The days following his acceptance of the position of Acting Director of Cyber Crimes were a whirlwind of paperwork, packing for his trip, and rearranging his entire life. A week after he'd accepted, Tim found himself standing in front of the airport entrance, nervous with anticipation.

He was really going to do this, and he wasn't dreaming.

"You have to actually go inside the airport to get onto the airplane, McGeek."

Tim looked over at Tony, who had insisted that he be the one to drive him to the airport.

"I was just thinking, is all."

"Quit thinking! You have a plane to catch!"

"Geez Tony, are you trying to get rid of me or something?" Tim quipped.

"Nah, why would I want to do that?" Tony winked.

Tim chuckled, and they made their way into Dulles Airport. Tony walked with him as far as the Security checkpoint, and they shook hands.

"Save travels. Text me when you get there."

"Will do. Don't drive Gibbs crazy while I'm gone, okay?"

"No worries, Probie. Now get out of here!"

Tim smiled and wheeled his suitcase up to security and let the personnel perform the routine checks, before he was allowed to proceed to his gate.

There's no turning back now...

Tim arrived in Rome in the middle of the night. As he exited into the terminal, he was shocked to see an entourage of men waiting for him, one of whom already had his luggage.

One of the Agents stepped forward.

"I'm Agent Paul Forsythe. I'm assigned to your personal security detail, Director McGee."

Wow... Director... it's going to take some getting used to!

"So where do we go from here, Paul?" Tim asked.

"I'm going to escort you to where you'll be staying. An apartment has been set up on your behalf by Director Vance."

"Great... I'm exhausted."

Paul chuckled.

"Come on, let's get out of here."

Tim walked with Paul to the pickup zone right outside the airport. As soon as the doors opened, Paul pushed the auto start, and the car started while they were walking up to it.

"Nice," Tim said with a grin.

"It's protocol on all of our Agency vehicles in Rome... we hit the auto start before we're close to the vehicle... and, well, we'll know if there's a bomb rigged to it, won't we?"

"That's a great idea... I need to bring that back to the States with me. It's something we should implement Agency-wide."

"Hop in."

Tim let Paul take his suitcase and put it in the trunk, and he climbed into the passenger side of the Yukon. Paul climbed into the driver's seat, and they were off.

"Have you ever been to Rome before?" Paul asked as they left the Airport behind.

"No... this is my first time here. It's a beautiful city." Tim couldn't help but stare out the windshield at the architecture of the buildings around them as Paul navigated through the streets. "How long have you worked in the Rome office, Paul?"

"I'm going on 15 years this July."

"Wow. Do you ever miss the States?"

"Sometimes. I fly back to South Carolina twice a year to visit my folks. I've gotten used to it, though."

Paul got onto the highway, and Tim stared in awe at the city skyline as it came into view.

"Oh wow, I can see the Vatican," Tim said. "I sound like a tourist."

"I'm not offended. Enjoy the view."

The rest of the ride was silent as Tim took in the city. He'd seen pictures, but nothing compared to the real thing. He was almost tempted to take a picture with his phone and send it to Abby, but he thought better of it. Thinking of his friends only made him homesick. He hadn't been gone 24 hours yet, and he already missed them all.

Maybe I'll just take the picture and text her tomorrow...

Tim bit the bullet and took out his phone, and snapped a few pictures.

Paul smirked, but didn't say anything. Everyone had a first night in Rome.

After a half hour of driving, Paul pulled up in front of a beautiful apartment building.

"Director Vance has an apartment ready for you, Director McGee."

"Please, call me Tim. Director is too formal."

Paul smiled.

"Come on, Tim, I'll show you which apartment is yours."

They got out of the car and Paul retrieved Tim's suitcase from the trunk. Tim slung his laptop bag and backpack over his shoulder, and followed Paul inside. They rode the elevator to the top floor, and Paul led them to a corner apartment.

"Here you are, Apartment 3110."

Paul gave him the key, and Tim nervously opened the door.

"Wow... this is... wow."

The apartment was open concept, with a large living room that opened up to the kitchen.

"It's only got one bedroom," Paul said.

"I'm fine with that," Tim said with a chuckle. "More than fine. This place is incredible!"

"Take a look out the picture window. You have a view of the Trevi Fountain."

Tim walked across the living room and took in the view from his window.

"This is amazing."

Paul smiled and set down the suitcase.

"I'll be back to pick you up at 0700. Enjoy your new place!"

"Thanks, Paul... for everything."

"Anytime, Director." Paul smiled and left.

Tim walked around his apartment, taking everything in. He looked at his watch, and realized that it was the middle of the night, and Paul was going to be here very early. He took his suitcase and ventured into the bedroom, which was just as beautiful. He took his bag of toiletries into the bathroom and unpacked them. He found some clean towels in the linen closet and took a quick shower, and put on his favorite pajamas.

As he climbed into bed, his thoughts returned to his friends back home. Were they still at NCIS, or had they all gone home for the night? Tim decided he'd send a quick text to Abby before he went to sleep. He picked up his phone and flipped through his new pictures to the one he'd taken from the picture window of his apartment. He hit 'send' and typed her a message.

Just got to my new apartment in Rome! What a beautiful view! I miss you guys already. I have to be up and ready by 0700. Talk to you guys soon! Oh PS - head slap Tony for me. ;)

Tim smiled as the text sent off. A few seconds later Abby responded.

We miss you Timmy! Love the view! Call me tomorrow?

Tim smiled.

You bet. Night!

Abby responded with a spirited " buona notte" and Tim put his phone on the charger for the night.

TBC...