The game was over and it was getting dark outside. Tony began picking at his bandage. Jack noticed and turned to Gibbs. Tony's actions had reminded him of the incident earlier in the day. "I think you should take that skateboard home. Maybe you can teach the boy how to use it properly" Jack commented, clearly teasing Dinozzo.

"Don't know if that's possible Dad" Gibbs responded in humor.

"Hey boss. Not fair. I was a PE major in college" Tony objected. They men laughed at his pouting face.

"I am really glad you boys came today. I really enjoyed your visit." Jack explained.

"Visiting was fun, but we should probably head home. It's starting to get dark and I have to be at work on time in the morning or my boss will be on my case. He is a real hard ass. I wonder where he got that from." Tony commented, grinning while standing to leave.

"Don't have a clue kid "Jack said smiling. He turned his attention to Gibbs. "I am especially glad that you came today son. I know you said you were not going to tell me why you changed your mind but I am really glad you did."

"So boss, are you going to tell me why you didn't stay at the office?" Tony asked with a grin on his face.

"I didn't want to change tradition, DiNozzo."

"But we usually spend Thanksgiving in the office, you did change tradition" Tony contradicted.

"I usually spend Thanksgiving with family" he said, staring a hole into DiNozzo. Tony grinned and became suddenly shy.

"Well, both of you are welcome here for holidays from now on. I want to continue this tradition." Jack said, smiling at the men. All of a sudden, Jack realized that Tony had been a major reason his son had made it home this year. "Tony, I can't thank you enough for bringing Jethro home. I really appreciate it. I have missed my son. What can I do to repay you?"

"I didn't really do anything Jack" Tony responded.

"You are still the reason he came home kid. I want to repay you." He insisted.

"Another one of the bosses' old sweaters would be good." Tony said full of wit. The head slap from his boss was not unexpected. Tony then suddenly realized what his answer should have been. "Okay, I have something you can do to repay me."

"Anything" Jackson answered honestly.

Tony suddenly reached out and hugged Jack then immediately headed for the door. He grabbed the pack he had dropped earlier in the day as he opened the door to leave. He turned see to a shocked set of Gibbs. "Talk to your son. And tell him what you told me earlier today." Tony waited for a second and Jackson nodded slightly in agreeing. That was the only signal he needed. He turned and closed the door behind him.

As Tony started his car and headed home realized that this Thanksgiving had been nothing like what he thought it would be when he woke up this morning. However, it had been far better than he had imagined. Thanksgiving was surprising like that, even if it was spent with a very dysfunctional family.

He suddenly had many things to thank God for and spent the rest of his trip home counting his blessings.

The End.

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Thanks again to Karen19 for the great job betaing. I wrote this story because I am feeling particularly thankful right now for my family. So even if your family is as dysfunctional as mine, Gibb's or even Tony's remember to be thankful for them. Being with family, no matter how strange they are is better than being alone.