A/N: Happy New Year folks! My first chapter for 2017! YAY! I know I said they'd more regular during my uni break, but life hasn't seemed to have slowed down :( So thank you all for sticking with me, to my newest recruits in the follows/favourites, welcome! Thank you! I hope you enjoy the ride! To my reviewers, thank you so much! Hearing your thoughts keeps me inspired & means the world! So thank you!

To guest reviewer Ladyaloysius: Thank you so much! Glad you liked it!

Now, let's get straight into it.. just who is this visitor for the family? Friend or foe?

"I'll speak to him first" Gibbs stated as he made a move closer to the door but turned towards his wife "give me a few & I'll then come & grab you & the kids"

"Why don't we all go?" Shannon asked, she was a little confused, didn't Tobias say that the officer wanted to speak to all of them?

"Let me just speak to him first Shan, make sure all's ok" Gibbs answered.

"And what wouldn't be ok?" Shannon asked again.

Gibbs let out a breath "just want to speak to the man first Shan"

Fornell saw the pair just staring at each other, he wasn't sure what this stand off was about, but he soon saw her thread her fingers through his & lead him out of the room, both went in silence, what the?

Ted watched the pair leave the room & couldn't help but give a small smile, he saw that Fornell was confused but that Jackson wasn't "he hasn't changed one bit has he?" he asked Jack with that small smile still there.

Jack shared the smile "not in the slightest" he saw the looks he was getting from not just his grandkids, but the Bonds boys too, looking though at his grandkids he smiled "your father is and will always be completely & utterly overprotective of you, he does not like strangers in the slightest"

Ted could only agree, he looked towards Kelly "I'll never forget the day you & Harry came home from kindergarten & you started rambling on about this new girl in your class, you went on about her for ages. I could see your dad trying to ask you questions like her name, parents, where they came from, all that sort of stuff. He wanted to know just who had captured your attention, wanted to find out everything he could about her & her family. He didn't like that someone new was front & centre, someone who's parents he didn't know at all, especially after you said you wanted to go play with her on the weekend. Apparently his pestering got the better of you because in the middle of dinner you stood up on your chair, looked at him with hands on your hips & declared "daddy, her daddy's a marine too! That mean's he's a good person! I can play with Maddie if I want!"

Kelly gave a small smile, she remembered the countless times her dad had pestered her about new friends, but then she thought about Maddie, she'd shut the memory of her away in the back of her mind, just like she'd done with Harry, but now that she was back, could she bring herself to try to find her?

"His reaction to your little outburst well…" Ted could only smirk.

"..it was sight to behold" Shannon finished smiling entering the room again.

Ted saw the smirk that his friend was showing "true, but I would have traded anything to see the reaction that weekend even more"

Shannon let out a laugh "oh it was priceless" she smirked towards her husband.

"Nothing special" Gibbs remarked, he did not want the story to come out, especially in front of this marine kid.

Shannon raised her eyebrow, nothing special? She shared a look with Ted, they both knew it was more than 'nothing special', in fact it was one of the most priceless moments she could remember!

"Let's go" Gibbs motioned to the room at large, he needed to get them onto a different topic.

While Fornell was intrigued at the conversation that was taking place & did want to know more he was confused at that remark "thought you were going to speak to him first?"

Gibbs took a breath & ignored the remark "come on bud, we'll go see go this guy & then go grab some Ben 'n Jerry's"

Nix grinned, he was really loving his diet lately!

"Jethro!" Shannon chuckled "we do not need to eat rubbish every few hours"

Fornell just watched as the family all filed out happily, followed by the semi-bewildered pair of boys it was then that he turned to Taylor "what just happened?"

"No harm in a little bit of ice cream Shan" Gibbs chuckled

"You never have 'a little bit' of anything Jethro" Shannon laughed, she was glad to have gotten through to him, it would take time for his overprotectiveness to get dialled back. While she understood it there were times it was a bit much & being overbearing about meeting a marine officer, in the middle of the NCIS bullpen no less, that was a bit much!

"Phish Food & Chunky Monkey" Nix remarked to no one in particular.

"Choc-chip cookie dough & Triple Caramel Chunk" Kelly countered, knowing those were ones she & Mike both liked. And looking at Mike, he was looking a little off, she couldn't work out what was going on, but he was looking, well, she wasn't quite sure, confused? Worried? Curious?

Gibbs smiled at his kids requests & smiled at his wife "See, how can we have just a little when we have to…." but he stopped abruptly upon seeing the marine officer.

Shannon stopped just as abruptly as her husband did upon seeing the officer, she just stared.

Ted had walked up, he was still gently chuckling at Fornell's reaction when he pulled up short & saw who his friends were staring at, it took him a moment or two to work out just who he was looking at, but then his eyes darted down to his name tag & it dawned on him just why his friends were standing there shocked, it couldn't be? Could it?

Gibbs eyes widened, it couldn't be? He looked to the name badge for the 4th time & yes, there was it clear as day, he just couldn't fathom that he was standing there, especially after what they'd recalled? I mean really?

Fornell had no clue as to why there was suddenly deathly silence in the room, even Tony & Tripoli had gone silent watching this staring occur "Ah, Special Agent Gibbs, this is…" he started to say, but a hand up by both Gibbs & the marine officer stopped him in his tracks.

The officer took a deep breath, he'd put a hand up to stop the introduction, they really didn't need it, he knew that he'd been recognised & was glad for it. He gave a small smile as he approached two people who'd he been friends with all those years ago "Jethro" he greeted, knowing it was best to go to him first, he put a hand out to shake.

Gibbs swallowed as he approached, he still couldn't believe it, but had to smile as he stepped forward "James" he greeted "been a while" he remarked as he took the offered hand & shook it.

Myles had no clue what was going on, but his brother was looking nervous, it was a strange sight on his brother. Turning back to Gibbs he saw the man had gone almost chest to chest with this marine officer, he wondered what the obvious connection was?

James let out the breath he didn't even realise he'd been holding "it has, good to see you, sorry about it all" he whispered as the pair we almost ear to ear.

"Thanks" Gibbs replied just as quietly, before patting him on the back and moving backwards.

"James" Shannon greeted, she utterly gobsmacked that he was here! I mean what were the odds? Seriously?

James swallowed as he turned his attention to her, he was having a hard time believing it, but he'd been given a crash course of everything on his way over the pond. Still seeing her in the flesh was something else "It's so wonderful to see you Shannon"

Nix wasn't sure who this James guy was, but whoever he was, he knew his parents, he saw his mum move towards the man.

"Likewise James" Shannon remarked quietly.

Gibbs gave a sad smile as he watched the pair embrace, damn that man from taking so much from his family! Damn himself for letting it happen!

Shannon felt James' arms tighten around her as they embraced "wonderful to see you" she said quietly before releasing. The heartache she felt for what she'd allowed occur was overwhelming, she was so angry with herself!

James nodded as they released, it really was amazing to see her, but there was one other person that he wanted to see & as he scanned the immediate area he saw her "my gosh"

Gibbs shared a smile with Shannon as James looked upon their girl.

"Always knew you'd turn into a beautiful young lady" James remarked quietly looking towards Kelly.

Kelly blushed "Hi James"

James smiled "Kelly" he didn't want to be presumptuous to go for a hug and so he was surprised, glad but surprised when she came towards him. He held his arms welcoming her in & when she came into him, he wrapped his arms around her tightly, my gosh, this little girl he knew so long ago was no longer a little girl, she was now a grown woman.

Pulling back James held her at arms length & just smiled "that face is still full of cheek"

Gibbs had to laugh "oh yea" but he saw his girl blush a little, he had to smile at that.

"Can't disagree" Shannon chuckled "but this young man is sure to test that level"

James' eyes looked to where Shannon's gaze had gone & saw a young boy, he knew who he was but wanted to do this properly, he crouched down to the boy who was now standing in front of his parents "Col James Matthew Tyler, but call me James" he introduced himself putting his hand out for a shake.

Nix still didn't really know who this guy was, but given the way his parents & sister had been acting with the guy, he couldn't be all that bad & he looked pretty friendly, especially for a Marine Colonel, so going with his gut he took a deep breath & put his hand out "Phoenix Leroy Gibbs, Nix"

Shannon smiled, she was so proud of her son for taking that courageous step to introduce himself, she had a very strong feeling he didn't know just 'who' James was, so this was a big step, regardless of how he'd seen the rest of his family greet him.

James smiled "it's a great pleasure to meet you Nix" he finished giving a firm handshake "firm, just like your dad's, but I'm glad you've got your mum's head of hair"

"Hey!" Gibbs called but only as a joke.

James chuckled as he stood back up "call it like I see it Jethro, always have"

"Ah huh" Gibbs smirked.

James took a breath before looking at Kelly "Mads still has a few exams this week for college, as soon as their over, I'll sit her down & talk to her. She's going to be over the moon to see you, so be prepared" he finished with a smile, what he wouldn't say was whether his girl would have a heart attack when he told her, but that was a consideration for later that week!

Kelly smiled, now that she was faced with the prospect of seeing her old friend she was looking forward to it, she was nervous but happy too!

"Nightmares" Ted muttered "I'm going to be having nightmares"

James looked across & got a fright, he was sure he knew the guy, he shared a look with Gibbs & then it hit him "Ted" he greeted holding his hand out.

"James" Ted greeted shaking his hand, he had to admit, he was gobsmacked that the guy had turned up here & now.

"Nightmares?" James asked curiously.

Ted smiled "don't know about you, but I know the mischief Harry got up to on his own, I don't even want to imagine what he'll get up to with Kelly & Maddie around too!" while the trio didn't spend a huge amount of time all together, he was sure that would greatly change now. And the few occasions they were together, it was…. mayhem was a good word for it, he smiled & also worried about it, they were a lot older now!

James smirked & saw Gibbs & Shannon doing likewise, he was going to say something but he saw someone approach, she was definitely meaning business. He saw that Gibbs had dropped his smile as well at her appearance.

"Col Tyler I presume?" Jenn remarked entering the bullpen, she wasn't happy!

"Yes" James confirmed, this woman wasn't looking happy.

"Director Jennifer Sheppard" Jenn said by way on introduction as she took this man in, just shy of 6" with sandy blonde hair, that was standard marine short. She couldn't help but notice the flashed look he gave Gibbs & wondered if the pair knew each other?

James stood that little bit straighter as he greeted "Director" he though flashed a look towards Gibbs who was rather stoic all of a sudden.

"Care to explain why Lt Rooney is currently receiving attention by the medics?" Jenn asked with a raised eyebrow.

James pressed his lips together "you mean apart from the fact that the man's a coward & doesn't deserve the title of United States Marine?"

"Yes, apart from that" Jenn's eyes widened just a little as she waited for the explanation.

Gibbs was watching James' eyes, the man got injured? He was curious as to how, James was looking like he wanted to smile.

"Well, the guy got shot at & hit the ground to protect his sorry arse instead of moving to protect the few civilian women & children that were in the immediate area. Had he done that he might have missed the pile of fencing that he fell into & we had to pull his sorry arse out of" James remarked.

Gibbs growled, no marine ever took cover when there were civilians in the firing line, especially women & children! He was a coward! He was curious as to why he was shot at, but that was disgusting. He saw similar looks of disgust on the faces of his dad, Ted, Fornell, Tony & Tripoli, they all looked aghast at it.

"And the black eye?" Jenn asked, though that little remark didn't sit well with her on numerous levels!

James pressed his lips together "he tripped as he was getting off the plane, man has 2 left feet"

"Tripped down some stairs?" Jenn pressed, really?

"Yes, he tripped down the flight stairs & hit his head, correct Lieutenant?" James finished with a look over towards Mike.

"Yes sir!" Mike responded, he suddenly felt the entire group looking at him with a mixture of confusion and shock.

"You saw Lt Rooney fall down the flight stairs?" Jenn asked looking at Mike now.

"Yes ma'am" Mike nodded "the man refused to allow us to help him & fell down the stairs, couldn't catch him in time"

"You were on the same flight? Did you happen to see the other incident as well?" Jenn asked, she saw the pair of marines staring at each other with minute smiles.

"Lt Bond assisted myself & your agents to apprehend the man in Manchester after he tried to rabbit" James commented.

"I was the one that helped him out of the fencing" Mike stated as he held up his hand

"That's why your hand is a mess?" Kelly whispered towards him, she saw him give a tiny nod.

Shannon got a little concerned, both James & Mike had been part of the team to get Lt Rooney? She was surprised the man wasn't in the hospital! She just couldn't work out how that eventuated?

"When's he ready for interrogation?" Gibbs asked, he had to admit he wasn't minding the incidents that had occurred to the guy on the way over, except getting shot at, that he did give him cause for concern.

"The medics say not until the morning" Jenn answered "and he's already filled a complaint at his handling" she said looking at Col Tyler.

"He can complain all he wants Director, what happened to him was no fault except his own, we did not lay a single hand on him, did we Lieutenant?" Tyler replied

"Not one finger sir" Mike agreed.

Jenn looked between the two, she knew perfectly well why Lt Bond would want to rough the man up, but not so much why this Colonel would? She then saw Gibbs share another look with the Colonel "you two know each other?"

"Sure, he's Colonel James Tyler the man that brought Lt Rooney here, I hear he's also good at mending doors" Gibbs finished with a smirk.

Shannon's eyes momentarily widened at the comment, but saw a smirk form on James' face.

"I believe this is Special Agent Leroy Gibbs, the man's who family was accosted by the actions of Lt Rooney, and I think he knows just how to break down said doors" James finished a smirk.

Tony was so confused! Col Tyler clearly knew the family, but this last exchanged just confused him even more & why'd he call Gibbs Leroy when he'd used Jethro before?

Gibbs couldn't help but smirk straight at James, and 'Leroy Gibbs' it was a reminder about a certain conversation, one he gave an internal laugh to.

Nix's eyes widened at these comments but when his sister whispered two words 'Disney movie' to him, it clicked & he knew exactly who this man was! "You're Maddie's dad!"

James couldn't help the smile that formed on his face "got it one Nix champ" if this boy knew who he was, it meant that Kelly hadn't forgotten at all.

Jenn wasn't sure just who this 'Maddie' was but clearly someone the family knew, so a Colonel that knew the family & Lt Bond, Kelly's boyfriend were leading the charge in bringing Lt Rooney to DC? No wonder the man was injured "Col Tyler, Lt Bond, I'd like to speak with you about just what happened when you went to bring him here please"

"Of course Director" James agreed

"Yes ma'am" Mike agreed soon after.

Gibbs needed to be at that briefing, he went to say something but got beaten to the punch.

"We'll go outside & maybe have a bit more of kick around, when you're done we'll go for that darn ice cream" Shannon commented, she knew her husband would want to be at that briefing.

"Ok, wont be long" Gibbs nodded

Before Mike had to follow he quickly leaned down to Nix "10 bucks if you get past Moby" he smirked

Nix grinned & nodded, he was up to that challenge!

Mike smiled as he followed the Colonel towards the stairs, he saw a younger guy walking next to him "Lt Michael Bond" he said by way on introduction.

"Special Agent Anthony DiNozzo, we spoke on the phone" Tony greeted back.

"Good to meet you sir" Mike responded, he definitely remembered that phone call!

"You're the one that spoke with Agent Larabee in the Manchester coms unit?" James enquired looking back at this young kid, he was looking just as bruised as Jethro was.

"Yes sir" Tony nodded "Special Agent Anthony DiNozzo"

"Colonel James Tyler, and you young man had exceptional timing" James greeted

Fornell followed the group into the Director's office, he was still trying to work out what was going on! As he entered he saw Michael Barnes & Jim Nelson already there. He decided to introduce himself "FBI Senior Agent Tobias Fornell"

"Col James Tyler" James said shaking the man's hand, he too looked worse for wear.

"Lt Michael Bond sir" Mike greeted shaking the man's hand.

Jenn watched as the trio all shook hands, she realised there were more introductions to do "Col Tyler, Lt Bond this is Michael Barnes & Jim Nelson. Mr Barnes is the attorney that will lead the case for Agent Gibbs & his family, Mr Nelson is one of his investigators. Col Tyler escorted Lt Rooney here from Manchester, apparently with Lt Bond who is…"

Michael's eyes were firmly on the young marine "you're Kelly's boyfriend? Went out with her in Houston whilst at College?" he spoke not even realising he'd interrupted the director, but this was a very good development!

Mike swallowed before answering "Yes sir I am, and you're Kelly's new boss, it's a pleasure to meet you sir"

Gibbs took note that Mike knew who Kelly's new boss was? His girl had clearly kept in regular contact with the boy since he left for Frankfurt.

"You too, when this discussion is over I'd like to sit down & discuss a few things about to goings on back there, anything you can tell me would greatly help" Michael remarked

"Of course sir, I can tell you plenty, I'll get my brother to join us as well, he was around a fair bit too, he's downstairs at the moment" Mike nodded, he'd tell it all! These guys would pay!

"That would be most beneficial" Michael nodded

Gibbs would be there for that conversation too! While he knew it would be painful, he wanted to hear it all, no he needed to hear it all!

A/N: So the marine was definitely a friend! And Kelly now has another old friend to look forward to seeing! But why was Gibbs & Tyler talking about doors? I had planned for this chapter to include the conversation about what happened over in the UK, but it's not ready it & I wanted to get something out, so up next we find out just what happened over there & Gibbs gets a better understanding of some of the stuff that happened back in Houston..and he wont be liking it!

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