Episode Tags:
"Red Cell" - Season 2, Ep 20. - 4/26/05 - 11/21/2006
"Twisted Sister" - Season 4, Episode 9
"Cover Story" - Season 4, Episode 20 - 4/10/07


Four Months and Seven Days Later – November 1, 28, 2010

The past 18 weeks, 130 days to be exact, have gone by in a flash for Gibbs, even though the way the days have fallen, the calendar has given them two extra weeks within that time frame. Here it is nearly the end of the lunch hour on Monday, this first day of November and as he thinks back over the time since Tim's family found out about the young man's relationship with him, nothing out of the ordinary springs to mind, well, with regard to work, anyway. As par for the course, there have been countless very late nights and a few overnight trips. But those have fallen equally on Tony and Ziva on one side of the coin and Gibbs and Dorneget on the other. The next one, Gibbs has already vowed, will be all four of them together so they can get back quicker. Frankly, the fact that there haven't been more of them is actually out of the ordinary in itself.

Dornie's working out well with the team and the fact that Keeting had originally been slated to fill the vacancy left by Tim, once upon a time, seems like a distant memory. Gibbs remembers that second day without Tim as if it was yesterday. It was rough, the day they actually let themselves admit they had to choose and meet a new team member before the end of the day Keeting had refused to come on board, choosing to stay in Cyber Crimes. Much to their disappointment and aggravation, Dornie wasn't yet a shoe in at the time, thanks to Vance playing hardball and forcing them to literally go through the personnel files he'd sent them first. Sipping his coffee, Gibbs finds his mind going back to that day:

*****Flashback***.

"Make Double sure because you won't get a second chance to do this." The Director instructs as he headed up the stairs to his office, leaving three glowering agents behind.

A slow start to the workday means plenty of time to do the last thing they want to do – finalize their choice with whom to replace Tim now that the boss upstairs has waylaid their plans to bring Dornie back to replace Tim. Or as Tony and Gibbs had both corrected Ziva on that thinking just yesterday, fill his spot on the team, Probie is not replaceable. While his remaining team members filter through the last round of choices, Gibbs takes a moment to let it sink in.

No more hearing Tim' clacking away on is keyboard at a million miles an hour.

No more seeing Tim sitting across from him, those beautiful green eyes shining so brightly at him when he's happy. That intens…..**ring***

"Yeah, Gibbs." The Team Leader gruffly answers this unexpected call as he's brought back to the present by its' ringing. "Got it. Thanks" Standing to his feet, he gives the call out. "Gear Up. Dead Naval Officer in Rock Creek Park."

"Why am I not surprised?" Tony gripes half-heartedly

"That we have a dead Naval Officer, Tony?" Ziva wonders.

"NO, that it's at Rock Creek Park! I mean it's like the bad guys have all decided its' 'the happening' place or something,"

"Could be worse, DiNozzo." Gibbs reminds him as he walks out from around his desk, heading for the elevator.

"I know, Boss. I know. It could be…."

"The boondocks." Gibbs reminds him at the same time the other two reiterate what they know to be Tony's least favorite locale

"The boondocks" Ziva repeats teasingly.

"The boondocks. Ugh!" Tony shudders with acute distaste as he sees the boss head to the stairs. "Boss?"

"Get the car, DiNozzo. I'll be right there."

"Uhm. Okay."

As Gibbs heads upstairs, he had to chuckle at what he heard behind him.

"First one to the car, drives, yes?" Ziva taunts as she snatches the keys from Tony ad makes a run for the elevator.

"Oh, no. Not in this lifetime, Da'vid!" Tony snaps his backpack up, slings it over his shoulder and bolts for the stairs.

Without wasting any time, Gibbs meets with Vance and tells him they don't have time to train someone from scratch, to let them have Dornie. Much to his surprise and relief, the man agreed, although he had to have the last word with his.

"Just wanted you to toe the line, Gibbs. Can't always have you cutting corners."

The Team Leader held his tongue, just barely and hurried to meet up with the team, satisfied he'd won a huge victory in maintaining the integrity of his team.

****End Flashback***

Looking around him now, Gibbs can't help but smile inside, enough that there's a grin on his face and he doesn't even realize it. Outside of work, the original MCRT has remained tight. Gibbs and Tim have even hosted several get-togethers, with everyone bringing their own contribution to the buffet style meals they included. Be it football or a simple chance to relax together, the reasons have been as varied as the fun they have together, what with Tony's (and Gibbs' it seems) love of football and all things athletic and Ziva's competitive spirit with Tim the avid spectator alongside Ducky and Jimmy, a good time has been had by all, all the while strengthening their relationships as a closely knit family of sorts. At the last get together just last weekend, Tim suggested letting Dornie in to their circle, include him in the close-knit family they have because after watching Jimmy struggle with it for so long, it's too unbearable to put anyone else through it. Ducky and Jimmy both had applauded Tim verbally and the others had been quick to agree.

Penny and Sarah, once they returned stateside two months ago, have seen to it that he and Tim get together with them at least once a week. The four have met up for dinner out, have gotten together with them at Gibbs' place for dinner in and even met them over to Penny's. The one place they haven't gotten together for dinner is Tim's. Leroy had asked Tim about that ne night, but the young man had just tossed out a wisecrack. "Nowhere big enough for both you and Penny, not to mention Sarah."

Their relationships have grown closer and stronger for all the getting together, his and Tim's as much as the one that's' been fostered between himself and Penny as well as Sarah. They've accepted Leroy with grace and charm, laughter and respect. Even in moments where old history has crashed the discussion, their ability to see for themselves where Tim stood on whatever had been brought up, had gone a long way in keeping things good between them all.

Speaking of his relationship with Tim, that has grown and deepened, as he'd known it would. They share silent looks and conversations, as if they read each other's minds. Life's become much more worth living now and every day with Tim is a learning experience wrapped up in an adventure, be it inside their closed doors or out in the world around them. They don't hide away, although they do hold on tight to their alone time. They've spent hours pouring over Leroy's photo albums full of Shannon and Kelly, talking about his life with them while pulling out some of his favorite shots of them to set out in frames. They'd spent another day together doing likewise with Tim's photo albums. Thinking back on that, Leroy has to chuckle because of the photos that he'd pulled out of that album by when Tim wasn't looking!

Their six-month anniversary is coming up on the 19th of next month and Leroy's got plans to make it a special night for them, blown up pictures in homemade frames included. He's even gone so far as to pull rank and insist his team have that night off. It's something he never would have done in years past, but Tim's shown him a new outlook on valuing time spent with those you love, of letting his team do it more often with their own families. He's also shown him the key to finding the humor in life where seldom before had he ever even bothered to look.

As his thoughts continue revisiting life as he knows it now, with no case at hand and his team out for lunch, the last thing Gibbs expects is his desk phone to ring. But he's quick to answer it.

"Yeah. Gibbs."

"Can I buy you a cup of coffee?"

"Name the time and place. I'll be there." Gibbs' reply to Tim's grandmother is instant and genuine. She's never done this before so whatever's on her mind must be important.

"Does now work for you? I'm already at the coffee shop you and your team is so familiar with."

"I'll be right there."

"Thank you. Jethro. I know this is short notice…"

"It's fine. See you in a few." Setting his phone back down on the hook, he stands to his feet and glances around the room. Tony and Ziva aren't back from lunch yet so it'll be easier getting' outta here but he needs to leave them something to do while he's gone. With a smirk, he writes out a sticky note for both of them and slaps the notes on top of the stacks of files they're slated to go through when they get back. That'll get 'em to crack down!

It's a mild November day so he's not surprised to see when he arrives at the coffee shop, Penny walking outside to greet him, a cup of coffee in each hand. "Walk with me?" She says as she hands him his drink and begins to walk in the direction she's just pointed, not waiting for him to answer her.

"Something wrong, Penny?" He asks with genuine worry as they walk side by side, his careful strides set to match hers.

"I'm hoping you can tell me." She replies as she glances at him for a brief moment, her eyes returning to watching where she's going.

"You're worried about something."

"Timothy for all intents and purposes, has moved in with you without officially giving up his apartment or doing the actual moving of his furniture." Penny states as the fact that she knows it to be

"True enough."

"I realize we've had more than ample occasions to discuss what I'm about to ask you, but I try not to pry. Forgive me. But if you don't mind me asking, was that something he actually decided for himself?"

"We hadn't talked about it. It just fell into place since he spends most of his time away from work at my place."

Penny sighs as she looks at him for a minute as of trying to read down into his soul. Looking away, she clears her throat. "Jethro, many of the questions I'm about to ask are rhetorical, but as Timothy's grandmother and someone looking out for him, beyond what he sees in his own bubble, they're the hard questions I have to ask, especially when I see things that concern me about his happiness.

"Fair enough." He replies respectfully as they sit down on the bench they've come to.

"I said rhetorical because I don't expect you to open yourself up to me moreso than you do to Timothy. But, I know once I ask them, you'll respect us both enough to think on them and act on them as you see fit."

"The last time the four of us got together, you didn't mention being concerned about anything." He reminds her while leaving what she's just said alone with the dignity of not trying to answer it with what would be the obvious response.

"I didn't say anything because I was still watching and analyzing. It's who I am, what I've spent my working life doing."

"What is it that's got you worried enough to treat me to coffee in the middle of a work day?

"Jethro, a minute ago you said. 'Your place.' Coming up on your six-month anniversary with Timothy, that concerns me. "

Gibbs sighs heavily. Blindsided by this, something he's not given any thought to, he's not sure what to say. He tells her as much while he honestly admits why he has no answer. "Been takin' it one day at a time. Hadn't given a lot of thought to the future beyond thinking week to week."

"Habit born of the Team Leader you are, I suppose." She concedes.

"Right."

"I know that with your cases and your team, you have a lot on your plate. I'm not suggesting that you focus solely on Timothy, by any stretch. However, I am concerned because when we first spoke of your relationship with him, you promised me that Timothy would not be a casualty to your life experiences."

"I meant it too!" Gibbs looks at her sharply as he answers her in barely contained indignation.

"I know you did. And I have seen the remarkable difference in him since he's allowed himself to be loved by you. There is no doubt he is in love and very, very happy or that the same can be said for you." Penny agrees without hesitation.

"I'm not hearing what you're concerned about, except our housing."

"Jethro, when Sarah questioned her brother about how he could possibly fit into your life with all you've been through, that day she first found out about your relationship with him, Timothy told her that you've made lots of room for him in your heart next to your girls." Penny admits. She's not in the habit of sharing confidences like this, but then again, this hadn't actually been a state secret and he needs to hear it. "His words."

Gibbs swallows hard. He hadn't thought a whole lot of how Tim might feel about sliding into what space he'd made for him in his life and in his heart. When they'd talked about Shannon and Kelly and about the older man's changing ability to let Tim in and love him, he thought that was all there was to think about, that Tim had obviously accepted where things were since they were steadily improving with little or no stress about it. He figured Ducky had been right and that as long as they talked about Gibbs' feelings on the matter, that they were doing what needed to be done to keep that part of their relationship healthy and whole.

She's not bothered by his silence because she knows he's thinking about what she's telling him. In fact, she's pleased that it gives her the space to say more of what's on her mind. "At the time, hearing that gave me all the faith in you that I needed – to know that Timothy felt he was truly in a good relationship with someone who deserved all the love and goodness he has to offer and would truly and genuinely love him like he deserves to be loved."

"And now?"

"Now I'm afraid I find myself needing to ask you the one question I had hoped I'd never have to ask you."

"I'm listenin'." Gbbs tells her, not wanting her to feel like she has to hold back.

"Have you made enough room for him there?"

******NCIS********

It's late for lunch, even getting back from it, but being out with Tony and Ziva as he has been for the last 45 minutes has made it almost impossible for Tim to get back in time. As he stops at the coffee shop so Tony can run in and grab their called in orders, he chuckles. Good thing he's the Shift Supervisor down in Cyber Crimes now, that's for sure.

"You are laughing because you have more freedom in your schedule now, yes?" Ziva asks with a grin.

"Sure am." Tim replies as he sighs contentedly. Looking out at the world in front of him while they wait for Tony, he notices two people sitting on a park like bench off in the distance. Strange, they look familiar. Using his phone's camera, he focuses it in their direction and zooms in on them. Surprised, concerned and fascinated all at the same time, he's frozen in time, watching them for several moments as they talk. It's obviously a very serious discussion.

"McGee?" Ziva questions. "What is it? Is something wrong?"

"Hmm?" Tim asks mildly as he lets his arms fall to his lap, camera still clutched in one hand, though just barely.

"Those two people, you know them yes?" She asks as she looks in the direction he's been staring in for the past five minutes. "Wait…is that not…?"

"Not our business, I'm sure." Tony says authoritatively as he reaches the car and hands her the drink tray through her open window so he can get in. Making sure to infuse his tone with genuine teasing, he does what he can to turn Tim's attention to his driving. "Let's go, McLazy, time's awastin'."

"Yeah. Sure." Tim murmurs as he puts the car in drive and pulls out into traffic, obviously distracted by what he witnessed back there.

*****NCIS*********

Gibbs watches Penny drive away, once they'd returned to the coffee shop together a few moments later, both so involved with their thoughts that nothing further was said between them. When Penny opened her car door, however, she had turned to him and thanked him for hearing her out and for being open and honest with her.

He'd nodded and responded with a short but sincere answer "Likewise."

Wordlessly, she'd gotten in her car and headed out, leaving the Team Leader and the man who loves her grandson more than life itself standing there feeling like a failure. He's failed to do everything he possibly can to love Tim to the fullest. At least that's the punch to the gut is telling him that he's feeling now. He's angry with himself for shortchanging Tim enough that his grandmother has had to call him on it. Sighing tiredly, he heads back to the office unfortunately, he can't do anything about this until tonight, there's still the end of the workday to get through.

*****NCIS*********

The short ride is a silent one, that is until both MCRT Agents get out of the car, at the door. "Guys?" Tim says. "Not a word, please?"

"Sure, Probie."

"I will not say anything to either of them."

"Thanks."

Ziva heads inside when Tony leans against the car, making it obvious he wants to talk to Tim alone. Left alone with his little brother and friend, Tony sighs. "Look, Tim. I know it looked bad…."

"No Tony. It looked serious. And if it is, they'll tell me." Tim declares as he glances at the older man. "I have to park and get back to work."

"Okay. But, you just remember, I'm only a phone call away and I'm here for you." Tony insists firmly.

"I know, Tony. And I appreciate it. Really." Tim replies with sincerity. "But, I have faith in both of them. If it's something I need to know about, they'll tell me. We don't keep secrets from each other."

"Really?" Tony asks doubtfully. "So no surprising each other – at - all?"

"Well, yeah! But those don't count here!" Tim insists.

"I get it." Tony straightens up and turns to head inside. "Hey, what are you doin' this Saturday night?"

"Going out to a writing workshop with some writer friends of mine." Tim tells him.

"Really? You getting back into that are you?" The older man asks in complete surprise.

"With a certain someone's encouragement and support. Yes." The younger man admits. "And I don't wanna hear how the pimple on your left butt cheek is a better writer than me, either."

Tony frowns. "I did say that to you, didn't I?"

Tim says nothing. He won't deny it but he isn't looking to play the blame game with ancient history either. He only mentioned it because he REALLY doesn't ever wanna hear that kind of discouragement thrown at him again, especially from Tony, the big brother he's beginning to truly feel close to now that he doesn't have to pretend to be something he's not around him.

"Shouldn't have. I was so stupidly jealous that you had one book published and were working on a second that I took it out on you – went way too far with it." The older man offers with genuine remorse.

"Tony, stop. I don't want you rehashing it. I just didn't want you saying it again. Sorry I brought it up."

"But, don't you get it Tim? The fact that you even thought I would repeat it means that I was so out of line with it, that it stuck with you all this time! Please tell me that you did not stop writing because I said that!"

Tim sighs. "Not gonna talk about this with you, Tony. It's ancient history and I gotta get back."

Tony nods and steps away from the car. But he doesn't go far, hightailing it to where he knows Tim will take the elevator to his floor.

Seeing the Senior Field Agent lying in wait for him, Tim sighs deeply with resignation. Might as well let Tony finish talking to him about this now. The guy won't find a moment's peace about it until he does. Come to think of it, now that he's inadvertently let the cat out of the bag and sees that Tony feels this badly, he won't either. Stepping out of his car, he locks it up and meets up with his friend. "Let r rip." He says.

"You did quit because I said that, didn't you?" Tony asks with obvious belief in what he's thinking.

Tim shakes his head. "Wasn't the only reason. Not by a long shot. Even then, there was more to my life's choices than your opinion, Tony."

"Don't I know it." Toy jokes. "Back then, you had Abby in your corner. Crap…sorry man."

"She was a big part of why I quit writing, Tony. Seeing her have to stare down the barrel of that gun, knowing she'd probably been scared out of her mind and for a hell of a lot longer than the short time we were there to stop him – definately wasn't ever gonna risk that ever happening again. Wasn't willing to put anyone else at risk like that either."

"So, it really wasn't what I said at all then."

"Well, you threatening to kill me if I even thought about another one, certainly didn't help, but it wasn't the deciding factor, no."

"Abby was." Tony stated, letting Tim see that he got how serious this was for him.

"Actually, Gibbs tossing his handcuffs down on my desk in front of me and telling me to arrest myself was just as much the reason as that one. Thought I'd lost his respect and his trust on that one." Tim admitted quietly as he looks down at his feet. "Felt worse than that hacker search turned panty raid gone bad incident."

"When did he do that?" The older man asks in complete surprise.

"Doesn't matter." Tim replies. "Water under the bridge."

"Right. What does matter is that you don't let that punk or anyone else stop you from doing what you obviously enjoyed doing and were damned good at!" Tony declares firmly, obviously agreeing with Tim's determination to keep moving forward, only speaking of the past to learn from it. "including me!"

"Hmm. That's almost word for word what a certain someone told me right about the time he told me to completely disregard anything that had come out of your mouth back then." Tim teases his friend since the opportunity has presented itself so openly.

"Good!" Tony declares with all seriousness. "I'm glad you listened to him, Tim. And I am sorry for all that crap I pulled. You got hurt before we stopped acting like bullies, didn't you?"

"First book Tony, not the second. And it's water under the bridge. I accept and appreciate your apology, but it's time to get back to the present. Okay?"

"Yeah?" Tony double-checks as he hits the elevator button for their ride.

"Yeah!" Tim seconds as the doors to the box open up and they both get on it, changing the topic of discussion to the last case the MCRT caught not too long ago.

*****NCIS*********

"Where ya been, DiNozzo?" Gibbs asks at half the strength of his old bark as the Senior Field Agent strolls in from the elevator.

'Lunch with Tim Sorry, we kinda got into an important discussion that we couldn't just drop. If you know what I mean, boss."

"Uh-huh. Don't let it happen again." The Team Leader warns. "Get crackin' on that assignment I left for ya."

"On it Boss." Tony answers as he gets comfortable and opens the file. "Wait, oh, man. Seriously Boss? Updating the electronic files?"

"Got plenty of old files needing to go in there, DiNozzo. Only way any database we need to access is ever gonna get a shot at being complete." The boss patiently reminds him. Mentally, he marvels at hs patience, despite his mind being in an angry turmoil. It's yet another illustration of Tim's positive influence on him.

"I know. I know. I don't have to like it though. "

"Well, you're right about that. So long as ya get it done."

"Will it cheer you up, Tony, to know that Cybercrimes is also working on this?" Ziva offers her teammate.

"Seriously?" Tony asks in shock.

"In their slow times, DiNozzo, yes." Gibbs replies. "You, however, are gonna be doin' it full time if you don't get that box done before quittin' time."

"Yes, Boss. I'm on it!" Tony's enthusiasm sounds almost real this time so he's left alone to get busy.

****************NCIS************

Afternoon break time and Gibbs is nowhere to be found when Tony finally looks up from the fifth file he's input into the system. "Coffee run already?" He asks Ziva.

"It is nearly 1400, Tony" Ziva informs him.

"Oh." Getting to his feet, he approaches her desk. "Ziva. Did you ever talk to Tim about the crappy way we treated him that week we found out about his first book?"

"Not that I remember. Why?"

"Well, because of the crappy way we treated him." Tony pushes. "And me, with the second book. Man I was a jerk!"

"Tony, I do…."

"Ziva, we physically hurt him that week after we found out about his first book– between our driving, our breaking…hell, he had to wear an ice pack on his neck while he worked a crime scene because of us!"

"You mean because of me. I am the one who drove us to that crime scene, yes?" Ziva pointedly states.

"There a reason you're dragging this out into the present, DiNozzo?" Gibbs asks unexpectedly as he arrives back in the squad room, his tone quiet as he approaches them and stops next to his Senior Field Agent,

Knowing the boss is doing what he can to keep this discussion just between the three of them, Tony keeps his voice down as he answers the man. "It came up with Tim and me earlier and it kinda bugs me a little."

Gibbs cocks his head at him in that way that says he doesn't quite believe the line he's being fed.

"Okay it bugs me a lot."

"Water under the bridge, DiNozzo."

"Yeah, that's what Tim said."

"That why you're lettin' it bug you now?"

"No, Gibbs! It's buggin' me now, because it shouldn'ta happened!"

Sighing deeply, Gibbs steps closer to his agent. "Kinda thought we covered all this the night Tim took it out on the bag in the gym, Tony. I can promise you, that's where he left it - all of it."

Tony swallows hard. "Yeah."

"How'd it come up today?"

"Asked him if he was busy Saturday night. He told me he was going out with his writing buddies – and it just rolled from there."

"Uh-huh. And Tim's response when he noticed it was buggin' ya?"

"Like I said, Boss. He said the same thing you just did. It's like an echo around here."

"Tim's got his own mind, DiNozzo You know that."

"Said you helped him get back into it" Tony's reply comes dangerously close to sounding like an accusation.

"Not by puttin' words in his mouth!"

"Sorry, Boss. It's just he had some serious obstacles with the second book and yet somehow he's overcome them enough to be able to pick it back up again." Tony tries to explain his doubt.

"Has he not always been able to forgive and move on, Tony?" Ziva asks in confusion. "Is this not who Tim McGee is?'"

"Well, yeah." Tony admits, "He's a people pleaser. But I'm talkiin' about worries, deep ones, not forgiveness, Ziva.""

Gibbs replies with a quiet "Mmmm Hmmm." He gives Tony the look that questions what the real problem is.

"I just can't believe how I treated him, that's all."

"You mean how 'we' treated him." Ziva states.

"Tony, if it still bothered Tim, don'tcha think he woulda told ya already?" Gibbs pushed.

"Yeah. I guess he would have, now that he's matured and grown a thicker skin and tougher backbone." Tony admits.

"Yeah, well, we all weren't born with one made of steel, DiNozzo." Gibbs teases, knowing that Tony's had to work hard to foster that steel-like exterior of his that has mellowed with age.

"But, you were, right Boss?" Tony smirks.

Gibbs huffs a laugh. "Maybe I was." He gets pensive when what he's just said to Tony comes back around to the forefront of his mind. 'If it still bothered Tim, he'd a told you already.'

*********NCIS********

Finally making it home that night at the less than reasonable 1900 hours, Leroy's tired, still angry with himself and genuinely concerned about the possibility that Tim's been 'settling' for things just to make him happy instead of speaking up for what he, himself really wants. Is Penny right? How can he fix this?

All of that slips away at the treat his five senses are given as he enters the house. The lights are lowered with candelights casting sensual shadows around the rooms, mellow romantic music is playing through the house, on surround sound just loud enough to be background music and the aroma of a good old fashioned pot roast guiding him into the kitchen where the man who obviously loves him deeply, is waiting for him with a piping hot, fresh cup of coffee, just the way he likes it and dinner on the table.

Accepting the coffee with a smile of thanks, he kisses Tim on the lips carefully, to not spill the hot liquid. "You're spoilin' me, Tim."

"You deserve to be spoiled, Leroy." Tim remarks with genuine affection in his tone.

Leroy looks at him with scrutiny. He doesn't like the edge he hears in Tim's tone.

Uncomfortable with the scrutiny because it means spilling what's on his mind and he really doesn't wanna do that if it isn't something Leroy wants to tell him on his own. Tim falls back on the one they trade of on every night. "How was your day?"

"Different." Leroy admits quietly.

"Different how?"

"First time I've ever been asked to have coffee with Penny on the yard – in the middle of the day."

"She okay?"

"Wasn't meeting me to talk about her. She's fine. Unless you consider being worried that I haven't made enough room in my life for you, fine."

Tim sets his fork down on his plate and sighs. "She shouldn't have done that."

"She's lookin' out for you, Tim. Can't blame her for that."

"Why didn't she talk to us about it the last time we got together for dinner? If she's so concerned about this, why is this the first we're hearing about it?

"Tim?" Leroy tries to calm the younger man.

"I'm sorry. It's just frustrating when you're trying to do something right and everyone keeps messin' with it by stickin' their two cents into it or demanding that we do things their way!"

"This have anything to do with why you didn't want us to meet with them for dinner at your place?" Leroy asks him quietly. He knows Tim is just venting, not seriously lacking in appreciation for the efforts of his friends. But, since this is headed exactly where he needs it to go, the older man keeps a guiding hand on the path the conversation is taking.

Tim nods as he admits it "Yeah."

"Talk to me, luv. What's goin' on in that intelligent head of yours?" Leroy sets his fork down and eases his plate away from him, reaching across the table for Tim's hand with his own.

"I just figured if we weren't in my apartment, the topic wouldn't come up of why I was still keeping it."

"Go on."

Glancing away from Leroy now, Tim keeps going with baring his soul about this. "If it didn't get brought up, we wouldn't have to screw around with what's working. Perfectly."

"Oh, Tim."

"Pathetic, I know." Tim eases his hand from Leroy's and stands to his feet, heading to the coffee maker for a refill on his coffee that's he's barely even taken three sips from.

Sighing, Leroy gets up, picks up both dinner plates and sets them in the oven, turning it on warm. Wrapping his arm around Tim's shoulders, he guides him out of the kitchen and into the living room. "C'mon. Let's get comfortable and talk about this."

Silently, Tim capitulates, walking along side the older man until they come to the couch. Sitting together, Tim sighs now.

"Okay. Tell me why you think what we have is so fragile that anyone else's two cents will ruin it." Leroy asks with a hint of disappointment in his tone.

"That's not what I meant."

"Fair enough. What did you mean?'"

"I didn't want anyone pushing you to make any more changes than you're willing to make on your own. I still don't."

"Even if I need that push to get off my ass and treat you better?"

"How could you possibly treat me better than you already do, Leroy?" Tim is both baffled and upset at the idea of anyone telling this man that he's not doing a good enough job loving him. The fact that his beloved Penny is the one doing it, is even more upsetting.

"Look around this room, Tim." His lover requests seriously.

"It's the living room. Where we spend a lot of our time together."

"Whose living room are you talking about?"

Tim sighs. "Ok. I get what you're saying."

"And you're okay with that?"

"Leroy, if I wasn't, I would have said something." Tim reminds him.

"You have no problem not having your things here to make this your home, too?" Leroy pushes.

"There are a few things I wouldn't mind replacing, but only because yours are so outdated and on the small side for what we need."

"Why haven't you said anything?"

"Because I wanted to surprise you when I changed them out?"

Gibbs smiles.

"Leroy. You're worried because Penny's upset that I still have my apartment and haven't moved in here lock, stock and barrel. But why would I? My apartment lease has two more months on it and would cost me a lot more to break it than it will to wait. By the time that two months is up, I'm sure we will have talked about it at some point."

"So you're not 'settling' because you don't wanna rock the boat?"

"Aren't you the one showing me how to speak up – say exactly what's on my mind?"

"Damn sure tryin'" Leroy jokes.

Now its Tim who's giving the look that silently asks the question: so what's the problem?''

Before Leroy can even formulate a response, Tim picks up his hand and holds it with one of his own, placing his other hand over the older man's heart. "Everything that matters most to me, outside of Sarah and Penny, is right here!"

Wrapping his free arm around the younger man, Leroy pulls him closer to him, hugging him tight, "Love you, too. Tim."


A/N: WARNING - Next Chapter - Is an explicit behind closed doors only scene - with talk and inclusion of fingers and toys - for our couple.

it can be skipped entirely.

it's a character building only - but not necessary to the story

- unless that's part of what makes this relationship special for you