Title: Love is...Unexpected Packages

Summary: Although Gibbs knows Tony has feelings for him, Gibbs has never examined his own feeling for Tony. Gibbs is about to be forced to do just that.

As always feedback is appreciated and welcomed.

Extra special thanks to Cookie62 for beta reading for me!

"Gibbs is seeing someone, yes" Ziva said leaning over Tony's desk.

"Definitely, Bossman's got a new squeeze. She picked him up again yesterday after work." Tony said.

"She is a red-head, yes?" Ziva grinned.

DiNozzo put up his hands up as if to say, come on of course.

McGee came walking into the bullpen, looking guilty.

The two other agents look up at him.

Tony rolled his eyes, "Probie. When you are doing undercover work you can't look so guilty all the time."

"You realize Gibbs will kill me if he finds out about this," He said sounding more scared than he had planned, "I mean serious. Not like ha ha he would kill me, but cut me up into little pieces and kill me."

"Probie just give me the damn paper." Tony said ripping the paper from McGee's hands.

He scanned it quickly, "Ashley Davis, orthopedic surgeon...ooh Bossman trying on a younger model is he."

"How young?" Ziva asked coming around to look at the paper.

"Tony, that is not that young."

"Yeah, but Bossman's over 50, that's 16 years difference. Pretty big gap." Tony said raising his eyebrows. Never thought Gibbs would go that young.

Tony had gotten the license plate number on the car that had been picking up Gibbs and had convinced McGee to find out who it belonged to. Tony had not been prepared for this.

"And Ashley. That makes me think of some twelve year cheerleader."

Ziva rolled her eyes, "Stop fantasizing about cheerleaders."

Tony smiled, "Cheerleaders." He looked as though lost in some fantasy. Always keeping up the charade to hide his true feelings.

Ziva and Tony continued to read, Harvard Medical School, current Assistant Head of Orthopedic Surgery at Georgetown University hospital. Impressive.

The two finished reading and handed the paper back to McGee.

"Destroy the evidence McGeek."

McGee took the paper to the shredder and felt the relief wash over him as the paper became a mass of unrecognizable bits.

"Why do you even care Tony?" McGee asked as he sat down at his desk.

"Probie even in the dating scene you have to have your boss's back." Ok it was a lame excuse but what was Tony suppose to say that he wanted to size up the competition.

McGee rolled his eyes and went back to work.

Tony was still letting all the information set in. Gibbs didn't go for the younger ladies, seemed all his ex-wives had been around his age. Even that red-head awhile back had seemed to be around Gibbs own age. Must have decided that wasn't working and tried something new. Tony knew nothing would ever come of his feelings for Gibbs. Didn't mean he had to like it when Gibbs had a new woman. Although Tony knew in his heart that Gibbs wasn't the switch hitter type, a man could always dream.

Tony hated feeling this way. It was like some betrayal to Gibbs, having these emotions. Gibbs trusted him and Tony hated keeping secrets from the one man that had always been honest with him. Still you can't always control how you feel. All Tony could do was continue to do what he had been doing. Hiding it.

"What ya got for me." Gibbs barked as he walked into the bullpen.

"Reports are on your desk," Ziva answered first.

"Abby finished up with evidence. It's already in lock up." Tony added.

"Ducky released the body about an hour ago." McGee finished.

"Good." Gibbs said. He hated having to be in a meeting all day, any meeting was about politics and he hated politics.

"Then go home." Gibbs said as he looked over a report.

All three looked at the clock it was only 1630.

"Go before I change my mind." Gibbs added. McGee and Ziva were already making their way to the elevator. They looked at Tony and he waved them on.

"You deaf DiNozzo?" Gibbs said not looking up from his report.

"No Boss. Just need to finish up a couple things."

At that Gibbs looked up giving Tony that famous Gibbs stare. The one that always made Tony shiver a little in side.

Tony got the hint."Right Boss. Leaving." as Tony grabbed his things Gibbs was shutting down his computer and standing up.

Tony walked over to the elevator expecting Gibbs to be heading that way. Instead Gibbs headed down the steps.

The elevator seemed painfully slow. Tony was hoping to catch another glimpse of Gibbs mystery woman. As he stepped out in front of the building Gibbs was climbing into the BMW. Gibbs caught Tony out of the corner of his eye, looked at him for a brief moment then disappeared into the car. Tony could see Ashley through the windshield. She smiled at Tony and then turned her attention to Gibbs as he got in and kissed her cheek.

Tony watched the car pull away. God I hate red-heads. Tony thought to himself

"So was that one of your Agents?" Ashley asked.

Gibbs looked puzzled.

"The man standing there, when we were pulling away."

"Un huh."

"Was it DiNozzo ?" She asked.

"Un huh." Gibbs nodded.

"He's cute. I can see why the ladies go for him."

Gibbs raised an eyebrow at her.

She laughed, "Not my type."

"And your type is?" He asked.

"About 6 ft. gray hair, hard as nails."

Gibbs just smirked and nodded.

"Am I ever going to get to meet them?"

"Who," Gibbs acted clueless.

"Jethro really?" she shook her head, "We've been dating over a month. I was hoping by now you would like me to meet some of your friends."

"I don't like to mix business with pleasure."

"I got that. I think I've heard you mention Ziva like twice, McGee about the same. Tony maybe five or six. I know you can't talk about your work with me but Jethro-"

"Ashley, please," it actually sounded like a plea. "Can we just go have a nice dinner?"

She dropped it, as she always did when they were on this conversation.

"Leon, I don't like this too many civilians at something like this for us to be there in a social capacity."

"That's the only way we get in."

This was Admiral Coty's retirement party. NCIS wanted in because there had been some threats made against the Admiral and no one wanted to take any chances.

"The Admiral does not want this to turn into a three ring circus and he wants everyone to look like they are there to attend his party not to protect him. He already has two guards."

"And if everyone believed they could do their job we wouldn't be going."

Vance smiled, "This is the way it has to be, which means everyone is to have a date."

"Can Ziva at least attend with McGee or DiNozzo? It at least lets me have two Agents watching each other's back."

"Fine but everyone else has a date and that includes you."

"Yeah, kinda got that Leon."

"You only have a week. Can you pull off a date in that short a period?"

As Gibbs was walking out the door he replied, "I think I'll manage."

Vance smiled as the door closed. He was giving Gibbs a hard time. The scuttle butt was that Gibbs had found a new red-head and Vance was interested to see if she would make an appearance.

Gibbs made his way into the bullpen file in hand.

"Got a case." He said as he leaned against his desk.

The three offices started to grab their gear and Gibbs held up his hand.

"Undercover at Admiral Coty's retirement next weekend."

"Yes!" Tony grinned. He loved undercover work.

"Tony and Ziva you two are going together so try and pretend like you like each other." he said exchanging glances with the both, "You are just two NCIS agents attending a function together. Got it?"

"Got it boss." Tony nodded. Ziva nodded along with him.

Gibbs turned to McGee, "You need a date and not Abby. I don't want her anywhere near this. Understand?"

McGee nodded.

"Oh come on Boss, let Ziva go with McGee and I'll go with a date."

Gibbs walked over and smacked him on the back of the head.

"I want you focused not worrying about getting laid, DiNozzo."

"Right, Boss." Tony said shutting up.

"McGee and I will be in the crowd." Gibbs looked at Tony, "I want you and Ziva to check out the second floor."

"And if anything, I mean anything looks out of place. Even the dust you let me know."

The two agents nodded.

"This is just a precaution and we are just to look like agents attending a Navy Admiral's retirement and not like we are on duty. Understood?"

'Got ya Boss' rang up around him.

"Right as of now we meet here 1800 Friday night. Be in the clothes you will be wearing or bring them to change into."

The week had been long, case after case, but it was finally Friday. Tony had just stepped out of the shower and pulled his tuxedo from the closet. The team had been given Friday morning off since they would be working all night at the retirement party. As he had all week Tony wondered if Gibbs would be bringing Miss Ashley to the gathering. Seemed pretty obvious they were all supposed to have dates. This was going to be a long frustrating night. Tony had hoped to take a date not because he wanted to get laid as Gibbs had said, but because he wanted something else to concentrate on other than Gibbs. Gibbs in a tux was very distracting, very distracting. What was it about a man in a tux? About Gibbs in a Tux? Tony shook his head but this was work and Tony knew how to separate his job and his feeling for Gibbs. He'd had 6 years to prefect it.

When Tony arrived at NCIS Ziva was already there and looked beautiful in a midnight blue skin tight dress. The hem almost touching the floor and the back of the dress cut in a revealing vee. In that kind of dress Tony knew she had her gun strapped to one leg and a knife to the other. McGee even looked good in his tux. As he walked up to the other two agents he nodded, "No Gibbs yet?"

"He is up with the director." Ziva said as she pushed the earpiece into her right ear.

"You look beautiful Ziva," Tony said as he walked up to her, "Love the thought of you only having a gun and knife under there."

She rolled her eyes, "All I need are my hands to break you in two Tony."

Her attention was pulled up to the stair leadings to MTAC and the Directors office. Gibbs was descending the stairs. She had to admit he was handsome.

Tony glanced over his shoulder. There was that distraction factor. Gibbs in a Tux. The tux obviously tailored to suit him it hugged his frame like a second skin. He reminded Tony of Gerald O'Hara in Gone with the Wind or Sean Connery in 007. Gibbs had that same air about him. It was as if he didn't realize how attractive he was and woman and men loved that.

"Everyone ready," Gibbs asked as he arrived next to his agents.

Ziva and McGee both said yes.

Gibbs looked at Tony. The younger man looked lost in thought somewhere.

"DINOZZO ." Gibbs said with a slap to the back of the head.

"Yeah boss, good boss." Damn it, Tony thought to himself having let his thoughts get away from him.

They went over everything again just to make sure everything was clear.

"Let's go." Gibbs said.

"McGee, our dates are down stairs waiting."

The three agents exchanged looks.

Gibbs saw it, "What, I'm a dapper guy I can get a date." He smirked.

The fact was Gibbs hated nothing more than having to take a date; first because they were technically working, and second because he didn't like mixing business and pleasure. Ashley had been all too thrilled that he was finally taking her to a function that had anything to do with his work. Although both McGee's date and Ashley had to be told that this was a working event neither knew to what extent. He didn't like putting anyone he cared about in harm's way, but civilians were even worse. Agents were trained to know how to handle things if something went wrong, civilians were not. And there were going to be a lot of civilians here tonight. That put Gibbs on edge and he didn't like it.

The four of them arrived down stairs and there were three cars out front. Three plain black agency cars - one of which held McGee's and Gibbs' dates. The agency had set it up to pick the women up. Gibbs, DiNozzo and McGee would drive. If anything did go wrong, a driver would take the women home, not having to worry about anyone's personal cars.

Walking over to the back passenger side door, the agency driver opened it up. McGee's date stepped out first. The three other agents smiling and nodding at her as she emerged. She was an attractive young blond. Her long blond hair was arranged in an up-do. She wore an elegant dress of pure silver, very similar to Ziva's except it had a less revealing back. The woman smiled as McGee came over and took her hand.

"Everyone this is Leslie." McGee smiled, "Agent DiNozzo, Agent David and Agent Gibbs." McGee said as he introduced each one. She smiled and nodded hello.

Gibbs stepped up to the car door and accepted the hand that was reaching out. The woman that emerged was beautiful. Her long red-hair flowing down to almost the middle of her back. The sides having been pulled up at the temple and held to the back of her head with two long black Chinese hair sticks. Her dress was a deep jade green almost the color of her eyes. It stopped just below her knees and had a straight neck line. But as she fully emerged everyone could see that the back was completely open, the v stopping at her very lower back. She looked up at Gibbs with the brightest smile and affection. Her smile reminded Ziva of a female version of Tony's and she half chuckled under her breath.

Then she smiled towards the others.

"Ok, let's get going." Gibbs said as he wrapped Ashley's arm through his.

"Jethro, don't be so rude. You can at least introduce me."

Gibbs groaned internally, he hated this.

"Ashley, DiNozzo, McGee and David." He said nodding at each of his agents.

The three nodded and smiled.

"It's such a pleasure to meet you all." Ashley beamed.

She held out her hand first to Ziva, "Agent David you're as beautiful as Jethro said you were."

Ziva shook her hand and actually blushed at the comment.

"Thank you and please call me Ziva."

Ashley nodded then offered her hand to McGee.

"Agent McGee. I hear that you are the master of computers."

McGee smiled, "Please, Tim."

Then she turned to Tony.

"And you must be the famous Agent DiNozzo."

Tony forced a smile and kissed her hand waiting for the obvious statement she would make about him. Always good with the ladies. It's all anyone ever said about him.

Instead she stepped forward and kissed his cheek and spoke softly in his ear.

Tony's eyes went wide, then softened. When Ashley stepped back he simple nodded and with a real smile this time said, "Please call me Tony."

Her smile radiated back to him and she nodded.

"Everybody happy now. We need to go." Gibbs pointed to his three agents to get in their respective cars. And with that the three cars pulled away.

"She is very attractive." Ziva said after there had been a very long silence.

"Who?" Tony said as he kept staring at the road.

"Ashley."

"Yes she is." Tony answered.

Ziva gave it a moment then looked at Tony

"Yet you have no other comment. Like you can't believe Gibbs got such a hottie or some other inappropriate thing." Ziva was confused.

"No," he said, "I'm sure Bossman has mad skills."

"Are you sick Tony?" She went to put her hand to his forehead.

He slapped it away harder than he had intended and she gave him a harsh stare.

"Sorry." He said, "Trying to drive."

Tony didn't want to talk about this. He just wanted to get to their destination do the job and go home. He did not want to think about Ashley or Gibbs or Ashley and Gibbs. Unfortunately it kept creeping into his head. She was beautiful. I mean strikingly beautiful, movie star beautiful. But he understood why a beautiful woman would be attracted to Gibbs.

Then he thought about what she had said to him. Had Gibbs really said that about him? Seemed a little un-Gibbs that he would have said that about him.

"Are you sure you are fine?" Ziva asked.

"Fine Ziva, let it go."

The three cars pulled up moments apart. Each man opening the door for their date and then they made their way in, trying to keep some distance between them.

Once all of them were inside the agents took their places. Ziva and Tony heading towards the second floor, McGee and his date towards the front of the hall, and Gibbs and Ashley towards the door.

A waiter passed by Gibbs and Ashley offering them champagne from a tray. Gibbs took one and handed it to Ashley with a smile.

"Thank you." She smiled back.

A number of different people that knew Gibbs approached. There were introductions and after awhile when Ashley and another couple started talking Gibbs stepped away momentarily.

"Tony, Ziva. Talk to me."

"Nothing out of place up stairs boss." DiNozzo's voice rang in Gibbs ear.

"There is nothing Gibbs." Ziva added.

"Then do a final sweep and get down here.

The night had been uneventful. And Gibbs had finally relaxed slightly. Ashley seemed to be a hit with the Navy higher ups. And why wouldn't she. She was beautiful, intelligent and outgoing. The perfect makings of ex-wife number 5. Although she was much younger than all his ex-wives she could have easily held her own with any of them.

Putting his head back in the game, Gibbs scanned the room for the hundredth time, noting his agent's locations. Tony was off to the right hand corner of the stage where Admiral Coty would enter and accepted some retirement award. Ziva was on the left corner where the Admiral would exit. McGee and Leslie were in the middle of the room and Gibbs and Ashley were towards the rear by the door.

Applause went up as a General stepped on stage and introduced Admiral Coty. The Admiral was standing at the side of the stage with his aide who was running over the speech again. The Admiral nodded and then made his way on stage to thunderous applause. Gibbs could see Tony's eyes trained on the man as he made the short walk across the stage. Ziva and McGee scanning the rest of the area around the stage. Gibbs doing the same.

Coty began talking. As he made a few jokes there was laughter and applause, laughter, applause, then quiet as he continued to speak. Tony was listening, his eyes trained on the Admiral, but a glimmer of something caught his attention out of the corner of his left eye. He looked over at the aide who was still standing at the side of the stage seemingly listening to the Admiral speak. The aide had a long black coat thrown over his right hand and as Tony looked down he saw the silencer of the gun just visible from under the fabric. Tony drew his weapon then everything was a blur.

"GUN!" Rang out from Tony's position.

"DOWN" Rang out from Gibbs, Ziva and McGee.

Gibbs pushed Ashley to the floor as people ducked.

The Admiral was rushed off the stage by his security people.

Then one shot, then another, then three almost in sync.

The aide fell back from the impact.

Gibbs saw two other people in the crowd standing. McGee and Ziva guns still poised on the fallen aide.

"DINOZZO ." Gibbs yelled and was already running towards Tony's position, "DINOZZO - TALK TO ME."

Security was already clearing the area.

Gibbs pushed his way through the people now trying to get out.

"MCGEE, call the bus. Ziva, everyone out." Gibbs yelled.

As Gibbs ran he felt the familiar knot form in the pit of his stomach and the bile raise in his throat. The adrenalin fueled blood pumped through him making his ears ring. He felt like he was in slow motion like he couldn't get there fast enough.

"TONY," Gibbs yelled as he finally reached the man sliding to his knees next to him.

"Boss" Tony answered.

"Where?"

"Upper arm."

"Fingers?"

"Moving."

"Through and Through?"

"Yeah"

Gibbs found the entrance wound. It was on his right upper arm, almost at his arm pit. Gibbs had a hand on the entrance and exit points and pushed hard trying to stop the bleeding. His heart was still racing and he fought to make his hands not shake. The adrenaline would not stop, his heart would not be calmed until the blood stopped dripping from Tony and he knew the man safe.

"You OK?"

"Been better."

Gibbs forced a smile, "Yeah, bullet will do that to you."

Gibbs, McGee and Ziva were sitting in the waiting room for the doctor to come out and let them know how Tony was doing. Abby was at the lab dealing with the forensics and Ducky was in the morgue dealing with the body. From what they had so far, the aide had been a plant by a terrorist group to take out Admiral Coty because of his involvement in the death or capture of several of their agents. The five shots. The first had been Tony's hitting the chest of the aide. The second the bullet released from the aide's gun when Tony's shot had thrown him back and turned him around. The last three, one each from Gibbs, Ziva and McGee as they saw Tony's target and fired to take him down.

"Leslie ok?" Gibbs asked McGee as the man got off the phone.

"Little shook up but she's ok. She's staying with her mom tonight."

"Ashley?"

"Driver said he dropped her off at home. She seemed fine. I need to give her a call." and with that Gibbs got up and stepped down the hall from the waiting room.

He dialed the number.

"Jethro are you ok?" Ashley's voice answered.

"I'm fine you ok?" The concern clear in his voice.

"I'm fine."

"Are you sure. Maybe you shouldn't be alone tonight. Maybe you should stay with a friend."

"Jethro I'm fine. No one was shooting at me, I wasn't the target."

He smiled, "The target. You've been listening to me too long."

She chuckled, "So I take it this means you wouldn't be coming over tonight?"

"Can't. Not with an agent down."

"Is Tony ok?" She asked.

"He'll live."

"Promise you'll call me tomorrow."

"I will, gotta go."

Gibbs returned to the waiting room just as a doctor was coming out.

"Everything okay Doc?" Gibbs asked.

"Fine. The bullet was a clean through and through. It's going to hurt like a son of a bitch and he'll be in a sling for awhile but otherwise I don't see any lasting issues."

The sigh of relief filled the room.

"Can we see him?" Gibbs asked.

"Actually he is going to be released as long as someone can stay with him for the next couple of days. We've given him some heavy pain meds. He just needs to sleep."

"He can stay with me." Gibbs said.

Ziva and McGee looked at Gibbs clearly surprised at his offering

He glared at them. "Does anyone else have only three steps to get into their house?" He said more as a statement than a question.

"Do either of you wanna drag a drugged DiNozzo up the stairs to your apartment or his own?"

"Gotcha Boss." McGee nodded.

Gibbs put his hands on his hips, "And why is it all of you live on like, the eighth floor."

McGee and Ziva had to laugh. It was true they all lived in apartment buildings on a higher level floor and no elevators.

"McGee, go over to Tony's place and pick up a few things and take to my place. Ziva head back to NCIS let Abby and Duck know what's going on." he paused, "I'll call the director."

The agents nodded and took off.

"McGee." Gibbs shouted out.

"Yeah boss."

"Get the TV from the basement and hook it up in the down stairs bedroom."

McGee nodded.

This night was not turning out as he expected.

"I think our patient is ready to get out of here." The nurse said as she wheeled Tony out.

"Boss what you doing still here. Figured it was McGee waiting for me."

"Sorry DiNozzo." Gibbs said.

The nurse handed Gibbs some papers and a small bottle. Heavy doses of painkillers for the next two days, there was a script for lighter ones for after that and his list of things he wasn't allowed to do for a few days.

Gibbs nodded.

"I'm fine boss just need to sleep."

"I know that DiNozzo and that is what you will do. At my place." He said staring down at Tony.

"I don't need you with a concussion from falling down the stairs to go along with the bullet hole."

"Gotcha boss."

Tony was asleep almost the moment he sat down in the car and was still sound asleep when they pulled into Gibbs driveway.

Parking the car Gibbs made his way to the passenger side before waking Tony up.

"DiNozzo."

"Boss." Tony looked around, "Wow that is some good stuff, I don't remember anything about the drive. Which when driving with you is a blessing."

Gibbs grinned and shook his head. "You okay to walk?"

Tony nodded as Gibbs offered him a hand, pulling him out of the car.

Gibbs stayed by Tony's side just in case, although slightly unsteady he made it inside before actually stumbling.

Gibbs caught him grabbing Tony around the waist and supporting his weight.

"Put your arm around me." Gibbs said.

Tony was in no mood to argue as he let Gibbs practically carry him to the spare bedroom.

Again Tony was already asleep as Gibbs put him as gently as possible on the bed.

Gibbs shook his head. He removed Tony's shoes and then grabbed the blanket from the end of the bed and threw it over the now snoring form. Gibbs left the door slightly open as he left and made his way to the kitchen.

Coffee and maybe the boat. But coffee first. Gibbs started the coffee then pulled his phone from his pocket. Five missed calls and five messages. One from Ziva, one from McGee, two from Abby and one from Ashley.

He called the voicemail and sat down at the table. Ziva's message to let him know everything was fine, she had spoken to Abby and Duck who sent Tony there love, McGee saying he had done as instructed. Abby calling about Tony. Ashley saying she missed him and hoped he and Tony were ok. He pushed the phone shut.

"Uhm, Gibbs."

It was a whisper but Gibbs had heard his name. He was sure of it.

He made his way to the spare bedroom and pushed the door open farther

Tony was sound asleep. Gibbs turned to go.

"Ummm Gibbs." came from Tony again.

Gibbs paused

"Please, just do it." Tony said his voice almost a growl. "Gibbs"

Gibbs raised an eyebrow.

"God yes."

Gibbs smirked and shook his head as he pulled the door almost closed and went back to the kitchen for his coffee. After pouring himself a cup he made his way into the living room and slumped down on the couch. God it felt good.

"Oh, Gibbs" the whisper again.

As Gibbs went to get up he stopped realizing Tony my still be dreaming.

"Oh, God!"

Still dreaming, Gibbs thought to himself as he settled back and took another sip of the black liquid.

"Fuck me."

Gibbs almost choked on the mouthful of coffee he had. Seriously Tony this is what you dream about? Gibbs thought to himself. After he finally swallowed and cleared his throat he rubbed his forehead. This was going to be a long couple days if Gibbs had to keep listening to this. Gibbs had known about Tony's feelings for him for about eight months. Not that Tony was obvious about it, it was just that Gibbs had been an agent long enough and knew Tony well enough to know the signs. He doubted anyone else had a clue. Tony was discrete.

"God yes Gibbs"

Although evidently not so discrete in his dreams. Gibbs thought. At least Tony wasn't calling him Boss or Bossman in the dreams.

Tony's feelings didn't bother Gibbs. Tony was one of the best agents Gibbs knew and although Gibbs teased him about focusing, when it came time to knuckle down Tony was always spot on. He trusted Tony with his life, always would. Plus it was normal for subordinates to get crushes on their superiors. Although Gibbs had been surprised that Tony was gay or bi whatever, it didn't matter. Gibbs had been more surprised that Tony would be interested in him. Tony was young could have probably about any woman or man he wanted. Why the hell want a old, worn down, grumpy Marine. Gibbs wasn't putting himself down in any way. He knew he was a decent looking man, but still.

"More, god yes."

Gibbs ran his hand through his hair and looked at his watch, 45 minutes. DiNozzo was giving Gibbs a lot of credit in those dreams. Gibbs was good, but he didn't think he was that good. Guess that's why they call them dreams. That's always the problem isn't it, dreams never live up to reality. Gibbs had found that out more than once, i.e. three ex wives. A relationship is hard enough when the two people have normal lives but being an agent makes it even worse. A lot of broken dates and broken promises when you are pretty much always on call. Gibbs chuckled, truth be told he had probably spent more time with DiNozzo than all of his ex-wives put together. Comes with the job. Any cop or agent of any organization will tell you their partner is like a spouse.

Gibbs sighed; Ashley would figure that out as well. There had already been too many nights where he had had to call and cancel because of a case. Give her another month or so of that and she'll have had enough. He had thought a woman in her profession would be more understand. But she was too high up the food chain to have to worry about being on call all the time.

"Gibbs please."

And back to this Gibbs said being pulled from his thoughts by DiNozzo's whimpers again.

Gibbs hadn't realized Tony's feeling were quite this intense. Actually Gibbs had no idea what Tony was really feeling or how long it had been going on. All he really knew was Tony was attracted to him and after hearing his dream had obviously thought about them being together. But what did that mean? Did Tony want a one night stand? Was it just about sex or did he actually think about a relationship. Did he think about them in some kind of long term relationship? Was this about building a life together?

Why the hell are you even thinking about this Gibbs thought to himself.

"Fuck me Gibbs"

Gibbs let his head fall back on the couch. That's why I'm thinking about this.

"Gibbs"

This was ridiculous.

"Gibbs, are you out there?"

Gibbs had a feeling that was not part of a dream. He hurried up and made his way to the spare bedroom.

"You awake."

"Yeah," Tony said sitting up, "How long I been out."

"Few hours."

"Could I get something to drink?"

"Be right back." Gibbs said making his way into the kitchen and into the fridge.

He noticed there were bottled waters, Gatorade, and a few containers of food in the fridge. Gibbs smiled, good man McGee. He grabbed water and a Gatorade and made his way back to the spare room.

"Your pick." Gibbs said holding the bottles in front of DiNozzo.

Tony grabbed the Gatorade opened it and downed half of it.

"Oh, so good." Tony said as a weary smile played across his face.

"Pain ok?" Gibbs asked.

Tony nodded, "I'm good." He lay back down. "Thanks Boss." and with that he was asleep again.

Gibbs stood there for a few moments looking down at Tony sleeping. No man or woman would deny that Tony was attractive. He had those boy next door good looks. Gibbs grinned; Tony was a pretty boy plan and simple. Now a day's men wanted to be like him and women wanted to be with him. And there was an endless supply of women that wanted to be with Anthony DiNozzo. As cocky as he came off a lot of the time, he was a good man, tender and sweet, women loved that. And Gibbs was sure men did as well. It wasn't hard to imagine Tony wanting to be with a man. Even after Tony's reaction to Voss, Gibbs thought it was more about what Voss had done, not that she was a man. Plus, a lot of it Gibbs thought had probably been just for show. After hearing these dreams for the last couple hours, Gibbs was sure it had been for show. But then again,, Gibbs didn't know if Tony had ever been with a man. Maybe these feelings Tony had for Gibbs were something new something the young man had never explored before. Inwardly Gibbs smiled, as much as Gibbs may like that, though he doubted it. Why the hell do you like that though, Gibbs chided himself. He rubbed his hands over his face.

"Please Gibbs, please"

Right on cue, Gibbs thought.

Gibbs suddenly felt upset for standing here and upset having heard Tony's dreams. The man obviously didn't want Gibbs to know about his feelings for him. And Gibbs was certain Tony would not have wanted him to hear these dream induced pleas. Tony would take his feelings to the grave Gibbs was sure of that. What he wasn't sure about was why Tony wouldn't tell him. Was Tony ashamed or embarrassed about his emotions? Gibbs shook his head. No if he was honest with himself he knew why Tony would never tell him about his feelings. Because Tony believed Gibbs could never reciprocate those feeling and Tony would never risk their friendship.

Enough of this, Gibbs said to himself as he turned and left the room hearing a small whimper from Tony as he left.

With his head resting on the back of the couch, his feet on the coffee table, Gibbs had finally fallen asleep. Tony's whimpers and pleas and calling out of Gibbs name having lulled him into some surrealist dream. There were flashes of memories past, head slaps; Tony's lying dying on a bed, Gibbs laying dead on the pier. In between those memories sexually charged images of skin again skin, lips against lips, and heads thrown back screaming in fits of passion. It was both disturbing and arousing. Then another replay of Tony lying dying from the plague, Gibbs standing next to him speaking as he had done when the event had really happened. But then the memory Gibbs had changed, redirected by his unconscious mind. Gibbs lips came down gently and placed a chaste kiss on Tony's lips. The younger man trying desperately to return and hold onto the sensation. Gibbs thinking the whole time how the man had the softest lips he had ever kissed.

"Boss?"

The voice was no more than a whisper in the distance as Gibbs placed another kiss on Tony's lips.

"Boss?"

The unseen voice somehow grabbed a hold of Gibbs conscious mind and jerked him from the dream. Painfully and violently Gibbs was pulled from the dream and into reality, kicking and screaming the whole way.

Gibbs head shot up just as a third Boss rang from down the hall. Gibbs was on his feet almost running to the spare room.

"Tony," He practically slammed the door off its hinges as he broke into the room.

Tony was standing leaning against the bathroom door frame looking at Gibbs with a slightly puzzled expression.

"You ok Boss?" The concern and desperate look on Gibbs face worrying Tony. Not to mention the fact that Gibbs had actually used his first name, something he rarely did.

"Yeah, you?" Gibbs calmed himself. Shaking his head and clearing the visions that had moments earlier been filling his dreams. He made his way to Tony before the man had even answered.

"Made it to the bathroom but not sure I'll make it back to the bed." Tony half smiled.

Gibbs nodded and moved to Tony's left side. Tony put his arm around Gibbs shoulder and Gibbs laced his hand around Tony's waist moving the younger man with ease and grace.

As Tony sat back down on the bed he let out a breath he had been holding.

Gibbs looked at his watch 0554.

"You want another painkiller?"

Tony nodded, "Yeah, think that might be a good idea."

Gibbs grabbed the bottle from the bedside stand and dispensed two to Tony. As Gibbs went to grab the left over Gatorade from the stand, Tony reached for it at the same time. Tony's hand coming to rest on Gibbs. For a moment there was silence and stillness. Both men seemed afraid to move.

Finally Tony spoke, "I got it Boss."

"Right." Gibbs pulled his hand away quickly pumping his fingers into a fist as he withdrew them.

Tony took the pills and eased himself back down into the comfort of the bed.

"Thanks Boss."

Gibbs nodded.

"Seriously, this is above and beyond call of duty." Tony added.

"Don't get used to it." Gibbs smirked.

"Yeah, a hovering, caring Gibbs isn't really in your chemical make-up is it." Tony spoke it with a teasing smile.

Gibbs chuckled. "Only for you DiNozzo, only you." and with that Gibbs turned and left the room.

Tony stared out the door long after Gibbs had disappeared. Nothing about Gibbs response had been unusual, that was Gibbs sense of humor. Just as when he had told Tony he was irreplaceable. The thoughts that made Tony stare out the door were ones of wishing Gibbs had not said it as a joke but as an actual caring statement.

Tony sighed. The thought of spending too much time at Gibbs, in his house, with him so close, alone made Tony uneasy. It was hard enough keeping himself in check at work this was going to be a test of his abilities that he wasn't sure he was ready for. No he knew he wasn't ready for.

Gibbs was in the kitchen making coffee on autopilot. He had done it so many times he could do it in the dark half asleep. There would be no more sleep for Gibbs tonight. Partly because he knew his mind was too keyed up and partly because he couldn't handle the dreams again.

He slammed the coffee canister on the counter, his knuckles white where he almost crushed the metal container in his fist.

What the hell is going on Gibbs shouted inside. Then as if unable to control the turmoil going on inside Gibbs threw the coffee container with all his rage against the far wall. It hit hard reverberating throughout the room. The throw had left a mark in the wall and the coffee grounds lay in small pools across the floor.

"Shit." He said suddenly thinking of Tony sleeping just down the hall. Hopefully the outburst hadn't woken him. Gibbs listened silently for a moment for his name, for any stirring noises. He heard nothing, Thank god for small favors.

Gibbs took a deep breath to calm himself and tried to find his center again. After a few moments he felt calm enough to move and he grabbed the broom from the kitchen closet and started cleaning up the coffee grounds.

God he wanted a drink.

He had tried to work on the boat but gave up after twenty minutes of sanding the same spot over and over. Instead he sat on the couch staring at an opened book, having read the same paragraph five times. At least Tony wasn't dreaming or if he was he was doing it in silence. Gibbs glanced at his watch, almost 1300. If Tony didn't wake up soon Gibbs would get some lunch ready then wake Tony up to eat.

But as if he had heard Gibbs internal discussion Tony appeared in the doorway of the living room. Gibbs glanced up.

"Hey Boss."

"Feeling any better."

Tony nodded, "Yeah, still hurts like hell," he said making his way over to the other end of the couch from Gibbs looking steadier on his feet. "But better, sleep helped."

Slumping onto the couch Tony winced slightly. Gibbs felt the pain.

"Hungry?"

"Starving, seriously." Tony said hearing the grumbling his stomach made at the mention of eating.

"McGee picked up some stuff. I'll go see what it is." and with that Gibbs was in the kitchen.

"McGee?" Tony asked towards the kitchen.

"I had him pick up some of your things, they're in your room," Gibbs said as he pulled the containers he had seen earlier from the frig, "Seems he took the initiative to pick up some other things as well."

"Probably afraid I would starve to death if he didn't" Tony grinned.

"I can cook." Gibbs huffed back. He opened the first container, "Some kinda chicken with mushrooms and vegetables." Gibbs opened the second, "Some kinda stuffed pasta with sauce."

Tony perked up and turned slightly to look back at Gibbs, "Are they in white containers with a big red rose on the top.

Gibbs looked at the lid lying on the counter, "Yeah."

Mama Rosa's Pollo allo Cacciatora con Funghi and Agnolotti. Oh Tony seriously owed McGeek for this one.

"Damn, good man that McGee." Tony smiled, "I'll take the pasta one."

Gibbs threw the container in the microwave. When the timer went off he grabbed a fork and walked in putting the container down on the coffee table.

"Thanks." Tony smiled.

Gibbs nodded and took his place at the other end of the couch.

He watched Tony for a minute wondering if he would do okay eating with his left hand. He did. Putting the container in his lap and stabbing pieces of pasta and bringing them to his lips.

As he took the first bit he moaned in pleasure. Gibbs shuffled a little in his seat, having heard too much of that sound last night.

"God this is Heaven, seriously!" Then he was stabbing another piece. Though his mouth was full he was telling Gibbs about Mama Rosa's restaurant and how he had taken McGee and Ziva there one night.

"I told McGee it was my favorite and I ordered both these dishes that night."

Gibbs smiled to himself, Tony obviously touched that McGee had remembered.

For as much as Tony gave McGee a hard time, they were friends, same with Ziva.

After having eaten almost the entire container Tony seemed to realize that Gibbs wasn't eating.

"You want some Boss?"

Gibbs held up his hand, "I'm good."

Tony looked tired as if it had taken all his strength to eat.

"You wanna head back to bed."

"No I'd rather just sit here for awhile. That ok?"

Gibbs shrugged, "Whatever you want."

God if only that were the truth, Tony thought. Then scolded himself for the thought. Here he was thinking things he shouldn't about his boss who had taken him in, something that he had never known Gibbs to do for anyone.

"You'll be ok for just a little bit if I grab a shower?" Gibbs asked.

"Yeah I'll be fine."

"One thing before I do." Gibbs stood up and disappeared for a moment. He returned with another pill and Gatorade.

"You can take this again."

"Yeah," Tony took the pill and Gatorade and swallowed it down.

"I'll only be a few minutes." Gibbs said as he headed up the steps.

Tony let his head flop back on the couch. Tony had never wanted out of a situation as badly as he wanted out of this one, and Tony had been in some bad situation. Spending time with Gibbs wasn't the problem. They were friends, they spent time alone together, it was the situation. Gibbs having to take care of Tony like some wounded child and Tony liking it. How could you not help but like the idea of the man you love taking care of you. Tony heard the water running, an image of Gibbs in the shower suddenly flashing through his mind. He was drowning and no one had his six.

Gibbs let the almost scalding water wash over him, praying it would take with it the troubling thoughts that plaqued him. He put his hands against the wall before him and leaned his head forward the water rushing down his neck, back, butt and legs. He tried to clear his thoughts, to just enjoy the feel of the water against his skin. But questions filled his mind. Why was this suddenly happening? What the hell did it all mean? He had known about Tony's feelings for months, why all of a sudden was he concerned with what those feelings truly were and what they could mean for both of them. Why had he suddenly had this obviously sexual dream about kissing Tony as he lay dying? He half laughed. Could have something to do with hearing the man practically growling out your name all night. But it was more than that. Much more if he let himself admit it.

Gibbs was pulled out of his meandering when he heard Tony's voice.

"Shit."

Although not a yell or scream, it was loud enough that Gibbs heard it through the running water. Without a though Gibbs turned off the water, jumped from the shower pulled a towel around his waist and ran down stairs.

"Tony!"

The name came out with more concern than Gibbs had intended as he took two steps at a time.

When Gibbs reached the bottom he saw Tony sitting on the floor in front of the couch.

"I'm fine; I just slid down when I tried to get up. It's no pr-" Tony's voice caught when he turned and saw the image before him. I dripping wet Gibbs wearing nothing but a towel wrapped around his waist.

OH COME ON, his mind cried out to some unseen force.

Gibbs was suddenly by his side helping him up. His arm wrapped around Tony's waist drawing him against his side. Tony felt the warm water against his shirt.

"I'm fine." It came out harsher than he met it to as he pulled away from Gibbs.

"Really, fine." Tony said this time with a smile and in a softer tone.

Gibbs was still at Tony's side not believing what Tony was saying. With good reason as soon as Tony tried to take a step his knees almost gave out and Gibbs was forced to grab him again. The medication having started to kick in.

"Maybe you could just um, sit me on the couch and go put on some clothes." Tony managed to get out.

As if not understanding the man's comment, Gibbs looked down at himself.

"Tony you have never let your feelings for me get in the way of me helping you, don't start now. I need to get you back into bed." The words came out without thinking about what he had said. Gibbs felt Tony stiff against him.

Damn it. Gibbs thought. Why the hell had he said that?

Not waiting for any reply Gibbs simply half carried half dragged the man to the spare bedroom.

He sat Tony on the side of the bed and stepped back.

"I think I would like to get some more sleep." Tony said letting his upper body fall back onto the bed.

Gibbs stepped forward his hand pushing the hair from Tony's forehead and lingered.

Tony pulled back and Gibbs pulled his hand back as if Tony had slapped it away.

"Tony I didn't mean to-"

Tony looked up at him the man's green eyes looked weary but held no anger.

Gibbs nodded and turned to go. Tony caught him by the forearm, "Gibbs"

Gibbs froze, the name was spoken so soft so sweet, he turned around.

"I can't have you touch me like that when there is no emotion behind it," Tony's eyes were sad but full of resolve, "I can't take that, and it's not fair to me when I want more. Do you understand that?" Tony wasn't sure he made sense any more everything having suddenly been turned upside down.

Gibbs forced a nod, afraid if he tried to speak his voice would fail him.

Tony released the hold he had on Gibbs arm and closed his eyes.

Gibbs walked slowly out of the room pulling the door closed leaving only a thin crack of light drifting into the room.

Gibbs walked away and back upstairs to his own bedroom and into the bathroom. Putting his hands on the sink he looked up at the reflection in the mirror before him. The reflection looked to old and too tired to be his. When had he gotten this old? Gibbs suddenly realized he didn't even know who he was anymore.