a/n - This is probably my second favorite Tony chapter, my favorite is coming up near the end of the story. The plan is to have the last chapter up before the end of the month, isn't that wild after all this time? Enjoy.

"Mmm, what are we eating, Ziva?" Tony carried Jett back in and laid him down on his bed before returning to the kitchen. She was pulling something out of the microwave while Abby was answering the front door.

Ziva pulled the lid off and stirred the dish. "I am not sure. It is what McGee was cooking before Jett was injured. Mrs. B. put it in the refrigerator when it was done."

"Barbeque beef, I believe." Both agents turned around as Mrs. B arrived with Abby. "I had a small piece when I put it away for them and it was quite good."

Tony spotted the package of buns on the counter. "I bet the plan was barbequed beef sandwiches."

"I thought so, that's why I made some cole slaw." As Mrs. B explained, Abby set the bowl on the table and pulled off the foil.

"Mmm, that looks good." Abby started pulled down plates. "You're staying to have dinner with us, aren't you?"

"Oh, I'm afraid it's a little late for me, my dear. I just wanted to make sure they had a good meal Timothy's first night home. Now, let me pop in for a second to see Jett and then I'll be on my way." Patting Abby's arm, Mildred went into the den.

Tony followed her in, making sure she didn't fall when she bent down to greet the dog. "Hello, sweetheart, I'm so sorry I wasn't home to stop that awful woman from hurting you." She stroked his soft ears for a moment before straightening back up. Mindful of her age, Tony made sure she was holding onto his arm down the steps off Gibbs' porch and up the steps to hers.

As Mrs. B. woman unlocked her door, Tony waited, feeling he needed to say something to the woman who'd seen him at his worst. She seemed to sense what he was working up to and patted his hand. "Jethro is actually very forgiving of those he truly cares about."

"I know, he and Tim both are." Tony hung his head for a moment as he thought back. "I reacted very badly when I found out about them. I thought they were breaking up our family, but in reality they made it stronger and I am just so grateful..."

Standing in the foyer, Mildred could see the photo of her late husband that greeted her every time she came home. Past that, the living room walls were covered with images of the children that had passed through their home. Neighborhood children that found safety and warm cookies between the end of the school day and mom's arrival home from work, foster children that found safety and security there for even longer, be it a few days or a few months, she remembered them all as she took Tony's hand. "Sometimes the family we choose can be the best kind of family there is."

Tony bent down and kissed the small woman on the cheek. "I know."

-NCIS-

Ziva was dishing up the food when Tony returned. "Should we take plates upstairs for them?"

"I'm not sure, let me check." Tony quietly slipped upstairs. It was quiet and there was no response when he softly tapped on the unlatched door. When it swung open slightly he carefully peeked in before opening it further. "Boss?"

Again no response, so he pushed the door open the rest of the way. Hair still damp from the shower, Gibbs was stretched out on top of the bed, McGee draped across him while the sheet and blankets were shoved to the foot of the bed. Tim stirred slightly, nuzzling his face against Gibbs' neck and the older man instinctively pressed a kiss against his forehead.

Smiling fondly, Tony stepped lightly towards the bed and untangled the bedding. The late fall evening was warm enough to not need a blanket, but he pulled the sheet up over them, making sure to cover Tim's shoulders.

"Thanks, Tony." The blue eyes didn't open, but a slight smile crossed Gibbs' face and Tony couldn't help but smile back, even if no one saw it.

"No problem, Boss. Do you want some food? Ziva warmed up McChef's barbequed beef and it smells pretty good." Gibbs looked so content, but he felt he had to ask.

"Nah, I'm good." Gibbs rubbed his cheek against the top of Tim's head before drifting back off.

Tony was still smiling when he came downstairs and shook his head at Ziva. "None for them, they're all settled in for the night."

In truth, they were all exhausted and after a quiet meal Tony carried Jett outside to his corner to do his business. Once that was done, he carried the dog back inside and laid him on his bed in the den. The vet had told them that they'd be able to tell when the sedatives wore off and until that happened, Abby was adamant that the recovering animal not exert himself more than necessary.

Pillow and blanket in hand, Abby was waiting for them and she laid down on the floor next to Jett's bed while Tony and Ziva each took a couch. It was only 21.00 but Tony fell asleep almost instantly.

A canine whimper woke Tony and he rubbed his face as he sat up and looked at his watch. 23.00 "What's the matter, boy, do you need out again?" Tony shoved a flashlight in his coat pocket. "Abs, move over."

"What?" Realizing what Tony needed, Abby crawled to the other side of the low bed, allowing DiNozzo to kneel down and easily lift Jett. As soon as he set the dog down outside, he swept the area with the light, just to be safe. Jett stared at him, head cocked to the side until Tony got the hint and moved out of view. Once he was finished, Jett sat in front of Tony, waiting for his ride back into the house.

Almost 01.00, the maglight was still in his coat, so he just pulled it on as shook his head. "Again, dog? Really?" On the way back in, Jett whined to stop at his water bowl and much to Tony's dismay, he lapped down the entire bowl.

A few minutes past 03.00 "You have got to be kidding me." From the other side of the doggie bed, Abby scolded him without even sitting up.

"His kidneys have had a hard time, Tony."

"Yeah, yeah, come on, McPiddle." By now, Tony had given up on the dog hair coating his jacket as he made the familiar trip to the fire hydrant with the detour to the water bowl before returning Jett to his bed.

At 05.00, Tony just shook his head as he rolled off the sofa. "What I don't do for your fathers." At least he was trained to only use the one spot in the yard, so Tony didn't have to watch his step too closely. On the way back into the house, Tony glared at him suspiciously. "If I didn't know better, I'd think you were milking this just a bit."

Tony had just laid him back on the bed when a door upstairs opened and a short whistle could be heard. Jett scrambled to his feet and bounded up the stairs, tail wagging happily as went. Silently, Tony stared at the retreating form until Jett rounded the corner upstairs. He heard Gibbs shush the dog and tell him not to get used to being so pampered before the bedroom door closed again.

"Little late for that, Boss." His whispered words got Abby giggling and Tony dropped his head as he snorted.

Abby grinned as she settled back down. "He'll probably sleep now."

"Man, I hope so." Just as Tony closed his eyes, Ziva shifted onto her back on the other sofa and began to snore. "Ziva? ZIVA?" Giving up, Tony wrapped the pillow around his head with a groan.