A small reminder I own nothing but the idea. I do promise to put them back when I am done with them. And as always this id fan fiction so I write what I like part cannon but mostly not. Sending out tea and cookies, homemade biscotti. Thanks for all of the reviews and for the adds to the alerts.

"Samuel leave Gunny alone it's time to eat, silly boy. You can try and catch his tongue later." Zoë Pitt says gently. She goes over to her son and scoops him up after she pets Gunny on the head.

"We made Sam a foil pouch with chicken and few carrot." Mandy informs her.

"Thanks he loves carrots."

"There is corn on the cob it has herb butter on it." Tony tell her.

"I'm sure he'll enjoy that too, he eats everything."

"Brad you know where everything is help yourself." Mandy tells him.

"Ah no place like home. I see the bird feeder is finished."

"Yes, it came out great." Tony replies.

Abby chimes in with. "That's because Gibbs does great work."

"I didn't Abby. Tony did I didn't even know he was building it." Gibbs tells her.

"It came out really nice. Guess who wants one now?" Brad asks.

"I'll give you the address. They have lots to choose from even bird houses shaped like old Victorian houses. That would have been way beyond my skill."

"I'm surprised that you were able to make the bird feeder Tony. It does look rather simple though." Ziva snarks the covers her smile with her glass of wine.

Tony didn't react to her comments, but Gibbs gave her a glare that made her turn her attention back to her date. "He did do a fine job on it. I helped him bring it outside this today. I couldn't have a better job myself." Gibbs states as he continues to glare at Ziva then a Abby.

'This is a beautiful house, just how many bedrooms does it have?" Tim asks.

"Four on the main floor and two in the basement. Like Tony told you the couple that we bought this house from had a big family." Mandy answers as she makes a face and coos at Sam.

"I imagine you'll be having children soon. With such a big house you'll need a family to make it a home." Tim surmises.

"Not having any children Tim, I can't have any. I received one too many beatings as a kid." Tony replies.

Ducky and Gibbs exchange a glance knowing that the lie he is telling is at least partially true. Because of the beating he received as a child he knew the cycle of abuse would end with him, he would never hit a child, never hurt a child as he had been. He would also never love a child because he was never shown what it was to be loved as a child.

"May be if you had behaved you would not have been punished." Ziva spits out still smarting at the rebuke that Gibbs gave her.

"I bet he was the same way as a kid that he is now. No wonder he got spanked." Abby adds with a giggle.

"If you'll excuse me I'll get the fruit and the cream."

"Let me help you Tony. I need to get up and walk for a bit." Tim says then follows him carrying in some of the empty platters,

Gibbs waited until the patio doors were closed before he took a deep breath. "That was uncalled for and you both now it. You both know his history, because you were given some of the highlights of the abuse he received as a child. You both know his father is a drunk and a conman, and that he beat him."

"I for one an disappointed in both if you. You both have been exceedingly rude and ill mannered to Anthony for months, it is time it came to an end." Ducky scolds.

"But Ducky it's all his fault anyway. He wrecked all of our plans." Abby whines.

"Ah yes. I heard all about your plans Abigail. It is time you faced some facts child, and I say child because that is how you are behaving. Tony never had any romantic feeling toward Ziva. He likes her and will protect her as he would do for any member of his team, or any other team that he works with. He found his life mate with Mandy I for one am truly grateful that they found each other. The love they share is something to cherish as they grow old together."

"Thank you Ducky." Mandy says softly as she sniffles, wiping away tears with the back of her hand.

"Nonsense my dear, you're family now. You've given Anthony something that he never had. And I for one couldn't be happier."

Gibbs looks at Brad as he hands his son half an ear of corn. His action and the lack of any acknowledgement on his part were speaking volumes.

"You knew." Gibbs says not in an accusing tone more of a statement.

"I knew, and I know. I saw the scars and I had a full set of x-rays done on him while he was under my care."

"Well?" Gibbs demands.

"I think if you as a friend Jethro and if my wife or child were ever in any danger I would want you to be on the scene. But this is none of your business. I am his friend and doctor, I will protect him in my way you protect him in yours."

Gibbs scowls then extents his hand to Brad. "I accept, but. ."

"Need to know, as long as he gives the okay." Brad tells him.

Gibbs nods his head knowing that is the best he is going to get from Brad.

Ziva and Abby's dates find themselves talking softly together not wanting to get involved in what was a team matter.

Mandy is the first one to look over when the patio doors open. "Hey Tony I forgot to ask if you had saved any cut fruit for Sam without the marinade?"

"One step ahead of you Manilow." Tony tells her as he holds up a small plastic bowl with cut fruit for the little boy.

"But he did tell me to give you this for him." Tim says as he hands Mandy a bottle of chocolate syrup.

"You remembered." Zoë says.

"Of course I did. We shared bananas and chocolate last time he was here." Tony smiles then holds up a pair of tongs clicking them together. "Who's ready for some grilled fruit?"