, but I think I'll hang around here."
"You will?"
Tim intervened, "Tony has to recover before we make any decisions. I'm not leaving before–"
"Tim," Tony warned.
Abby took Tony's arm. "How about I take you to lunch and we talk?"
Tony sent a silent appeal Tim's way but Tim shrugged. "Have fun."
• • •