A/N: Sorry guys, it was never my intention to go this long without updating. Life just suddenly grabbed a hold of me and wouldn't let go, but I'm back now and hopefully you'll see a more steady stream of updates now.

"Hi" Tony quietly greeted his Dad the next morning. The night had given him some well needed sleep and his now fresh brain couldn't help but keep him on his toes with memories of the past few weeks.

"Good morning kiddo." His Dad put down the paper and rose from his chair, kissing Tony's head on the way to the coffee maker. "Don't look at me that way kiddo. We'll get through it no matter what, and you know I love you buddy." Tony nodded and smiled a little at the reassurance. The pair had eaten breakfast in silence for a couple of minutes when they heard a noise from upstairs.

"Think I'd better go check on your brother, eat your breakfast and stay either inside or in the backyard."

"Yes sir." Tony looked after his Dad sighing, wondering for the millionth time if this had been a good idea or not, and just how much his Dad knew."

-Flashback-

'Needs to be signed by guardian!' Tony cursed his luck, he was only two points below the limit, but clearly Ms. Matthews didn't count it as good enough. Stuffing it into his backpack next to the other forms and tests and notes from teachers that now crowded the space, Tony started rising from his seat when the teacher in question called out:

"Anthony Gibbs! Stay for a minute please, I'd like a word with you."

"Yes ma'am." Tony was no fool, he knew that he could only get by with so much and frankly he wasn't in the mood for this to grow so big the school didn't stop with trying to reach him once before giving up. Sassing the same teachers repeatedly and neglecting the same classes would be to ask for that so he tried not to let the work stack up too much in one class. Having several teachers angry with him was better than having one very angry teacher demanding to speak to his Dad.

"Tony you missed your third assignment in less than two weeks and I'm getting concerned, you've always been a top student so what's going on? Is there a reason? You know I'll give you extra time if it's reasonable."

"No ma'am, no need, sorry. Just forgot about them." Tony could sign his Dad's name on the dotted line only feeling a little guilty, lying to his teachers right in their faces though was a whole other matter, especially since said teachers trusted him. Breaking their trust wasn't really something Tony wanted to do.

"Okay then. I'll have to report this to your Dad, but I don't think Agent Gibbs will answer his phone since it's in the middle of the day, so I'm going to write him a note and I want you to bring it back signed by one of the people I know is allowed to sign that note, by at latest our next class. And don't forget the test." Tony nodded knowing the arrangement his Dad had made with the school. In case his Dad was in the middle of a case and unreachable both his grandparents and Ducky were permitted to sign anything needed to be signed for the school. Sometimes it was just easier that way. Making his way home after that he had no intentions of letting anybody else than him sign it. No matter the cost in the end.

-Flashback ending-

"Tim is fine, no need to worry. "The calm words of his Dad brought Tony back to present something Gibbs couldn't help but notice. "Something on your mind Tony?"

"A lot." His answer was barely louder than a whisper but Tony knew his Dad had heard it.

"Eat up kiddo, I'll be back down soon." Tony just nodded wondering how his Dad could be so calm, knowing him he had to have been up at first light making phone calls, checking around the house to see if everything seemed fine, which it didn't. Tony had made a point of doing enough chores to keep the house running, but nothing more. Putting that to the list of wrong doings his future didn't look so bright. A few months grounding was definitely in his future, meaning either Grandpa Jack or Grandpa Mike would have to come around to look after them. Tim was too young and Tony knew his Dad wouldn't trust him to look after his brother on his own after this last fiasco. Sighing he buried his head into his hands. "I'm an idiot."

"Wouldn't go that far Tony."

"You haven't heard half of it."

"No, but I will as soon as you tell me everything, so start explaining kiddo, and don't leave anything out."

"That's a long story Dad."

"Start."

"It kind of started in the end of your first case. You weren't home that much and I got into a little trouble at school."

"Tony. Everything." Of course his Dad had to look for details right away. Sighing he continued figuring it was best to just put it out there.

"You were never home, and when you were you were in a bad mood so I got into a little trouble at school to see if you'd notice."

"Eyes up here Tony." When Tony reluctantly met his father's eyes he nodded for him to continue.

"It wasn't anything big, just a few missed assignments and a couple of notes." His Dad's glare told him just what he thought about that.

"Anyway, from there it kind of spiraled into something bigger…"

-Flashback-

"Come on Tony." His Dad hadn't come home last night until he was on the edge of sleep, just kissing him god night, urging him to sleep when Tony had started to talk. That after yesterday, was enough for Tony to consider the offer. Looking around he saw all his friends stare at him.

"One beer, Tony, it won't kill you. Besides your Dad is working late again, he'll never know." Something in Luke's comment made Tony snap and he reached for the can of beer Luke offered him, opened it and weighed it in his hands before taking a sip. It felt good. Good enough for him to take another sip, then another and eventually the whole beer was downed and curfew was just in a couple of minutes for all the boys present.

"You are lucky Gibbs, your Dad constantly working late and all, you are in no rush whatsoever." One of his friends commented before heading off.

"He's right you know" Luke said, helping Tony up. "I can think of a couple of reasons I would want to be in your shoes right now."

"Yeah lucky me" Tony muttered. "Lucky me."

-Flashback ending-

"Was Luke with you?"

"Dad come on…" Tony had repeatedly called Luke one of his friends throughout the story, not wanting to get his best friend in trouble.

"Just thinking of his parents, but I'll call his Dad and give him a heads up, let Luke tell him himself…let me guess next comes more trouble at school?"

"How did…?"

"How did I know? Because you're just like me Tony. Now spit it out."