Here we go… the end of this journey in the FIOverse. It was tough to write… hard to let this one go, even though there will be more in this series.

Just a reminder that this series went AU after the seventh season episode Obsession… so the events on the show that took place after that either haven't happened yet or never will. What might seem like a small inconsistency in Tony's thoughts in this chapter isn't.

More to come in this 'verse… might be a little while because I want to get most of it written before I post. It won't be an epic, though… I'm planning between five and ten chapters. And then there will be more after that… the FIOverse has a way to go. I'm also hoping to be posting some other, non-FIO stories in the near future.

Unbetaed, as usual… I'm sure something snuck past me, although I hope not.

Tremendous thanks go out to everyone who has reviewed, messaged, alerted, favorited… especially the guest reviewers to whom I can't personally respond. I'm truly humbled when I see the number of reviews this story has garnered. Thank you all so much.

The usual warning for m/m scene toward the end of the chapter. Also includes a small spoiler for the eighth season episode Baltimore.

41: Taking the Next Step

Electronic Communication

Email from Eddie Wright to Tony DiNozzo, T minus 21 days

DiNozzo!

Hey, hope you and your 'girl' are doing well and that you're happy back home in D.C. Thought you might want an update on how things are going here on the better coast.

Michaela resigned from NCIS rather than accept reassignment. We all thought it would take longer for Franklin and the Director to make a decision about her and Ryan, but I guess they didn't want to leave anything in limbo. I think a lot of the agents here are glad to put it all behind us. They offered her a desk position, on international threat assessment, and I guess she had a few choice words in Franklin's office. Scuttlebutt says she didn't realize Vance was there on speaker phone; apparently he didn't like her attitude and told her it was that or leave the agency. I'm hoping I don't end up having to team up with her if she goes FBI or something.

Ryan fared better; he's not really suited to threat assessment, so they offered him a position at FLETC, with some of the training classes. We're all betting that's temporary, that he'll be a field agent again somewhere else. No one doubts he's more likely to learn from the whole thing than Burrows.

Your guy Segel is working out well, so far, anyway. Turns out he and Julie know each other from somewhere… not sure where, but that doesn't really matter. They get along well and they're both hard workers. I was expecting a bit of an attitude from him, based on some of the evaluations in his file, but I'm not seeing any of that at all. Guessing I have your team to thank for that… especially your 'girl' if 'her' reputation is anything close to the truth.

Franklin wants me to choose a more experienced agent to be my SFA, and I'm looking through some files. Don't suppose you're available, huh? J/k. We're restricted to relatively minor cases until I fill that spot, so I'm trying to do it as quickly as possible.

Pretty sure I didn't thank you enough for recommending me for this team lead. Working with Ryan definitely helped me get ready for it – I think I was doing half his job as well as all of mine. I know I still have to prove myself, but without your recommendation I wouldn't have gotten the opportunity. So, next time you're out here, drinks are on me.

A bunch of us are going out tonight, sort of an impromptu wake for Fitzy. Brooke stopped by yesterday, wanted to thank everyone for all the support and everything. Said she got a letter from Director Vance that NCIS is going to help her out with some death benefits, even though they weren't married yet. Pretty cool, huh? He's missed here, man… I know it'll get easier over time, but I keep seeing him everywhere. Must be short on sleep or something.

Hang in there, enjoy being home. Say hi to your 'girl' for me – on second thought, maybe not. I've heard stories.

Eddie

Email from Tony DiNozzo to Eddie Wright, T minus 19 days

Hey Eddie,

Sorry it's taken me so long to get back to you – we caught one hell of a case on Thursday, haven't done much of anything else. Still haven't gotten it solved, but we're getting closer… need our resident computer McGeek to do his magic and confirm that we're on the right track, then we'll be off to make an arrest. So I may have to cut this short. Can pretty much guarantee Gibbs is gonna catch me at this and give me one heck of a head slap, although being team co-leader means I can reciprocate… although I'd have to do that in private or end up in major trouble.

Moving on before this gets into TMI territory.

Drop it with the 'girl', will ya? I don't need two head slaps! I will say, though, that things are going really well – we're actually moving in together in 19 days. Not that I'm counting or anything.

Ok, gotta go… McGeek just gave Gibbs the bat signal. That's good news about Brooke, btw. Sure as hell hope Burrows doesn't end up in our neck of the woods… FBI has a habit of taking in our cast offs. Yikes – gotta run, I'm getting the glare.

T

Email from Eddie Wright to Tony DiNozzo, T minus 19 days

You guys have the weirdest relationship.

Excerpts from an email from Jimmy Palmer to Kevin Segel, T minus 18 days

… so are you really sure that you guys are just friends? Cause the way you're talking about her, it just seems as though maybe there's something more there. It kind of reminds me of some friends I had in college…

… There's not really all that much going on here. Everything's pretty much as it was before you left, except for Tony being back. Dr. Mallard says the team will probably get a new rookie soon. Oh, you know, there's one strange thing going on. Agent Gibbs isn't bringing Abby her Caf-Pows anymore. That's huge. She's making McGee get them. I asked her why, and she just glared at me and ordered me out of her lab. So then I asked McGee what was going on, and he said I definitely did not want to know. I asked Tony and he just grinned at me and made another gremlin joke. I actually missed those while he was gone.

Email from Tony DiNozzo to Jackson Gibbs, T minus 7 days

Hey, Jack!

It was great to get that email from you. For some reason I'm always surprised there's a Gibbs who actually likes to use modern technology.

Thanks for that invitation - I'll work on Jethro, see if we can make it back to Stillwater for Thanksgiving. I'd love to be there – never done a small town for the holidays. I guess it'll depend on whether we're on call that weekend.

And thanks so much for your kind words about my moving in with Jethro. I can't tell you how much it means to me that you're so ready to welcome me to the family. I know I can never replace Shannon and Kelly, but I do think I can make him happy. You said you see a change in him since you were here around Christmas – that's great to know. I've always had his six, ever since he recruited me to NCIS. Now I just get to do it outside of work too.

You asked about my family… there's just my dad now. And, well, no, I don't think you'll get a chance to meet him anytime soon. He's what I guess you'd call a jet-setter – flies all over the world, looking for investments in his latest business project. We don't really talk all that often; he's just a busy man, you know?

IM Conversation between Jethro Gibbs and Tobias Fornell, T minus 5 days

Lj_gibbs: Tobias.

T_fornell: What the hell? Gibbs? Since when do you IM?

Lj_gibbs: Is that really important?

T_fornell: It is if the universe is going to implode or something.

Lj_gibbs: According to Abby, we're safe now.

T_fornell: I don't get it.

Lj_gibbs: You don't need to.

T_fornell: Is there a purpose to this, or do you just like making my life difficult?

Lj_gibbs: You busy Saturday?

T_fornell: Depends. Why are you asking?

Lj_gibbs: Could use some help with moving.

T_fornell: Are you going back to Mexico?

Lj_gibbs: Don't be an idiot. Tony's moving in with me.

T_fornell: You're joking.

Lj_gibbs: Nope.

T_fornell: You do know he's not a redhead.

Lj_gibbs: Funny man. You gonna help or not?

T_fornell: I'll think it over.

Lj_gibbs: Bring beer.

T_fornell: I said I'll think it over.

Lj_gibbs: Good beer, not that crap you drink.

T_fornell: Yeah, that's incentive. Hey, what can you tell me about a former NCIS agent, Michaela Burrows?

Lj_gibbs: Very little. Talk to DiNozzo if you want first hand info. What is it with you fibbies taking our left overs?

T_fornell: Was that a personal dig? Cause if it was, you can expect crappy beer on Saturday.

Moving Day

At the House

Gibbs clapped Palmer on the shoulder as the two men stepped back from the couch they'd just moved from the living room to the basement. "Thanks, Jimmy."

Palmer pushed his glasses back up on his nose and smiled. "No problem, Agent Gibbs."

Gibbs sighed. "Just Gibbs, Jimmy."

"Oh, yeah… Gibbs. Um, I'll work on that."

Ducky had suggested moving the couch downstairs when it was clear that Tony's huge leather piece was going to have to go in the living room. Gibbs hadn't been too sure about that, thinking of sawdust, but Tony loved the idea, and his enthusiasm was infectious. It also helped that Tony promised to vacuum it regularly.

Gibbs led the way back upstairs and into the kitchen, grabbing a water bottle from the fridge as he looked around. Some of his older furniture was going to Goodwill; he and Tony had moved most of it out into the driveway for pickup later that morning. Tony's couch, armchair, and coffee table were replacing the living room furniture. They'd agreed to go shopping for a couple more chairs later on.

Tony's bed was also taking over, joined by the comfortable chair Gibbs liked from Tony's apartment bedroom. Gibbs' handmade dresser was staying, as was the rest of the furniture he'd made over the years. Tony's new DVD cabinet, that they'd finished together just the past week, had a place of honor in the living room; his large flat-screen TV and DVD player were already in place and hooked up. His clothes had made their way over from the apartment in bits and pieces over the past several weeks, as had the massive DVD collection.

Ducky looked up from his position at the kitchen counter, where he was working on sandwiches for lunch. "Where are the others, Jethro?"

Gibbs had some more water, then set the bottle on the counter. "McGee drove Tony over to the rental place to get the truck. Abby and Ziva were meeting them at the apartment; they'll get the truck loaded, then the guys will head back here while the others do the last minute cleaning."

Ducky nodded. "Highly efficient. I commend you on your organization."

Gibbs shook his head. "Wasn't me. Abby assigned roles."

Ducky chuckled. "That girl never ceases to amaze me." He peered at Gibbs over the rim of his glasses. "When are you going to let her know you forgive her?"

Gibbs raised an eyebrow and looked at him.

Ducky shook his head. "Please, Jethro. When you stopped bringing the poor thing her beverage of choice, she came to me in absolute despair."

Gibbs sighed. "I'll bring her a Caf-Pow on Monday."

Ducky reached over and patted Gibbs on the hand. "Good man."

They heard the front door open and shut, then Fornell's voice calling Gibbs name. Gibbs pushed off the counter and walked to the entryway. Fornell stood there, looking around, six-pack of beer dangling from one hand.

"Tobias."

"Jethro."

Fornell extended the arm with the beer; Gibbs took it and frowned. "This is your crap beer."

"Yeah. That's for you. Good stuff is in the car in a cooler."

Gibbs rolled his eyes and went back to the kitchen to put the beer in the fridge. Fornell walked into the living room, looking at the TV, the cabinet, and the empty space where the couch and chairs used to be. He shook his head. "Can't believe this is for real."

Gibbs moved to stand next to him. "It is."

"Guess I'll have to knock from now on."

"Good idea."

Fornell shook his head. "It really is hard to believe, Jethro. I mean, come on… at your age?"

Gibbs shot him a half-hearted glare, then raised his eyebrows. "Just 'cause you're not getting any…"

Fornell snorted. "I'll stick to women, thanks."

Gibbs' lips twitched. "Your loss."

Fornell gave him an incredulous look. "You've got what, one data point?"

Gibbs turned to look at him. "One guy. Lots more than just one data point."

Fornell held up a hand, palm out. "I don't want to know."

Coming Home

Tony tilted his head from side to side, stretching his neck as he drove. He was following McGee's car, but wasn't really seeing it. His mind was more occupied with what this trip represented, and his driving was on autopilot. This is crazy. Is this crazy? I'm moving in with Jethro. Half my stuff is already at his place. Hard to believe this is my life. Who'd'a thunk it, back in Baltimore, that day I tackled the Navy guy. 'Let me catch him' my ass. I wasn't kidding about those tube socks. Should've known something was up, didn't argue for jurisdiction as much as I normally would have. Me, share a case? Ha. Wonder what Danny's doing these days. Stop. Happy thoughts. I hope my couch fits in the living room. Of course it fits. Jethro measured it himself. No way he screwed that up. Screwing up… I hope I don't screw this up. I shouldn't… no question we're compatible. I wonder if this was all meant to be. What would Abby say? Better not ask, I'll get a really long explanation that I can't understand. Wonder if Jethro ever thought this was possible. We've never said we ever thought about us seriously before that night in the basement… that was around three months ago. Damn. Are we doing this too fast?

Tony's phone rang with McGee's ringtone, startling him out of his thoughts. He picked up. "What's going on?"

"I was going to ask you that. You're drifting out of your lane."

"Oops. Thanks, Tim."

Tony hung up and focused on driving for the rest of trip.

He backed the truck into the driveway; it was clear, so the Goodwill pick up must have happened. Either that or Jethro changed his mind and brought the furniture back in, he though with a grin on his face. He hopped down from the cab and headed into the house, following McGee.

Gibbs came out of the kitchen, followed by Fornell. Tony raised an eyebrow at him, then grinned at Gibbs and leaned in to drop a quick kiss on his lips. "Honey, I'm home."

Gibbs returned the smile. "Good."

Tony turned to Fornell. "Did you bring good beer?"

Fornell rolled his eyes. "You guys share some sort of group mind?"

Tony and Gibbs looked at each other, then at Fornell. "No," they said, in perfect unison.

Fornell gave an exaggerated shudder. "That's creepy. I need more alcohol." He headed back into the kitchen.

Gibbs watched him go, then turned back to Tony, pulling him close and into a hug. "Glad you're here, Tony."

Tony buried his face in Gibbs' neck, then nipped lightly at his skin before stepping back. "Me too. Can we sneak away for a quickie?"

Gibbs let loose with a surprised laugh. "No, we can't. Let's get that furniture moved, people fed, and then after they leave we can think about it."

Tony reached out and gripped the back of Gibbs' head. "I won't be wanting a quickie after they all leave."

The sound of a throat clearing off to the side prompted them to turn and look. McGee stood there, a smile on his face. "You know, you guys should have gotten together years ago."

Tony slung and arm around Gibbs' shoulders. "Why's that?"

"Gibbs would have been so much easier to deal with."

They worked on unloading the truck; Fornell helped Gibbs, Tony, McGee, and Palmer, while Ducky observed and made suggestions.

Ziva and Abby arrived after all the big pieces were situated. Abby conferred with Tony for a moment about the apartment, then greeted everyone else while Ziva immediately jumped into the back of the truck to help finish the unloading. Gibbs jumped down out of the truck and approached Abby, who gave him a tentative smile. Gibbs pulled her into a hug and whispered n her ear; Abby's smile grew and she hugged him back fiercely. Tony saw them as he handed a box down to McGee and paused for a moment to watch, smiling broadly. McGee followed his gaze.

"He's finally forgiven her?"

Tony shook his head. "He was never really angry with her. Just wanted to make a point."

Abby looked up into Gibbs' face as she pulled back. "Caf-Pows are so much better when you bring them."

Gibbs reached out and tapped her on the nose. "Don't let it happen again and you won't have to worry about it."

"I won't! It will never happen again, Gibbs, I promise."

Gibbs kissed her hair. "Don't make promises you're gonna break, Abs."

"Keep your door locked and I won't have to," Abby replied, grinning at him.

He reached out and gave her a gentle tap on the head, which made her smile even wider.

Lunchtime Conversation

Furniture and boxes unloaded, truck returned, the whole group sat around the coffee table in the living room, eating the sandwiches Ducky had prepared, along with salad from Ziva and Abby. Gibbs sat at the end of the couch, with Abby curled into his side and Ducky on the couch at the other end. Tony sat on the floor at the end of the coffee table, near the fireplace, with McGee and Palmer on the floor along the long end of the table. Fornell had taken over Tony's armchair. He'd eaten quickly, and now sat back with another beer, watching the rest of them interact.

The conversation turned to Stillwater and Jack; Abby had hoped he would be there for the move. Gibbs shook his head. "He prefers a quieter visit."

Tony looked at him. "Jack wants us to go back for Thanksgiving."

"If we're not on call."

"Maybe he can come here for Christmas again?" Abby asked.

Tony nodded. "Sounds good, although I'm still hoping to get Jethro to Hawaii."

Gibbs rolled his eyes, but reached out over the arm of the couch to take Tony's hand.

"Will we be off rotation this year?" Ziva asked. "I would not mind going somewhere tropical."

Gibbs tilted his head. "I'll talk to Vance. We've worked the holidays the past few years; we're entitled to a break."

Fornell looked at their joined hands, shook his head and took another sip of his beer. "Hey, DiNutzo."

Tony turned to look at him, still holding on to Gibbs.

"What do you think of Michaela Burrows? Should we take her on?"

Tony snorted. "Sure, if you want someone who puts her own ambitions over her team's safety."

Fornell shot a look at Gibbs, who met his gaze squarely. "Only agent we lost in the bombing was on her team."

The FBI agent shook his head. "Her negligence?"

"In part, yeah," Tony replied.

"Thanks for the heads up."

Gibbs saluted Fornell with his beer. Fornell returned the gesture, settling back again to watch the group as they all talked and laughed. He finally had one last sip of his beer, then stood. "Gonna head out; I've got Emily tonight."

Gibbs moved to get up, but Fornell waved him down. "I know where the door is." He looked between his friend and Tony. "Gotta say, I never thought this would go anywhere… but now I think you guys'll make it work. I also think you're crazy – but you'll make it work."

Gibbs grinned at him. "Thanks, Tobias."

Fornell shrugged. "Don't mention it. Everyone…" He tossed a wave at the room, then headed for the door.

Abby smiled, looking at the smile on Gibbs' face. She turned to Ducky and whispered, "6.8."

Ducky's smile broadened significantly when Gibbs looked at her and snorted. "That was a 7.3. Don't shortchange me, Abs."

Abby gaped at him, then shot Tony an accusing glare. "Tony! I can't believe you betrayed the op!"

Tony shook his head vigorously. "No way, Abs. I never said anything to him."

She opened her mouth to respond, but Gibbs leaned over and laid his finger over her lips. "He didn't. I've known about the GSS since not long after I came back from Mexico."

"What gave it away, Boss?" McGee asked.

"Heard Duck talking to Palmer… 'it will be much easier to collect data for the GSS now that Agent Gibbs has shaved off that infernal moustache.'" There were giggles all around at Gibbs' truly wretched imitation of Ducky's accent. "After that, it wasn't hard to listen carefully and figure out what the GSS was."

"Listen carefully, huh? That means you used your Marine superpowers to sneak around and spy on them," Tony said, laughing.

"You don't mind?" Abby asked.

Gibbs shook his head. "Nope. Was kind of nice knowing you guys were glad to have me back."

Abby threw her arms around him and hugged him hard. "How could you doubt it?"

Gibbs glanced over at Tony, who squeezed the hand he was still holding. Tony smiled at him, and then Ziva spoke up.

"I have a question for you, Tony."

He looked at her warily. "What?"

"Would you still want to kiss Gibbs if he grew that moustache back?"

Everyone looked at Tony, who stared at her, then at Gibbs, than back at her. "I plead the Fifth," he declared.

"That's a no," McGee said, earning laughs from everyone in the room.

Together

Jethro watched Tony as he sat on the living room floor, organizing his books into the shelves that had been cleared out for him. Tony was humming to himself as he worked; Jethro didn't recognize the tune but he thought it might be some Broadway thing.

The humming stopped. "I can feel you watching me, you know." Tony turned around and smiled at Jethro, who was leaning against the edge of the wall separating the living room from the hallway.

Jethro smiled back. "You look happy."

"I am." Tony looked around at the transformed room. "It sort of feels like home already. And our friends helped, which was awesome. Why'd you invite Fornell?"

Jethro shrugged. "He's a friend. Didn't want to leave him out… figure if we include him, he'll go to bat for us someday if we need it."

Tony nodded, leaning back on his hands and looking at Jethro thoughtfully. "Know what I want to do?"

Jethro shook his head.

Tony got to his feet and walked over to his partner, reaching out to take his hand, then led him toward the basement. Jethro followed, smiling.

The younger man turned on the lights for the stairs, but left the rest of the room in relative darkness. He tugged Jethro down the stairs and around the corner to the old couch's new resting place, then sat down and pulled Jethro down next to him. Jethro put his arm around Tony's shoulders and they sat there for a moment, looking at the work table. "What do you think you'll build next?"

Jethro shook his head. "Not sure. Thought maybe we could build a boat together… go sailing when it's done."

"Would be tough to sail it before it's done."

Jethro reached up and gave Tony a light head smack. Tony laughed and took hold of the front of Jethro's shirt, pulling him in for a kiss. Jethro shifted over, turning to face Tony and reached up with both hands, placing one on the back of Tony's neck while the other went to his hair, stroking the back of Tony's head and running his fingers through it. Tony sighed and into the kiss, then moved forward a bit, pressing against his lover while deepening the kiss, running his tongue over Jethro's lips before exploring his mouth.

Jethro growled low in his throat and moved one hand down to Tony's shirt, pulling it out of his jeans and dipping underneath it feel the skin of Tony's abdomen, then running his fingers up to his chest, playing with his hair. Tony pulled back after a moment and pulled his shirt off over his head, then helped Jethro do the same with his own clothes.

They stayed like that for a while, kissing and nipping at mouths, necks, faces. There were no words, just light sounds of appreciation mixed in with their breathing. Jethro leaned in to nip at Tony's earlobe, then licked and kissed his way down to Tony's chest, playing with his nipples until Tony was writhing and pushing against him, wordlessly asking for more. Jethro then went to work on Tony's jeans, unfastening them and reaching in to palm his buttocks, earning a gasp and hum of pleasure. Tony shifted forward to return the favor; they worked their way out of the rest of their clothes until they sat naked on the couch, looking at each other.

Jethro pulled Tony close, one arm around his waist while the other went to the back of his head, and just held him, reveling in the feel of skin on skin. "Welcome home, Tony," he whispered in his ear.

A small sound escaped Tony's lips; he gripped Jethro tightly. "Home… this is real, isn't it?"

"It's real."

Tony pulled back and kissed Jethro deeply, then moved to lie back on the couch. "Make love to me, Jethro?" He reached between the cushion and the arm of the couch, pulling out a small tube and handing it to him.

Jethro grinned as he took the lube. "Always prepared."

"For this? Absolutely."

Jethro took his time prepping Tony, making it as sensual an experience as he could… light, gentle strokes over Tony's anus and into the passage, stretching him while driving him almost senseless with slow, passionate kisses. When he finally entered Tony, his lover inhaled a shuddering breath, and Jethro blinked back the tears in his own eyes. He leaned down to gently kiss Tony's lips. "How do you want this?"

Tony looked up at him, forcing Jethro to blink rapidly again with the look of absolute devotion on his face. "Slow. Make it last, Jeth."

Jethro nodded, not trusting himself to speak, and went into a rhythm of deep, slow thrusts, sliding as far in as he could, holding himself in place for a second, then pulling almost all the way back out, then back in again… repeating it over and over until it became something he almost couldn't change. Tony held on to him tightly, murmuring words of love in between gasps of pleasure and small cries of passion.

Eventually Jethro's entire body was trembling with the effort to draw it out, and both men were gasping for breath. Tony reached up and pulled Jethro's face next to his, whispering in his ear. "Just like this, Jeth… come just like this, don't change a thing, just let it happen."

Jethro could feel Tony's own body shaking, his erection hot and heavy, trapped between then. He kept moving at the same slow pace, gasping with each thrust, feeling his release building up, craving it yet trying to hold it at bay for just a little longer.

Sounds were escaping from each of them with every breath: cries of 'oh, god' mixed in with their names and expressions of passion. Finally Jethro couldn't hold back any longer, and with a low sound that was a cross between a growl and a roar he climaxed deep into Tony's body, feeling his lover contracting around him as he released between them, half-screaming Jethro's name.

Neither man was sure how long it was before they were aware of anything except each other. They lay there for a while, stroking and kissing, until Tony finally stretched and reached for his shirt to wipe himself off. Jethro sat up and watched him for a moment, leaning in to kiss Tony again when he was done.

Tony reached up and laid his hand on the side of Jethro's face. "That was perfect, Jeth. Thanks."

Jethro smiled. "I don't know about perfect… but we can keep trying until I'm sure."

Tony gave him a brilliant smile. "I'm all for that." He sat back against the couch and looked around the basement. Jethro saw his expression change, his eyes widening, before Tony turned to look at him. "Um… you don't suppose Shannon just watched us, do you."

Jethro blinked. "Good question." He looked around the room. "I don't think she'd do that… would you, Shan?"

They held their breath, waiting for an answer, but none came. Tony exhaled, looking relieved. Jethro gave him a half-smile. "Would it bother you if she did?"

"Honestly? I have no idea." Tony looked at him thoughtfully. "I know she's still in here –" he reached out to lay his hand on Jethro's chest, over his heart, "and always will be. I hadn't really thought about it in this context, though."

For your information, I would never spy on you like that… at least not intentionally. However… if you boys are going to insist on sitting around with no clothes on, eventually a girl is going to give in to temptation.

A high-pitched 'eep' came out of Tony's mouth, and he grabbed a cushion to cover his groin. Jethro laughed, feeling only happiness at having Shannon included in this homecoming, however bizarre it might really be.

Don't worry, Tony, I'm not looking.

"Promise?" Tony's face was turning red.

I promise. I won't ever spy on you two, I swear. I'm only here because I could feel how happy you both were, and I wanted to welcome you home too, Tony.

Tony smiled. "Thanks, Shannon. I'll take good care of Jethro, I promise."

I know you will, and I'm glad Jethro has a reason to take better care of himself now.

"I am sitting right here, you know."

Believe me, I noticed. You look wonderful, Jethro.

Jethro smiled. "You're going to make Tony jealous."

Tony shook his head. "No, it's okay. I can make an exception. I think."

Shannon laughed. I'll leave you two alone. Be happy… I'll try to stay away until you call me.

"Love you, Shannon," Jethro called out, taking Tony's hand and squeezing it as he did.

Shannon's voice sounded very quiet in his ear. I love you too, Jethro.

Tony and Jethro were both silent for a few minutes, then Jethro turned and looked at Tony. "You okay with what just happened?"

Tony nodded. "Strangely enough, yeah. It's like… like we're a family."

Jethro smiled and pulled Tony in for a kiss. "Yeah."

"Are you okay with it? You don't feel, I dunno, like you're betraying her or something?"

Jethro shook his head. "She encouraged me to pursue this with you, remember?"

Tony nodded. "Yeah, I do." He smiled and leaned in to gently nip Jethro's neck. "Okay, time to get up." He stood, tossing the cushion back on the couch and reaching out to give Jethro a hand up.

They gathered up their clothes and headed upstairs, making their way to the bedroom, where Jethro gave Beaker the obligatory head slap as they entered.

The clothes went into the hamper in the bathroom, and both men headed for the bed, curling up together with legs entwined, Jethro once again using Tony as a body pillow.

Tony absently ran his hand along Jethro's arm. "What do you want to do tomorrow?" he asked, his voice loud in the darkness. He could feel Jethro shrug.

"Hang out here. Finish unpacking your stuff. Make love a few times. Sleep in and listen to the birds singing in the morning."

Jethro didn't have to wait long for Tony's response.

"That's what the bird singing thing was about! I meant to ask you, but kept forgetting. You've been thinking about me moving in for a while, haven't you?"

"Yup. Figured we know each other well enough already, why wait?"

Tony grinned. "Jethro, you never cease to amaze me."

It was silent in the room for a while; Jethro would have thought Tony fell asleep, except for the fact that his lover was still caressing his arm.

"You know," Tony said, "I still think we should take a trip to Hawaii."

End