Chapter 2 – Not My Cup of Tea

Summary: An NCIS case brings up memories for Gibbs to an old Black Op. One that doesn't bode well for a certain Air Force officer.

A/N: Many thanks to DorothyOz for looking over this story! And have a great Easter everyone!

Finished: 12th of May, 2017; Published: 31st of March, 2018


Gibbs watched as a familiar face flashed on the screen. One he officially knew nothing about. He listened as his team informed him about the man and his likely motives. Russian, loose cannon, apparently looking for revenge although they knew nothing about a potential target. The man was currently multitasking as it seemed he was also looking for 'business opportunities' while he was stateside. They couldn't pin anything on the man…yet. Gibbs ordered his team to start digging, and to keep an eye on the Russian's whereabouts.

Seeing that they were all busy, Gibbs pulled his cell phone out and dialled a number he knew by heart, despite not using it that often.

"Hey. Happen to be in the area?" There was a moment where surprise was visible on his face. "Want to catch up over coffee? … Ok, see you there."


It took him longer than he'd have liked to get away from the White House, but eventually he managed, claiming a desperate need for fresh air. Huh, wasn't that the truth. He hated politics. And despite this being only a short visit to the nation's capital, he appreciated the break. Of course, considering who'd called him, he might not enjoy it quite so much in a few minutes, even if he did like the man's company.

As he sauntered up to the bistro table, his eyes made a quick sweep of the surroundings.

Gibbs did not call him often. If he did, it was usually to ask for intel. This time it was clear he was the one with the information, and it was urgent.

"No cake?" He asked, sitting down opposite the NCIS Special Agent. He really didn't have to work at being disappointed. A slice of Black Forest cake for example would have gone a long way in improving his politics-induced mood.

"Nope."

Hmm, well, at least the man had already ordered coffee. He brought the cup up to his face, then stopped the movement abruptly.

"Tea?!" he asked accusingly.

A raised eyebrow. "I have it on good authority that it's supposed to be healthier." He shrugged. "This one's supposed to be pretty good. Careful though, it's still hot."

Suspiciously, O'Neill looked at the other man and carefully took a sip, keeping the warning in mind. It really wasn't as hot as it probably had been, but still hot enough. Was that Earl Grey? Hmm, no, this was sweeter… with a whiff of lemon. Russian Earl Grey. Jack made a face.

"Ugh. Really? I thought we'd discussed this once and for all already. Whatever made you think I would like this?"

"Never said anything about liking it. Just watching out for your health."

"Right," Jack said, sarcasm shining through, still looking at the cup of tea in disgust. He watched Gibbs reach for his own cup. "Hold it!" This was important.

The retired Marine waited while the Air Force officer looked at the contents of Gibbs' drink. "You got coffee for yourself?!" He cried out indignantly. Good. That was good.

Gibbs shrugged. "Figured one of us should enjoy what we're drinking today. Besides, all you seem to do nowadays is ride a desk. I still need my coffee to actually get work done."

That was all fine and good, but he wanted more information.

The NCIS special agent received a glare from the man opposite. "Have you been talking to my aide? He's forever trying to get me to drink less coffee."

Gibbs grinned, but said nothing.

"You know I've been managing him just fine! No need to butt in as well."

"Really?" Gibbs asked, sarcasm clear in his voice. 'How did a Brigadier General manage to look so petulant?' he thought.

The other man got a scheming look in his eyes. Perhaps he could join in on this investigation.

"Hmm. You think I could develop an allergy for tea? I wonder how long allergies take to develop."

Raising an eyebrow, Gibbs smiled. "Well, whenever you manage to convince your aide that you're allergic for tea, let me know. Until then, you'll only get tea from me."

Gibbs was in for the long haul then… and intent on keeping him out of it.

"Traitor."

"Your aide is scary, Jack," Gibbs allowed.

O'Neill slumped a little. "Yeah…"

He hated not being in control.


"Still tea?" The Air Force officer complained, glaring at the cup in front of him.

"Yeah." The clear disgust in the other man's tone had Jack look up. To his surprise, Gibbs was currently glaring at his own steaming cup. With interest, Jack checked the beverage.

"I thought you said you wanted one of us to enjoy our drink. I can assure you, it won't be me. Since when do you enjoy drinking tea?"

"I don't," was the short reply. Then reluctantly, the other man added, "Your aide apparently decided to widen his field, and now somehow he has me drinking the stuff too."

It really wasn't funny. Apparently, the Russian terrorist that Gibbs had warned him about, who had only been after Jack at first, was now also after Gibbs. Not good.

Still, Gibbs' disgusted face made Jack smirk.

"Think he's been planning this?" Poor Walter, unknowingly cast into the role of a persistent, pestering aide to an Air Force officer with an apparently unhealthy addiction to coffee. Come to think of it, it really wasn't that far off the truth.

Back to the conversation.

"Nah, I think it's because I tried to intervene on your behalf… tried to convince him coffee really isn't that bad for you." Hmm, well, at least it seemed that, even though the Russian had decided to take revenge on Jack for that long-ago Black Op, he was still as much in the dark about the connection between that same Op and Gibbs as they had wanted him to be.

"You really shouldn't have," Jack said sincerely. He appreciated Gibbs looking out for him, but he spent most of his time underneath a mountain. "You could drink coffee you know. It's not like he'll know." Perhaps if Gibbs backed off, the terrorist would re-focus on Jack.

Yeah right. He should have known; Gibbs and backing off really didn't go together.

"I don't think so, Jack." Gibbs shook his head. "You have one scary aide."


He hadn't heard from Gibbs in a while, and he certainly didn't expect to see him in Colorado Springs. Yet, there he was, in his house, looking a little worse for wear but alive. Didn't look up from perusing the newspaper in front of him either.

"Door was unlocked," he said by way of greeting. Jack shrugged. Neither of them had much use for keys. Then he spotted something.

"Cake?" And smelled something. "And coffee?"

Gibbs nodded, folding the newspaper and putting it aside. "You're right. It's not like your aide's going to find out. And if he does, I'll tell him to whom I've given my tea stash." He cringed. "Ducky discovered the way I brewed tea and made me hand it over. I figured he can handle your aide if it should come to it."

He nodded at the tea. "Was hoping the cake would serve to make up for the lost coffee."

Jack grinned. "I'll drink and eat to that."

So, the terrorist was in the tender hands of the coroner. Case closed. Coffee, cake and pleasant company. Life was good.

End of chapter 2