[From Smoked]

...

That night Gibbs had sent the team home earlier than normal since none of the analysis would be done until the next morning. Tony sat in his car just outside Claire's home. He stared at the building silently, his jaw clenching as the turmoil going on inside threatened to overflow.

Keeping up the charade with Jeanne he had gone over to her apartment earlier that night. Their evening led to some heavy petting which wrecked him inside. He could tell that Jeanne wanted to go further, and under normal circumstances he would have eagerly gone along with it. But it felt so wrong, so dirty. Outwardly he could keep up the act with Jeanne, after all he was still a man and she was very attractive. However, in the forefront of his mind was Claire. How could he tolerate being intimate with another woman when he had already found the one he knew he was destined to be with. Claire was it for him.

Tony remained there for a few more minutes, just sitting and thinking. Was it even a good idea to be here? He watched the lights turn on as he made her way into the kitchen. She was probably about ready to go to sleep. Tapping his fingers on the steering wheel he made his decision. Tony turned the car off and locked the vehicle behind him before heading straight for the door. He only waited a moment for her to answer once he knocked. Claire's surprise was obvious when she saw who was on the other side.

"Tony?...What are you doing here?" Tony fidgeted in the doorway, biting his lip. As he figured she was dressed for bed in her usual large t-shirt and short shorts. His lip quirked, reminded of how fond he had always been of the outfit. She usually went for comfort over looks and he loved that about her. Claire was never really into sleeping in small lacy ensembles. She sure didn't need them. Tony blinked, getting his mind back on track.

"I um…..I just figured I could stop by. That is if you don't mind? If it's too uncomfortable I can just head back home." He muttered quietly. Claire's brow furrowed in concern. Something was bothering him deeply.

"Sure." she complied, stepping aside to let him in. Tony nodded jerkily and walked in, striping off his coat as he did. Claire locked the door back up and turned to watch him silently. Tony paced towards the middle of the living room, his eyes scanning over her home absently. Nothing had changed since he had last been there.

"Are you ok?" She questioned, crossing her arms over her chest while still standing at a distance. Tony turned to face her and nodded.

"Yea." Claire eyed him skeptically.

"You don't look it." She countered. Tony chuckled, grinning down at the ground.

"I'll be ok in a bit. Just a little off right now." He admitted wryly. She hummed and the two returned back to silence. They stood in opposite corners of the room, eyes flitting between the walls and each other. Claire looked at the clock on the wall and frowned.

"Tony, why are you here this late. It's nearly midnight." She finally blurted out. Tony cleared his throat before answering.

"Uh I've had a rough evening and….I didn't really know where else to go. I can't stand to be alone with my thoughts right now." He admitted tightly.

"I'm assuming that I can't ask about it." Claire muttered, taking a step closer. Tony's lips tightened into a pained grin, confirming her question. She drew in a deep breath, pushing away her frustration for his sake. It was obvious he didn't need badgering from her right now.

"Well make yourself at home. The shower is open and you have some extra work clothes in the hall closet." She instructed, gesturing for him to head that direction. Tony muttered his thanks and quickly made his way over, desperate to rid himself of Jeanne's perfume. Smelling like that in Claire's house made him sick.

While he showered Claire sat herself down onto the couch, frowning in the direction he had gone. Why was he here? What had he been doing that had shaken him up this badly? What was she supposed to do now? Claire groaned and grasped at the base of her hair, the small twinge of pain keeping her grounded. It was easier to keep her emotions in check while they were at work. Less time to really dwell on things. But now she was in her home, already wound down for the evening which left her vulnerable to her damned feelings. Having him back in a place they had spent so much time intimately ate away at her. The feelings of hurt and loneliness came back hundredfold. She missed him so much. With Tony looking as distraught as he was all she wanted to do was go over and hold him; comfort him in any way he needed. Claire still deeply loved the man but he had chosen to leave. She was so lost in her thoughts that she didn't register Tony walking back into the room. He stared at her, his eyes softening as he watched her bite her thumb in concentration. Realizing he was staring creepily, Tony cleared his throat to get her attention.

"Thanks…for letting me stay here." Tony muttered, jerking her out of her trance. Claire bolted upright.

"Yea, yea. What are friends for. I'll um…grab you some blankets." She quickly scurried over to the hall closet, pulling out what was needed. Tony crossed his arms as he turned to watch her. He remembered his request to remain friends, but hearing her use the word hurt.

"I guess sharing the bed is out of the question." He joked weakly. Claire turned to stare at him sternly.

"That would be a very bad idea." Tony nodded in agreement. Silence settled over the room once more as she finished gathering the blankets he would need. She made her way to brush past him, only to pause as he reached out for her wrist. Claire turned her head sharply, watching as he gently played with her hand. His eyes never looking up as he brought up his other hand to caress her palm.

"What….what are you doing?" Claire swallowed thickly, lost in a trance as she watched his movements.

"I just wanted to touch you. I've missed it." He answered honestly. Her eyes widened and she dropped the blankets to the ground next to them. Claire gently reached over and took his hand away, her heart cracking as she did so. Tony looked up at her, hurt. Blue eyes welled up as she looked into his hazel ones, finding the same pain that she was feeling.

"Tony…."

"I've been thinking a lot about you lately, and I'm really, really trying to figure out a way to not screw this up." Tony whispered brokenly as he stared into her eyes. Claire remained silent, willing herself to be rational. Nothing had changed since he broke it off, letting this continue would just end badly for both of them.

"I'm pretty sure it's already screwed up." She whispered. He nodded, blinking tears away heavily. In a moment of weakness he took a step closer towards her, reaching out a hand to caress her face. Claire leaned into it, smiling sadly at the familiar feeling.

"Tony this isn't a good idea. We're not…..we can't. Not while you have this Jenny business hanging over your head." She tried, but her emotions and actions were betraying her. Tony leaned in, resting his forehead against hers. He gently nuzzled his nose against her cheek. Claire holding back as she clenched her eyes shut.

"Please." Her eyes flew open at his near silent request. Staring up into his eyes and seeing how desperate he was caused her resolve to crumble. Going against her better judgement she lifted her chin up ever so slightly to allow her lips to meet his. The response was instantaneous. Tony reached for her, his hands not working fast enough as he ran them over her torso and face. Bodies clashed and hands ran over one another frantically, both starved for each other's touch. Claire began pushing him in the direction of the bedroom. Clothes gradually fell off as they made their way across the room, before they found the bottom of the bed. Stumbling into one another they grinned, allowing their brains to shut off and enjoy the moment. The following morning would once again remind them that this was not a good idea, but neither were willing to find it in them to care. Tonight was just about filling the empty hole in their hearts for however short a time they had.