A/N: Well, it's only been a full year since I last posted this. I've been reading some Mpreg but there really isn't a lot out there just now and it got me in the mood for continuing this story. I'm not sure anyone is still reading it, or even after reading this if they'll still be interested, but I have a few days off work and would be willing to write a few more chapters if anyone wanted it. Just let me know.
Em x
Tony wriggled against the pillows, trying in vain to make himself comfortable. He'd only been on bed rest for a week, and he knew it was for the good of the baby, but he just couldn't find a comfortable position to lie in.
Cradling his belly, he slowly moved himself as far onto his side as his bump would allow. He sighed in relief, as the pressure lifted from the base of his back. He knew he couldn't lie like this for long, but he relished the short amount of relief he had gifted himself.
He looked at the clock on the unit at the side of his bed. It was already after 5pm and in the past week, Gibbs had always been in to visit long before now. Tony's mind started to go to a dark place, the place it always went to when his normally punctual lover deviated from his routine.
What if they'd been ambushed while out on a case? What if Gibbs had been shot and was currently lying in a hospital bed in this very hospital, or worse what if he was dead? What if...
Tony's train of thought was interrupted and he allowed himself a small smile as the door opened and Gibbs walked in.
"Thank God,he said, easing himself onto his back. ็ thought something terrible had happened because you were late. What kept you? Was Probie trying to explain his hacking process to you? Did Ziva get lost on the way back from a crime scene, because believe me, that woman's driving leaves a lot to..."
Tony drifted off as he took in the ashen look on Gibb's face as he stood in the doorway.
"J? What's wrong?"
"I got a phone call from Stillwater this afternoon."
"From your dad? Is everything okay at the store? Is he okay?"
"No. He's not. He's dead."
Tony felt the bile rise up in his throat and he swallowed hard.
"J, I don't know what to say. What happened?Tony proferred his hand to his partner.
Gibbs walked over to the bed where Tony lay, and laced their fingers together, taking comfort from Tony's tight squeeze.
"Apparently he was sweeping out front of the store and he took a massive heart attack. The paramedics couldn't do anything for him. I just...Gibbs voice broke and he dropped his head, not wanting Tony to see the tears pooling in his eyes. ็ just can't believe he's gone. I thought he was going to live forever. He though he was going to live forever, dammit."
Tony slowly turned onto his side, and moved himself backwards to the edge of the bed.
"C'mere,he said softly, patting the space in the bed.
Gibbs climbed up beside him, careful not to jostle his lover too much. He lay on his side, facing Tony, the tears betraying him as they fell gently down his cheeks and onto the pillow. Tony reached out and wiped his thumb across Gibbs' cheek, caressing the older man's face. He was moved by seeing Gibbs so emotional, and couldn't stop the tears from silently falling from his own eyes.
"Jackson was a man of his generation. There wasn't anybody who was going to tell him what to do and he died proving it. He didn't want to be a burden to anyone. He was still a hard worker. What other 86 year old do you know who got up at 5 am and put in a full days work? Not many. I know you had your problems, but you two made up for a lot of bad history in the past few years. He knows how much you loved him. Don't ever doubt that, J."
Gibbs smiled sadly.
"I just wish we hadn't wasted all those years not talking."
"Maybe you had to waste those years, to really appreciate each reasoned, and watched as Gibbs closed his eyes and nodded.
Gibbs sighed and opened his eyes, staring into his lover's eyes.
"I need to go to Stillwater, need to make arrangements for the...you know."
"I know. It's where you need to be."
"I just don't want to leave you on your own."
"I'm not on my own, babe. I'm in a hospital, surrounded by doctors and nurses. Plus, Abby is a daily visitor...no matter how many times I tell her that once every few days would be enough."
Gibbs chuckled.
"She worries about you. We all do."
"Well, I'm fine. Don't worry about me. You need to go to Stillwater and say goodbye to your dad. I'm just sorry I can't be there with you."
Gibbs reached out and placed his hand over Tony's swollen belly. He rubbed it gently for a few minutes, neither of the men saying anything.
"I wish he could have seen this little oneGibbs said finally, his words being rewarded with a tiny kick from within Tony's belly.
"Well, you'll just have to tell them all about their Grandpa Jackson and what a great man he was. They won't have to look far to get an insight into what he was like, you're just like your father, J."
"You know, a few years ago, I probably would have swatted you for a comment like that. Now, I take it as a huge compliment."
"It was meant as one. We're so lucky to have you in our lives, JTony said, placing his hand over Gibbs' and holding it still across his bump. ้ญnd I've got Jackson to thank for bringing you into this world."
Gibbs leaned forward and captured Tony's lips in a soft kiss, breaking apart after a few seconds but remaining close to him, noses touching.
"To Jackson,"
Tony smiled and nuzzled into his partner.
"To Jackson."
If you want to see this continued, you know what to do.