Part 4

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Gibbs couldn't believe what he'd just done to Tony. Yes he had been behaving like a kid but spanking him. He hoped he hadn't ruined his relationship with Tony forever. He didn't want Tony to think he was just like his father, a man who used his superior strength to make Tony do what he wanted. He wanted to go up the stairs and talk to him but he wasn't sure he'd be welcome. He decided to go down to work on his boat so that he could decide what he was going to say to make things right.

Tony felt his eyes get heavy and before long he was fast asleep. "Tony wake up!" A hand was shaking his shoulder. He looked up, Gibbs was standing over him. "You'll never finish all your work if you fall asleep. Hurry up!"

Tony picked up the pencil and finished off his work. Gibbs set a sandwich and a glass of milk in front of him. "Let me see." Gibbs checked it, "Well done. When you're finished your meal come join me in the barn." He saw a look of fear cross Tony's face. "I want you to help me make the chest of drawers. It's about time you learnt how to work with wood." Tony relaxed.

Gibbs kept him busy for the next couple of days. All he seemed to do was schoolwork or chores around the farm and he thought being an NCIS agent was tiring. However he loved all the time he spent with Gibbs, he really trusted this man.

Tony finished his schoolwork on Saturday. He'd had to write a story twice because Gibbs wasn't happy with his handwriting. What was so important about handwriting?

Gibbs filled the bath fro Tony on Saturday night and told him they would be attending church the next morning. "I don't go to church, Tony said.

"Well you do now," Gibbs said firmly.

"I don't..."

"Did I say you had a choice?"

"No sir," Tony replied.

"Good now get in that bath." Tony did as he was told. This Gibbs expected to be obeyed much the same as the one in his time.

Tony snuggled down in the bed, he was so comfortable. He heard a muffled sound and pushed the cover back, someone was knocking on the door. He heard the door open and footsteps approach his bed. It couldn't be morning already he thought.

"Tony," Gibbs said putting his hand on Tony's shoulder, "I need to talk to you."

"Tired," Tony muttered. "Can't be time for church."

"Church? Tony wake up."

Tony turned and said," Shit!" He realised he was back in Gibbs' house. He went red a she remembered what had happened. The picture of Gibbs with the thick drink dripping off his nose was something he wouldn't forget. Mind you neither was Gibbs' reaction. "Sorry!" Tony said. He knew Gibbs didn't like apologies but he didn't know what else to say. Gibbs sat on the bed. "I shouldn't have thrown that drink at you." He couldn't help smiling at the picture in his mind," Even though it was funny."

Gibbs felt a weight being lifted off him, Tony wasn't angry. He looked down at him, he looked like a kid lying there his hair sticking up in all directions. Gibbs reached out and ruffled his hair. "I probably deserved the sp...," Tony couldn't bring himself to say the word," it was a childish thing to do."

"It was. Coming down to eat?"

"Yes," Tony said getting up.

Gibbs prepared an omelette and set it in front of Tony. The he set the dreaded vitamin drink down beside it. "And this time I do not want to wear it." Tony smiled. There was a loud knock at the door and then Abby bounced in not waiting to be asked.

"Tony," she said wrapping him in a big hug. "You feeling better?"

"Still tired."

"What's this?" she asked picking up the drink.

"Torture," Tony said.

She sniffed it and wrinkled her nose. "Gross."

"Tell Gibbs that," Tony said sensing an ally.

"You're not making Tony drink that are you Bossman?"

"He's going to take three of these a day," Ducky said coming in.

Tony's face fell. Now he had no chance. Gibbs would follow Ducky's rules to the letter.

Tony ate his omelette and looked at the drink as if it was poisonous. He couldn't bring himself to drink it. Gibbs went over and whispered in his ear," You don't want a repeat performance of earlier, do you?" Tony reddened and picked up the glass. He took it in one long gulp and then shuddered.

"You'll have to tell me your secret, Jethro," Ducky said as Tony went an even deeper shade of red. Definitely a story here Ducky thought.

Tony drank it all and then grabbed a glass of milk. "Want to watch a DVD?" Abby asked smiling at the look of disgust on Tony's face.

"Sure."

They went through to the living room and sat down. Abby put in a DVD.

"Alright Jethro, what happened?" Ducky asked. Gibbs told him. "You what?"

"I'm not proud of what I did..." he started to say when he realised Ducky was smiling. "What?"

"How did Tony react?"

"He just took off to his room, he was okay when I spoke to him later."

"Isn't it about time you told that young man exactly how you feel about him?" Ducky said.

"I try Duck but you know what I'm like when I have to talk about my feelings."

"I think it's time you tried. You need to tell him."

"I know."

Tony could feel his eyes closing and there was nothing he could do to stop them.

"Tony wake up."

"Sleepy," he replied.

"Tony wake up," a voice said more insistently this time. Then he felt a hand shake his shoulder.

"For Chr..." Tony felt himself flipped over and a hard swat was delivered to his backside. "Ow!"

"You do not take the Lord's name in vain in this house, young man. Understand?"

"Tony jumped out of bed rubbing his backside. "Yes sir."

"Get your chores done, then eat breakfast and then change for church." Gibbs went through to the kitchen.

Tony dressed as quickly as he could and ran out to do his chores. Breakfast was on the table when he got back in. His good clothes were sitting on the chair. He finished quickly and then changed. He glared at Gibbs as he pulled the trousers on. They're itchy," he complained.

"Hurry up Tony."

"I don't see why I have to wear these to go to church," he tried again.

"We all wear our good clothes for church. It's a mark of respect."

"They itch," he complained again rubbing his leg.

"You got up in a bad mood this morning," Gibbs commented. "Now get a move on. I do not want to be late."

"I don't mind," Tony retorted before running out the door. The look Gibbs had given him meant he was on very thin ice.

Tony sulked the whole way to the church. He had spent many Sunday mornings at church when he was a child. His father insisted. And if he hadn't behaved he knew what would happen when he got home. He'd spent many Sunday afternoons crying in his room. Tony cheered up when he saw Tim and Abby standing at the church. "Can I go play before we go in?" he asked.

"After church," Gibbs said.

"Oh man!" Tony said.

Church was just as bad as Tony remembered. He couldn't help thinking some people did love to talk. He wriggled in his seat trying to find a more comfortable place but stopped when Gibbs glared at him. He couldn't understand this part of Gibbs' character, his Gibbs never went to church or seemed to have any strong religious views. He did try to sit still but he couldn't stop himself from moving. His foot slipped off part of the pew and thundered to the floor. The noise echoed round the church and everyone turned to look at them. He had never realised Gibbs could go that shade of red. The look on his face told Tony that he was in trouble. Gibbs always said Tony could find trouble in an empty room, well he'd now found it in church. He giggled. The look he got could have frozen steaming hot coffee. He tried to make amends by sitting still for the rest of the sermon and singing loudly but Gibbs didn't look any happier.

He shot a look over to Ducky, he couldn't understand why the man looked as if he was going to burst and Fornell looked the same. When the service came to an end both of them were out the church as quick as they could. He wished he could have done the same but his hand was taken and he was almost dragged to stand in front of the minister. "What do you say?" Gibbs said.

"Sorry," Tony said looking at the ground trying to look contrite.

"You will be," Gibbs said ominously. "Go wait for me by the wagon."

"I thought you said I could play," Tony said.

"After that little display in church, you must be joking. Now go." He sent him off with a swat. Tony ran to the wagon. How embarrassing, everyone must have seen. He saw Gibbs standing by Fornell and Ducky. For some reason they were laughing.

Gibbs glared at his so called friends," It is not funny."

"Oh my dear boy it is. The look on your face," Ducky said.

"I have to agree with Dr. Mallard on this," Fornell said.

"And I call you friends," Gibbs said turning to go to the wagon.

"Don't be too hard on the boy Jethro," Fornell said.

Gibbs was silent on the way home. When they arrived back at the farm Gibbs told him to change his clothes. "Sir, are you going to be..." he couldn't finish it. He knew what his father would have done.

Gibbs pulled him into a hug," No I am not going to belt you, I will never do that. You have to believe me."

"My father used to."

"I am not him. Now go change."

When he came back in Gibbs told him to sit at the table. He set a Bible in front of him, then a pencil and a piece of paper. "I want you to write these verses in your best handwriting," he said pointing to some numbers he had written on the paper. He went to change.

Tony looked at the verses. He was not going to write them. He stared at the paper and Bible. He folded his arms. An hour later Gibbs came back in, he saw the defiant look on Tony's face and turned round and walked out. Tony looked up at the clock. He'd sat here long enough, he made to get up. "Sit down," a voice said from behind him. He almost collapsed in shock.

"I need the toilet," he said.

"Use the pot under your bed and come straight back." Tony was back within five minutes. "Sit," was all Gibbs said.

"I don't want to do this," Tony said.

"Too bad. Until it's finished you do not get to play with anyone. After school you come straight home and sit here until it's done. Understand?"

"I won't, I hate you." Tony made to run out but was caught, lifted up and put back in the chair. Three times he tried and each time he was put back in the chair. He could feel tears falling down his cheeks. He didn't know why he was pushing Gibbs like this. He crossed his arms and glared at Gibbs.

Gibbs prepared supper and told Tony to eat it up. After supper Tony had wanted to read more of his book but Gibbs set the Bible and paper down again.

Gibbs knew Tony was testing him and it was a test he was not going to fail. Tony was pushing him to see if he would become like his father and that was just not going to happen.

The next morning was the same. Chores, breakfast and then that paper and Bible before school. Gibbs rode in with him and spoke to Miss Todd.

Tony couldn't believe when recess and lunch time came. He had to stay indoors and that paper and Bible were set in front of him. This was so unfair, Tony thought. He was stubborn though and was determined not to give in.

That night Tony fell into an uneasy sleep. Gibbs came into his room and brushed the long hair from his eyes. You need a haircut he thought. He hoped this battle of wills would soon be over, he hated not being able to sit down and have a laugh with this boy who had come to mean so much to him.

Tony woke up with a concerned Abby leaning over him. "You okay?" she asked. "You were mumbling about a Bible and having to write something. I didn't know you were religious."

Tony looked embarrassed. "Just a dream, Abbs nothing to worry about."

Gibbs came through from the kitchen with Ducky. "Are you alright my boy?" Ducky asked.

"I'm fine. Let's just watch a DVD and hope I can stay awake. I'm getting really tired of seeing the start and missing the end."

Abby looked at him," But you've seen them all anyway."

"Not the point Abby," Tony said.

"Put another one in Abby," Gibbs said. They all sat down to watch. Gibbs was getting concerned about how much sleep Tony was getting. "Should he be as tired as this when he sleeps all the time," he said to Ducky.

"He does seem rather disturbed. Has he talked to you about the dreams he's been having?"

"No, not a thing."

"I think you may need to get him to speak about them." Ducky looked over at Abby. "I think we should go my dear and let Jethro get Tony to bed.

Tony was in bed, he got up and went downstairs. The piece of paper was still sitting on the table. He picked it up and shredded it into many small pieces. He picked up the Bible and took it out to the barn. Then he went back to bed.

Tony felt his shoulders being shaken. "Wake up, Tony. Come on wake up." It took a moment for Tony to work out where he was.

"Sorry Gibbs bad dream."

"Want to talk about it?"

"No!" he said horrified. He couldn't tell Gibbs about them.

"It might help."

"No but thanks." He snuggled down again.

A hand shook him again. "You just woke me up, let me sleep."

"Come into the kitchen," a voice said sternly. Tony got up and followed him. The pieces of paper were still scattered all over the floor and another piece was sitting on the table. "Get the Bible," Gibbs said.

"No! And you can't make me." He stood hands on his hips staring defiantly up at Gibbs.

"Get the Bible, Tony."

"NO!" He could see the anger on Gibbs face. Here it comes he thought. Any moment now and this man would act just like his father had.

Gibbs took a step towards him. Tony tried to stand still and not shake. He'd been in this position so many times before. His look dared the man to hit him, just like he was used to. Gibbs next move surprised him, he was pulled into Gibbs arms. For a moment he fought him but then he relaxed. It felt so right to be there. "I am not him Tony. No matter what you do, I will not abuse you." Tears flowed down his face. Gibbs sat down, picked him up and set him on his lap. He rocked him in his arms. Soon he was asleep.

Tony woke about half an hour later. He was still being held by Gibbs but this time he was an adult. He wriggled trying to get free.

"Hey settle down." Tony couldn't believe it, Gibbs didn't seem to mind. "You were crying out in your sleep and wouldn't settle until I pulled you into my arms."

"I'm sorry. You must think I'm a right weakling."

"For needing comfort? No. Everyone needs comfort Tony."

"But I'm an adult. I should be able to look after myself."

"Even adults need it sometimes. If you'd tell me about your dreams I might be able to help you. They are stopping you get a good rest."

"I can't. Please don't ask."

"Okay." But Gibbs resolved that he was going to get him to tell him one way or another. Gibbs pulled him back into his arms. "Sleep." Tony thought about arguing but he really was tired and he liked being held like this. He wished he'd had a father like Gibbs.

Tony woke up in Gibb's arms again but this time he was a child. He wriggled and Gibbs woke up. "Need the toilet," he said. Gibbs let him get up. When he came back in Gibbs was making breakfast. He set a bowl of oatmeal on the table. "Eat up son."

Tony took a couple of spoonfuls and then said," Are you mad?"

"No."

"Angry?"

"No."

"How come?"

"Did your father beat you often?"

"Yes. He didn't really like me. Said I caused trouble."

"You're a normal boy Tony. Getting in trouble is what children do. I certainly did."

"Not according to Father. All his friends' sons were well behaved. I let him down."

Gibbs came to a decision," Do you want to stay here as my son?"

"You want me?" Tony couldn't keep the surprise out of his voice.

At that moment Gibbs wanted to throttle the life out of the man who had made Tony feel so worthless.

"Of course I do." Tony threw himself into Gibbs' arms and held on tight as if afraid the man would disappear.

"I will always be here for you Tony. We need to make this a formal arrangement. If you want I will adopt you."

"YES!" Tony shouted.

Gibbs ruffled his hair. "Now you can sit down and write out those verses.

"WHAT! No I... " Tony argued.

"Tony one way or another you are going to do it."

Tony knew when he was beaten. "Alright. I guess I better go get the Bible." He looked up at Gibbs with hope in his eyes. "If I do the verses can I play with Tim and Abby after school tomorrow?"

"Yes but you better dress and go get the Bible."

"Sure." He was soon dressed. He ran out to the barn and retrieved the book. He handed it to Gibbs.

"Sorry."

"I should make you do more. I am sure there are verses about son's obeying their father's."

"I am sorry," he said looking up through his hair.

"You need that hair cut." Tony gave a grin.

TBC