Author's note: Several things you should be aware of from this point forward:

First, the characters are younger than they would be on the actual show but, really, it's a dream so...
Second, the information about the battles and sites from World War I & World War II are true; Thank you, Wikipedia.
Third, it's not set in any specific small town; the actions, people and events could be from anywhere in the U.S.
Fourth, the guys were in the Army. While I know NCIS is Navy & Marines, Tony & Tim weren't either one in the service that I could ever find.

I apologize for any errors or inconsistencies or inaccuracies in the rank and military information. I wasn't in the Service, either.


March 1946
United States

The boys were returning home. It had been almost four years since they were drafted. They had trained and finally been assigned to the 83rd Infantry – Thunderbolt Division, stationed and fighting in Europe throughout the war.

Timothy McGee, now Sergeant McGee, had worked as a store clerk. His family, second generation Irish, had run the small hardware store as long as anyone could remember. Clean cut and quiet, very few people were surprised at how well he had done. His father and mother, Patrick and Hanna, waited at the station for the train to arrive. With them was Tim's high school sweetheart, Abigail Sciuto.

Abigail's family had fled Italy when Mussolini first came to power, seeing America as a port in the brewing storm. They joined a large Italian settlement already established in the small town. While they were first generation, most were second and third like the DiNozzo family.

The DiNozzo's owned a small restaurant in the town. Most people had thought it a foolish idea, paying for someone else to cook, until they tasted the Italian specialties of the DiNozzo family. The father, Antonio, Sr, and his wife, Isabella, had one son, Antonio, Jr. From the time he was old enough to walk, Tonio, or Tony, had been in that restaurant and his father expected him to take over the family business. Traditional values in a traditional family. The younger DiNozzo had other ideas.

He and Timothy had been friends a long time. Although Tony was a couple years older, they had been inseparable. Tony was the antithesis of Tim. Always a little rough around the edges, DiNozzo had been a bit of a brawler, skirting trouble with the law. Although Antonio Sr. had tried to keep a firm hand on his son, they continually butted heads. Isabella was the younger DiNozzo's only gentling influence. When she died unexpectedly, there was no longer a cushion between the DiNozzo men and their animosity exploded. Tony couldn't wait to leave it all – the town, the restaurant, and most of all, his father. The war and the draft provided the perfect exit.

What no one expected was how well military life agreed with the younger DiNozzo. The regimented lifestyle coupled with the danger and excitement presented the challenge the young man needed. His superiors were never disappointed and his field commission as an officer was indication of his performance. If anyone doubted his bravery, they need look no further than the Silver Star he was awarded for his actions. And now, First Lieutenant Antonio DiNozzo was on the train, returning from the war.

"Sir," Timothy reached across to wake the sleeping Anthony, "Sir, we're almost there. I can see the station."

Anthony, with his eyes still closed, replied, "Tim, how many times am I going to have to tell you to quit calling me 'sir'?"

Tim flushed, "Sorry, sir. I, uh, mean, Tony. It's just, you know, after all this time, it's ingrained in me."

Straightening up in the seat, he looked at Tim and smiled, although it didn't quite reach his eyes, and replied, "I understand but we're back in the states and will soon be civilians again so make an effort." He looked out the window at the passing scenery, "Besides, I would just as soon people not know I was an officer."

Tim was surprised, "But, Tony, why not? You earned that field commission. I know that better than anyone."

"Thanks, Tim, but, just keep it under your hat, okay?"

"Okay, but don't you think people are going to know something when they see the differences in our uniforms?" Tim replied reasonably.

"Maybe, but I'm counting on a little ignorance and your discretion. Understand, Sergeant?"

Tim smiled, "Yes, sir," knowing he had been given a veiled order.

Tim's excitement increased as they neared the train station while Tony's anxiety increased. As the train whistled its arrival, Tim was up and had his duffle bag over his shoulder before it even stopped. Tony was a little slower to follow.

Tim was at the exit and nearly leapt down before the locomotive finally slowed to a stop. Tony could hear the applause and cheers from inside the car. He wasn't surprised at the younger man's reception. Tim was a favored son of the city. He was a great basketball player and had led the high school team deep into the playoffs his junior and senior years. He had a younger sister who idolized him and his girlfriend's family had all but adopted him. Tim's family felt the same way about Abigail, who spent as much time at the McGee's home as she did her own. If there was any other way Tony could have exited from the train, he would have. Unfortunately, the station had only the one platform and they were in the only passenger car on this train. He took a deep breath and followed a few minutes behind the Sergeant.

To his surprise, he was also greeted by cheers and applause. Several of the town's men grabbed Tony's bag as he stepped down from the train. Many reached out to shake his hand or pat him on the back. He was ushered to a make-shift platform where Tim already stood with the mayor of their small town, Doctor Donald Mallard.

"It gives me the greatest pleasure to welcome home our two heroes, Sergeant Timothy McGee and First Lieutenant Antonio DiNozzo." The mayor began.

As the assembled crowd applauded again, Tim, smiling, leaned into Tony, "So much for keeping it a secret, huh?"

Tony gave Tim a warning glance and then turned his attention back to the mayor, "We know that for many towns and cities across our great state, the homecomings have not been so joyous and for that, and those sacrifices, we give them a moment of silent reflection."

Tony watched as many in the crowd bowed their heads. Doctor Mallard broke the silence, "We know that our two boys have been touched by those losses as well and we grieve with them. But, as it says in Ecclesiastes, 'There's a time to weep and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance;' this is our time to laugh and dance as we celebrate their return. On behalf of the entire town council, welcome home, Timothy and Antonio."

And again, the crowd erupted in applause and cheers. The mayor shook both soldiers' hands and then encouraged them to go back into the waiting throng. From there, the scene became somewhat less chaotic. More people shook their hands or gave them hugs or friendly pats. But most began to drift away, returning to their lives and daily chores.

Tim's family and Abby's completely surrounded him and began to lead him away. It looked like a small parade to Tony. There was a mob of Italians and Irishmen, all very expressive, and each was trying to express himself but all at the same time. He laughed quietly and returned Tim's quick wave as he was all but carried off by the families.

It was then Tony realized that, except for a couple of people, he was by himself.

"The old S.O.B. couldn't even be bothered to close the restaurant long enough to greet his only son." Tony jerked his duffle bag roughly onto his shoulder and turned around only to be stopped in his tracks by dark green eyes.

Cali Gibbs had heard Tony's muttered comment and replied, "It's not what you think, Antonio."

"Do I know you?"

"Kind of. I work for your father in the restaurant. We met, albeit briefly, when you came home after basic training. I feel like I know you, after all the stories and things your father told me. I'm Cali Gibbs." And she extended her hand in greeting.

Tony looked at the proffered handshake but didn't take it. Instead, he looked up, accusingly, into the young woman's face. "Gibbs? As in Sheriff Leroy Jethro Gibbs?"

"Yes," she nodded, "he's my father."

From the corner of the depot, the Sheriff appeared. He had been quietly observing the events since the two men stepped off the train, but his primary focus had been DiNozzo.

Sheriff Gibbs and the young Antonio DiNozzo knew each other better than they cared to admit. While his actions had never gotten him into serious trouble with the law, Sheriff Gibbs had made Tony his personal project. He had put Tonio in jail more than once and each time had released him only after a blistering lecture. Gibbs had been relieved when DiNozzo was drafted. He knew from personal experience that time in the military could straighten up a wayward lad. The soldier that stood before him had proven that theory again.

As the Sheriff came into Tony's line of sight, the military training kicked in. Without realizing it, Tony had dropped his duffle bag and come to an almost perfect military attention. He stopped himself short of the salute.

"Lieutenant DiNozzo."

Cali had been, at first, insulted, that Tonio had not taken her hand. Watching his reaction to her father's appearance, she began to understand. She knew that the two had some history. And, although there wasn't quite fear in his eyes, there was a wariness. DiNozzo's response was respectful, but clipped.

"Sheriff Gibbs, sir. It's been awhile."

"Yes, it has, Lieutenant. The uniform looks good on you." And Gibbs placed an arm around his daughter.

"Thank you, sir. I was unaware you had a daughter, sir."

"Yes, well, you'll understand if I'm not all that disappointed that you didn't remember."

Tony blushed but nodded his head. He finally turned his attention back to the girl.

"You were saying something about why my father's not here."

Cali cast a quick glance at her dad and then continued, "You didn't get my letter?"

Tony shook his head, "No. Mail was not a regular occurrence on the front. I haven't seen any correspondence in nearly six months."

Gibbs cleared his throat as Cali continued, "I'm sorry, Antonio..."

He interrupted her, "Anthony, please? Or Tony? The only one who EVER called me by my full name was my father."

Cali smiled, "Yes, I'm afraid that's all I've ever heard you called. So, Anthony," she continued hesitatingly, "I'm sorry I really don't know how to tell you."

"Please, miss, just straight out with it."

"Very well, Anthony. I'm sorry to be the one to tell you but your father died."

Tony's eyes widened imperceptibly at the news. "When?" Was the simple reply.

"Almost three months ago. I wrote to you then, to tell you. I'm so very sorry."

"So the restaurant's closed?"

Cali looked to her father who was watching the younger man closely, "No, Tony, it's not closed. I've been running it."

"You? But, why?"

"Because your father wanted me to keep it open for you."

This was a revelation. This man that the Gibbs girl described sounded nothing like the man he knew. Tony needed time to sort through the information that he was being given.

"You alright, DiNozzo?" Sheriff Gibbs deeply timbered voice registered in the young man's brain.

"I'm fine, sir. Thank you." He looked into the older man's hazel eyes but they were unfathomable.

"Let us take you home?"

Tony shook his head, "No, sir. I think I need some time and the walk will do me good, but thank you."

Cali started to interrupt but her dad stopped her, "Alright, then, Lieutenant. Again, welcome home and we're sorry for your loss."

"I'll be at the restaurant by 9 in the morning." Cali supplied.

"Okay, Miss Gibbs. Whatever you want," was Tony's noncommittal reply. He nodded his goodbyes and picked up his duffle bag and Tony started the walk to his family's home and business.

Cali and Jethro watched him leave. Although his bearing was still precise and one of command, Jethro noticed the slight draw of the younger man's shoulders. There was something there. His gut told him so. What it was, exactly, he didn't know. He suspected this young man had much hurt and pain deep inside him. And, until he let it out, he would never be alright.