A/N: Today, I received the most awesome-est news. After five months of pain staking, back breaking days and night filled with long studying that never seemed to end, I got an A in my Anatomy class. Words cannot describe the joy I feel. If I did not have as much self-control as I currently have, I would go out and do something spontaneous, like get a tattoo. Or go sky diving.

But since I have self-control *cough* no money *cough* I shall instead share my joy and give you the last chapter for this story. Shall there be more you ask? Well… I don't understand it really. This whole little thing was never suppose to be more than one little story. But the plot bunnies are hiding outside my door and I have to go to the bathroom soon so I know there will be no stopping them as soon as I open the door.

Chapter Two

One Month Later

"Hit the road Jack, don't you come back no more, no more, no more, no more," Tony sang softly as he walked slowly into the bullpen, glad that no one from his team had yet arrived for the workday.

"Oh baby, oh baby don't you treat me this way, well I'll be back on my feet someday…" Tony started his computer, sitting down carefully in his nice, heavily padded desk chair. He knew buying the highly priced office furniture would someday help him greatly. And this, Tony sighed and closed his eyes in contentment, was definitely one of those times.

Tony continued to hum the tune of the Ray Charles song, tapping his fingers against his thigh as if he were playing the piano.

In his mind's eye he could see it. Ben and he were at a local café, the only place in the area that had a grand piano and always encouraged anyone to play it.

Tony was already behind it, warming up his fingers with some easy songs, and in the corner of the café, by the kitchen door, Ben was adjusting a valve on his trumpet and making sure the mute was in place.

Satisfied that everything was up to par, Ben walked over and waited for Tony to finish. Letting the patrons clap briefly, Ben started playing.

In his daydream, Ben was playing a song from Louis Armstrong, and just like the legend, Ben was putting his heart and soul into the music.

He continued to play, and while he did, he looked over at Tony, silently asking him why he wasn't joining in. Tony knew a lot of songs-could play a lot from memory, so normally Ben would play a song he knew and nine times out of ten, Tony knew the song or he could improvise.

This time though, Tony knew the song.

But he didn't want to mess up Ben's music.

So he sat back and listened as his best friend played a song that he loved.

Then with a blink of an eye, he was back in the quiet bullpen, only the memory of a trumpet playing ringing in his ears.

The elevator dinged and Tony could hear the raised voices of McGee and Ziva, arguing about…

A movie?

"You do not understand McGee," Ziva argued, obviously flustered, "I have discussed this in my class, there would have been no better way to end-"

"No," McGee said, cutting his partner off, "I can't believe we are arguing about this. Even the critics said it was a cliché ending. Nothing you can say will change how I feel about this Ziva."

Deciding to see how far this would good, Tony hid behind his computer, listening to his teammates argue.

"McGee, I will not tolerate you ruining such a good movie with your chivalrous thoughts, in fact-"

"Back already DiNozzo?" Gibbs said calmly as he strode into the bullpen, sipping his coffee before sitting down, "Have a nice vacation?"

Tony straighten up, slowly, and smiled nervously at his Boss, "Um, hey Gibbs, I-uh, I guess," Tony started but stopped when a black blur flew across the bullpen, hitting him with enough force to take his breath away.

"TONY!" Abby yelled, hugging her favorite Senior Field Agent, "Tony, where," Abby started but pulled back quickly when she saw Tony's red face and his watery eyes.

"Tony?" Abby said meekly, her own voice showing that she was suddenly on the edge of tears, "Tony, are you okay? Did I, did I hurt you?"

Tony would have answered, if he had heard her. All he could see right now was the floor, everything else was a nice deep black and all he could hear was the pounding of his heart in his chest as the spikes of pain travel up his body.

Oh God, Tony thought, Who knew it would be Abby and not Martin that finally did him in?

"Tony!" Tony heard Gibbs call his name and Tony tried to lift his head, tried to breathe properly but no matter what he did, the pain wouldn't leave.

He was going to die. He was going to die and no one would be there to help-to help-

Tony slumped to the ground as he lost consciousness. At least there wasn't any pain there.

"AJ," Ben called from across the bull pen, "Morgan's cooking homemade spaghetti, you want to come over?"

"You had me at homemade," Tony shut down his computer before gathering the few loose notes he had, "She doesn't mind?"

"Mind?" AJ laughed, "She always asking me, 'Is Tony eating alright', 'Did Tony take those vitamins I sent over', 'Do you think we should invite Tony over', and so on and so on. If I didn't know any better, I'd say she was just trying to seduce you."

"Ben," Tony scowled at the insinuation, even if it was said it jest.

"Awh, I'm just kidding," Ben laughed, "Besides. She has to butter you up. You're the only one Morgan trusts with babysitting little AJ and this weekend we're going on a date."

"So this meal is my payment?" Tony asked as he followed Ben outside, each walking to their respective cars.

"Maybe," Ben said before looking over his shoulder, "But don't tell her I told you so."

Tony groaned as opened his eyes, only to slam them back down again when the harsh light of Ducky's office assaulted his eyes.

"Wha?" Tony said, his tongue still asleep apparently. How many of those Advil's had he taken this morning?

"Anthony my dear boy," Ducky's face appeared in his vision, the older man smiling down at him, "Though I wish we could have greeted each other under better circumstances, I am very glad that you are indeed back with us."

"Tony I'm so sorry!" Tony heard Abby say somewhere to the left of him, "I didn't know you were hurt!"

"S'okay Abbs," Tony got up slowly, wincing when his whole body protested, "Your hugs are usually the best part of my morning."

Smiling but still teary-eyed, Abby walked forward and gave Tony an air hug, "I'm glad you're back Tony."

"Glad to be back Abby," Tony smiled but the smile immediately left his face when he caught sight of Gibbs expression.

"Who did that to you DiNozzo?" Gibbs said in his Marine voice. The tone of voice that said: "You better tell me the truth right now or I will have to grab you by the belt so that when I kick you in the ass you don't go flying to the Eastern Hemisphere". It was the kind of voice that Tony normally obeyed.

Except this time.

"Got in a fight," Tony huffed slightly, "Buddy of mind fell off the wagon and he didn't take kindly to anyone trying to shove him back on."

Gibbs stared at Tony for a few moments, before sighing, "He alright?"

Tony shrugged, "He'll be okay eventually."

"Good," Gibbs said before turning on his heel, "You're on light duty till a doctor's note."

Tony cringed at the tone of voice Gibbs still used, and looked over to Ducky for support. The elder ME just tapped Tony encouragingly on the shoulder before making his way back to the body that was on a table.

"They have a case?" Tony asked Abby as he made his way to the elevator.

"No, not right now," Abby said, pointing to the body, "That's Balboa's case."

"Okay," Tony nodded before giving Abby a real hug, "And thanks Abby. I know you didn't mean to hurt me."

Abby hugged back carefully, before giving him a quick kiss on the check, "No hurry up. McGee and Ziva have been arguing about this stupid movie for days now and I think they really need your opinion."

Tony smiled and stepped into the elevator when it arrived, "See you around Abby."

After spending all day being questioned by his teammates, Tony was extremely glad that he was such a good liar. As horrible as that sounded, Tony had no intention of introducing them to the four people he had brought back with him from Baltimore.

At least not in the near future.

Morgan had been a wreck, for days. No matter what Martin had done to her, she had loved him and had always thought that it had just been her.

When she had found out that Martin had dare raise a hand to her firstborn son, Tony has suddenly seen why Ben had always been so afraid of getting Morgan mad.

She was short and petite but when she was angry, honestly angry, she grew seven inches. Tony would bet his badge on it.

After saving Martin from Morgan's wrath, Tony had had to deal with so much. He only knew a handful of people on the BPD but even then, they had been almost reluctant to believe one of their own would do such a horrible thing to his family, well at least to his step-son and wife.

When Martin's chief had dare tried to slip the whole "report" under the rug, Tony had bristled, threatening to involve his federal "buddies" if the chief tried anything hinky.

It had all come to a head about a week before Tony had come back to work. Martin had been placed in lock up after he had harassed Morgan despite a temporary protective order, and Tony had been in the final processes of helping Morgan pack the last of their stuff so that it could be shipped to Tony's house in D.C.

Tony had only bought the four bedroom house a few months ago, after the whole fiasco with Rivkin and Ziva leaving, but ironically, it was perfect for the current situation. One of the rooms was on the other side of the house and the realtor told him it had been where the previous home owners had let their in-laws stay. Tony saw why-it had its own bathroom, it's own living area, and it even a door that exited the house right by the garage.

Tony hold planned to move his stuff into that "wing" of the house. Morgan had baulked, said that she should be the one to stay there, but Tony had merely shrugged. He was rarely home and Morgan worked from home. Besides, Tony knew Morgan would prefer to be closer to the other bedrooms, where the AJ, Benny and April would sleep.

Tony had been loading the last of the boxes when Martin, who had miraculously been let out of jail, and surprised him, hitting him with a bat across the head.

Tony had been disoriented but before he could even fully process what had happened, Morgan was out and screaming and Martin, yelling at him to stop.

Martin hadn't though and Tony hadn't been able to move until two patrolling police officers had tackled Martin, shoving him in the ground.

Tony had received a concussion, two broken ribs, a few that were cracked, and a severely sore chest.

After that, Baltimore PD had had no problems keeping Martin away from Tony and Morgan's family.

Reaching for his bag, Tony held it in his hand instead of placing it on his shoulder.

"DiNozzo," Gibbs said, stepping into the elevator alongside his Senior Field Agent, "You okay for tonight?"

Tony smiled, knowing that he wouldn't be needing to lie to answer this question, "Yeah Boss. I'll be alright."

"You bring the beer?" Gibbs said, raising an eyebrow.

"No," Tony shook his head, "I've got the Family waiting for me when I get home."

"That a movie or something?" Gibbs asked as the doors opened to the first floor.

"Yeah," Tony smirked, "Something like that."

Watching Tony for a second longer, Gibbs nodded and let the doors close.

Tony waited till he was sure Gibbs wasn't going to follow him and headed for the entrance.

Morgan was picking him up to take him home, since she refused to let his drive with his injuries.

And maybe, if Tony was lucky, Morgan had cooked spaghetti for dinner.

If not, Tony thought as he waved to the security guard, there was always pizza.

"Uncle Tony!" April yelled, running down the stairs, "Did you get the bad guys today?"

Tony gave the six year old a one arm hug before setting his bag down by the front door, "Lot's of them."

"So they're won't be any mean guys to hit anyone?" April asked, following her Uncle into the kitchen.

"Mommy made spanetti!" Benny yelled when he saw his Uncle walk through the door, "And Ms. O'Leary let me have some to try!"

"Thank you Ms. O'Leary," Tony said, smiling at his elderly neighbor, "I know they can be a handful."

"It's no problem watching them for you while Morgan goes to pick you up. Like I told you, anytime you need the help" Ms. O'Leary stood, snatching her cane from where it was propped up against the table, "Besides. They're no more a handful than my grandkids."

Thanking her once again, Tony settled down on the kitchen chair while Morgan walked Ms. O'Leary towards the door.

"Where's AJ?" Tony asked Morgan, when she returned moments later.

"He's resting," Morgan said, smoothing out her blouse in a nervous gesture, "He's been in his room all day. I think he might be coming down with the flu."

"I'll go check on him," Tony stood, carefully, making sure to hide the wince and cringe of pain from Morgan. He didn't want her feeling anymore guilty than she was already. She had enough on her plate as it was.

"Tony, you don't need," Morgan started but Tony shook his hand, placating her with the gesture.

"I'll be right back, and when I come back, I'll take a big whole plate of your spaghetti as payment," Tony said, ruffling Benny's hair before walking towards the stairs and knocking on AJ's bedroom door.

Hearing a meek reply to enter, Tony opened the door carefully. AJ's room already looked lived in-dirty clothes in the hamper and posters on the wall. The room that AJ was using had been Tony's somewhat office so it still had the computer table, complete with a laptop for AJ's new school that was right down the road. Morgan had already enrolled all three of her kids at the elementary school- AJ in 6th grade, April in 2nd grade and Benny in 1st grade. They started school in a month, which would hopefully give the kids enough time to adjust to their new house.

All had taken the move well, all except for AJ. AJ had cried for hours after he had told Tony the horrible truth and no matter what Tony said, AJ wouldn't let go of the thought that this whole situation was his own fault.

"Hey Squirt," Tony sat on the bed, rubbing the kid's back gently before rolling the AJ over, "How you feeling?"

"Fine," AJ said, rubbing his eyes. They were bloodshot and puffy, had been for a month now, and Tony knew that he had to do something to help AJ.

"I can see that," Tony replied, before motioning for AJ to get up, "You feeling up to some dinner?"

"Not hungry," AJ mumbled, making a move to lay back down, Tony's hand on his shoulder the only thing stopping him.

"AJ," Tony said, making sure he was looking the boy right in the eye, "This isn't your fault."

AJ didn't say anything though. Just blinked once and sighed, his only indication that he heard what Tony said.

"AJ," Tony said, rubbing his face. This was the ace in his sleeve. While what he was going to say next would hurt his inner most being, he knew that if he didn't say this now, AJ might never forgive himself and carry this weight with him forever. Knowing how that felt, Tony would be damned before he let AJ go through the same thing.

"Do you know," Tony choked out before taking a deep breath and continuing, "Do you know how your dad died, right?"

AJ bit his lip, and Tony could see the wheels in AJ's head working as he tried to figure out where Tony's was going with this.

"He was shot by a bad guy," AJ said quietly, almost carefully, as if he were afraid of answering this question wrong.

"Yeah," Tony said, smiling briefly at AJ's choice of words, "He was shot. You know he was my partner right?"

"Yeah," AJ answered, "Your best friend too. He-uh-he named me after you."

"That's right," Tony said quietly, drawing the boy close, "Did I ever tell you that I wasn't there when your dad got shot?"

AJ pulled back sharply, hurt flashing through his eyes, "But you were his partner. Why weren't you there?"

Tony realized he asked himself the same question every day, "You're dad could run faster than I could. A lot faster. He was quick on his feet and when we saw the bad guy running, your dad took off after him. He didn't want him to get away. He didn't want him to hurt anyone else."

AJ didn't say anything as Tony explained what had happened. He just sat there and watched.

"They ran ahead of me," Tony continued, even though he had hoped he would never have to tell this story again, "And I tripped. I fell, flat on my face. You see, I'm really clumsy sometimes and even when we were kids, me and your Dad would race and I would always trip. This time, I tripped too. But I got up as quick as I could. But by the time I got there, the bad guy had shot your dad. I got him AJ, I got the bad guy, but your dad got hurt. He died AJ, because I couldn't stop a bad guy from doing bad things."

AJ's eyes filled with tears and Tony did nothing to stop AJ's, or his own tears, from falling.

"Sometimes," Tony said, holding AJ tightly, hoping his nephew wouldn't hate him after this was over, "Sometimes the bad guys win for a little while. Sometimes the good guys can't stop the bad guys from hurting people. But you know what?"

AJ let out a sob and reached for Tony, laying his head on Tony's chest.

"The good guys will never give up. Even if they trip along the way. They'll always get back up because if they stay down, then the bad guy wins AJ. Don't let the bad guys win AJ. Don't let Martin win."

AJ nodded, burying himself deeper into Tony's chest, finally letting out all the anger and helplessness he had felt for so long. Tony grabbed hold of him, twelve year old body and broken ribs be damned, and held him like he held him the first time he had ever laid eyes on the little boy wrapped in the hospital blanket.

"It wasn't your fault AJ," Tony soothed now, knowing that AJ had to hear these words. Hopefully, if he heard them enough he would start believing them, "It was never your fault. Martin hurt you and your mom. You never did anything wrong."

They stayed that way for the rest of the day. Tony held AJ as the boy finally sighed, relaxing into his embrace and falling asleep.

Tony shifted the older boy, laying him down gently on the dark green covers.

Standing stiffly, Tony turned to walk out of the room when AJ reached out and snagged Tony's wrist.

"Uncle Tony?" AJ mumbled, half asleep, "It wasn't your fault either."

Tony held back a sob, and nodded, smoothing the boy's hair out as he fell asleep.

"I love you Squirt," Tony smiled.

"I love you too," AJ sighed, closing his eyes, "And I'm glad my dad named me after you."

Tony smiled through the tears before walking out of the room and down the steps.

Morgan was cleaning the kitchen rigorously and Tony watched her for a moment.

As if sensing the man's presence, Morgan turned suddenly and her eyes widened at the sight of Tony's red ones.

"I told him," Tony whispered, "And he still loves me."

Morgan nodded, before turning around and retrieving a warm plate out of the microwave. Setting the plate of spaghetti down, she lead Tony to the table and kissed him on the check.

"Thank you Tony," Morgan murmured, "You've-you've done so much. For this family. For your family."

Tony nodded and accepted Morgan's hug.

"Thank you," Tony breathed, wishing Ben was here to eat the spaghetti with him.

Morgan smiled and sat down. Later, they would go to their respective rooms and have to deal with their demons.

But right now, the two sat in the cozy kitchen listening to the soft sounds of a jazz trumpet fill the house, each content with the fact that everyone in their family was safe and sound for the night.

Tony and Ben sat on the chairs outside, each detective nursing a sweating beer bottle in the cool Baltimore summer night.

"What's on your mind Ben?" Tony smiled, shoving his friend good naturedly, being careful not to be too loud. AJ had just gone to sleep and Morgan would have their heads if they woke the little tyke up.

"Just thinking," Ben took a swing of his beer, "About life I guess."

"That's deep Ben," Tony laughed, until he caught the serious look in Ben's gaze, "Everything alright Ben?"

"Huh?" Ben looked at Tony, "Oh yeah AJ. Everything's alright. I'm just, you know. Thinking about what Morgan and little AJ would do if anything were to ever happen to me."

"Dude," Tony scowled slightly. He had lost too many people in his life. He didn't want to even talk about losing anyone else, "Nothing's going to happen to you. Don't even talk like that."

"You don't know that," Ben said calmly. Not angry, like Tony had heard most people sound when they talked about the horrors of police work, "No one knows that."

"I got your back," Tony said, "I'll watch out for you."

"Me too," Ben said, clinking beers with Tony, "But you know. Just in case-"

"Ben," Tony wanted to head this conversation off at the pass. Maybe he could get Ben to talk about his trumpet or that new jazz CD he had bought…

"No AJ, hear me out," Ben said, turning so that he was fully facing Tony, "If anything ever happens to me, and I'm not saying that it's going to, I want you to look at for Morgan and little AJ."

"Ben, you know I would," Tony nodded, figuring the quicker they got this conversation over with the faster they could change topics, "You guys are my family."

"Swear?" Ben said, holding out his hand, as if the swear would keep them safe for years to come.

Seeing that this was really freaking Ben out for some reason, Tony nodded and sealed the promise with his word and handshake, "Yeah, swear."

"Alright then," Ben nodded, taking another sip of his beer.

"I'll even make sure Morgan cooks me spaghetti all the time, in your honor," Tony joked, hoping to lighten Ben's mood.

Ben smiled and let out a small laugh, looking up at the few stars that were visible from his chair, "Yeah, AJ. Make sure that you do."

"That," Tony sighed and finally relaxed into his chair also, "Is a promise I can keep."

Fin

A/N2: Thank you to all who read, reviewed, favorited, and alerted with story. I am very glad that you like it. :) Look for more stories in this verse, though don't expect anything until after May 14th, the day I am official finished with school. :)