A/N: This story is dedicated to my mom, so thank her! You guys get a super long chapter thanks to her. :) Happy Birthday, Mama. I love you. :)

Okay. 3 things . . .

1). WARNING: THIS STORY IS MERCILESS FLUFF. So if fluff is not your particular cup of tea, then you may not want to read. Acutally, this entire little collection of storis is fluff. o_o If you're not a fluff appreciator (or addict like some) then, why are you here? xD
2). I just noticed that this story, Up In the Air, my (now) 7 chapter fic, has less reviews than my other story, My Last Breath, that has 3 chapters. o_O I find that unnerving for some reason. Maybe because I feel I did better with these chapters than I ever did with My Last Breath.
3). 3,178 hits
guys! :D Thank you so much to all who alerted and favorited this story and to the few who reviewed. And of course the silent lurkers. o.o No need to lurk. I don't bite, I promise! :)

Back to the story . . .
Just to warn you, I'm totally guessing on the house's layout. It could be completely different, for all I know.


"Have you ever invited a stranger to come inside?"

- Glitter in the Air by P!nk


Kind Strangers

Tony groaned, "Aw man. This can't be happening!" He turned the key one last time, praying for some sign of life. He stared in disbelief as his car, his beloved Mustang, gave one last cough before falling into silence.

He let his head fall into his hands. Great. Looks like I'm missing that horror movie marathon tonight.

Tony sighed out loud and said to his steering wheel, "Guess I'm walking home tonight."

He slipped out of the front seat and walked around to the back of the car. He popped the trunk and hauled out a large black duffel bag. He quickly shut the trunk and hit the lock button on his remote, watching in satisfaction as the overhead lights turned off and the locks clicked. He lovingly stroked his car one time before hefting the duffle over his shoulder and making his way through the parking lot.


Gibbs walked out of the elevator and seeing the empty parking garage, gave a sigh. It was the last day of a long and difficult week and his team was off rotation for the weekend. Two days of bliss to be spent however they wanted. The director had given them the news just as they were finishing their reports on the Arson case. After several cries of joy, fervent thanks to the director, and a nod from Gibbs, the team had left.

Tony had flown out of there so fast, Gibbs could've have sworn he left a breeze trailing in his wake. He didn't even wait for the elevator; he yanked the door to the stairwell out of the way and flown down the steps, sometimes taking two at a time. Ziva and Tim weren't far behind him, happily chatting about the plans they had for the weekend as they made their way to the elevator.

Gibbs waited until the elevator doors had slid shut before getting ready to leave. With one quick nod of thanks at the director, he too headed for the elevator. He knew that this weekend of rest was long overdue for his team, but he couldn't bring himself to feel thankful. The weekends he was off rotation were the only time he was ever really alone. Those were the days when he made the most progress on his boat, and slept little to none.

As Gibbs stepped out of the elevator and into the parking lot, he paused. Something was off. He quickly scanned the lot and discovered the problem. Tony's car was still there. He walked over and laid his hand on the hood.

"Still warm," he murmured, his voice thoughtful.

He headed back to his car, his mind spinning with ideas and explanations. He got in and drove out of the Navy Yard, but instead of turning towards his house, he started tracing his way to Tony's apartment.

He had just turned the corner when his phone buzzed. Not even touching the brakes, he flipped his phone open and barked, "Gibbs."

"Uh, Boss? Do y'think you could come and pick me up?" At the sound of Tony's voice, he had quickly pulled over. At the sound of his request, he rested his head against the steering wheel and slowly started counting to ten.

"You better have a damn good reason for this, DiNozzo." He growled into the phone, after a very quick ten seconds.

"I do, Boss." Tony said without hesitation. He quickly gave directions of his location and Gibbs snapped the phone shut, already speeding down the road.


Tony checked his watch for the tenth time in two minutes. It'd been 15 minutes since he called Gibbs and 14 minutes since Gibbs had hung up on him. He rubbed his hands over his arms, trying to warm himself as he watched his breath puff out in a cloud of white in front of him. He glanced once again at his new companions and hoped Gibbs would understand.

"Excuse me? Agent DiNozzo?" He glanced down at the small child tugging on his shirt.

"Yes?" He said, glancing up at the mother before looking back down at the child.

"Do you want your coat back?" She asked, her big brown eyes staring up at him.

"Naw," he said with a small smile, "I gave it to you." She frowned and started to tug it off, but Tony knelt down at stopped her hands with his own.

"Alicia," he began as he tugged his leather jacket back around the small child's shoulders, "This is your coat now. It's here to keep you warm, okay? My . . . friend is going to be here soon, and then we can all bundle into his nice warm car, okay?" He finished, smiling as the girl nodded enthusiastically.

They stood in silence for a moment, Tony watching the road for Gibbs, Alicia watching Tony.

"Agent DiNozzo?"

"Yes, Alicia?"

"What's your first name?"

He paused for a moment, before replying, "Anthony."

Alicia scrunched up her nose, making a face that clearly demonstrated what she thought of his name. She looked thoughtful for a moment before asking, "Do you have a nickname?"

He stared at her a moment before countering with another question, "Why?"

She looked at him, her small face determined, "Because your 'Special Agent' title-name-thing is a mouthful and Anthony is a really freaky-sounding name, almost Mafia like or something out of the Godfather and I really don't like saying either," she took a breath before finishing with, "And everyone has a nickname!"

"Do you have a nickname?" Tony asked, grinning.

"Of course I do! My mama calls me Liccy."

Tony stared at Alicia for a moment before turning to Mary, "Is she always like this?"

"Yes," the mother laughed, ruffling her daughter's hair fondly before resting her hand on top of her head.

Tony grinned and looked down at Alicia, who was staring up at him impatiently, "Tony. You can call me Tony. Both of you." He glanced up at Mary, who was watching him quietly. She opened her mouth to reply, but was interrupted.

"DiNozzo! Where the hell is your coat?"

Tony jumped, quickly covering the girl's ears with his hands as he whispered, "Little ears, Boss!"

Gibbs stared at him for a moment from where he was parked on the curb before shaking his head and asking his question again, "Your coat, DiNozzo. Where?"

"Oh," Tony moved his hands from the girl's ears and rested them on her shoulder, "Right here, Boss."

"You know what Ducky would do if he saw you out in this weather without a coat on?"

Tony grimaced, "He'd probably wrap me in thermals, but listen Boss . . ."

"Boss?" Mary asked, confused, her eyes flickering from Tony to Gibbs has she pulled Alicia towards her.

"Uh . . . yeah," Tony said, glancing at her, "I work for him."

"Yeah," Gibbs snapped, already impatient, "You work for me. Now, what're you doing out here?"

Tony glanced at where Mary and Alicia were huddle together on the sidewalk, before walking over to Gibbs' car and leaning in the passenger side's window, murmuring, "Can we do this later?"

Gibbs was about to protest when he noticed that Tony was glancing meaningfully at them. Gibbs studied them for a moment and saw that the mother was missing shoes and the daughter had only one shoe, her other foot covered in a sock. Neither had coats, except for Tony's jacket covering the child. He returned his gaze to Tony and nodded before jerking his head in their direction, "And what where you planning to do with them?"

Tony blinked, "Er . . . take them back to my apartment?"

Gibbs shook his head, "One bedroom, one bathroom? I don't think so."

"But, Boss!" Tony exclaimed.

"Don't even," Gibbs warned, "We're going to my place."

"Your place?" Tony gaped in shock.

Gibbs shrugged, "Three bedrooms, two bathrooms and one couch. Better than your apartment."

Tony thought about it for a moment, and thought about the three bedrooms . . . Gibbs' room, the guestroom and . . . Kelly's old room. He couldn't let Gibbs' outstanding offer go to waste. They were few and far in between. Tony sighed, pretending to be resigned, "I guess so."

Gibbs watched him walk over to the mother and start explaining. Although she was wary, she agreed and the three of them walked over to the car. The mother and daughter piled into the backseat while Tony threw his duffel bag into the trunk and snagged his usual shotgun seat.

"So," the little girl said, her dark eyes catching Gibbs' in the mirror as he peeled out, "What's your name?"

Gibbs saw Tony glance at him but ignored his gaze, instead returning the little girl's fierce gaze in the mirror.

"Gibbs. You can call me Gibbs."

"Gibbs," she repeated, her face thoughtful. Then she nodded and said, "Well hi Gibbs! I'm Alicia," she pointed to herself and then her mother, "and this is my Mama, Mary. And that's Tony!" she exclaimed, pointing to the passenger's seat and laughing when Tony jumped.

Gibbs chuckled and leaned over to head slap Tony, letting his fingers run through his hair on the back of his head before setting it back on the steering wheel, "Yeah, I know who this kid is."

Tony winced at the head slap, but grinned at the comment.

"Yeah," he crowed, turning around in his seat, "We're like Batman and Robin. Except Gibbs doesn't wear a suit and . . . I don't wear tights." He made a face.

"Cool!" She grinned, leaning forward in her seat, "So, you're both cops? Like detectives?"

Tony leaned back in his seat and glanced at Gibbs, "I used to be a cop. I used to be a detective too, but," he jerked his head in Gibbs' direction, "he's always been a NCIS agent and now I'm one too. Which means we get awesome sounding titles and cool looking badges."

"Really?" her brown eyes got impossibly big, "Can I see?"

"Uh," he glanced down at his belt and then up at his Boss, "I don't . . . can I?"

Gibbs rolled his eyes and pointed to the glove compartment. Tony popped it open and grabbed the badge, studying it himself for a moment before handing it over to Alicia.

She accepted it carefully, reverently stroking the lines and tracing shapes with her fingers. The rest of the car ride was silent, Alicia inspecting the badge, Gibbs studying her and her mother through the mirror and Tony watching Gibbs.


"The bathroom is down the hall. You two can go clean up. We'll have some clothes waiting for you when you get out."

Mary nodded, ushering Alicia down the hall, the badge still clutched in her small hands.

Tony watched them go before turning to Gibbs and asking, "Uh, boss? Where do you plan on getting the change of clothes?"

Gibbs gave him a look before walking up the stairs. Tony quickly followed him, taking the stairs two at a time.

"Just because, you know I never. . . oh." Tony stopped next to Gibbs and stared at the door.

"Oh," he said again, his eyes wide as he swung his gaze to Gibbs' face. Gibbs' face was a strange mix of determination and sadness.

Gibbs stared at the door and tried to get a handle on the emotions running through his mind. He sighed and turned to Tony, a small smile on his lips at the surprise on his face.

Gibbs pushed open the door and Tony stuck his head in, his wide eyes taking in every detail. Gibbs let a fond small grace his lips as he watched Tony wander the room, wonder written on his face as he took it all in. The pink bed and dresser spread, the toy chests and tea sets. The pale bed comforter and flowery curtains accompanied by stuffed animals and dolls, all tucked neatly into clear storage boxes. Tony reached out to touch the teddy bear set in the middle of the bed, but quickly snatched back his hand, looking towards Gibbs with an expression of fear that replaced the wondrous look on his face. Gibbs didn't say anything, just kept the blank look on his face. He was almost disappointed when Tony stood up and turned away from the bear with a smooth face and neutral expression in his eyes.

"Kelly's clothes are over there." Gibbs jerked his head towards a grouping of boxes propped up against the wall, just under the window. Tony nodded and, without a word, walked over and started sifting through them. Gibbs watched him for a moment, watching his careful and calculated movements, like he was trying to make as small of an impression on the precious memories as he could. After Tony was through the first box, Gibbs turned and walked over the closet and began looking for the box with Shannon's old clothes in them.

After several minutes of searching, Tony murmured, "Found 'em." Gibbs nodded without looking. Tony stood and watched Gibbs for a few moments. When he was sure Gibbs wasn't going to turn around, he snagged the teddy bear off the bed and tucked it into the box. He picked up the box and walked out of the room, leaving Gibbs with his memories.


Tony set the box onto the bed in the guestroom. He could hear Alicia singing in the bathroom and Mary's voice as she murmured to Alicia about the noise. He quietly knocked on the door and said, "There's a box of clothes for Alicia on the bed." He smiled when he heard Alicia talking excitedly and Mary's muffled laugh as she tried to thank him through a closed door.

He walked slowly down the hall and looked up the stairs with a frown on his face. He didn't want Gibbs to have to face all those memories alone, but he wasn't sure if he was brave enough to walk into that room again. And besides, those were Gibbs' memories. Maybe he didn't want to share them. There were memories that Tony never wanted to share with anyone, and they weren't as bad as memories of your dead wife and daughter.

He shook his head, trying to stop his thoughts from where they were going. With one last look at the stairs, he headed into the kitchen.


Gibbs trudged down the stairs, Shannon's box of clothes in his hands. He quickly walked into the guestroom and deposited the box on the bed. A faint smile touched his lips as he heard the singing coming from the bathroom. He walked over and quietly knocked on the door, murmuring, "There are some clothes out here for you." He walked out of the guestroom without waiting for an answer and went to look for his Senior Field Agent.

He found him in the living room, various take-out menus in his hand. Without looking up from the menus, Tony answered Gibbs' unasked question.

"I think they're hungry but too polite so say something."

Gibbs nodded and asked, "Why not just order pizza? It's easier than trying to figure out what everyone likes with takeout." He finished with a shrug when Tony looked up.

"Yeah," Tony chuckled, throwing the menus down on coffee table and picking up and phone.

Gibbs sat on the couch next to Tony as he dialed up his favorite pizza place.

"Yeah, hey Marko. Um, large with pepperoni, sausage and . . . yeah, extra cheese. Oh!" he exclaimed, snapping his fingers, "And another large . . . just cheese," Tony laughed, "Yeah, something like that. Okay . . . see you soon." He ended the call, a smile still on his face.

"What was that about?" Gibbs asked, his curiosity getting the better of him.

Tony glanced at him, "Oh Marko just wanted to know if I had a 'lady friend with me . . . or two'." He shrugged, a good natured grin on his face.

Gibbs chuckled, "That you do."

They sat quiet for a few moments, Tony with his eyes glued to the menus, praying he could outwait the heavy and awkward silence. Gibbs spent the couple of minutes studying his agent and wondering when the stifling silence had found its way between them.

Without ever taking his eyes off of his agent, Gibbs spoke.

"You did good, DiNozzo." When all he got was a nod in return, Gibbs decided to try a different tactic.

"Tony," he said quietly, tapping him on the cheek. When Tony looked up, he said, "You did good. You're," Gibbs paused, wondering if this was really necessary. One look at Tony's hope-filled eyes and Gibbs decided. "You're making me proud, Anthony." He murmured, his eyes never leaving Tony. His reward for his bravery was Tony's response. He visibly relaxed. His green eyes were light and calm, his face smooth and unbothered. It was more than Gibbs could've asked for.

"Thanks Boss," Tony murmured, a small smile on his lips at he gazed at his superior.

"Sure," Gibbs said easily, leaning over to ruffle Tony's hair as if it had been nothing.

Tony made a show of getting away from Gibbs, earning a giggle from Alicia, who was standing in the hallway, the teddy bear hugged to her chest.

Then the doorbell rang and Alicia and Tony raced to it. Alicia reached it first but Tony swung her up and deposited her on the couch. Alicia yelped in protest and Tony opened the door with a grin on his face, cheerfully greeting the pizza guy as if they were long lost friends. Mary came to stand behind Gibbs and they both chuckled softly at their kid's antics.

As Gibbs watched Tony dodge Alicia while balancing two large pizza boxes, he smiled. He was about to go rescue Tony from Alicia, who was currently trying to scale Tony to reach the pizza boxes he was holding over his head, when Mary leaned down next to him and murmured, "That's one special kid you have there, Agent Gibbs."

Gibbs nodded, the smile softening his face, "Yeah. Yeah, he is."


"Hello Leon," Gibbs said, briskly walking into the Director's office.

"Gibbs," Vance nodded, his fingers forming a steeple over a mountain of paperwork, "What can I do for you?"

Gibbs got right to the point, "I need a replacement badge."

Vance stared at him.

Gibbs shrugged and answered the unasked question, "It fell off my belt when we were chasing that Marine around down in Quantico last week."

"Ah," Vance nodded. He gestured towards the door, "I'm sure my secretary will give you the necessary paper work you need to requisition a new badge."

Gibbs nodded before striding out the door, a smile on his face.


"Really?" she gaped, her brown eyes wide with surprise and hope.

Gibbs nodded, smirking at the shock etched on three faces.

"Boss," Tony grinned up at his superior, his eyes bright, "How'd you pull it off?"

Gibbs shrugged, "I told Vance that I'd lost it. I filed out a little paperwork and got a new badge yesterday."

"Thank you so much, Mr. Gibbs!" Alicia stared in awe at the gold badge in her hands.

Mary touched Alicia's shoulder and leaned forward, "Let me see, honey."

Alicia proudly brandished the badge, "Look Mama! I'm a NCIS agent!" She leapt up off the couch and pointed her finger gun at Tony, shouting, "Freeze! NCIS! Hands in the air, dirtbag!"

Tony grinned and jumped off the couch, crying, "You'll never catch me, copper! I'm no crook!" Before bolting past her and down the hallway.

Alicia shrieked and took off after him, holding the badge out in front of her as if it would stop Tony in his tracks.

Both Gibbs and Mary laughed at the muffled, "Oomph" that came from the hallway and the triumphant battle cry that followed it.

Mary turned to Gibbs who was still grinning at the crazy antics going on and said, "Thank you."

Gibbs looked at her, momentarily confused, "For what?"

"For . . . this," Mary gestured to the house around her, her blue eyes serious, "For . . . everything!" When Gibbs tried to shrug it off, she gripped his arm and said wonderingly, "You took us in. You fed us, clothed us. Tony helped me find a job," she laughingly added, "He even had me searching for apartments yesterday! Could you imagine?" She shook her head, her fond smile matching Gibbs' as they thought of the young man who had affected both of their lives so greatly.

"Yeah," Gibbs murmured, his eyes on the hallway, "He has that affect on people."

"You were both . . . so kind. And yet, you were strangers to us. You had no reason to help us. But you did." She turned her soft blue eyes on him, "Thank you."

Gibbs nodded as blue met blue, "You're welcome."

There was a squeal from the hallway. Then Tony's anxious plea.

"Ah, Gibbs? A little help?" Tony asked desperately.

"Mr. Gibbs?" Alicia little voice tinkled in from the hallway, "Where are your handcuffs?"

"Boss!" Tony cried as Gibbs and Mary laughed.

As Gibbs stood up and headed for the hallway, Mary shook her head and smiled. Kind, though they were, strangers they were not. Not anymore.


A/N: :) Happy endings, all around. This one makes me feel all warm and fuzzy inside. :3 Have a fun and safe weekend everyone!