Gibbs: DiNozzo
Tony: Pa?
Gibbs: Take care of yourself
Tony: Miss you too dad
--
"I hear things are relatively back to normal Jethro?" Ducky approached his friend and placed a new coffee cup in front of him. "This is well deserved; bring Anthony back and I'll get you two cups." When Gibbs didn't smile or look up; Ducky knew something was off. "Did I miss something?"
"Everyone is so sure he's coming back; it's not that easy Duck."
"Non sense Jethro; I've had faith you'd bring them back for the last…oh what was it Abigail mentioned…ah yes, 126 days."
It was then he smiled. "Yeah, I still cant believe it's been that long…it's been hell up here."
"I am quite sorry Jethro; I suppose I should have visited more often. I just thought you'd need time to adjust…"
He put his hand up. "Trust me Duck; the only thing that would have made this hell easier wouldve been having them back."
"And that is well on it's way to coming true my dear fellow." He flashed a smile. "I certainly cannot wait…after all; kids being away from their Father can be quite traumatizing at a young age."
Gibbs peered back at him. "What? Were you listening in on the video conference with DiNozzo…?"
"Please Jethro, what do you think I am, a spy?"
He managed a smile. "No, but you pick up on more than I care to admit."
"Ah yes, your Father complex. It really is no secret to those who truly know you my boy. From what I understand you hugged the stuffing out of Ziva."
He threw his hands up in defense. "I missed her okay?"
"Like a father misses his daughter when she's been away…"
"You're reaching Duck…it was just a hug."
He gave him a wry smile. "And Anthony?"
"What about him?"
"He called you, Pa. Said he missed you…and if I recall correctly, an I love you was thrown in for good measure."
Gibbs managed a smile. "You did hear the conversation…"
Ducky threw an arm around his friend. "Ah you've forgotten Jethro; I was a spy once…it was decades ago, I was a young Scottish lad…"
Gibbs reached for his coffee and took some down before politely interrupting. "Uh Duck, it's been a long day…"