A/N: Only 6 more chapters to go after this, so...
By the time noontime rolled around Tim and Leroy had worked up a voracious appetite while cementing their relationship even more. Meeting up with Jackson at 11:45, Tim smirked as he once again climbed into the driver's seat, listening to the two older men grumble about having to pass up a 'damn good lookin' continental breakfast we didn't even have to go out and get'.
"You'll be glad you did." Tim promised them both with a chuckle he couldn't contain.
"I dunno, Tim. I'm starvin'." Leroy groused almost seriously, a wicked gleam in his eye.
Sparing him a glance, Tim smiled softly at the reminder of the out of control hunger they'd both been feeling for each other all morning; trying their best to satisfy while still finding the time to cuddle and shower. Still, the young man couldn't help but take this opportunity to tease his lover. "How hungry are you, Leroy?"
Hearing that tone his lover only used when he was trying to incite their passion for each other, Leroy's eyes darkened in a flash of naked desire exposed.
Thankful to be at a red light, Tim frowned, regretting having baited the older man like that when it would be well over twelve hours before they would be able to be alone again. "Sorry."
Tim's soft-spoken apology accompanied with a look of genuine remorse eased the moment, as did the young man's announcement that the day was full and it would be a late dinner for them if they even wanted to stop for it later on. With a large southern-style spread for lunch on a two hour tour, they might not be hungry at all. The look in Leroy's eyes promised he'd definitely be hungry; very hungry.
***NCIS***
Sure enough, by one in the afternoon, they were at their destination with Jackson taking up his now apparently favorite part of each stop along the way, reading the brochure, which had more details than Tim had given them. With a twinkle in his eye, he began reading aloud, his voice carrying across the forward deck of the ship:
'Tis the Season Luncheon Cruise in Chattanooga'
Join us for a 'Tis the Season Holiday Luncheon this year.
Take a break from hustle and bustle and enjoy a relaxing two hour cruise with our slow cooked Prime Rib and shrimp creole.
This cruise is fun for the whole family!
Sit back and relax as the Riverboat Ramblers provide on board entertainment.
These cruises are weather-permitting.
Lunch selections include:
• Hand carved Prime Rib Au Jus Savory Shrimp Creole
• Riverboat Steamed Rice Dilly Redskin Potatoes
• Seasonal Vegetable Medley Caesar's Salad
• Dinner Rolls Southern Belle Salad
• Garlic Bread sticks Chocolate Supreme Cake
As he finished reading this time, the almost crowded deck was filled with applause from the group of hungry tourists who appreciated not only his willingness to publically speak like that, but also that he obviously enjoyed doing it.
Looking up, startled, Jackson broke into a shy smile as he offered a humble. "Thank you."
Laughing at his father's sudden rise to popularity, Leroy had to compliment him. "Nice job, Dad."
"You sure you never worked in Public Relations?" Tim joked, as they headed into the dining section of the large three-decker boat.
***NCIS***
Three in the afternoon found the three men quite happily stuffed and almost ready for a nap instead of the next adventure on their vacation calendar. The two hour tour had been a wonderful way to spend some relaxing time on the water while enjoying a marvelous lunch and the unseasonably warm day.
When Tim announced that their one stop could be taken at their own pace, both Leroy and Jackson relaxed.
***NCIS***
Taking that magnificent ride up the mountain again was just as thrilling the second time as it had been the first. None of the three men could tear their eyes off the beauty with which they were surrounded. Once at the top, they stopped long enough to read what about what was in store for them just down the road from the beauty they'd seen the day before.
Picking up the brochure this time, it was Tim who read aloud from it.
"Right down the road, located on top of Lookout Mountain, Ruby Falls is an amazing, invigorating experience any time of the year. Ruby Falls is a marvelous waterfall located in Lookout Mountain Cave that was named after the discoverer's wife, Ruby. At Christmas time, Ruby Falls is transformed with magical lights and sound effects that dazzle the viewer. Dancing, colored lights envelop the falls and bathe it in color.
There are restaurants and gift shops open at the end of a tour, and each tour takes about 90 minutes. Any time of the year, Ruby Falls is worth a stop, and with Christmas lights and music, it adds to the excitement of the season.
On your way to the waterfall, enjoy the many geological wonders located throughout the cave. After your tour, be sure and take in the many scenic views from the top of the Lookout Mountain Tower. Ruby Falls is a must stop for any trip to or through the Chattanooga Area.
This massive underground waterfall has been a family favorite for travelers for over 80 years.
Celebrate Christmas here at Ruby Falls, Friday and Saturday nights in December, with fresh fallen snow, horse drawn carriage rides, live music, crafts and more!
Visit Ruby Falls and see America's deepest commercial cave and the highest, most-visited underground waterfall. Enjoy a guided tour through this fascinating attraction with its 145-foot waterfall, and millions of natural geological formation.
At the tour's conclusion see the panoramic view from the Lookout Mountain Tower, enjoy the newly renovated gift shops, and relax on the mountainside deck with a snack.
Guided tour through the caverns of Lookout Mountain. A thundering underground waterfall and amazing views await.
As you approach the Cavern Castle, it's snowing! Listen to Mrs. Claus read 'Twas the Night Before Christmas and then enjoy a specialized Christmas tour of the cave and live music in the Cavern Castle Lobby. After your tour visit the North Pole Workshop for festive crafts and activities! Ruby Falls is proud to feature LED lighting throughout the castle and waterfall, making the holiday experience even that much brighter! Finish the evening off with a horse and carriage ride by Down South Carriage."
Setting the numerous brochures down, Tim looked at his companions and waited with bated breath. Seeing the grin that escaped both of them, he sighed in relief. He knew it would be another pleasant afternoon spent in the best company he could ask for. With a grin of his own, he stepped back and let Leroy lead the way – toward an afternoon inside of a cave.
***NCIS***
As they pulled into the hotel parking lot at the end of the long but fulfilling day, Tim turned the car off, but kept his hand on the ignition switch. "Our flight leaves at one tomorrow." He told the older two men.
"So we get to sleep in, then." Jackson approved.
"That'll be nice." Leroy commented tiredly.
"From Nashville." Tim amended seriously.
"What?"
"Why?"
"It's a three and a half drive on the interstate, straight shot. I thought you'd enjoy the time behind the wheel." Tim offered calmly as he looked his lover straight on.
Looking back at the younger man, Leroy could only smile softly in apology as he nodded. "Good thinkin', Tim."
"It will be nice to see a little more of this lovely state. Too bad we won't be in Nashville long enough to visit any attraction there." Jackson commented, dispelling any thoughts that he was upset with the plan.
"That depends on us, Jack. If you want, we can leave here early enough to fit in a walk through the Gaylord Opryland Ice Show. It's better at night, but still nice enough during the day that it would be worth it. And it's just fifteen minutes from the airport." Tim offered.
"So we need to leave here by ten to catch the flight but eight if we wanna make the stop." Leroy reminded them.
With a roll of his eyes and a quiet chuckle, Tim amended that. "Let's give ourselves a little room for good measure. Say 9:30 for just making the flight home and 7:00 if we're going to the ice show?"
"Sounds good to me." Jackson replied happily.
"Which one?" Both Tim and Leroy asked in unison.
With a touch of laughter, Jackson stuck to his guns. "Why don't we wait and see how we feel about it in the morning?"
"The flight home is over three hours long- long enough for an afternoon nap." Tim offered, knowing that the information might come in handy when they were making their decision.
"Let's decide in the morning." Jackson stubbornly suggested.
"Okay. Well, I don't know about you two, but I'm beat. It's been a really great day but my pillow is calling me." Tim replied with genuine exhaustion.
"Don't mind hittin' the hay myself." Jackson returned tiredly as the younger man got out of the car at the same time he did. "Good night, Tim."
Watching Tim smile softly across the top of the car at Leroy before heading inside, Jackson then turned his attention back to his son, looking him over for a long silent minute. "You alright, Jethro?"
The younger man smiled back tiredly at his father's concern. "Yeah, Dad. I'm fine. Just tired."
"Alright then, I'll see you in the morning."
"Night, Dad." Leroy first went straight to the head so he could brush his teeth, double timing his way back to the bedroom he was sharing with Tim and closed the door behind him, staring at the beautiful sight that met his eyes.
Stripped of everything except his boxers, Tim lay stretched out on the bed next to the window, on his side, his face to the door. Although obviously close to falling asleep, the younger man's eyes fluttered at the sound of the door's closing and that smile he saved for Leroy graced his face, lighting up the room.
Smiling in return, Leroy walked to the bed, quickly shedding his own clothes, except his briefs along the way. Sliding onto the bed, he gathered his lover to his chest, wrapped him in his arms and brought the blanket over them both.
As Tim snuggled onto his lover's chest, the younger man sighed sleepily. "Mmm. my pillow."
Leroy chuckled. "Go to sleep."
With one more whispered thought, "Love you, Leroy." Tim sighed and let sleep take him away.
Leroy's vision blurred as he hugged his lover closer, kissed his hair and sighed happily. "Love you too, Tim."
***NCIS***
Saturday morning found them all awake and restless early enough, that they managed to be on the road by seven-thirty, after breakfast and plenty of coffee on hand - compliments of the hotel's continental breakfast they hadn't had to pass up this time.
With Leroy behind the wheel and the straightforward directions, the ride was enjoyable, full of pleasant conversation and plans for Jackson's trip home. Tim pointed out that it wouldn't be nice or even fair for the older man to go home to Stillwater before the others on the team had gotten a chance to visit with him. With a look of absolute horror, he reminded them that everyone's favorite lab rat would never forgive any of them if that happened.
Smirking at Tim's accurate assessment, Leroy advised his father that the earliest he should plan on heading home would be Monday after dinner with the team – and that was only if he had a guaranteed ride that he could trust, since he had already admitted that he didn't want to fly home.
As they talked and discussed ideas, the miles slipped away and Jackson even nodded off in the backseat he had insisted on riding in. Leroy and Tim spent the time with quiet, gentle touches and tender smiles amid Jackson's snoring and before they knew it, they'd reached Nashville. With the directions memorized in his head, Tim guided them to the Opryland Hotel, where they got out, happy for the valet parking and headed inside, more than ready to enjoy the sights.
***NCIS***
After an enjoyable hour of walking through the amazing light show, complete with everything from castles to Shrek the Hall, all three of them were amazed, drawn back into the Christmas spirit and feeling as though it was the perfect way to wrap up this awesome Christmas Week Vacation.
With plenty of time to spare, they made it to the airport, turned in their rental car and made it to their departure gate at the very busy airport, giving them a few minutes to relax at last.
After the hectic traveling they had experienced with the sightseeing, it was nice to be able to rest on the flight, knowing they were headed home. Once they got there, they would be able to genuinely rest and relax and just be themselves – family.
***NCIS***
True to Tim's plans , they were home once again, tucked up warm and tired in Leroy's living room by four-thirty Saturday afternoon, their luggage untouched as it sat in the trunk of the car – all of them happy to leave it for later.
As the older two men rested silently in the cozy living room, Tim smiled at them when he got up- heading to the kitchen. "You alright?" Leroy asked.
"I'm fine. Just have something I need to do. I'll just be a few minutes." The young man replied.
Leroy nodded as he watched him leave the room. He knew he was up to something, but he wasn't sure exactly what it was. With complete trust in Tim, there wasn't any more thought about it. Nodding off, he didn't realize he and his father had slept until the wonderful aroma of baked chicken with fresh vegetables and hearty potatoes reached his nose and woke him up.
With a smile, he lurched to his feet, stretching as he did, and headed to the kitchen after a quick glance at his father, also waking up from a short nap.
"Hey." Tim greeted him from where he stood at the sink, washing dishes.
"You've been busy." Leroy offered appreciatively as he leaned in for a kiss.
"Thought it'd be nice if we had a home-cooked meal without a lot of clean-up after all the eating out we've done all week." Tim offered." And you two don't have a lot of time to spend together before Jack goes home, so…"
"That's mighty nice of you, Tim." Jackson's voice came from behind them as the older man entered the room.
"I don't mind. I enjoy cooking when I have the time – and someone to cook for."
"Leroy actually cooks?"
"We trade off." Tim admitted with a smile. "He's a pretty good cook when he wants to be."
"I figured as much. Must have been another one of those things his wonderful Shannon taught him."
The look of horror on Jackson's face as soon as the words left his mouth had both Tim and Leroy quickly reassuring the man, he'd done nothing wrong by mentioning Leroy's first wife.
"Relax, Jack. Her memory and Leroy's will always have a place here." Tim offered seriously. "There are no forbidden topics between us."
"That's wonderful!" Jackson praised them, happy to hear it.
"It's just the way, Tim is, Dad." Leroy offered as he smiled softly at the younger man. "Need any help with dinner?"
"Just need to set the table." Tim admitted. "But, you don't have to do that. I'll get it."
"Nonsense, young man! You cooked and cleaned. The least we can do is set the table." Jackson agreed with his son as Tim surrendered with a smile of appreciation.
"Have to agree, Tim. Matter of fact, for the rest of the weekend, you're not doin' anything. Got it?" Leroy instructed with a straight face.
"I think I can handle that." Tim smirked as he was propelled into a chair as both Gibbs' worked at cleaning up and setting the table.
A short few minutes later, dinner was served and the three of them sat down comfortably and dug in, relishing the closeness and the love.
