This is being written in collaboration with my talented friend nightchild78. We are having fun bouncing ideas off each other, and sharing in the excitement of watching this story unfold!
Special thanks to Rose Malmaison for making the image to go along with this fic!
Categories: NCIS/Torchwood
Rating: M
Characters: Tony DiNozzo, Leroy Jethro Gibbs, Abby Sciuto, Tim McGee, Ziva David, Dr Donald Mallard, Jimmy Palmer / Jack Harkness, Ianto Jones, Toshiko Sato, Owen Harper.
Pairings: Tony/Gibbs, Jack/Ianto, Tosh/Owen.
Warnings: Swearing, slash, Mpreg, explicit sexual situations.
Spoilers: Set during the 6th season of NCIS and after Children of Earth for Torchwood. Mentions of the episodes SWAK, Boxed In, Hiatus Part 2, Escaped, Singled Out, Bury Your Dead, Chimera and Requiem for NCIS and for the episodes Cyberwoman, To the Last Man, Dead Man Walking, A Day In the Death, Exit Wounds as well as the whole of season 3 of Torchwood. Miracle Day never happened.
Disclaimer: We don't own these characters. We just like to play with them.
(Author's note: Sorry of I'm starting to sound like a broken record, but I do hope you'll join me in my LJ community, Being Tony DiNozzo (beingtonyd). If you love Tony, have slashy tendencies, and are strongly opposed to Tiva, you'll feel right at home there! ;) )
RENASCENCE RENASCENCE RENASCENCE
Gibbs traced Tony's nipples, smirking as the younger man stared at him with bewildered curiosity. Tony's eyes closed, and his thoughts appeared clouded as Gibbs added his thumbs to the mix; twisting his nipples into hard, pointy pebbles.
Tony let out a soft, blissful moan as Gibbs continued to play with his right nipple, while simultaneously teasing the left with his tongue for a minute, before fully taking it into his mouth.
The low, quivering moans were arousing in themselves, and Gibbs could feel his cock painfully straining against his pants, a bit of pre cum staining them. It had been so long since they had been intimate, and felt this connected to one another.
Taking Tony deeper into his mouth, Gibbs was surprised to taste a burst of sweet liquid. His heart leapt at the thought of what it was. He'd never have imagined it could be possible, but once again Tony seemed likely to defy the odds. He and Tony could talk about that later. But right now...this was all about satisfying Tony and giving him back some self-confidence.
"Do you have any idea how gorgeous you are?" Gibbs asked huskily, before switching his mouth over to Tony's right nipple, and playing with his left. Once again, he tasted a creamy sweet burst; a reminder that Tony was a living miracle. "Do you know how hard it is for me to stay away from you? To keep my hands off of you?"
Coming up for air, Gibbs just stared for a moment, admiring Tony's beautiful features.
"Gorgeous!" Gibbs marveled. "Green eyes, shining like jewels." Gibbs lightly brushed away Tony's tears with his thumb. "I just wish these eyes weren't always crying. I wish you knew how incredible you are."
Tony sniffled, and his bottom lip quivered. Gibbs took the opportunity to lightly trace Tony's lips, effectively stilling them.
"And these lips. Full and luscious! I -"
Tony surprised Gibbs by capturing his finger in his mouth, wrapping his lips around it and sucking in a suggestive manner. The lustful, needy look that Tony shot Gibbs made him squirm, as his straining erection ached for release.
As Gibbs watched him, mesmerized, Tony continued to work his magic, sucking and skillfully working his tongue on Gibbs' digit in a surprisingly arousing manner before releasing it with a pop.
Gibbs sat up on the bed, gladdened by the ghost of a smile on Tony's face.
"Up!" the younger man ordered, lifting his arms weakly, before they plopped back uselessly onto his belly.
Gibbs did as he was told, standing before Tony, staring down as the pregnant man clumsily pawed at his waistband.
"Pahss da!" Tony ordered, and it was easy enough for Gibbs to figure out that he was expected to pull his pants down.
"No, Tony," Gibbs regretfully protested. "Sucking on my finger was one thing. But oral sex...It could get intense. I don't want to block your airway."
"No! Deez!" Tony held up his hands, indicating that he was offering a hand job, not oral sex.
"Oh...all right, then." With a crooked grin, Gibbs undid his fly, then pulled his pants and boxers down in one swift move.
Tony's hand was loose around Gibbs, moving weakly and clumsily along the older man's shaft. It could hardly compare to Tony's former sexual prowess, but to Gibbs, it was still incredibly satisfying. He couldn't help feeling like a man dying of thirst, suddenly faced with a shimmering oasis. While it wasn't the same as burying himself deep within Tony's ass, simply having Tony's flesh around him in any form was a welcome sensation.
Gibbs' mind focused on the sensation of Tony's hand around him, his eyes hypnotized by the beauty of Tony's features. It didn't take long for him to lose control, spilling his orgasm all over Tony's hand.
Pulling his hand away from Gibbs' now softening cock, Tony brought his hand up to his mouth with what looked suspiciously like a smug smile, licking his fingers in a suggestive way that drove Gibbs mad. Taking each finger into his mouth individually. Sucking, pulling and licking as his eyes rolled into the back of his head, savoring the flavor of Gibbs' juices in his mouth. Normally, Gibbs would have blurted out some scathing remark in response to Tony's apparent smugness. But this time, he kept quiet, too happy to see his lover enjoy his sway on him and regain some confidence in his power of seduction.
Once Tony had finished cleaning himself off, his green eyes stared straight into Gibbs' soul with a come hither stare.
"Kiss," Tony ordered, and Gibbs happily complied, leaning in and tasting himself on Tony's tongue.
RENASCENCE RENASCENCE RENASCENCE
Ianto was enjoying a rare moment of quiet, sipping tea and reading the newspaper. While it was true that everyone else in the house - with the exception of Gibbs - got their news online, Ianto was, as Tony had observed when they had first met, "old school." Ianto laughed softly at the memory as he brought the cup to his lips.
Not that he was opposed to modernity. On the contrary. Working for Torchwood, he had access to the most advanced technology, and he couldn't deny that it was pretty useful most of the time. Especially when dealing with a 20th century born pregnant man.
No, it was rather an acquired taste.
Spending his youth stuck between the walls of a gloomy council estate, where the only distraction consisted of occasional trips to The Electro, had left Ianto with a thirst for the affluence, refinement, and elegance his former environment was desperately short of. Notions which remained firmly associated in his mind with an old fashioned imagery of tailor-made suits, good china... and crisp newspapers.
He didn't deny that he seemed like a man out of place in his own time. Born decades later than he was meant to be. Perhaps that was what drew Jack to him. Having lived through those bygone eras, Jack had a particular affection for them. Maybe there was something about Ianto that reminded Jack of a time long past that a part of him missed.
With a final sip, Ianto neatly folded the newspaper, stood up and washed his cup.
With Jack, Tosh and Owen busy doing research and writing reports for Torchwood, and Gibbs out settling things at NCIS, Tony had been left in Ianto's care. Looking at the clock, the Welshman noted that Tony had been napping for nearly two hours. While he obviously needed the sleep - it seemed sleeping was all he had been doing in his third trimester - Ianto decided that Tony could do with some lunch.
※
Approaching the bedroom with a tray of food for Tony, Ianto tilted his head in curiosity as he heard some strange noises coming from the bedroom. It sounded like Tony was in some kind of distress. Ianto's heart skipped a beat at the thought of what else could possibly go wrong for his lover's grandson.
Walking into the open doorway, Ianto let out an audible sigh of relief as he realized that Tony was simply practicing talking. It sounded awkward, stiff and babyish. But he was trying his very best as he lay on his side with his back to Ianto, and the Welshman had to admit that he was making significant progress.
Hearing Ianto's sigh, Tony attempted a greeting.
"Ahn-to!"
"Hello Tony! Are you hungry?" Ianto asked, setting the tray on the nightstand.
Tony nodded, looking up a little sheepishly at Ianto. "You her me?"
"Yes, Tony," I heard you," Ianto said gently, helping Tony sit up. "Your speech is improving. Well done!"
Ianto helped Tony to his wheelchair and, as the older man sat, he looked down sadly at his belly. Reaching for his talking device, he shook his head.
[ "I sound like baby." ]
"Don't be so hard on yourself," Ianto said kindly, giving Tony a sip of water. "You're having to re-learn how to talk. You're starting all over. It takes actual babies years to learn how to speak properly. Considering that, you are doing exceptionally well."
Tony smiled appreciatively at Ianto at the compliment, though his eyes were still filled with sadness.
Though Ianto hadn't known Tony before he became pregnant, he had heard that he was very different then. His clown's mask firmly in place, Tony presented himself with humor and confidence, pretending nothing on earth could get to him. To some extent, he was still playing that role when Ianto had met him. But over the course of his pregnancy, Tony's mask slipped off. Left literally speechless, and almost completely dependent on others, Tony had no choice but to present his authentic, vulnerable self. There was no more pretending.
Watching sadly as Tony sobbed around the bite of turkey sandwich Ianto had fed him, the Welshman rubbed the back of his neck in a soothing motion.
"Easy, Tony. Mind your breathing." He waiting for Tony to swallow before continuing. "What's on your mind?"
Tony bit his lower lip, fighting back tears as he slowly typed. Jethro wasn't the only one who wished that he'd stop crying. Tony himself wanted to feel calmer and more composed. But no matter how much he tried to put things in perspective, he couldn't help feeling overwhelmed.
[ "I'm scared can't take care of my baby." ]
Ianto wasn't sure how to respond to that. He didn't want to give Tony false hope. While he did truly believe that his weakened state was only temporary, he didn't know for certain. So he simply gave Tony's knee a gentle squeeze, smiling at him warmly.
"Jet-wo has two baby," Tony continued, rubbing his belly. "Imm-ji...'n me!"
Ianto's heart broke at those words. While it could be argued that Tony was indeed helpless as a baby at the moment, Ianto didn't want him to give up on himself.
"Tony, listen to me." Ianto held Tony's head between his hands, forcing the pregnant man to look at him. "The most important thing you can give your daughter is your unconditional love. And I know from the horse's mouth that this is something you have in industrial-scale quantities. After she's born, hold her close. Be present. That's all she'll really need in those early months."
Tony gave Ianto a wavering smile. "Me...nuff?"
"Yes, you are enough, Tony. Absolutely!" Ianto confirmed.
He paused for a second, chewing his lower lip thoughtfully before carrying on.
"You know, when I was a child, my parents provided for me. They played their parts. But that unconditional love was lacking. They were there for me, but they weren't emotionally present. Something was missing. But the love you already have in your heart for this little girl is proof that you are going to be an ideal parent to her. Am I making sense Tony?"
Tony nodded tearfully, reaching out his arms for a hug. "Ahn-to...bess fren."
Leaning over Tony's massive belly, Ianto hugged the man who had become so dear to him. "You're my best friend too, Tony."
RENASCENCE RENASCENCE RENASCENCE
"Jethro! Welcome back!"
Jack looked up from his laptop as Gibbs entered the living room. Though the mansion had become more of a family home, with everyone preparing for the upcoming birth, there was always Torchwood business that needed attending to. But Jack found forms and reports to be especially tedious, and welcomed any distraction.
Gibbs had left for NCIS that morning, to discuss his eventual return to work, and help find a permanent replacement for Tony. With all that had happened to Tony, it was clear that he would never be in any condition to do field work again. His lungs simply weren't strong enough, and it would be awhile before he got his strength back.
"How did it feel to be back at NCIS?" Jack asked, closing his laptop.
Gibbs shrugged, plopping down heavily on the couch next to Jack. "I'll start back at work a few weeks after the baby's born."
"You don't sound too thrilled about that," Jack observed.
"Well, no. I'm not," Gibbs admitted. "I'm gonna be a father again. I have the baby to think of now...and Tony."
"And the job won't be the same without Tony there," Jack guessed.
Gibbs shook his head. "No. It won't. Tony made the job special. Without him, it's just...work." Gibbs sighed heavily. "My priorities have changed. The job doesn't matter to me anymore. Just Tony and our daughter."
"You could retire soon if you wanted to," Jack noted.
Gibbs folded his hands behind his head, leaning back. "Yeah. And I will, in a few years. I just want to make sure the team is in good shape when I leave."
"Tim seems like a capable agent," Jack observed.
"Oh yeah," Gibbs agreed. "McGee's great. If I have my way, he'll take over for me as team leader. It's the rest of the team I'm worried about. The agents they got to replace Tony and me are a joke. They'll be gone as soon as I come back. As for Ziva...Gibbs sighed again. "I don't know why I never noticed her insubordination before, but it could be a problem down the line. If she couldn't manage to obey Tony's orders, I don't even want to imagine what she would do if McGee was team leader. Now that I've stepped back and gotten some perspective, I see it doesn't make for a very healthy team dynamic."
Jack nodded pensively, but remained silent. There was always something about the Mossad officer that made him a bit uneasy. Her pathological tendency to insubordination reminded him of Gwen at her worst, but in a more aggressive way. Jack had some Retcon set aside with Ziva's name on it, just in case.
"How's Tony?" Gibbs asked, pulling Jack back into the moment.
"He's fine," Jack answered, glancing back in the direction of the bedroom. "Ianto's with him."
An awkward silence followed, Jack casting an almost accusing glance Gibbs' way.
"You got something to say?" Gibbs asked, clearly irritated.
Jack turned so that he was facing Gibbs directly, propping himself up on an elbow as he stared at Gibbs with narrowed eyes.
"You really love Tony, don't you? You're really worried about him?"
"Of course," Gibbs snorted, as if the very fact that Jack was asking such questions was ridiculous.
"And when this is all over, when Tony is up and around again, will any of that change?"
Gibbs sat up, taking a defensive/aggressive posture. "What are you getting at?"
Instead of answering the question, Jack continued pressing Gibbs for information. Jack knew exactly where he was steering the conversation, even if Gibbs was completely lost.
"You could have lost Tony a few weeks ago. There's still a chance you could. He's in very delicate health now."
"I know," Gibbs said, almost inaudibly. His hostility seemed to slide away as he focused his thoughts on Tony's struggles.
"And this isn't the first time you nearly lost him, is it?" Jack continued.
"No. It's not. Tony had the plague a few years back. You know that," Gibbs said, shuddering at the memory.
"How did you feel back then? Seeing Tony so sick like that? Not knowing if he was going to make it?" Jack asked, realizing he sounded a lot like a shrink.
"What's with all the questions?!" Gibbs snapped.
Jack took a deep breath before responding, trying his best to remain calm. "Please, just answer."
Gibbs rubbed a hand over his face, looking emotionally exhausted. "I was scared. Seeing him like that, so sick, fighting for his life. I was sure I was gonna lose him." A rare tear fell from Gibbs' eye as he recalled the painful memory. "I gave him a light slap on the head, and told him he'd be fine. I tried to be strong for him. I didn't want him to be afraid. And I didn't want him to see how scared I was."
"And after Tony recovered, you held on to those feelings, didn't you? You remembered how it felt to see Tony on the brink of death, and cherished each moment with him? You valued his contributions to the team, and made sure he knew you appreciated him?" Jack asked with a raised eyebrow, his tone challenging.
Gibbs found himself staring at Jack, speechless. He knew he had failed Tony miserably over the years. And he knew that Jack knew this. What Jack wanted now was a promise that Gibbs would never again be so thoughtless with Tony's feelings.
"My guess is, you already know the answer," Gibbs muttered, looking down, ashamed.
"Yeah, I heard everyone give their mea culpa when Tony was comatose," Jack admitted. "More importantly, I talked to Tony. Before the coma, when he could still talk. Obviously."
"Really?" Gibbs asked, his stomach beginning to twist in knots.
"Mmhmm," Jack nodded. "I don't know if it was hormones, or the fact that Tony was off his meds - probably a combination of the two - but he opened up to both Ianto and myself. Bottom line? He was hurt. Deeply hurt."
Gibbs' heart sank, and he felt like he was going to be sick. "What exactly did he say?"
"That's a conversation you need to have with Tony," Jack said firmly. Staring at Gibbs with an intensity that matched Tony's in his most serious moments, there was something in Jack's haunted expression that spoke of his own regret.
"Jethro, I know I look roughly the same age as Tony, but I want to remind you that I'm a lot older than you - and I've made a lot more mistakes. I lost so many people in my life, that I started to distance myself. I pushed people away. Ianto...I know I hurt Ianto before he died. The more attached he became to me, the colder I acted towards him. I didn't mean to hurt him. I was just trying to protect myself. I couldn't let myself love him, only to eventually lose him. But the reality of losing him made me see just how important he was to me. I have never loved anyone the way I love Ianto! And I know that I never will. I never thought Ianto would come back from death, and I was lucky to be given a chance to make it right. Most people don't get that chance. You won't get that chance, Jethro. Don't take Tony for granted. You never know how long - "
Jack's cell interrupted the conversation. Seeing it was Ianto, he answered on the first ring. Ianto was in the house, caring for Tony. If he felt the need to call, rather than come to Jack himself, there must be a problem.
"Ianto? Everything okay?" Jack asked cautiously, standing up and walking towards the bedroom as he answered. Gibbs followed close behind.
"I don't think so. Tony and I were talking of this and that, when he suddenly cried out. He's in a lot of pain," Ianto stated, trying to keep his voice calm. "He appears very distressed, and he can't even use his device to tell me what's wrong."
By the time Ianto had finished talking, Jack and Gibbs were already in the room.
Tony, head bowed down towards his belly, sat limply in the wheelchair, his body apparently experiencing some relief from the pain.
"Tony? What's wrong?" Gibbs asked, gently taking both of Tony's hands into his own.
"I...ow!" Tony answered weakly.
At any other time, Gibbs would have laughed inwardly and felt a little proud of Tony for being able to state his feelings simply and bluntly, even under such dire circumstances. But now, he was more concerned with getting to the bottom of why Tony was suffering.
"It's gonna be okay, Tony." Gibbs put a reassuring arm on the younger man's shoulder. "Owen's gonna look you ov -"
A sharp cry cut off Gibbs as Tony balled his hands into fists at his sides. Quivering, he gave Gibbs a frightened look as he tried to breath through the pain.
And it was in those breaths, in those winces of agony, that Gibbs realized what was happening. He'd seen this before, standing at Shannon's side as she went through what Tony was now experiencing. Thank God, it wasn't another symptom of some life threatening issue. On the contrary, it was the first sign of Tony's welcome delivery.
A smile slowly spread across Gibbs' face, and when Tony's pain momentarily subsided once again, he studied Gibbs' features, puzzled.
"Try and relax, Tony," Gibbs soothed, his hand resting on the back of Tony's neck. "This is what we've been preparing for."
"Do you mean...?" Ianto began.
Gibbs nodded, not taking his eyes off of Tony.
"I'll find Owen," Jack said, exiting the room.
"I'll call Ducky," Ianto added, taking his phone out of his pocket.
Gibbs looked into green eyes that were filled with both fear and anticipation, marveling at Tony's inner strength and resolve.
"You ready to meet our daughter?"