(no subject)
Title: Are we ready?
Rating: PG
Pairing: DiNozzo/McGee
Genre: Established Relationship
Summary: A little one shot inspired by the season 5 episode Stakeout
Disclaimer: I don't own them ... and all errors are mine
“So, um, I was thinking…”
“Yeah?” a not really listening voice questioned. Between the chatter on the television and the constant clatter of typewriter keys, it was easy to get distracted by the hum of the room.
“Maybe, we’re not really ready to get a place of our own.”
“Yeah, that sounds-“ the typing stopped and the television was muted. “Wait, what did you say?”
“I said, maybe we aren’t ready to get a place of our own.”
“Why would you say that? We’ve been talking about moving in together for weeks. We lined up an appointment with that real estate lady for Tuesday. And now you’re having second thoughts.” A hand hesitantly reached out for another. “Why are you having second thoughts?”
“I was just thinking about the stakeout the other day. We were together for twelve hours shifts and ready to kill each other pretty quick.”
“True, but that was work,” said with a frown.
“Yeah, we work together. So what makes us think we can then go home together after a long day? Come on, we’d fight all the time just like we did on that stakeout…”
“Are you breaking up with me?”
“What? No!”
A relieved sigh.
“I just think, that maybe we’re rushing something.”
“Rushing? Rushing? Oh, you have got to be kidding me. We’ve been going out for over a year! And when you said you didn’t want to move in with me, I didn’t push. Instead over some time we agreed that finding a place of our own was the right move. That way neither of us felt like we were giving something up, or invading the other’s space.”
“I was there…”
“Good. I thought maybe that last concussion was messing with your brain. We’re ready for this.”
“Are you sure? It’s a big step. Maybe the reason we haven’t just shot each other in the bullpen is the time we spend apart. In our own homes.”
This time the sigh was more frustrated with a hand running through hair. A deep breath before, “I’m sure. I’m sure about moving in together and I am sure about us. Stakeouts just put everyone on edge. You know that, I know that. We’ve been fine with work and everything the past year and I don’t doubt we will be fine in the future. And we told the real estate lady that we wanted a two-bedroom place, so we won’t always be in each other’s hair.”
“Grace. Real estate lady’s name is Grace.”
“I was there.”
A breathy laugh. “Using my own words against me.”
“And should I be jealous of Grace?”
The soft sound of skin moving against fabric. “I think she is missing a key part of anatomy. But you, you fulfill that requirement just fine.”
“Just fine?”
“Oh way, way better than fine.” A long pause. “What if you change your mind? What if we move in together and you decide that living with me is terrible, that you don’t want me anymore?”
“What if you change your mind?” is the immediate counter.
“That will never happen. I’d never willingly give you up. Not for anything,” the last part is whispered.
“Then we have nothing to worry about. I feel the same way. I love you.” A tender kiss placed on the hairline. Another on eyelids. Then finally, on the mouth. “I love you DiNozzo.”
“Love you too McGoo. But the next time you get me breakfast you better make sure my eggs come the way I order them.”
“Sure, Tony. Sure…”