Dedicated to all you wonderful reviewers who so rightly asked that this go a little further.

Special thanks goes out to my awesome help - Gottahavemyncis and Shelbylou!

"C'mon, I'll drive you."

Caught in the wave of this unusual conversation with the man who seldom speaks to him outside of work topics, Tim feels his feet move before he can stop them. It isn't long, however, before his brain re-engages and his thoughts turn to ways of stopping this train wreck in the making.

He does know he needs to get away from the office, so he doesn't stop the boss from inadvertently helping in that endeavor. In fact, they've driven off the Navy Yard before Tim stops hearing the replay in his head and can focus on what his next move should be.

"Things like this tend to change a man's priorities, Tim. Maybe he's ready to start fresh with you."

"I'm not holding my breath on that, Boss. Besides, he can't even voice what he is thinking."

"Bottom line is, do you want to be there for your family or not? Tim."

"Boss, he's my dad."

The car lurches when they pull out into traffic, Tim's mind returns to the present and he's quick to ask for some time to slow down this situation.."Boss, can we stop for dinner first?"

Gibbs glances at Tim in surprise. He knows dinner is not really what is on his agent's mind. "Spit it out, Tim."

"I don't want to do this. Not this way."

Feeling stung, Gibbs nods silently to show he will do as the younger man is asking. Surprisingly enough, it isn't a restaurant he drives them to, but his own house. "Got damn good steaks in the fridge. No need to let them go to waste."

"Thanks, Boss." Tim offers with a hint of apology in his tone.

"Go sit down, relax." The Team Leader gestures towards the living room, even as he, himself turns toward the kitchen.

***NCIS***

Watching Gibbs grill their steaks in the fireplace a few minutes later, Tim can't help but relax a little more. That feeling is short-lived, however, when the boss turns to look over at him. "You're not goin'."

Relieved that the man who says very little but yet so much, understands; at least enough not to push him on this any further, Tim answers him. "Not like this ….not until he wants me there."

Gibbs looks away, remembering the conversation he had with Penny Langston about this just yesterday.

"…Family's important."

"No one knows that more than Timothy. Think what you will of him, but don't make the mistake of thinking he's refusing lightly. Trust me when I say this, Agent Gibbs. This is the hardest thing he's ever had to do."

"But you think he's right."

"I've always encouraged him to stand firm and believe in the strength of his own convictions."

Recognizing his own bulldozing in the situation, Gibbs remains silent as he turns his attention back to the steaks and removes them from the fireplace. Setting the plates on the coffee table, he looks Tim straight on and finally says his peace.

"I shouldn't have pushed you to change your mind."

Tim accepts the apology with a soft smile. "Thanks."

"Anything changes, you let me know. I'll drive you up there."

Again, Tim can't hold back the appreciation of the man's kindness. "Thanks, Boss."

"Dig in, steak's gettin' cold."

With a euphoric grin, Tim replies. "Never thought I'd see this day. The Fireplace Special. I can't wait!"

*Phoof* - Tim smiling as he cuts into his steak

***FINIS***