THE DISTANCE BETWEEN – CHAPTER ONE

I DO NOT OWN NCIS OR CHARACTERS ON THE SHOW.

Tim didn't know what he had done to get on Gibbs bad side but he must have done it really well. Every search wasn't fast enough, every answer was wrong and every word he spoke seemed to set the man off. At one point Gibbs had even yelled at him to 'DO YOUR JOB, MCGEE' then asked if he could do anything without relying on his 'DAMN COMPUTER'. Gibbs was always hard to deal with when the case involved a child so Tim knew to overlook it. Of course it didn't help that Tony and Ziva were enjoying the show, grateful to not be on the receiving end of Gibb's rampage. Nor did it help that they had shared the disastrous day with Abby. Abby meant well when she came stomping upstairs to offer a hug but it hadn't eased any of the irritation Gibbs was already feeling.

Then Sarah had called with news that her blog had caused some kind of controversy at college. Tim had to call and smooth things over with the dean to keep her from being suspended. Yet another distraction that Gibbs had gotten upset about, telling him to take care of it on his own time; like he had his own time.

It was late by the time the suspect was in custody. Evidence was massive and after a brow-beating by Gibbs, the man had confessed to everything. All that was left was paperwork and that was one area Gibbs did not usually find Tim lacking.

With a tired sigh Tim packed up his gear and wished everyone a good night. Wanting only to take Jethro on a nice walk and then relax, watch some mindless TV, eat cereal for dinner and go to sleep for a month.

Just the idea of Jethro waiting at the door eased some of the tension. Everyone else may seem disappointed in McGee but he knew Jethro loved him no matter what.

Tim sighed, wishing he didn't disappoint the other Jethro quite so much. The distance between Gibbs and McGee seems a mile wide some days.

While he didn't think Gibbs disliked him, he wasn't sure that he actually liked him either. Tim did tend to ramble and Gibbs likes 'to the point' answers. It wasn't done to annoy Gibbs; Tim just found computers fascinating and sometimes forgot not everyone else does. Gibbs is a lot like Tim's dad; both men have no interest in the technical world. While he admires them both, sometimes he wishes they could be proud of what Tim can do. The team takes it as bragging but it's never meant that way; sometimes Tim just feels excited when he can accomplish a task set before him. The computer part doesn't always get acknowledged and sometimes he feels like a dog begging his master for attention. Usually that earns a head-slap or glare from Gibbs and even worse gives Tony a bit more to use against him.

Stumbling in the door, Tim drops everything and soon his hands are full of German shepherd. It's hard to believe the rocky start between Jethro and Tim; it seems a lifetime ago. Changing quickly, the two of them head outside for a walk to the park nearby; playing fetch for a while and then Jethro runs off his excess energy while Tim sits on a bench and watches. The quiet evening soothes his frazzled nerves and for the first time in a week it feels like Tim can breathe. They head back home where Jethro inhales his supper and Tim grabs a bowl of cereal then settle on the bed to watch some TV.

An hour later, dishes are in the dishwasher, he is changed into sleep pants and a t-shirt and teeth are brushed. He is already half-asleep before he climbs into bed.

The next morning arrives far too soon as he turns off the blaring alarm clock. He lies in bed a moment gathering the energy to face another day. Hopefully this one will be less taxing on his nerves. The case is done, paperwork completed and fingers are crossed that Gibbs will not rip Tim a new one today. He gets dressed and takes Jethro for a quick walk to hold him over until the dog-walker comes then he's on his way. He always leaves early to allow for the unexpected; hating to be late. Gibbs hates when any of them are late so being the first one to arrive after Gibbs is the goal. Unfortunately it was a goal not to be reached today.

The blue SUV ran the light and there was no way to avoid it. The last thing Tim remembers is throwing his arms across his face to protect it from the airbag and flying glass. Then he was numb and everything went dark.