A/N: Thanks for your reviews again!

Hope you like this one, too! :)

Chapter Thirty-Six: Friends

Jet was sitting in his father's kitchen early the next morning, sipping on his coffee, trying to get himself out of his headspace. After he had made sure that Tony had fallen asleep again and especially that he wouldn't have a nightmare again, he had tried to get back to sleep himself but had to realize that it was a lost battle. So he just lay there for the rest of the night, holding the younger man close, and thought about what had happened. His insides still clenched, even now when he thought about the utterly lost look on Tony's face right after he had woken up.

Jethro shook his head, trying to get rid of the picture and tried to direct his thoughts to the shower afterwards, to Tony's 'I love you'. He knew that the younger man had been desperate but that didn't mean he hadn't meant it because Jet was sure he had.

"What are you smiling about so early in the morning?" his father's voice interrupted his train of thought.

"Nothing," he replied.

"Sure," Jack chuckled, pouring himself a cup of coffee.

"Sorry we woke you up last night."

"No worries, Leroy. Everything alright, though? With Tony?"

"Yeah," Jet sighed, rubbing his hand over his face. "It's going to be."

"What's wrong?"

"He just had a nightmare. Shook him up pretty bad. But I think it's going to be okay."

"I'm sure it will," Jackson replied smiling, though Jet was able to make out a faint look of sadness on his face.

They sat in silence for a few minutes, each of them just staring into the coffee until Jackson finally cleared his throat and Jet looked up again.

"You think his father's going to change his mind about you?"

Slightly taken aback by the question, Jet remained silent, drinking his coffee again before he slowly shook his head. "I don't think so. They never really were… close, I guess."

"What are you not telling me, son?" Jackson prodded, his voice still friendly, still worried.

"When Tony was a kid, he never was around and when he was, Tony says that he was mostly drunk, not paying him any attention at all and if he was, he…"

He trailed off now, knowing that his father would get the picture without him actually having to say it. He wasn't sure whether Tony would mind that Jack knew but Jet needed another opinion on this and as Jack was offering…

"That bastard," the older man said now, his nostrils flaring. "That's why he was so taken aback when I said that he was welcome in our family?"

"I guess," Jet shrugged, smiling slightly at his father's obvious anger. "But he's fine now and if Senior is dumb enough not to acknowledge that, it's his own fault."

"He's got us now, right?"

Jet looked up, suddenly feeling warm inside as he looked into the sincere face of his father. As much as the guy was a pain in the ass, as much did Jet know that he would always be there when he needed him and apparently the same was true for Tony.

"You mean that?"

"Of course, the guy's such a kick, always liked him and he likes you a lot, so. You two can always swing by whenever you want. You know that, right?"

"Yeah, thanks, Dad."

Jackson got up to get another cup of coffee and gave him a broad smile, patting his shoulder. "You really do love him, don't you?"

"What?" Jet asked, slightly taken aback, wondering where that came from.

"Well, don't you?"

"No, I mean, yeah, I do."

"Then tell him."

"Tell me what?" Tony's voice was suddenly to be heard, startling both of the Gibbs' as he entered the kitchen, already dressed but his hair still disheveled, which caused Jethro to smile ever so slightly.

"He wants me to tell you that I love you," Jet smirked as he saw the surprised look on Jackson's face at the statement.

"Oh," Tony smiled at Jack now, even though Jet was still able to see the exhaustion on the younger man's face. "Your son's not as tight-lipped as you might think. He already told me."

"Yeah? Well, good for you, Leroy. Who knew that you'd get your head out of your ass so quickly, huh?"

"Dad," Jet hissed in what he hoped was a threatening tone but Jack just chuckled and left the kitchen muttering something about taking a shower.

"You think he's going to be mad if he doesn't have any hot water left?" Tony joked, while he was sitting down next to Jethro.

"We'll see," Jet chuckled before he continued more seriously. "You okay?"

Tony just shrugged, not looking at him. He rubbed the back of his head with his left hand while the right one reached out to take Jet's, who accepted gladly.

"Tony?"

"Yeah, I guess I'm fine. Just really tired. Hasn't been that bad for years."

"You think there's a reason for that?" Jet asked, tilting his head ever so slightly and finally the younger man looked at him.

"I don't know. I guess the visit to the grave or thinking of my dad or I don't know. Were some intense weeks, that's all."

"Okay. Should we talk to your father?"

"What? No, Jet, really not. He's made his decision thirty years ago not to give a damn about me. That hasn't changed and I don't mind. I might, however," he continued, smiling at him and Jet somehow felt instantly relaxed. "Borrow your dad from time to time."

"You do that," Jet replied. "I'm sure he'll be thrilled."

"Of course, he will. Remember, I'm a kick."

"How long have you been eavesdropping there?" Jet asked now, shaking his head, chuckling.

"Long enough," Tony smiled sincerely.

"Bad, bad," Jet replied, playing a kiss on his cheek. "So, you okay?"

"Yeah," Tony nodded. "I guess. Thanks, I really didn't mean to load all that crap on you."

"Oh, be quiet, will you? That's what I'm here for. Don't ever hold stuff like that back, you got that?"

"Yes, sir," Tony replied and gave him a kiss on the lips before he cocked his head ever so slightly. "I meant what I said in the shower, though. Had nothing to do with me having some sort of break down there, you know that, right?"

"I know and I meant it, too."

"Good," Tony let out a sigh. "Hope to hear that under better circumstances next time."

"I love you. That better?"

"Yeah, I think so," Tony smirked, stealing another kiss. "I could get used to that."

"You better."

-x-

"Tony, Tony, Tony!"

Abby was all but running up to him, squeezing him in a bear hug, leaving him panting for air. He had just walked into her lab, carrying a Caf-Pow! to get the time to fly past faster as they had only cold cases again and he was slightly bored by now.

"Wah, Abs, it's just me."

"I know," she grinned, snatching the drink out of his hand and sucked on the straw. "So how was it?"

"How was what?"

"Stillwater, Tony! Gibbs' dad! I bet he was a total sweetheart, wasn't he? I so love this guy."

"Slow down, take a breath," Tony grinned at her. "It was fine."

"That's all you're going to tell me? It was fine?"

Smirking, he sat down in front of one of her computers. "What do you want to know, then?"

"Did he tell you how Gibbs was as a kid? Was he okay with you two? Were you in a hotel or did you sleep in Gibbs' room?"

"Yes. Yes. Gibbs' room."

"Have you been taking lessons from him in monosyllabic answers?"

"Nope."

Tony winced as Abby poked him not so softly on his shoulder.

"Fine, you don't want to tell me. But you had a good time, right? You look like you had one at least."

"Very investigative of you, Miss Marple," Tony replied. "Yeah, I had a good time. And I will tell you stuff later, okay? We're still on for tonight, right? Us and the gang at the bar?"

"You're coming?" Abby asked, apparently slightly surprised.

"Yeah, sure. Why wouldn't I?"

"I don't know. I just thought maybe now that you have Gibbs you'd prefer staying home, getting all dirty with him."

"Abby," Tony sighed. "Just because I got him now, doesn't mean I'm ditching you. I never even thought about it, so don't worry. I'll be there."

Abby just smiled at him, pulling him into a hug again that must have broken at least four ribs.

"But, uh, could you pick me up? My car's at the shop."

"Sure," she replied. "Your place?"

Shaking his head and grinning as he got up, Tony answered. "Gibbs'."

"You're so cute."

"I've always been cute, Abs," Tony replied playfully upset.

"Sure you were. But your cuteness level has gone way up since you got together with the bossman, believe me."

-x-

"So, when's Abby going to pick you up?" Jet asked, sitting on the couch, only half watching the baseball game that was on.

"Should be here any minute. And you're sure you don't want to join us?"

Jet snorted. "Can you picture me at a bar with you or dancing?"

"Guess not," Tony replied, flopping down on the couch next to him. "So you're not going to be bored all alone at home without me?"

"I'll manage," Jet smirked.

"Oh you so invited someone over, didn't you?"

"Nah, didn't. I'm planning to work on the boat. I've got a feeling though that Tobias is going to show."

"Why's that?"

"Told him you were going out."

"See, so you did invite him over."

Placing a soft slap upside Tony's head, Jet leaned into him and kissed him tenderly. He wasn't exactly happy about not spending the night with the younger man but he knew that they couldn't neglect all the others and he was pretty sure it would do them some good.

"So, uh, if it's not too late, I'll swing by here again?" Tony asked now, his voice low.

"If you want to. Anytime you want. You got the key."

"Yeah," he replied and was just about to lean closer again as the door bell rang.

Jet stood up and opened the front door, revealing a rather disgruntled looking Abby.

"What's wrong, Abs?"

"You!" she said though Jet realized now that she wasn't really upset. "How am I supposed to ever catch you doing something dirty when you suddenly lock your door? That's so not fair, Gibbs."

He snorted and let her in. "Deal with it."

"Hmpf," she just said, crossing her arms across her chest.

"Hey Abs," Tony finally joined the conversation, pulling her into a hug which she reluctantly returned.

"Don't be mad at the bossman," Tony said in a loud whisper, looking over at Jet with a smirk. "He just doesn't want somebody to lynch me in my sleep. He's just careful."

Jethro laughed now and winked at him, trying to hide the fact that Tony had hit some truth there with his joke. He usually only locked the front door when he had actually something or rather someone to lose.

"Okay," Abby finally replied, still pouting slightly. "Are you as excited about tonight as I am? I mean with finally meeting Timmy's new McSqueeze?"

"What? I didn't know he was bringing her!"

"You didn't?" Abby asked furrowing a brow. "He told me this morning and only because he wanted to make sure that we'd behave. Ziva and Palmer know, too. Why didn't he warn you of all people? You being Mr. McTease and all."

"I don't know," Jet almost heard the confusion in Tony's voice.

"It's surely because your weird brotherly bond lately," Abby replied and Jet realized that she was probably right, Tim and Tony were pretty close lately but he had never questioned it before.

"Don't be ridunculous," Tony replied indignantly, though Jet realized that he was smiling broadly now as if he had just gotten really good news.

"Whatever," Abby dismissed it now. "Let's go before he changes his mind and doesn't introduce us to her."

"Yeah, let's roll," Tony said, grabbing his wallet and keys.

Tony was already halfway out the door when he seemed to remember something and turned around again to kiss him, causing Abby to squeal. Tony ignored her and smiled again as he retreated.

"Love you, see you later."

"You, too. Have fun."

-x-

Abby was still grinning broadly when they pulled over at the club a couple of minutes later. Tony smiled to himself, feeling utterly relaxed and strangely happy.

"Big L-Word already, huh?" Abby finally asked as they got out of the car and slowly walked towards where Ziva, Jimmy and Breena where already waiting.

"Yup," Tony just replied, still unable to wipe away that goddamn smile upon his lips.

"That's big, Tony, really big. You know how much that means hearing it from Gibbs, right? He's always hiding stuff like that, hides every relationship. But not this time, you've done him really good. I'm so proud of you."

"What are you now? My mother?" Tony joked and oddly didn't feel his insides clench at the thought, despite of what had happened in Stillwater.

"No, but I'm still proud."

"Why is Abby proud?" Ziva asked, obviously having heard the last piece of the conversation.

"Because apparently she's my mother now," Tony just replied, smiling.

"Okay," Ziva said, furrowing a brow, not even bothering to ask.

"So, Breena, are you excited already? It's only two months till the wedding, isn't it?" Abby asked.

"Yeah. I'm so nervous already, it's ridiculous. But Jimmy here is such a sweetheart, complying with my every wish."

"What's up with people tonight?" Abby said, rolling her eyes in mock annoyance. "Everyone is so lovey-dovey. Even Gibbs. Seriously, Ziva, are you available? If I don't get to at least dance with anyone tonight, I might consider hooking up with you."

"Okay, I am so going to look for someone for you, then," Ziva replied laughing just as McGee approached them.

"Hey," he said, blushing ever so slightly. "Everyone this is Becky."

They all shook hands and said hello before they finally got into the club and sat at their usual booth. The conversation was flowing freely and Tony, for once, was quiet, just listened to the others, enjoying their company. After a while, a guy approached their table, asking Abby if he could buy her a drink and even though Tony knew that he wasn't her type at all, Abby agreed and a bit after that, Ziva got asked to dance, too. As Jimmy and Breena where in their own world anyway, Tony was left to talk to Tim and his new girlfriend.

"So, what do you do, Becky?"

"I'm a pediatric nurse. So it's kind of a nice change to talk to grown up people once in a while."

"Oh, then you're talking to the wrong person now because according to your Tim here, I'm still five most of the time."

"I'm sure that's not true. In fact, I've never heard him complain once. Said work without you is a drag most of the time."

"Did you, now, Tim?" Tony asked, giving him a small smile.

"It's true," he replied, shrugging.

"You're the movie buff, right?" Becky continued unaware of Tony's slightly happy confusion about McGee's statement. "Has Tim shown you his new flat screen already? It's huge."

"Nah, he hasn't. Bigger than mine?"

"Of course, that's the first thing you'd ask," Tim smirked. "Yeah, it is. You should really check it out some time. Bring a movie and takeout and you're on."

"Deal," Tony grinned.

"You think we could make a double date out of that?" Becky asked now, looking at McGee expectantly.

"Uh, I don't know. I don't think the boss is into movies all that much."

"Oh, you'd be surprised," Tony interjected, grinning broadly at McGee's expression of pure disbelief. "If you pick the right movie and he is in a good mood, I might actually be able to persuade him."

"No way," McGee replied.

"I bet you fifty dollars."

"Okay, you're on."

"You are exactly as he told me you would were," Becky said now, smiling at him.

"Is that a bad or a good thing now?"

"Won't tell you," she laughed before she stood up, excusing herself to the bathroom.

"She seems awesome, McSweetheart."

"She really is."

Tony gave him a lopsided grin before he sipped from his coke. "You should keep her, you know."

"Oh, Tony DiNozzo approves? Well, then, I really have to."

Tony head slapped him before he leaned towards him and quietly said. "No, seriously, she's great. Hope it'll work out for you."

"Thanks. You and Gibbs are okay, too, right?"

"More than okay actually. Listen, Tim, I never thanked you for… you know, back when we broke up. You really…"

Tony trailed off, staring at his glass now, unsure of what to say.

"Don't have to thank me for anything. That's what friends are for, right?"

-x-

Jet had been sanding the boat for a few hours now. Fornell had shown up about two hours previously and ever since then, they had mostly just sat there or worked talking about everything and nothing. It was nice actually but Jet would never admit that to himself. It was already one o'clock in the morning when his cell rang and he had to suppress a smile as he looked at the caller ID.

"Hey Tony."

"Hey. I know it's late but can I still come over? Or is Fornell still there? I just have to drop off Abby because she's really drunk."

"Yeah, no problem. And since when does Abby get drunk?"

He heard Tony chuckle on the over end. "I think she had to drink to make the guys there look more handsome."

"Ah," he just replied, smirking.

"Okay, I'll be at your place in about half an hour."

"Yeah. Bye."

He hung up the phone and tossed it back onto the workbench, picking up the sanding paper again.

"You know it's really sickening to see you like that," Tobias said.

"Like what?"

"Smiling like an idiot because a goddamn guy called you."

"Oh shut up, Toby."

"It's true. Look at yourself, you're still smiling. I've never seen you like that before."

"You know what your problem is, Tobias?"

"No idea, tell me, Jethro. Let me in your secret," Fornell replied sarcastically.

Jet chuckled ever so slightly. "You're just not used to see me like that."

"Like what? Happy? Come on, Gibbs, now that really makes me sick now. But whatever, I think I'm going to head out then. Wouldn't want to disturb you and Tony."

He stood up now and was already at the top of the stairs when Jet finally replied.

"You don't really have problem with that, do you?"

"What?" Tobias turned around, all serious. "Of course, I don't. It's good to see you like that, though I still don't get what the hell you're thinking screwing DiNozzo. But if it makes you happy, I'm happy."

Jet snorted and nodded at him and then, Fornell was out the door.

A/N: Let me know what you think! ;)