A/N: Just wanted to say thank you for all your reviews and for favoring this story. It really means a lot to me. I will try to update as much as possible now since I thanx to you guys got inspiration to really do something with this story. Anyway, enjoy!
-the other Tony-
-It seemed exciting, it was dangerous territory, Tony explained carefully. With this being a school for mostly military kids the respect for authority is so high that it just seemed like something new and exciting.
-That all?! The principal asked not fully convinced, but tried to hide it and shared a glance with Gibbs. Ms Duncan and ms Ryan on the other hand seemed to have accepted it as the full explanation. The principal shook his head before continuing. Thanx for meeting us ms Ryan, Ms Duncan. I am sure everybody here including Tony appreciates it a lot. With that the two teachers were clearly dismissed and headed out the door. Once the door was firmly shut the principal rose from his chair and made it around the large desk to lean against it, arms crossed and a non-impressed look on his face. Meanwhile his dad had shifted in his chair so that he was looking directly at Tony rather than the principal.
-Start talking, was all his dad had to say for him to spill the beans.
-I was scared that they'd eventually choose him over me and didn't want to risk that so I gave in.
-You did it because you thought you'd risk losing your friends if you didn't? the principal asked bewildered. His dad looked just as surprised.
-You did this for your friends.
-Partly, and partly to have a little fun.
-Tony…
-Leroy they aren't bad kids, you know I wouldn't let him hang out with them if they were. Tony knew that too. The principal and his dad were old marine buddies and close friends. It had been a little weird in the beginning when he had taken on this job, but Tony had gotten past it and could now appreciate having somebody like him watching over him. Even though that somebody watched over him like a hawk.
-I know that Steve, but still-
-Still they are good kids and we both know your son would be miserable if you forbid him to be friends with them.
-Dad, please don't. In the moment Steve had stuck up for him Tony had decided to be completely honest with his dad. You have no idea how hard it is to make friends here that actually are my friends outside the field when I just am Tony and not Tony-the amazing sports guy. I am too sporty for the nerds and to golden boy for the jocks. They aren't bad kids, they are just trying to find themselves. And yeah, I got dragged in on it because I was insecure if I could stand alone without them if I needed to. I know now that I can and I have heard all your speeches before, no need to repeat them. They may search but I know exactly who I am and this was just a little roadblock in the way, so please dad, Tony finished with puppy eyes.
-He truly is your son, the principal said after staring astonished for a moment and Tony couldn't help but smile at the comment. This once take mine and Tony's words for it. I'll watch him and his friends even more closely. Nothing that could jeopardize his future is going to happen. The kid is safe on my watch, you know that.
-Okay, Gibbs said defeated before turning to Tony again. But no more trying to prove yourself for your friends, understood?!
-Yes dad.
-Good now that we have agreed on that. Tony you'll serve two days of detention for using violence. And yes the one push actually counts and you should be happy I only made it two. I want you to use that time to write a paper on what you could have done instead, and make it a good one because you are gonna hand it in for me to read and I will that way be assured you know better next time, understood?
-Yes sir.
-Then you'll serve another two days for messing with a teacher. That makes 4 days of after school suspension beginning tomorrow.
-And everything is off the record? His dad asked carefully.
-As off the record as it can be. Yes. Nothing permanent.
-Good. They stood to leave and was at the door when Tony heard his name being called.
-Next time you don't want to go to your dad with something you come directly to me, okay son?
-Okay, thanx uncle Steve.
-You are welcome kid and don't forget to record the game on Sunday. Your dad already invited me over for dinner. And as for now you better get back to class and remember that I'm principal Hayes when you are in school.
-Yes sir.
-The other Tony-
-I'm home! Oh dad, what are you doing here? Tony asked surprised.
His dad didn't answer, instead he let his gaze do all the talking and Tony sank down in a chair defeated.
-Where's Tim?
-At your grandpa´s.
Once his dad had made a cup of coffee and sat down across from him Tony started talking.
-Guessing this is either the lecture from last night, or a new one for not telling you everything.
-Explain.
Tony grimaced slightly at the short tone but knew there was no way out of it.
-It wasn't a big deal.
That statement was met with an unimpressed glare.
-One. Was all his dad said and it made Tony grimace even more. Strike one this early wasn't a good sign.
-I didn't think you needed to know, Tony tried. He'd rather take that lecture than the one he was in for if he told the truth.
-Two. The glare intensified and Tony winced. Deciding to not keep putting off the inevitable.
-I didn't want you to worry. Partly. Partly I just didn't want you to forbid me from seeing them and… Tony hesitated.
-And… come on kid you know you can tell me anything. Tony looked into his dad´s eyes that had softened remarkably once he started cooperating. Now they just had a hint of worry in them.
-And I guess I thought you'd think it only was an excuse from my side, telling you I was scared of losing my friends to him if I didn't loosen up a bit. I've been in so much trouble lately that I wasn't sure you would take it as a true reason and I couldn't stand seeing more disappointment in your eyes than I already did.
-Oh, buddy, you should know by now that I'm not easy to lie to, I could easily have seen through any excuses and found the truth. You should know that.
-You didn't last morning, Tony muttered looking at the tabletop rather than at his father.
-Tony. Reluctantly he met his dad´s gaze. I'm sorry son. Looking back I can see that I was too quick to judge you and I apologize for it. I was angry at having to stay late at work instead of being at home with you and Tim.
-Okay, I forgive you. And yeah if it was just any other time I would have known but with the trouble lately I wasn't sure.
-Well now you know. I've heard your reasons and I believe you even though I've considered renaming you Trouble more than once lately. You being in trouble a lot doesn't change anything Tony, get that trough that thick skull of yours that you seem to have forgotten how to use.
-Well we don't want it to explode from over using it, do we? Tony answered back with a big smile.
-Not gonna happen from using it every now and then, his dad chuckled. Might even save you from some of these situations. His dad held his gaze for a couple of more seconds before continuing. Are we truly good now?
-Yeah, sure, old man.
-Good. Then you are grounded for 2 weeks and one day, since you lied to me this morning.
-I didn't…
-You did, his dad interrupted. You told me we were okay even though we clearly weren't.
-I thought we were.
-Sorry son, but you thinking I might not believe you doesn't make us good in my book.
Tony huffed but gave in, knowing he wouldn't win the discussion.
-So when is that brother of mine coming home anyway?
-Not before dinner, which makes us responsible for making something.
-Us?
-Yep. Thought a little bonding time might be good.
-While cooking?!
-Just give up already and put on your apron, his dad said with a tone that told Tony the matter was closed. Huffing mostly for show he put it on and when his dad leaned in to kiss the top of his head, Tony smiled and said:
-Love you dad.
-Love you too son.
-You sure that we can't wait for Timmy-the mini cook to come home? The light head slap with the kettle-holder wasn't unexpected and Tony gave in, secretly looking forward to spending some time with his dad even if he had to cook to do it. Somehow he'd have to get back at his brother though for not getting home in time to cook dinner, just to keep up the appearance that he truly minded.