A/N: Sadly I own nothing pertaining to NCIS or its' characters.

Old Nemesis, New Respect

Chapter 10: A Family Gathering

The grill was hot and ready for the burgers and dogs.

Oliver was standing next to Gibbs talking about settling into campus life. He had received a registered letter from MIT just two weeks prior informing him room and board had been taken care of. The college had received a donation from a benefactor to house exceptional students with a military family background.

Kyle on the other hand had one more year of high school. He could've graduated a year earlier (chip of the old block) but decided another year would let him get to know Tim a little better.

Kyle had dreams of attending MIT as well, although he'd been offered several jobs straight out of high school. Linguistics and Translations had been put forth by every letter of the alphabet. FBI, CIA, INS and of course NCIS to name a few. Knowing the importance of higher education he chose MIT and he can help the ABCs' when needed.

The rest of the "family" started to arrive with sides and desserts. Abby had her famous cajun potato salad. Gibbs supplied the dogs and burgers, along with refreshments. Ziva brought a pastry dish, family recipe, and wine. Not being one to cook, Tony ordered a gallon of his favorite BBQ from the steak house. Jimmy and Bree came through the gate with deviled eggs and chips. McGees' contribution was a beautiful fruit and veggie tray. Oliver and Kyle handled the pickles and olives.

Tony stepped up to McGee, "Where's Ducky?"

"He should be here in a couple of minutes." Gibbs answered followed by, "He had to make a quick stop."

Everybody heard the Morgan pull up out front and looked to the gate for Ducky. He walked in with macaroni salad in one hand and ice in the other.

"I hope you don't mind Jethro. I brought a guest to this little soire."

Following right behind Ducky into the backyard was none other than Neil Kispert. He'd been in rehab for three weeks and was only released for the day under the good doctors' care.

The team began to applaud as Oliver realized who the special guest was. Ollie walked over to his brother, not saying a word. He took Kyles' elbow and led him to stand in front of Neil. Feeling the presence in front of him Kyle raised his hands to "see" what or who had caused all this ruckus.

"Dad?"

"Yeah."

As Kyle reached for his fathers' face, Ollie said what everybody else was thinking.

"You look...different...healthy."

Kyle stated, "No whiskers Dad?"

"No whiskers." Smiles appeared on all their faces. "I still have a long ways to go guys. This is one fight I plan on winning."

When Kyle felt the tears rolling down his fathers' cheeks he knew half the battle had already been won.

Neil put his arms around the boys for a hug. When he finally let go he handed each of them a package.

"How about gifts for the two strongest men I know?"

"Men? Really dad."

"Oh go ahead open them." Abby encouraged.

Everyone was eager to see what the the surprises were. Kyle was the first to open a brand new Rosetta Stone.

"I heard Greek was next on the list. That ok?"

"Yeah dad that'll do. Cool, thanks."

Oliver was the next with a novel.

"I know you like to read, but I didn't know what genre. I think you'll know the author though."

Oliver turned to the back flap and saw a picture of McGee and smiled. "Thanks dad. Hey Tim I didn't know you were a writer. Crime novelist, huh?"

"A writers' got to stick with what he knows I guess."

Flipping the book over in his hand Ollie noticed the authors' name. Thom E. Gemcity. Now why does that name sound familiar?

Without a word to the crowd Oliver took off running into the house and up the stairs to the room he shared with Kyle. The people left in the backyard looked just as confused as the next person beside them.

Oliver appeared at the back door, looked and slowly walked towards Tim.

"Thank You." He wrapped his arms around McGee and began to cry.

Neil stood silent watching things unfold. He spotted a piece of paper that Oliver had dropped at the door and went to pick it up.

Gibbs met him there and they both read the letter together.

Dear Mr. Kispert,

Let me be the first to congratulate you on your scholarships to attend MIT. We look forward to having a student such as you. I believe you would be a great asset to our community and student body.

Second. I am aware of your concerns about room and board. This letter is to inform you that you are the first recipient of the Thom E. Gemcity fund. A new benefactor and alumni to MIT has recently started this fund to cover room and board for children of our military.

We are proud to offer these scholarships and funds to you and your family for the sacrifices made by you to your country.

Sincerely,
Mark A. Collins
Dean of Students
M.I.T

Well, that's it for this story. I was glad I could pick it up again. Hoped you liked it.

Everyone have a safe and happy holiday season. Merry Christmas.