Slow Burn

A/N: Final chapter and spoilers for Extreme Prejudice… and thanks to Triggerhappyjax for letting me use a chapter title bunny she inadvertently lobbed my way in a review. Thanks for all the support in the reviews and alerts; every one of them is much appreciated, and huge hugs to Kesterpan and Gibbsredhoodie for their support and help with this story.

Chapter 19 – Going Down in Flames

Gibbs braced his hands on the wall of the shower, the hot water beating down on his shoulders and back, letting the heat soak into his muscles, hoping it would ease some of the lingering tension he felt.

He got it.

He understood Tony's anger.

Had even expected it.

Tony wouldn't be the man he was if he didn't get right up in Gibbs' face when he needed to challenge him. He expected nothing less. So he could have predicted almost everything Tony said to him… had spent the drive home mentally preparing for it.

But Gibbs had also hoped that Tony would be the one person to accept why he did things this way and understand why it had gone down the way it had with Dearing.

One thing did stand out though from what Tony had said.

Maybe I think we're worth the effort

It had almost slipped past him in the volley of words, but it was startling enough in its raw honesty to hit home harder than anything else Tony had said tonight… and pretty much summed up the entire problem in a few words.

Perhaps it was what Tony had felt his entire life?

Worth the effort.

Maybe everyone important in Tony's life had made him feel like he wasn't worth that effort… his father's intermittent and ineffective presence in his life… Wendy not even giving their marriage a chance… Jeanne reluctant to even try seeing beyond what Tony had to do for his job to the man beneath…

… and now him, not able or unwilling to temper his Lone Wolf tendencies for Tony… for them.

He knew Tony wasn't trying to change him.

He was just fighting for them, for their relationship.

Tony was realistic enough to know what Gibbs' limits were, but the younger man was just trying to draw a line in the sand for their personal relationship. A reminder that he wanted Gibbs to start thinking of Tony and them both on and off the job… and Gibbs had to accept that and go with it, if he could.

And he found himself wanting to, as hard as it would be.

He hadn't valued another person and their role in his life like this since Shannon.

So maybe it was time he showed Tony that he was worth the effort.

The food was heated through and Tony was just dishing it up by the time Gibbs finished in the shower. Tony had spent the intervening time worrying over what had happened, whether he'd gone too far, and replaying Gibbs' words over and over in his head, concerned about the impact of this on their relationship.

Tony thought it would be typical that he'd screw things up.

He always did in the end.

Tony glanced over his shoulder as Gibbs entered the kitchen, still towel-drying his hair and despite his lingering anxiety, he felt desire coil through him at the sight of the Marine in a white T-shirt and sleep pants, his hair still damp and sticking up all over.

Tony mustered up a smile. "Food's ready… beer's on the table."

Tony turned back to the counter, jumping slightly as strong arms wrapped around his waist from behind.

Gibbs pressed a kiss to the sensitive skin on back of his neck, causing Tony to shiver involuntarily. Gibbs' voice was low and gravelly next to his ear. "I get it, Tony. Can't promise it won't happen again but I can try and consider us more. Best I can do."

For Gibbs, that was almost a full blown apology.

The guy must have done some thinking in the shower and for him to actually make the first move to bridge this gap between them Tony knew was a big step for Gibbs.

Warmed by more than just the arms around him, Tony closed his eyes and leaned back against Gibbs. "Then I'll take it…" He turned his head to meet Gibbs' eyes. "And in answer to your question, no, we're not gonna have a problem. Guess I'll have to work harder at accepting it, if you can work harder at making sure I've got your back, whatever's happening, and try to remember there's two of us in this… this something."

Gibbs tightened his arms briefly before letting Tony go. He moved to stand next to him, leaning back against the counter and gazing at him seriously. "Working on it."

Tony's face relaxed and he stepped close to quickly pull Gibbs back into a tight hug, needing that physical connection to ground himself. He buried his face in the Marine's neck, breathing him in as he murmured against his neck. "Then that's good enough for me."

Gibbs returned the hug and cupped Tony's face when he pulled back. "I think we're worth the effort too, Tony."

The way Tony's eyes lit up and a wide genuine smile spread across his face was reward enough and reassurance that he'd chosen the right words, for once.

"Good. Let's call it a work in progress then… sort of acknowledge there's a problem and move on, huh?" Tony waited till Gibbs nodded before leaning in for a quick kiss before releasing the older man and turning back to the counter and gesturing at the food.

"Okay… grab a plate, all this arguing makes me hungry." Tony sat at the dining table and began attacking his plate, grinning at Gibbs as his tension began to ease. "Hey, was that our first fight? I mean not our first first fight coz we've had more than a few of those already over the years but our first us fight."

"Yup." A grin tugged at Gibbs' mouth as he sat. "First of many."

"Count on it."

"Figured I'd get my ass handed to me tonight," Gibbs admitted, as he picked up his fork.

Tony returned his smile before laying a hand on Gibbs' arm. "I'm not angry or blaming you for being… you, y'know."

Gibbs snorted. "Sure sounded like it."

"Well, it wasn't meant to come out that way, Jethro. Don't want you to change… you wouldn't be you if you did…" Tony tilted his head, waving his fork, "which is kinda obvious but you get what I mean, right?"

"Uh-huh."

Tony watched Gibbs eat, noticing the guy looked more relaxed than earlier and felt some of his own anxiety ease. "I'm just saying that I get that you've always done it this way, but if we're going to make this work outside of the job, then I reserve the right to worry about you anyway and get in your face when necessary… especially now, okay?"

Gibbs put down his fork and reached across for Tony's hand, gripping his fingers tightly. "Copy that."

Tony insisted on clearing up after dinner, despite Gibbs' protests, and when he'd finished, he walked into the living room to find Gibbs stretched out on the couch, head resting back on a cushion, eyes closed.

Tony moved across to sit on the coffee table, leaning forward as Gibbs opened his eyes.

"Basement?"

Gibbs shook his head.

Tony raised an eyebrow. "No? Thought you'd need it, especially after today."

"Need you more." The look Gibbs gave him caused warmth to spread through Tony. Gibbs crooked a finger. "C'mere."

Tony grinned broadly, standing up and moving carefully over Gibbs as the older man shifted to make room on the couch.

"You sure there's room on here for both of us?"

"Till we fall off, yeah."

Tony laughed as he stared down at the Marine beneath him. "Or you do, as you're the one nearest the edge… I think all that Twister with Amira has gone to your head."

Tony eased himself into the gap between Gibbs and the back of the couch. It was a tight fit for two large men, but it gave him the excuse to half sprawl across the Marine and he settled in with his head partly on Gibbs' shoulder and partly on the cushion, his arm resting across the man's waist, legs entwined.

Tony could feel the heat of Gibbs all along his side, the mix of his shower gel, the scent of coffee and sawdust combining to soak into him like a comfort blanket as Gibbs wrapped his arms around him.

Content to just lie here, Tony felt all his tension draining away, absorbing everything he could about the feeling of the man underneath him… the steady rise and fall of his chest, the strength in the arms around him, the hardness of the body pressed against his; all too conscious how close he'd come to losing it all.

Soon, the hand that had been resting on his back began to run slowly up and down his spine and the contours of his muscles, to eventually cup the back of his neck and squeezing gently before resuming its journey south, and Tony hummed his appreciation as he relaxed under the soothing touch.

Tony shifted closer, turning to nestle his face into Gibbs' neck, pressing his lips to the warm skin under his nose, murmuring his name.

"God, you smell good." Tony grinned to himself as he felt Gibbs shiver when he reached the sensitive skin under his ear with his mouth.

Long fingers combed through his hair, almost massaging his scalp and Tony closed his eyes, feeling almost like purring as he tilted his head to capture Gibbs' mouth, kissing him softly.

Gibbs pulled Tony nearer as the kiss deepened slowly. Tony burrowed under the T-shirt to reach warm skin, letting his hand roam slowly over Gibbs' stomach, feeling the muscles ripple slightly, absorbing Gibbs' moan into his mouth as the older man arched into his touch.

Tony slid a leg between Gibbs' thighs, and the Marine's hands moved to his hips and ass to pull him even closer, causing a surge of need to roll through Tony as he rocked against the growing bulge he could feel of Gibbs' arousal.

As if a switch had been flipped, the kiss turned hungry and passionate, almost desperately urgent as if both men were trying to reassure the other through their actions… lips warm, tongues slick, teeth nipping.

Only the need for air caused them to back off, breathing ragged as they stared at one another, the atmosphere suddenly charged.

Arousal hummed through his own bones as Tony took in the blown pupils, the blue barely visible in the eyes inches from his own, and felt a surge of satisfaction that he'd caused that reaction in Gibbs.

Tony grinned, his voice hoarse. "Does this mean we're good?"

"Yup." Gibbs crooked a smile, his hand slipping to the side of Tony's neck, squeezing warmly. He pulled Tony into another kiss before skimming his lips along his jawline and onto his neck, his touch so light that Tony shivered as goosebumps chased across his skin.

Gibbs' voice was a low rumble against his skin. "You gonna stay?"

Tony's body responded with enthusiasm to both the idea and the deep voice and Gibbs' grin widened as he felt Tony's reaction against his hip.

Tony let his forehead drop to Gibbs' shoulder. "Hell, yeah!" He raised his head, giving a sheepish grin as he amended hastily, "I mean I want to… if you're sure."

Gibbs stared at him for a moment before nodding. "I'm sure."

Gibbs felt nervous about this next step but was ready to take it… his body reacting with a slow burn tonight that he wanted to go with more than anything.

Tony glanced around, grinning as he took in how jammed against the back of the couch they were, Gibbs partly on his side and almost teetering on the edge of the couch. "Might need to move the party though… not sure there's enough room on here, unless we strap ourselves in. And this feels too good to go anywhere except a bed."

"Planning on it. Need some space." Gibbs let his thumb stroke across Tony's bottom lip before pulling him into another thorough intense kiss that made Tony's head spin.

Tony moaned as he pulled back from the kiss, resting his head against Gibbs, his pulse racing. "Then hold that thought and move that butt, Marine."

Gibbs grinned and pushed Tony back and rolled off the couch, reaching down to pull the younger man to his feet. Tony's arms wrapped around Gibbs as soon as he came to his feet and took his mouth in another kiss, trying to pour his heart and soul into it.

The kiss ended and Gibbs slid his fingers down Tony's arm to link hands, his own breathing ragged. "Felt… good to come back to you. Come home."

Tony cupped Gibbs' face in his palm, stroking his cheek. "Until I nearly ruined it."

Gibbs shook his head. "Not possible. That's usually my job."

Tony leaned in to whisper against Gibbs' mouth. "Not this time."

Gibbs stared at him, a crooked smile breaking out before he turned and all but dragged Tony towards the stairs. They barely made it to the second step before Tony tugged on his hand to stop him, pressing Gibbs against the wall, sliding his fingers into the Marine's hair as he took his mouth in a bruising kiss.

He couldn't seem to get enough of kissing Gibbs, as if trying to make up for all the years of longing. He moaned as he felt hands pulling at his sweatshirt, lost in sensation as he explored and teased the mouth moving under his.

Clothes were discarded as they stumbled upstairs, stopping to kiss and let hands roam over newly revealed skin every few feet. Tony was barely conscious of his surroundings as they staggered, partly undressed, into the master bedroom, which he'd glimpsed before but never entered.

They separated by the bed, staring at one another, panting for breath, chests heaving. Gibbs' hair was mussed, his pants partly unbuckled and belt hanging loose and in Tony's eyes, the Marine had never looked sexier.

Gibbs turned away briefly to flick on the bedside lamp before stepping close, sliding his arms around Tony's waist and Tony closed his eyes against the feel of skin on skin, all coherent thought leaving the building.

Taking him by surprise, Gibbs grinned and pushed Tony back on the bed, moving over him. Tony let his fingers move through the smattering of hair on Gibbs' chest and around to map out the contours of Gibbs' back.

When he reached the base of his spine, Tony slid his fingers under the waistband of Gibbs' pants to smooth out onto his butt, squeezing the firm muscles and arching up as he pulled Gibbs down, heat rushing through him as he hardened further, his body aching for more.

Breaking apart as if by common consent, both men stripped off the rest of their clothes in a rush, Tony the first to finish and he stretched out on the bed as he waited for Gibbs, watching every move the guy made, enjoying the play of muscles under the skin as more flesh was revealed.

Gibbs joined Tony on the bed, laying down on his side, his hand coming to rest on Tony's hip as the younger man rolled to face him. They'd seen one another naked before but this was a whole other level… and for Tony, it was a long held fantasy come to very large life…

… to be sprawled across a bed with an aroused Gibbs within reach of his hands and mouth... a Gibbs who was looking at him with almost an intrigued wonder, blue eyes roaming slowly over his body in turn.

Tony had spent years storing away fantasy fodder of Gibbs' body, craving every detail about the man… glimpses in the shower here, sneaked looks in shared hotel rooms there.

But now he could take his time… to look and linger, and touch and taste.

The man was beautiful… there was no other word for it, although Tony could imagine Gibbs' reaction if he ever told him so.

As well as his handsome face and piercing blue eyes, Gibbs was in amazing shape for his age, defined shoulders and arms, a strong edible neck, a broad chest with a smattering of silver hair, long legs, a softening of the flesh around the belly and hips the only sign of less than peak shape, the skin scarred with knife, bullet and shrapnel wounds that spoke of a life under fire, down to the beautiful hands and thick cock straining against his belly, which twitched under Tony's gaze.

And that was just the front.

He'd seen Gibbs' ass and back enough times in the shower to know it was worth a very lengthy exploration all of its own.

Tony raised his eyes to meet amused blue eyes, that smirk tugging at Gibbs' mouth. "You finished?"

Tony grinned. "Oh, I haven't even started yet."

"Neither have I."

Tony almost heard the 'but' not uttered but clearly flashing through Gibbs' mind and he could see the emotions and vulnerability on his face and guess at the reasons. But the very fact Gibbs was letting him see him emotionally bare as well as physically naked warmed Tony more than any words could.

Tony reached out to rest his hand gently on Gibbs' chest. "You okay?"

"Yeah…" Gibbs nodded but then averted his gaze. "Aw hell, Tony, I feel like a nervous virgin."

Tony let his hand run gently along Gibbs' collarbone and higher, mimicking the firm but gentle way Gibbs clasped his neck that always settled him. "Won't do anything you're not comfortable with, Jethro… We'll go with whatever you wanna do. Let your gut take over and just trust me, okay?"

He felt Gibbs relax minutely under his hand. "I do."

Tony shuffled closer, gently urging Gibbs onto his back, leaning in for a kiss as he began caressing his chest and stomach. He kept his touches light, edging closer and closer to his nipples until Gibbs was shifting beneath him, an iron grip on his shoulders as he returned the kiss.

Tony's mouth fastened onto Gibbs' neck, suckling hard at his pulse point and he felt a surge of lust as Gibbs virtually growled in response. Tony grinned against his neck before going back to nipping and licking, hearing the low moan rumbling in the chest under his hands as Tony began rocking against the muscled thigh trapped between his legs.

Tony was just getting into it, hands starting to roam more, when he suddenly found himself flipped onto his back. Tony burst out laughing as he stared up at Gibbs hovering over him, shivering as he saw the smouldering heat in those blue eyes.

Tony ran his hands up Gibbs' sides and around to his back and down to squeeze his ass. "I see you're no more patient in bed than you are out of it."

Gibbs grinned. "Damn straight."

Gibbs settled his weight against Tony, and the younger man groaned, his eyes closing as he relished the full body embrace, the delicious warmth and slide of flesh on flesh.

Tony had wanted to hold Gibbs like this, to feel all of him, for what seemed like forever and he moaned as their cocks brushed against one another, the friction sending a surge of pleasure through Tony as Gibbs flexed his hips.

Tony smoothed a hand up the surprisingly soft skin of Gibbs' back to cup his head, leaning up to nip Gibbs' jaw which prompted the Marine to go for Tony's neck, biting down at the junction where it met his shoulder and Tony gasped, arching up into him.

Gibbs absorbed the feeling of Tony's hands on him, his senses humming with arousal as he explored the younger man's body in turn. Gibbs took his cues from Tony's reactions, almost gently stroking and licking his way across his skin, letting his mouth and hands act on instinct.

Tony lay still, his hands flexing on Gibbs' shoulders and back, letting the Marine explore, conscious of the intrigued surprise on Gibbs' face mingled with the desire, the almost tentative nature of his caresses as he ghosted his fingers over Tony's body.

The Marine behaved as if he was processing all these new sensations and Tony was prepared to be as patient as he could, if his body could stand the wait, to let Gibbs do whatever he wanted. Heat spread through him and blood pounded in his veins as tried to control his body's reactions, not wanting this to end quickly but feeling close to losing it.

His emotions were also close to overwhelming Tony from the almost tender devotion in the way Gibbs was touching him.

Tony had longed to have Gibbs' intense focus on him like this for years and he felt like he was on fire, his senses reeling as he concentrated on Gibbs' hands and mouth on his skin.

Eventually, Tony could stand it no longer… he had to move… to touch.

Tony surged up, pushing Gibbs onto his back and the Marine let him and they landed in a tangle of limbs and laughter. Tony felt his heart seize in his chest at the reflection of his own desire in the blue eyes staring up at him.

Taking Gibbs' mouth in a deep kiss, he felt almost drunk on the man by the time he tore his mouth away and trailed kisses down his neck, suckling on the hollow of his throat and licking his way along the skin, taking note of what made Gibbs groan.

Gibbs relaxed into Tony's touches as he kissed his way down his chest, lavishing attention on his nipples with his tongue and on down his stomach, pressing open mouthed kisses to the heated skin as Tony explored every inch, taking his time… seemingly intent on driving Gibbs insane in the process.

Gibbs propped himself up on his elbows, watching Tony as he slowly made his way down his body, diverting around his aching cock to trail nipping kisses down his legs, hands kneading the muscles until Gibbs was shifting restlessly on the bed under the torture, not able to hold back the moans as he searched for the friction he desperately needed.

His breath hitched as Tony paused, hovering between his legs, green eyes full of mischief as he grinned up the line of his body and Gibbs groaned, dropping his head back on the pillow as he fought for control.

He almost came off the bed when he felt a quick lick across the tip of his cock, followed by Tony blowing lightly on the wet flesh. A strong hand wrapped around him, beginning to move in long steady strokes. He raised his head again in time to see Tony's mouth take him in and suckle on the sensitive tip, tongue swirling slowly around the broad head.

Gibbs rested his hand on Tony's head, carding his fingers through his hair as Tony worked him. The combination of Tony's clever tongue, the heat of his mouth and skilful fingers drove Gibbs closer to the edge as he rocked his hips as the younger man took him in deeper, inch by inch.

Tony was pretty sure he could come just like this, without being touched anymore. The sight of a very aroused Gibbs shifting on the bed, the taste and feel of him in his mouth, the sound of his groans, the hot velvety skin under his hands, all combined to have Tony fighting back his own encroaching orgasm.

Lavishing attention on Gibbs, he concentrated on memorizing every sensitive spot… what made the man moan, cry out, writhe, and downright growl at him.

He could sense Gibbs was close when the older man began to shift his hips, thigh muscles tensing, clearly holding back the urge to buck up harder into Tony's mouth, and Tony hummed around his cock, causing Gibbs to curse as he began to lose control.

Managing a strangled cry of Tony's name, Gibbs tried to warn him, giving him time to back off. But the younger man didn't, only redoubling his efforts, swirling his tongue over the tip and suckling hard, tugging gently on his balls and rubbing gently into the skin behind them.

It was enough to push him over and the intensity of his orgasm took Gibbs by surprise and he arched his back as he came, hand tight in Tony's hair.

When the world righted itself again, Gibbs raised his head, still struggling for breath to see Tony resting his head on his thigh, an insufferably smug grin on his face.

Gibbs grinned back, smoothing his fingers through Tony's hair and beckoned Tony closer. The younger man moved up the bed and into Gibbs' arms, burying his head into the guys' neck, his pulsing hardness digging into his hip.

Tony was almost trembling with need, he felt so close and knew it would take very little to finish him off.

He nuzzled into the damp skin under his nose, managing to rasp out, "Sit rep. You okay?"

Gibbs laughed, ruffling Tony's hair. "You couldn't tell?"

Tony raised his head, grinning at the sated amused expression on Gibbs' face. "Well, I guess the hand nearly ripping my hair out mighta been a slight clue you were enjoying it."

Gibbs urged Tony onto his back, hovering over the younger man, leaning down to kiss his neck, murmuring against his skin. "Tell me what you want me to do, Tony."

Tony shuddered at the light brush of lips on his neck. "Touch me, Jethro. Just… touch me, don't care how… I'm not gonna last long. Jeez, I just need… oh god," Tony broke off, his heart jumping in his chest as a calloused hand suddenly wrapped around his weeping cock, his breath catching as a palm rubbed over the head, spreading the moisture.

"I gotcha, Tony… just let it go."

Gibbs kissed him as he began to stroke Tony's cock, once again going with how Tony was reacting to him and what he liked having done to himself… firmer here, teasing there, increasing pressure and speed gradually.

Tony arched into every stroke, thrusting into Gibbs' strong hand, his breath hot against Gibbs' shoulder. Having his mouth and hands on Gibbs and now being wrapped in the guy's arms with those fingers bringing him off was the culmination of years of need and lust and while Tony wanted to make it last, he was already feeling the tightening at the base of his spine that signalled it was nearly all over.

Gibbs pulled him closer until he was practically sprawled over Tony when his release hit and Tony's hips jerked erratically as he shuddered, groaning Gibbs' name as he came, hard.

Gibbs held Tony as he trembled through the aftershocks, stroking his back gently as Tony's breathing calmed, their limbs tangled.

Tony nuzzled into his neck before capturing Gibbs' mouth in a slow, teasing kiss, trying to convey everything he felt because he sure as hell couldn't find the words; he was pretty sure his brain had just melted out of his ears.

Tony broke for air but barely had time to register Gibbs' full-on grin before the older man pulled him back into another breathy, sloppy kiss, and Tony laughed against his mouth as the kiss went on and on.

Eventually when Gibbs let him go, Tony slid his lips along Gibbs' jawline to his neck. "Well, I tried to hang on but that felt too good…" He felt Gibbs' deep chuckle under his mouth and nipped his neck before sliding to the side and flopping into his back.

"We can go slower next time."

Tony moaned, his spent cock twitching at the thought, sated as he was. "He's gonna kill me, I know he is… it's a Marine thing, right?" He turned his head, taking in Gibbs' smile and raised eyebrow. Tony laughed. "Right now, I think we need to get cleaned up or one of us is sleeping in the wet spot."

Gibbs snorted and rolled out of bed, disappearing into the bathroom, leaving Tony lying on the bed, looking around the room, taking in his sparsely furnished surroundings for the first time, feeling himself grinning from ear to ear like an idiot but unable to stop.

Gibbs reappeared, wielding a damp washcloth which he tossed to Tony who cleaned up and levered himself out of bed to dump it in the laundry basket, returning on still shaky legs to the bedroom.

Gibbs was waiting for him, lying on his side, head propped on one hand and an expression on his face that caused Tony's stomach to flip flop. Tony slid under the covers, shuffling close to Gibbs and mirroring his position.

Gibbs wasn't sure he could find the words to express what he was feeling right now, but maybe he didn't need to… the happiness on Tony's face and shining in his green eyes was so obvious it made Gibbs' chest hurt.

Tony felt his skin heating up again from the warm gaze. It was usually about now that he felt the need to start retreating emotionally from closeness like this, from something that moved him so much and left him feeling vulnerable but Tony was determined to fight that instinct this time.

Gibbs deserved better from him than that, and Tony guessed Gibbs might be feeling the same vulnerability and be needing the same kind of reassurance.

Tony rested a hand on the Marine's chest, smoothing over the muscles. "I'll change what I said earlier… we're not just good, we're awesome. That work for you as well as it did for me, even though I know it's new for you…"

"Felt real good… coz it's you, Tony." Tony shivered at the low, rough note in Gibbs' voice, the certainty in the deep voice. "Wanna go further. Want more…"

"Me too… but not gonna rush any of it…" Tony leaned in for another kiss, murmuring against Gibbs' mouth, "but yeah, there's nothing I wanna feel more than you inside me… when you're ready."

Gibbs pulled him closer, his arms wrapping Tony up. "Want that too…soon. And more."

Tony tensed and felt his jaw drop in surprise, just about stopping himself from asking Gibbs if he really meant what he hoped he did.

Gibbs read him as usual and squeezed tightly, murmuring against his hair and making Tony shiver. "If it's feels good, I want it all… partner."

Tony nuzzled into Gibbs' chest, raising his head to meet intense blue eyes. "I promise you, Jethro, it will feel really, really, really good."

After a bit of restless fidgeting punctuated with more laughter, they eventually settled on a position they both felt comfortable with, Gibbs spooned behind Tony, his arm heavy around his waist.

Tony rested his hand on Gibbs' hand where it lay on his stomach, smiling to himself as one more wish got ticked off the list… to feel the warmth and strength of Gibbs against his back as he slept, held in his arms.

Tony felt he was almost melting into the heat behind him. The guy was going to be a great electric blanket in the winter.

Gibbs felt calm and content, feeling more settled and complete than he had in years, as if something vital had slotted into place in his life again.

He heard the sleepy mumble. "Night, Jethro."

Gibbs nuzzled into the skin on the back of his neck, pressing a kiss to that spot that raised goosebumps. "Night, Tony."

Tony let himself drift for a moment before a thought struck him and he huffed a laugh.

Gibbs' arm tightened. "What?"

Tony glanced back over his shoulder. "I was right, wasn't I, back in your basement all those months ago?" When Gibbs gave him a questioning look, Tony grinned. "Told ya I was giving up women."

The end… for now!

A/N: There will be a sequel at some point… gawd knows when but this 'verse has been so much fun to do that I'd really like to do more in it.