Author's notes: I'm really really sorry for keeping you guys waiting so long. My laptop had a major breakdown and I'm talking 80-data-loss major. sigh I had to rewrite the beginning of this chapter fro memory (smth I'm not really good at) and then all of a sudden my muse worked on overdrive and I had to write it down by hand to type it off later (again, smth I'm not really good at lol). Anyways, sorry for the long wait and have fun reading. There will be a secondary plotline introduced in this chapter. Feel free to tell me what you think about it :-)
alysoncf: thanks fort he lovely review :) I'm glad you like my writing. I sometimes have my problems since English is not my 1st but my 3rd language but I'm happy if it doesn't show too much. Here comes the next chapter. Have fun reading and feel free to review :-)
The Swordsman well I did continue so you'll get another email notice in your inbox in a few minutes.lol. I couldn't let them just go to sleep together and leave it at that. Luckily my muse was on overdrive and while my laptop broke down completely I was able to write close to 11.000 words of slashy goodness.lol… there will be a new character in this chapter and the following(s). enjoy the read )
babs6608: thanks :-) here you go with chapter 4 )
foxyladyhubbards blush thanks :-) I kinda like Gibbs when he's sweet and caring with Tony.lol have fun reading this chapter )
skysgirlforever: yeah you're right. There is definitely that little something between Tony and Gibbs that makes Gibbs a little bit more tender than with Abby. She's though and Tony's too, but when it comes to feelings, Tony needs the reassurance Gibbs is glad to provide (in my story lol)
Ibuko: Thanks :-) I just had to write the wardrobe scene since Tony's always so obsessed with his looks. And I kind of like the idea that he wants to look his best for Gibbs and starts angsting when he rationally should know that he'll always look good, no matter what he chooses from his (extensive) wardrobe. If it wouldn't make him look good, he wouldn't have bought it in the first place.lol. have fun reading the next chapter :-)
Michi: you're wish is my command… sorta lol. Here you go with more slashy goodness of the Tony/Gibbs variety. :-) p.s.: You're totally right, they are the cutest couple, ever! )
SparklingCatseye:thanks reviewing, I always love to read what you got to say about my story :-) I like them going slow too but I also need to keep in mind that they are two grown man with needs so their wakeup scene will be a bit steamy but not too much. I hope you like it :-)
Suz: see? It pays to hope. lol. But seriously now, I'm glad you liked my story so far :-) I plan on continuing it for a few more chapters, until I run out of ideas. There is a new subplot starting with this chapter since there is another character that appears. I hope you like it and feel free to tell me what you think about this new chapter :-)
Cup of Coffee IV
Tony woke up to a weird noise. Mind still muddled with sleep he only slowly got back his bearings and finally fully conscious he realized that it was rain, pure and simple. Snuggling deeper into the warmth next to him to get away from the thoughts of a cold and rainy day he also only then noticed that the warmth wasn't a very nice blanket, no it was a body. It was Jethro whom he had snuggled up to without thinking about it twice.
He was curled around his lover from behind and had him in a firm embrace. Not wanting to limit Jethro when he wanted to move, Tony slowly and progressively loosened his arms. The reaction he got however was surprising to say the least. Gibbs started grumbling ever so slightly and pushed himself further against Tony's firm and toned body and the younger man couldn't help but chuckle warmly at Jethro's antics.
He sobered up quickly though. The situation and it unusualness struck him full force in a matter of seconds. He was in a relationship now. With his very male and not so very heterosexual Boss. Tony couldn't help but think back to only a few weeks before when life had been completely different and not in an all around good way.
He had been a lady's man, popular with everyone, especially the girls… the hot and young ones. In hindsight he now had to admit that, in a way, he had always looked down on his friends in steady relationships or marriages. He had never wanted the fights, the settling down, the steadiness (or boringness?) of a committed couple. And now he knew that it had all been hypocrisy. In the end they were all happier with what they had found than he had ever been. He had done all the daring and dirty things they may dream about. But did it make him feel better? No. He had run from commitment in any way, shape or form.
He had run from himself.
And he didn't want to anymore. Jethro was his chance at happiness and at getting to know himself, the real Anthony M. DiNozzo.
He had insisted on living the sweet life. Clubbing, sex the whole nine yards. He had never known he could be bitter from the sweet though. In the end he had nothing to look back upon other than a string of one night stands. The only good thing in his life were his friends, his job and Jethro. He had been to paradise in the past years, sure, but it was short-lived, only for the duration of one night, maybe even a few more.
Tony knew he was hard on himself but he couldn't help it. His sleeping around had been part of a role he had played. And it had cost too much. The subtle whoring had left him empty and jaded. Sure he had been free but had he really wanted that? Commitment was a scary thought but now with Jethro in his arms things were rapidly changing. He could see himself being in it for the long haul with the other man.
And that thought warmed him and filled the emptiness he had never admitted to be feeling.
"Hey, you're thinking too lound." Startled Tony blinked a few times until he realized that Jethro must have woken up some time during his musings. "Sorry," he whispered sheepishly. "I didn't mean to wake you."
"It's ok. I slept longer already than I usually do anyway. No worries." Jethro had grabbed his hand and squeezed it gently to reassure. Squeezing back Tony contented himself with just laying there and enjoying the moment. He was sure that moments like this one would be pretty rare with their busy schedule. On top of that Tony also knew about "Don't ask, Don't tell" and was aware of the fact that they couldn't just spend every night with each other. Even if he wanted exactly that now after having gotten a taste at what life with his new lover could be like.
"What were you thinking about?" Jethro interrupted his thoughts. "Me.Us. Everything." Tony didn't elaborate and Jethro let it go. They both knew that they would have more than one serious discussion. Didn't mean they had to now. Enjoying the closeness and quiet they both sighed contentedly simultaneously. Laughing at the timing they snuggled closer together and it was then that Tony became aware of a rather pressing problem.
He was hard. Very much so.
Blushing he tried to separate his lower body from Jethro's inconspicuously but the whispered "Stop." Made him reconsider. "Sorry" was all he brought out and it did sound slightly chocked, in his own ears at least.
"I don't care, ok? It's your body, your reactions so I don't mind. I like to feel the way you react to me even if this is most likely the usual morning wood. We don't have to do anything about this right now; we can just stay like this. Just don't be embarrassed." Gently stroking Tony's hand with his thumb Jethro succeeded in reassuring the younger man. Tony placed a soft kiss on Jethro's right shoulder blade. "Thanks. You always know exactly what to say without making me feel stupid." He admitted hesitantly.
"My pleasure. I want you to be at ease with your body and its reactions to me, or other situations we might find ourselves in. I know there are many myths about and around gay sex. As we go, you'll realize that not all of it is true. I'm looking forward to sharing that with you." Jethro explained. He was grateful that they weren't face to face for this particular discussion. He wouldn't have minded but he was also aware that Tony most likely was still insecure. Jethro had been elated when Tony agreed to spend the night and sleep in his bed. The awkwardness now hadn't been all that surprising and it made Tony all the more endearing. The young man triggered a sense of protectiveness in him, he had thought long lost. And he didn't mind at all.
Tony was happy to have found a caring and accepting partner in Jethro. He knew better than to take it as granted. Still he grew increasingly fidgety as time passed. His hard-on just wouldn't go away as much as he wanted it to and he knew that he had to take care of it some time soon or things would become really embarrassing.
"Do you mind if I get up and use the bathroom?" he whispered in the other man's ear. "Not at all. But if you want we can take care of it in a different way." Slightly taken aback Tony stiffened against Jethro's body. "Hey, not what you think. Let me demonstrate and if don't like it and want some privacy in the bathroom I won't be offended. Just give it a try." Seemingly having lost his voice Tony just nodded and trusted Jethro to interpret the head movement.
That he had indeed understood what Tony wanted to convey was obvious when the older man started to grind backwards. The friction made Tony gasp and he bit his lip to stifle any embarrassing sounds. Jethro continued the grinding motion when he didn't feel any resistance from the man behind him. He wriggled a bit more to give different kinds of sensations and Tony couldn't do anything but groan helplessly.
"You like?" Jethro asked, smugness evident in his voice.
"You need to ask?" was the sarcastic reply and the husky voice made Gibbs shiver.
All the while he continued to help Tony get off. As the other man was getting closer and closer Gibbs's grinding motion was met by light thrusting from Tony. The thrusts grew more and more erratic and hard, the closer he got and when pleasure became too overwhelming he gave in to the urge to come. With a needy whimpering sound he buried his head into the nape of Jethro's neck and continued lightly humping the other man's ass to ride out his climax.
Lying perfectly still Tony tried to get back to normal but he was completely blissed out. "Wow." Was all he could come up with and it earned him a throaty chuckle from Gibbs. "I take it you are satisfied?" he asked jokingly and at Tony's heartfelt "In every sense of the word." He laughed openly.
This was the perfect way to get the day started.
Still feeling like his brain had short circuited, Tony tried to get back to normal. In the meantime, Jethro tried to arrange himself more comfortably. He was hard as rock but didn't want Tony to feel pressured into getting him off too. He gasped however when he felt a hand that was definitely not his own brush over the front of his boxers.
"Hey," Tony chuckled teasingly, "You happy to see me?"
"Guess." Was Jethro's reply and it did sound strangled. "My guess is that you're pretty turned on." Tony elaborated as he continued to map out the other man's cock with his fingertips. Groaning Jethro had to take a moment. "What was your first hint?" he was pretty proud that his brain and mouth still cooperated and didn't leave him high and dry, faced with so much enticing stimulation. "Oh you know, I have my hand on a very accurate barometer of your feelings, believe me!"
It took the other man all he had to grab Tony's hand and stop him from continuing. "No," was all he could choke out in the beginning. He knew he had to elaborate and explain himself tough. Tony had tensed behind him and that sure as hell wasn't a good sign. He turned around to face his younger lover and cursed himself colourfull but silently for causing the apparent hurt he could make out in Tony's eyes.
"Listen Tony, it's not that I don't want you to take care of me like that, not at all." The hurt diminished slowly but an eyebrow rose questioningly. "I don't want you to feel obliged to do this for me because I got you off before. This isn't "Tit for Tat". I want you to have all your bearings when you finally decide you're ready to take this step. Not high on endorphins with a momentarily wrong sense of obligation." Tony still looked somewhat unsure but seemed to understand the other man's reasoning.
Surprising Jethro completely, he buried himself in the older man's arms. "You're too much of a gentleman for your own good," he whispered, voice muffled by the other man's body. "Thanks though, I guess." He finished with a small kiss to the bare skin of Jethro's torso.
Cuddling some more, this time it was Jethro's turn to fidget. The sounds Tony had made during their more heated moment before had gotten him all hot and bothered and only deeply ingrained self-control had kept him from rubbing himself off against the blanket.
"Jethro?" the tentative note in Tony's voice made the other man slightly wary. Still he replied "Yeah?"
A short pause, then "Can I see you?" "Tony-" Gibbs started but was interrupted quickly and forcefully.
"No, please listen to me, ok? I know you don't want me to do this for you right now but I still want to see you. This is new and exciting for me. Sure, in a way I'm scared shitless that I will fuck this up, but I'm not as fragile as you might think I am. Insecure about the sexual part? Yeah, I admit that without hesitation. But I'm also curious about what it's going to be like a with another man. I just want to see what you look like." Tony was earnest, Jethro could read that much un the other man's eyes. Hesitating for a ashort moment he the finally nodded his head in agreement.
Seeing the bright smile on Tony's face, he knew he had made the right choice.
Backing off a bit to get a better look, Tony first took in the tented front of Jethro's boxers. He tentatively brushed against the covered tip, keeping his touch tantalizingly soft and Jethro tried not to push back to increase the friction. Tony seemed to understand though and firmed his touch a bit. It didn't take long before he slipped his hand into the loose underwear and took hold of the other man's erection. It felt thick and heavy in his hand. Similar to his own but completely different at the same time. He loved the smooth texture and the hardness. Velvet steel.
"You feel good in my hand. Like you always belonged there," Tony mused. It wasn't exactly dirty talk but it turned Jethro on all the same. His arousal reached new heights and a deep, throaty groan escaped his lips before he could even think about trying to keep it in.
When he felt cool air against his erection, Jethro knew that Tony had taken his cock out if its confines. The teasing strokes may be helping Tony to get a better feel of the other man but did virtually nothing for said man's problem. Slightly worried by the silence, Jethro opened his eyes.
The expression on Tony's face told him that he needn't have worried. The younger man's face was a testimony of stunned amazement.
"Wow. This is just… wow. I've seen other men's packages before. But never hard because it was me who had gotten them into that state." Smiling at Jethro, Tony gave him a quick peck on the lips. True to his word he tucked jethro's erection in again and snuggled closer some more.
Still hard as steel, Jethro however couldn't keep in the contented sigh that seemed to come from the very core of his being. They stayed like this for a few more minutes.
!Sorry Tony, but I really need to use the bathroom," Jethro pointed out apologetically. He liked the warmth and quiet he was experiencing with his younger lover but the throbbing heat between his legs made it hard not to fidget constantly or let his thoughts take a more x-rated turn. He wanted to savour this properly.
Ok. I'll take a quick shower in the guest bathroom if that's alright with you?" Tony looked slightly sheepish and it didn't take a genius to figure out why. His boxers were most likely sticky with come and showering became a better and better idea by the minutes as the mess in his underwear continued to stick.
"Sure, go right ahead. Breakfast after shower?" Jethro inquired. "Sounds good to me," Tony smiled.
They had spent their first night together and taken another step into the right direction. Annd they were together for every step of their way.
Even though both men shared different showers, they still had very similar thoughts. Both wished for the other man to be with them. Jethro especially. Getting off in the shower might seem undignified and the object of his affections was quite close by, but considering their mutual agreement on taking it slow, masturbating to Jethro was vital to ensure his immediate sanity.
Getting out of the shower they met again in the master bedroom to get some clothes on. It was an easy going affair and turned funny the moment that yes, Jethro was indeed able to blush. "Wow. The almighty Leroy Jethro Gibbs blushing? Where on earth am I supposed to write down such a memorable moment?" he chuckled and the other man couldn't help but smile.
Sure it was embarrassing facing the man he had just fantasised about while jerking off but he could definitely live with that when Tony's response would always be this light hearted.
"Come on, Lover boy." Jethro smiled and winked much to Tony's delight. He was amazed as to how much the older man loosened up at home. With him. The thought that he was one of the very few people able to get to know this Jethro left him warm and fuzzy inside. Still, Tony had to admit he wanted to know with whom the other man had gotten his first taste of gay sex and love. It had to have happened after his marriages or in between (still unlikely though) since he pegged Jethro for the faithful kind of partner.
"You still with me?" Jethro's voice interrupted his musings. "Yea sorry, spaced out for a minute there," Tony apologized sheepishly. "I hadn't noticed," Jethro replied sarcastically but Tony knew, the other man wasn't angry or upset. The cheeky wink he had gotten was a good a hint as anything else.
Dressing quickly they both finished in no time at all. "You wanna have breakfast?" Jethro inquired again just to make sure as they made their way down the stairs. "Sure. I assume I'll have to stick for the healthy version. You don't strike me as the kind of person that secretly worships Captain Crunch." Tony joked and the other man chuckled in response. "Such amazing investigation skills. Now I know again why I hired you." He joked back but sobered up quickly when he saw a dark look pass in Tony's eyes. He wanted to insist on talking about the obvious issue but the younger man stopped him before he could start. "We can have the serious talks some other time, ok? Just not today, please?" their eyes met and after a short moment Jethro nodded. "Ok, but we WILL talk." "Yeah, thanks," Tony smiled thankfully and they started preparing breakfast in the kitchen.
Jethro made coffee while Tony put plates, cups and cutterly on the table. Breakfast was a silent but comfortable affair. Tony sighed contentedly at the domestic scene. He could live with this, definitely. As he heard the beep of the coffee machine he almost winced in anticipation though. Jethro hadn't seen him since he had his back turned. Tony loved coffee, really he did. He was Italian after all. But Jethro's version of coffee? Not so much. How the older man could down stuff as vile as that was beyond him. Internally bracing himself he took a small sip after Jethro had poured them some. Tony's eyebrows shot up in surprise.
"Who are you and what have you done to Gibbs?" he asked as seriously as he could..
"What?" caught completely off guard, all Jethro could do was blink.
"The coffee. Where is that sludge whose sole purpose it is to take of one's stomach lining? This is actually… drinkable for the lack of a better word," Tony explained.
Jethro blinked once more and then couldn't help but laugh. God was he glad to have started things with the other man. Tony was earnest, sexy, funny an all around everything he wanted in a partner. This little scene only proved him right yet again.
"Never let it be said I'm not good at compromise. At least when it's important." he explained after having calmed down again. "Coffee should be just that, coffee and not become a matter of national security or anything like that.I know you don't like my coffee and I can live with a less strong version too. At least off duty." He added with a smirk.
"Ok," Tony smiled warmly and Jethro was proud of himself for being the reason fof said smile. They finished breakfast in comfortable silence. Jethro noticed that Tony was trying to stall for one reason or another. E pretended to be oblivious until the younger man became too obvious.
"Is there a reason why you're trying to draw out finishing breakfast?" Not one for majourly beating around the bush, Jehro sprung his question without much further ado.
"I'm not," Tony insisted, his chin raised defiantly. Jethro just raised his left eyebrow. "Humour me, will you?"
Tony's shoulder slumped and he sighed. "Ok, but remember you wanted to know. It's going to sound stupid. I'm not embarrassed about what I feel but it's still going to sound stupid."
"Alright." Jethro complied. Taking a deep breath Tony prepared himself. "I like spending time with you like this. Much more than I had anticipated. I would love to spend as much time with you as possible. But logically I know that I have to go home at some point today to look after my apartment. I'd like to come back over afterwards but I don't want to crowd you in." Tony finished, a soft blush suffusing his cheeks but looking Jethro in the eyes all the same.
Said man reached over the table to cover Tony's hand with his own and caress the knuckles with his thumb. "Wow," he started, completely in awe. "I definitely feel honoured. And it doesn't sound stupid." He squeezed Tony's hand for good measure and then continued. "I really want you to know that you're always welcome here. You have a key to my house even though the door's never unlocked. Use it. If you want to come over, do it. I really don't mind. I might have stuff to take care off but you're still welcome to pay me a visit and stay as long as you like when you feel like it." Smiling at Tony he took in said man's relieved expression and completely relaxed posture. He congratulated himself for finding the right words to soothe the other man's insecurities yet again.
"Ok then I'll leave now and come back later. It's only 8h45 anyways. And the weekend." "Sure, no problem," Gibbs confirmed. They got up from the kitchen table and Tony went to grab his stuff. At the door however he surprised Jethro by pulling the other man up to him with the front of said man's shirt and kissing him passionately. More so than the last one they shared but still underlined with loving tenderness and care. Their tongues brushed softly against each other after Tony had licked his way into Jethro's hot mouth. Trying to not get lost completely in the moment, Tony had to let go eventually. Gentling the kiss progressively he finished it with a quick peck on Jethro's lips. Opening his eyes he took in the other man's kiss swollen lips. The sight made heat coil in his belly. It was a good look on the other man and Tony was looking forward to seeing it on a regular basis.
"Ok, I gotta go," he said apologetically. "Right, yeah. See you later." Gibbs replied slightly off balance from the kiss. Another quick peck later he was standing alone in the front hall and felt more alone than he had in a long time.
Shaking his head at his foolish antics he smiled ever so slightly and moved to get busy. He cleaned up the kitchen, made the bed and then went into the basement to take care of his lady. Probably the only woman next to Shannon he really loved. But now his heart and soul belonged to Tony too. He knew that now with absolute certainty. And all it had taken was a night of sleeping together without actually sleeping together.
Back at his own apartment, Tony first went to his bedroom and let himself fall down on the unmade bed. The silly grin on his face spoke volumes. Life was definitely and positively wonderful right now. It wouldn't be too bad if Jethro could be here with him, but he would see the other man soon enough. Patience is a virtue he reminded himself. Sighing he got up again to make the tour of his apartment and to decide what needed his immediate attention. He really had to find a cleaning lady. Rather sooner than later, honestly. With his working hours and the busy schedule he just didn't manage to keep up the cleanliness of his apartment. How his lover did it, he had no idea.
The kitchen for once didn't look too bad. Of course that was until he opened the fridge. Taking in the food of various stages of decomposition he tentatively reached into the fridge to get rid of everything that looked or smelled funny. Than left him with 2 eggs, half a pound of butter and several bottles of water. Well that definitely wouldn't do for lunch. Mentally putting together his shopping list an idea formed in his head. Today he wanted to cook for Jethro. He would shop, drive over to his lover's and make them pasta with the special DiNozzo sauce.
The recipe was well ingrained in his memory. As a kid it had been his comfort food but obviously tasted good on other occasions too. Nonna had always prepared it for him when he felt down. It reminded him of the resolute and feisty woman that was long dead now.
Not wanting to dwell on the loss and pushing the dark thought away he went to the bedroom to grad his overnight bag. Just in case, he told himself. The drive to his favourite shop was short as usual. Just as he was about to get in line to pay his cell started ringing and buzzing. Curiously checking who was calling, he smiled when the caller ID told him that it was Stan. Stan Burley.
After their rocky start during the drug-case they had kept in touch after having solved it successfully. Shaking the somewhat bitter memories off he answered the call
"Hey sailor, what's up?" Tony greeted cheerfully
"I'm good sexmachine," Stan replied equally chipper. "How are things in Washington?"
"The usual, you know. Lots of work, crazy cases. Nothing new. Listen, can I get back to you?I'm grocery chopping right now, ok?"
"No worries, shorty. The other man drawled and then chuckled. "Don't be a stranger."
"No way, later." Tony finished and hung up.
Smiling at his cell, Tony pocketed again and moved to pay for the stuff in his caddy. His thoughts however were in the past. He was glad, Stan had called him after they had closed the case. They clearly had started of on the wrong foot and Tony's insecurities had still been quite close to the surface. Stan's finishing speech when they had left the carrier had only helped so much. When the other man had come to Washington a few weeks after, the had met for drinks and Stan had actually apologized.
Flashback
"Tony, I have to apologize." The other man's uneasiness struck Tony immediately and put him on alert.
"What for?" he asked hesitantly even though he had a pretty good idea what this was all about.
"For being an ass. I treated you like shit when you and the team came to help me. I wanted to test you since you were my replacement. I'm sorry Tony really." The sincerity that shone in Stan's eyes convinced Tony that the other man truly felt bad and Tony couldn't hold a grudge to save his life, faced with so much regret.
"Alright. Apology accepted. I had a feeling it had to be something like that. You were just looking out for the team. I've got nothing to hold against you. We're good." He replied.
Stan sighed with relief and then chuckled "My bad, shorty." It was then that Tony's second nick "shorty" next to "sexmachine", had been born.
Flashback End
Tony remembered insisting on Stan visiting Headquarters' but the other man had been adamant. Claiming to be too busy he was gone two days later. Tony had felt that something was off but he didn't question the other man. If there really was a reason for not visiting his ex-co workers it was likely to be private and Tony didn't want to pry. At that point, 4 almost 5 years ago, their friendship had been too new. Now things were different. Stan knew that Tony was bi and had the latter man's complete trust when it came to that particular secret. He had yet to tell him about his newest relationship though. Maybe when he would call him later. No, not maybe, definitely. Tony corrected himself resolutely.
Arriving at Jethro's house, this time Tony didn't knock nor hesitate. He just stepped into the other man's home in which he was welcome now too at all times. Not hearing Jethro pottering around in the house and having seen the door down to the basement slightly ajar Tony knew where to look if he wanted to find his lover. He continued his way into the kitchen where he put his bags down on the counter. Methodically taking out item after item he placed them where he would need them eventually. Then he set to work.
Cracking open the eggs he mixed them with the flour he had measured before, added water and started to knead the dough into a consistent mass. Letting it rest while it was covered by a kitchen towel he started to prepare the sauce. The delicious smell made him smile involuntarily and it became infinitely broader when he felt Jethro hugging him from behind. "Hey you, this is a nice surprise. Thanks." He said and kissed Tony's exposed neck. The younger man tilted his head to give his lover better access and Jethro took the invitation. Gladly. Continuing to kiss and lick Tony's neck, the completely got lost in the moment. Jethro let go eventually though. They both continued cooking in companiable silence with the older man following Tony's instructions to the letter.
A little more than an hour later they sat at the kitchen table, eating "DiNozzo's Spaghetti Bolognese Speziale". That the young man could really cook was obvious from the way he knew his way around the different spices, ingredients and the kitchen as a whole. The taste was simply amazing. Jethro had no idea that homemade pasta could taste like this. He was not one to being averse to cooking himself and loved homemade food but had never really bothered making pasta himself. It was easier to just buy the noodles when he went grocery shopping. Now he knew what he had missed out on though.
"Thanks for lunch Tony. It was delicious." Jethro complimented his younger lover after having finished their meal. Blushing, Tony shyly ducked his head. "You're welcome," he muttered, clearly pleased and embarrassed at the same time.
"Do you have any plans for this afternoon?" Jethro asked after clearing the table and washing the dishes. Tony took a short moment to contemplate. "No, not really. You?" "Yeah, actually I've got to run some errands. If you want you can stay here until I come back and make yourself at home. Your call."
"I'd love to," the younger man decided without hesitation. The warm smile and the tenderness shining in his eyes clearly showed his appreciation of Gibbs being so considerate.
"Ok. I don't know how long it'll take but I'll be definitely back as soon as I can." A nod from Tony and a sweet kiss later the young man was on his own. He took the time to slowly and thoroughly inspect his new lover's house. He was surprised and equally amazed at Jethro's choice of literature. There were English, German and even French and Italian classics to be found. Tony knew most of them from having heard about them. He had only read a few of them but all of the Italian ones. Carefully caressing the bindings of his favourite book "Seta" that also had a place on Jethro's shelve he felt yet again confirmed that they were right for each other.
Finishing his extensive tour of the house he let himself fall onto the couch in the living room from which he coincidently had a great view of the back of the front hall. Coincidence my ass, he snorted at himself. With nothing else to do and since it was only 2o'clock anyways he flipped open his cell and dialled Stan's number.
"Hey shorty, didn't think you'd be calling so soon." Stan's cheerful voice sounded through the headpiece.
Frowning, Tony excused himself. "Sorry, you busy? I can always call later."
"Nah, I'm good, not busy. Just surprised, that's all," the other man explained.
"Great. It's been ages since we talked. How's life right now?" the young man's natural curiosity was evident in the question and his voice.
"Couldn't be better. I'm on shore leave. Sort of. Some internal problems. I might come to Washington in a few days. Not a lot to do here. "Stan elaborated.
"Awesome. I'm looking forward to it!"
"Yeah me too. I'm in desperate need for some action. You on for a night of clubbing?" Stan asked.
Tony hesitated. Did he want to go and hit the clubs? He never really had without the intent of finding a willing partner for the night. Clubbing just for fun would be a completely novel experience. "You still there?"
Tony's thoughts were interrupted by the other man's question.
"Yeah sorry just thinking. Clubbing is fine." He agreed. He would talk with Gibbs later.
"Don't get too excited sexmachine," Stan chuckled sarcastically. Sighing Tony explained. "It's not that. But I'm in a relationship right now. An exclusive one. So there will be dancing and drinking but the getting-some-action-part is reserved for you."
Stunned silence,then. "Wow. You sound serious. Male or female?" the other man asked curiously
"Male" was Tony's short reply.
"Hey shorty. You're cheating on me?" Stan joked but became serious quickly. "Just kidding kiddo. I'm glad for you as long as you're happy. Don't let yourself be pressured into anything, ok?"
Tony could make out the worry in Stan's voice immediately. It warmed his heart and he had to smile at the other man's protectiveness. They may not be best friends but they might as well. Trust was unconditional and Stan knew about Tony's inexperience with the male sex even if the interest for experiments was there. He wished Tony to find a great partner who went easy on him and slowly initiated him into the pleasures of gay love and sex. Stan had told him exactly that when they had come out to each other and the recollection of that conversation was still vivid.
"Don't worry," he tried to placate the other man. "I'm really happy and careful too. He's cool about waiting and giving me time. No pressure on me other than my own." Tony admitted the last part hesitantly.
"I understand, believe me, I really understand. Just don't push yourself too far too soon. Whatever you're comfortable with. Promise?" Stan insisted
Another warm smile surfaced on Tony's face. "Yeah, I promise. Hold on a sec." Tony had heard a car in the driveway but couldn't exactly tell whether it was his lover's or not. He looked up just in time to hear Jethro entering the front hall.
"Hey Tony, I'm back." Jethro called and Tony replied immediately. "On the phone. I'm with you, once I hung up." "Yeah, take your time. No rush." Tony grinned and pulled the cell up to his ear again.
"Hey man, you still with me?" he asked only to be confronted with ominous silence.
"That was Gibbs, wasn't it?" it was a statement more than a question and, by all rights, it shouldn't have been.
"Yeah?" Tony answered, unsure what to make of Stan's voice. It didn't sound exactly distant, but came not even close to the cheerfulness from before.
"So you and the boss?" Stan asked, coming to the right conclusion immediately.
"Yeah. Listen, I wanted to tell you in person and not let you find out like this. It's not that I don't trust you but… " Tony left the sentence open helplessly.
"It's ok, I understand. Just watch out, ok?"
"We already covered that, remember?" Tony was frowning now, the feeling that he was missing something becoming stronger by the second.
"No, you don't understand. Watch out for your heart, ok?"
And suddenly it clicked. It all made sense now.
The talk about the mystery person in Washington he had fallen for.
The confession of not being able to forget after having been thrown away.
The drunken tears.
"God, Stan," Tony closed his eyes and moaned. "Please tell me this isn't what I think it is." He literally begged.
"I can't" was the short and choked reply he got. Before he could say anything at all, Stan started again. "Listen Tony… I… I have to go now. I'll call you, I promise, I just… I can't talk right now, ok?"
"Yeah," Tony whispered softly. He still had however a pressing question to ask. "Are we still friends?" his voice was so soft, Stan almost didn't hear him.
The silence that greeted Tony didn't bode well but then. "Yes, we are. Never doubt that." Tony was relieved to hear the conviction and sincerity in the other man's voice.
"Ok. Call me, Promise?" he insisted all the same.
"I will," was all he got as reply before hearing the dial tone
TBC
Read and review please ::smile::