Gibbs went to his basement. He remembered that he had a baby dan there somewhere. He didn't want that one of the kids falling down the stairs again.
Once he found it, he did not only found one but two of them he went to the living room and put one down the stairs and one upstairs. So once the kids were awake they couldn't get downstairs without an adult supervisor or upstairs. When he was done he went to the kitchen to get some coffee.
———————
Upstairs it wasn't as peaceful as it should be.
"Hmmhm, no please no," Tony's was tossing and turning in his sleep. Which was what woke Tim up.
Tim looked at Tony and saw that he had a nightmare. He went to Tony's bed and tried to comfort him. But when Tim's lays a hand on his shoulder Tony shouts and begins to fight. Tim looked at Tony in shock and walked to the hallway to get Gibbs. But he couldn't get downstairs because there was a baby dan that wasn't there before. Why was that there Tim thought. He needed to get downstairs.
"GIBBS HELP YOU NEED TO COME QUICK." Tim shouts frustrated.
Gibbs and Ducky look at each other when they heard Tim shouting.
"What's wrong Tim?" Gibbs asked as he kneels down in the front of Tim when he came upstairs.
"It's Tony, I tried to help him but he wouldn't let me." Tim said sniffing.
"It's okay buddy you called me, you did good" Gibbs said as he puts a hand on Tim shoulder.
Tim nodded that he understood.
Gibbs then walks to the boys bedroom. Tony was whimpering he was haunted by a nightmare of his abuse childhood.
"Tony come on buddy you need to wake up. You are safe here Tony." Gibbs begins to say to him as he kneels down by his bed.
"I tried to comfort him to put my hand on his shoulder but then he started to fight me" Tim said sniffing. He was standing in the doorway. Keeping his distance. He tried to be brave but Tony scared him. He didn't know what to do.
"It's okay Tim you did good remember" Gibbs put Tony in his arms and tried to comfort him, hugging him. "You're safe Tony, it's okay, it's just a nightmare, I will protect you" Gibbs keeps saying.
Tony first starts to fight him but as Gibbs cradle and rocks him he starts to calm down and begins to wake up.
Tony openend his eyes. He remembered the horrible nightmare and then he saw Gibbs his rock. He felt safe. Tony hugged Gibbs and lays his head on his shoulder.
"Hey, you okay now? You gave Tim quite a scare".
"I'm okay now. Is Tim Okey?" Tony asked softly.
"See for yourself, come here Tim it's okay" Gibbs said as he took Tim's hand to pull him closer.
"Hey Tony are you okay now?" Tim asked nervously.
"I'm okay Tim thank you" Tony replies tiredly and seeking for more comfort in Gibbs arms.
"Well now that you're both awake and everything calms down why don't we go downstairs." Gibbs said. He tried to put Tony down but Tony wouldn't let go. So Gibbs kept Tony in his arms and took Tim's hand in his as he walks downstairs.
"Ah Jethro is everything okay? I see the boys are awake" Ducky said as they walked to the living room.
"Yeah everything is fine Ducky just a nightmare"
"Why don't you two go watch the movie Kate is watching. I think you like this movie. It's called Shrek. Do you know it? It has just begun." Ducky said.
Tim let go of Jethro's hand and walked to the couch.
Tony tiredly shook is head no and laid his head on Gibbs shoulder and snuggles dieper into his chest.
Ducky smiled at the sight. He went to the kitchen to get some coffee for Gibbs and himself.
When they sat down at the table, Gibbs with the now fast asleep Tony in arms he told Ducky what happened upstairs.
"I'm afraid this will not be last time he has a nightmare Jethro'." Ducky said kindly as he runs a hand through Tony's hair. "It's good to know that that man can't hurt him anymore. He is in good hands. And look how peaceful he is sleeping in your arms. He knows he is safe."
"I know Ducky. But when I see the hurt in his eyes I can't stop the feeling to trace that man down and put him behind bars."
"You can't forget Jethro he is a grown up in real life. He is not a kid anymore even if he looks like it for now. It's his call to make. I'm sure he has his reasons."
"I'm sure he has but I'm not sure his reason is made out of a grown ups mind. He was, is just so little and young." Gibbs said softly.
"We can't know for sure till then Jethro'." Ducky said and gave Gibbs a comfort look. "Let me look at his scars on his back for now. I'm sure it will be easier this ways."
Gibbs lifts Tony's shirt up for Ducky to see his back.
"Remarkable, how's this even possible?"Ducky said.
"What is remarkable Ducky?"
"The scars are gone Jethro. Look there is nothing".
"How is that even possible? Some were still fresh."
"I don't know Jethro I know as much as you do at the moment. Maybe Abby will know more. I..." Ducky begins to say when Gibbs interrupts.
"Abby! She should know something by now! Why hasn't she called yet?"
"I'm sure the dear girl..."
"Will know something. Here hold Tony for a minute will you. He probably should wake up soon or he doesn't sleep at night" With that said. Ducky holds Tony in his arms while Gibbs made the phone call to Abby in his basement.
Ducky looked at the peaceful sleeping child in his arms. "Hmm I believe young Anthony, Jethro's parental feelings are back again."
10 minutes later Tony starts to wake up. "Ah my dear boy you're awake. How was your sleep?"
Tony looked confused at Ducky. " I slept fine Ducky where is Gibbs?" Tony asked as he now sat on Ducky's lap.
"Making a phone call to Abby in the basement he should come up any minute now. Why don't you go to the living room and watch the movie with Caitlin and Timothy. I will bring you all something to drink". Tony nodded and walked to the couch.
After the movie Ducky called Tim to the kitchen. "You need to take your asthma inhaler my dear boy."
"But I was playing a game Ducky!"
"You will be done in a minute Timothy then you can return to your game."
"But.." Tim tried to argue.
"Do what he says Tim." Gibbs said as he came out of the basement.
Tim sighs. "Fine" and he took the medicine from Ducky.
"Good boy now lose the attitude or we have a little talk" Gibbs said.
Tim knew what Gibbs meant. But didn't want to find out if it was true what he thought Gibbs meant.
"I think I'm good for now" Tim said smiling. And returned to the living room where the kids were playing a game.
"What did Abby say?" Ducky asks.
"It looks like there was some kind of liquid in that explosive. The molecules in the liquid seems to be changing. First it rejuvenate but then the molecule change quickly. We don't know what we are dealing with. Abby also saw the same process in the blood samples." Gibbs said tiredly. God he needed coffee.
"NO SHE IS MINE!" They suddenly heard Kate yell.
"WHY NOT? IT WILL BE FUN KATIE" Tony said.
"Don't call me Katie" Kate said angry.
"What is going on in here?" Gibbs asked when he appears in the living room.
When no one answers Gibbs asked the person who didn't know who's side he was on.
"Tim what happened?"
"We wanted to throw the dolls over the couch and look who's doll would landed the best but Kate didn't want to throw her doll."
"Because she is mine" Kate said angry.
"They are not yours. Ducky has bought them together with the other games" Tony said.
Well looks like Tony is like his old self again.
"The toys are for you all. But I think he bought specific toys for each of you don't you think. Sport toys for you Tony', computer game for Tim and the dolls are for Kate."
"You see they are mine" Kate said sticking her tongue out to the boys.
"You right sweetheart but next time don't yell but talk or come to me. No need to be rude" Gibbs said as he holds Kate in his arms and tickled her.
"Hahaha okay I will come to you Hahah stop Gibbs it tickles" Kate said smiling.
"Good then the message has received" Gibbs said smiling and put Kate down.
"Now go play nicely with each other or go play alone with your toys. Understood?" Gibbs said sternly.
"Understood" the kids said.
—————————————————————
The front door opened and Abby stepped inside. She was running a test in her lab but she wouldn't know anything till the next morning. So she decided to go to Gibbs house and see the kiddies.
"Hey guys, how are my sweet ducklings?" Abby asked while hugging each child.
"Fine Abby, do you wanne play with us?" Tim asked.
"Maybe later Timmy. I'm so hungry I can't even think anymore."
"ah Abigail it's a good thing your here then. Dinner is just about ready" Ducky said as he hugs Abby.
"What's that on that chair?" Tony asked once they walked into the kitchen.
"It's for you and Tim so you can sit better at the table." Gibbs said and lifts Tony up and sat him down on the chair with the cushion on it. Ducky did the same with Tim.
"I sat just fine without the cushion you know." Tony said with his arms crossed. He hates to be to little.
"I know, and now you can sit fine on that cushion, now eat." Gibbs said as he puts a bord in the front of him. Tony glared at Gibbs but begins to eat.
Kate sniggers. "Boys always will be baby's" she said quietly. But Tim and Abby heard her. Tim felt ashamed.
"I know Tony needs the cushion but I don't need it. I'm older than him!. And you don't need to cut my food Ducky. I'm old and big enough!" Tim said angry.
"What you mean Tony..." Tony begins to say.
"Leave it Tony'. Eat your food. I think Tim and I need a little conversation. Excuse us." Gibbs said.
"No I don't need that I ..." Tim stutters.
Gibbs picked Tim up from his chair and walks to the boys bedroom for some privacy.
Gibbs sat Tim on his bed and begins to have his talk. "Tim I know it hasn't be easy for you but I warned you several times today have I not? This attitude and rudeness has to stop now. You are 6 years old so that means you need help. Accept that fact. That temper tantrum in the kitchen was not necessary. Now that said, I gonna give you a spanking and then you gonna think about your attitude. When you're ready you can come downstairs and apologize to Ducky am I clear?"
Tim looked at Gibbs, a spanking. He hadn't thought about that. His father had given him spankings when he had a temper tantrum. So Gibbs had a point. He was rude to Ducky.
" I understand sir" Tim looks down at his knees.
Gibbs put two fingers under Tim's chin and lift it up to look in his eyes. "I'm not your father Tim. It's only a spanking and don't call me sir."
" I know Gibbs I want to apologize to Ducky. I was rude."
"I'm glad you see that now." Gibbs said smiling. "Well let's get this over with. On my lap."
After the spanking Tim was crying. Gibbs was hugging him and tried to comfort him. "It's all over now buddy. It's okay."
"I'm sorry Gibbs it won't happen again" Tim said sniffing.
"Don't make promises you can't keep. You're still a kid Tim. You make mistakes. So do I. Just think about this spanking the next time." Gibbs said and tickles him.
Tim laughed. "What you say we go downstairs so you can apologize to Ducky and we can finish our meal." Gibbs said.
Tim nodded.
"Ducky I want to apologize for my attitude. It was mean. It won't happen again." Tim said in the kitchen. Everybody was already finished with their meal. Kate and Abby were in the living room doing some girl stuff. Only Tony and Ducky were still in the kitchen.
"Apology accepted my dear boy." Ducky said smiling. "Come sit down I will heat your meals up. You too Jethro."
Tim sat carefully. His butt was sore from his little conversation upstairs.
After they had eaten, Tony saw something.
"Why are you moving like that?" Tony asked Tim curiosity.
Tim sighs. He didn't want Tony to find out what Gibbs did to him. "I'm just trying to be careful" he answers.
"You sure? It looks like you are hurting. Maybe Ducky can help you he..." Tony stopped speaking suddenly and looked at Gibbs.
He gasps. "You hurt him!" Tony yells.
Abby and Kate came to the kitchen when they heard Tony's yell.
"He beat you. You promised to protect us and be safe and and ..." Tony was gasping for air as he tries to make a sentence. He was crying. He believed him, he trusted him.
Gibbs kneels down in the front of Tony but Tony withhold and stood in the front of Ducky. Ducky put a hand on his shoulder. One reason was to keep him there so they could explain but the other reason was so that Tony knew he was there for him. Abby had tears in her eyes. She didn't like the fearful look in Tony's eyes. And she never saw Gibbs looking like that. He's looking so sad.
Gibbs heart almost broke. Tony was scared of him. "Tony listen to me I didn't beat Tim. We went upstairs to have a talk and agreed that a spanking was the right punishment. I didn't beat him just a spanking. I would never hurt one of you. Believe me Tony."
Gibbs looked at Tim for help. He needed his family. Tony needs to hear from Tim that he didn't beat him.
"It's true Tony. Gibbs didn't beat me. He would never hurt me. He even hugged me after the spanking and comfort me. Listen to Gibbs Tony" Tim said as he also put a hand on Tony's shoulder.
Tony looked in Tim's eyes to see if he lied.
"You sure?"
"Of course silly. He is Gibbs he would do anything and everything for us if that keeps us safe"
Gibbs smiled at Tim's words.
"How could you even think that Tony?" Kate asked.
"I I... well.. I didn't.." Tony stuttered as tears start to fall. He accused the one man who protects him and felt safe with.
"It's okay Tony. Come here" Gibbs said kindly.
Tony runs into Gibbs arms and hugged him as if his life depends on it. "I'm sorry, I'm sorry, I didn't.." Tony kept saying.
"Shh it's okay Tony'. I'm not mad at you. It's okay." Gibbs keeps saying as he stands up with Tony in his arms. Hugging and comforting him as much as possible.
"How could he think that Abby? " Kate asked quietly. But Ducky also heard it.
"Caitlin I think it's time we have a talk. Come follow me to the living room please my dear." Ducky said. As Gibbs walked with Tony to the kitchen.
"Well Timmy why don't we go upstairs and play a game" Abby said. Tim nodded and followed Abby.
"Caitlin do you know what the word abuse and neglect means?" Duck asked Kate carefully.
"Yeah that you have been hurt and no one looks out for you, but Ducky I know Tony was abused and neglect. You told us remember? But how could he accused Gibbs of all people?" Kate asked.
"Caitlin when a child is abused, trust comes not as easily as it seems. And when he saw that Tim was hurting and Gibbs was the only one with him... The only logical thing for Tony to think was that he beats him. Tony only knows hurt when he had a beating from his father."
"And Gibbs was with Tim, didn't know what was happening and then he came downstairs and was hurting." Kate now realizing what Tony was seeing.
"Yes my dear. You understand Tony's reaction now Caitlin? He didn't meant it but he also can't help it." Ducky said kindly.
"I understand Ducky, I'm sorry. He must think I'm a horrible person." Kate said and hugged Ducky.
"Don't talk like that my dear. I'm sure he still loves you. Why don't we put a movie on Tony likes. I'm sure they will be here shortly and we can watch it together."
"I know a movie Tony likes" Kate said happily.
"You see my dear, you know what is good for him and what makes him happy. Now while you put the movie on, I will check on them and get us some drinks."
"Okey Ducky and thank you." Kate said before she starts looking for the movie. When she found it she yells for Abby and Tim to come downstairs. The baby dan was still there so she couldn't go upstairs to get them.
Tony snuggles his head deeper in Gibbs shoulder his hands were holding his shirt and wouldn't let go anytime soon.
"How are you both doing?" Ducky asked softly.
"We are fine Ducky. Everything is okay now. Isn't that right Tony's?" Tony nodded his head yes.
"How is Kate?"
"We had a little talk and she understands the situation now." Gibbs nodded. He was was glad Ducky was here to help. He didn't know what he would do if he was here alone.
"Kate found a movie to watch together. She said Tony would like it. What you say Anthony. Will you come sit down with us?" Ducky asked kindly.
Tony looked at Ducky when he said movie, he loves movies but he didn't want to let go of Gibbs. He looks up at Gibbs and Gibbs understood. "I will be with you Tony" Gibbs said.
"Very well then why don't you sit down on the couch, I will get the drinks."
Tim, Abby and Kate were already on the couch. Gibbs sat down in one of the big chairs with Tony on his lap. Ducky gave everybody their drinks and sat down in the other chair. Kate then press play so they could watch the movie.
Tim was the first one to fell asleep. Kate and Abby soon followed. Tony tried to stay awake but finally also lost the battle.
Ducky smiled at the sight. They made it through the day. No one was hurt. Nothing major happened. And the kids were still alive. As sweet as they were, Ducky still hoped the test Abby was running would give more information and maybe there was an antidote. He felt eyes staring at him.
"What's on your mind Duck?" Gibbs asked softly.
"Just glad they are still alive and hoping that we soon have more information."
Gibbs nodded thoughtful.
"Cab you help me bring the kids upstairs?"
"Of course Jethro"
"Why don't you take Tony and I will get Tim and Kate."
"You sure Jethro?"
"Yeah he is the lightest and then you can sit with him for a moment so he isn't alone."
Ducky smiled warmly and brought Tony to his room and changed him in his pjs.
When Tim was upstairs he also changed him in his pjs.
Downstairs Gibbs woke Abby and told her she could sleep in the room Kate slept in.
Abby would change Kate's clothes, so Gibbs could help Ducky. Gibbs saw that Ducky had everything already under control and smiled. He put a nightkiss on the boys head and then they also decided that they should get some sleep.