Great chapter! So happy Tim is able to freely speak his mind with Gibbs, get things off his chest. Feeling hopeful, along with Tim, that this can be worked out. Ways to go though.

I have to admit, I am confused. I am not sure what any of the three men are hoping to achieve.

Gibbs doesn't seem overly concerned about Tony or upset. So does that mean it was just a casual fling? Which would be really out of character, at least where team members are concerned. And what on earth is he trying to do with Tim? Be friends? Bring him into his life? Out of guilt, or to silence him? And what if Tony and/or Tim don't want the status quo to change like that? And Gibbs hasn't even told Tim that things would change on the team- the golden boy would be pulled in.

Tony has lost his mind and reverted to a 15 year old. Does he really hate Tim? Was it casual for him with Gibbs?

And what in heck is Tim trying to bottle up? I mean, I am hoping he hasn't been secretly in lust with either of the other two since they are both not worth it.

Too many fuzzy bits and obscure motivations. And I agree- that moment in the break room isn't really a grand romantic moment to be treasured. Maybe a daring fling moment to be chuckled at but if having sex at work after treating a co worker like crud for weeks as foreplay is the grand moment of the relationship..that is just sad.

I am still loving the story I am just suffering from some "eh?" moments.

Author's Response:

It is confusing, isn't it?

We've got Tim trying to keep all things normal - as if nothing happened - all the while no longer willing to go anywhere with Tony alone.

Then we've got Tony - who's tried very hard to stay pissed at Tim and blame him for everything - all the while he's realizing what he and Gibbs had wasn't really solid or 'love' and that what's broken down - is largely due to his own doing.

and lastly, we have Gibbs, who genuinely thought if he reached out a little more than usual to Tim, that the younger man would just open the door and let him in without a fight. Of course, the man's also still wracking his brain as to how to talk to Tony - knowing it's a conversation that has to happen as soon as Tony shows back up.

Who knows what revelations Tony has while talking with his therapist? I personally, think he'll figure out that his relationship with Gibbs was unhealthy becuase it was purely a safety net, driven by his extreme need to be wanted and loved on a personal level - a need that Gibbs inadvertantly feed to the extreme - while trying to be the support he saw that Tony needed outside of work.   Not healthy - but not casual either. 

These people are idiots and with each chapter I am fast losing any liking for them or sympathy for their situations. Aside from a few internal "revelations" they are exactly where they were when the whole mess started! It's gotten tedious. They all need to step up and stop either avoiding discussing the issue, or running to Ducky for insight and advice, then promptly not doing much of anything with it. I'm starting to root for a third option... Break up the band! Move on people! And Tim Grow up and grow a backbone for pity sake!

Author's Response:

It is difficult to see so little progres, I agree.
However, painfully difficult situations that shed light on our flaws, seldom see overnight fixes or fast solutions and this is no different.

I'm sure Ducky will be stomping his foot in consternation here soon - most likely at Gibbs' for his lack of agressive efforts to fix things, beginning with Tim.

Tim continues to defend his right not to be bullied into talking about this - just because Gibbs wants him to. he knows there was a time when he would have caved in at the first sign of displeasure from the boss - and spilled his guts.  Not that weak under pressure anymore.  However, I think we will see him hold on to that control just a little too tightly - and it will eventually explode - let's just hope the fallout's not fatal, hmm?

Personally I don't get why eqaculating in public at work is considered a quality couple moment?? This isn't something to be treasured. If anything this is a moment that Gibbs and Tony should realise everything that is wrong with their current relationship. They are self absorbed, cruel, reckless and thoughtless and this is too each other and other people.
If they can reshape their relationship into something adult and healthy from that realisation then great but the way they are handling things currently shows how exactly how little understanding they had of each other in the first place.
(Tony misreading Gibbs, Gibbs realising how stupid his promises where, Tony running away from his responsibilities like a child because he cant handle dealing with it like an adult etc)

Tim you need to step up and grow a backbone and demand what you want. Respect from your team mates for starters. Friendship with how you have been treated by both of them shouldn't be up for discussion until the issue of respect is addressed. You can't be 'friends' if you are continuously cruel to their feelings and don't respect them as a person first. Tony abused Tim repeatedly and Gibbs allowed it because he and Tony were fucking.

This is a feild position is DANGEROUS as frustration, mistrust and hesitation etc is created. (Once again proving Gibbs as team leader needs a wake up call.)

Tims swallowing of the pain and avoiding the issue isn't resolving anything. Its just helping drag it out.Be a man Tim not some teenage girl thinking your being noble. Dont beg for some respect. Demand it as your due. This is the lesson you need to learn. You, Tim are worth as much as other people so stop trying to protect them and save yourself.

I don't buy Gibbs respecting Tims silence now when he hasn't show respect for Tim anywhere or anytime else. Gibbs should grab Tim and state his case whether Tim chooses to listen or not. Tim should resign from the team to carve out his own destiny...something.(And please dont hook up with Abby as she treats you like shit and is one of the reasons your unsure about yourself)

This current set up is going to get someone killed.

(This Tim seems very early seasons rather then later as Tim has grown more confident as the seasons have gone one.)

By the way I am enjoying your story :) I just find it very frustrating!

Author's Response:

I agree - Tony and Gibbs do need to step back and regroup - and realign their thinking with what's right and not with what feels good.
As for where their relationship is headed - Gibbs has already determined that he and Tony need to talk that through and he knows it won't be a pleasant conversation to have.

Tim has matured enough to be confidant enough in what little control he seems to be able to have in this mess - to hold on to his right not to be bullied into anything, including hashing this out - when that's the last thing he wants to do.

Sorry ! I enjoy read the stories of Emerald too but it's Shelbylou and Smartkid !

Feeclo

Author's Response:

Thank you!

Abby disgusts me.

She is so self-absorbed that she forges ahead without considering anybody else.

Regardless of what is requested of her.

Author's Response:

Abby isn't trying to be self-absorbed - she's just so used to acting first and thinking later that it takes a painful lesson to pull her back and wake her up.

Something's got to give.

Why does it have to be Tim?

Author's Response:

Alas, it is sad, isn't it?

I hope this story will continue. I really enjoy read it !

Author's Response:

Thank you.

more, please :)

I dont understand why Tony is continuing to blame Tim? He knows Tim didnt tell anyone and he even knows tim went out of his way to fix the security cameras and yet he is just dumping everything on him.No wonder he hasnt had a succesful relationship, hes very immature.
I hope Tim does start standing up for himself more with all of the team.
It would be nice if Tim and Ziva got togethet. Rule 12 ruined now anyway and she wants a forever someone to trust and settle down with so Tim would be perfect.

Author's Response:

So sorry it has taken me so long to respond to your insightful and wonderful review.

Tony's a little blinded right about now - but he'll find his way - we just have to hope that it won't be too late to salvage his friendship.

I think we'll see Tim's standing up for himself in quiet ways.

Maybe Tim and Ziva will find thier way to each other.

We can hope, right?

thank you so much for reading/reviewing.

I love the story! Please keep the chapters coming soon!

Lisa

Tim is so hurt.

Will he ever tell Gibbs how he feels?

Author's Response:

He may not.
It is poossible that he will tell someone, though.
My guess is on Ducky.
Tim knows that the M.E. usually talks about stuff like this to Gibbs, though - so maybe not.

Hmm.  guess we'll have to wait and see, hmm?