I DO NOT OWN NCIS OR ANY OF ITS CHARACTERS.
A/N I have taken liberty to use them to create a history for Leroy Jethro Gibbs. I've often wondered what in his past made him the man he is today. Not all events and information contained herein will follow that from the show, but I felt the need to make things fit into my story. Forgive me, but I hope it works as well on paper as it does in my head
Chapter 2
During the next few weeks, the nurses showed all the proper ways to care for a baby. All the new moms attended classes to learn how to bathe, feed, burp and change a baby.
Jackson came to visit twice more, before returning to bring his family home. Thankfully the weather was beautiful: sunny and warm, so they didn't need to worry about bundling him all up. The ride home was quiet, the baby lulled into sleep with the rocking motions of the car.
When they got home, Jackson came to the passenger door to help mom and son get out. He walked them slowly up the walk to the house and through the door.
"I'm going to need to make some bottles. Why don't you sit and hold LJ," Marie suggested.
"LJ?" Jackson questioned.
"Leroy Jethro," Marie answered.
"Oh," he puzzled. "Jethro?"
"It's been his middle name for weeks," she chided.
"Guess I wasn't paying that much attention," he scratched his head looking slightly upset. "Why Jethro?" he nearly whined.
'What would he expect after he named my son Leroy' Marie wondered. "At least Jethro is a family name- my father's as you know."
"That I do," he huffed. "He's never liked me much, though he was happy to hear about his grandson. Hey and what do you mean by the 'at least' comment?"
"Well Jackson, where on earth did you come up with Leroy for a name?' she hoped he wouldn't hear the disdain in her voice.
"I had a good friend when I was younger named Leroy. He had to move away and we lost touch. We met up again when we were both assigned to the same squadron in the war. Unfortunately he was killed on one of our missions. Just thought it would be a nice tribute to him," he answered humbly.
Marie swallowed all her distaste for the name knowing how heartfelt it was for Jackson. 'Still not calling him that though' she told herself.
Jackson sat holding his sleeping son, while Marie made up bottles to put in the fridge. All felt right in his world. "LJ" he murmured- it almost suited him.
The small family settled in surviving midnight feedings and a short bout of colic. LJ was dressed as a pumpkin for his first Halloween, though he spent the evening at home as Marie passed out candy and the moms escorting their youngsters door to door 'oohed' and 'aahed' at him.
His first Thanksgiving, he got a small taste of mashed potatoes and cranberry sauce.
Mom and Dad glowed with pride when he first babbled "da-da" and "ma-ma". Teething was another ordeal. Jackson found a small dab of bourbon on the gums worked wonders (his daddy's own stilled brand). Marie wasn't aware, but enjoyed a good night's sleep because of it.
Christmas was approaching and the house was all decked out. Marie found it challenging to keep the newly mobile infant out of harm's way and making sure nothing found its way into his mouth.
Marie's father came dressed as Santa on Christmas Eve. LJ was intrigued by the get up, but seemed to know that there was someone familiar beneath it all.
"Hi there, Jethro," Santa greeted.
"His name is Leroy," Jackson corrected.
Santa smirked and rolled his eyes.
Jackson counted to ten, then decided to let it pass, knowing his father-in-law would love to make a big deal out of upsetting his holiday.
Marie looked at her dad and shook her head when he glanced her way. Knowing he upset her, he mumbled "I'm sorry" to Jackson.
Surprised by the quiet apology and unaware of the exchange between father and daughter, he nodded his acceptance.
When saying good-bye to Santa, Marie whispered in his ear "He'll always be Little Jethro to me, but Leroy to his father." She kissed her 'Big Jethro' on the cheek goodbye. He smiled and returned the same to his daughter, then gave a wave to Jackson and his grandson.
All watched with delight as the small boy raised his arm and waved goodbye.
Winter turned to spring and LJ was soon pulling himself up and cruising about on the furniture. One late spring day, Jackson surprised Marie by coming home for lunch. When he walked in the door, he stopped with the knob still in his hand and watched as his son looked up at him and smiled taking his first tentative steps on his own. Marie watched from the kitchen and covered her mouth to keep the shout of joy from distracting the young walker.
LJ made it nearly half way to his father before losing his balance and falling on his bottom. Both parents were expecting tears, so were more astonished to hear laughter escape from the youngster.
"Well done, Leroy," his father cheered scooping him up and sharing in the laughter. Marie joined them putting an arm around each of them.
"I'm so glad you were able to see that," she smiled. "He's been nearing this for the past few days, I was afraid you would miss his first steps."
"He wanted to come greet his daddy," Jackson crowed.
Marie nodded and smiled. "What is the special occasion that brings you home?"
"Just wanted to surprise my two favorite people. What a pleasure to get a surprise in return!"
"Indeed. Well come sit, I'll make you a sandwich then."
