Disclaimer: nothing belongs to me; I just have fun with my boys ;-)

Warnings: slash but nothing graphic yet, angst, drama, romance

Story: this is the third chapter of my little story. It was supposed to be a one-shot and stay that way but I had to keep writing and I loved your feedback :-) The chapter's names are mixed up but still, the order is the right one, no worries there ;-)

Author's notes: this chapter is really a small one and it literally wrote itself. I just had to hang on for the ride so to speak.lol. I would really like some feedback as to whether you like it or not so much, so I can improve. This is my first real fic so that means a lot. Thanks guys )

ksl also pointed out that my timeline was a bit off/not exactly clear. so here's the deal

chapter1: 1x19 + 1x20 and then jump to 2x10

chapter2: after 2x10 ( but same day)

chapter3: continues where chp2 left of -> still the same day after Tony got home

Melting

Tony was tempted to think that this had to be a dream. No way had his boss really shown up at his apartment to apologize and, god forbid, confess his feeling. He pinched himself just to make sure but he didn't wake up. This wasn't one of his fantasies. It was real. And it was scary.

Gibbs was still sitting across the table and watching him intently. He shouldn't be as nervous as he was but he couldn't help it. With his track record when it came to flings and one night stands he should be relaxed and laid back, but he wasn't.

This was just beyond anything he had ever felt for a person and it scared the shit out of him. His experience was limited to having a quick roll in the hay, maybe a few more with no strings attached and then getting rid of whatever guy or girl and looking for the next one. He never had wanted commitment and he was fine with it.

That he could actually picture himself with Gibbs and being in it for the long haul seemed crazy. But on the other hand it made sense. He trusted Gibbs unconditionally. The ex-marine always had his six and never let him down. When he was locked up with Atlas his only hope was Gibbs and his persistence to find them. He knew his boss wouldn't let him down. And he didn't.

He had seen many sides of Gibbs during the last years and he found that he liked each and every one of them. They were what made the other man so unique. Tony had even perfected his interpretation of Gibbs-speak (the grunts that is) and could immediately recognize his supervisors mood. He had seen Gibbs's interaction with kids and it made his heart melt in an embarrassingly sappy, fluffy way. He would deny that of course. Under torture too.

So now being co close to what he had wished for months he was anxious and… frightened. He was always the one in charge. And there was no chance that Gibbs would give up control in any way.

He just had to go with the flow. And hopefully he wouldn't drown.

Gibbs had of course picked up on Tony's change. His posture was a touch tenser and he seemed intent on keeping some distance.

"Tony, are you ok?" he asked softly but still the younger man looked at him like a dear caught in headlights. As there was no other verbal reply he sighed softly and moved to get up.

"I think it's best for me to leave you alone now. It was a lot to take in tonight. I'm sorry for keeping you up."

"No!" Tony shot up in a quick movement and after Gibbs had turned back to face him he stilled his movement and felt foolish immediately.

God, he had what he wanted right in front of him! He wanted this man, he desired him and longed to see him in his life. Permanently! Why couldn't he just say so?! He as paralyzed and didn't know what to say or do to salvage the situation.

"It's ok Tony, really. I'll just let you catch up on some sleep. You had a tough undercover op and need the rest. If you want, we can continue this some other time." Gibbs soft smile was enough to reassure Tony that he hadn't screwed up. The ex-marine accepted his hesitation and left him the space he needed instead of pressuring and crowding him.

The reward for his patience was visible immediately. Seeing Tony's glowing smile it took Gibbs all he had to not lean forward and taste the smile. He didn't want to rush anything so he just softly cupped Tony's cheek and wished him a good night. He was almost out of the door when Tony called him back.

"Gibbs? I..um.. if you're not busy on the weekend… d'you think… maybe… would you like to go out and have dinner with me?"

There, it was out. He hated feeling like a stuttering teenager all over again. On top of that he was sure he had blushed. In his opinion this whole situation took "embarrassing" to a whole new level. And all just because of one man. Because of Leroy Jethro Gibbs.

Apparently the latter didn't seem to mind his stumbling across words because he stepped up to him with a tender expression on his face. "I'd really like to have dinner with you, this weekend, Tony." He leaned in and Tony closed his eyes in anticipation. He almost melted however when he felt the soft kiss on his forehead. The gesture was so gentle, so intimate that it took him a moment to open his eyes.

When he finally did Gibbs just smiled at him and let himself out.

TBC

I hope you liked it :-)

R&R please .