-So what do you want to do today? Gibbs asked Tony the following morning.

-No idea Dad, I just thought we'd go with the flow.

-How about some swimming? It's still pretty warm outside.

-As long as you do it too old man!

-Hey! Who are you calling old?! I'll show you who's old.

-Could you continue your story first?

-How about this, I'll teach you some whittling first and then while you practice I'll tell you the continuation?

-Really?! You'd teach me?!

-Of course buddy, it was my intention all along. Tony found himself holding a pocket knife seconds later as his father went through the basics. Finally deeming Tony descent enough not to cut of his fingers while he told the story, Gibbs started where he had left of the day before.

-Flashback-

Leroy spent the next few days angry at his dad but tried not to show him. He excused himself from the table as soon as he quietly had eaten his dinner, not that he ate much. He wasn't hungry. In school he got into trouble more than usual, but anybody had yet to call his father. The coach scolded him about attitude and Leroy was frankly pissed at the world. There was no chance in hell he was going to come clean to his dad now.

-How was school Leroy?

-Fine, Leroy answered shortly, pushing around the food on his plate.

-And the practice?

-Nothing special.

-You still going to keep telling me you don't care about the camping trip Leroy?! You've been angry and sulky ever since I told you.

-And I told you we'll skip it. There is NO need for it.

-Leroy…

-May I be excused?

-No, so sit back down. Now what's going on son if it isn't the camping trip?

-Nothing is going on.

-You can't lie to me son. Now tell me what's bothering you.

-I'm done talking about nothing dad. Screw you! With that Leroy Gibbs stormed up the stairs to his room and slammed the door shut, leaving his stunned father behind.

-Flashback ending-

-Did you really shout that at grandpa?!

-Yeah kiddo, I did, but don't get any ideas, Gibbs answered glaring slightly at his son to get his point across.

-Wouldn't dream about it dad, wouldn't dream about it.

-Bullied-

-Are you okay? Tony asked Patrick quietly. His dad had asked him if he wanted to invite Patrick and Lucas to come with them swimming. They had said yes, Patrick though a bit reluctantly. Now an hour later as they were swimming Tony couldn't help but again notice that something had changed about Patrick. Something had definitely gone down between Lucas and Patrick yesterday.

-I'm fine.

-Are you sure?

-Let's just swim, okay?!

-Okay, Tony reluctantly agreed. The two boys swam quietly for a while until Tony once again broke the silence asking: how come you aren't in school by the way?

-Grandpa wanted to spend some time with me so when he explained his reasons to the school they were pretty eager to get rid of me, Patrick answered, clearly not too happy about it.

-I'm sure the school didn't really want to get rid of you.

-After what I did to you?! You are kidding me right?! The whole school wants me gone.

-Why?! I'm sure there has been bullying there before.

-Not to that extent. Most people would give in long before you.

-I'm not that special, Tony disagreed.

-Yeah you are Tony, you just don't see it yet.

-Bullied-

Lost in his thoughts Tony barely heard his Dad explaining how to keep on going with the carving.

-Are you okay son? Gibbs wondered.

-I'm fine Dad. Just thinking.

-About what?

-Patrick.

-Tony, his Dad groaned. You worry a bit too much about other people, don't take me wrong son, it's something really special you are able to do, but don't take it too far. I'm sure Patrick is fine.

-He has just changed all of the sudden.

-Maybe his grandpa is a good influence on him.

-Maybe, Tony agreed, but wasn't convinced.

-I'll keep an eye out for him tomorrow if you really are worried.

-Thanks Dad.

-You are welcome son. At that exact moment the phone beeped and Tony looked curiously as his Dad read the message on the screen.

-Who is it?

-Your Uncle. He says to tell you that he and Donnie has come a long way and everything is going to be just fine.

-Good, Tony smiled relieved. He really appreciated the friendship that had grew between him and Donnie.

-So now that you finally can stop worrying do you want me to continue the story?

-Really?! Tony asked excitedly.

-I take that as a yes, Gibbs smiled.

-Flashback-

Leroy was halfway to the campsite they always went to when he started contemplating what he had done. His Dad wouldn't be happy, he knew that when he decided to take off, but figured it might be worth it in the end. Maybe. Now almost 2 hours later he wasn't so sure anymore. The phone in his pocket kept buzzing, but Leroy promptly ignored it, knowing it was his Dad. The plan had been simple all along, get to the campsite and what happened after that was out of his control. If his Dad figured out where he had gone and came looking for him, they might have a chance to talk things through, either that or his Dad would drag him home by the ear. Sighing he kept walking, there really wasn't any point in turning back now.

-Flashback-

-You went there by yourself?! Tony asked astonished.

-Yeah but like I said earlier don't get any ideas son. I was young, angry and stupid.

-Did grandpa find you?

-I thought you wanted the whole story.

-Yeah, but you are going a bit too slow.

-Yeah, yeah, I'll speed it up.

-Flashback-

Leroy was picking up wood for the fire when he suddenly heard a noise behind him. Before he could react any further though a hand took a hard hold of his shoulder and spun him around, face to face with his angry father.

"Are you out of your mind?!" Leroy luckily enough for him, didn't answer and choose instead to let his Dad rant for a bit. "Anything could have happened, not to mention how you worried me half to death when you suddenly took off!"

"I'm sorry."

"Sorry you got caught."

"Come on dad, nothing happened." That was clearly the wrong answer if the grip around his shoulder was anything to judge about.

"It isn't just what happened Leroy it is what could have happened! You know better than this and then you go off and do something completely stupid like this?! What's gotten into you son?!"

"Nothing."

"Oh no, that isn't going to work so I would recommend starting to tell the truth unless you want to skip to the consequences first."

"No sir."

"So why did you ran off?"

"I was mad." Leroy said sullenly, staring down at his shoes.

"Look at me when you are speaking to me Leroy. Why were you mad?"

"Because…"

"Because of what son?"

"We've been planning this for months and now you suddenly tell me we can't go."

"So you run because of that?"

"You make it sound like I am a three year old who didn't get his way."

Doesn't it fit the description?!"

"No! I ony run ebcuase there wasn't any point in rescheduling, between the store and my sports there isn't nay time."

"Why is this so important to you Leroy?"

"It's easier to tell you things out here." Leroy reluctantly told his Father.

"Things like…?"

"School mostly."

"Soemthing going on I should know about?!"

"Well…can't we eat first or something?" Leroy tried.

"No, not before you tell me."

"That might take the whole day Dad." Seeing his Dad's face he quickly continued. "It's a long story." Nodding his agreement Jackson bent down and started collecting wood himself as well.

"Did you bring any food?"

-Flashback ending-

A/N: Anybody against a few smacks here? It would probably be in the next chapter, would suit well with the Leroy/Jackson dynamic. In case I do write in a few and you are really against it, just skip that chapter. I'll make sure to put out warnings in that case, but I haven't made up my mind yet and would love to hear your input.