Dedicated to Ralph Waite known to us as Grandpa Smurf.
Gibbs didn't wipe the tears as they dried on his face. He shook hands with the people that came to the funeral. Accepting the condolences from old friends that had come to pay their respects to his father, Jackson Gibbs.
One by one they left, leaving only his team and the Director from NICS. He turned to look at his team, the closest people in his life. He cleared this throat then took a deep breath before he tried to talk.
"I'll be right behind you. I'm sure the ladies from the church have prepared something for us."
Understanding completely the need to be alone, if only for a few minutes Vance nodded his head. He stands to move away from Gibbs casting one last look at the flag draped coffin.
McGee, David and Abby looked questioningly at Tony, not knowing exactly what they should do. Tony doesn't hesitate he motions with his head to follow Vance. Both McGee and Davis nod once then guide Abby away.
As much as Abby wants to be there to comfort Gibbs she knows that right now Tony is the best one to give their Boss what he needs someone to cover his six.
Gibbs quietly watches as the men carefully fold the flag. It was something that his father wanted, to have his flag removed, folded and given to his son with no pomp. Gibbs looks to his left and sees his friend, his second in command, hell the man was close enough to him that he considered him to be his son. He sucked in a breath noticing Tony standing at attention. His face void of all emotion except for his eyes, Tony's eyes were full of unshed tears.
Accepting the flag Gibbs, thanks the army funeral detail that came to honor his dad. How they knew, it was beyond him. All the men would said was a order came down from the Big Brass, for them to be here.
Gibbs stood in place until he heard the SUV for the detail leave. Only then did he move he took a few steps forward until he was standing right next to his fathers casket. Reaching out he touches it one last time, saying good-bye to his father. It was a very melancholy moment for him, he was glad that they had reconnect after all those wasted years.
He moves his hand to touch the center of the smooth wood only to feel something odd. Looking closer he sees a single S.E.A.L.S. Trident carefully embedded into the wood. There was no marring of with either wood or the gold Trident.
Gibbs turns and looks at Tony only to see that he had not moved a muscle he was still standing at attention. "I'm ready. Let's go."
"On your six, boss."
"Tony." Gibbs starts to say. "Thank you."
Tony doesn't reply, now is not the time, so he tips his head slightly. When they get to the car Tony takes his sunglasses out of his pocket and put them on looking into the woods that surrounds the small cemetery. Only then does he get behind the wheel and start to drive away.
He can't help but smile as he looks into the rear-view mirror, he sees thirteen men all dresses in clean dark green khaki pants and black tee shirts come out of the woods. Tony brought his attention back to the road he has no need to see what was going to happen at the grave site, for he had planned it with them.
The men made their was up to the grave site as the groundskeepers were starting their work. Two of the men were carrying something, a smurf hat and an expensive bottle of Scotch.
One of the men dropped the hat into the grave, as the bottle of Scotch was opened and passed from man to man. The older of the men offered the bottle to the groundskeepers as well. After the toast was made the rest of the Scotch was poured into the grave.
The groundskeepers would later say that the men had tears in their eyes as they walked away. They would also say they were positive the they heard them say Good-bye Grandpa Smurf, give our love to Grandma Smurf.