A/N: It's with both a sense of sadness and relief I'm announcing this as the final chapter of this story. I had no idea when I started writing that it would turn out this long and it's time to wrap this up, so enjoy the last chapter on The Other Tony and thank you for following me along on this journey. Every comment, pm and favourite notification I have received have meant the world to me and I am incredibly thankful for every single one of you. Let me one last time present to you a new chapter of the Other Tony!
Tony couldn't believe his eyes as he saw the familiar face walking around the crime scene. Anthony Rizzo. Tony had stood leaning against the car, taking notes, when he all of the sudden noticed somebody sneaking in under the yellow tape barrier. Seeing his Dad on the other side of the yard talking quietly with somebody, Tony made up his mind. Quickly he put down the note pad and pen and started to follow the Other Tony to try to figure out what he was doing here. Anthony Rizzo moved quickly, smoothly keeping himself visible enough to not attract attention, but still staying out of the spotlight. Rounding the far corner of the house serving as the crime scene, Rizzo momentarily disappeared out of sight. Tony swore under his breath, casting a quick glance backwards to be assured that he still was undetected and then followed his enemy to the backside of the house, now completely out of sight from where his Dad was standing. There in the middle of the overgrown backyard stood Anthony Rizzo with his back turned against Tony.
"What are you doing here Rizzo?! This is a crime scene!"
"This was almost too easy." Rizzo stated turning around, completely ignoring Tony's question.
"What?"
"To lure you here. You know I've been trying to find you before getting shipped of to boarding school. I had no luck though finding your address so hearing that your Dad is NCIS I simply followed every car leaving the navy yard with agents in it. I finally caught my lucky break and not a moment to soon. I'm leaving the state tomorrow but didn't want to leave this unfinished."
"You are wrong. This is finished: has been since you left the school."
"That's what you think." Rizzo suddenly kicked out his leg catching Tony off guard. Tony feel to the ground with a yelp, but immediately threw up his own leg, stopping his attacker from jumping onto him. Seeing the Other Tony stumble backwards slightly, Tony pushed himself up and advanced on him before Rizzo had caught his balance. Tony's right fist connected steadily with Rizzo's jaw, causing him to fall to the ground.
"I told you. This is over. Now get out of here before somebody notices us."
"And if I don't?!"
"I can always call my Da…" Tony wasn't able to finish the sentence before he suddenly lay flat on the ground next to the other Tony.
"You know what?! Having your Dad here might be even better."
"Da…" Tony tried again, but found his face smashed into the dirt and a solid weight settling onto his back.
"You are messing with the wrong guy here." Rizzo hissed into his ear. Tony used al the strength he had to roll over, causing Rizzo to fall of him. Both quickly scrambled to their feet, fist raised ready to fight.
"You know I could never quite understand why you chose me to torture."
"It was fun. You were the perfect victim."
"How come?"
"You live life too seriously. Getting to you was like taking candy from a child."
"Then I guess I'll enjoy this a little more than I otherwise would." Tony advanced forward and threw a solid punch into Rizzo's stomach, followed by an elbow to the head. Rizzo didn't wait long to straighten up and try to hit Tony as well: the first punch missed but the second would give him a shiner. "We are even: want to stop?" The Other Tony snorted:
"Fat chance in hell." Rizzo lunged forward once more, this time Tony side stepped him and used his own momentum to throw his enemy to the ground. He was about to kneel down and put and end to the fight when he suddenly was grabbed from behind:
"Tony!" Dan gave him a small shake. "Calm down kiddo, it's over now. It's truly over." His eyes enlarged at the sight of Dan's serious face and Willa on the ground, putting handcuffs on the Other Tony's wrists. Realizing he was caught Tony tried to look down, but his chin was caught by a strong hand, locking his gaze with his Dad's.
"Uhm, hi Dad."
-Flashback-
"Principal Hayes?" Tony asked cautiously while entering the big office he was starting to feel at home in. Since becoming the principal of Tony's school he had done a few changes to the place. The dark green walls had been painted light grey. A few diplomas and awards were hung up on the walls next to the big oak desk. The blinds that the earlier principal had preferred to keep almost shut most of the time, were open, letting in the light. The most noticeable change though were the photos on the desk that purposely had been turned his way. One displayed Uncle Steve with Mike and Gibbs, the other one, that Tony stalked over and picked up, portrayed Tony, Tim and Uncle Steve at the cabin a few years ago. Tony carefully ran his thumb over the glass, trying to contain the tears that threatened to fall. Shifting his gaze up he met his Uncle's serious one.
"Why don't you sit down Anthony?" The order was soft spoken and Tony did as asked with a nod, still holding onto the picture. "There are more than a few things I'd like an answer to and this time I want you to be honest with me. Do you think you can do that?"
"Honestly? I have no idea." Tony admitted. Seeing his Uncle's hurt look for just a moment he explained: "I trust you Uncle Steve, I really do, it's just hard to explain it. Especially since I know how disappointed you are in me right now."
"Not in you. In your actions Anthony. Lying, endangering yourself and thinking you aren't enough."
"I'm sorry."
"I know kiddo."
"And it's not what you want to hear." Tony sighed knowingly.
"No. It's not."
"I did it because I thought that was what you guys wanted. I overheard you an my Dad talking about me and how I can get and took it the wrong way. I got stubborn and wanted to prove to you that I could be the perfect son as well."
"Do I even have to ask if Leroy put you straight?!"
"No sir. He did, and I guess I always knew it, things have just been kind of crazy lately."
"You are growing up Tony."
"I know and I'm really sorry about all the pranks we played on you."
"I thought your first apology was a bit too sudden."
"Yeah." Tony admitted shame-faced.
"Don't worry kiddo, you are forgiven. Don't let it happen again though." The silence fell for a moment until Steve once again continued: "Look, I know it can't have been easy to adjust having me back in your life and see me everyday like this. To top it off I messed up your balance of school and home, took away what you feel like is your only chance at being a kid, but despite it I hope you know how much I love you."
"I love you too. I should have told you."
"Yes, you should have. And I should probably have involved Leroy a bit earlier. We'll learn as we go though so no idea of wondering 'what if'."
"Are you still angry?"
"More like upset. You lying to me so easily both scared and hurt me."
"Scared you?"
"Thinking about how easily you could have abused my trust in your word to do something far more dangerous."
"I wouldn't."
"You say that now kiddo, but you are a teenager and if the opportunity arise it might be too tempting to lie to me to go do something that might seem fun until it isn't."
"I'm not that stupid."
"Tony. I did not call you stupid, son. Think over my words one more time." Tony did and blushed when he realized he hadn't really listened, just gotten upset. "Would you have done it even if you weren't staying with me?" That was a question that had hunted Steve since he had realised what really was going on with his nephew.
"Yes sir, I just wouldn't have gotten as far." Steve nodded thoughtfully and sat down in the chair next to Tony's.
"I've talked with your Dad and he agrees with me so know that before you voice any protests. I want you to stay with me for a week once your dad finally ungrounds you."
"It's okay. I kind of get where you are coming from."
"Good. Then bud, the only thing I'm going to do until then is keep you on a pretty short leash and right now I'm hoping to get a hug."
"Does this mean my locker stays where it is?"
"Right outside the office door?! Yes. And I still want you to check in a few more Fridays."
"But…"
"No Anthony. That part of your punishment is non-negotiable."
"Okay." Tony sighed resigned.
"It will be okay buddy, just give it some time." Tony nodded and moved to hug his Uncle when he suddenly remembered something and pulled back. "What are you thinking about Bud?"
"I told you I'd never forgive you." Uncle Steve flinched slightly at the reminder.
"Is that still how you feel?"
"I never meant it to begin with. I was just mad and not thinking clearly. I'm really sorry Uncle Steve."
"It's okay Tony. Just be more careful in the future, okay?!" Uncle Steve said seriously, opening his eyes wide.
"Yes sir." Tony willingly went into the open arms, squeezing his Uncle tightly and burying his head into the man's shirt inhaling the scent deeply.
-Flashback ending-
"Good news Leroy and my dear nephew!" Uncle Steve exclaimed when he threw open the door to the Gibbs house and walked straight inside.
"Steve." Gibbs groaned. "Can't you ever learn to knock?!"
"As you've told your kids millions of times, no. What's going on?" Tony blushed and looked down. There couldn't be much confusion there. His Dad stood staring at him with an angry glint in his eye, while Tony himself looked as if he wanted to sink down through the floor.
"Tony decided to do something outright stupid and dangerous."
"On your watch?!" Getting the affirmative nod, Uncle Steve whistled lowly. "Good luck kid."
"Thanks." Tony mumbled.
"Would you like to share your exciting news before you hightail out of here?"
"Mrs. Lewis resigned."
"What?!"
"She decided it wasn't worth it with me constantly watching over her shoulder. She'd gone now Tony and you'll have a fair chance in French."
"Thankyou, Uncle Steve." Tony moved in to give the older man a tight hug.
"You are welcome Bud." Steve dropped a kiss on the unruly hair before stepping back from the hug. "Now try to behave for your Dad."
"Yes sir." Once the door closed behind his Uncle Tony met his Dad's gaze sheepishly.
"I'm sorry Dad."
"For what Tony?!"
"For going after him alone and fighting with him. I shouldn't have."
"But you don't regret doing it."
"Not really." Tony admitted.
"And that's the problem."
"I couldn't let him go."
"You could have come to me."
"I know."
"Why didn't you?"
"I needed to handle it myself." Gibbs nodded thoughtfully.
"You are grounded for a week. On the condition that you stop putting yourself into dangerous situations."
"I'll try."
"Your hardest?"
"Yes sir."
"Then that's good enough for me Tony." Gibbs drew his son into a close hug, holding onto the feeling of his first-born in his arms. Tony on the other hand snuggled as close to his Dad as possible, burying his head into the well worn shirt smelling mostly of sawdust. As a response Gibbs tucked the unruly head of hair under his chin and caught sight of an old family picture on the bookcase. Yeah, Tony had grown, but was still the same boy he'd always been. His beloved son, loved more than he could ever know.
A/N: And that my dear readers, is it. The Other Tony is officially complete. If you have any ideas or suggestions for future stories: please let me know! Soon all my stories will be wrapped up and I need new ideas to work with. In the meantime: what was your favourite scene in the story? I'm really curious and hope you enjoyed the last chapter as much as I enjoyed writing it.