When Paths Collide Chapter 3

By jjd022980

Author notes: Well this is going to be continuing of Agent Afloat: The Music Series (NCIS) but with a White Collar Twist. Basically this is going to continue a few months after where agent left off. Tony is still out of work since his lungs are not 100 % and he's still on Dr. Pitt's orders to take it easy. (You can read the other story on my site)

This story is going to have twist and turns and you'll get to meet a few new characters. So sit back and enjoy the ride. Oh, if you have the need to bully just don't read. Thank you.

I know this is a crossover but FFN is being a butt so I hope you understand.

Summary: With the outcome of "Judgment Day" Neal seeks help in DC from people from his past he kept hidden. Will this trip cause Neal to finally find what he is looking for? Or is prison his only way out for his life?

XXXXXX

Tony and Gibbs lay in bed after an intense night of lovemaking and reconnecting. Gibbs smiled as Tony snuggled deeper into him, not wanting to let go.

"Jethro? Are you here?"

Gibbs grinned as he heard his old friend calling from the stairs. He knew he was there to check on Tony as was the agreement for him to come home earlier than expected and also maybe offer some sound advice.

Sighing, Gibbs kissed his lover's head before easing from underneath him to greet Ducky. Grabbing a pair of pants, he put them on and headed down the stairs and greeted his old friend.

"Good morning, Duck. Would you like some tea?"

Ducky nodded. "That would be great, Jethro. Is Anthony up yet?"

Gibbs shook his head. "Ummm, no. I sort of wore him out."

Ducky shook his head and smiled. "Well it seems both of you went against doctors advice. He's supposed to be taking it easy."

Gibbs walked into the kitchen and got the tea ready. "Don't worry, Duck. We have been taking it easy and I've been very careful."

Ducky sat down on the couch as Gibbs handed him his cup of tea. "I know my friend. I'm just teasing you. It's good to see you smiling and happy. I know you've haven't been that way in a very long time." He took a sip of his tea. "Speaking of which, I believe your anniversary coming up is it not?"

Gibbs looked at his wedding ring and began to play with it. "With everything that has been going on, I've totally forgot about it."

Ducky patted his shoulder. "I'll help in any way my friend. That boy needs some surprises after everything that you two have been through."

Nodding Gibbs sat down beside his old friend. Ducky took a sip of his tea and put the cup down on the coffee table. Turning, he faced Gibbs. Ducky knew exactly what was wrong.

"How is Jess, Jethro?"

Shaking his head smiling, Jethro put his coffee cup down beside Ducky's. "She okay so to speak. I'm just having second thoughts having Neal being here, but then again…"

Ducky nodded. "You know those two are stubborn for their own good. Just like some other people I know."

Gibbs smiled. "I know Duck. I know. I just don't want to see her heart broken all over again."

"I was against the idea from the get go Jet and you know it."

Both men turned as Tony made his way down the stairs and sat in the chair across from them. He glared at both of them.

"When were you going to tell me she arrived or for the fact he was here?"

Gibbs sighed. He knew this was coming and sooner or later he had to face it. "Tony I wasn't hiding anything from you. I was going to tell you."

Tony took a deep breath as a coughing fit took over. "Dammit!" Tony took slow deep breaths to calm his suffering lungs. After a few minutes he was able to get his wheezing under control. "This sucks. We need to have this conversation."

Gibbs got up and walked over to him and pounded his back gently. He started rubbing knowing this was a calming effect on his lover. "Hey take it easy, Tones. We are going over there in a couple of days and we are going to talk about all of this. I agree with you, but I also believe maybe this is a sign and maybe just maybe this is going to work a second time around."

Tony shook his head and smiled. "Can't stop playing cupid huh?"

Gibbs smiled. "Nope, I can't." He kissed the top of his head. "Go back up there and lay down that way Ducky can check on you."

Tony sighed and stood up gingerly and trudged up the stairs.

Gibbs sat back down beside his old friend and sighed. "Am I doing the right thing, Duck? Am I going to break my daughter's heart all over again?"

Ducky patted his knee. "Your daughter is a very capable young woman, Jethro. When the time comes she'll follow her heart. If you want my advice, I would just say guide and not push."

Grabbing his bag he headed up the stairs to go check on his patient as Gibbs grabbed his cell phone and made a phone call.

XXXXXX

Peter looked out from his view of the city and sighed. He looked down at the anklet clutching it in his hand. He missed Neal, but he also knew that he was in good hands and out of harm's way for the time being. He was grateful for that, knowing it probably took guts for Neal to make that phone call in the first place. There weren't many people Neal trusted and knew Gibbs was far most one of them given the history between them. Lost in thought, the cell phone on the desk began to vibrate. Sighing, Peter walked over and picked it up, hoping for the best.

With a shaky voice he answered. "Neal?"

The voice huffed. "Nope, try again."

Peter smiled. "Gunny, how are you? Is Neal okay?"

Gibbs laughed. "Yeah the kiddo is fine. I'm just having second thoughts about having him and you know why."

Balancing the phone on his shoulder, he walked over towards the door and shut it. Walking over to his desk, Peter sat down in his chair. "Yeah, I know. He's a good kid Gibbs. He deserves to be free and happy. He doesn't deserve to be on the run. He's work to damn hard to earn a better life."

Gibbs sighed, knowing exactly where his friend was coming from. "I know. I know. My husband thinks I'm playing cupid again. Jess on the other hand…"

Shaking his head, Peter laughed. "Well, in a way you are." His tone turned serious. "I just want to thank you for not turning him away after everything that has happened. I know that was hard especially when it comes to Jess and Tony. I know how protective you are."

Gibbs nodded. "You know I love that kid. He's had a hard life. He's got you and El to look after him and set him straight, but maybe it's time for him to settle down. Well I should say both of them to settle down."

Peter sighed, knowing he had to tell him about why Neal called in the first place. "Kramer is back in DC. He's setting up a task force to find him. He wants him for something, but I just can't figure out what it is." He pounded his desk. "The board was going to grant his freedom dammit!"

Gibbs took a deep breath, knowing a calm tone was what his friend needed. "Peter, he's safe with me you know that. I can find out on my end on what's going on. I know for certain Jess has a good idea on what's going on that she's letting on. She rarely let's anyone stay at the house."

Peter sighed. "Do you think that she can find out what the agenda is?"

Gibbs shook his head. "I can ask her, but not at the moment. Right now she's still processing the fact that he's here and her emotions are all over the place. I have another idea. I'll let you in on it as soon as I talk to him."

Peter pinched the bridge of his nose knowing Neal was feeling the same way. He knew that Neal's actions when it came to certain things get him into trouble. "I know Neal is feeling the same way. Those two together might not sound like a bad idea. I know she'll set him straight."

Gibbs laughed. "Oh yeah, we'll see about that. Tony hasn't talk to him yet."

Peter smiled, knowing full well how Gibbs' husband was when it came to Jess. "Oh god, that's going to an interesting conversation. I want to be a fly on that wall for when that happens."

Hearing his husband's coughing coming from upstairs, Gibbs gripped the phone. "I'll let you know how that goes. I have to go. Sounds like Ducky needs my help."

Peter nodded. "Okay Gunny. Thanks for calling. Keep that boy in line and let me know and vise versa."

Gibbs nodded. "Thanks Peter."

He hung up the phone and headed upstairs to help out his friend.

XXXXXX

Tony stretched lazily on the bed hoping his husband would lay down with him. He knew once they were in bed, they could talk about Jess and Neal and how maybe this was the right thing to do. Hearing the sound of foot steps coming up the stairs, Tony breathed a little bit easier.

"Jet?"

Ducky smiled as he entered the bedroom. "No, Anthony. Gibbs is still downstairs."

Tony blushed, knowing he was going to get an ear full from his friend about his current state and the way the bed looked.

Ducking his head, he shyed away from his friend. "Duck…Ducky I...I can explain. I…I"

Ducky put his hand up and smiled. "I already gave a lecture to your husband about you taking it easy and I know he wouldn't lie to me, but you my dear on the other hand,"

Tony started coughing as he tried to explain and defend himself. All teasing aside Ducky pulled out his stethoscope from his bag and listened to Tony's lungs.

Hearing the coughing fit from downstairs, Gibbs ran up the steps and paused at the door as he saw his old friend taking care of Tony.

Ducky lay him back down and went into the bathroom and grabbed a warm wash cloth, placing it on his chest.

He sternly looked at him. "Keep this on your chest and let the vapors do their job." Sensing his friend at the door, Ducky calmly pulled a needle out of his bag. "Jethro if you please, help me roll him on his side. I'm going to give him a mild sedative for him to rest."

Tony watched wide eyed as Ducky prepared the needle and Gibbs did what his friend asked. Tony frantically grabbed his hand, squeezing it hard as he felt the small prick. Gibbs gently rolled him back on his side and kissed his forehead.

Tony had a death grip on his hand. "Jet…Jet…Jess…talk…Neal…"

Ducky patted his other hand. "That will help you rest Anthony. Your lungs are still congested and the rest will do you some good." He stood up and left the couple.

Gibbs walked to the other side and lay next to Tony. "I'll stay with you until you fall asleep okay?"

Tony snuggled closer to him, feeling safe and secure in his husbands embrace. "I love you, but you're not off the hook."

Gibbs leaned down and kissed his head. "Love you too and I know."

Few minutes later, Tony breathing evened out as sleep overtook him. Gibbs quietly slipped out of bed and walked towards the stairs. Walking down the stairs, he went into the living room and sat heavily on the couch, leaning his head back on the soft cushions. A moment later, he leaned forward a little bit as he smelled the cup of coffee.

"Thought you might need this, my friend."

Gibbs took the cup and smiled. "Thanks Duck." He took a sip and looked up the stairs and then back at his old friend. "I heard the coughing and thought the worse."

Ducky patted his knee. "He's doing fine, Jethro. His lungs aren't 100% yet. That shot I gave him will help him breathe a little bit easier and rest."

Gibbs took another sip of coffee. "It's just feels like the plaque all over again and I feel helpless."

Ducky reached into his bag and gave him something. "Rub this on his chest for the next couple of days. It will loosen the mucus that has build up in the lungs and make sure he continues to take his pills and whatever Brad told you to do stick to it. Oh a little light exercise is always good too." He winked at his friend as he stood up and gathered his things and headed towards the door. "Let me know if you need any help with anything."

Gibbs smiled. "Thanks Duck."

Ducky smiled as he closed the front door. Gibbs leaned back and finished his cup of coffee thinking about the conversations he was going to have with his husband and daughter. Pulling out his cell phone, he made another phone call. The caller picked up after two rings.

"We need to talk. I need your help."

The caller sighed, knowing when Gibbs called he knew it was trouble. "Same place?"

Gibbs nodded. "Yeah, I see you a few."

"I will meet you there, Jethro."

He hung up the phone throwing it on the coffee table.

"Jet?" Tony's voice carried from the bedroom. "Jet?"

Gibbs walked up the stairs and headed towards the bedroom. "Hey," Gibbs walked to the bed and leaned down to kiss his lover. "Let's get you to the bathroom and then back in bed."

"No," Tony groaned. "Want you with me."

"Bathroom," Gibbs growled with another kiss. "Then back to bed, I have plans for you."

The trip to the bathroom and back left Gibbs with one very tired, cuddle man in his arms. Just as they settled back into bed, Tony snuggled close allowing his hand to rest on Gibbs' stomach before slowly working its way into Gibbs' sweatpants only to come to rest at the top of his groin.

Gibbs bit back a groan, his cock becoming very interested in exactly what Tony's hand was doing. "Tony?" Gibbs shifted to try to move his lover's hand a bit.

"Stop moving," Tony groaned as he moved his hand to gently caress Gibbs' cock.

"What are you doing? Ducky said for you to take it easy; that's why he gave you a sedative." Gibbs tried to pull Tony's hand from his pants.

"So you could do all the work," Tony smiled into Gibbs' chest as he playfully licked and nipped at Jethro's nipple.

"Damn it," Gibbs arched into his lover's mouth. Taking a moment to regain his composure, Gibbs rolled Tony over so his back was to him. Working his way out of his sweats, Gibbs cupped his lover's ass before dipping a finger into his lover's hole smiling when he found him still slick and stretched from their last coupling.

Sinking deep into his lover, Gibbs kept his thrusts smooth and gentle paying close attention to Tony's breathing.

"Please," Tony begged as Gibbs' hand wrapped around to rest on his chest. "Please, harder…please."

Unable to resist, Gibbs pulled all the way out only to plunge back in hard scraping across Tony's sweet spot causing him to yell out. It only took a couple more thrusts before Tony came hard enough to render him unconscious.

"That's one way to make sure he sleeps," Brad smirked from the bedroom doorway.

Gibbs blushed slipping quietly out of his husband mumbling, "I have to start locking that damn door."

Brad laughed. "You should. But I'm supposed to be here remember?"

Gibbs glared on him. "Yeah I know. Let me have some privacy and you can do what you do."

Shaking his head, Brad went and waited out in the hallway. Gibbs got up slowly and grabbed a pair of jeans and washed up. Few minutes later, he tapped Brad on the shoulder.

"He's all yours. I have to go meet someone and Ducky gave him a shot of something so he can sleep."

Brad nodded. "I know. Ducky called me concerned. So it was a perfect time for me to come over." He patted Gibbs on the shoulder. "Go do what you need to do. He's in good hands."

Gibbs nodded looking at his husband one last time sleeping peacefully and headed out the door to his meeting.

XXXXXX

Fornell sat on the park bench looking at the gazebo. After a few minutes, he felt his friend's presence beside him. He turned and glared at him.

"Okay Jethro I'm here. What is this about?"

Gibbs sighed. "Neal Caffery."

Fornell shook his head. "Figures. Kramer is in the office scrambling all his resources to find him. What the hell did he do this time for the big guns to be called in?"

Gibbs shrugged his shoulders. "I have no clue. I talked to Peter and he was a little vague on the details. I know he's doing it to protect him, but at what cost?"

Tobias nodded. "I can find out. I heard the board was going to grant his freedom. Take the anklet off and offer him a new life."

Gibbs huffed. "I know, but when he called he was in tears. He told me that Kramer showed up with Marshals to arrest him."

Fornell scratched his beard. "Okay that does sound suspicious. I can find out quietly on my end. I know you're going to find out on yours and I'm not even asking on how you are going to find out." Fornell suddenly smiled. "How's Jess taking the news?"

Gibbs smiled at his friend, knowing Fornell knew where exactly Neal was. He knew that Fornell would die before he betrayed him. That's why they were such good friends. "Tony wants to kill him, Peter knows he's safe, Jess on the other hand…I just don't know. I just don't want to see her hurt, but then again those two need to get their head out of their asses."

Fornell shook his head. Standing up, he patted his shoulder. "Pot calling the kettle black, Jethro. Just remember that." With that he left.

Gibbs watched his friend leave and then sighed. "I hope you're right, Tobias. I hope your right."

In the distance a shadowy figure watched as the friends parted ways. Flicking his cigarette on the ground, he got into his car sneering at the very thought he might have the leverage he was needing to end all this and be rid of the throne in his side once and for all.