Hi, sorry for taking a while to update this. unfortunately life and work like to get in the way. I try to work on this whenever I have a free moment. with this one especially, I like to write down notes as soon as I can after coming up with something.

I'll try to have the next chapter up as soon as I can get it down.

I'm still working on coming up with a new better title and summary but for now my focus is on the story itself.

so please enjoy and thank you for the reviews and follows and likes.

Chapter 3

The next morning…

"You drive a Porsche?" Victoria asked in surprise.

"That's right," Tim answered proudly, "Porsche Boxster."

The two agents were wide awake and sated with their fill with coffee. A far cry from when they first woke up. Both were reluctant to separate and leave the bed, something made harder to do with their passionate love making. Through sheer will, the two finally got up to start their day with a shower.

It was over a breakfast of coffee and muffins, where they laid out their plans. Victoria would drive alone to the main NCIS office while Tim would go to his apartment for a change of clothes before heading to work himself. They briefly discussed evening plans but since neither knew what it looked like for them individually, they would play it by ear. Though inwardly Victoria hoped their next night together would be at Tim's place, wanting to see where he lived.

She was tying her hair in a messy bun when she spotted Tim's car at the curb.

"How were you able to get a Porsche?" she asked as she locked her front door.

"What else can I say, the novels were surprisingly that successful," Tim shrugged.

When the two reached Victoria's car, the two turned and awkwardly faced each other, neither saying a word or knowing what to do with their hands.

"You'd think we would know what to do by now," Victoria stated.

Both lovers chuckled as Victoria reached out and placed both her hands on Tim's shoulder. With her thumb, she gently rubbed the mark near Tim's neck that she left with her nails during their special morning "wake up."

"Does it still look ok?" Tim asked.

It wasn't painful when she touched it but he worried if anyone on his team saw it. He knew the teasing from Tony would be endless.

"It should be fine," Victoria assured him, "They would have to be standing behind you to see it and even if they did, they would have to know what they're looking at."

Victoria slowly slid her fingers up his neck and to his fair where she lightly played with as she placed his hands on her hips and held her. The two then pulled the other closer and let their lips meet in their favorite dance. Victoria kipped up and stood on her toes in an attempt to throw more passion into the kiss which Tim eagerly returned by wrapping his arms around her torso and holding her close.

A loud screech of wheels pulled them out of their moment, and on instinct looked over to see a car stopped in the street in front of them. Both agents spotted the angry looking man inside the car looking at them, but it was Tim who was the first to spot the gun coming into view and pointed towards them.

Without thinking, he wrapped his arms around Victoria's chest and threw the both of them to the ground behind the Camry as gunshots rang out and the bullets hit the metal garage behind them.

Both landed with a hard thud, but not feeling the pain, Tim quickly grabbed Victoria and pulled her back, making sure none of her stuck out. He cursed himself for leaving his gun at home not thinking he needed it. Luckily Victoria had hers. Quickly orienting herself, she pulled it out of her holster as the windshield shattered above them and the glass rained on top of them.

She then kicked off the ground, jumped to her feet, and staying behind her car, shot back at their assailant. The gun ducked out of view and slammed his foot on the gas, burning the tires on the asphalt and taking off. Victoria ran out to the street and took a few more shots at the car, shattering the back windshield, before it got too far away and disappeared at a turn.

Victoria stood in the street, aiming her gun down the street as if the car would reappear at any moment. Her chest rapidly moved as she took quick breaths.

"Victoria."

Tim's voice broke her concentration as he got to her and gently placed his hands on her arms as he looked her over for injuries.

"Are you ok," he asked, still alert for danger, "were you hurt?"

"No, no I'm fine," She replied catching her breath, "what about you, were you hit?

"No, I'm fine. Just scraped up. Come on, we got to get inside and call 911 and Gibbs."

Victoria nodded as Tim gently grabbed her wrist and started leading her back inside. She gripped her pistol with her right hand, ready at a moment's notice, while her left hand maneuvered around Tim's grip and firmly grasped his hand. When they got to the door, Tim pulled out his phone and dialed 911 while Victoria holstered her gun and pulled out her house keys. Her hand shook as she tried to unlock the door. After a few attempts she was able to get it open and let the two in. The two went inside, quickly closed and locked the door and made their way to the kitchen that was away from the front window.

Victoria wrapped her arms around Tim and clung to him as she dug her face into his chest. He wrapped one arm around her and kissed the top of her head as he continued to give information to the operator on the phone. He could feel her shake uncontrollably as he felt the adrenaline leaving his own body.

XxX

Police and paramedics were surrounding Victoria's house, moving in and out of the garage by the time Gibbs, Tony, and Ziva arrived. Victoria had called Cordova earlier to warn him and told him to go back to his family. Tim and Victoria were in the living room; a paramedic was finishing her examination of Victoria as Tim stood behind the sofa where she sat. Her hair was down again so she could shake any glass that got caught in it.

"You ok," Gibbs asked as he and Tony walked into the living room, he sent Ziva to talk to the police officer "what happened?"

"We're fine. I'm fine," Victoria told him as she stood up, "a bit banged up from hitting the concrete but we weren't hit."

"Were you able to see who it was?"

"Yeah, it was a guy named Howard Jacobs."

"Friend of yours?" Tony asked. He glanced at Tim who was not dressed as he usually would for a day at work but didn't think much of it.

"I arrested his brother last month," Victoria informed them, "Bradley Jacobs. Two-bit drug dealer barely worth the trash he belongs in, who ended up killing a sailor in a deal gone bad. Howard was pretty mad during his trial. I guess it still bothers him today."

"Any threats made?" Gibbs asked.

"Not loud enough for anyone to hear it if he did."

"Alright, you're getting a protective detail.

"No."

"No," Gibbs replied, his left eyebrow shooting up.

"No. Absolutely not. I don't need it."

"Don't need it?" Tony repeated, "He followed you home and tried to kill you and now he's on the loose, probably even angrier at you. You need to stay in a safe house."

"No! I don't need protection," Victoria firmly, her voice getting louder, "I am not leaving my home because of some low life idiot. I don't need protection!"

"Don't be a fool," Gibbs barked, "You don't have a choice!"

"Oh I have a choice and I choose not to run away with my tail tucked between my legs. What I'm gonna do is go back upstairs, get myself cleaned up, then I'm gonna go to NCIS, do my job and catch the son of a bitch."

Without giving them a chance to answer, Victoria turned around and marched defiantly to the stairs then climbed them without a look back..

Gibbs let out a frustrated sigh as he, Tim and Tony were left standing in the living room.

"I'll go talk to her boss," Tony said as he went to follow her, "I'll get her to understand."

Gibbs gave him an angry glare but before he could say a word, Tim already stepped in front of his path.

"I got this Tony," Tim told him, "I think I can help her understand."

"No offense McEager, but you're not exactly suave when talking with women under the best of circumstances. What makes you think you can convince her."

"She's angry at both of you so she's not going to listen at this point. At least I have a chance since I haven't suggested it yet. It couldn't hurt."

Gibbs let out another sigh as he gave Tim a look,

"Alright, but make it quick," Gibbs ordered, "The faster we get to NCIS, the faster we can end all this."

Tim gave him a nod then quickly moved up the stairs. When he got to the top, he walked cautiously towards Victoria's bedroom door. Giving it a quick knock he slowly opened it and stepped inside. He could hear water from a sink running coming from the bathroom. As he steps towards it, he hears the sink turn off and a towel being pulled from a rack.

Stepping into the doorway, he sees Victoria, drying her face with a bath towel. He decided to let her finish before saying anything. She pulled the towel down and looked up into the mirror only to suddenly see a figure behind her, causing her to jump and turn around in panic.

"Hey, it's just me," Tim said softly, holding his hands up to reassure her.

Victoria breathed a sigh of relief before looking at him again.

"I don't need protection," She repeated, this time her voice cracked as she said it.

"No, you don't," Tim agreed, causing Victoria to be confused, "You don't need protection but this guy is obviously a danger to others. He stops in the middle of a residential street and wildly shoots a gun with no consideration to civilians that could have been nearby. Imagine if we were in a busy shop or at an intersection? It's your duty as a federal agent to protect citizens as you take him down. At least with a protection detail or a safe house, if he tries again, it'll be in a more controlled situation. Plus might be able to lure him in. Then for sure you can make sure he's sorry for thinking you'd be an easy woman to scare."

Victoria gave him a look of disbelief at his speech. She then lowered her head and stepped toward Tim, leaning her forehead against his chest.

"I don't know why I acted the way I did," Victoria stated. "I been shot at before, it comes with the job, but I never been so shaken up right after. I swear I can still feel my knees shaking."

Tim wrapped his arms around her and put his chin on top of her head.

"Have you ever been shot at coming out of your home before?" Tim asked. He could feel her shake her head underneath him, "So that makes this different. Plus you were with someone you care about. I think that would make anyone shaken up."

Victoria stayed silent in contemplation as Tim stroked her back.

How'd I get so lucky to meet you when I did?" she asked after a moment.

Tim gently moved her back and put his forehead against hers.

"I think I should be the one asking you that," he replied.

Victoria responded with a light chuckle and a smile which caused Tim to give her a smile in return.

The two in almost synchronous unison, grabbed the other's hand and moved their heads to allow their lips to meet. They let their lips mesh and move in rhythm as they savored each other's kiss.

Feeling bold, Tim sneakily snuck his tongue between her lips causing her to giggle. He then felt her tongue flicker on his lips in return.

The two now smiling, they increased the passion of their kiss, becoming oblivious to the world. Until a soft gasp brought it back to their attention.

Tim and Victoria looked to the bedroom doorway to see Ziva standing in the room with a surprised expression on her face.

"This is most surprising," she said amusedly.

"Ziva," Tim said as he took a step towards her.

"How long has this been happening?"

"Ziva, you can't tell anyone about this," Tim pleaded.

"Please Ziva," Victoria added, "no one can know especially Gibbs and DiNozzo."

"You two do not need to worry," Ziva assured them, "your secret is safe with me."

"Thank you Ziva," Tim said as he and Victoria exhaled a relieved breath.

"My lips are zipped McGee," Ziva added as she did a zipper motion across her mouth.

"It's 'your lips are sealed' Ziva," Tim explained.

"That's basically what I said," Ziva replied, doing the zipping motion again, "Zipped. Sealed."

"You zip your mouth shut but you say your lips are sealed."

"I don't-" Ziva started before putting her hand on her face in exasperation.

"You are so close Ziva, so close."

"Your secret is safe with me." Ziva says firmly.

"We really appreciated it Ziva" Victoria said. She was still confused about the interaction she and Tim just had but decided to not ask.

"Of course. Now if I may ask, how long has this been going on," Ziva asked smiling, showing she wasn't judging.

"A few days now," Tim answered, "we met at a bar and got to talking."

"One thing led to another and we ended up back at my place," Victoria continued, "three days later we're meeting at your headquarters and now here we are."

"You two make a cute couple," Ziva said, causing said couple to both blush and look away awkwardly, "anyways Gibbs sent me to find you, see if you were done."

"Of course he would be so impatient," Victoria replied, "Let's get this over with so we can leave."

The three agents left the bedroom and down the stairs, joining Gibbs and DiNozzo still in the living room.

"Alright, I'll take the detail," Victoria announced, "but I'm still working this case. I'm not giving the son of a bitch the satisfaction."

"Fair enough," Gibbs replied, "but don't do anything stupid."

"I told the L.E.O.s everything I know so you can get the info from them," Victoria continued, "I'm riding with agent McGee to his place so he can get his gear then we'll meet back up again in DC."

"Yeah, I been meaning to ask," Tony spoke up, "What are you doing here without your gun and badge probie? Did you really rush over without thinking of grabbing them."

"I spent the night helping her fix her computer, Tony," Tim answered, remembering the lie they told Gibbs last night.

"Yeah I asked him to come over," Victoria confirmed, "and I felt so bad keeping him so late working on it that I offered him to crash in my guest room so he doesn't lose any sleep."

"Hey, that's a good in for to use on the ladies McGee," Tony said teasingly, "offer house call tech support."

Victoria narrowed her eyes at Tony as Tim rolled his eyes.

"Don't take too long," Gibbs said, cutting through Tony's joking, "we'll meet you back at NCIS and we'll talk about the protection detail later.

With that, Tim and Victoria left in Tim's Porsche as the others wrapped things up.

XxX

The drive to Tim's apartment was quiet but as soon as they reached his door, Tim and Victoria became animated in conversation. Even as Tim got ready in record time, Victoria was able to learn a lot about him by looking around. From his bookcase, to his workspace, she even found his video game collection amusing and fun.

Soon they were on the road again with the occasional hand holding, not knowing when they'll be able to again. When they got to NCIS, they were told by Ziva to meet Gibbs down at Abby's lab.

"McGee!"

Tim only took 5 steps into the lab before he was almost bowled over by an excited Abby hug.

"Oh McGee I was so worried when I heard what happened," Abby said animatedly, "It's bad enough that you're all in danger when on the job but when you're not even on the clock? Oh, I don't know what I'd do if I lost you. You aren't hurt are you? Of course not, otherwise you'd be in the hospital but it has to be very scary to start your morning like that. You must be shaken up."

"Abby," Tim called to her as he briefly hugged her back, "I'm fine. Barely a scratch on me. And you won't lose me, don't worry."

"Don't tell me not to worry. You and I both know this is a dangerous job. Everyday I have to come to work with the knowledge that I may someday get a call from one of you telling me someone is hurt or worse."

"Well today isn't that day."

Abby responded by hugging Tim again only tighter.

Meanwhile Victoria looked on very annoyed. She tried to hide it, but she couldn't help but look at Abby with a dirty look. She wouldn't admit it but she felt jealous that she could hug Tim so openly.

She was about to clear her throat to get their attention when Abby suddenly turned her head and looked at her. Victoria felt she must have blanked out because at the very next instant, she had Abby's head on her shoulders and her arms underneath hers and squeezing her in a vice grip hug. Victoria's face went from a grimace to one of extreme confusion directed at Tim.

"Agent Walker," Abby said with the same feeling she had with Tim, "I'm glad you're okay too. I know we just met yesterday but I would still hate for you to be hurt. It's a good thing McGee was there so early in the morning to help. What were you doing at Agent Walker's house so early in the morning McGee?"

Abby asked without letting go of Victoria. She was giving Tim a questioning look as if she was interrogating him.

"Oh uh, I ended up taking a long time helping her fix her home computer," Tim explained, by now saying it enough times he was able to say it in the most casual way, "so she let me stay in her guest room so I wasn't late today."

"Oh, that was very fortunate," Abby said turning back to Victoria, "I'm so glad you did. Timmy is a great guy to have on your side."

"Y-yeah, he really is," Victoria replied, still stunned from the goth woman's hug and energy.

Abby hugged her again in a big embrace, "If there's anything I can do to help, please feel free to tell me."

"You can start by telling us what you found out," Gibbs' voice rang out, surprising the three. He was carrying a large cup of Caf-Pow which he held out for Abby.

"Gibb, I'm just making sure they know how relieved I am that they're unhurt," Abby said as she separated from Victoria and took the offered drink.

"I'm sure they'll appreciate it more if you help catch the shooter."

"Right! That is a good point."

Abby spun on her heels and quickly made her way to her computer with Gibbs directly behind her.

Victoria turned to Tim with the same look of confusion from before.

"Wh-what was that?" she whispered.

"Abby's a hugger," Tim explained with a comforting smile, "You get used to it."

"So I analyzed the bullet you brought from Agent Walker's house," Abby started as she brought up the images of the bullets onto the nearby screen, "and going off your gut Gibbs, I compared them to the ones from our case and sure enough they are a match."

"So the same gun that killed our sailor also shot at us," Victoria summarized.

"We ran the plates and Howard Jacob came up the owner," Gibbs informed her.

"Next you're gonna tell me that his aunt's the one making the drugs. I can't wait to be done with these scumbags."

"Gibb's team will get them Walker," Abby assured her, "They are the best at their jobs and rest assured, with them protecting you, have nothing to worry about, trust me."

"Thank you Abby," Victoria replied as she sighed and tried to hide her annoyance that she was still getting a protection detail, "I appreciate it and your hard work."

Abby smiled brightly at her words then stepped towards her for another hug.

"Wait, no Abby, I-" Victoria started to protest but failed as Abby wrapped her arms around her and pulled her in for a hug, causing Victoria's face to blush as she looked to Tim and Gibbs for help.

"Abbs, we need to have a meeting with the director," Gibbs said, placing a hand on Abby's shoulder.

Abby released Victoria and waved to all three agents as they made their way out.

XxX

After a brief meeting with the director, it was decided that Victoria and the team would be staying in an NCIS assigned safe house. Gibbs offered his home but Victoria refused and instead suggested Tim's but even Tim explained it was a bad idea for a full protection detail since it was a one-bedroom apartment with indoor hallways. Victoria knew it was a longshot but tried anyways. Vance then assigned them to a three bedroom safe house not in use that would be able to hold them all.

The rest of the day went fast for them with no new information or development. Even with a new suspect they still hit a wall where all they could do was wait for the BOLO to hit.

Soon enough they were all at the safe house in a small neighborhood. Victoria had confirmed that Cordova had taken his family to his wife's mother out of town.

After settling in, Tony found the DVD collection and suggested a movie night. He suggested a double feature of Top Gun and Roadhouse but was outvoted when Tim found the Lord of the Rings films. Tim and Victoria were fans and Ziva was interested since she never saw it before.

So the four sat in the living room watching the films with bowls of popcorn. Gibbs decided to keep watch in a car outside until he was relieved by incoming agents. Victoria and Tim were able to sit next to each other on the couch with Ziva taking the final spot leaving Tony to take the living room chair.

Midway through the film, when Tony was thoroughly distracted, Victoria and Tim were able to discreetly lace their fingers together. They didn't intend to hide it from Ziva but she was engrossed in the film, asking questions and having them answered by the secret couple.

By the time the second film ended, it was getting late and the four were getting tired. Tim and Tony shared a room with two twin beds available for them while Ziva and Victoria each got their own room.

Tim was settling into his bed when he received a text from Victoria on his phone.

"Come to my room when you get a chance please?"

Tim looked over at Tony as he got into his bed and settled in before replying.

"Sure, I'll go as soon as Tony's asleep." He typed back.

"See you soon." Was her reply.

Tim looked up at the ceiling and was about to let his mind wander when Tony's voice pulled his attention.

"So what do you think McGee," Tony asked, "Agent Walker do it for you? Would you say yes if you had a shot?"

Tim didn't know what tone to reply back with so he tried to keep it as neutral as he could.

"She's very pretty," Tim replied, not looking away from the ceiling, "and really smart. I think I would say yes if given the chance."

"How about dating? Would you date her?"

"Wait, isn't that what you were asking," Tim replied, sitting up and looking at Tony.

"No, I was talking about sex," Tony said nonchalantly.

"I should have known."

"Hey, nothing wrong with a little fun before you get serious McTraditional."

"I didn't say there was. Just shouldn't be surprised that's where your mind went to first."

"So would you?"

"Would I what?"

"Have sex with her?"

"I'm not answering that Tony," Tim replied as he turned away from Tony.

"Oh come on," Tony said pushing himself up to his elbow, "If Victoria came in here in the middle of the night and invited you to her room for a little bedroom wrestling on the queen size ring, you wouldn't go running to her?"

"Still not answering that Tony."

"Well, I guess it wouldn't matter. No offense probie but you are nowhere near that level yet."

"What?"

"It takes a special man to be able to romance the Special Agent Victoria Walker. You gotta have the finesse and verbal skills that come with years of experience courting women. Not saying you won't get there someday McPadawan, but right now it'll take more than a computer geek to woo her. You have to be a master, like myself. Who's more of that special man than very Special Agent Anthony DiNozzo. Give me a month. I'll make it happen."

Tim swore his eyes almost fell out as he rolled them so hard. He was able to hold back any retort from coming out but he came real close a couple times during Tony's speech. It wasn't the first time he sat through Tony's bragging and speeches but Tim knew the reason this one made him particularly annoyed was because Tony has never went off about someone Tim was dating before.

"That is if Gibbs doesn't get in the way," Tony added, "I love the guy and he's a great boss but I staked my claim on Walker first. She's not even a red head so why is he interested in her?"

"How do you know he's interested," Tim asked curiously, hoping to learn what to look for.

"The way he's like when he's around her. The way he looks at her. It was the same look he gave Mann. It's subtle but it's there."

"Oh."

After that the two fell silent.

Some time slowly passed, at least it felt slow. He was able to stay awake and waited until he could hear Tony's breathing slow down and indicate he was asleep. Giving it a few more minutes, he quietly got out of bed, grabbed his phone and snuck his way to the bedroom door.

Closing the door quietly behind him, he listened for any sounds in the house. He could hear stirring coming from the living room which he figured was just Gibbs on the couch. He could also hear muffled snoring coming from Ziva's room indicating she was asleep too.

He crept his way to Victoria's room and stood in front of his door. He then pulled out his phone and sent Victoria a text letting her know he was there. After a few moments the door opened and Tim slipped inside.

Once in, Victoria closed and locked the door then turned to Tim. Tim took a moment to study her. She has changed into the same large t-shirt she wore the previous night. Tim guessed she was in her underwear again judging from her bare legs. She had her hair braided and hanging down her shoulders.

Tim wasn't able to get much more details as Victoria stepped in, wrapped her arms around his neck and pushed herself up to kiss him which he happily returned.

"I was worried you fell asleep," she quietly said when they separated.

"I had to make sure Tony was asleep," Tim told her, "he falls asleep quickly but it's hard to tell when he finally does. Didn't want him asking questions."

"When this is over, I want to spend the night at your apartment."

"Of course, I would love that. We can rent the Return Of The King."

"I think we should wait until we can invite Ziva. She seemed to really like the first two. Besides, I have something else in mind when we are finally alone."

"Oh?" Tim asked, raising an eyebrow.

Victoria responded by gently pushing Tim towards the bed and making him lie on his back. She then climbed on top and straddled him as she bent over and made out with him, her hands grasping the back of his head.

Tim's writer's mind couldn't help but think about the cliché that he himself would admit he's used, of "two tongues battling for dominance." He felt it didn't seem to fit what they were doing. Instead his mind imagined the words: "their tongues embraced and danced a synchronized waltz to a silent song played by an unexciting orchestra. Their movement wild looking but graceful and in beat with the tune."

Not long after the two separated and Victoria slid down to Tim's side.

"We should stop before we go any further," Victoria said as caressed Tim's chest, "we could get caught if we made noise and it would be my fault."

"Hold on, I wouldn't be entirely innocent," Tim quipped, as he leaned his head and nipped Victoria's neck.

Victoria suppressed a squeal and playfully smacked his chest.

The two then sat up and moved further up on the bed to lay down correctly with Victoria's back against Tim's chest. Tim held her firmly as he listened to her breath become steady and low.

He thought back to what Tony said earlier and while he knew Tony was speaking nonsense and didn't know what he was talking about, Tim couldn't help but think that Victoria was indeed special while he himself… not so much.

She didn't seem to be put off that he lived in an apartment and spent his free time playing video games and writing. That must be a good sign, right? He must ask her eventually on how they should define their relationship. He figured he could accept waiting before it can be defined but he must at least tell her his intentions. Right?

With his thoughts swirling in his head, he closed his eyes and let sleep overtake him.