Title: You Notice Everything

Chapter 1

Slash/Mature: Don't like, don't read.

Summary: At the Reception for Delilah and Tim, a surprise guest shows up, someone that Gibbs still notices everything about.

Includes some spoilers for Episode 23 "Something Blue."

All mistakes are mine, this has not been proofed.

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He had her pinned up against the hallway wall, his hands clutching at her hips, his lips feasting on hers as her hand went around his neck and combed through the silver locks. They had gone out several times, how many exactly he wasn't sure, three, maybe four. He knew she wanted more, knew she wanted him to take her upstairs, she had made it blatantly clear that she wanted him. Yet here he was, kissing her, now letting his hand caress up her ribcage and not even remotely thinking of going further. He should want her…she was intelligent, beautiful, caring and yet his desire was minimal. Instead of thinking about wanting her naked in his bed, all he could think about was the off putting taste of her lipstick. He hated lipstick, the taste, the feel, everything about it. He wished women still wore lip gloss, gloss with all its fruity flavors and hardly any color. He suddenly felt her drawing back, pulling away, and he let her.

"Jethro." She sighed letting her other hand caress up his chest.

Here it comes. He thought to himself.

"Is this going anyway?"

"I don't know." It was an honest answer.

Another sigh as she patted his chest. "Okay."

He stepped back, knew by the sigh and the tone in her voice that the night was over.

She walked over and grabbed her purse from the coffee table and then made her way to the door.

He opened it for her, standing there holding it open.

She leaned in and kissed his cheek. "When you figure it out give me a call."

He nodded. He watched until she got in the car and drove away then he closed the door and walked into the living room flopped down on the couch laying on his back and staring up at the ceiling. He wouldn't call, it was easier that way. This had pretty much been his love life for the past six months-date a woman a few times then watch her leave when she was tired of waiting. He could have had sex with Lily tonight, could have had sex with any of the women he'd dated in the past few months, but he just didn't want to. Sex is easy, but it complicates everything else.

He ran his hands down his face. He had no idea what had him in this funk. What he did know was he'd tried dated different kinds of woman, but none seemed to hold his interest. Maybe it was time to take a break. Picking up his arm, he glanced at his watch it was still early, he could work on the boat. He put his arm down and closed his eyes. Or he could just sleep.

##########

Eyes still closed, Gibbs took a deep breath and inhaled the strong scent of coffee. Still he didn't open his eyes. He may not be sure who made the coffee, but he doubted someone broke in to make coffee then rob him. He sensed the presence standing next to him. "Let me guess. They sent you here to make sure I make it to the reception."

"I was hoping maybe you would give me an excuse not to go."

Opening his eyes, Gibbs looked up at Torres' smiling face.

"Figured you were looking forward to a whole new crop of women to charm." Gibbs sat up.

"Sounds like most are married."

Gibbs rolled his eyes as he got up and went into the kitchen.

"I'd like to talk about the fact that I came in, made coffee and you never went for your gun." Torres said as he followed Gibbs into the kitchen.

Taking a sip of coffee, Gibbs held the cup and leaned back against the counter. "It's weak."

"So you just knew it was me and let it go?"

Again Gibbs remained silent.

"Did you get lucky last night?" Torres smirked. "Deep after sex sleep is the best."

Another eye roll as Gibbs again ignored the question and went and sat down at the kitchen table. "You can go." Gibbs said between sips. "I'll be there."

"Oh no." Torres shook his head as he sat down at the table. "I have very exact orders to get you there and on time."

Gibbs snickered. "What did Abby threaten you with?"

"If I tell you I'd have to kill you." Torres sighed. "Although it started with threatening to knit me an entire suit."

Chuckling, Gibbs finished his coffee. "Fine, give me twenty minutes." Standing up he headed towards the stairs. "Three full scoops."

"What?" Torres brow furrowed.

"Coffee, three heaping scoops." Gibbs said glancing back as he pointed towards the kitchen. "Throw the rest of that crap away." Making his way to the bathroom, Gibbs told himself getting out going to this reception would be good for him. It would get his mind off his love life and focused on something else.

##########

The reception hall was already bustling with people. Only a couple faces looked familiar to Gibbs. He saw McGee's Aunt Penelope talking and laughing with Ducky. Delilah's parents were talking to the newlyweds. The rest of the people were just a sea of unfamiliar faces.

"Gibbs." Abby rushed over and hugged him.

"Abs."

"Here and on time." Torres pointed at his wrist where a watch would be if he wore one.

"Thank you, Nick." She hugged him. "And Alyssa." She glanced over towards a tall brunette off to her right. "She's single."

A smile played across Torres' lips. He kissed her cheek and headed off towards the woman.

Gibbs shook his head and chuckled.

"They'll be serving brunch in about twenty minutes." Abby wrapped an arm around Gibbs' arm. "They're just waiting for a few more people." She started leading him towards a table at the center of the room. They were stopped along the way as Abby introduced him to people; they spoke momentarily and moved on until they finally reached the table.

"Jethro." Ducky smiled as they approached.

"Duck." Gibbs nodded then smiled at the woman next to his friend. "Penelope." He walked over and kissed the woman's cheek. "You look as beautiful as ever."

She smacked his arm and smiled. "You're a liar, but thank you." She winked at Ducky. "Ducky said you'd be late."

"Well, Abby sent a babysitter to make sure I made it here on time." He glanced over at Abby.

"I told her I'd go get you-"

Gibbs' eyes widened as he heard the familiar voice behind him.

"But she said this would be a better surprise."

Spinning around, Gibbs saw the sparkling green eyes and the million watt smile.

"Boss." Tony smiled putting out his hand. As soon as Gibbs' hand made contact, Tony was pulled towards the older man. "I missed you too Boss." Tony arm went around Gibbs as they embraced.

Gibbs finally took a step back. "Guess everyone else knew you were coming." Abby's muted reaction saying she had welcomed Tony already.

"Got in late last night. Abby picked me up."

"You sleep in the coffin." Gibbs smirked.

Tony chuckled. "No stayed at Senior's."

"Right, Tali."

Tony nodded.

"How is she?"

"Amazing, this crazy ball of energy that is inquisitive and introspective."

Gibbs smiled at the love and pride that made Tony's green eyes sparkle even brighter.

"Please take your seats." McGee's voice bellowed. "We're ready to eat."

"Are you-"

"Sitting right next to you." Tony answered the question before Gibbs answered. "I wanted to catch up." There was melancholy in Tony's voice. "I know we've talked on the phone, but it's not the same."

"I know." Gibbs sighed. "Believe me I know."

##########

Gibbs laughed as Tony told a story of Tali climbing out of the crib and building a fort to sleep in out in the living room.

"Scared the shit out of me when I woke up and looked in the crib and she was gone." Tony shook his head. "I ran into the living room saw the blanket hanging over the two chairs and by heart calmed for a moment." Tony chuckled. "I lifted up the blanket and she was curled up inside with her stuffed alligator."

Gibbs' eyebrow went up. "A stuffed alligator?"

"I know." Tony smiled. "We watched this show about alligators." He shrugged. "I didn't think much of it until we were out looking around and she saw this stuffed alligator. She fell in love and it hasn't left her side ever since. It has to sit on the sink facing the tub when she takes a bath."

"I remember those days." Gibbs laughed at the memory of Kelly and her stuffed pig. "Always buy two, just in case."

"Wish I'd have had that advice a few months ago." Tony shook his head. "I should have called."

"You should have."

Tony heard the slight annoyance behind the joking tone, knowing exactly why it was there. Over this last year Tony hadn't been the best at keeping in touch. "I will next time."

"Paris?"

"Beautiful, we walk a lot, gives me time to think."

Time just slipped away as they talked, Tony was surprised at how talkative Gibbs was with him. He felt the hand on his shoulder and the conversation paused at he looked up at Abby.

"Hate to interrupt you two, but can I steal you for a dance."

"Um-" Tony looked at Gibbs.

"Go." Gibbs nodded towards the group of people dancing. "You have a lot of people that missed you."

As he stood up, Abby was dragging him towards the area where everyone was dancing. When he finally glanced back Gibbs was gone.

###########

After several dances, Tony was then pulled into a conversation with McGee and Delilah then Bishop and Torres. His eyes scanned the room not really expecting to see Gibbs, but hoping that he might.

"Are you looking for someone?" Torres asked the third time Tony scanned the room.

"No, just…" Tony left the question unanswered. "I'm gonna hit the head." Walking through the crowd of people he made his way towards the back of the reception hall and to the bathroom. He was about to push open the bathroom door, when he looked over and saw Gibbs leaning against the wall opposite the door. "I thought you ran off hours ago."

Gibbs shook his head. "Thought I'd rescue you."

Tony let out a grateful sigh. "Please."

"Let's get out of here." Gibbs touched Tony's back pushing him down the hall and towards a back door.

They stepped out the door and into the midday sun.

"Keys."

All it took was the word and Tony pulled out his keys and tossed them to Gibbs.

Pushing the auto unlock button, Gibbs watched for the rear lights to blink and headed towards Tony's rental car. He started the car as Tony climbed into the passenger seat as soon as the door closed Gibbs was backing out and they were quickly on the road.

"How did you know?" Tony asked.

Gibbs glanced over at Tony.

"You just knew." Tony sighed leaning back in the seat. "Thanks."

Gibbs just drove.

"Where are we going?"

"I need coffee and you need food."

"We just ate."

"No you picked at a couple bits of food, you didn't eat."

"I was hoping you hadn't noticed that." Tony sighed again. "But then I should know by now…" He turned his head and looked at Gibbs. "You notice everything."

"And once we get to the dinner, we can talk about the things I've noticed." Out of the corner of his eye Gibbs saw Tony's Adam's apple bob up and down as he swallowed hard.