a/n - You guys rock, just so you know :)
This is the chapter I think you've been waiting for, but remember the rating. Don't worry, I'll be posting some missing/added scenes separately.
Tony grinned at Ziva as he closed his phone. "You're probably not going to get hit on a whole lot tonight."
"That is quite all right." They waited for the light before crossing to the hotel. "I did not come to Chicago to find a man, I came to spend time with family."
"I know, it's great, isn't it? By the way, I get the first shower." Before she could react, Tony ran and ducked into the elevator.
Exactly sixty-four minutes later, Tony and Ziva were knocking on the door. When it opened, Tony had his hand across his eyes. "Is it safe to look? We didn't interrupt anything, did we?"
"Would you get in here you goofball?" Laughing, Tim closed the door behind them. "Ziva, you look beautiful as always. Did you guys have a good time today?"
"We did. We went everyplace on our list except the Navy Pier and we are going there tomorrow." She saw a flat piece of wood on the table and walked over to take a better look. "This is lovely. Was this a present to Gibbs?"
"Kind of." Gibbs walked out of the bedroom to stand beside McGee. "Tim took me to a woodworking convention and that is from one of the classes I took."
Tony joined Ziva to take a closer look. The main wood was a dark, purplish color with a border of lighter wood inlaid near the edges. A metal branch with leaves of various materials made up the rest of the design. "Wow, that's really nice – different from your usual projects."
"It was fun to learn something new." Gibbs stepped closer to Tim and wrapped his arm around his waist. Ziva was still distracted by the artwork, but Tony couldn't take his eyes off the couple. He'd certainly seen Gibbs in a black suit with a black shirt before, but today the tie was the exact color of his eyes and also the same as the designer silk shirt McGee was wearing.
As Tony continued to watch, McGee leaned even closer to Gibbs, until his lips were almost touching the other man's cheek. "You deserve to have some fun in your life, Jethro."
Seeing the two of them like that convinced Tony that the gang had bought the perfect birthday present for the man and he cleared his throat to get their attention. Ziva knew what he was going to do, so she moved to stand next to him. "We wanted to do something a little more special this year instead of each of us buying you a coffee card, so we all went in together. This trip has been amazing and the fact that you were willing to share it with us, that's something we're never going to forget. Anyway, as happy as we are to be here, we still feel a little bad that you guys haven't gotten much alone time, so here." He handed the thick envelope over and bounced on his heels waiting for Gibbs to open it.
It was obvious how much the gift meant to Tony and even to Ziva, so neither men joked as Gibbs carefully slid his finger through the flap, opening it. The card showed a beautiful Victorian home surrounded by fall colors. Inside was a certificate with the same home printed on it.
Tony gave a shy smile as he started to explain. "It's a bed and breakfast in Vermont. They've converted the entire attic into a romantic retreat so it's really private. Everything's set, all you have to do is call and reserve the dates you want. There's enough on an account there for you to either do two separate weekends or one full week, whatever you guys decide."
Gibbs was stunned. "Tony, Ziva, thank you. This is... this is really something." He turned and looked at Tim, "and we will put it to very good use."
Tim smiled back at him. "Very good use."
"Good. Now, since Ziva has promised to protect my honor, let's go to this gay sports bar you picked."
Recognizing Tony's need to be back on less emotional ground, Gibbs slapped him gently on the head. "Well, then, let's go." He handed the gift to Tim who carefully tucked the card and certificate under the inlaid wood before following them out the door.
-NCIS-
Abby knew she'd finally been forgiven when Jett faced her as he gnawed on the large piece of rawhide. One of the knots that made up the barbell shape had already softened enough to come undone, but Jett had promptly switched to the other side. One ear swiveled around as she started to talk to him. "See, there's nothing wrong with a big ol' rawhide bone." Deciding to touch up her fingernail polish, she went upstairs and Jett picked up his new treasure and followed behind.
-NCIS-
Much to Tony and Ziva's surprise, the sports bar was populated with an almost equal number of gay and straight couples. Sitting at one of the tables, sharing plates of cheddar fries and chicken wings, they were able to watch the tail end of several sporting events on the TVs that hung over the bar. Ziva had been worried about being overdressed, but it turned out that Crew was a popular stopping off point for many of the nightclubs in the area. One of the best things about the place was that it was only two doors down from the jazz club, so it was a quick transition and soon they were standing in the reception area of the Green Mill.
For Tony, this was like standing in a living history museum. "Look at this place. It's been restored to look exactly like it did during the prohibition."
"It's not only a beautiful example of art deco design, it's the oldest, continuously running jazz club in the country. Just think, Tony, Al Capone probably sat in those very same booths."
Gibbs and Ziva let the two jazz enthusiasts have their moment before encouraging them further inside. After the subtle reminder, Tim took the lead and checked them in with the host. "Gemcity, party of four."
The elderly man with the knowing smile beamed at the new arrivals. "Mr. Gemcity, it is an honor to have you and your guests here this evening. Right this way." The place was packed, with a line of people hoping to get in, but the Gemcity name got them one of the top tables. When their waitress showed up with an order pad and a book to be autographed, Gibbs watched proudly as Tim scribbled his pen name on the inside cover.
Drinks were served and they settled in as the music started. A local group with a strong following kicked off the evening. Before Tim moved in, Jethro had never spent much time listening to jazz, but he found himself tapping his foot along with the music.
As the group played, Gibbs looked around, content. They were sitting at one of the best tables with a perfect view of both the stage and the small dance floor. Tim was leaning back against him, enjoying the songs while Tony was obviously trying to take it all in, both the ambiance and the music. On the other hand, Ziva was working towards the edge of her chair and Gibbs could tell that she was about to grab DiNozzo and drag him out onto the dance floor.
Tony was saved when the opening act finished their set and took a break. He used the drop in volume to speak. "They were really good and that bass player was wicked. I wonder if they've got a CD out yet?"
The waitress was arriving with the next round of drinks and heard the question. "Sure do, they'll be available in the lobby after the show."
After a fifteen minute break, the headline act took the stage. While the first group had played contemporary jazz with a touch of reggae, this band was traditional, old school jazz. Rich with soulful saxophone, and the throaty wail of trombone, the instruments were a solid foundation for their singer. Tall and striking, the ebony-skinned alto had a stage presence that captivated the audience. Reminiscent of a young Ella Fitzgerald, she had the audience eating out of the palm of her hand with a classic rendition of Stormy Weather as her opening number.
When the applause died down after the first number, she introduced the principle members of the band before looking over at their table. "A little birdie told me that someone is celebrating his birthday today. Jethro, this song is for you and I hope your day has been magical."
There was a smattering of applause as Gibbs smiled and ducked his head before pulling Tim even closer. Foreheads touching, they listened as the drummer laid down the rhythm first before the trumpets joined in. The first measure of high brass was finishing as the low brass came in softly, building in intensity. The lead sax burst through with a lick that had everyone in the nightclub swaying with the music and then it all softened slightly to allow the singer to shine.
The stage was only one step above the dance floor and she came down to move closer to their table as she began to sing.
I've got you deep in the heart of me.
So deep in my heart that you're really a part of me.
I've got you under my skin.
I'd tried so not to give in.
I said to myself: this affair never will go so well.
But why should I try to resist when, baby, I know so well
I've got you under my skin?
I'd sacrifice anything come what might
For the sake of havin' you near
In spite of a warnin' voice that comes in the night
And repeats, repeats in my ear:
Don't you know, little fool, you never can win?
Use your mentality, wake up to reality.
But each time that I do just the thought of you
Makes me stop before I begin
'Cause I've got you under my skin.
The last phrase signaled a slight lowering of the tempo, making it just right for a slow dance. As the instrumentals took over she waved several coupled out onto the dance floor and moved back onto the stage, smiling at Jethro and Tim. Gibbs instantly knew that had been done to take the focus off them, allowing the same-sex couple the privacy of being part of a crowd if they wanted to dance. It might be their one chance, so he stood and took Tim's hand. Seeing the look on Tim's face as they made their way out to the floor, he knew he'd made the right decision. Allowing Gibbs to lead, Tim wrapped his arms around Jethro's neck as they began to sway to the music.
Tony almost choked in surprise when Gibbs lead McGee out onto the dance floor, but he instantly knew he was seeing something special. Even after all the moments he'd witnessed, seeing the two of them out on the dance floor, totally wrapped up in each other, took his breath away.
Ziva seemed to have the same reaction. "They are really beautiful together."
It wasn't an adjective he'd ever associated with McGee and certainly not with Gibbs, but at the moment it fit. "Yeah." He caught the eye of the nightclub's photographer and the man nodded, making sure to capture the memories of the evening for the happy couple.
The band played through the melody one more time before the singer raised the microphone one more time.
I would sacrifice anything come what might
For the sake of havin' you near
In spite of the warning voice that comes in the night
And repeats - how it yells in my ear:
Don't you know, little fool, you never can win?
Why not use your mentality - step up, wake up to reality?
But each time I do just the thought of you
Makes me stop just before I begin
'Cause I've got you under my skin.
Yes, I've got you under my skin.*
Neither Jethro nor Tim seemed to notice when the song ended and the band easily slid into the next.
-NCIS-
Under the pretense of buying a CD from the first group, Tony quietly purchased every picture the enthusiastic photographer had snapped of both the couple and of the four of them. Once they were outside, Ziva made a decision. "Tony has promised me ice cream, so we will see you tomorrow. We are leaving the hotel at 19.00, yes?"
Gibbs looked to McGee who was the keeper of the weekend schedule. "That sounds about right. Our flight leaves at 21.20 and Jethro and I'll have to check luggage on the way back. You sure you don't want to share a cab?"
He didn't look at all disappointed, so she didn't feel bad about lying. "Our destination is the opposite direction, but thank you." She kissed both his cheeks, "for everything."
A pat on the back from Tony and the two men were in a cab, pulling away. Once it turned the corner, he looked at Ziva. "Ice cream? After all the complaining you did about how much we're eaten, you want ice cream?"
"No, I do not want ice cream. It was the first excuse that popped into my head. I am sure they have plans for the rest of the night that do not include us."
"Well, yeah, Ziva." Tony thought for a moment. "But now I want ice cream."
"You are going to explode before we get home."
"So, what have I eaten that you haven't?" He knew the second the realization hit her.
"Tony, if you have made me fat, I will kill you."
"So, no ice cream?" A distant conversation about a near-by dessert shop caught his attention. "How about a cannoli? I'll split one with you."
"Fine, but tomorrow we are going running."
"Deal."
-NCIS-
The cab ride back to the hotel was quiet as they just enjoyed the peace and each others company. Upstairs, Gibbs was determined to tell Tim exactly what the younger man meant to him as they stood in the sitting room of the suite. The third time he opened his mouth, Tim started to smile and Gibbs dropped his head down. "I even practiced what to say to you last night in the bathroom."
"Is that what took you so long?"
Jethro had to chuckle at that, but he stopped laughing when Tim reached up and touched his lips.
"We're men, we suck at talking." Tim cupped his face with both hands before letting them trail down to take Gibbs' hands.
Gibbs rubbed his thumbs across Tim's palms. "You're a writer, Tim. You deserve to hear the words."
"All the years I've worked at your side, Jethro, I've learned so much from you. You've never used words to express yourself." Tim pulled their joined hands up to pepper kisses across Jethro's knuckles as he talked. "These hands have always told your story. So strong when you're protecting the people you care about, so gentle when you're comforting a child. Let them do your talking now."
"You're been through so much, I don't want to remind you of..."
"You won't, you can't." With a last brush of lips to knuckles, Tim let go to lay his own hands against Gibbs' chest, stroking with his thumbs before leaning in for a kiss.
As their kiss deepened, Gibbs wrapped his arms around Tim and pulled him closer. One hand instinctively slid down to Tim's ass while the other tenderly cupped his head.
Tim took his time before pulling back to lovingly smile at the man that held his heart. "I know the safest place I could ever be is right here, right now, with you. Tomorrow we go back to DC and all the problems, but tonight I want you to make me yours."
"Mine. All mine." Kissing him again, Gibbs reached up and slowly began to unbutton Tim's shirt, realizing that he was unwrapping his best present yet.
* I've Got You Under My Skin written by Cole Porter, 1936 and nominated for the Academy Award for Best Song that same year. Recorded by Frank Sinatra and Ella Fitzgerald, among others.