So, this chapter is for Jet1967, who's rather lovely PM set my creative muse on a bit of a roll. Two chapters in two days? I'm hoping this sticks around. Jet, I'm hoping you enjoy this as much as I enjoyed writing it!
This goes for all my lovely readers and reviewers - if you have anything you'd like to suggest, or like to see, please get in touch! Either leave a review, or PM me - I don't bite, honest! (: I can't promise that I can fit your idea in with my remaining themes (or do it justice!), but I will do my best!
As always, R+R, and enjoy! (:
Boots
It was a quiet, beautiful Spring day; sky of blue, and not a cloud in sight. It would have been the perfect day to white-wash the fence, or repaint the garage door, but instead, Gibbs found himself in his basement, the beginnings of his new boat taking place. As he sanded quietly, a knock at the door sounded from upstairs.
" Just come in, it's-"
" Open, I know. When has it ever been locked?"
Jethro turned with a laugh, coming to face his eldest grandson, dressed in his Marine blues. Tony gave him a grin, before removing his hat, descending the stairs and joining him next to the skeleton of the ship, surveying it over.
" For Amira's baby?"
Gibbs nodded with a wry smile.
" I've always said you were awfully attentive for a DiNozzo."
" It's the David in me."
The older man laughed, fetching the famed bottle of bourbon and two glasses, pouring a shot for himself and one for the younger. As he turned back to face his guest, the sight of the uniform, and crew cut, drew him back to his own days of wearing it, days long since past. It was nostalgic to say the least, but these days, mixed with immense pride at the younger DiNozzo who he called his grandson, and who had followed in his footsteps.
" Encouraging under-age drinking, Gramps?"
" Having a nip with a fellow devil dog, I'd say."
Tony laughed, seating himself on the edge of the work bench, and taking a sip. Jethro leant against the opposite bench, and watched him over the rim of his glass, an eyebrow cocked.
" So. What can I do for you?"
Tony swirled his drink in the glass, not quite meet his eye.
" Do I need a reason to visit my favourite grandfather?"
" Your favourite? I didn't realise there was a running order."
The younger man snorted, taking another sip of his drink.
" I haven't seen saba in years, and the last time I saw DiNozzo the first was his wedding to bride number 5. I guess you're right."
Gibbs half-smiled, eyes still fixed on the young man.
" So how come you're all dressed up?"
" I had some stuff to do, and then decided to come here before I went home."
" Stuff?"
Tony glanced up, meeting the pair of ice blue, inquisitive eyes. He was silent for a moment.
"...We're deploying. In 2 weeks."
Gibbs took a breath in, taking a drink with it. So that was it. He'd known something was bugging the younger DiNozzo from the moment he'd sat down.
" Well, ain't that what you've been training for? Or do you just want to spend your life doing PT and drill?"
Tony scoffed, shooting Gibbs a skeptical look.
" I'm already doing it in my sleep, and in the shower. No, I'm ready, in my skills. As ready as I'll ever be. I'm just..."
He faltered for a word, before giving up and shrugging, taking another drink. Gibbs watched him, waiting for an answer, yet knowing it before it came.
" Scared?"
" Nervous."
It was a sharp reply from the younger man, blue eyes instantly meeting each other, a fierce defensive against perceived criticism. Tony held the gaze for a moment, before becoming intently occupied with his glass, guard dropping.
" Alright, maybe a little scared too."
Jethro smirked, pushing himself away from his perch to cross and sit next to the boy, who glanced at him from the side of eye.
" Ya think, DiNozzo? You look 5 again, when you do that. Guilty of being caught from the cookie jar. So what's the problem? Everyone gets nervous first tour. Heck, even past that."
Tony fiddled with his glass, still not meeting the elder man's eyes.
" So I've been told. But I'm a Marine, I'm not meant to be scared. Proud to serve, and brave in the face of adversity."
Gibbs had to smile. " And you're human. Being scared is natural. You're still doing it, aren't you? Putting your life on the line to serve, regardless of your fears. Makes it all the more admirable."
" But everyone that's gone before me, I bet they weren't all quaking in their boots. Kate, Dad always said she was one of the bravest people he knew. Agent Cassidy, she died saving you, didn't she? Director Shepherd, everyone I've ever heard about seemed to have no problem putting themselves in harms way. And here's me, scared to go."
Jethro waited until he was finished, watching as the young man gave an almighty sigh, before leaning over and cuffing the back of his head, somewhat affectionately.
" Like I said, kid, you're human. What makes the difference is pressing through those fears, and getting on with the job. Heck, I was terrified my first deployment. You train, and train, and then get out there, and none of it really helps. It gets easier though. You get used to your gun, you get used to the fire. Even the best get scared. Your dad, for instance, wet himself after firing a gun for the first time."
Tony choked on drink, spluttering with laughter.
" Dad wet himself? He never told me that! He said he'd taken to it like a duck to water!"
" Duck to an ice rink, more like. Your mum though, that sounds more like her."
Tony's cheeriness drooped slightly, acknowledging the remark.
" Between you, Dad and Mum, I've got Big Foot's boots to fill."
Gibbs chuckled, taking the empty glass from him.
" You have your own boots to fill first. You're still just a kid. Give it a little time. By the time you're sitting here, tour finished, those boots will fit you."
Tony pushed himself off the work bench, straightening his jacket.
" If you say so."
Gibbs stuck out his hand in reply, smirking, and clasped the younger man's hand firmly.
" Oorah, marine."
" Sir, yes, sir."
In one swift movement, Jethro pulled him in for a tight hug. Tony, surprised at first, quickly squeezed him back, before pulling away with a somewhat shy grin.
" Thanks Gramps." That grin quickly changed to a cocky, lop-sided smirk. " I'll come back with stories of my heroic tales, and manage not to wet myself my first firefight."
Gibbs smirked. " Let's not run before you can walk, kiddo. C'mon, go upstairs and grab a pair of sweats and a shirt and give me a hand with this sanding. You might even manage to get another glass of Bourbon if you're lucky."
Tony's laugh echoed with the sound of his boots as he climbed the stairs.