Title: Happy Family

Summary: After six years together and an adopted daughter, it's over. What happens now.

Feedback is always welcome and appreciated. Thank you, thank you, so much for all the wonderful and kind reviews. Glad everyone is enjoying the story.

Thanks to Cookie62 for beta reading. However, I made a lot of changes and did not have her re-edit it, so any mistakes are probably mine. Again, I try to avoid them but things happen.

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He had been tossing and turning for the last two hours, beating his pillow to a pulp trying to get comfortable but it wasn't working.

"Damn it!" Tony groaned rolling onto his back and running his hands through his hair. He hated this...all of it. He wanted to be home, in bed with Gibbs, knowing Lily was asleep in her room, happy and safe.

It felt like they had taken a step forward today, a step towards some kind of understanding, hopefully towards talking again and moving forward. If they could just talk, like two civilized people, maybe they could get through this. Gibbs had finally admitted he'd made mistakes and seemed to be starting to get past the anger. Then his comment about being careful going home, usually Tony was lucky to get a goodbye let alone any concern for his safety. A smile suddenly spread across Tony's face and he picked up his phone and typed a text message.

#################################################################

Gibbs watched the ceiling as if it were a movie screen and someone had switched it off. He couldn't sleep and it felt odd to be in the bed after months of only using it for a place to pull his socks on. The phone on the night stand vibrated and he picked it up.

You said I couldn't call unless it was about work or Lily, but you didn't say anything about text messages. I can't sleep.

Gibbs chuckled. Leave it to Tony to find the loophole.

#############################################################################

Tony laid in bed trying to be patient and not worry that Gibbs wasn't going to answer. He'd only started texting about five months ago, because of Lily, and he still wasn't very fast at it, even with the full Qwerty keyboard on his phone.

Finally Tony's phone sang out Gibbs' ring, Alabama's Feels So Right and he read the text.

Loophole. I rarely sleep anymore.

Tony smile. Gibbs had answered and didn't tell him to stop. Tony started typing again.

Why haven't you been sleeping in the bed?

As more and more time passed, Tony started to think he'd upset Gibbs with the question. Then the phone sang again.

It makes me miss you

Tony was surprised by the honesty. The phone suddenly rang and Tony jumped almost dropping it as he struggled to answer it quickly.

"Jethro?" Tony whispered as if any loud sound may scare Gibbs away.

"Yeah."

"You hate texting." Tony snickered softly. Gibbs only did it to appease Lily, and he still did it rarely.

"Yeah."

"I'm restless." Tony sighed

"Even when you sleep you're restless."

"What?" Tony asked.

"You constantly move in your sleep."

Tony smiled, Gibbs had never told him that.

"Unless-" Gibbs stopped.

"Unless what?"

"Unless you sleep against my chest." Gibbs sighed remembering.

"That's because I listen to your heart beat." Tony closed his eyes imagining himself curled up against Gibbs, his head on Gibbs' chest. "It calms me."

There was no response.

"Our daughter thinks we're soul mates."

Gibbs chuckled. "Why's that?"

"Plato."

"Plato, the Greek philosopher?"

"Yeah. We are two halves of the same whole."

"Split apart by Zeus."

Tony rolled his eyes, of course Gibbs would know that.

"God, I really do need to read more." Tony groaned. "Sooner or later my looks are gonna go and I won't be pretty anymore."

"Never happen."

Tony grinned. "Promise."

"Promise."

"Thank you." Tony whispered again.

"For what?"

"This." Tony settled down into the bed. "Think I can sleep now."

"Yeah I've been known to put people to sleep."

"I was trying to, um keep some sense of decorum."

"Decorum?"

"I thought it would be inappropriate to tell you the real reason I want to get off the phone."

"I'm confused." Gibbs shook his head.

Tony bit his lip, why couldn't he just keep his mouth shut?

"Tony?"

"I'm not tired." Tony released an aroused groan. "But I am-"

"Tony." The name was guttural and low.

"I've missed hearing your voice." Tony sighed, turned on by listening to Gibbs' voice tender and caring again.

"Never understood how you can get so turned on by my voice."

"I can." Tony's hand squeezed his cock. "Jethro I need to go." He quickly ended the call.

#################################################################################

Gibbs heard the phone go dead and he tossed it on the night stand.

"SON OF A BITCH!"Gibbs growled.

#################################################################################

Coming down the steps, Lily saw her dad asleep on the couch, an empty cup of coffee already sitting on the coffee table beside him. Quietly, she started for the kitchen.

"What time is it?"

She stopped and smile. "Little after nine."

"Want me to make some breakfast?" Gibbs asked still not opening his eyes.

"No just gonna have some cereal."

"Okay."

"So what's the excuse this morning?" She asked.

He opened his eyes and glanced over at her. "Excuse for what?"

"Not sleeping in the bed."

"Why are you so worried about my sleep habits?" Gibbs groaned, as he sat up.

"It's just kinda telling that you haven't slept in the bed since dad left." She folded her arms across her chest.

"Right." Gibbs nodded. "So Miss Philosopher what does it tell you?"

She rolled her eyes. "You talked to dad."

"Why do you say that?" Gibbs asked as he grabbed his coffee cup and headed for a refill.

Shaking her head, she reached into the cabinet and grabbed the cereal and a bowl.

"What you're not going to give me your insightful take on why I don't sleep in the bed?" Gibbs smirked before taking a sip of coffee

Leaning back against the counter, she looked at him as she spoke. "It reminds you of him. The sheets are from his last night here, the last night you two sleep in the same bed together. They smell like him and it makes you miss him."

Gibbs swallowed his mouthful of coffee and almost choked in the process.

"The first week he was gone I slept in there." Her eyes held the sadness of the admission.

Rubbing his forehead, Gibbs sighed.

"Doesn't take a philosopher to figure out why you leave the sheets on and why you won't sleep there."

"Sure you don't wanna be an NCIS agent?" Gibbs smirked.

"No." She groaned. "Working at NCIS with the last name Gibbs-DiNozzo, I don't think so!"

He chuckled. "And you think the JAG Corp. won't make assumption about you because of your last name?"

"They will." She grinned. "They'll know not to mess with me."

Gibbs laughed. "Absolutely."

##############################################################################

Gibbs was just about to head to the basement with his coffee when he heard the demanding knock at the door. Who would be knocking at, he glanced at his watch, one thirty on a Saturday afternoon. Opening the front door, a man and young boy stood outside The young boy's eyes were slightly black and blue underneath and a couple strips over his nose. Shit, not hard to figure out who this was.

"Can I help you?" Gibbs asked.

"Mr. Gibbs?"

Gibbs nodded.

"Jonathan Altman." The man extended his hand to Gibbs.

"Mr. Altman." Gibbs nodded shaking the man's hand and assessing him. The man was slightly taller than himself, salt and pepper hair, deep blue almost black eyes, medium build, dressed in jeans and a t-shirt. The boy was a younger version of the older man. Rich black hair, the same deep blue eyes, a slim build, slightly shorter than Lily.

"I hope I'm not bothering you, but I was hoping Trevor could talk to Lily." Mr. Altman paused. "About the situation that happened at school the other day."

"Sure." Gibbs replied slowly. "Come in."

The two stepped inside, the young boy staring at the floor unable to look at Gibbs.

"Lily." Gibbs called up the steps. "Can you come down here."

"Yeah." Lily appeared at the top of the steps and froze when she saw the young boy.

"Trevor would like to talk to you." Gibbs paused. "And I think you have something to say to him."

Casually, she came down the stairs and stopped, her eyes downcast.

"Why don't you two go on the porch."

Lily nodded as she opened the door and Trevor followed her outside.

Mr. Altman was grinning and shaking his head.

"Would you like some coffee?"

"Sure." Mr. Altman smiled. "And please Jonathan."

"Jethro." Gibbs nodded as he started towards the kitchen.

"Hope you don't mind us coming over." Jonathan followed Gibbs. "I wanted Trevor to apologize."

"Yeah. I told Lily the same thing." Gibbs handed the mug to Jonathan.

"I appreciate that." Jonathan nodded. "But I won't tolerate him picking on girls, well not just girls"

Gibbs waited.

Jonathan smirked. "Even girls who can defend themselves."

Gibbs chuckled. "Yeah."

"It's disrespectful."

"Well, Lily knows even though she can defend herself. Fighting isn't the answer."

"I'm sure she does." Jonathan said before taking a sip of coffee.

"I'm sure they'll work it out." Gibbs smirked.

"Kids, one day their fighting the next week their best friends." Jonathan chuckled. "I went through it all with my older son, Michael. He's eighteen now."

Gibbs nodded.

"He had his share of fights but he knew better than to start something with the kid of a Marine and NCIS agent." Jonathan grinned.

"Yeah, well." Gibbs laughed.

"It's good she knows how to defend herself."

"It's important in this day and age." Gibbs sighed. "Although I prefer her not to have to use it."

"Yeah. I'm sure Trevor would have preferred her not to have to use it." Jonathan chuckled.

Both men turned when they heard the front door open and Lily and Trevor walked in.

"You apologize?" Jonathan asked looking at Trevor.

Trevor nodded.

"Lily?"

"Yes." She nodded then nudged Trevor.

"I'm sorry about what happened Mr. Gibbs." Trevor rocked back and forth on his heels. "It won't happen again."

Gibbs hid his smile. "I appreciate that, but as long as Lily's okay with everything so am I."

"Thanks." Trevor finally glanced at Gibbs for a brief second then stared at the floor again.

"Jethro, thanks for the coffee." Jonathan sat the cup in the sink. "We'll get out of your hair."

"Thanks, Jonathan." Gibbs said shaking the man's hand.

"Not a problem." Jonathan smiled at Lily. "Lily."

"Thanks Mr. Altman."

"Let's go." Jonathan nodded at Trevor.

"Bye Lily." Trevor's voice cracked nervously. "See you Monday."

"Kay." Lily smiled coyly.

Gibbs and Lily followed them to the door.

"Nice to meet you Jonathan." Gibbs said as they walked off the porch.

"Same here."

"Bye." Trevor waved with a smile to Lily.

"Bye." Lily waved back, then glanced at her dad.

Stepping back, Gibbs closed the door.

"Everything okay with you two now?"

She nodded, scuffing her right toe on the floor.

"Something wrong?" Gibbs asked concerned.

"No." She shook her head, watching her feet as she pulled at her lip.

"Then what's with this shy coy little girl act?" Gibbs smirked.

"Remember when we talked about the Spring dance and I wasn't sure if I wanted to go."

"Yeah."

She chewed her lip and flashed a quick smile at Gibbs.

"Trevor!" His eyes went wide.

"Please dad! Can I go?" Her blue eyes pleaded up at him.

"Well, I...we, I mean we, we haven't talked about you going out with boys." Gibbs stuttered. "You're twelve!

She rolled her eyes. "Almost thirteen. It's not a date. Just the dance. Trevor and his dad will pick me up and all the teachers are there to chaperone."

"You just broke his nose three days ago!" Gibbs looked at her completely dumbfounded.

"So." She shrugged.

"Lily I-" He just stopped not even sure what to say.

"Will you think about it." She grabbed his hand. "Talk to dad about it."

"Forty remember? You can't date till your forty." Gibbs sighed.

"Dad." She groaned. "It's not a date, all our friends will be there. Casey, Jenny, Lindsey, everyone from the team."

Oh God, Tony was right! The hormones had kicked in and everything was spinning out of control.

"Do you want a tattoo or piercing?"

She cocked her head and gave him a bizarre look as if he'd just grown two heads. "No."

"Are you sure?" Gibbs asked again.

"Yeah." Lily smiled. "Aunt Abby is going to take me to get my first tattoo when I turn eighteen."

Gibbs ran his hands down his face. "Of course she is."

"Would you let me get a tattoo?" She asked excited.

"NO!" He roared.

"I don't want a tattoo." She sighed. "I just wanna go to the dance."

"Right." Gibbs looked at his little girl and that's what she was to him still. A little girl who should want to play with her dolls and stuffed animals, not go to a dance with a boy! A boy she just had a fight with.

"Talk to dad. Please!" She gave him her best sad puppy dog eyes.

"You think my reaction is bad." He chuckled. "Your daddy is going to want to lock you in your room for the next six years."

"He will not." She rolled her eyes again.

"Oh just wait." Gibbs shook his head.

"But will you talk to him about it?" Again she begged.

"Yeah." Gibbs held up his hand. "But you'll talk to him first."

"Thank you, thank you, thank you." She said as she hugged him tightly.

"Don't thank me yet." Gibbs folded her into his arms. This wasn't supposed to be happening now, not yet. Kissing the top of her head, he thought back to that mousy scared little girl they had fallen in love with. The little girl that now rested her head against the middle of his chest, not asking for the newest toy or electronic device but to go to a dance with a boy. It was all too surreal.

"If you two decide I can go, can Aunt Abby take me dress shopping?" She asked pulling her head back and looking up at him.

Oh God! He sighed. "One step at a time okay?"

"Okay." She smiled brightly.

"Call your dad, ask him to come over for dinner."

She stepped back, staring at her dad with that bewildered look again. "Really?"

Gibbs nodded. "Yeah. You need to ask him about this and then he and I need to discuss it."

"And you're going to let him come to dinner to do that?" Her eyes sparkled with excitement and hope.

Another nod from Gibbs.

"I'll go call him right now? What time?"

"Four."

"Okay." She took off barreling up the steps.

A few minutes later he could hear her muffled voice from upstairs as she talked to Tony on the phone. The conversation was short, Gibbs was surprised, he figured the invitation to dinner would spur a much longer conversation between them. Then his phone rang blaring out Lady Gaga's song.

"Yeah." Gibbs said answering the phone.

"You want me to come over for dinner?"

Gibbs heard the skepticism in Tony's voice.

"Yeah."

"What's wrong? Lily get into another fight between last night and this morning?"

Gibbs chuckled. "No and nothing's wrong."

There was a long moment of silence.

"Are you sure?"

This time Tony's voice was filled with longing and hope.

"Yeah, I'm sure."

"Four?"

"Yeah, or earlier if you want." Gibbs ran his hand down his face. He was letting the fact that he missed Tony control the conversation. "Lily's in her room doing something and I was just going to work in the basement."

"Okay."

Gibbs could feel Tony's smile through the phone.

"Did you sleep well after we talked?" Gibbs voice deepened. "After you did what you needed to do."

"No." Tony practically moaned.

"It's just not the same is it?" Gibbs had already been down that road.

"No." Tony sighed. "Not at all."

"See you when you get here." Gibbs ended the call.

##############################################################################

Less than an hour later, Gibbs heard the faint knock at the door.

"Yeah." He called out from the couch.

"Hi." Tony smiled standing in the opening to the living room.

"Hi." Gibbs smiled back.

"Daddy!" Lily screamed coming down the stairs and almost knocking Tony over as she bear hugged him.

"Whoa." Tony chuckled. "What's that all about?"

"Nothing I'm happy to see you." She smiled up at him, eyes sparkling.

"Oh God what do you want!" Tony groaned.

Gibbs laughed, Tony knew Lily's looks all too well.

"Nothing." She paused. "Well just...something."

"You better sit down." Gibbs smirked.

"Jethro you said nothing was wrong!" Tony sighed.

"Nothing's wrong." Gibbs chuckled. "Just, um sit."

Tony dropped down next to Gibbs on the couch, forgetting that he normally now sat in the chair.

Lily looked at Gibbs.

"This is your show." Gibbs said holding up his hands.

"I wanna go to the Spring dance." Lily smiled.

"Okay." Tony glanced at Gibbs then back at Lily.

"You said I could go back when I said I didn't want to go."

"Yeah." Again Tony glanced at Gibbs then back at his daughter.

"Well I wanna go." Lily bit her lip.

"And?" Tony asked.

"I wanna go with Trevor."

"Trevor!" Tony's eyes widened. "A boy? The boy you just had a fight with?"

She nodded, smiling shyly.

Tony turned to Gibbs. "Trevor?"

Gibbs nodded.

"The boy whose nose she broke?"

Gibbs nodded again.

Tony looked back at Lily. "Did I miss something?"

"Trevor and his dad came over today. He apologized and so did I." She shrugged. "And he asked me to the dance."

"A date?"

"No the dance."

"Which is a date." Tony reiterated.

"Not a date."

"Lily it's a date. You and a boy going to a dance, alone together is a date."

"Dad. Everyone will be there." She rolled her eyes.

"Don't roll your eyes." Tony snapped. "This is not a roll your eyes moment!"

She looked down at the floor and played with the hem of her t-shirt.

Gibbs was trying not to laugh. Daddy's little girl had no idea what she was up against.

"You're twelve you're not-"

"Almost thirteen." She corrected.

Tony rolled his head. "You're too young to date."

"Daddy!" She sighed.

"I said forty and I'm starting to think that's still too young."

Gibbs couldn't help it he chuckled.

"No chuckles!" Tony glared at Gibbs. "I'm right! I know what boys are like at that age."

Gibbs eyebrows went up. "And I don't?"

"Well then think about it!"

"Not every boy has a subscription to Playboy at ten." Gibbs rolled his eyes.

"JETHRO!" Tony nodded towards Lily. "Hello."

"Dad you met Trevor, he's nice right and he apologized to you." Lily's eyes were wide searching for her dads help.

"That's why he apologized to me?" Gibbs folded his arms across his chest. "You made him, thinking it would impress me and I'd let you go?"

"NO!" Lily tried to play innocent. "He wanted to apologize."

"Jethro." Tony stood up and pointed to Lily. "She's twelve."

"Almost thirteen."

Tony glared over at her. "You keep saying that you won't make it to thirteen"

She folded her arms across her chest angrily.

"I told you this was going to happen!" Tony groaned. "Almost thirteen, hormones, wild child."

"It's just a dance!" Lily sighed. "Dad asked me if I wanted a tattoo."

Tony stared at Gibbs.

"I, that was not! Lily?" Gibbs eyes narrowed, his blue eyes locked on hers. "Upstairs, your dad and I need to talk about this."

"Fine." She took off stomping towards the steps.

"And if I hear one more stomp this conversation is already over because you won't be going anywhere for a month." Gibbs ordered.

Her foot came down silently as she walked on tiptoes up the steps.

"A date." Tony withered as he looked at Gibbs, a melancholy look in his eyes.

Gibbs took Tony's hand pulling him back down onto the couch.

"She's not a little girl anymore-"

"But-"

Gibbs held up his hand. "As much as we want her to be."

"But a date." Tony let his head drop back onto the couch, then turned and looked at Gibbs.

"Trevor's dad will take them and their will be tons of chaperones."

"A date." Tony sighed. "Our little girl on a date, in a dress, with a boy."

"Yeah." Gibbs smiled. "But Trevor already knows not to push her."

The thought made Tony smile. "True."

"And his dad seems like a nice guy. Was upset that Trevor disrespected her."

Tony looked back up at the ceiling. "I'm not ready."

"You never will be." Gibbs smirked.

Picking his head back up, Tony looked at Gibbs. "Why are you so calm about this?"

"I'm not." Gibbs blew out a long breath. "I've just had a little more time to let it sink in."

"But you're okay with it?"

"No." Gibbs ran his hands through his hair. "But she's a good kid, got a good head on her shoulders and I trust her to make the right decisions."

"We are going to be waiting up, guns in hand when they come home right?"

"Oh yeah." Gibbs nodded and smirked.

"Maybe we can have Jack come in too, with the shot gun."

Gibbs laughed. "I think two dads are enough for the poor boy to deal with, without bringing in Grandpa."

"Should we tell her?" Tony grinned.

"She wants Abby to take her dress shopping."

"NO!" Tony shook his head vigorously. "No, No. I'm agreeing to the dance not to that!"

"Tony, Abby would never let her get something inappropriate."

"Are you sure?" Tony raised an eyebrow.

"Yes because I'll talk to her." Gibbs smirked. "Plus I'm sure Ziva will go with them too."

"Not very comforting."

"We'll get through it." Gibbs winked.

Tony smiled and nodded.

"Lily get down here." Gibbs didn't even yell he knew she would be waiting and listening for them to call her down.

"Yeah." She said reaching the bottom of the steps in two seconds flat.

"Sit." Gibbs nodded to the chair.

Lily sat down and looked back and forth between her two dads. Seeing the same expressions on both their faces, she already knew the answer, she had seen that look before.

"I can't go."

"Lily, we think-"

"I'm not a little girl." Lily snapped, cutting Tony off.

"No you're not." Gibbs looked at her. "Which is why you can go."

"What?" She paused as the statement sunk in. "Did you say I can go?"

Tony and Gibbs both nodded.

"YOU'RE SERIOUS!" She screamed as she jumped on the couch into their arms.

After allowing her a moment of excitement, Gibbs grabbed her by the arms and stood her up in front of them.

"There are some rules." Gibbs stated.

"Okay." She smiled.

"We will talk to Trevor's dad and make sure he takes you and picks you up."

She nodded.

"Curfew is ten."

"Eleven." She said as if they would just accept it.

Gibbs glared at her. "This is not up for negotiation."

"Sorry." She bit her lip.

"This is a onetime only deal. If another...situation arises we'll have another discussion about the rules." Gibbs paused. "Understood?"

Another nod as she almost started jumping up and down. "Can I go call Trevor and Abby?"

"Yeah." Gibbs smiled.

"You are the best dads ever!" Lily grinned as she ran up the stairs.

"We are the best dads ever." Tony chuckled looking at Gibbs.

Gibbs shook his head.

"Okay, me and stress, remember?"

"You need food." Gibbs grabbed his phone and hit speed dial four.

###############################################################################

"We have to listen to all this for two more weeks." Gibbs groaned as he tossed the last of the Chinese cartons into the garbage.

"Well at least all the excitement wore her out." Tony chuckled as he washed a plate at the sink.

"Yeah in bed a little after ten on a Saturday, never happens." Gibbs grabbed a beer from the fridge.

"She was so happy today." Tony glanced over his shoulder at Gibbs then back to the dishes.

"Yeah."

"She had that smile again."

"So did you." Tony jumped at the sound of Gibbs voice by his ear.

"I haven't see you smile like that in a long time." Gibbs whispered in Tony's ear. His arm circling around Tony's waist.

"I'm happy."

"Remember the last time I came in here when you were doing dishes?" Sitting his beer down, Gibbs wrapped his other arm around Tony. "What I did?"

"God yes." Tony moaned leaning back into Gibbs' embrace.

"I missed having you in my arms." Gibbs growled as his hands clawed at Tony's stomach.

"Jethro." Tony sighed.

"You feel so good." Gibbs' lips brushed against Tony's neck kissing the familiar tender flesh. "And taste so sweet."

Twisting in Gibbs' arms, Tony stared into the steel blue eyes that forever would melt his heart and arouse his desire.

Grabbing Gibbs by the neck, Tony crushed their lips together, immediately demanding Gibbs' lips part and allow his tongue entrance. This kiss was all about want, desire, and uncontrollable need. Tony wanted this to lead to more, wanted there to be no doubt in Gibbs' mind that Tony wanted this to end with them naked and writhing in pleasure.

Gibbs' fingers tugged at Tony's belt, jerking the buckle open, then working on the button and zipper.

"Jethro." Tony panted as their lips parted.

As Gibbs' fingers touched Tony's hard cock, a low moan escaped Tony's lips.

"Do it please." Tony begged. Before the words even left his mouth, Gibbs had Tony's cock out and was stroking it slowly. "Oh fuck."

Gibbs forehead gently leaned against Tony's. "Is this what you did last night, after talking to me?"

"Yes." Tony moaned.

"Stroked your cock thinking about me?"

Tony nodded.

"But you wanted me to do it?" Gibbs growled. "Wanted my hand wrapped around your cock?"

Another nod as Tony felt the world around him start to spin making him light headed.

"I wanted to call you back." Gibbs hand stroked faster. "Wanted to hear you."

"I screamed your name." Tony clutched at the sides of Gibbs' body. "Over and over again as I came."

"Come for me." Gibbs demanded. "Right now."

Tony buried his head in the crook of Gibbs' neck and shoulder muffling his scream as he came, thrusting into Gibbs' hand.

Gibbs felt Tony's knees buckle slightly and he wrapped his free hand around Tony's waist keeping him upright. His lips brushed against Tony's ear. "God, I've missed you."

"I missed you so much." Tony touched Gibbs' cheek. "So much."

"We need to get cleaned up." Gibbs smirked.

################################################################################

Tony came down the stairs quietly, not wanting to wake Lily. Gibbs was sitting on the couch, beer in hand, he looked over at Tony and smiled.

"I found a few of my things in one of the drawers." Tony smiled looking down at the jeans and t-shirt he now wore, then sitting down next to Gibbs.

"Yeah." Gibbs nodded. "I hadn't gotten around to giving them to you."

Pulling his leg up under himself, Tony looked at Gibbs. "I love you."

"I love you too." Gibbs gave Tony a half smile.

"Then why do I have the feeling tonight is not going to end the way I want it to." Tony could sense the distance that still existed between them.

"How did you want it to end?"

"Us naked in bed, bodies entwined, covered in sweat, muffling our screams so we don't wake Lily."

Gibbs blew out a long breath, his body instantly responding to the image. "Yeah."

"But not gonna happen." Tony sighed.

Putting down his beer, Gibbs rubbed his face. "This wasn't all your fault."

"I agree."

Gibbs chuckled and shook his head.

"Oh was that a rhetorical question?" Tony grinned.

"I know you were right about how I changed." Gibbs shook his head. "I don't know why I do it. Self preservation maybe."

"Pull away, hurt the other person before they can hurt you." Tony knew Gibbs MO all too well.

All Gibbs could do was nod. No sense denying it, that was exactly what he always did, he'd been hurt in the past and learned it was easier to do the hurting then get hurt again. Problem was, everything was different with Tony. Tony truly loved him, wanted the best for him, and give him everything in return.

"Did you really think that after six years together that I was going to hurt you?"

"I don't know." Gibbs leaned forward, elbows on his knees.

"You are the only one I want." Tony sighed. "You, Lily, our family it's everything I've ever wanted."

Leaning back, Gibbs smiled at Tony. "Remember Sundays?"

Tony nodded and grinned. "I use to love Sundays with you."

"And then they just stopped, because of me" Gibbs rubbed his forehead. "I forgot...everything. How important it was to us, how important you were, even how import it was that Lily would walk in and roll her eyes when she saw us curled up together."

Tony chuckled. "She did that because you always jumped up or pushed me up. Not because it bothered her."

"Yeah. I know."

"It's okay to be affectionate with me around her." Tony still couldn't believe that showing any kind of affection around their daughter or any one for that matter made him uncomfortable.

"So I've been told." Gibbs chuckled.

"Why does it make you uncomfortable?"

"Affection has just always been a private thing." Gibbs shrugged.

"I'm not asking you to shove me against the wall and make out with me." Tony smirked.

The statement hit a little too close to home and Gibbs glared at Tony.

Tony's eyes went wide. "Wrong example!"

Gibbs shook his head.

"Jethro. I just don't want you to jump and take a step back every time our daughter walks in the room and you happen to be touching me or holding me."

"I'll work on that." Gibbs smirked.

"Really?" Tony cocked his head and stared at Gibbs a moment. Then he crawled towards Gibbs like a wild cat stalking its prey, pushing him back down onto the couch.

Gibbs allowed his entire body to settle back as he stared up at Tony. "Didn't mean we should work on it right now."

"Working on it implies, you want to work on us." Tony's knee slipped between Gibbs' leg. "Is that what you want?"

"What do you think?" Gibbs' hands were balled into fists at his sides struggling not to grab Tony and devour him.

"I think." Tony's hand caressed up the inside of Gibbs' thigh. "You want me and you're using every ounce of your control not to grab me and do anything and everything you want to me."

"I do want you." Gibbs licked his suddenly parched lips.

"So what's stopping you?" Tony asking letting his hand finish its journey up Gibbs' thigh but not touching his cock.

"Can you just forget the last few months?" Gibbs sighed. "Everything that was said and done, you can just let it all go?"

Tony nodded. "Can you?"

"I'm getting there."

"But you're still hesitant why?" Tony moved off of Gibbs, pushing Gibbs legs off the couch as he sat down.

"Hey." Gibbs sat up next to Tony, hearing the annoyance in Tony's voice.

"I thought after what happened in the kitchen-" Tony ran his hands through his hair and chastised himself for believing it could be that simple.

"I wanted you." Gibbs ran his down his face. "Needed to feel that closeness again."

"So what now you think it was a mistake?"

"No." Gibbs shook his head. "God, no."

"But it was too soon, too fast?" Tony already knew the answer

Gibbs nodded.

"Why?" Tony sighed.

"Because I love you enough to wanna make sure everything is right with us before we just fall back into this relationship."

Tony forced himself to nod.

"And I won't risk hurting Lily anymore."

"We've put her through a lot."

"Yeah, we have." Gibbs nodded.

"She wants her family back." Tony sighed.

"I know." Gibbs glanced at Tony. "And we're working on getting there."

"That's all I want." Tony smiled.

"I'm not perfect." Gibbs paused "I'll mess up again. You know that right?"

"Yeah." Tony smirked.

"But I'll try." Gibbs took Tony's hand, pulling the younger man towards him.

Tony smiled and straddled Gibbs lap.

"I promise you that." Gibbs ran his hands over Tony's hips.

Tony smiled. "Just talk to me, don't shut me out."

Gibbs nodded.

Tony's hand gently touched Gibbs' cheek, his finger brushing across Gibbs' lips

"And I'll never, ever, make the same mistake again. I promise."

"I know." Gibbs half smiled.

"Now what?" Tony asked a devilish gleam in his eyes.

Gibbs smirked just before tossing Tony down onto the couch, the quick maneuver causing Tony's eyes to widen and he started laughing.

"I love you." Gibbs sighed deeply his body draped over Tony's. "I'm sorry for taking you for granted and being distant. I don't ever want to do that again. "

Tony smiled and nodded wrapping his arms around Gibbs neck and running his fingers through his hair.

"And I never-" Gibbs hand caressed up Tony's ribcage. "Wanted you to feel like you were a means to an ends when it came to sex. It wasn't about just anyone being there, I wanted you." A pause. "I still want you."

"But not tonight?" Tony searched Gibbs' face hoping he was wrong.

"I want you I just think-"

"I get it." Tony cut Gibbs off.

Gibbs smirked.

"Really, I get it." Tony grinned. "I don't like it but I get it."

Gibbs laughed.

"Do I get to stay?" Tony asked moistening his lips.

"Um." Gibbs body and mind struggled with an answer.

"I'll come downstairs and sleep on the couch before Lily gets up." Tony smirked. "She won't be up till like ten anyway. It's Sunday."

Gibbs felt his body winning the fight.

"I'll behave." Tony's hands continued to comb through the hair on the back of Gibbs' head. "I just want us to be in each other's arms."

Still Gibbs was silent.

"Please." Tony pleaded.

##################################################################################

Stirring in his sleep, Tony smiled as he felt the body against his back and the arm around his waist. For the first time in months he had slept through the night. He felt rested, safe, happy...loved. He pressed back slightly and felt the hard cock at his ass and grinned.

"Don't start." Gibbs sighed tightening his arm around Tony's waist.

"Why not? Tony moaned as he rocked his hips rubbing Gibbs' cock against him.

"Because." Gibbs groaned. "You promised to be good."

"I think your hard cock says I am good."

"It's already nine and Lily will probably be up soon."

"Right." Reluctantly, Tony turned around in Gibbs' arms. "God I wish you would just throw me down and take me."

Grabbing Tony's ass, Gibbs growled. "Tony stop."

"I can't help it." Tony's hand caressed over Gibbs' back. "I've missed you and we have a lot of time to make up for."

"Well that's gonna have to wait." Gibbs placed a quick kiss on Tony's lips. "Remember we're parents. It's not like when we first got together."

Tony bit his lip and moaned. "Making love in every room, on every piece of furniture, anytime we wanted."

"Yeah." Gibbs' lips dropped to Tony's neck nipping at the soft flesh. His comments of them needing to stop suddenly forgotten as his lips touched Tony.

"Jethro." Tony whimpered. "You need to stop."

Ignoring Tony's plea, Gibbs' lips kissed up Tony's neck to his ear. "I want you so much."

"You said we can't." Tony groaned as Gibbs hands squeezed his ass again, then jerked him forward crushing their hard cocks together. "Fuck!"

It was at that moment that they heard Lily's door open and her footsteps heading towards the bathroom.

"Shit!" Gibbs growled in Tony's ear.

Tony chuckled quietly.

"What's so funny?" Gibbs sighed.

"I missed this." Tony grinned. "Us, wanting each other so badly, but having to wait, just building the tension."

"Yeah." A crooked smirk played across Gibbs' face.

"How many mornings did we try to have sex before Lily got up for school?" Tony smiled.

"God, so many."

"Remember we use to set my cell phone alarm for an hour before we had to be up just so we could make love?" Tony couldn't help it he laughed.

"Shhhhhh." Gibbs chuckled not wanting to draw Lily's attention.

"Sorry." Tony smirked pulling Gibbs closer.

A few seconds later they heard Lily emerge from the bathroom and head down the stairs.

Gibbs sighed and dropped down onto his back. "I have about five minutes before she realizes I'm not in the basement."

"Sorry, I should have, um, went down earlier."

"To late now." Gibbs ran his hands down his face.

"Jethro it's not that big of a deal." Tony rolled his eyes. "We can explain I stayed over and that's it."

"Yeah."

"We'll explain to her we are working on our relationship, but it's going to take time." Tony smiled.

"And all she'll hear is we're back together and everything is perfect again."

"We'll talk to her." Tony said wrapping his arms around Gibbs. "It will be fine."

"Yeah." Gibbs hugged Tony closer.

"So what maybe three minutes left?" Tony said just before capturing Gibbs' lips.

"Dad you actually slept in the bed." Lily said opening the door, then her eyes grew wide. "Whoa!"

"KNOCKING!" Gibbs barked.

"SORRY!" Lily said as she slammed the door closed and falling back against it.

"Guess you were wrong about the five minute thing." Tony laughed.

"Um." Lily started talking to the closed door. "I started coffee it should be done in a minute or so. Just um, I'll see you both when you come down stairs."

"Thanks Lily." Tony replied.

Gibbs shook his head.

"Well you wanted to work on being comfortable with Lily seeing us showing affection."

##############################################################################

Coming down the stairs, Gibbs walked into the living room, Tony a few steps behind him. Lily was sitting on the couch staring at her laptop screen.

"Morning." She said not looking up.

"Morning." Gibbs replied.

"Coffee's ready." She said tapping at her keyboard.

"Okay." Gibbs glanced at Tony.

Tony shrugged.

"Lily, you okay?" Tony asked.

"Yeah." Lily glanced over at them then back at her screen.

"That's it?" Tony sighed.

She shrugged.

"We need to talk." Gibbs sat down on the chair by the couch.

"Are you going to tell me this was just some sex thing?"

"LILY!" Gibbs snapped glaring at her.

"Well?" She snapped back. "You're being all secretive, freaking out when I open the bedroom door-"

"You are suppose to knock!"

"Yeah well didn't think it was really necessary." She rolled her eyes.

"Lily." Tony gave her his best annoyed father stare, surprised by her attitude about the situation.

"What?" She glared back at Tony.

"I thought you'd be happy that we are trying to work on our relationship." Tony folded his arms across his chest.

"Is that what you're doing?" Her eyes darted back and forth between her two dads.

"Yes." Gibbs nodded.

"For real?" She asked still with a hint of skepticism.

"For real." Tony smiled wearily, knowing how hard all of this had been on her.

Lily glanced at Gibbs.

"We're working on it." Gibbs paused. "But you need to give us time."

She smiled. "Okay."

Jumping up she threw her arms around her fathers. Looking down at her, Gibbs smiled. She had that hope and optimism in her eyes again, yet still a small hint of worry.

"What is it?" Lily asked seeing the odd expression on her father's face.

"I love you." Gibbs smiled touching her cheek.

"I know."

"And we never wanted to hurt you." Gibbs sighed. "Never."

"I know dad." She smiled. "This is something you two needed to deal with."

He nodded.

"I'm okay." She looked at him seeing his uncertainty. "Really. I mean, I want you two to work it out, but-"

Gibbs could tell she was trying to choose her words carefully. She could be a little girl at times, but when she was serious and it was important she became this mini adult that had more insight than anyone her age should have.

"You have to work it out because you two want to, not because of me." She sighed heavily. "As much as I wish it could be about me. It's not."

Gibbs shook his head. Insightful beyond her years.

She rolled her eyes. "Yeah I know. You tell me all the time."

"Tell you what?" Gibbs smirked.

"Insightful and intelligent beyond my years." She smirked back. Her look almost a mirror image of Gibbs.

"Can I go get some coffee now?"Gibbs chuckled.

"Yes." She shook her head grabbing her computer and heading up the steps. "Going to get dressed."

Gibbs and Tony strolled into the kitchen. Pouring a cup of coffee Gibbs handed it to Tony, then poured one for himself.

"Thanks." Tony said before fixing his coffee with cream and sugar. He glanced at Gibbs. "She's dealing with this well."

"Yeah." Gibbs sighed. "She went from pissed off little girl when all this happened to rational adult. How does that happen?"

"She's so damn analytical, that's what it is." Tony shook his head. "She might have an emotional reaction at first but then she thinks about it and sees all the sides."

Gibbs nodded with a proud smile.

"Wonder who she gets that from?" Tony grinned.

"Come with me." Gibbs took Tony's hand and led him to the living room. Stopping by the couch he put his coffee down and took Tony's. Then he laid down on his side on the couch looking up at Tony.

Tony smirked climbing onto the couch next to him. Wrapping Tony in his arms, Gibbs pulled Tony tightly against his chest.

Tony grinned, knowing Gibbs would sense it without seeing it.

"It's Sunday." Gibbs whispered in Tony's ear.

"Yeah." Tony sighed contently, settling back against Gibbs' body.

"So you are restricted to this couch and my arms for at least the next two hours."

Tony purred.

"I do like that sound." Gibbs kissed Tony's neck.

Chuckling, Tony let his fingers brush over Gibbs' arm wrapped at his waist.

"Every Sunday from now on" Gibbs again whispered in Tony's ear. "I want this. You on the couch in my arms."

"Gladly." Tony sighed.

Lily came back down the steps, stopping at the entrance to the living room and staring at the scene before her.

Gibbs was whispering something in Tony's ear that made Tony instantly laugh.

Standing there a few more minutes, Lily cleared her throat.

"What?" Gibbs asked looking over at her.

Cocking her head she looked at her dad then smiled. "Nothing."

Gibbs winked. She immediately ran over and jumped on her fathers, laughing as Gibbs tickled her into submission. She dropped back, her head on the opposite end of the couch from her dads, her feet propped up on their hips.

"What color dress should I get?" She asked looking over at her dads.

"Gotta be blue." Tony answered.

"No, black." Gibbs said.

"Black?" Tony looked back at Gibbs over his shoulder. "You want our daughter to wear a little black dress?"

"Not a little black dress, a black dress."

Tony rolled his eyes. "Blue."

Lily laughed. "I was thinking blue but Abby said black."

"Of course." Tony chuckled.

"How about red?" She chimed.

"No!" Rang out in unison from both of them.

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