Of Fathers & Sons Chapter 10
"Family's more than just DNA. It's about people who care and take care of each other." ~L. J. Gibbs~
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Tony searched Gibbs face looking for any hint that he was joking.
Sure Gibbs still had a big shit eating grin on his face but who would joke about something like this.
He must not have heard correctly so he asked:
"I'm sorry, boss…but could you repeat what you just said?"
Gibbs chuckled as he stood and went back to the sink to rinse out the bloody towel.
He had his back to Tony as he replied:
"You heard me Tony."
Gibbs expected an immediate response but there was only silence so he turned around.
The expression on Tony's face was one Gibbs had never seen there before.
Tony looked stunned and there was a vulnerable childlike disbelief in his eyes.
If Gibbs was asked to describe it, he would say Tony looked like a kid who was trying to comprehend that Santa Claus did not exist.
Tony looked crushed.
His reaction was not exactly what Gibbs expected.
Gibbs was no longer smiling when he returned to the chair and re-started his ministrations of cleaning Tony's hand.
"These cuts are much worse Tony….you need stiches."
"Why?"
"What do you mean why…it's obvious this hand won't heal without…?"
Gibbs looked up realizing Tony was not asking about his hand.
Gibbs could see Tony was searching for answers as he stared into Gibbs eyes.
"Why would Jack do that boss? You are his son, not me…you're his flesh and blood, not me….there must be some mistake….I'm sorry boss…I spent a lot of time with Jack this past year…I should have told you about it but I was afraid of what you'd think….I never asked Jack for anything…I would never expect him to do this…this must be a mistake….I can't accept what is rightfully yours Gibbs….please…don't be mad boss…I love your dad…I would have never tried to come between the two of you…."
Tony couldn't say anymore as he hung his head and silently began to cry.
Gibbs realized Tony was crying when he felt tears fall onto his own wrist.
"Oh Tony….hey…" he said gently as he reached out to lift Tony's chin "I know all about you being with my Dad…and I have to thank you….I found the lap top and all the files my Dad created for me….he could not have done that without you. I can't begin to tell you what your combined efforts have done for me."
Tony gave Gibbs a half smile as Gibbs continued:
"As for Jack leaving you everything… he loved you Tony…."
"But…" Tony began but Gibbs cut him off saying:
"…and he loved me too! In fact his actions were really more for me than for you…."
Tony looked confused so Gibbs said:
"I know you don't understand yet but I'll explain at length tomorrow. Right now you look like you could drop. Let's get this hand covered and then tomorrow you're getting these wounds stitched…."
Tony looked as if he was going to protest but Gibbs said in total boss mode:
"No debating that DiNozzo! I'll have Doctor Warner come by the house tomorrow and take care of you….no hospital."
"Okay….thanks boss."
"Hey…are you hungry?"
Tony shook his head and said "Not really. I'd just like to sleep if that's okay with you."
"Good plan…..let me help you get to bed."
Tony did not protest as Gibbs guided him to the guest room and helped him get undressed. He was not embarrassed in the least although the thought crossed his mind that perhaps he should be. He was dog tired, overwhelmed and emotionally drained and truly thankful Gibbs was taking care of him. He would reciprocate in the morning when his head was clear and he could process everything that had happened over the past 24 hours.
Gibbs checked his bandage to make sure it was dry. Satisfied, he told Tony to lie down and he pulled the comforter up to Tony's chin. Tony felt like a little kid being tucked in by daddy. At least that's what he imagined it would feel like but senior had never done that for him.
Gibbs sat on the edge of the bed and watched Tony fight his eyelid's desire to shut saying:
"I'm really happy you came to Stillwater to be with me Tony….thank you."
"Wish it was for different reasons boss…..I'm really going to miss Jack…."
"Me too…..now you get some sleep."
"M'kay…."Tony slurred as he allowed sleep to claim him.
Gibbs was almost out of the room when Tony said:
"Wait…boss….I told McGee I'd check in…I…"
"I'll call McGee…just get some sleep."
"On it boss…."
Tony was asleep before Gibbs shut the door.
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Gibbs set a pot of coffee to brew as he cleaned up his father's breakfast dishes. He made mental notes of everything he would need to do the following day. When the coffee was ready he poured a cup and sat down at the kitchen table. He felt energized that Tony had come to be with him. Just knowing he was not alone gave Gibbs strength to fight the ghosts and the loneliness.
He needed to make some calls. He looked at the time….it was almost 10 pm.
He called Doctor Warner first and arranged a house call for mid-morning.
He called Vance second to let him know about his Dad. Leon Vance was very sympathetic and had no issue granting Gibbs and DiNozzo both a weeks leave. He would put McGee in charge in Gibbs absence and since Bishop was still a probie, Vance would place them as a backup team to Balboa.
He also asked Gibbs to keep him informed when his Dad's service would be as he wanted to attend. He would also need to coordinate work schedules for all of Gibbs team if they would be attending as well.
Gibbs then called his father's oldest friend, and his namesake, Leroy Jethro Moore. Gibbs was not surprised when L J Moore broke down and cried for Jackson. Gibbs knew the two old friends had made amends after years of being estranged. Gibbs could understand that feeling all too well. He was very happy he and Jack had found their way back to each other.
They talked for a few minutes and Gibbs assured L J he would call back when service plans were set.
L J offered to contact a few other mutual friends on Gibbs behalf and he accepted.
Gibbs finally called McGee.
"Hey boss" McGee said suppressing a yawn.
"Hey Tim…wanted to let you know Tony made it. He's sleeping right now but I'm sure you guys will talk tomorrow."
"Is Tony okay boss? And you too! How are you holding up?"
"He'll be fine Tim…and I'm doing alright. I talked to Vance earlier and you are in charge for the next week. You and Bishop will go out with Balboa if there's a call otherwise it will just be you and your probie."
Gibbs smiled when he heard Tim chuckle and say:
"Me and MY probie….that sounds kinda weird boss….have you noticed Tony has not called me probie since Ziva left."
"Yeah…I've noticed McGee….a lot of things have changed since Ziva left."
Gibbs missed Ziva but her absence had allowed Tim and Tony to grow very close.
It was nice to see.
Neither Gibbs nor Tony had siblings and although McGee had a sister, she was much younger and the two did not spend a lot of time together.
Gibbs realized he had become a surrogate Dad to his two young agents who were more brothers and friends than ever before. He had to admit he liked the role.
"If you would do something for me Tim…."
"Anything boss!"
"Talk to Ducky and Abby for me and tell them I'll talk to them soon okay? I'll call you guys when I have more info on my Dad's funeral."
"You got it boss…."
Before Gibbs hung up his curiosity got the best of him and he asked:
"Tim…..did any of you go to Senior's wedding?"
"Nope…not a one…..Abby reached Bishop and Jimmy before they got there. Abby was pretty straight up about what happened. You should have seen her go off on senior, boss…..he actually cowered when she slapped him!"
"Abby has always been very protective of Tony." Gibbs laughed "I would have paid good money to see her put senior in his place."
"Yeah…she felt horrible for all the times she had guilt tripped Tony into re-building a relationship with his father….and I got to tell ya boss….seeing senior's face when he grabbed Tony….I swear the man is a sadist where Tony is concerned."
Gibbs felt a fury wash over him just thinking about Senior touching Tony to inflict pain. The bastard had already spent most of Tony's life being mentally cruel and neglectful. Gibbs made a vow to himself if he ever saw senior again he would knock his teeth down his fucking throat.
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It was the smell of coffee and frying bacon that woke Tony the next morning.
He felt well rested even though his hand hurt like hell.
Although his suitcase was in the room he knew the clothes inside were too formal.
He wanted really comfortable clothes so he went to a drawer that was especially his and pulled out some red sweats and a grey Ohio State t-shirt. He dressed quickly, mentally thanking Jack for allowing him to take root in the Gibbs family home.
The Gibbs family home…. that now belonged to him.
Tony shook his head. It had to be a fluke.
He didn't think he deserved it but was secretly touched that Jack thought enough of him to do it.
As Tony headed downstairs to make his way to the kitchen he heard Gibbs mother Anne's beautiful voice. The volume was low, probably so as not to wake him, but the sound of her pure mezzo soprano voice was captivating so he sat on the stairs to just listen. Her acapella version of Patsy Cline's "Crazy" was just ending. The next song was another Patsy Cline song-"Walkin' after Midnight".
To Tony's surprise Gibbs began to sing along with his mom. Tony held his breath and sat absolutely still. He knew he was privy to something very special. Gibbs was not a music guy but he sure could carry a tune. His voice complemented his mother's and Tony had a sneaking hunch the two of them must have sung together many times, maybe when she cooked breakfast for her young son.
The phone rang and Tony heard Gibbs answer.
"Gibbs…yeah Doc…an hour would be good….see ya then."
As Gibbs hung up Tony took that as his cue to make an appearance.
"Morning boss"
"Hey Tony…glad you're up…Doc Warner will be here in about an hour…have a seat…you hungry?"
"Starving." Tony said as he sat down at the kitchen table.
"Good!" Gibbs replied as he placed a plate of eggs and bacon in front of him.
"Looks great boss…thanks…" Tony said as he dug in.
Gibbs joined him at the table after pouring an orange juice for Tony and refilling his own coffee mug.
Tony took a sip of juice and as he set the glass back on the table said:
"I wish I could have met your mom….she has such a beautiful voice she could have sung professionally."
"Yep…she loved to sing and Patsy Cline was her favorite….but she was shy outside of her own kitchen."
Gibbs sat back and listened as the song changed to "Sweet Dreams".
"Tony…where did my dad get these recordings of my mom? I had no idea her voice was preserved anywhere…I think of everything my dad put together for me this was the biggest shocker."
"He had a lot of stuff in the basement he had stored for years. He asked me to help him get rid of a bunch of it and we came across an old reel to reel tape recorder and a box of tapes. Your dad said he had forgotten all about them. Finding the tapes is what gave him the idea to put together a history of your family for you. I helped him get everything together but ultimately it was your dad who organized how each file was presented. Jack was pretty creative and took to the computer like a fish to water….your dad had skills!" Tony said laughing as he thought how Jack's confidence grew with everything he learned on his lap top.
Tony looked at Gibbs and would have to say his boss looked serene.
It was a good look on the man who was usually a gruff bastard and wound up much too tight.
"Tony….I called Vance last night and we are both on a weeks leave. I was hoping you would stay with me here in Stillwater and help me plan my Dad's service. I was thinking Saturday would be a good day if I can arrange it with Tom Wilson."
"Of course boss! I would be honored to be a part of that…thank you."
"Good! Then we have a lot to do but the main thing today is to get your injury tended too and we'll take care of business starting Monday."
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Doctor Warner arrived promptly and was done with Tony's stiches in less than an hour. He advised Tony to take it easy and to watch for infection. He had given Tony a localized shot before he applied needle to flesh. Tony's hand was beginning to tingle as feeling began to return to it. In anticipation for some major pain Gibbs gave him some pain meds and insisted he "plant his ass on the couch and chill."
That statement from his Gibbs' lips made Tony laugh.
Tony slept off and on most of the day as Gibbs made calls and organized paperwork.
Tony talked to McGee for a few minutes. Gibbs heard Tony's side of the conversation and wondered when Tony's father would come up but Tony had not asked McGee anything about the wedding.
Later that night as the two of them sat down to eat Tony finally asked:
"So…you were going to tell me how Jack leaving me his house was benefiting to you."
Gibbs laughed seeing Tony was nervous.
"Jack knew I hated Stillwater, Tony. I would have never come back here if it hadn't been for that case we had a few years back. When I turned eighteen I was on the first train out of here. The only good thing I ever got out of Stillwater was Shannon. I never thought my dad & I would ever speak again but thankfully we got over that."
"The Gibbs family goes back over one hundred years in Stillwater and my mother's family goes back even farther to the revolutionary war. When Kelly died I couldn't care less about anything regarding my family history or the deep roots I have in Pennsylvania. I'm just not attached to it…I'm the last Gibbs and although my dad never pressured me to maintain the Gibbs legacy in Stillwater he knew I would feel the burden of it...so he alleviated me of it by leaving everything to you."
"That's not to say he left you a burden….his house hasn't had a mortgage in years. The only thing you'd have to pay is the upkeep of it and property taxes. He owned the store outright and there are two bank accounts tied to the house and store that have enough money in them so you would never have to dip into your own reserves. You could hire someone to run the store for you and you could always rent the house…or sell it all…the decision is up to you."
Gibbs took a sip of his coffee and waited for Tony's response.
"But boss….I don't understand why you couldn't just leave and hire an attorney to sell it all and bank the money. I mean it's YOUR family….I'm honored that your dad thought that much of me to do this…but it just seems wrong."
"I think it makes perfect sense Tony and I am very happy with my Dad's decision. Please accept it for what it is….we'll get everything transferred into your name before the end of the week. Dad's attorney made everything very easy. ….and don't look at me like that DiNozzo…I am not hurting for money if that's what you are thinking. My mom's family has over three hundred acres of Stillwater farmland that I still own and lease. Money is not a problem and you know the way I live, money doesn't mean that much to me."
Gibbs got up to get another cup of coffee leaving Tony to absorb all he had just said.
He laughed when Tony said:
"Do you have stock in Sears's boss? It would be a good thing if you did since you seem to single handily keep them in business."
The head slap was light but not unexpected.
"Actually I do have stock in Sears and several other businesses or products I use. Just because money doesn't mean a lot when it comes to stuff that doesn't mean I don't look at it as a tool that needs to be maintained."
Tony shook his head in agreement and looked down saying:
"That attitude is one of the reason's I really respect you, boss…you and your dad….I feel very lucky to have grown close to Jack this past year and so blessed to have tackled a hard-assed navy dude back in Baltimore, who ended up giving me a job…..and a family…"
Tony looked up, eyes misty but with a huge smile on his face "Thank you for that."
Gibbs thought about the recording McGee had sent him. He had listened to it several times the night before. The part that got to Gibbs the most was Tony telling his father he wished he had been raised by Gibbs and Jackson:
"I wish I was Gibbs son. I wish Jackson Gibbs was my grandfather. I wish those were the men who raised me…if it wasn't for them I might still be floundering in my life…."
Gibbs reached out, patted Tony's cheek and said:
"You're welcome Tony….and thank you….I do not know how my life would be without you in it but I would guess it would not be as fulfilling. I trust you more than anyone… You are my second and my friend but you are also so much more to me….you are like the son I never had….I know my dad loved you like a son as well…..and I love you too Tony."
Tony looked at Gibbs with surprise. He almost made a crack about Gibbs being overly emotional and out of character for a functional mute but he knew that would be a stupid thing to do. It would be defensive and evasive and undermine the gift Gibbs was giving to him in that moment.
He smiled at Gibbs and said with absolute sincerity:
"Love you too boss….love you too."
A/N-Okay my reading peeps….I really did not want to stop here but I have been called away. I was hoping to finish this story before tonight's episode but I do not think that is going to happen….I have my tissue box handy and do so hope that the writers give us a good finale. Either way it is sad to say goodbye to Ralph Waite and the wonderful character of Jackson Gibbs. A special shout out to Extraordinary Gibblet for taking a chance on a WIP and to all of you readers who have faved, alerted, followed and commented.