Section 23

"This isn't the way home," Tony said as he held on tightly to the dash when Gibbs took the turn in his regular style. The drive had been relatively quiet, neither man really wanting to talk about the earlier events.

"We've got a couple of stops on the way. Need to pick up a few things at the store and some beer."

"Gibbs, I…" Tony searched for the right words. "I hate that they're going to drag you through this."

"Hey, you forgetting the rules?" Gibbs rapidly changed lanes before continuing. "You do what you have to for family."

"We're not…Ouch, Gibbs! That hurt."

"It was supposed to. You want to tell Abby and McGee we're not a family?"

"I wish we were, really." Tony sighed.

"You aren't responsible for what Senior did," Gibbs said reading Tony's thoughts.

"But, I am the one who turned him in." Tony ran his left hand through his hair. "I was so angry, maybe…"

"I know you better than that. You didn't turn him in for revenge." Gibbs took his right hand from the wheel and captured Tony's left before it could wreak more havoc on his hair. "Tony, you're a federal agent, it's your duty. More than that, you're a good man. I don't know how the hell you managed to become the man you are with Senior around; but I'm proud of you. It took a strong person to do what you did."

"I don't feel that strong."

"You don't have to be. You've got me to lean on." He realized that he was essentially holding hands with Tony...his husband…no, his senior agent, Gibbs told himself. Withdrawing his hand, he realized thankfully that they were arriving at their first stop.

"Thanks, Gibbs." No amount of money would have made Tony admit how much he missed the comfort of Gibbs' hand. Thankfully, he was distracted by a sliding stop. Before he could complain about the suddenness, Gibbs had exited the car. With little regard for the passing traffic, he headed around the front of the car already digging for change. Tony looked at the store front; a jewelry store.

"Are you coming?" Gibbs stood by the parking meter. Tony looked from the store front back to Gibbs who motioned him impatiently. "Well, come on."

Tony reluctantly unbuckled his seat belt and slowly climbed from the car. "Gibbs…"

"You remember what SecNav said. We're married, we need rings." Gibbs took hold of Tony's arm. "Look put Senior out of your mind, focus on the end game."

"You don't think it was Senior or Jeanne, do you?"

"Do you?" Gibbs saw the understanding in Tony's eyes. "I don't know who is playing this game, but we will end it, together. Now, come on."

The jewelry store fit quite well on the quaint street. Tony loved to spend time strolling along the streets in Old Alexandria and exploring the antique stores and quaint boutiques. Jewelry stores were not his normal haunt. "How'd you find this place, boss?"

Gibbs stopped before opening the door. "Not boss. We're not on the clock, Tony." Gibbs said his name deliberately.

"I don't know what to call you," Tony admitted, flushing.

"When we were chatting with your father, you called me Jethro."

"Okay. How did you find this place, Jethro?" Tony felt ridiculously happy over Gibbs' small smile of approval.

"The guy who started it was in Dad's platoon. When he died, his widow was struggling to keep it going till their son could take over. Became a habit for the other members of the platoon and their families to buy from her if they could. Her son's training the fourth generation now."

"Did you get yours and Shannon's rings here?"

"Yep, I was scared to death. A month's pay in my pocket and no clue about diamonds. Ms. Irma helped me pick out a pretty oval solitaire. She said that it would be good around kids. No sharp edges to cut or snag them."

"Did she like it?"

"Yeah, she did." Gibbs smile was bittersweet.

"Mr. Gibbs, how are you?"

"What have I told you, Miss Sara?"

The young woman smiled. "Don't call me Sir. Don't call me Mister. But grand-dad expects a level certain level of respect."

"Indeed I do. Hello, Jethro."

"Richard, how have you been doing?"

"Just fine. Joan had a bit of a cold, but everyone else is healthy. How's your dad?"

"Doing well, still running the store. Says they'll have to carry him out."

"I figured since Richard Junior took over you'd be spending a lot of time on the golf course relaxing."

"He should have been." A middle-age man had entered the store behind them. "But he insisted on coming in this week. Kept saying we'd be seeing you."

The older man came around the counter and walked up to Tony. "So this is Tony. You described him pretty well, Jethro. Saw coverage about your wedding on the TV and figured you'd be by. I've picked out some nice rings. Come with me." Older Richard went back around the counter and pulled out a couple trays with pairs of rings. "See anything you like?"

"I don't see prices." Tony whispered to Gibbs.

"Don't worry about it." Gibbs whispered back.

"Let's start off easy. Do you want diamonds or another stone?"

Tony and Gibbs looked at each other before replying, "No."

"What about the ring itself? Platinum, white gold?"

"Actually," Tony spoke up. "I prefer plain gold. What about you, G…Jethro?"

Relieved that Tony was starting to participate, Gibbs agreed to yellow gold.

"Secret traditionalists." Richard took two trays away before bringing out another. There were modern, mixed gold styles and some throw-back styles like Art Deco, engraved, spiraled.

When Richard set the tray down, Tony's eyes swept the board and found it. It was exactly the type of ring he thought of wearing someday. Tony kept trying to look at the other rings, but the set kept drawing him back. Gibbs was watching him closely and knew when he locked on to the set.

"Richard, we'll take these." Gibbs picked up the box and knew by the look on Tony's face, he'd been right.

Section 24

"Mr. Vice-President, thank your for seeing me on such short notice."

"I admit, I almost refused your call, Hagel. Please tell me there aren't more problems with NCIS over Agent DiNozzo's citizenship."

"No, sir. Aside from the publicity, that appears to have stalled the HSA."

"So we aren't here," the vice-president gestured at back room of the same small local restaurant, "to handle a dispute between cabinet members."

"No, sir."

"I know I'm going to hate myself for this, but what's this about, Hagel?" The vice-president leaned back in the arm chair.

"I'd prefer to wait for the others."

"Who all have you invited to this little soiree?"

"Director Comey, Agent Fornell," a commotion at the door interrupted Hagel, but his relief faded when the vice-president looked at the newcomers and then glared at him. "Secretary Mabus and Director Vance."

"You said this wasn't about NCIS," the vice-president growled.

"Technically, I said it wasn't about Agent DiNozzo's citizenship." Hagel's statement earned him another glare. The arrival of the others coincided with the arrival of the waitress bringing glasses and a bottle of bourbon, which he had her leave. Hagel wanted at least one glass, if not two, before the whole story came out.

The vice-president watched the five men exchange pleasantries while he sipped his drink. He had pretty much convinced himself that he did not want to know what could involve the FBI and NCIS. The only downside was his curiosity. His mother had always warned him that it would get him in trouble. "If you gentlemen are done stalling, who wants to tell me what is going on?" There might as well be crickets chirping, he thought. "Spit it out, Hagel." He ordered, unconsciously echoing his words from only days before.

"Agent Fornell is in possession of evidence that could potentially create a publicity firestorm."

"Fornell has the evidence?" Tobias nodded. "But you called the meeting."

"Yes, sir."

"Gentlemen, and I use the word loosely, I am expected to join my wife at the ballet in," he looked at his watch, "an hour and a half. Given Hagel's prefabricating, I'm going to take a wild guess that this is linked to DiNozzo and therefore, God forgive me, Gibbs. I can tell by your expressions, I am correct, so can we cut to the chase?"

Vance glared at Mabus and Hagel. One thing about politics he knew was when one was being used as a sacrificial lamb. He'd been saddled with Gibbs and DiNozzo, wasn't that enough? "Late this afternoon, Agents Gibbs and DiNozzo were present when Jeanne Benoit and Anthony DiNozzo, Senior were returned to NCIS for questioning in regards to Agent DiNozzo's citizenship issues. At that time, we were informed that Ms. Benoit is now Mr. DiNozzo's wife."

"He married his son's ex?"

"Out of respect for Agent DiNozzo, it should be noted that his involvement with Ms. Benoit was part of former Director Shepherd's unsanctioned operations."

"Why am I waiting for the other shoe to drop?"

"Sir, a situation ensued, during which Agent DiNozzo was struck." Vance paused as Fornell obligingly produced a paper from his file and handed it to the vice-president.

"Is he always like this?" The vice-president looked up from reading.

"Which one, sir?" Vance's tone was long-suffering.

"I'm assuming from this meeting that DiNozzo, Senior will be facing charges and there is concern regarding bad publicity?"

"Yes, sir, but that's not the worst of it. Following the altercation, Agent DiNozzo had a visitor who presented him with some manila envelopes. Upon opening them, I contacted Agent Fornell immediately." Fornell took out the files but did not hand them to the vice-president. "We felt that in order to avoid any hint of impropriety, to hand the cases over to the FBI."

"Gibbs was in agreement with this?"

"Yes, sir."

"Let me get this clear. We're talking Agent Gibbs who could make a mule look docile. The man who could make a snapping turtle look like a quitter. That Leroy Jethro Gibbs voluntarily gave up a case?"

"Yes, sir."

"Pour me another drink." The vice-president took a long sip, wondering why he ever thought running for office was a good idea. He'd long since come to the conclusion that the only reason he was needed was to help oversee Gibbs. If the truth came out, no one sane would accept the job. Again, hating his innate curiosity, he couldn't help but wonder what would make a man like Gibbs back off.

"In all fairness, Mr. Vice-President," Tobias interjected. "Gibbs did attach conditions to turning over the cases."

"Of course he did." The vice-president looked at his watch and winced. His wife was not going to be pleased. "I assume that the reason that you and Director Comey are here is to discuss these conditions."

"Only indirectly, sir. Agent Fornell brought the cases to me and I discussed the situation with Director Vance. I spoke with the Attorney General and while he indicated that he concurs with the charges, he felt that we should keep you and the president informed and accede to your guidance."

"I'll just bet he did. So, what are the conditions?"

"Gibbs handed the file over to me on the condition that the perpetrators do not get a deal. Both go down hard for their crimes."

"That doesn't seem out of line. So if the condition and charges are not the concern, what is?"

"It's the identities."

"Who is it?" The vice-president gave in to his impatience. Fornell was stalling at handing over the files for some reason.

"Mrs. Jeanne Benoit DiNozzo and Mr. Anthony DiNozzo, Senior."

"Pour me another drink." He motioned one of the secret service men over. "Call my wife and tell her I won't be able to join her." His wife was definitely not going to be happy. "Let me see the dammed files."

Section 25

"Tony, Tony, Tony," he couldn't help grinning when he opened Gibb's door and Abby began bouncing around him chanting his name. "I missed you so much, Tony, Tony, Tony…"

"I missed you, too. Calm down, Abs. I'm here now."

"He wasn't even gone for two days; and I was with him." Tim groused.

"But I talked and texted and emailed you." Abby explained.

"Ah, Anthony, dear boy, good to see you again."

"Hey, Ducky."

"Tony."

"Palmer, my man."

"Breena made you a cake."

"I can smell the chocolate, come to Tony." Tony cooed to the cake, making Jimmy grin. "And how is my little angel?"

"Uh, could we talk a minute?"

Tony immediately handed the cake off to McGee. "Don't make me hunt you down, McGee. Gibbs is in the kitchen." When Ducky helped herd the others into the kitchen, Tony realized the old man knew what Jimmy had to say. "Is Victoria sick?"

"No, no. Breena and I have talking and I wanted…well, we wanted…I know you're dealing with a lot…right now."

"Palmer, calm down."

"Do you need money? Does Victoria need something?"

"Breena and I wanted to know if you would be Victoria Elizabeth's godfather." Palmer sounded a bit like Abby.

"Me? Wow."

"If you don't want to…"

"Palmer, I want to." In that minute, Tony realized just how much he wanted to. "I'd be proud to be Victoria Elizabeth's godfather."

"Now that that is settled," Gibbs said from the doorway. "Pizzas are getting cold." He stepped aside as Jimmy scuttled past him he said, "Good choice, Palmer."

"Yes, sir….I mean, Gibbs."

"You coming, Tony?"

"Can you believe they want me to be her godfather?" Tony was still stunned as he headed for the kitchen.

"Yes, I can." Gibbs said sincerely. "Victoria couldn't have a better one." Tony flashed him a big smile that stunned Gibbs for a minute. With a mental head slap, he put his hand on Tony's back and guided him into the kitchen. If his hand lingered a few seconds more than necessary, Gibbs would totally deny it.

Sitting down beside Tony, Gibbs looked around at the family Tony tried to deny. He'd never expected this the first day he'd signed on to NIS. He'd been so sure, he'd never have a family again or marry. As if reading his mine, Abby began to squeal. Gibbs thought his ear drum must have burst and his "Abs, indoor voice" joined Tim's "Abby, calm down."

"But look," Abby squealed again and pointed to where Tony had frozen in place holding the last piece of the double pepperoni, sausage and extra cheese.

"If you want it, it's yours. Geez, Abs, it's just pizza."

"No, the ring." Abby bounced in her chair. "Tony's wearing a wedding ring. Gibbs, Gibbs, Gibbs, you're wearing a ring, too."

"Abs, you were at the wedding." Tim mentioned cautiously.

"But they didn't have rings." Abs continued bouncing, ignoring the flush on both Tony's and Gibbs' faces. "They have rings. Let me see… Let me see… Let me see."

Blushing harder, Tony placed the piece of pizza on his plate, wiped his hand and extended it over the center of the table where Abby could get a good look.

"I thought it was just gold, but there's a pattern engraved." Abby said in surprise. "I don't recognize the pattern."

"The gentleman who made it served with Gibbs' dad. He spent a weekend pass in Italy and saw the scroll work on an engraving in Palazzo Ducale. He sketched it down and brought it back with him. He made this pair of rings before he passed."

"That is so cool." Abby cooed. "They are so you and Gibbs. Solid, not flashy, very traditional but with a bit of flair."

"Thanks, Abs." Gibbs and Tony chorused.

After the excitement of the rings died down, by mutual agreement, the group concentrated on demolishing the stack of pizzas and washing it down with beer and sodas. As the eating slowed, the tension rose; everyone either wanted to know what the issue was (Ducky, Jimmy, Abby) or wanted the telling over (Gibbs, Tony, Tim). It was Gibbs who finally broke the silence but in the most unexpected fashion.

"I know most of you were caught by surprise when Tony and I married; so I just wanted to get this out for once, have the rumors stopped and move on." Gibbs said seriously. "So the answer is yes, Tony is pregnant."

The next few minutes were filled with a lot of coughing and snorting as they cleaned up the soda, beer and pizza spit around the table. For a moment Palmer simply sat and stared at Gibbs unable to reconcile the agent he knew with the comment. In the aftermath, he leaned towards McGee and whispered, "Did Gibbs just tell a joke?"

McGee snickered, "Either that or Tony's really pregnant." Though in retrospect, McGee had to admit the odds for both were really high.

Tony looked at Gibbs in amazement. He looked down at his hand again. It was still a shock to see a wedding ring, but comfortably familiar, too, especially when he caught sight of the mate on Gibbs' finger. This was definitely not how he expected the evening to go. His stomach had been churning while he and Gibbs had shopped and then got ready for their guests. He'd pictured himself having to give all the sordid details, but Gibbs had saved him again.

Tony watched his boss…colleague…husband as he explained the events of the day with McGee pitching in as needed. He looked around at Palmer, Ducky and Abby as they concentrated on what Gibbs was saying. Tony began to wonder if Gibbs was right. Sure they'd joked about being family but here were all his team supporting him, Tony DiNozzo the screw-up. As if sensing the direction of his thoughts, Gibbs looked his way and gave him a nod. Tony began to think everything might just be okay.

The warm feeling lingered with Tony through the evening. Gradually, the gang drifted away. Palmer and Ducky left first, Palmer anxious to get home to his baby girl and he had given Ducky a ride. McGee had finally assisted Gibbs in prying Abby off Tony. She had spent the rest of the evening almost glued to his side, determined that nobody would hurt her Tony. After assuring her that he would look after Tony for the twentieth time, Gibbs had taken her arm and virtually evicted her. McGee had offered to follow her home. Tony grinned as he heard Gibbs groan as he locked the front door. "Abby on her way?"

Gibbs leaned against the kitchen doorway. He tried to push away the feeling of rightness that came from seeing Tony in his kitchen. He watched the younger man as he wiped the crumbs and spills off the table. "Yeah, it was close though. I threatened to handcuff her to the steering wheel."

"And?"

"Did you know she has a handcuff key in a zipper pocket in her cuffs? And no, I don't want to know why." Gibbs added as Tony's smile brightened.

"Want a beer?"

"Sounds good."

Tony grabbed two beers and handed one off to Gibbs. Together they entered the living room. Foregoing his favorite chair, Gibbs sat down next to Tony on the sofa. "Want to watch the news?"

"Not tonight." Gibbs leaned back into the cushions his thumb worried the label on his beer. "Hell of a day. How are you handling it?"

Tony shrugged. "I think I win the award for evil stepmothers. I half expected her to offer me a poisoned apple."

This was one movie reference that thanks to Kelly, Gibbs did get. "Who am I then? Grumpy?"

"You got it. Finally, you got one. Wait a minute, I give you hundreds of action movie references and you pick up on Snow White? You're ruining my macho image of you." Tony proclaimed.

"Comes with having a daughter. And don't even start with the Cinderella lines. You would never fit a glass slipper."

"Told you I make a nice-looking woman."

"Still not Cinderella."

"Point."

"So, you okay with Benoit?"

"Don't you mean Mrs. DiNozzo? Yeah, just can't help wondering," Tony turned slightly towards Gibbs. "If Jenny hadn't put that whole operation in motion, would she have turned into this?"

"Rule eleven."

"I did, Gibbs. I walked away when the operation was over. Did I cause this?"

"Tony," Gibbs grabbed his arm, which forced him to slide towards the other man. "You did not cause this. You were an agent with a job. The decisions that Benoit has made since then are on her, not you. Just like Senior's decisions are his own," Gibbs added deliberately.

"What he did. God, Gibbs, what kind of monster is he? Did you see that innocent baby girl? What kind of monster am I?"

Gibbs took Tony's beer and put them both on the coffee table. He pulled the younger man into his arms as Tony's body shook with shock and tears. "You are not a monster, Tony. Shhh. It's okay. Everything will be okay." Gibbs rubbed Tony's back soothingly while repeating his words over and over. Seconds turned to minutes then to hours as Tony drifted off. Gibbs held him, unable to sleep himself; he kept thinking about the test Abby was running. For once, he wasn't sure he wanted to know the results.