Many thanks to Karen19 for a wonderful job editing this story.
Wisely, Jackson had suggested Tony drive up to Stillwater the night before Thanksgiving. Tony took him up on the offer to spend the night at his place. However, Gibbs made his team stay late so Tony didn't start driving until after 7:00 pm. He got to Stillwater very late and was a little concerned about waking Jack up, but Tony didn't need to worry. Jack had been waiting up for him. Jackson greeted Tony at the door with a smile and a cup of hot cocoa. He seemed genuinely pleased to see Tony again. The two men had really hit it off the small amount of time they had known each other. They moved to the kitchen and talked for hours. Tony was amazed at how much he enjoyed talking to Jackson. They discussed Gibbs for a while, but then got off-topic talking about their various life adventures. Eventually Jackson suggested they retire for the night. He had to be up early to start cooking the turkey.
As Tony fell asleep, he realized why he had enjoyed himself so much. Jackson represented the origin of Gibbs. His boss had inherited much of his personality from Jackson. However, Gibbs was never talkative around Tony. Jackson was an older version Gibbs who knew how to talk. Tony was finally able to determine many of the mysterious thoughts behind the ideas and actions of his boss.
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The next morning Tony awoke slowly. The delicious smells of turkey and pie wafted into his room. He lay in bed staring at the ceiling for a few moments, just enjoying the day. He tried to remember the last time he had had a real Thanksgiving meal. It had been years. The last time he had celebrated this holiday, he hadn't been very thankful. He'd attended the meal with a girlfriend's family. That trip had been a disaster and the relationship had not lasted much longer.
Now, as Tony basked in the wonderful environment of Gibbs childhood home, he knew he would enjoy himself today. He suddenly wondered what Gibbs childhood holidays had been like. His thoughts were interrupted as he heard a car pull up to house. He decided that it was time to put some clothes on and wander out into the kitchen. As he headed for the kitchen, he caught a glimpse of Jack though the door talking with someone he could not see. As the conversation lulled, he spoke before he walked in to the room. "Hey Jack,"
He stepped though the door and suddenly realized whom Jack had been talking to. "Uh, Hi Boss. I thought you were staying at the office." Tony smiled, but anyone who knew Tony knew the smile was more of a grimace.
"I changed my mind" His boss responded His tone was stern as he continued. "I thought you were visiting an old friend."
"Jethro," His father scolded. "Tony is my guest."
The tension between the father and son glowed like a torch. Tony was noticeably disturbed by the tension. It reminded him too much of his childhood. He suddenly felt the need to escape the situation.
"Maybe I should just head home Jack. You and …." he paused not know what to call his boss again. "you and my boss need to catch up. I have stuff to do at home anyway." Tony said then did a 180 and promptly headed out the kitchen door towards his room to grab his backpack.
"Tony" Jack commanded, but Tony ignored. He really needed to get out of here quick. Gibbs was going to kill him. "Don't leave kid. I invited you I really want you to stay." Jackson continued.
"That's okay Jack. Thanks for having me" he said as he passed the father and son on the way towards the door.
Jack knew he could not talk any sense into Tony, on the other hand he also knew whom Tony listened to. He turned and glared at his son. "Jethro" he commanded demanding politeness from his offspring.
Gibbs stood for a moment considering his options. It took him only a second to decide. "DiNozzo" he commanded as Tony hand grabbed the doorknob to the front door. Tony froze.
"Uh, yeah boss." He stammered staring at the doorknob like it was a life raft and he was a drowning man.
"My father asked you to stay. You are going to stay." Gibbs ordered.
Tony turned and peeked at the two older men. Every instinct in his body said flight was the best option. However, he was too accustomed to following Gibbs orders to leave. How bad could it be he thought to himself. He dropped his backpack to the floor indicating surrender.
A timer beeped in the kitchen. Jack turned towards it. "Come on boys, I have to get my pies out of the oven." he said as he directed Gibbs and Tony to follow him.
The silence in the kitchen was more deafening than any sound. Sadly, Tony realized that his dream for an awesome Thanksgiving had gone down the toilet. Jack tried to make small talk with Tony but that just resulted in Gibbs glaring more. Eventually, Jackson could take no more. He pretended to be searching though the cupboards and looked falsely frustrated. "Tony, I just realized I forgot to bring home a can of cranberries from the store. Could you run down and get me one."
"Sure" Tony grinned reaching for his keys. He thought Jackson had just given him a way out.
Noticing Tony's movement, Jackson commented. "You don't need to drive. It is only a block down. Just walk. You will be glad later today that you got a little exercise."
Gibbs could see the inner workings of Tony's mind trying to get out of this situation. Jackson wanted Tony around and Gibbs knew he would be in trouble with his father if DiNozzo left.
"Straight there and back, DiNozzo" Gibbs added as Jackson handed Tony the keys to the store. Tony breathed a sigh of relief as soon as he was out the door.
