Wow! thank you for the reviews and the followers and the favorites guys! you are the best :)
I slept for 16 hours straight! I don't know how the hell I did... guess a lot of pain medication and the surprising twist of not having to wake up because your drenched in sweat and your heart goes a thousand a minute, helps... aw well.
You guys really think that I would make Jackson a bad guy? I mean he made mistakes and Gibbs was really mad at him in the series. But Jack isn't like Senior or Surray Senior or Eli. No, but I do like exploring into the past and the relationships, when I think that when Gibbs and Jack haven't spoken to each other in 18 years (in the series heartland season 6) and it was so restrained, that it became much better, much quicker then I thought. So yeah...
So this is how I think that Gibbs must have felt and my few on how it could've been in the past and how it could've been now. :)
Well, Enjoy!
''Grandpa! Grandpa, there's someone at the door, who's looking for you. Daddy called him Jackson'' Mia explained.
Gibbs' mind seemed to freeze at her words. Jackson? No. No that is not possible. He wouldn't just show up like that. Would he? No, there was just no way.
''Daddy, it is grandpa'' Kelly's voice said to him. ''He came!''
''Boss, you alright?'' Chris asked a little worried. He had never seen that expression on the older Marine's face before.
''Grandpa, daddy asked to get you'' Mia told him. She tugged on his sleeve. ''Come on!''
Gibbs shook off his thought and stood up. He began to walk to the hallway, but stopped however and turned back to face the remaining people. Also Mia. ''You all stay here, got it? You will not move from your place. You stay here, until I come back or I tell you to come over''
'Yes, Sir' and 'Yes, grandpa' were being given. Danni had tightened her grip on both dogs collars. Nova and Zembla were both growling a bit in uncertainty. They knew something wasn't quite right but couldn't explore what was wrong.
''Easy, boys'' Danni assured them.
Mason was sucking his thumb in his mother's lap, quietly and Baby Jet was back in his mother's arms, but was fussing. He too knew something was going on and he didn't get a get a easy feeling. He felt uncomfortable. Ziva was stroking his hair, to keep him from crying.
…
Tony was doing a stare off with the man in front of him. The glare he got was identical to Gibbs' but something was missing and Tony felt it easy to glare back.
''Are ya going to tell me how you know my name?'' Jackson asked, impatiently. ''Does Leroy live here, still?''
''Uhm.. well.. I—''
''Leave him alone, Jack'' Gibbs' voice came from behind Tony and he turned to look at Gibbs. Gibbs on the other hand, looked livid. Tony knew this was not going to end well. He knew some of what happened between the two man. He knew that Gibbs hadn't gotten over his feelings towards the other man.
''Leroy—''
''What the hell are you doing here?'' Gibbs asked his father, glaring at the man. Surprised, Jack took a step back.
''Leroy... it's good to see ya. How are you? Who's this kid?'' He gestured dismissively to Tony. ''He's calling ya dad and the little girl went to get her grandpa—''
''Do you seriously think that you can ask questions?'' Gibbs snapped. ''You have no damn right to ask any questions! You come here unannounced after all those years and the first thing you do is demand answers from me? You don't talk to him that way! Don't you dare talk to my son that way''
''Dad...'' Tony tried to calm Gibbs, but Gibbs ignored him.
''I ask you again, Jack. What are you doing here?''
''I came because I wanted to see me son. I miss you and—''
''You miss me? After all those years you miss me?'' Gibbs asked
''Your mom died 45 years ago and I didn't—''
''Don't!'' Gibbs cut him off again. ''Don't speak of her. You didn't want to 45 years ago and out of the blue you decide that you can show up at my house, saying that you miss me and think it will be okay?''
''I understand that you're angry with me, but—''
''Angry?'' Gibbs laughed and it made Tony shrink just a little. ''Oh, I'm not angry. My feelings towards you were much more then that and trust me, they haven't changed. Not one bit''
''Son, I'm sorry. I don't know what to say or do''
''You can go back to Stillwater. I'm sure you will be missed there''
''Dad, stop it!'' Tony snapped at Gibbs.
''What?'' Gibbs hissed, turning to the younger man.
''Stop it. He's here, for you. It took him so many years to do it. Doesn't it mean anything to you that he finally worked up the courage to do it?'' Tony asked Gibbs.
''Tony, you know what he did'' Gibbs looked at the younger man, but his shoulders slumped.
''I know. You told me. But he cares! To him, you're his son. Yes he messed up, handled many things wrong, he made big mistakes. But if you compare them it with my father's or Olivia's or Ziva's, is it really worth slamming the door in his face for?''
Gibbs stared at him for a moment. He shook his head. ''I can't do this''
''Then don't'' Tony told him. ''Go back into the living room''
''And what are you going to do?''
''I'm going to take Jackson for a walk'' Tony looked back at Jackson with an unreadable expression.
''You make me sound like I am a dog, boy'' Jackson commented.
Tony grimaced at the word and Gibbs noticed. ''Don't call him that, Jack. Don't ever call him that''
Jackson frowned at his son, wondering what that was all about, but he knew he was serious. ''Alright, than. Tony?'' Tony nodded. ''I don't know ya, but you got brains in that head of yours''
''If you're sure...'' Gibbs trailed off. ''I'm not going to change my mind just like that''
''I know, Dad'' Tony told him. ''But I think you need to calm down and let this sink in before you go into the inevitable discussion''
Gibbs looked at Tony. They were having a silent conversation and all that Jackson could do was watch. He saw how the kid called Tony smiled, how his son's shoulders slumped even further and how Leroy then gave a nod, that the young man returned just as a Gibbs would.
Without another word, Gibbs turned and walked away. Tony turned his attention back to Jackson. He grabbed his coat and put it on. Tony stepped forward, making Jackson step backwards until he also stood outside and could close the door behind him.
''What are you doing here, Mr. Gibbs?'' Tony asked the old man. He walked with his hands in his pockets.
''I'm here for my son. I didn't know he would have company'' Jackson said.
''That's the point of Thanksgiving, isn't it? Family coming together and be thankful for their family and other stuff''
''I didn't realize that Leroy had family. Other than me, I mean'' Jackson admitted.
''Dad told me you haven't spoken since Shannon and Kelly's funeral''
''That's right'' Jackson nodded. ''Made a stupid decision and paid the price for it''
''18 years'' Tony calculated. ''And you're right. It was a stupid idea. I wouldn't appreciate it either if he would show up with a date on a funeral''
''I needed support too, and Leroy was busy with himself—''
''He only did the same thing as you did, when his mother died'' Tony snapped, maybe a little too harshly. Jackson grimaced at the words. Tony noticed by continued. ''He needed someone when his mother died and you left him alone to mourn, while you spend everyday in your store, ignoring him''
''He told you everything, huh?'' Jackson asked, sadly. He didn't like to be reminded of his failures.
''Mostly. The only thing he hasn't talked about is his mother's death itself'' Tony told him.
''Who are you?''
''Tony DiNozzo, Sir''
''DiNozzo? But you call Leroy dad and he calls you son? Has he adopted you or something? Ya seem older then Kelly would've been...'' Jackson looked at him a little confused.
''That's a very long story, Sir, we don't have time for that and you're not here for that. You're here for your son. How did you think he was going to react, when you showed like this?''
''I don't know, Kid'' Jackson sighed. ''I told the truth when I said that I missed him. And you were right, when you said that I finally worked up the courage. It seems like an impulsive thing every year I think about it. But if ya think about it every year for the last ten years, it's not that impulsive, is it?''
''Not really'' Tony agreed.
''Missed so much from my sons life'' Jackson shook his head, regrettably
''That you have'' Tony agreed again.
''I really don't understand who you are and the little girl with ya, I assume is your daughter''
''That's right. Mia is my daughter. I guess I can tell you a little bit'' He said and cleared his throat. ''When... dad came back in the States after Shannon and Kelly were killed, he went to work for NIS. It's a Naval agency that investigates crimes that involve navy people. It turned to NCIS soon after. He's a Special Agent. Ten years later in 2001 I came across him. I was a Detective working for Baltimore PD back then and I sort of arrested him—'' He held up a hand when Jackson wanted to ask. ''He was doing a undercover up and it was set up. We did the case together and in the end I found out that my partner was involved with the gang. He was corrupt. I felt betrayed and was ready to leave the job behind when... dad asked, without saying the actually words, if I wanted to work for him. I did and so I became an Probie Agent...''
He went on explaining a little more. He then went on explaining that in words and conversations he had already known Gibbs, because of his connection with Shannon and Kelly 11 years earlier from that date. Back in 1990. And when Gibbs himself finally found out about that fact it pulled them deeper into a father and son relationship.
He also summed up what had happened in his life the last 3,5 years, but left out Gibbs' memory loss, and injury due of a tumor in his back. He left everything out what he knew that Gibbs wanted to tell himself or he would never tell Jackson in the first place. Like his ex-wives or the explosion and stuff.
Jackson listened attentively to every word. His son's life had changed since the day in 2001. He knew that Leroy was over his deep grieve and was finally picking up his life again thanks to his Tony guy. The young man had given back a family to his son. Leroy was happy now, and he came barging in out of nowhere. ''It was a mistake coming here today. I shouldn't have come. I only make things bad''
''I don't agree with that'' Tony shook his head. ''It was a mistake that you didn't come sooner. Dad's a stubborn bastard and he will be mad and you won't change his mind quickly. But he knows you care. He knows you're not a bad man. Hell, I know those things. Dad and I have had our share of them and I can tell you that you're not one of them''
''Where's your real parents, Kid?'' Jackson asked.
Tony resisted the urge to say, 'Gibbs is my real Dad'. Instead he answered, ''Well... I'm an only child. My mom... uhm died when I was 8 and my dad's is in prison for uhm... Child abuse and assault of a federal agent and some other stuff''
Jackson looked at him, but Tony didn't meet his eyes. ''Oh, my boy. I'm sorry I asked''
''Don't be. It was an honest question'' Tony assured him and started walking again. ''It's one of the reasons why I see when people deserve a second chance to be listened to and you came late, but it's not too late to talk things out''
''I wish Leroy would see it that way''
''He's the hurt one, in this case. Doesn't matter that it was 45 years ago or 18 years ago. When it's never talked out or talked about, the pain will never go away. Plus the fact that he's stubborn as hell, doesn't help things much''
''He has gotten that from his mother'' Jackson pointed out.
Tony smiled. ''I'm sure'' They walked for a few minutes. ''Did his mom really die from Leukemia?'' Tony asked suddenly. Something had made him ask. It wasn't like he didn't believe Gibbs, when he had said that, it was just something in Gibbs eyes that made him question that that was the whole story.
Jackson tensed up for a moment, but it was gone before Tony could apologize. ''Ultimately, she did. The cancer had spread and the doctor couldn't do anything to help her. I don't think they could even in this time with all their new technology and research and stuff. It was just a waiting game and even painkillers didn't work as good as they do now. Ann couldn't take the pain anymore and took her own life''
Tony stopped at that. Gibbs had completely left out that little fact. His mother had committed suicide? Why hadn't Gibbs told him that? Gibbs knew how Tony felt about his own mother's death. He remembered Gibbs' understanding, but he hadn't thought about it like that.
''You okay, kid?'' Jackson asked worried.
It shook Tony out of his thoughts. ''Yeah, fine''
Jackson looked at him skeptically. He didn't quite believe the young man, but he had no right to say that he was lying. ''If ya say so''
They walked further in silence and walked around the block. By the time they came back at the house, they noticed that Chris' car was gone.
''Oh, I didn't mean for people to go away, because of me'' Jackson said sadly.
Tony looked at his watch and noticed it was 9:23 pm. ''Don't blame yourself. I'm sure they went home because the baby had to be put in bed. And Ziva had mentioned that Jeth doesn't sleep well somewhere else''
''Jeth?'' Jackson looked up at him.
Tony smiled. ''They named their baby Devon Jethro. Named after both their father figures''
Jackson shook his head again. ''You got me confused again, Kid''
''Yeah, this family will do that to you'' Tony commented.
…
Gibbs walked into the living room and sank into the armchair he sat in earlier. Nova and Zembla both sat in front of him and looked at him with tilted heads.
''Gibbs what's going on?'' Olivia asked.
''My dad decided to show up''
''Your dad— I hadn't realized that you had one'' Olivia said softly. ''Wait, he's not... like mine or Ziva's is he?'' She looked at the other woman for a second then looked back.
She didn't need to elaborate what she meant, everyone old enough knew what she meant.
Gibbs shook his head. ''No. No, he's not. It's just complicated''
''Why is it complicated?'' Danni sat down on the armrest of the chair.
''Because the old man, pissed me off'' He knew that it was a answers that made no sense whatsoever. ''We had a very big fight, on a very bad day and I haven't seen or heard from him since. That was 18 years ago. Nor did I go to look him up or something''
''Why didn't you?'' Mia asked.
''Sometimes you're hurt too much'' Gibbs shook his head and pinched the bridge of his nose.
The other looked at each other with worried expressions, but they let him be. They sat in silence for a moment. Mason was playing with one of his trains. 10 minutes later however, Baby Jet decided that he had enough of the silence and started fussing and soon after that let out a cry.
''Ssh, baby'' Ziva soothed him. ''It's okay, Tinok'' (little boy)
''What wrong?'' Chris asked.
''He's getting cranky. I think he needs a good bath and go to bed''
''You want to go home?''
''Not that I want, but he certainly needs his sleep'' Ziva sighed. She looked at the others. ''Do you guys mind?''
''We don't mind, Ziva'' Gibbs said. ''Do what you need to'' He gave a weak smile.
They said goodbye to each other and the others walked with them to the car to wave them off. Except for Gibbs. When they came back in, Gibbs was already gone and they automatically knew he needed his basement.
...
Tony walked to the door and got out his key. Jackson watched as he opened the door and they both stepped in.
Nova and Zembla came to check out the noise. They growled at Jackson, knowing that the man had caused the uneasiness earlier.
''Down, boys. He comes in peace'' Tony ordered.
Nova and Zembla's ears lowered and they took a step back, but kept a cautious eye on the newcomer.
''Tony?'' Olivia came around the corner, Mason on her hip, his head leaning on her shoulder. She stopped however, seeing the other man. She looked between the two.
''Who's you?'' Mason asked bluntly.
''Jackson Gibbs, son'' Jackson smiled warmly at the blond boy.
Olivia and Mason's eyes widened in a matching manner. ''Gibbs?'' Mason frowned. ''But Grampa Gibbs is in 'is basement''
''Oh no young man, I'm Leroy's father. Your... uhm grandfather's father'' He said at bit awkwardly
''Grampa's got Daddy's too?'' Mason asked amazed by the information.
''Your's does'' Tony grinned.
''Cool'' Mason exclaimed.
''Where are my girls, Liv?'' Tony asked.
''They're in the basement, with... Gibbs. He went there when Ziva and Chris left. Jeth was beginning to fuss with sleep, so they went home'' Olivia explained. ''That reminds me, that this little man has to go to bed too'' Olivia looked at her son.
''I don' wanna'' Mason whined.
''I don't care'' Olivia retorted in the same tone, but teasing.
Mason pouted and turned big sad eyes, that reminded Tony of the famous Puss In Boots scene, to Tony. ''Tee-Tee, please lemme stay 'wake! Please, Daddy. please?''
Tony felt like his heart was going to explode.
Jackson smirked. The small kid sure knew how to make people get on his side.
Olivia grinned Tony, over Mason's head and raised an eyebrow.
Tony swallowed and cleared his throat. ''Sorry, buddy. You gotta go to bed. What mommy says, that goes''
Mason was not satisfied with the answer and crossed his arms in protest. ''I. Don'. Wanna!'' But his attempt to sound serious was abruptly cut off, by the yawn that escaped his lips. ''I'm not tired'' He tried.
''Goodnight, buddy'' Tony kissed his forehead.
''See you in a bit'' Olivia said, kissing Tony lightly on the lips and then walked to the kitchen and up the stairs.
Tony and Jackson followed soon after, but instead went to the door that led to the basement.
''Don't be so surprised with what you see down there'' Tony said before opening the door and walking down.
Jackson waited for a second, but then went in too. He stood on the top of the stairs, looking down at the scene. His son was working on a... boat. A big one. Not the one that they would work on when Leroy was just a boy.
He did see however the same boy from back then. From 45 years ago. The way he worked, the concentrating on ever single detail, even when he was only sanding. The only thing that was new were the glasses he was wearing. Next to him, was a teenaged girl. Her dark hair pulled back into a pony tail and. Safety glasses on her nose. They were sanding synchronously. It was amazing to see. The other smaller girl was sitting on a sawhorse, swinging her legs back and forward and humming a soft melody. She was watching them, at the same time she was drumming her fingers to the beat of the song in her head.
Tony walked over to Mia and smiled. She smiled back. ''Hi, daddy''
''Come, we're going up, getting something to drink'' Tony told her. Mia pouted but got off the sawhorse and walked to the stairs. She looked at the old man for a moment, but then disappeared into the kitchen. Tony shook his head and turned to the other girl. ''You too, Danni''
Danni dropped the sanding block and sighed. ''I knew it'' She took off the glasses and looked at Gibbs. ''Are you going to be okay?'' She asked him.
''Don't worry about me, Kid''
''Too late for that, Gibbs'' She said honestly. Gibbs stopped sanding and met her eyes, before he leaned forward and kissed her forehead.
Tony smiled at the display of affection.
''Go'' Gibbs ordered her. Danni nodded and didn't look at anyone, while she walked up the stairs and walked into the kitchen.
Gibbs returned to his sanding, without looking at his father, While Jackson just kept standing on top of the stairs.
''Okay, you two'' Tony spoke up. ''You're going to talk about this, right here, right now''
''And how are you going to accomplish that, Tony?'' Gibbs asked .
''Because I'm going up, close the door behind me and lock it'' Tony crossed his arms. Gibbs stopped abruptly and glared at Tony, but the younger man glared right back. ''Not going to work, dad. You two are staying here until you talked this thing out. Then you can call me on my cell and I will let you out. And remember that even with how good you are I know when you're lying to me'' He pointed out.
''What makes you think I will not just shoot the damn door?'' Gibbs asked.
''Because I know you'' Tony replied, not added the rest that he knew that Gibbs knew deep down too.
Gibbs sighed. ''You do that. It's not going to work''
''We'll see about that'' Tony stated, turned and walked up. He stopped when Jackson grabbed his arm.
''You sure about this, Kid?''
''Desperate times, call for desperate measures'' Tony told him and without another word, he closed the door behind him.
Jackson, and even Gibbs downstairs, could hear the click of the door being locked.
Yah, that's a wrap for this chapter :)
There will be a flashback in the future chapter! For those who enjoyed them in the previous stories ^^
Tell me what you think! I love reading reviews! they make my day! Thank you!
Update soon! Leonie
