A/N: I'mm baaacccckkk! Exams over, let winter break commence! Thank you for sticking with me! It's much appreciated :) To my recent followers/favourites, welcome aboard this wonderful ride! So glad you've found this story! This adventure isn't done yet!

I know you've been patiently waiting, so no more babbling let's get straight into it! Let's see how the family are doing…

Jack swallowed, he hadn't meant to interrupt them, but he was absolutely taken by how much this boy looked like his son, even with the hair, he rose & took a single step forward "hello there" he said gently.

Gibbs rested his hand on his daughters back, thinking his son would prefer to watch his sister go first, he rubbed her back "Kell, I know you remember gramps, yea?"

Kelly looked across to her grandfather, she did recognise him, he'd aged but yea it was him "hi" she said quietly.

Jack put on his best smile, my gosh! Look at her "My word you've certainly grown into a beautiful young lady Kelly darling"

"Thanks" Kelly blushed but she still didn't move from her dad's hold.

Jack could see that she was still too nervous to move from her father's hold, he could also see his son was trying to encourage her towards him "you stay with your father my dear, there'll be plenty of time for hugs, but I am going to steal a kiss from the fairest maiden of them all", he finished bending over and raising her hand to his lips he gave her a quick kiss.

Gibbs would have rolled his eyes at his father's antics, but he felt rather than saw his girl relax at his actions, so he was glad for it, he gave a smile down to his girl "guess gramps still knows how to treat a lady"

"It is not something a gentleman forgets" Jack smiled "nor does one forget a certain person's affinity for my cellar" he finished with a wink to his granddaughter.

Shannon smiled "oh yes, and I have no doubt that his one will like it just as much" she finished rubbing her son's back, she looked to him "Jack, this is your grandson Phoenix. Darling, this is your grandfather Jackson"

Jack couldn't help but eye the boy carefully, the similarities my word, but that hair! "It's a great pleasure meet you Phoenix, I see you were lucky enough to receive your mum's hair"

Nix was still gripping his mother, but curiosity had him concentrating hard on his grandfather "hi"

Shannon smiled at their introduction "Hello Jackson, it's good to see you" she hated herself for everything, and it was something she'd have to deal with later, but not now.

Jack smiled warmly "My dear, wonderful to see you" he replied giving her a quick kiss before drawing backwards.

"He remind you of someone dad?" Gibbs asked with a raised eyebrow.

"I must admit, yes, I think he looks like someone I've met before… but who could that be?"Jack finished with a sidewards glance to his son, who gave a wry smile.

"Mum says I'm like dad" Nix said quietly.

Jack nodded "hmmm, well, let's just see" he moved a few steps to his register & pulled out a box, rummaging around for a brief moment he pulled something out & handed it to his grandson "I'll let you be the judge"

Nix extended his hand slowly & took the offered the piece of paper, but when he took it he realised it was a photo, he looked down to it & ohh wow! His gaze went to his mum who was also looking at the photo "its dad?"

"I told you darling, you're his spitting image…. But between us, I'm glad you've got my hair " Shannon answered, finishing in a whisper.

Gibbs had moved him & his girl closer to them so they could see it too "you might have mum's hair, but that's my body you've got" he finished leaning into his boy, maybe this would help break some of the tension that had come to the fore.

Nix looked across to his dad & smiled, he just leaned over to rest his head on his shoulder, it was a little uncomfortable as he was still being held by his mum, but wanting to connect with his dad he didn't mind.

Gibbs moved himself to allow for an easier access by his boy & gave him a kiss on his head, he shared a smile with his wife "hair's only a small percentage" he smirked.

Shannon gave him a wry smile "I agree, one aspect is only a small percentage, while Kell may have your eyes & possibly your hair, the rest of her is all me!"

Kelly who was still encased into her dad let out a smile.

Gibbs let out a laugh "touché"

Jack had to chuckle, he had been beyond worried at their interactions, but he saw that both his son & Shannon were trying to diffuse the tension, just like he'd tried with the photo, he then had another thought "I hate to burst your bubbles, but red hair & blue eyes must be present on both sides in order to be passed on"

Ted saw both Gibbs & Shannon stare at Jack in both shock & amazement, but he couldn't help himself, he let out a laugh, leave it to Jack to put them both in their places! "Touché to you Jack"

Shannon shot a wry smile to Ted, but then the young man caught her attention, it couldn't be? "Harry?"

Harry was still standing under his father's shoulder, neither had wanted to separate, he hadn't felt like that for a while, but right now it just felt right, he smiled at Shannon "Hi Mrs Gibbs"

Gibbs could see that his wife wanted to say hello, so he manoeuvred himself & his girl to some seats & motioned his boy to come into his lap, which he did eagerly "I gotya bud" he whispered, he was now seated with his son on his lap & his daughter right next to him, both were leaning into him.

Shannon just smiled as she looked at both her kids sitting in their father's hold, to see it was too special, it shouldn't be the first time, argh, stop this! not right now. She wanted to say hello to the young man, she approached the Taylor men "you dear boy have turned into quite the handsome fellow"

Harry blushed "thanks"

Ted just watched the pair, much like Jack had wanted to give his grandkids a hug, he could see that Shannon was wanting one with his boy, but was holding back. He gently moved his hand to his son's back & gave a small nudge, not big enough to force the issue, but big enough to give him encouragement & couldn't contain his smile when Harry moved towards her.

"Come here dear boy" Shannon smiled as she took hold of him, she suddenly realised he'd been in the cellar too! "its wonderful to see you Harry"

"Good to see you too Mrs Gibbs" Harry whispered, he always remembered her hugs were almost as good as his mum's.

"None of that, it's Shannon" Shannon replied.

Harry smiled at that as he withdrew from her "Nice to see you then Shannon, I'm Mr Trash Can" finishing in a grin.

Shannon gave a laugh & heard a few other chuckles "Ow now doesn't that sound familiar"

Jack had sat himself down next to his granddaughter & was glad to see the faces were smiling & even chuckling, the tension was more than subsiding, he'd even given a small chuckle remembering the name "Lady of LAL my dear?" he greeted his granddaughter quietly.

Kelly turned to her grandfather & smiled "hi"

"Ahh, that's her right there" Jack smiled, glad to have the interaction returned.

"Whoof!" Buster barked.

Gibbs saw everyones shift their focus to Buster who was right next to him, he gave him a pat "Haven't forgotten you buddy, was about to introduce you" he smirked down to him.

Shannon suddenly focused on the dog & he was perched right next the her husband "and this is?"

Gibbs gave his son a nudge "he's yours Nixy, you introduce them"

Nix smiled as he patted his dog "mum, this is my dog Buster, Buster this is mum"

"I see" Shannon replied, hmm…. she approached the dog & crouched down "Hello Buster"

"Whoof! Whoof!" Buster barked.

"Are you going to get hair on my couch?" Shannon asked him.

Buster tilted his head to the side & after a moment looked up to Gibbs.

Gibbs had to chuckle "say no like your life depends on it" he said down to Buster.

Nix grinned as he watched Buster look back at his mum & place a paw onto her knee that was on the ground "that's him saying no & he likes you"

"Well then, I think I like him" Shannon smiled, the grin on her son's face was ever present, she certainly wasn't going to do anything other than welcome this dog into the family.

"I already love the fella! He's one smart dog" Harry remarked as he crouched down "come 'ere boy" he said clicking his fingers "Dad, this is Buster, the most awesomest dog there is"

Ted knew his son liked animals but this affection was something else, he looked at the dog "Hello Buster"

"Whoof!" Buster barked loving the attention.

"I know exactly why you love him mister" Gibbs remarked with a raised eyebrow towards Harry.

Harry smirked "What? He's a smart dog, probably the smartest dog around"

Ted looked at his son "something I should know young man?"

Harry just smiled.

Ted looked across to Gibbs "what did he do?"

"Oh nothing really" Gibbs replied before eyeing Harry "probably just enough to get himself his first commendation"

Ted's eyes widened in surprise before looking at his son "we're having words mister" he wanted to know what he'd done, but he was also proud of his son for stepping up to the plate.

Gibbs shared a knowing smile with Ted & looked at his wife who, like him, was smiling. He was about to say something when Tony walked in, he looked like he had something to say "DiNozzo?"

"Ah, I just need to borrow Lt Taylor, boss" Tony announced, he needed to pass some information on & thought it would be best going through him..

Ted nodded, he saw Gibbs had gone to move as well "I got this, you stay"

Shannon had watched the young man, he looked nervous to be in there, but he'd called her husband boss? "Jethro, are you going to introduce this young man?"

Gibbs smirked, he shifted his son to his daughter's lap "of course, Shannon this is Anthony DiNozzo, my Senior Field Agent. DiNozzo, my wife Shannon Gibbs"

"Pleased to meet you ma'am" Tony said, formally extending his hand.

"It's a pleasure to meet you too Anthony" Shannon replied as she shook it, this fella looked interesting, he had clearly been involved in everything, he had cuts & bruises just like her husband "thank you for your help with this"

"Not a problem ma'am, glad to have been able to help" Tony replied, this was really weird, but he had to admit, she was stunning, much better looking in the flesh!

"Let's get out there DiNozzo" Ted remarked, he could see the guy was nervous.

Gibbs could see a question forming on his wife's face, he moved closer & put his arm around her "I work for a federal agency, NCIS. He's… he a good kid, solid as a rock, trust him with my life, trust him to look after the kids" he finished knowing that would tell her everything she needed to know about him for right now.

Shannon leaned back into him, loving how much he could read her, she had been curious about the job he had given his introduction to Anthony & hearing he trusted him to watch the kids was what made her most comfortable "good to know"

Gibbs gave her a kiss, he never wanted to let her go again, he was about to turn them towards his kids, but he saw Ted enter again & motion him out "be right back"

"Need you both" Ted correct his friend.

Gibbs didn't want both him & Shannon to leave his kids, but he could see something in Ted's eyes that said they both had to go, he crouched down to his kids "Mum & I will right outside, we'll be back as quickly as possible, ok?"

Kelly swallowed but nodded "ok"

"We'll be right back" Shannon said as she stroked both her kids.

"We'll be fine" Jack remarked quietly.

Gibbs took his wife's hand into own as they left the store, for the first time he could actually take it in, there was a lot of damage. He saw that there was still a lot of activity going on, mainly with EMT's, flashing a look to where Mac's body should be he saw that a sheet had simply been put over his body. "Is everyone ok?"

"Most are minor injuries, but Mike Franks has a pretty bad leg wound & Lt Dayle's pretty bad with a shoulder wound, both are already on their way to the hospital" Ted said.

Gibbs cursed "prognosis?"

"Both should be ok" Ted confirmed "One of Fornell's guys & a local LEO are also fairly bad & are both on their way too"

Gibbs could see the big news was still to come "Ted?"

"Shan, your mum" Ted said quietly.

Shannon's eyes widened, she completely forgotten about Mac's threat & that she was alive more to the point!

Gibbs tensed, he was praying she was ok, it would crush Shannon if she wasn't, he also had to push he hatred towards Mac at his lies, he took a stronger hold of her "she ok?"

"She's just arrived at the hospital in Bloomsburg, she's got an erratic heart beat & has gone into cardiac arrest twice now, they've stabilised her, but right now its still touch & go" Ted said gently.

"Let's get there then" Gibbs said instantly.

Shannon couldn't even speak, but she agreed entirely, she had to get there now.

Ted knew this would be the result "I've already got Lt Robertson to get a couple of vehicles sorted, we'll go in one, him & his team, along with 2 of your agents, Maurice & Banks will…"

"No, I want Ziva" Gibbs interrupted him, he scanned the street & saw her "Ziva! I want you to come with us to the hospital, tell Maurice to remain here & take over whatever you're doing" he ordered loudly.

"Yes Gibbs" Ziva replied & went instantly to instigate the change in plans.

Ted just flowed with the change "Lt Peters & one of his men are already there with her" he said wanting to let them know there's already a presence at the hospital.

Gibbs nodded, glad that she had someone watching over her "lets get going then" but he saw his wife had paled "Shan?"

"The kids think she's dead" Shannon whispered.

"Not anymore, they know she's alive, I've told them" Gibbs replied, glad to be able to relieve her stress about this.

Shannon breathed a sigh of relief "good"

Gibbs took Shannon back into the store & couldn't help but smile, Nix was still sitting in his sister's lap & Buster had his head resting on his lap, the pair & his dad were all gently patting him on his head, while Harry was crouched close by & stroking his back. He brought himself & his wife to sit on a chair next to their kids.

"What's wrong?" Kelly asked, her mum wasn't looking good.

"We're going to head over to the hospital in Bloomsburg, I need to get my shoulder looked at…..and" Gibbs said, knowing he did & that would be a good reason as any to start with, but he wasn't sure how to say this "there's someone there that we also need to check on"

"who?" Nix asked quietly.

Shannon looked between her kids "its…."

Jack suddenly realised who they were meaning, Joanne had already been taken to hospital? That didn't sound good.

"Its grandma kiddos" Gibbs said gently "she's not doing the best & we want to go see her"

Kelly's eyes widened "what's she doing…"

"That doesn't matter right now angel, all that we need to deal with at the moment is going to see her, maybe having us all there will help her" Gibbs interrupted

Shannon could see it in her daughters eyes, she was really unable to think about anything really "come on angel, lets go" she said as she took her under her arm, she saw it & recognised it, because that's how she was feeling.

Even though it was a struggle Gibbs managed to lift his son up into his hold with his one good arm "lets go bud"

Nix had rested his head onto his dad's shoulder & gripped his dad tightly, right now he needed physical contact "can Buster come?" he whispered, he didn't want to leave him behind & having him around actually calmed him.

Gibbs leaned his head against his son's "of course, we're not gonna leave him behind, Harry just might have to stay out front with him is all" he replied "lets go Buster!" he called.

Tony had left Lt Taylor to convey the news about Joanne to Gibbs & Shannon & was now with Fornell & Jenn as they tried to get everything cleaned up & sorted out, they were situated a few stores up from the Gibbs General Store. He saw that Jenn had become momentarily distracted when Gibbs & Shannon had come outside.

Jenn was trying to get everything cleaned up, the town was an utter disaster site! She could see the Sheriff was checking on the local's personally, wanting to make sure they were all ok, so she was having to deal with the larger picture, which she had to admit, she had the experience at a lot more than he did. She saw Gibbs & Shannon emerge from the store, she knew what Ted was talking to them about, she hoped the woman would be ok, it would certainly cut deep if she didn't pull through. She saw that the pair were standing as close to each other as possible, never letting go of each other, she knew Gibbs was protective & right now would be exercising that to extreme proportions. But it looked like she gripping him just as much, which right at this moment she understood, she was just really intrigued at their dynamic given what little she'd seen already. What was she really like? What were they like as a couple? She'd seen what he was like a father, but what kind of mother was she? What kind parents were they together?

"Director?" Fornell queried, she'd gone quiet.

Jenn shook her head, trying to clear her thoughts "Sorry, I think you should take point on our guests, how many have we got?" she knew there were still some Mac's men that had been taken alive.

"Two are in the cells at the sheriff's station, one has been escorted to the hospital for treatment" Fornell confirmed.

"Any civilians injured?" Jenn asked

"Nothing major" Tony confirmed "Some of the deputies & SWAT have done a sweep of the immediate area & only some minor glass cuts & alike, all in all we're pretty lucky I think"

Jenn couldn't help but agree, even with the wounds to Dayle, Franks & even Gibbs they really got away lightly. She knew they would all need some medical attention for their various cuts, bruises, some more than others "Tony, you go with Gibbs, we'll carry the load here" she knew that he too needed checking.

"You sure?" Tony asked.

"Yes, you need attention, just like Gibbs, so get going before you get left behind, we'll come when everything's sorted" Jenn confirmed.

"Yes ma'am" Tony nodded & headed to meet the car's departing.

Tony saw them all piling in, the entire Gibbs crew was going into one of the bigger SUV's & Ted and Harry too! Clearly none of them were wanting to be separated, he could totally understand it. He was proud to be able to help them get back together, he really was proud of himself. Smiling he headed for the SUV that Ziva & Banks were getting into, yea he was proud, he'd been able to step up & help Gibbs when it counted, nothing could ever beat that feeling!

A/N: The news on Joanne doesn't seem good! But at least the family are on their way to see her, hopefully that helps her! The introductions all went well, including Buster's! That dog really is a cool dog ;) Things in town seem to be getting sorted out, but there'll need to be a massive clean up! How will things go at the hospital though? Thinking the scene there will be frantic with so many people requiring attention, and how are Mike & Lt Dayle doing?

More up soon! You know I love to hear your thoughts/comments, so review away!