A/N: Happy New Year Folks! I hope you've all had a great holiday period & will enjoy your new year weekend! To my recent followers/favourites, welcome! So glad to have you with us! To my reviewers, thank you so much! Reading your thoughts keep me inspired, so keep them coming!

To my guest Reviewers:

Sue Dooley: Thanks very much, glad you like it!

None: Tim was blind to the flirting, and the chat between him & Gibbs, that would be interesting wouldn't it? But I think Kelly realised the flirting could happen even before the boys crossed paths, so she'd had time to consider it, this one there was no forewarning, so maybe that's why Tim didn't really pick up on it.

Momcat: glad I could give you a present of the chapter

CookieSprinkles: Hollis isn't that bad, she's just really stunned at all the new revelations.. she'll come good

Now, this is one meaty chapter, it's game time, but there will be a lot going on around the game itself, as we set up for some important stuff ahead.. kick off!

"So, what brings you all the way to Naples?" Mike prodded, he'd seen Gibbs reaction & knew the dots got connected.

"I'm here catching a few games, and yourself?" Miller replied a little wearily, the man that had yet to introduce himself was just staring at him.

"Oh you know, just watching a kid play for Napoli SC, a kid who'd amount to nothing, and not be able to score a goal even if he had 2 right feet" Mike answered curtly.

"I never said he'd amount to nothing, I said he needed to practice more, and I was right. He obviously started practicing more & now he's reaping the benefits" Miller retorted.

Mike raised the eyebrow "No, I'm pretty sure you said 'you're never going to go anywhere as you've got a left foot that can't shoot & your right is too piss weak to compensate' or have I recalled that training session incorrectly?"

Gibbs just eyed the man, the fact that he'd said this to his son was one thing, the fact that he'd said it to his then 12 year old son at the time, was unacceptable. He wanted a minute with him & wondered just what Mike was waiting for to do the introduction?

"If I spurred him on to try harder, I would say right now it is worth it, but if you gentlemen don't mind, I have a few phone calls I'd like to make before the game begins" Miller remarked

"Oh, where are my manners, I should introduce you" Mike smirked "Miller, this gentleman here is Leroy Jethro Gibbs, Phoenix's father" he finished with a sly grin.

Miller's eyes widened "Phoenix's father? He… …..died" he was sure that Phoenix's father had died.

"I recovered" Gibbs replied "so why don't we go back to Captain Bond's original question, why are you here, watching my son? A kid, who along with others in his team you thought nothing of"

Kelly looked to where to her dad & Mike had ventured & her eyes widened in shock "No way!" she looked at her mum "mum! It's Coach Miller! Anaaanndd Mike's introducing him to dad!" this could end badly, very badly!

Shannon's head snapped to where her husband had gone instantly, what on earth? What was he doing here? And what exactly were they speaking about? She about to head straight for them when they started to head back, but neither man looked right, something was off. She exchanged a worried look with her daughter & Jack "Jethro darling? What's the matter?" she asked concerned as he returned.

"Mikey?" Kelly asked concerned.

Gibbs & Mike shared a look, neither could believe what Miller had said.

Shannon was getting really concerned, she watched as both of them sat down "Jethro, what's the matter? You're worrying me, you both are!" she finished looking between the pair.

"Sit, all of you, trust me, you want to sit down for this" Gibbs said quietly

"He's right, you need to sit" Mike added

Shannon instantly sat down next to her husband, while Kelly leaned against the seats of the row in front, so that she was perched right in front of Mike.

"Miller's got a new job" Gibbs stated

"Which is?" Shannon prodded, this was not the kind of reaction she'd expected of him to Coach Miller.

"He….." Mike started but took a deep breath before he could say the next part "He works for U.S. Soccer"

Jack's eye's widened in surprise.

"He works for U.S. Soccer? Miller does?" Kelly asked, a man like him got that kind of position? She knew what U.S. Soccer was of course, it was the national body that governed soccer for the entire country!

"What does he do there?" Shannon prodded, she had to admit surprise at the news too.

Gibbs took a deep breath before answering "he's a scout for the youth teams"

Shannon wasn't quite sure what that meant, but she saw her daughter's eyes widen in utter shock.

Kelly was stunned "Holy crap!" she exclaimed.

"Yea, that's pretty much it" Mike said, she'd put the dots together & pretty much nailed how he was feeling.

"Can someone explain to me what that means?" Shannon asked, though she knew Jack was just was in the dark as she was.

Kelly heard the cheers of the crowd & saw the players come out to warm up, she saw her brother, they'd all risen as an automatic reaction "it means…" she started to say as she stared at her brother, really? Holy shit!?

"It's means our boy is being looked at for a possible call up to the US men's Olympic team Shan" Gibbs finished, he was gobsmacked! He just stared at his son, it a mix of shock & utter pride.

Shannon's eyes widened in utter shock "I beg your pardon?"

"Phoenix is being considered for the national Olympic team?" Jack asked stunned.

Gibbs was finally able to tear himself away from staring at his son, he turned to his wife & father "Miller said the federation knew of his move over here, because they receive all the paperwork for international transfers" he started to explain.

Kelly knew that, as her brother's lawyer & player agent, she'd seen some of the paperwork that had gone to the federal body.

"So he was on their radar, but they'd gotten wind of his rapid improvement, and heard that he'd made an appearance for the reserves already & was going to start the match today. And he said he was already in Europe to look at the various overseas players, he made a last minute change to his itinerary in order to come & watch him" Gibbs finished.

Shannon just stared at her husband, she had no idea what to say, she shifted her gaze and stared at her son as he went through the warm up, she flashed a look across to Miller, who was now sitting there with a folder out & making notes "he could play for his country?" she whispered into her husband.

Gibbs nodded "he's a chance for it at least"

Jack was still confused, although mighty proud "you said youth scout though?"

"The Olympic squad is an under 23 side gramps, so, oh crap, he's the perfect age for Rio 2016!" Kelly explained & then realised, her brother would be the perfect age for the Olympic team for the next Olympic games, he'd be 23 right at the perfect time, what on earth? Seriously?

"The Olympic squads are seen as a kind of transition to aid the players move between the youth squads of under 17's & under 20's teams to the full international sides" Mike added, he was seriously stunned.

"Hey" Tim greeted, he was glad they'd gotten their on time, he was greeted with 5 sets of eyes that all looked at him stunned "what's wrong?"

Kelly shared a look with her family & Mike "Hi, ahh, nothing's wrong as such"

"So?" Tim enquired, he wasn't sure what was going on, but there was something.

Kelly sat down & brought him with her, she had Mike on her other side "We just found out that, that well, Nix is a shot at playing for the U.S. Olympic team, so we're all a little stunned"

"A little?" Mike retorted, it was more than just a little.

"A lot" Kelly agreed

Tim's eyes widened in shock "what do you mean?"

Kelly explained what they'd just learnt.

Tim took it all in, as all the eyes remained on him, he couldn't believe what he was hearing "how good a chance is this?"

Kelly shared a look with Mike "he's a chance, what do you think?" out of all of them, Mike probably had the best idea, he was a keen follower of U.S. Soccer teams.

Mike could feel everyone's eyes on him "well, I'd say they're reasonable, so long as he keeps going the way he is & plays regularly for the reserves. Being a player at a good overseas club, yea, they're definitely reasonable and I can't believe I'm going to say this, but I should have seen this coming."

"You're serious Mikey?" Shannon asked, could this really be happening?

Mike nodded "yea I am, in his age bracket, being at such a big club, is a major boost to his chances to landing a spot in the team USA squad." He couldn't believe he hadn't seen this coming, but he then considered something "Miller better not let pre-conceptions of Nix from before get in the way now"

Gibbs's eyes widened & then narrowed as they looked over to Miller "he better not!"

Shannon took a breath "I don't think he will" she'd seen that Miller had given them fleeting looks, but was trying to concentrate "let's just leave him be" she remarked, feeling her husbands desire to go over & make a point to not allow Mike's verbalised fear to turn into reality, she'd go over a little later on.

As they got ready for the start of the match, Gibbs saw that Col Marks, Commander Brine, their families along with Jonas, Donnelly & Dyson, all with their friends/family were all in their allotted seats around his family, he leaned into his wife "should we tell him about Miller?"

"Decide after the game?" Shannon suggested, she wasn't sure how her son would take the news, especially given who was here to watch his efforts.

Gibbs nodded in agreement, he was sitting between his wife & dad, he could see how tense he was "you ok dad?"

"Just a little surreal son, and with that added news, I guess it's a little overwhelming" Jack replied, he was feeling overwhelmed right now, this was a magnificent stadium & now knowing his grandson was going to possibly be able to represent his country, that was just too much.

"Just a little" Gibbs agreed "why don't you have something to drink dad?" he suggested passing him a drink they'd just bought.

Mike surveyed the opposition, it was the Roma reserves, so he knew they were a decent team, but as the players took their spots he honed in on the defenders that would be going up against Nix, they were solid, but "He's got half a foot on one of the central defenders & the other two I reckon are just shy of his height, he can use that"

"Yea, but because they're lining up to play 3 at the back, that'll crowd the midfield & make it difficult for him to link up with the rest of his team, even with Nix having 2 high line attaching midfield players supporting him" Kelly countered

Mike shook his head "The attacking mid's can stretch them wide & that'll give Nix room, or Nix stretches them with one & the other can get a clear path"

"Maybe, when we played Roma away, they won, 5-1" Kelly remarked.

"Ouch" Mike replied.

Shannon's fingers were interlocked with her husband, this game had meaning already, but now, it mattered a whole lot more "I'm nervous" she whispered.

Gibbs smiled, he put an arm around her & drew her in close "me too, he'll be fine. I'm sure he's focused, he looks ready, let's just enjoy today for what it is, and tomorrow will be what it is, huh?"

Shannon nodded "you're right" she turned to her other-side where she had Mike sitting "so Mikey?"

"Never thought I'd go from side-line u12's to this" Mike replied with a smile

"You & me both" Shannon smiled as she patted his leg "I'm glad you're here for it"

"Me too, me too" Mike smiled, he looked towards the pitch, here came kick-off, he saw that it was Napoli that won the toss & Nix was over the ball, he smirked "you know, he does look good in sky blue" he chuckled.

Kelly smirked "don't repeat that around him" she turned towards Tim and leaned into him "this is insane, but I'm glad you made it" he'd come straight from the office & she knew he was torn.

"Wouldn't have missed it Kells, not for anything, I'm always here for you" Tim replied, as he threaded his fingers through hers.

Jack was watching it start to unfold & this was most definitely a step up from the last match he'd seen his grandson play, while the pace wasn't lightning speed, the players seemed so much more skilled.

Gibbs had to admit, watching this game was something else entirely & not that he'd admit it, but having Mike there with his commentary, was actually pretty good. He saw things in the game, in the players, that he just couldn't see, it was giving me a new understanding of the game, much like what happened when he watched matches with his son.

"The wingbacks aren't getting forward in support enough, they need to push up" Mike said frustrated.

"They aren't pushing up because they've got to deal with the crowded Roma midfield, they can't get through" Kelly countered.

Mike shook his head "just because the opposition has a crowded midfield doesn't mean one of the wingbacks can't find a way through, the central defenders have to help them out, as does the holding midfielder & the attacking mids are not acting like they actually know how to attach!"

Tim knew that while he definitely understood the game a lot more, he had nothing on Mike, and he was kind of jealous again about that, the two of them were discussing the game on a level he just couldn't do. He rose slightly as Napoli got close to the goal, damn he thought as the ball went over the bar.

"He hasn't seen the ball at all" Shannon remarked, it was the 15th minute, and her son had barely touched the ball.

"Because the midfielders aren't doing their jobs" Mike remarked "Nix will have to come & get the ball, if they don't pull their fingers out of the arses!" he huffed, he saw the midfielders loose the ball yet again "for fu.." he started to say.

Kelly flashed a look to Mike, and knowing what he was going to say quickly covered his mouth, with a stern look.

Mike wasn't sure why she'd done that until..

"Lucky Mikey, very lucky" Shannon said with a raised eyebrow.

Mike flashed a look back to Kelly with a semi-questioning look, he had a hunch but wanted to check.

"You got spare cash on you for the jar?" Kelly whispered with a smirk.

Mike gave her a sly grin, he thought so, he dug his wallet out & pulled out €100 & held it out "I know I can't keep my mouth in check, so there you go Mrs G, and I apologise in advance"

Brine & Marks were sitting right behind Mike & had noticed this exchange, both raised their eyebrows at Mike's remark, not to mention the amount of money that had passed hands & wondered what her reply would be.

Shannon flashed a look down to the money & then back up to him "if your mouth goes the same way the last game did, this is a down payment Michael"

Mike grinned "I'm sure this one'll be nicer on the ears, that game was horrendous!" for Nix's 12th birthday, they'd gone & seen the US play against Mexico when they visited Austin, and Team USA had played like complete crap!

"Here's hoping" Shannon replied "because while I enjoy your commentary, I prefer the language to be clean cut mister"

Marks shared a look with Brine, but leaned down & spoke quietly, but firmly "as do I Captain, we have our families present, so keep it clean"

Kelly heard the comment of Marks & watched as Mike swallowed & nodded in affirmation, she pressed her lips together to prevent the smile from forming. She knew he really let loose during games, he was a passionate spectator to say the least. Now though, he'll really need to watch his tongue "chips Mikey?" she offered, figuring it was best to keep his mouth busy.

"He's got the ball" Tim noted

"That cause he got fed up of waiting for the midfielders & he's come to get the ball himself. He's well into his own half, a striker should never have to come that deep to get the ball" Mike retorted, he watched though as Nix made it through 2 players & was now in the opposition half, come on!

Gibbs watched as he made it past a third player but he then lashed a shot towards goal. He knew why he did it, because he had no further options, none of his teammates had managed to get up the field to help him and the shot did come close, but it was a clear shot out of frustration. He couldn't say he didn't understand the frustration he was obviously feeling, but he needed to settle down.

"He's frustrated" Shannon commented into her husband quietly, as she watched him, for what she thought was the fourth time he collect the ball himself & try to make it all the way up field on his own, before lashing a shot towards goal. So far Napoli had made 6 shots on the opposition's goal, and they'd all been by her son.

Gibbs nodded "I know, because the rest of team seem to have forgotten how to play" he'd never seen the team act like this, they seriously needed to get their collective butts moving! He considered going down there & giving them a right good marine blasting, but he saw that the coach was already doing that, he was glad!

Kelly couldn't say it was the best half of football she'd watched, especially one in which her brother had played, she was just amazed that Roma had only scored one so far. He'd tried to do it all himself, his teammates either couldn't get past the opposition, or they just didn't try. This wasn't the best match for a scout to be watching. She just hoped that the coach got things sorted at half time & got her brother some help out there.

Shannon was returning from the bathroom when she saw Mike standing near the tunnel entry to the seating area, he'd just hung up his phone, there was something not right, she approached "Mikey, are you ok?"

Mike looked up "Fine Mrs G, was just speaking with my brother, he can be a little annoying is all"

Shannon smirked "yes well, you boys always tend to show affection through more, shall I say, manly avenues" she took a breath "but which brother are you talking about right now?" there were 4 of them.

"Marcus" Mike replied, he really didn't want to get into this discussion, especially right now "I'm going to grab another drink, can I get anything for anyone?"

"Nice try Michael" Shannon remarked "but you should know that I don't like diversions, what's going on?"

Mike sighed, he should have known "just some tension in the family is all, we're trying to work through it"

"This is why you're not going to Austin for Christmas but Florida, yes?" Shannon asked as they headed back out to the stadium seats, but she didn't go back to the group, she kept a distance so they could have some privacy.

"That & Myles is now based down there, his wife is expecting their first child" Mike replied

Shannon gave a small smile "Myles settled down first?" she was surprised at that, out of all the Bond boys, she would not have thought Myles would be the first one to settle.

Mike had to chuckle "yea, we were just as surprised, but she's a really great girl"

"So what's got you boys in a knot?" Shannon pressed

Mike really didn't want to answer that question and was glad when he saw the players come back out "looks like the second half is about to start, we should go sit back down"

"Very well, but this discussion isn't over Michael Bond" Shannon remarked, looking him squarely in the eye.

"I know" Mike replied, while he was very touched that she still cared so much about him & his family, this topic would not be one he wanted to share with her, at all!

Gibbs allowed the pair to pass him & he retook his seat "all ok?"

Shannon smiled "yes, Mike's just having issues with his brothers & he's being stubborn & not telling me what's wrong"

Gibbs raised his eyebrow, he looked around his wife to Mike who was now trying his best to be engrossed in conversation with his daughter, clearly not wanting to get drawn back into whatever the conversation was about.

Brine & Marks were in deep conversation when they saw Gibbs re-take his seat & Brine leaned down "restaurant is booked, as is the entertainment" he said quietly into his ear.

Gibbs looked up at the pair & grinned "excellent!"

"What's that gleeful look for?" Shannon asked curiously.

"Just something we were talking about at our management meeting" Gibbs replied

Shannon eyed him "that look, there is more to it"

"There's definitely more to it, Shannon" Gail remarked looking at her husband "what did you lot discuss at that meeting?" all three men had grins like cheesier cats.

Brine looked at his wife "work related matters dear, we always keep it to strictly business" he finished with a smile.

"Yes, yes you do and if I believed that then I believe that our son will one day do his chores without a single prod" Gail retorted.

"Don't smirk at that Ian" Maggie remarked eyeing her husband "you three may act all tough as nails with your underlings, but away from prying eyes, you three are…." She really didn't even have words for it

"Maggie, I believe the words you are looking for are immature, and prank obsessed" Shannon remarked, she liked these ladies, they didn't take the bull that their husbands tried to feed them either "I always thought that you & Ted were the biggest contenders in the prank realm, but alas no" Ted was good in that respect, but so were Ian & Harmon.

"I'm looking forward to meeting Taylor, sounds like our kinda guy" Marks smirked.

"I've already warned him about you two" Gibbs chuckled.

"Excuse me!" Kelly remarked loudly at them all "the game has restarted! And thankfully, the coach has made 2 changes & it looks like Nix might actually get some help! Can we not focus! This is a fairly important half of football for Phoenix, pay attention!" she finished crossly.

Shannon & Gibbs both raised their eyebrows at their daughter, but smiled as they nodded, they really should have been paying better attention.

"I'd hate to ever get cross examined by Kelly" Brine whispered to Marks.

"I'd hate to try to get her to do anything she doesn't want to do" Marks retorted.

Kelly heard the remarks & smirked, but she was in the middle of a conversation with Mike "yea, so 17 is an attacking midfielder and 24 is a defensive midfielder. I've seen them train with Nix, they've got a good understanding developing"

"Good, maybe they can do something then, cause that first half was shit!" Mike remarked.

"Wont disagree" Kelly replied

Tim was watching & noticed something, it was 6 minutes into the new half "he hasn't come into the Napoli half at all"

"The coach has probably told him not to, Nix dropping back as deep as he was, was leaving no one up front. The coach bringing in two new midfielder players to fix the issues from the first half will hopefully mean Nix can do his actual job up front" Mike remarked, and he saw just that, the new players had combined & fed Nix the ball in a very good area, he saw Nix turn & shoot "Damn!" it was a great shot, but the keeper pulled off an equally great save.

Gibbs winced, annoyed the keeper managed to get to the ball, come on son! he thought. But the save turned the ball out for a corner kick, and this was good, his son loved these.

Mike looked at how the players were lining up for the corner kick "you have got to be kidding, the defender they've assigned to mark Nix is a head shorter! That's just stupid! if he can't get over his man, I'm taking him for a work out!"

Kelly looked at what Mike was talking about & he was right, the guy was definitely shorter "feel free" she offered, she knew exactly what kind of work out he had in mind.

Gibbs shared a look with his wife not quite sure what to make of Mike's comments "should we be worried?""

Shannon just smiled "no darling, Mike just knows that Nix can take his opponent, so he wants him to show his talent" she knew that Mike knew what Nix could and couldn't do, so he wanted him to prove it, probably right now in front of Miller, he wanted him to show it more than ever.

Gibbs watched as the corner kick was taken, he saw his son try to evade his opponent, he then rose to meet the ball andd "Yeeeaaaa!" he exclaimed

"Yeess! WOOOHOOOO!" Mike yelled, fisting the air.

"WOOHOOO!" Kelly yelled as she jumped up

"Yeaaa!" Tim exclaimed as he clapped in triumph!

Shannon just beamed as she watched her son celebrate his very first goal for Napoli, he'd rose higher than his opponent & headed the ball straight into the top corner, leaving the keeper no chance. The joy on his face was undeniable, he was ecstatic. She leaned into her husband "he did it, his first goal, in his first game"

Gibbs took hold of her & smiled "yea, he did, things are going to change" yet again he thought "look at that grin, we wont be able to wipe it off for a week" he smiled as he waved down to his grinning boy who had just waved up to them.

"Wouldn't want to wipe it away" Shannon smiled as she too waved down to her boy.

Mike noticed that everyone around them had cheered just like he had, he was ecstatic. He pulled Kelly into his side "that's showing Miller" he smirked "hope he's regretting how he treated Nix back then & if he doesn't…."

"Don't even go there" Kelly remarked, making sure to keep firm hold of him, she cast her eyes though over to Miller & saw he was busy writing notes, but she could see that there might be a small smile, maybe, maybe not, but she hoped so!

Mike flashed a look up to Miller "there's still time to rub salt in the wounds" he finished flashing a look to Gibbs, who was also eyeing Miller.

"He's learning a very valuable lesson today" Gibbs smirked as he watched Miller write in notepad "don't ever underestimate a Gibbs"

"Hoorah!" Mike remarked.

Tim was feeling again a little out of it, with Mike in the middle of the family & a wealth of football knowledge, and now it seemed the marine camaraderie was taking shape, he wasn't really part of the discussion. He'd celebrated with Jonas & those on his other side.

"You know if his head grows because of this, I think a little virus to commandeer his Facebook is in order, wanna help?" Kelly asked as she leaned into him.

Tim grinned, Nix's ego would definitely get taken up a notch "sure" he replied kissing her head "we'll do it from work, harder for him to trace back to us" he finished with a grin.

Kelly grinned "now you're talking" she settled into his side as they continued to watch the game.

Tim felt more comfortable with Kelly in his side, but he remembered something, he needed to update the office! He grabbed his phone & texted Shaz "2nd half started – Napoli is now 1 -1 with Roma annnndddd Nix scored! With a header!"

Shaz was knee deep in some background work when her phone went off, hoping it was another update from Tim, she smiled when she saw it was & then her eyes widened as she read it, WOW! She jumped up "Napoli are now tying 1 – 1 with Roma, Nix scored! A Header!" she exclaimed to everyone in the bullpen

A collective cheer went around the bullpen.

Tristan smiled, she saw people high fiving each other & still cheering "we're all proud of Phoenix, but back to work! We'll wait for the next update, no distractions!" she called loudly, but not sternly. She turned back to Hollis "sorry about that, we're just all a little happy"

"What just happened?" Tony asked coming out of the bathroom, he'd heard a cheer or something.

"Phoenix just levelled the scoring with Roma, with a header" Tristan answered

"Phoenix scored?" Tony asked

"Yes Tony, he scored" Tristan smiled

Tony grinned "Yea! Next stop San Siro!"

"Don't get ahead of yourself" Tristan warned "Agent Le Salle should be getting back to his office soon, why don't you go hook up with him & see what he's managed to find"

"Yes ma'am" Tony nodded with a smile "next stop San Siro, next stop San Siro" he hummed as he walked away.

"San Siro?" Hollis enquired

Tristan turned "The Napoli 1st team are playing Inter Milan next week, the biggest club at the biggest stadium in the league. And some people think that depending on how Nix goes today, he may, may be a chance for the bench, but that's a very big if" she answered, she honestly couldn't see it from happening.

"You're all very much on this bandwagon" Hollis noted, she'd rarely seen such reactions from this many colleagues for such a thing.

"Not a bandwagon, we're a family here in Naples, and Gibbs and his family are key part of the family. So we've gone with Phoenix on his football odyssey. If we could, we'd all be there today, but we can't. It's the same with a lot of dependants, Kruse's son is currently attending a very prestigious art school in Florence, and my daughter is currently attending a culinary school there, and while it's a few hours away, when they have an exhibition, guest dinner option or even a simple open day, there is a solid group that goes to support. Same goes for the ones closer to base. We support each other, as we know how important it is" Tristan explained, it was thing she really enjoyed about this group & the arrival of Gibbs and his family had only added to the family feeling the Naples NCIS office had.

Hollis nodded "fair enough, could I trouble you for a private word?" maybe she'd get some details from Tristan

"Mum! Dad!" Nix exclaimed as he came barrelling out of the player exit.

Gibbs grinned, the grin on his son's face was ever present he went into an instant hug with him "Great game bud! So proud of you son" he finished a little quieter into his son's ear as he & his wife had him in a firm hug "so proud"

Shannon just beamed "what a great match darling" she commented as she too had hold of her son "so proud of you my darling"

"Thanks" Nix replied, he came out of the hug with his mum & dad & grinned at his sister.

Kelly just smirked "will your head fit into the car?"

Nix cocked his head "you're right, I need to drive the convertible, keys please" he grinned, the BMW they got was a convertible.

"Nope" Kelly just shook her head but then grinned as she launched into a hug.

Shannon & Gibbs shared a smile as the pair put aside their antics and embraced in a loving hug.

Kelly & Nix just smiled as they pulled out of their hug, both knowing no words were needed. Nix knew she was proud & Kelly knew he knew she was proud.

"That was some game Nix pal" Jack smiled

Nix smiled at his grandfather "thanks gramps, it certainly had everything in it" he finished giving him a quick hug.

"Great game Nix" Tim smiled as he patted his back

"Thanks" Nix smiled.

"I'd just like to point out that you missed a header in the 82 minute" Mike smirked.

Nix eyed him "I nailed one & set one up thank you very much" he smirked broadly.

"Yea you did" Mike nodded "but ya could've had 2 goals & an assist" he finished with an equally big smirk back.

"Yea well, one goal, one assist and basically carrying the side for the entire first half seemed to please the trainers enough, I got man-of the match" Nix finished with a toothy grin.

"Well then congrats, a man of the match performance is good counter for growing a bald patch from all those headers you attempted" Mike said with a sly grin.

Nix's grin dropped from his face "What!?" he exclaimed "I don't have a bald batch! I need a mirror"

Mike could see the various faces smile & he leaned into Kelly "think his head will fit into the car now" he whispered

Kelly laughed "yupp!"

Shannon covered her mouth to stop the smile from showing, Mike was always so good at bringing others down a few pegs and knew this banter was just him having some fun, but her son looked worried "you don't have a bald patch darling, relax" she finished with a sliding glance to Mike.

Nix took a deep breath & looked at the now smirking Mike "arse!" he laughed giving Mike a right good push to the shoulder.

Mike laughed "you're too easy to rile" he said as brought Nix into a bear hug "bloody effing brilliant squirt!" he commended as he lifted Nix off the ground.

"Told ya I'd make an impact" Nix grinned as he gripped Mike just as hard "thanks" he said in a whisper to a guy who was basically his older brother.

Mike put him down & ruffled his hair "yea, you did & good for you"

Shannon smiled, they really did have a brotherly bond "Well then, you lot off to the base club or…" she knew her kids and Mike were going to go somewhere to blow off the steam after the match, and the plans last she heard was the base club.

"Actually, Migel said there's a new VIP club down at the port, thought we could check it out." Nix interjected.

"Sounds good to me" Kelly remarked, a new club was always something she enjoyed checking out! And she had to admit, her brothers ability to get them into VIP places was great!

"Does this club do food though? Because you need to eat darling" Shannon asked, he needed to eat something after using all that energy for the match.

"It's right above the steak place, so we can grab a bite to eat & then hit the club" Nix answered.

"Thought you were going to go to the base club and grab the meal with mum & your grandfather" Gibbs remarked, he couldn't put his finger on it, but with everything that was going on, he just felt more at ease with them being on base.

"Oh" Nix remarked, the guys had totally talked up the club that he'd jumped on the chance, completely forgetting the family plans he'd agreed to.

Shannon could see he was now feeling torn "it's alright darling, you go & have we'll do breakfast tomorrow"

"You sure?" Nix asked

"Yes, you go & check the new place out & celebrate a great game" Shannon smiled

Gibbs wasn't liking it, but he didn't know why, he just had a gut feel that it wasn't ideal, but the look on his kids faces said that clearly wanted to check it out "McGee, you go too & grab Jonas & Andrews too, make it a group thing" he didn't want to disappoint his kids, so he'd send a group with them & he knew Tim, Jonas & Lt Andrews, were all dressed well enough to get into the place.

Tim looked at Gibbs surprised & could tell he wasn't alone in the surprise factor "you sure boss?"

"Jethro?" Shannon enquired

"Just want you lot in a group, call it me being cautious" Gibbs answered her

Shannon wasn't quite sure what to make of that response, she pulled him a little away from the group "darling, what is it?"

"I don't know" Gibbs shook his head gently "I've just got a funny feeling is all, maybe its all this stuff with Patricia that's got me unsettled, I'd just feel more comfortable if they went with a few others"

"Well, there's a lot on your plate at the moment, its probably got you wound tighter than normal" Shannon gave him a sad smile "so ok, if that's what would make you feel better"

Gibbs bided his kids farewell, and as he walked back to their car with his wife & dad, he cast his eyes back to his kids, who were heading to their own cars, along with Tim, Mike, Lt Andrews, Jonas & two others, Jonas's girlfriend Ensign Evans & Andrews mate Lt Carter. He was glad there was group and that the rest of the group knew they had to keep their eyes open, but his gut was still unsettled, he'd much preferred that they'd gone back to base. But his wife was probably right, he was wound tight, they'd be fine & then in the morning enjoy a nice breakfast at the local café.

A/N: what a match! There was certainly a lot going on, on the field & off it! Nix is being considered for national duty, Mike's having family issues, and the men are clearly up to something but could Gibbs gut be churning from something other than whats going on with Patricia? Will all be ok?

You know I love to hear your thoughts, so review away, more up soon & we're about to start to really get into this, action is fast approaching!