The shoe shining scene was just so perfect for their dynamic: each one devoted to the other, but neither being able to come out far enough from their protective shells to DO something more about it. So, Gibbs protects Tony the best he can, keeping him grounded and HERE, while trying to keep him at a distance, and Tony... well, Tony lives his life for Gibbs and everything he is, loving him the only way he knows how. It's all so very sad, actually.

Just finished rereading HiPS now (had to) and was struck (again) by the lifebondy thing Sheppard and Rodney did in the ship's sick bay. I don't know if this is one of your universe bunnies... but I wonder if Gibbs and Tony would ever get to that point. I'd love to see it, but then, I'm a hopeless romantic and a grade-A sap, particularly for Tony and Gibbs. :)