A/N: Thanks betas, you guys truly mean a lot!
Leroy Jethro Gibbs was no ordinary man. He had given the majority of his life to the Marines and now he sat in his recliner, pondering his actions. What had made him give up being stuck in the trenches for being stuck behind a desk doing paperwork? Yes he was a strange man, but he liked it that way.
Rising from his recliner, Jethro smiled as the laughter of his daughter filled the autumn air. She was arriving home from school and he couldn't wait to kiss her rosy red cheeks. This was the sole reason he had given up the old ways of life. It was all because of her.
"How was school today, sweetheart?"
The eight year old beamed as she jumped into her father's arms. "It was wonderful, Daddy. We learned our multiplication tables today and I have a quiz next week."
Gibbs held tight to his daughter as he listened to her rambling about the rest of her day. He carried her into the kitchen, sat her down, and began preparing her lunch.
"Daddy, we have a problem."
"What is it, pumpkin?"
"We are having Career Day and I know you are busy, so who can I ask to come in your place?"
Gibbs turned and gazed at his daughter. She was so precious and so much like him. She was an exact replica except for her eyes. As much as she resembled him, he would always, always see her mother behind those beautiful emerald orbs.
"Sweetheart, I have no problem taking off from work to do your Career Day."
"Don't do that. We could just ask one of your agents to fill in for you. I know Ziva wouldn't mind coming and showing my class how to kill someone in under three seconds."
Frowning, Gibbs looked at his daughter worriedly. When had the Israeli woman taught his Jasper that? He thought. "Uh, no Jas. I got it covered."
Having learned persistency from her father, Jasper continued, "Well you could just send McGee, he would be totally better than Tony. At least the class would learn more than just how to check out women."
Jethro couldn't help but laugh at the comment. His daughter was something else. She hadn't been around his team that much, but she had definitely picked up on quite a bit from them.
"I'll be there...no matter what. I promise."
Jasper cheered at her father's response. She couldn't be happier for him to come and show all of her classmates what a wonderful father she had. Slipping down from her chair, Jasper ran and gripped her father's leg tightly.
"You are the best, dad," Jasper hummed into his leg.
"No you are," said Jethro as he leaned down to pick up his daughter. "Now, when is this Career Day?"
Jasper jumped out of her father's arms and headed back to her chair. "Tomorrow."
Jethro chuckled. That was his girl alright; always waiting until the last minute to do something.
Walking into the agency, her clothes were crisp to a tee, her hair brushed into a perfect ponytail, and her makeup was flawless. Her lips were doused in a berry colored lipstick, her nails were perfectly manicured, and her walk was electrifying. No one would've ever guessed that Director Shepard had contemplated taking her life the night before.
She rode the elevator in dead silence as her protection detail followed close behind. Keeping an impeccable composure, she greeted her cheerful secretary before she entered her office and closed the door. Her phone began to ring as she disrobed herself of her jacket and scarf and then took her seat.
"Director Shepard."
A pause.
"Hello?"
A long pause.
"I'm hanging up."
"Don't Jenny; it's me, Allison." Jenny's old high school friend laughed in the phone.
Rolling her eyes, Jenny rolled her neck as her agent mode disappeared and the director façade reappeared. "What can I do for you, Allison?"
"Don't go all Director on me Jen, how are you doing?"
Jenny sighed into the phone, "I'm fine. You?"
"Can't fool me Jen. I know the anniversary is coming up, you want to talk about it?"
Just as Jenny was about to respond to Allison's question, her door was combatively opened, revealing a robust Special Agent Gibbs.
"I have to go, talk to you later," Jenny said, rushing off the phone.
Looking up passively, Jenny spoke, "What can I do for you, Agent Gibbs?"
Jethro took a seat in one of her armchairs and watched her. "I know this is really short notice but my daughter has Career Day tomorrow and I was asked to attend."
Jenny's gaze moved from her computer to her agent. Out of everyone in the agency, Jenny felt an underlying connection to him. He was older and he had lost a spouse. She definitely could connect with him, but sadly never had. "How long is this going to take?"
"Not long Director," Gibbs answered.
Jenny sighed as she perched her glasses at the tip of her nose. Something told her that he was more interested in her than her answer. "I don't mind, Agent Gibbs; just have your senior agent look after your team while you are gone."
Jethro nodded a silent thank you before exiting her office. He was overjoyed at the news. He hated letting Jasper down. Heading back down to his team, he called his team to attention.
"Tony you will be in charge tomorrow while I'm gone. You all are to do what he says until I return. Is that understood?"
Gibbs waited until they replied in unison before he continued, "I have to attend Career Day at Jasper's school, but I promise I won't be long."
"Boss, I could do that for ya," piped up DiNozzo.
Earning one of Gibbs's famous glares, Tony quickly sat down. "Shutting up now boss."
Gibbs took his seat before hitting the power button on his computer, smiling. He couldn't help but like DiNozzo, he reminded him of himself in so many ways.
Hope you guys are enjoying the story! Reviews are always welcomed!