Hi, guys. Thanx for the great reviews and sorry for the long wait. Thanks to Sue for Beta'ing this chapter and any other mistakes are all mine. Here's the next chapter after the long wait, hope u like it. Read, Review, and Enjoy!!!

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Chapter 13 '' Having Lunch''

Tony took Sam's hands in his and walked out of Abby's lab. They headed for the elevator and waited for its arrival. Tony looked down at the child clutching his hand for dear life.

He never knew he would ever feel so attached to someone like this again. He thought his sister Sarah was his hero. Though she was his younger sister, she was the one that pushed him to work harder and defend them both against their father's attacks. Even after her death, she was his motive for a better life; he had to aspire for a better life just because Sarah wanted him to.

He just loved his sister and put himself in the line of fire instead of her. She was vulnerable and needed his protection. He took it upon himself to protect his baby sister from their father's wrath. Only that one time- that one time that led to his Sarah's death. If he'd just been quicker, more insistent, none of it would have happened. But it didn't matter now, now he had to focus on Sam. Samantha just revived those old memories; she just let that hidden side in Tony come out again. Again, he had to stand by someone's side and defend her with his life. He would protect her no matter what it cost him.

His grip tightened around the small hand that still clutched his. He could feel the little girl sensing his distress as she tightened her grip in return. Tony smiled down at the small child that kept staring at the lights of the elevator changing as they headed up to the bullpen.

The elevator arrived at the bullpen. Tony popped his head out first from the elevator. He wanted to make sure they weren't showing any pictures of Sam's mom on the plasma. He needed to avoid another disaster in the bullpen, especially after Sam seemed to be more relaxed.

He found that the plasma was turned off. Apparently McGee learned from his previous mistake. Tony tightened his hand on Sam's and headed for his desk. He took out his gun that he left in his top drawer earlier.

He had grabbed Sam's pink jacket as they walked out of Abby's lab. He let go of Sam's hand who seemed a little scared at the loss of his hand. She seemed to get terrified every time Tony seemed to pull away physically from her. She seemed afraid that he would leave her which in turn panicked her.

Tony noticed the flicker of panic that crossed the child's face. She then started to rock in her place, while clutching the glittering toy, tighter in her hands. Tony immediately crouched next to the scared child and put his hands gently on her shoulders to let her know he was still by her side and to calm her. He then raised his hands and started signing.

''It's okay princess. I'm here. Uncle Tony's here Sam'' Tony assured the young child who kept rocking in her place for the moment and then she slowed, hands moved and made a simple request that made Tony's heart shatter into small pieces. He wanted to just hold the girl and shield her away from the world that could bring her more pain.

''Please, don't leave me alone'' Sam signed as a single tear ran down her face.

Tony's heart was just aching for the scared child in front of him. If she only knew how that one small sentence affected him even more than she would have known or wanted. He held the girl's tiny hands in his and whispered in her ears. "I'm not leaving Sam. Uncle Tony won't leave Sam alone. You're safe with Uncle Tony, princess''

Then he let his hands sign. ''I'm here Sam. Uncle Tony's here to protect Sam''. He wanted to assure the child that she was safe.

Sam seemed to relax gradually as Tony placed his hands back into Sam's. He held them for several minutes just to assure her that he was still there and she wasn't alone.

Tony then stood up from his position after putting on Samantha's pink jacket to get her ready for their little trip to eat lunch. He then put his own jacket on and finally realized that several pairs of eyes were observing him.

He didn't even realize that his team mates were there until now. His whole attention had only been on Sam blocking everything and everyone else out.

He looked up and noticed how Tim and Ziva tried to seem engrossed in their searches and not sneaking a peek toward him and the little girl. Gibbs's blue concerned eyes were the only one that met Tony's green ones.

They locked their eyes and started a staring match. Anyone who saw those stares would probably think that they were going to fight. What nobody realized was that it was how Tony and Gibbs usually communicated.

Gibbs's eyes were still asking Tony several questions about his strange behavior and how good could he handle the distressed child. Tony just held his gaze and smiled sadly. He knew that Gibbs now knew the reason why. But it was all foreign to Gibbs and the team to see this side of Tony. A side none of them had ever seen before.

Tony then realized the next silent question Gibbs asked with his eyes. He wanted to know if Tony was okay. The senior field agent could feel Gibbs piercing blue eyes trying to penetrate his mask. That was when Tony broke eye contact which cut off their communication channel. Not now Tony repeated to himself. It was time for him to take care of Sam, as for how he was his health would come later.

Tony could feel Gibbs's frustration when he lost communication with his senior field agent. Gibbs always did hate to be left out of the loop and always cared about his team, especially Tony. The younger man had definite insecurities and a sketchy past which drew Gibbs closer. The older man had only filled in some of the blanks from information Tony had unknowingly slipped along with a few things the ME had found out through medical records that hadn't seemed right to the him.

Gibbs hated how Tony would think of himself last. All that mattered was others and you come last, was Tony's philosophy Gibbs could tell. Working for so long with DiNozzo, he still could not change that life philosophy that must have been imposed on Tony by his father. Gibbs again thought about some of the pieces of the puzzle that annoyed him in the past about Tony and how they were coming together now. Gibbs huffed internally; he needed to know more but all in good time he kept reminding himself.

Gibbs could feel his other two agents watching the silent conversation in awe; they could not imagine how Tony could hold such a long staring contest with their boss. They did not know it was the easiest way for both Tony and Gibbs to communicate. He ignored them and kept gazing at his senior field agent and the child that was kept by his side at all times.

Gibbs saw what the little child signed to Tony and saw Tony's reaction to it. He also saw all the pain, sadness, and suffering that quickly crossed his face before it was masked. She must have triggered some old memory of his sister's again. It's painful to see the image of someone you loved in the past reflected on someone else's soul, Gibbs mused. Just like he saw how Maddie reflected Kelly's spirit in her eyes and actions. The only thing he could not hear was what Tony whispered gently to the girl's ears only. She seemed to relax immediately. Gibbs had to admit that Tony's influence on the child was amazing. She would be having a fit and he would say some magic words and Sam would just calm down and hold tighter to him. Atta boy Tony, Gibbs thought with pride.

''Sam, do you want to go for a little walk in the park after we get lunch?'' Gibbs saw Tony sign for the girl who signed back her agreement.

Gibbs was immediately up and wearing his long black jacket over his suit and put his sig and badge in their place over his belt. He then saw that Tim and Ziva were starting to do the same thing. He gave them a deadly stare and they both immediately sat back in their own respective seats.

Tony looked up to what was happening and his eyes reflected the momentary confusion he felt.

''She's on protection detail, DiNozzo. And you're not in your best shape'' Gibbs stated clearly. His intention referring to Tony's back wound as an excuse for coming with him and Samantha.

Tony raised an eyebrow in question and then shrugged his shoulders. He held Sam's hand and started for the elevator again with Gibbs in tow.

Tony was relieved and exasperated at the same time to have Gibbs coming with them. He felt he needed time to think and thought that would be it, but it seems that Gibbs had other plans.

Sam held Tony's hand tightly as they rode the elevator down and stayed away from Gibbs's reach. She could not quite trust Gibbs yet, but seemed to get used to him. She appreciated how Tony would squeeze her hand gently every time he felt her discomfort when more people got in and out of the elevator.

Tony walked out of the elevator holding Sam's hand in his as Gibbs went ahead to the car. Gibbs opened the back door for Tony leaving Sam in his care to put her in the car seat. Tony then put the safety belt around Samantha's waist and smiled to her brightly.

''I'll be driving the car, princess. I'm not going anywhere'' Tony signed as he saw Samantha fidget in her car seat when he started to back out of the car. She was still frightened when Tony closed the door.

Gibbs sat in the passenger seat and waited. He knew that he should give Tony some space to control his environment a little more especially after the extreme stress that both he and Sam were going through. So, he allowed Tony to drive even though he still seemed exhausted and saw the flash of pain cross the younger man's eyes every now and then. As a result, Gibbs decided to just monitor Tony and his actions as he kept assuring the child in the back seat that he was not leaving.

Tony quickly hopped in the driver seat and then turned around to assure Sam that he was still there.

''I'm here. See princess, I'm not gone. Uncle Tony's here'' Tony signed with a gentle smile as the small girl kept giving him side way glances to confirm his words that he was still there. Only then did Sam relax in her seat and began to stare out of the window.

Tony sighed deeply and turned to start the car. Gibbs noticed as Tony drove that he would look in the mirror every now and then to make sure Samantha was doing okay.

Gibbs smiled internally. He'd never have imagined Tony to hold such protectiveness for a stranger, a child, as he did now. Tony certainly was over protective with Kate and was always protective with Tim and Ziva. Tony knew they could take care of themselves, but it was just in his nature to care. However, Gibbs never saw that anxiety, worry, love and care Tony gave to anyone before, not even Jeanne.

Gibbs kept thinking for a while and staring out of the window. He would occasionally glance back at the child in the back only to find her staring out of the window while holding her Silver Star toy tightly in her hand. Then Gibbs would observe his agent who kept watching the road carefully while stealing some glances every now and then in the mirror to watch the child sitting in the back.

Tony drove to a near by diner and parked the car. He got up quickly and took a second regaining his balance as stars appeared in front of his eyes. He clenched tightly to the door and closed his eyes willing that nausea to go away. The minute he opened his eyes, he found Gibbs standing in front of him, his face only inches away from Tony's. Tony was caught by surprise and stumbled, almost falling if it was not for the strong hands that held him in his place.

''Tony, Are you okay?'' Gibbs asked, his eyes filled with concern that he quickly tired to mask, but not before Tony spotted the concern.

''Yeah, I'm fine, boss. I just got light headed from standing up too quickly'' Tony answered, smiling as he tried to hide the pain that started to flame in his back again.

Gibbs looked at him skeptically and then said ''You need to eat DiNozzo''

''On it boss'' Tony said, smiling. He went to the back door and unbuckled Samantha's belt and felt her discomfort. She was fidgeting in her seat. She was uncomfortable sensing Tony's absence.

''I'm still here princess, it's ok'' Tony whispered in her ear as he took her out of the car.

He put her down and as soon as he started to move, he felt the small hand clasping his. He looked down at the child and grinned from ear to ear. He loved how Samantha seemed attached to him, but he knew it was not gonna last for long. When they found her mother's killer, she would leave. It saddened him, but he decided to make the best of things while he wracked his brain for the perfect solution for Samantha and him.

Gibbs was walking behind them, watching for any suspicious cars or movements, but he found none. He followed Tony and Sam inside.

Tony and Sam have sat at a table in the far corner away from others snooping around. Gibbs smiled at his agent's desire of privacy and once again that protectiveness.

Tony was signing for Sam to tell him what she wanted for lunch. Gibbs sat in the opposite chair so that he could keep an eye on the diner and the door.

Sam told Tony her order as the waitress came.

''Hello, I'm Stacey, are you ready to order or shall I come back in a few seconds?'' a blonde waitress asked. She smiled at Tony and Gibbs along with the small child that sat in the corner, rocking slightly while staring out of the window.

''No, we're ready, I'm Tony by the way'' Tony said as he gave one of his radiant smiles to the beautiful waitress. Gibbs just tried to hide the smile that fought to appear on his face. Wherever Tony was, he would still try to charm any woman that came near him. Even though it was in the sake of appearances, Gibbs could tell Tony's flirting was not genuine. The flirting was only for the appearance that the younger man hadn't changed.

At this point the waitress had turned her attention to the older man with the silver hair as she finished writing down Tony's and Sam's orders.

Gibbs cleared his throat and then said '' Just black coffee''

''Okay, I'll be back in a few'' Stacy said as she started away to get their orders, sparing Tony an extra smile over her shoulder.

Gibbs looked at Tony who took off his jacket and then Sam's. Tony looked around and then down to Samantha who sat holding her stuffed silver star and staring at the white table they sat by. Then his gaze shifted to Gibbs who was watching the crowd carefully for any sign of danger.

Tony felt a little awkward. He didn't know what to say and he wasn't in the mood to speak about movies or trivial things either. He took a deep breath and brushed Sam's curly blonde hair, lightly, with the tips of his fingers. He then patted her head affectionately and smiled down to her.

Stacy came back saving Tony any trials he was thinking of to make a conversation with a very concerned and silent boss.

''Enjoy'' Stacy said as she served their food and Gibbs's coffee.

''Thanks'' both Tony and Gibbs said to the waitress.

Tony handed Sam a sandwich and put the juice in front of her. And when he was sure that she was eating, he started eating himself. Gibbs held the coffee cup in his hand and sipped slowly as he kept gazing around and then back at the two figures eating eagerly in front of him.

Gibbs smiled internally as he saw how Tony was eating quickly to help the small child beside him. He knew that Tony did not want to talk about his sister, but the way Tony's eyes sparkled as he watched Samantha worried Gibbs. He was becoming more attached by the minute and if anything happened to Samantha Tony would be devastated.

Tony caught Gibbs's thoughtful glare at him and smiled sadly.

''Do not worry, boss.'' Tony tried to assure Gibbs, but he was not even sure himself. He did not know what he'd do when the case is closed. He loved having Sam with him and loved taking care of her. He found he needed to take care of her, it filled a long time void he'd had.

Gibbs just nodded as he took another sip of his coffee.

It was then when some strange man caught Gibbs eyes. The man wasn't Jackson Greg, the abusive boyfriend, but still he looked suspicious with that ugly scar across his cheek. He wore a black leather jacket and black jeans. He was wearing some earrings all over his face and that scar that crossed his cheek. That was normal, considering what Abby wore at work, but the look of hatred and vengeance in his eyes was what made Gibbs gut go on alert.

Gibbs turned around to warn Tony and found him moving in front of Samantha, covering her away from the man's eye sight. He held an evil glare directed at the man that surprised Gibbs. Tony took on a predatorily and terrifying demeanor, ready to attack the man if he stepped any closer in their direction.

For a minute, Gibbs got scared from Tony's glare and was glad that it was not directed at him. He never thought anyone would have a more intimidating glare than his own. He regained his composure and looked back at the man when he was sure Tony hid Samantha totally with his body while she sat on her chair behind him.

Gibbs now was thinking that he would have to save the man from Tony by the look of things and not the other way around.

The man came closer to their tables and Gibbs could feel Tony getting ready to attack as he clipped his gun out of its hostler.

The man stopped shortly as both Gibbs and Tony stood up pulling out their guns. The man smiled as he started looking at the table beside theirs and ran to hug a small boy who came running and jumping all over the place saying ''Daaaaaadddyyyyyyyy'' The man hugged his boy tightly before he walked to the other table and sat beside a petite brunette woman who seemed to be a Goth. The man looked at her with anger, but soon smiled again to his son who was oblivious to the exchange that had just happened.

Gibbs and Tony sighed heavily and sat back down.

''False alarm'' Gibbs said as he sat back down taking the coffee back in his hand.

''Yeah'' Tony said in a wry voice as he adjusted Samantha's chair back at the table.

Sam had finished her lunch and was staring back at the white table. It seemed that the previous incident did not bother her at all.

Tony signed to the small child while smiling '' Do you need anything else, angel? ''

''Water please, Uncle Tony'' Samantha signed back as she gave Tony a brief glance.

''Stacy'' Tony called for the waitress.

''Yeah, Tony, what can I do for you?''

''Bottle of water and the bill, please''

''Okay''

Stacy brought back the water. Sam drank it while Gibbs insisted on paying the bill after arguing with Tony.

''Boss, let's walk a little in the park'' Tony suggested as they walked out of the diner with Sam's hand holding his tightly.

''Okay DiNozzo'' Gibbs answered as he walked in the direction of the park opposite the little diner.

Tony walked holding Sam's hand as the warm sun hit his face. He smiled slightly as he remembered Sam's drawings of the sun. He could see the strange fascination Samantha had for shining objects. But he somehow liked it.

''So, boss, what do you think?''

''About?''

''I don't know, I 'm just trying to make conversation'' Tony stated smugly as he grinned

A swat was heard as Gibbs's hand connected with his head.

''Boss'' Tony objected ''What was that for?''

''For trying to make small take with me'' Gibbs said as a small smile tugged his lips.

''Well, it worked didn't it. We're talking, right? Right?'' Tony asked as Gibbs kept smirking while walking and ignoring Tony totally.

''You're not gonna talk are ya Gibbs?'' Tony asked

''Nope''

Tony sighed and then looked down to the small child who was now struggling to walk. She seemed to be getting exhausted by the minute.

Tony stopped and picked her up in his arms, supporting her weight against his hips.

''Well, at least I get to speak with this beautiful young lady'' Tony said as he smiled at Sam who gave him a quick glance and then started playing with her toy again.

''Ok, so you know how I like cartoons Sam. You must know that, I watched The Lion King. Great movie with that lion Simba running and then coming back all grown up. And then to find his best friend turned into a beautiful lioness. You gotta admit it Sam, he had to come back for her…'' Tony stopped momentarily as he heard a small giggle coming from the girl in his arms.

Tony laughed himself and then pretended to look hurt as he continued '' Well, he had to come back. He couldn't just leave such a beautiful lioness alone.'' Another giggle was heard as Tony tried to confirm his point.

Tony felt how Sam was starting to open up now. She was starting to show him her true character. Tony's heart swelled, loving her for opening up to him, for how she trusted him and felt safe with him.

Tony looked up from the smiling child in his hands to the man walking beside him and found him smiling. Gibbs was smiling?

Tony then looked down to the child in his arms and then said ''You know, I cried at the end of the movie, real tears. Do not tell anyone or Uncle Tony will have troubles finding any beautiful ladies after this conversation to talk with'' he said in a conspiring tone. He then looked around him as if trying to hide a top secret.

Samantha's soft giggles were heard by Gibbs who just kept his smile in place. He never thought Tony was that good with children. He kept hearing Tony's chattering and Samantha's soft laughs as they walked for a while. Apparently, Tony watched all kinds of cartoons, Gibbs found out which was totally unlike Tony. What Gibbs witnessed showed that there was another side of Tony that he hadn't shown to anyone before.

They then found some swings. Gibbs was startled when Tony practically ran to them with Samantha held tightly in his arms.

Gibbs followed Tony as he stood in front of the swings. Tony had a strange look in his eyes, probably another memory of his sister, Gibbs mused.

''You know Sam, Sarah loved those swings very much, do you want to go on them?'' Tony asked as his eyes kept swimming in some old memory.

''Yes, Uncle Tony'' Samantha answered as she touched Tony's face with her hand. She could feel the surge of memories flowing through his mind. Sam could feel his distress and whenever he was distressed, she too would become upset.

Tony's eyes lightened when Samantha made that small gesture. He went to one swing and put her securely in before he started pushing her slowly.

Samantha's small giggles were heard whenever Tony pushed her higher. She seemed not to fear the high speed as most normal children would.

Tony was chattering again as he kept pushing Sam. He stood in front of her so he could make sure that she was ok and not frightened.

He played with Sam in a soft rhythm as he pushed her and yelled. ''Where's Sam? Where did she go?''

And then when the swing came toward him, he would yell again '' Here she is!'' And then started another game with the quite child would laugh every now and then.

Gibbs enjoyed Tony's chatter as he sat on a bench close to the swings. He could see the happiness on Tony's and Sam's faces. It reminded of the times he spent with Kelly in the basement and Kelly trying to help him on the boat and laughing every time. Gibbs made a cloud of dust that covered both of their clothes while trying to teach her how to hold the different tools.

Gibbs kept watching the surrounding area for any suspicious movements.

Tony finally saw how tired the child was getting and lifted her up high from the swing saying '' Time for you to rest princess and Uncle Tony to go to work''

The small child giggled softly as Tony kept swaying her in the air for a while as if dancing with a real princess.

Tony kept laughing softly with the little girl as he started singing one of Sinatra's songs as he kept holding Samantha and dancing with her. He was impersonating his voice to match Sinatra's as kept swaying for a while.

Gibbs just watched the scene unfold. He was not able to remove the smile from his face. He just felt that Tony would make a hell of a father one day. He kept observing them and then he saw a small black van he thought he had seen earlier. He didn't know what to make of it. No one tried to either attack Sam or come near her. Gibbs realized that the van had followed them since they were at the diner.

He looked back at Tony who was still laughing with Sam, but his eyes did not leave the suspicious van either. He looked murderous even though his voice was happy.

Gibbs nodded for Tony to get ready and Tony nodded back his understanding. He held Sam tighter to his body as he started whispering something in her ear that Gibbs did not quite catch.

''Okay princess, time for the prince and princess to return to their castle in their mustang car'' Tony whispered to the child as he nodded to Gibbs when he spotted the black van.

Samantha just nodded her head and then rested against Tony's shoulder. She had a good time and laughed a lot with Uncle Tony. Sam felt more comfortable with him and began to open up to more. She rested her head against his warm shoulder and started to drift off to sleep leaving Uncle Tony to protect her from whatever the world would bring that might hurt her.

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I hope u liked it, thoughts??