THE DISTANCE BETWEEN-CHAPTER TEN

I DO NOT OWN NCIS OR ANY CHARACTERS ON THE SHOW

The rest of his stay passed quietly at Gibbs house. Tim felt more at peace with life after talking to his co-workers and coming to the realization that he truly did matter to them. The only person he had yet to sit down and talk to was Gibbs himself. Tim had nearly gone crazy trying to determine how to start the conversation and had decided that maybe the words really weren't important. He hadn't really needed them with Tony to know how Tony was feeling so why should it be any different with Gibbs.

During Tim's stay at Gibbs the two of them had done their own things but always Tim had the sense of Gibbs being close by if he needed him. Every night after dinner, Gibbs would head downstairs to his boat and Tim would take Jethro out for a walk before sitting in front of the typewriter Tony had brought from home. It was a pleasant feeling knowing that someone was nearby and Tim would miss it when he went home.

That night was Tim's last night at Gibbs. He would be returning to his own apartment and Monday would be his first day back at work. He was ready to go back to work but despite his love of privacy the idea of returning home didn't hold the same appeal. Having decided that no heart-to-heart would be happening with Gibbs; Tim was surprised when instead of going downstairs after dinner Gibbs asked to come along on the walk with Jethro.

Grabbing the leash and leading his dog out the front door; the two men fell into quiet contemplation as they walked side by side. The night was warm but a nice breeze was blowing; Tim startled when Gibbs finally spoke.

"McGee….."

The quiet wrapped around them as Gibbs took his time putting his thoughts into words.

"Tim… you know I'm not someone to talk about feelings or emotions so I just want to say this point blank. I need you to understand some things and…ah hell, Tim. I think you are an amazing young man, your smart and you got good instincts. I could tell that when I met you. It's why I wanted you on my team. I only want the best and you three kids are the best. I trust you and I don't trust many people, you know that. I know I push all of you but it seems I always push you harder."

"The things you do on that computer of yours are amazing but its all stuff I don't understand. When I don't understand things I get frustrated and unfortunately you feel the brunt of that. I know I don't tell you often but I do appreciate what you do and I'm constantly amazed by the things you can accomplish."

"The week before your accident I was hard on you but you didn't complain; you took everything I threw at you and you got the job done. Tim, I'm sorry that I made things hard on you and I'm grateful that you're still here with us," Gibbs stopped walking and looked at McGee.

Tim was stunned; not sure what shocked him more, the things he said or that his silent boss had spoken so much as once. He knew Gibbs didn't mean the things he said during a hard case but he wasn't expecting this. Before he could speak, Gibbs continued.

"One more thing, I know I have never met the man but I am thoroughly pissed at your dad…"

"My dad?"

"Yeah, Tim, your dad, dammit I would give anything to have Kelly back and your dad didn't even show up at the hospital when you were hurt. Pisses me off. I know I don't tell you or the others but…Tim I am proud of you. I can't understand how he could risk never getting to tell you the same."

"Boss, my dad doesn't approve of me or my job. He's not proud of…"

"Bullshit!"

Tim's eyes grew huge at Gibbs outrage.

Softening his voice, Gibbs continued, "Tim I see you everyday, I see your work ethic, the way you treat the people around you. If your dad isn't proud of you then he's a fool."

Tim smiled at Gibbs, "Thanks Boss."

Gibbs smiled back before patting Tim on the shoulder, "Come on Tim, I think the dog is ready to go."

They walked towards home the warmth between them wrapping them like a favorite blanket.

"You know, Tim I've been thinking that dog of yours really likes my yard…."

Tim laughed. Looks like the distance between Gibbs and Tim just got a lot smaller.

The End

I hope everyone liked this story. Thank you all so much for your wonderful reviews and I hope I wrote everyone in character and that the story wasn't too mushy for you. Sometimes I just really would like the team to appreciate Tim on the show more than they do. Thank you all again.