Breaking Barriers

                                    

                                          
Tony DiNozzo x Fem!Reader
~~~~~~~
Tony DiNozzo had never been one to back away from a challenge, but as he stood in his apartment, staring at Riley's uncertain face, he felt a twinge of frustration. They had been together for months, and while their relationship was blossoming, there was one hurdle that loomed large: her reluctance to stay the night.

"Riley, we've been intimate before," he said, leaning against the doorframe. "Many times in fact. Why can't you just stay over? It's only one night. Plus, you'll be closer to work."

She shifted her gaze, her fingers fidgeting with the hem of her shirt. "It's complicated, Tony."

"Complicated how?" he pressed gently, sensing her discomfort. 

Riley hesitated, biting her lip. "I just... I can't."

---

**A few days later, in a quiet moment at NCIS...**

Tony's mind raced with thoughts of Riley. He'd never pushed her boundaries, but he couldn't shake the feeling that something was being kept from him. During a break in their case, he confided in McGee.

"Something's up with Riley. She won't stay over, and it's driving me nuts," Tony admitted.

McGee raised an eyebrow. "Maybe she has her reasons. It's not always easy for people with past trauma."

"Yeah, but what kind of trauma?" Tony asked, frustration creeping in.

---

**That evening, Tony decided it was time to confront Riley directly.**

"Riley, can we talk?" he said as they settled on the couch.

She nodded, her expression apprehensive. "Sure."

"I care about you, you know that, right? But it feels like there's something you're not telling me," he began.

She took a deep breath, her hands clasped tightly. "Tony, I—"

"Just tell me," he urged, softening his tone.

Riley glanced down, her voice barely a whisper. "When I was little, I had a... a so-called 'minor case' of shaken baby syndrome. It left me with a bad studder and breathing issues. Speech therapy fixed the studder but nothing seemed to touch my breathing issues...hence my little friend here." She says, giving her metal oxygen tank on wheels a good tap. "I also need to use a bipap machine at night to help me breathe."

Tony's heart sank. "I didn't know."

"I know you didn't. And I'm self-conscious about it. The machine is loud and it feels... I don't want to scare you away. I love you and I love what we have. I don't want to ruin it," she admitted, tears glistening in her eyes.

---

**Tony's heart swelled with understanding.**

"Riley, you could never ruin this. I care about you—machine or no machine. You're not just your past; you're so much more than that," he said, reaching for her hand.

"But what if I—"

"Stop right there," he interrupted gently. "I'm not going anywhere. I promise."

---

**The next day, Tony had an idea.**

"Hey, Riles," he said, a playful grin on his face. "How about I come over tonight? I want to see your place and meet your noisy roommate." 

She hesitated, fear flashing in her eyes. "You really don't have to..."

"Actually, I do. I want to be there for you," he replied, his tone sincere.

After a long pause, Riley nodded. "Okay. But promise me you won't freak out."

"I promise," he said, determination in his eyes.

---

**Later that night, at Riley's apartment...**

As they walked into her living room, Tony took in the sight of the state-of-the-art bipap machine sitting next to her bed, its tubing coiling like a lifeline. 

"Wow, that's quite the setup," he said, trying to lighten the mood. 

Riley gave a small smile, her anxiety palpable. "It's loud, but it helps."

"I'm here for it," he said firmly, pulling her close. "Let's make it a fun night. Movie marathon?"

They settled in, the sound of the machine providing a strange comfort as they laughed and shared popcorn. As the hours passed, Tony noticed Riley slowly relaxing, her tension easing.

"See? Not so scary," he teased lightly.

"Not when you're around," she admitted, her voice soft.

---

**As the night wore on...**

Tony watched as Riley prepared for bed, the machine humming to life. He lay beside her, heart racing, both from the closeness and the sound of the machine.

"Riley," he whispered, leaning in closer. "You are amazing. Don't ever doubt that."

She smiled, her eyes shimmering with gratitude. "Thank you for being here."

As they drifted off, the bipap machine filled the room with its rhythmic sound, a constant reminder of Riley's strength and resilience. 

In that moment, Tony knew they had crossed an important threshold. They were no longer just Tony and Riley; they were partners navigating the complexities of life together—machine and all.
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