Chapter Text
Epilogue
It had been three weeks, a very long three weeks since Tony had revealed to Gibbs they were partially bonded. So much had happened, several people had died, but his team, his Tribe were all safe and whole. Ari had been - handled. And his handler, she too had been - handled, though not quite in the same way.
Now, Tony was in the shower at Gibbs’ house where he had been staying since he’d gotten out of the hospital. Gibbs had insisted, saying Tony needed to be sharp, and being around his Guide more even if they weren’t fully bonded, could only help.
Tony, not one to cut off his own nose to spite his face, had agreed with alacrity. He had hoped being around Gibbs in a more relaxed time than at work, less immediate stress, would help his Guide to make his decision. It would provide a preview of what the future could be like. Granted, Tony had stayed at Gibbs’ house overnight a few times before when his apartment had issues with heating or hot water, and once when his place was being exterminated for a flea infestation following a tenant bringing home a box of kittens they had found in the woods. And Tony had stopped by occasionally for pizza and beer or cowboy steaks after hard cases. But he had always been careful to stay out of Gibbs’ way and leave if he felt that he was being too annoying or a burden.
This time, Tony had simply been himself. He had arranged for his TV and some of his movies to be brought over and he had watched them regularly. He talked to Gibbs when he went to the basement to work on his boat. He made them dinners once he was off the strongest pain medication. He allowed himself to take off the mask around Gibbs, something he had never dared to even contemplate before.
And, lo and behold, it had worked out. Just as Gibbs’ presence helped settle and ground Tony’s senses, Tony’s presence seemed to center Gibbs. He had not gone off to brood, when he worked on the boat it was for enjoyment and relaxation, not to get rid of his frustration. Gibbs had been focused and calm, well calm-ish, at work. There were no blow ups, in the bullpen or at home. They just slotted into place perfectly.
And Gibbs had realized it, too. He had opened up to Tony, verbally and empathically. He had allowed himself to realize when he was using his Guide Gifts and had consciously sought control over them. It had taken some work and some help from the S & G Center but Gibbs had regained his old self. He was still gruff and took no nonsense from people but the “B for Bastard” was seen less often.
And Gibbs was dealing with the loss of his first wife and his daughter. He had never truly grieved for them. He had buried it and pushed it away. But now, with Tony’s help, he was being healthy about his feelings. They had several conversations about their deaths, the incident that led to it, and Gibbs’ actions following it.
Tony knew what Gibbs had done. And he understood. He had a feeling it might come back to bite them someday and he would have to see what was out there so he could deal with the danger to his Tribe preemptively if need be, but for now, it was enough to know the issue was there.
He also knew to keep Gibbs far away from his old boss, Mike Franks. The fact that Franks had known he would never get Hernandez in a legal way and had deliberately used Gibbs - a grieving husband and father, a damaged Guide - to take him out was reprehensible to Tony. Franks was a poison his Guide didn’t need in his life.
And Tony had even gotten Gibbs to open up about the existence of his girls to Ducky. Tony hoped Gibbs would one day be able to talk about it to the rest of the team but for now, the elderly Englishman was the best connection. They had been friends for a long time and Ducky was able to understand Gibbs’ silence until now. They had talked about the death and Gibbs would tell stories about their lives now.
Which led to Tony’s current activity, showering fully to prepare for completing the bond. Last night, Gibbs had agreed to make the partial bond into a full one. They had notified NCIS and without having any open cases, they were able to arrange a week off for the nesting to come.
Tony was still in shock. He was happy but he had never truly believed that Gibbs - Jethro would want him. And certainly not a full, sexual bond. But that was what Jethro had offered. Tony had thought he would be in a platonic bond with his Guide. But Jethro had surprised him with the information that he found Tony attractive and that he had been with men before. Granted, they had been buddy fucks and bar pick-ups that led to one night stands or very short term relationships, but he was no stranger to gay sex.
Tony himself had never been picky about the gender of his partner. He tended to keep any gay relationships very much in the closet due to homophobia in the police force and armed services (when he came to NCIS) but it didn’t stop him from indulging. Tony liked sex and he had been incredibly frustrated over the past year, not being able to bear the touch or even the smell of a sexual partner. He had become very well acquainted with his right hand. And lube was a regular item on his weekly shopping list since he came online. It was unscented and hypoallergenic lube, designed for Sentinels and others with touch sense issues, but he knew exactly where to find it in several different stores that he frequented.
Tony turned off the water, fully washed and ready for the bonding. He took a clean towel and dried off, wrapping it around his waist, and heading to the bedroom. Gibbs was there waiting for him, his own body naked and gleaming, hairless chest shining in the light. Gibbs had gone to the S & G Center a few days before to have all his hair except his head hair, eyelashes and eyebrows permanently removed for Tony’s sake. It was something Tony himself had done the first time he had gone to the Center after coming online.
Tony reveled in the permission he gave his eyes to feast on the sight before him. Gibbs was lean and muscular, his muscles defined but not overly bulked up. His leg muscles were tight and his cock was uncut and long, slightly above average length but not overly thick. Tony couldn’t wait to taste it hot in his mouth.
He moaned and his eyes rose to meet Jethro’s gaze. “Guide.”
Jethro smiled at him and took a deep breath. “Sentinel.”
Tony stepped forward, allowing the towel to drop at his feet and took the older man’s face in his hands, breathing in the scent that he associated with Gibbs: coffee, sawdust and hints of bourbon, and now he learned the scent of Gibbs’ arousal. He leaned further forward and placed his mouth on Jethro’s mouth, which opened readily under the pressure. He tasted his Guide and imprinted it on his very soul. Tony would never forget this night and he intended to cherish it for all time.
As Tony and Jethro sank onto the bed, behind them a coyote sprang toward the ceiling as a hawk stooped towards the floor, meeting in a burst of light that bathed the lovers on the bed in its glow.