Author's Notes: No intentional Abby bashing here - just having a tiny bit of fun with her.
For a Tuesday where they're stuck on cold cases on the MCRT, it's as bland of one as they come. Of course, that feeling of nothing out of the ordinary doesn't take into consideration the rocky start to the morning that Tony's had or the roller coaster ride Gibbs' has been. It doesn't even register Ziva's less than settled morning. None of that matters here in the office and that's the way it should be. So, then why do all three of the remaining MCRT members look as if their nerves are stretched so thin, they're ready to snap?
Conversation is nil. The moods are hard to gauge with all three agents holding their silence, as well as their focus on the case on their desk. In fact, it's so quiet; one would not even realize they were even here unless they happened to look at their desks. There's no doubt about it, something is amiss in here.
********NCIS******
It's 0800 and enroute to his office from the elevator, Leon Vance pauses on the upper walkway as he happens to glance down. Doing a double take, he sees that his MCRT is here and accounted for, despite the utter silence from below that had sparked his attention in the first place. Damn! He can't remember the last time they were this quiet! Changes in personnel on the team are bound to affect them on many levels; that he'd expected. But this? No, Vance never expected the effects to begin to manifest themselves so soon or in this way.
*****NCIS******
The difference in ninety minutes for the Agency Director is that instead of the remaining MCRT in front of him at 0930, he's got the one just transferred off standing in front of him, still looking very much like one of Gibbs' team members: ramrod straight posture, looking confident, appearing calm and sounding - silent.
Vance chomps down on his toothpick. He's not sure what to do with what he'd heard on his way up to his office over two hours ago that involves this young man. But, now that the job duties for Tim's new posting have been established and there are no questions left regarding the agent's job, there's ample time in which that can be addressed.
*****NCIS******
Tim stands at parade rest nervously, waiting for the shoe to drop. Vance doesn't seem happy and there's no obvious explanation for it. They've discussed Tim's new position, his new duties and the agency's expectations of him in that spot. It's nothing Tim can't handle and very much like a challenge he's ready for. The man's already expressed confidence in Tim's ability to rise to the occasion, so what's going on?
"Very little goes on in this building that I don't find out about." Vance says sternly, his glare meant to make even the strong crumble.
Tim remains looking steadfastly back at the man in control of his future - and Gibbs'. His stomach's in knots as his over-active imagination screams at him. What's he talking about; the scene with him and Gibbs and the elevator? Gibbs always uses the moving box as his office. Vance knows that! That's not all he knows! He knows! You are so busted!
With his heart up in his throat, Tim holds his position like he's seen Gibbs do countless times over the years. The last thing either he or his lover wants or needs is for their relationship off the job to wind up front and center of Leon Vance's desk so he can't afford to so much as flinch now. And that's more difficult than standing at full attention during any of his father's lectures had ever been - and those had been brutal!
Even when he sees Vance bite down harder on the toothpick already clenched in between his teeth, Tim remains frozen in place, his expression as bland as he can manage. He's not going to budge on this. If the man has a question or something he wants to let Tim know he's aware of, then he'll need to spit it out.
Last night with Tony has geared Tim up for this need to resist and years of practice thanks to his father, has sharpened his ability to do so. He's ready. He just wishes whatever's bugging the Director would hurry up and find a voice! Thankfully, it's only a few heartbeats later before the words are heard.
"You weren't down in Cybercrimes an hour and already problems are developing? Hell, you weren't even down there officially at all yet!"
"Sir?" Tim has to get the man to admit to whatever it is he's talking about. There can't be any guessing on this.
"That confrontation you had with your former teammate did not go unnoticed, Agent McGee." Vance chastises him with abject disappointment in his tone.
"Director. It was personal. I took care of it as quickly and as quietly as I could. I'm sorry it happened but I give you my word, it won't happen again." The younger man earnestly vows, mentally wishing he could kick Tony's ass for this.
"Good. You and DiNozzo keep your personal relationship out of the office!" Vance orders firmly.
"Yes, Sir." Tim vows, mentally rolling on the floor with laughter at the thought of his personal relationship being with Tony. Yeah, like Tony would ever respect him enough to give him the time of day outside of work, much less build a relationship with him! Wait, there's no judgment or censure in Vance's expression! Cool! Funny, but very cool!
*******NCIS******
The ringing of Gibbs' desk phone at nearly 1700 hours shatters the tension-filled silence that has dogged them all afternoon, bringing three heads up off their work, instead of just one. Snatching the phone up, Gibbs barks into it grouchily. "Yeah! Gibbs...okay...got it." Setting the phone down, the Team Leader begins his ritual of gearing up, the words not even having to be said.
Wordlessly, Ziva and Tony join him as he clears the squad room, rounding the edge of it toward the front elevator. The day that's nearly over has just been kick-started over that uncomfortable, tension-filled mess as well as extended indefinitely until further notice. There isn't one among them who isn't torn between being thankful the god-awful tension has been snapped and irritated as hell that the day's just been made longer, the likelihood that this call out means someone has died - notwithstanding.
*******NCIS******
It's 1700 hours on Tuesday and Tim's finally done for the night. It's been a full day with shadowing the soon departing Assistant Head of Cyber Crimes, but fun, too. The faces were a mixture of tenured techs and newbies, all of whom came across as less than thrilled to see Tim among them and even less thrilled to hear the reason for his presence. Not letting any of it bother him, Tim moved on through his day with very little remaining trepidation.
Driving home from work, he's feeling pretty deflated on a personal level. With the team scheduled to work until seven, he's pretty much on his own for the first time since that night he'd foolishly taken himself to that damned club. Fate always seems to throw them a last minute case on nights like this and Tim's too experienced with it to expect anything different. Stuck in traffic, he sighs in resignation as his burn phone lights up and vibrates with the expected incoming text message. He frowns as he picks it up and sees the sadly anticipated words waiting for him there.
Just caught a case.
Thankful that he'd had the foresight to set himself and Leroy up with these burn phones for staying in touch with each other without being tracked or traced, Tim quickly fires off a response, a soft smile in his eyes at the clandestine and almost romantic feel to this secret channel of communication between the two of them.
Be careful. Wear a vest please.
Tim laughs at himself now. Gibbs will never agree to that request. He can almost see the look of shock on the older man's face at the mere thought of doing so. Suddenly, the smile is gone from his own expression, as well as his mood. Leroy would do it! How else will they be able to guarantee they come home to each other? Can Gibbs reconcile the two parts of himself enough to do this? For himself as well as for Tim?
Quickly he fires off yet another text, this one bolder, more personally revealing, admitting to the man he loves that he's still vulnerable where he's concerned.
Need to know you're always able to come back at the end of the day, Leroy...
He'd considered putting 'to me' in that one, but thought better of it. Gibbs doesn't belong to him and he doesn't want him to think that Tim's tryin to push things beyond where the older man is comfortable within their relationship - at least, not yet. It's much too soon for that.
Just like it's too soon for him to have put 'home' in there instead of 'back'. In his heart, it's all already there and that's what's steering him in the direction he's staying with now. But his concern at suffocating the older man is what's driving him, so he'll take things as slow as he needs to, let Leroy do the changing of the gears at least until things are more cemented with them.
Leroy has already given him the confidence to go with his heart in this relationship and right now his heart is worried enough to have laid out that request. His faith in the older man's promises and genuine feelings he's already laid out for Tim, serve to keep him watching the phone for a reply.
*****NCIS******
It's strange enough to be the one driving to the crime scene while Ziva is riding shotgun when the boss is riding in the back, but it completely blows Tony's mind when the man begins texting and staring at his phone; a phone he's pulled from a different pocket than his usual phone, for a long minute before texting again!
Exchanging silent glances with Ziva, Tony shrugs his shoulder half-heartedly in feigned bewilderment and then returns his attention to the road. Seeing Ziva continue to watch Gibbs through the side mirror has him nearly chuckling out loud. God help those guys when Ziva and Abby get wind of what's going on between them. Tony silently muses.
Tony glances up into the mirror on his visor as his thoughts run wild. Feeling the man's eyes come back on him, he looks again at the boss. Sure enough, the man's already watching him with a glare emanating from his corner of the car. A pair of raised eyebrows is all Tony offers by way of communication before throwing out a half-hearted smile and returning his eyes to the road, his mind digging up what's stuck out at him the most among all that he's heard on this new development between his boss and his former teammate.
"Not one word in the office, DiNozzo!"
"..did you REALLY think how you reacted to finding out about his new relationship with me - wouldn't affect him? ... You hurt Gibbs by handling it like this! And that's not okay!...stay away from Gibbs until you can muzzle that mouth and not say something to hurt him worse!..."
*******NCIS******
Abby's emotionally challenging start to the day soon has her antsy for answers. With no fresh case yet, she's got just enough time on her hands to root some of those answers out. The question is who to ask. She can't ask McGee because, well, she's got no business down in Cybercrimes so her appearance there would not go over well. The last time she tried that was way back when Tim was down there the 1st time - and that had only been to take him to lunch.
Boy, those geeks down there are territorial! They'd watched Tim interact with her on one computer issue he'd told her he'd have to solve before they could go and the temperature in the room had dropped twenty degrees in under a minute! Sure it's been years, but some geeks have staying power and memories of an elephant! Besides, Tim's not exactly at the top of her list of people she wants to talk to anyway. He's still simmering over on her 'pissed me off so I'll talk to them next week' list.
No, she wants to talk to Tony or Ziva. And that's only if she can't get anything out of Gibbs, of course. The team in general hasn't had a lot of interaction with her lately outside of working on cases and this strain between them is beginning to feel uncomfortable;. Surely, they can't all be pissed at her for that less than positive interaction between herself and Tim almost three weeks ago?
That's it! She's got to know and she's got to know right now! Locking her lab door, she hits the elevator for her ride up to the squad room. Unfortunately, when she gets there, it's empty. That is, empty except for Director Vance, who happens to be just putting his foot down on the first stair, enroute to his office at the top as she rounds the corner headed back to the elevator herself.
"Ms. Scuito? Is there a problem?"
"No Leon. I was just looking for the wonder team."
"Called out."
"Oh. Right. Of course!"
"Although, I'm sure you will be hearing from them as soon as they need your assistance. You probably won't hear your phone from up here."
"Ah, ha. No. You're right. I won't be able to...I'll just head on back downstairs and ...wait."
"Good idea." Leon offers dryly as he stands still to watch her head back down stairs. He's happy this little trip of hers up to this floor didn't result in anything as disruptive as that stunt she pulled a couple of weeks ago. She may not realize it, but he's keeping his eye on her.
*****NCIS*****
"...Leroy, please?"
Gibbs stares at the words looking back at him on his phone. He's shocked. But he shouldn't be. Tim's invested his heart and soul into this relationship. It's only natural for him to be scared that Leroy' won't come home at the end of the day on this job. He's worked this job alongside him long enough to know full well what the risks and dangers are. Truth be told, they should all be wearing vests, all the time anyway!
Nobody likes to wear them; they're bulky and distracting but if they do the job, then there's no reason they shouldn't be standard part of their gear every time they leave the building. Yet another blinding truth he's been reminded of since investing himself in this relationship with Tim. It hasn't even been a week yet and he feels like a new person. What else is waiting for him around the corner on this new path, he doesn't know, but he's looking forward to finding out.
Feeling his Senior Field Agent's eyes on him, Gibbs glances up into the man's visor mirror, their eyes meeting there. Surprisingly enough, Tony's response to their silent communication is an atypical rising of his eyebrows and silently returning his attention to his driving. That's a switch. Maybe the guy's taken to heart, their discussion from this morning. Hopefully, anyway.
This time, the silence is definitely golden as with a small smile playing across his face, he sends his response,
******NCIS*******
It's discouraging to see a silent phone for a solid five minutes after sending the last text. Sighing with resignation, Tim returns his attention to his driving, his thoughts effectively transporting him to a list of ideas for what he and Leroy might do together on their next joint day off. With that exact date unknown at the moment, the list begins to grow endlessly with lots of variables to consider. The rest of his commute home is uneventful and he's made a detour and parked in the grocery store parking lot before he reaches for his phone again. This time, the text waiting for him not only puts a smile back on his face, but broadens it to its' fullest.
Not leaving you!
******NCIS*******
Stowing his phone away, Gibbs joins his team as they climb out of the car quickly. He feels considerably better having sent what reassurance he could to Tim that nothing bad was going to happen while he's working this case. With Tim's heartfelt plea still sounding in his ear, the boss heads to the trunk of the car and dons a vest, ignoring the shocked expressions on the faces of his team members. With a gesture from him, they, too are putting vests on before heading over to the LEO in charge of the scene.
He's relieved that DiNozzo is too stunned to make a smart-assed comment or even complain and he's not surprised that the only reaction from Ziva is a quizzical look in his direction. With a silent huff of laughter, Gibbs refocuses on the scene. Thankfully, this isn't a complicated whodunit or gruesome murder, merely an accidental shooting, with both the victim and the guilty party still present, accounted for and talking. Without any discussion, the trio of agents fall into their grove of getting things done in a coordinated effort.
It turns out to be one of the shorter-lived cases they've had in a long time but not one of them is complaining. In fact, the mood in the car on the way back to the Navy Yard is almost celebratory. Tony's mood has greatly improved and if nothing else, Gibbs is relieved about that. Maybe now they can put all of this personal business from last night and this morning away without further incident or discussion.
"So, Boss? A drink after work ...to celebrate?" The Senior Field Agent asks with obvious high hopes. "I mean, we're gonna get dinner out together anyway, right?"
Sighing, Gibbs looks back at him from the driver's seat. "One round."
"Yes!" Tony does the jubilant fist pump as he looks Ziva's way. "What about you, Ziva?"
"I will join you...IF...you invite McGee as well, Tony." She returns without batting an eye.
"McG...why? He wasn't out here with us tonight! Don't you think that's be mean...rubbing our field agent case in his face while he's still getting used to no longer being one?" Tony indignantly argues.
"I did not think of that." Ziva admits regretfully.
"Yeah? What were you thinking about?" Tony snipes back.
"I thought it would be nice for the four of us to get together outside of work. We have not done that in a very long time!"
His knee-jerk reaction deflated, Tony takes a calming breath. She has no clue what he's so uptight about and he needs to keep it that way. "You're right. We haven't." Turning to the boss, he puts the ball in his court. "What'd you think, Boss?"
Not sure why he's suddenly the one in the hot seat and hoping it's not for the reason he suspects, Gibbs answers without missing a beat. "There a reason you're not askin' McGee, DiNozzo?"
Tony's expression morphs into that of a deer caught in a headlight. Hearing the boss switch up the name he uses for the computer whiz is throwing him off a little. After all, this morning while they had their talk, the older man kept using the probie's first name, as if he'd suddenly remembered the guy actually had one. And now he's back to his long-standing practice of calling him by his last name? "Ah...well...no, Boss. Guess I'll do that." Almost reluctantly, Tony drags his phone out from his pocket and hits the speed dial number for his former partner.
"Hey, McGee. Guess I've missed ya since I'm talking to your answering machine. Look, ah, the teams' headed out for an after work drink. Thought maybe you'd like to join us? Maybe considerate a 'for old time's sake's kind of thing? Any way...you know where to find us if you feel like joining us. Ok then, Bye."
Without another word between them, they arrive back at work and put the case to bed. It's a productive yet quiet thirty minutes. While he's working, Gibbs' eyes stray over to the empty desk across from him, his expression unreadable. Suddenly, he can't wait to get home.
******NCIS*******
The unexpected voicemail from Tony on his old MCRT phone has Tim pausing in putting his groceries away once he's home from the store. Listening to the message, he's not sure whether to smile or frown. 'the team' could mean that Leroy's with them, but from the slim number of times over the years he's done that, Tim doubts it.
So, that means that most likely it's just the junior agents below the boss. Frankly, he's shocked to be invited. Probably Ziva's idea. Then again, knowing Tony, it could just be a ploy to get Tim out in public to humiliate him by taunting him to try to out drink Tony or something.
He's not going anywhere near Tony in a set up like that. Time to double check. Quickly firing off a text to Ziva, he finishes putting his stuff away as he waits for her to respond.
*****NCIS******
Ziva's phone is the first to buzz with the alert of an incoming text message. Picking her phone up off her desk, she flips it open and reads the message, laughing out loud as she sends an immediate reply.
"What's so funny, Ziva?" Tony's question is not a surprise.
"McGee wants to know if by 'team' having dinner at the pub when we leave here, you do in fact mean me as well, Tony."
"Oh. Wait. Why... yeah, I guess he would want to know that." The Senior Field Agent backpedals, trying desperately to shut down what his big mouth almost laid open.
"Why, Tony is there some reason he would be concerned about it being just you and him? Did you do something to him the other night when you left the diner so angry you did not even finish half of your meal?" She demands to know.
Suddenly, even Gibbs wants to hear what Tony has to say.
******NCIS*********
Tim's relieved that, just as he expected, Ziva's answer to his message is quick and reassuring. "I will be there as well, Please come."
Sending her a short response he gets back into his car and starts it up again, actually looking forward to spending some time with her away from work. He still considers her to be a good friend and times like this help cement that relationship. Besides, this might help break the ice between him and Tony.
With that thought in mind, and, Tim sends one more text, before putting his car into gear, not wanting to leave his whereabouts a mystery to his lover, should the man be looking for him.
Drinks with the team...
Now feeling the disappointment that goes with what he's just sent in the message, Tim's spirits deflate just a little. Still, he heads out, wanting to spend time with his former teammates - well, some of them anyway. Determined to enjoy his time with Ziva and willing to work on things with Tony, he heads to the bedroom for some clean clothes enroute to the shower.
******NCIS******
"Nothin' to worry about, Da'vid." Tony grumbles as he deliberately refrains from looking at the boss. He's pretty sure the man's regretting coming out with them now. Not to mention, his cop senses are probably zeroing in on Tony's discomfort here. Mentally kicking himself, the former street cop zips his lips and concentrates on finishing his report.
Across the room, Abby listens from the shadows, unsure of why she feels like she'd be intruding if she were to enter their workspace now. Hearing their plans for the night spurs her into action and she's quick to do an about face, heading back to her own space at a quick pace.
From behind his desk, Gibbs sees her and frowns at his Lab Rat's aborted trip to his squad room. He's not sure what's going on with her, but he's not liking what his gut's telling him. Tossing his pen down on his desk, he gets to his feet and begins to follow her. They need to talk.
His phone buzzing in his pocket distracts him enough that he's returning to his desk without even thinking about it, the realization that it's his burn phone buzzing bringing a small private kind of smile to his face. Without missing a beat, he pulls the phone out of his pocket, flips it open and reads it.
... Wish you were gonna be there.
It's all he can do to hold back the laughter at this point. Oh, there's gonna be some interesting vibes in this group tonight, beginning with the shock they'll see on Tim's face no doubt.
Unable to resist the temptation of giving in to his innate curiosity, driven by what h's recently discovered about the boss, Tony lets the question rip. "What's the joke, Boss?"
Several tension-filled heartbeats go by with silence an unhappy guest among them. Finally, just about the time it feels hopelessly gridlocked with whatever problem's simmering underneath the surface, the Team Leader breaks through the tension with a conversational shift too obvious to misunderstand, glancing very briefly at Tony before turning to Ziva to ask:. "This place we're goin' serve decent appetizers?"
*******NCI********
Thirty surprisingly quiet minutes later, they're walking into their favorite bar, gravitating toward the booth they usually use when out in a group together. With a surreptitious gesture, Gibbs sends Ziva to the bar after their drinks, cornering Tony at their booth "Somethin' you need to tell me, DiNozzo?"
"About what, Boss?" Tony attempts to play innocent and ignorant, without much success.
"Not gonna drag it outtaya. You got somethin' to say, say it!"
"I've got nothin' Boss. It's all good."
Glaring at his Senior Field Agent who is obviously lying to him, Gibbs goes silent. The younger man's been too quiet for too long on the way over here, making it obvious that something is definitely not 'all good'. But, because Ziva's headed their way, nothing more needs to be said. Besides, he meant what he said, he isn't the type to drag anything out of his agents unless it pertains to a case.
That doesn't change the fact that he's convinced something went down between Tony and Tim at some point today. It's written like ink all over DiNozzo's expression. There's nothing else the man would have to be acting guilty about the minute Tim's name was brought up. Vowing to stay sharp and keep an eye out, there's nothing more he can do about it now.
Besides, if something went down, Tim will tell him. Frowning, Gibbs halts his thoughts on that one. Tim's not a rat, never has been and probably never will be. If something went down between those two, it'll never see the light of day unless someone else aires it. All the more reason to stay sharp, Probie!
"Gibbs, you are all right, yes?" Ziva asks with enough genuine concern to draw the Team Leader away from his silent musings and back into the current conversation. Her arrival at the table has gone almost unnoticed because both men are lost in their own thoughts, causing her even more concern.
"Fine, Ziva." He offers her as he types into his phone and puts it away.
"I have already ordered some of those appetizers you mentioned for us, Gibbs." Ziva tosses out there with a knowing smile. Gibbs never admits to being hungry but needs to eat. And the chances are good that if there's food around for everyone, he will partake without even giving it a second thought.
With a small smile of thanks Gibbs accepts his beer and the basket of beer battered shrimp from the waitress. Popping a shrimp into his mouth, he sits back to wait. He's got a feeling things are about to get very interesting. The silence grows thicker and it needs to be broken. They're here to get away from work, but work is just about all he knows with these guys so, he throws out something comfortable for them as an icebreaker.
"Unusual case."
Tony look sharply at him, having difficulty with this side of the boss.
"Did I miss something, Tony? Is that why you are now staring at Gibbs as if he has grown another head?" Ziva wants to know.
"He's probably just shocked to see him out with the team as I am, Ziva." Tim says cheerfully as he greets the group in general while taking his seat next to Ziva, opposite Tony, with Gibbs on Ziva's other side. The sight of Gibbs here with them has sent Tim's heart to the moon. This will definitely be a great night out!
"Oh, look! McGee's found us!" Tony's too cheerful tone is hard on the ears but thankfully, short-lived as Tim dryly answers him back with a straight face.
"You did invite me, Tony. Unless I completely missed the sarcasm hidden in the voicemail you left on my phone?" Tim throws back dryly.
"You were invited, McGee. And I for one am very happy you are here." Ziva firmly reassures her friend. "We do not see enough of you."
"Back at ya, Ziva. And thank you for inviting me." Tim smiles at her as he gets comfortable, locking eyes with Tony, daring him to make anything of this.
Holding up his hands in mock surrender, the older man pleads no contest in his own way. "Hey, I'm just yankin' your chain, Probie! Matter of fact, first round's on me!"
With a wary look to his smile now, Tim nods and accepts Tony's token version of smoothing things out between them. Wanting more than anything to leave it there, Tim turns his attention to Gibbs, needing to address what he'd said earlier. "Boss, ya know...earlier, when I said..." The words die out in his throat. His lover now, now longer his boss and the loss is still sharp on that level. The fact that no one has called him on still calling the man by that title didn't escape his notice but has set up questions for later.
Gibbs nods silently. He's not pissed about it. Truth be told he's feeling guilty for it. Tim's right. In all the years this team worked side by side and put their lives on the line with each other to back them up, the number of times he publically supported the bonding effort like this, can be counted on one hand. It's yet another reminder of how badly he's shortchanged his people over the years - especially Tim. Without any hesitation, he lets them know he agrees. "Can't deny what's true, McGee."
*******NCIS********
Ziva watches as Tim winces with Gibbs' answer. Her mind throws out questions she doesn't have the answers to. Why would Tim react that way? What bothers him about this? And why is there so much tension between Tim and Tony? Something happened last night between these two - I just know it! But what does that have to do with Gibbs? Does it ?
"Seem awfully quiet, Ziva." Tim observes quietly as he silently works to accept the older man's response. He knows there's more going on under the surface here now but also knows that right now is not the time to talk to him about it. "Everything okay with you?"
"Everything is fine, McGee." She's quick to answer. But several disquieting heartbeats later, she's speaking again, this time shaking her head before the words even reach the air between them. "No. Actually, I am NOT fine. There is something going on between you and Tony that is not good. And perhaps between the two of you and Gibbs as well from what I see. I care about both of you and I would like to help."
"You can help by staying out of it." Tony replies firmly, his eyes unwavering as they look at her now.
"Tony!" Tim's horrified at the older man's treatment of their friend who's only trying to be there for both of them through what she sees is a problem. Reaching into his pocket, he pulls out a twenty and tosses it on the table in front of Tony. "Here. Next pitcher's on me - IF you go get it."
"Subtle, McBossy. Real subtle." Tony bites out as he stands to his feet and walks away, leaving Tim's money on the table.
Without touching the money or looking Gibbs' direction, Tim focuses on Ziva. "We're okay.
"Something is going on or you would not have sent Tony to get our drinks when they deliver them right to our table, McGee. And you definitely would not have paid for them after he has already promised to do so."
"I wanted the chance to talk to you alone for a minute. You said you can see something's wrong. What are you seeing, Ziva?"
"Tony and I stopped at a diner last night to eat dinner. While we were there Tony began doing a lot of thinking. The more thinking he did, the angrier he became. He stormed out angrily without finishing even half of his dinner. And today, there has been a very bad 'feeling' between the two of you." Ziva looks at Gibbs to make this point. "And tonight, that feeling is here with you." She turns her eyes to Tim now.
Tim sighs. He glances at Gibbs, his expression that of uncertainty. He's not sure what to do with this. On the one hand, he's not ready to out them to anyone, not even Ziva. It's pretty damn uncomfortable being out to Tony right now as it is. Maybe it's because of Tony's attitude and the crappy way the Senior Field Agent handled it last night. It's possible that last night's confrontation has jaded Tim's idea of how the others will handle the news; how they'll treat him and more importantly, treat the boss. But, it's not a chance he's willing to take.
He's not worried about himself. But his lover's a different story. The man has long since earned their respect and the respect that comes from his position over them and for Tony to do as he did last night, well; Tim's not ready to subject Gibbs to that again. Okay, maybe Ziva's not the one they need to worry about But, letting her in, well, that just puts her in a position where she has a secret to keep that's not hers to share. And neither Abby nor Tony are very good at leaving people alone with whatever it is they're not sharing. Besides, it's like Leroy said - this doesn't belong in the office.
"Tim?" Gibbs quietly pulls him out of his musings, his concern clear in the timbre of his voice.
His own expression as reassuring as he can make it, Tim smiles at the man who's leaned forward around Ziva to look over at him, before picking up his drink and sipping from it.
Her explanation not responded to, Ziva is watching Tim carefully. Actually, now she is watching Gibbs as well, her eyes going back and forth like a ping-pong ball in a challenging game. The pieces are beginning to fall into place for her now. The events of yesterday, including the whole situation with Gibbs and Tim in the elevator, as well as Tony's reaction to that and Tony's burst of anger when he was finished thinking about things last night, added together with this tiny little exchange just now has created a picture in her mind that seems far from possible.
Nevertheless, it's obvious that neither man wants to discuss it with her. As unhappy as that makes her since she considers herself their friend, it is their right to keep their silence and she will respect that. Enough time and attention has been centered on this tonight. They are here to relax and enjoy each other's company. And that's what they should be doing. Ziva smiles. "Do not worry yourself about it, McGee. If you say things are okay between you and Tony, then that is all I need to know.
Relief fills Tim's expression as he genuinely thanks her.. "Thank you, Ziva."
"And you, Gibbs?" Ziva asks with equal concern. "It was ...cold... in the office today."
"Nuthin' to worry about, Ziva."
"That's what I told her." Tony throws in as he joins them at the tale again, his hands full with a tray of drinks he sets down between them.
"Final round." Gibbs reminds them as he nods at the first round of drinks still sitting unfinished in front of them. It's one more round than he'd set down as the rule, but that just means taxi rides home for all of them; their own expense for the evening.
"Yes, Boss."
"Yes, Boss."
"Yes, Boss."
*****NCIS*****
From across the room, a pair of eyes narrow in irritation taking in everything, every nuance, every stiffened movement, every casual move toward relaxation - and every word. A good lip reading ability is being put to the test but thanks to that skill, nothing whatsoever that's going on with the trio in the booth that has once again become a foursome is being missed. Even before the fourth person walked away a short time ago, everything had been seen and understood; their private conversations - not nearly as private as the group thinks.
Now that that person has returned to the group, the lip reading is telling an interesting tale; but the ability to read the expressions is telling more, much more. In fact, at one point, the expression paints a picture that is as unwelcome as is it shocking. But, that can't be right. It has to be something different, misunderstood maybe - just not accurate.
As the group across the way settles in to eat, Abby's wary eyes take a break just long enough for her to sidle up closer, closing the distance by some fifteen feet, yet still remaining off their radar. Or not. The steely blue orbs are circling the room, cautiously, but steadily, the accompanying expression grim. Time to move!
******NCIS*******
They're being watched. He can feel it as they finish their meal in companionable small talk that's been hard won tonight. The minute he tenses up and begins to search the room, the others go quiet and follow his lead. They're investigators, trained to be cautious and a night out together is no different. Coming up empty, it's a good reason to call an end to the evening after a hard day when they all have to work in the morning, anyway.
With the meal and drinks paid for, the foursome head outside, two of them looking for cabs while the other two smirk in humor at their fate. Only Tim and Gibbs refrained from drinking enough to warrant the need for a cab to get home. Tim's not a drinker and Gibbs has been too busy keeping an eye on the others in the wake of the personal revelations going on in their midst.
Tony, Tim and Gibbs put Ziva in a cab and watch it drive away - and are left alone together for the first time since last night. Tony's quick to quietly speak his mind, not nearly drunk enough to be slurring or even unaware of his words. "Listen. Guys...I'm sorry. It's just...gonna take me some time...but I guess so long as you make each other happy and ...don't hurt each other...then I'm happy you found each other."
"Thanks, Tony." Gibbs offers respectfully, his eyes watching carefully.
"Yeah. Thanks. Tony." Tim adds quietly. "I know it's hard to take in. But I promise you it's real."
"I know, Probie. But, don't you forget..." Tony warns.
Tim sighs tiredly as he throws out what he knows Tony's trying to remind him of. "He's been married 4 times, Yeah, I know. You can stop rubbing that in his face now, please."
"Ouch!" Tony winces. "Only lookin' out for ya, man."
"Thank you, but I'll be fine."
"Yeah? How can you be so sure, McGee?"
"Because I'm with the person I trust most in this life, Tony. That's how."
Tony sighs as he glances at the long silent Gibbs, standing by as the younger two hash this out. "Okay then. But, I'm still a phone call away. Either of ya." Tony throws his hand up, hailing the cabbie just sitting there waiting for a fare.
Before they can blink twice, the man is gone, his cab taking him away into the night, leaving Tim and Gibbs alone - at last. Looking softly at Tim, Gibbs' heart is up in his throat after the exchange he's just witnessed. "You meant that." He observes with something akin to awe.
"With everything I am." Tim vows as he looks back at him, but refrains from doing anything else in public. Their conversation is low enough that it's still private but it feels risky enough that he doesn't want to push his luck.
"Let's go home." Gibbs invites with his gravelly tone that he knows ignites Tim's fire.
"Be there in ten." Tim manages to get out as he climbs into his own car, waiting for Gibbs to drive away first.
It's gonna be a hell of a night and neither of them can wait.
*********NCIS********
Across the street, a silent witness has double-backed to make sure they are in fact all right - only to become shocked at the tender scene that plays out before her eyes. She's happy for them that they've found happiness and with each other because they both deserve happiness but she's shocked just the same.
At least now, she understands why her partner's been so upset. He obviously put the pieces together and figured this out last night - and has trying to process it ever since. She's relieved that judging by what she's just seen, he's beginning to come around about it.
*******NCIS*******
At the opposite end of the street, yet another witness silently takes it all in; every expression, every word. What's kept her watching is seeing Gibbs play silent referee for the past hour instead of leaving them to hash it out like he'd normally do. Combined with the broken feel to her connection to them, she's left realizing something is really hinky with her team and Abby's been determined to figure it out tonight. With the information about where they were going in her arsenal, it's been easy to watch from closely enough to see more than what she sees from them at work. Tonight is definitely an eye opener!
She hadn't had to wait long after Ziva pulled away in her cab, the first of the group to leave. A short minute later and Tony got into a cab on his own, leaving only Tim and Gibbs standing together. And the things she's seen them say to each other? Not possible!
This unexpected and unacceptable turn of events going on with such subtlety that only her lip reading has let her see it, is not right! Her 'straight' musketeers should NOT act this way! NONE of this is happening! Timmy's hers! Everybody knows that! What the hell kind of game is he playing? Wait a damn minute! NOW that little scene in the squad room a couple of weeks ago makes sense!
"Tim! Spill it! You look happy. You haven't looked this happy in weeks and you weren't home yesterday or Saturday. Spill."
"Abby, I'm fine. I appreciate the concern, but I'm fine."
"I want details, Tim. Who is she? Where'd you meet her?"
"Need something to do, Abby?" Gibbs groused
"Gibbs!"
"Now, Abby."
"Oh, my GOD! He's been keeping this from me! They both have!" Abby yells out loud. Nearly hyperventilating from the shock, she fights to get her breathing under control. Watching them drive away separately, yet obviously planning on meeting up, the fury already bubbling up inside, heats up to white-hot. Forcing herself to take calming breaths, she tries to reason it out. He's just confused. I have to fix this! I can fix this!"
