Section 38

Tony wasn't sure how he made it to the foot of the steps without walking into air. He focused on Zuma to cover up how Jethro had rattled him. The living room was full with agents and investigators so he turned into the kitchen. Ducky and Palmer were already at the table. Too agitated to sit, Tony moved to lean back against the counter by the sink as Jackson and Jethro entered the room.

When Zuma wiggled, Tony leaned over and let him down on the floor. Immediately, Zuma ran over to Jethro and pawed his pants. "I'm fine, Zuma. Go play."

Zuma looked up at Jethro then looked towards the living room where his toys lay and then back up at Jethro with an 'Are you nuts?' look on his face. Tony couldn't help but laugh. "He shouldn't be in there, he might get glass in his paws." Walking into the living room, he picked up Zuma's rubber bone and his ball. Abby's purchases lay in the carnage. Tony shrugged, they'd open them later.

"Here, Zuma." Tony let the ball drop and using his foot, rolled it across the floor. Zuma simply yawned and sat down at Jethro's feet. "Tough guy, eh? How about this?" Tony held out his rubber bone. Zuma tried to play it cool, but his tail gave his excitement away. "Come here. Come on. If you want it, come get it." Zuma was clearly torn. He glanced from Jethro to Tony to the bone to Jethro over and over. Tony couldn't resist the pleading eyes so he walked over and leaned down giving Zuma the bone. With a yip of thanks, Zuma made a quick twirl and then attempted to lay down on top of Jethro's shoes.

"Silly thing, you can't lay there." Zuma gave Tony a 'Wanna bet' look then turned, facing the other direction and tried to lay down.

"I'd say that was not a 'talk to the hand' gesture," Palmer laughed.

"He's upset. He knows something is wrong with Leroy." Jackson looked at the pup fondly.

"Oh, for heaven's …" Jethro started to lean down but stopped at the first pull of a stitch.

Before he could even wince, Tony had scooped up the pup and was helping Jethro straighten back up. "You can't lean over with stitches. Here." Tony handed Jethro the adoring pup who immediately rubbed his head under Jethro's chin.

Jethro rubbed his ears gently while walking around the kitchen and speaking softly. "I'm fine, you silly thing. It's nothing. I know you were frightened but…" Tony strained but couldn't make out the rest of the conversation. He missed the looks exchanged by the other three men as he stared at his husband with a look almost like the puppy's.

"Anthony…Anthony." Ducky raised his voice slightly the second time he spoke his name.

"Sorry, my mind was a million miles away."

"I seriously doubt it was that far, dear boy." Ducky said slyly as Jackson and Palmer snickered. Tony refused to dignify that with a remark and Ducky continued, "Jethro will need the bandage changed at least twice a day. I've had Mr. Palmer put together some supplies. I expect some redness in the area that is par for the course as Jethro never follows my directions."

"He was like that as a boy. He broke his arm one time and the next thing I knew there he was going down the road on his bicycle. Broken arm and all." Jackson shook his head. Ducky and Jackson commiserated with a look.

"I am right here."

"We know." Ducky and Jackson chorused while Tony and Palmer snickered.

"As I was saying. Some redness will no doubt occur. You will need to keep an eye for infection, such as any red streaks, discharge or fever." Ducky continued. "If you see anything that concerns you, call me or Mr. Palmer immediately."

"Gotcha, Ducky." Tony nonchalantly crossed the kitchen, removing the pup from Jethro's arms and placing him on the floor. Evidently the talk had worked because he took his bone and went to lie down chewing contently. "Tea, coffee?" He offered as he pulled down Jethro's mug, filled it with coffee and handed it to Jethro. Tony nodded approvingly. Jackson had pulled out an insulated thermos for the first pot and had brewed a second pot.

"That would be lovely."

Tony reach up in the cupboard for the Earl Grey tea that Jethro kept on hand for Ducky. He stuck a cup of water in the microwave while he poured coffee for the rest of them. As they congregated around the table, Jethro moved to join them. Pulling out his normal chair, he looked down in disgust. "What is that?"

Tony leaned over to where he could see. "It looks like a pillow."

"I had Mr. Palmer get that out of my car. Mother often tucked it behind her back when she rode. I'm afraid it will have to do until Abby and Timothy return."

Jethro disgustedly stared at the flowered pillow with lace trim. "Oh, do sit down," Ducky said firmly. "It won't hurt you. It's not like the flowers will rub off on you. Trust me, you will be glad for its presence especially when the local wears off."

"Got another cup?" Fornell appeared in the doorway. Jethro just waved him towards the pot. Helping himself, Fornell came back to sit down at the table. He took a long sip and sighed in pleasure. "Good coffee." He took another sip. "The investigators have finished with the living room. There's a cleaning crew working in there now. The team to replace the glass will be here shortly."

"Thanks, Tobias." Jethro knew a few favors had been called in to have the room cleaned and the window fixed so quickly. "What do we know?"

"Found the car a few blocks away." Fornell lifted his cup to Tony. "You managed to take out two tires. Back went flat pretty quick from the look of it. Took a direct hit. Front was more of a nick but it blew out. At that point they abandoned the car. A team is going over the car and I've got a team canvasing the neighborhood. We'll get them." Draining his cup, Fornell rolled his shoulders before rising. "I'll keep you up to date so as I get anything. Don't get up, I know the way out. And speaking of out, I think your guard dog needs your attention." He pointed to the pup who was sniffing along the cupboards and starting to squat.

"Zuma," Tony was up and moving quickly. "Come on, let's go out." He was relieved when Zuma started running towards him but the relief was short lived as Zuma went to Jethro's feet and barked up at him.

Fornell chuckled. "Easy to see who he prefers."

"He's a real daddy's boy." Tony agreed. "Come on, Zuma. Daddy can't get up right now."

"Go with Mommy, fella."

Tony glared at Fornell. "I am not mommy."

Fornell held up both hands in surrender. "Well, if Gibbs is Daddy…"

"I'm daddy, too."

"Isn't that a little confusing for him?" Fornell taunted. "I mean most kids have a daddy and a mommy; not two daddies."

"I'm not the mommy." Tony denied forcefully.

"Uh, mommy …" Tony turned furiously to rebuke Jethro but he simply pointed to where Zuma was starting to prance. Ignoring the men's laughter, Tony simply scooped the puppy up and headed for the backyard.

Section 39

Tony looked up from where Zuma was watering the fence when he heard the screen door open. He smiled at Palmer who strode to join him carrying both of their coffee. "Thanks."

"No problem." Palmer watched Zuma for a minute. "So wedding present."

"Yeah. From Jackson. I can't believe it. Jackson's the best."

"He's adorable and totally devoted to Agent Gibbs. Kind of like you."

Tony jerked in surprise. "I…uh…"

"Don't worry. I don't think he's realized it yet. You forget, I was upstairs while you were coping an eyeful." Palmer watched Tony flush. "I also saw how unsettled you were when you came downstairs. Don't bother denying it."

"I… He…"

"You know you can talk to me. Are you and he…" Palmer waggled his eyebrows.

"No…. but…"

"What's wrong, Tony?"

"It's Gibbs. I mean, he's Gibbs." Tony affirmed. "But he's not… He's not acting like Gibbs."

"How so?"

"This whole marriage thing. He's never blown his top. He's acting like…"

"Like what, Tony?"

"Like he doesn't mind being married."

"So you're freaking out because he's not freaking out."

"Stupid, right?"

"How long have you and Gibbs been together?" At Tony's strange look, he clarified. "How long have you and Gibbs worked together?"

Tony thought back. "Ever since the Baltimore case."

"So almost ten years?"

"Hard to believe, isn't it?" Tony shook his head. "Longest I ever worked anywhere."

"Longer than Gibbs' marriages." Palmer took a drink. "Tony, I didn't know Gibbs before you came. I've only ever known the dynamic between the two of you. I have to say that it really isn't that much of a surprise to me."

"What?"

"Tony, you two have a relationship built on total trust and respect. There's a lot of marriages built on a lot less. I know you can say it's the nature of the job…blah … blah… blah. Even I can tell that your relationship with Gibbs is different from your relationship with McGee. I know you trust McGee to have your back, but you trust Gibbs. Period."

The two men watched Zuma scampering about the yard for a minute. "Breena and I talked about this when I heard about your marriage. Both of us agree that you two are good together."

"Gibbs has been married four times. All to redheads. I'm not a redhead."

"And not a woman? Is that what's bothering you?"

"I got disowned and kicked to boarding school for a kissing a boy."

"But Gibbs is a man, not a boy." Jimmy watched the confusion on Tony's face. "Are you afraid the marriage won't work or that it will? What happened upstairs?"

"I think he…I think he made a pass at me."

"Ahhh…"

"What do you mean, 'ahhh'?" Tony demanded.

"Are you upset that he made the pass?"

"No… I … I don't know."

"I think you do. And, I don't think you're upset about it. Tony, give it a chance. You and Gibbs know everything there is to know about each other. Even though this wasn't your or Gibb's idea, it doesn't mean it won't work. I think this could be good…for both of you."

"Who are you and what did you do with Jimmy Palmer?" Tony asked glibly.

"No deflection, Tony."

"Deflection?"

"I may have visited a couple of websites for family and friends of gay men."

"Why?" Tony was shocked.

"Why do you think? I'm your friend. I want to be here for you and Gibbs."

"I can't believe you'd do that…for me." Tony was stunned.

"You'd do it for me."

Tony couldn't rebut Palmer's answer. He also couldn't believe that Palmer had went to that much trouble. That much trouble for Tony.

Palmer watched the emotions on Tony's face. Although not a violent person, Palmer wished he could have just five minutes with Senior. He had destroyed Tony's sense of self-worth and deprived him of a childhood. Finally, Tony called for Zuma who had apparently finished marking his territory to his satisfaction and was happily rolling in the grass. As the trio made their way back to the house, Tony stopped on the back deck and turned to face Palmer, his face serious. "You're my Ducky."

Palmer smiled back. "And you're my Gibbs."

Unaware of the special nature of the conversation between the two men, Zuma barked until Tony opened the door and he could go running in. The two men looked at each other for another moment and then Palmer put his hand on Tony's shoulder. "So, while I was studying, I checked out the safe sex chapters. Do we need to talk about condoms and lube?"

Section 40

"Gibbs. Gibbs. You're sitting up." Abby squealed.

"Mastered that when I was six months old, Abs."

Abby shoved the bags she was carrying into McGee's chest so she could hug Gibbs. Zuma came running in through the back door, slid to a stop and then turned tail. "There you are. There's Auntie Abby's little angel." Tony inadvertently blocked Zuma's escape. Before the pup could circle around him, Palmer had shut the door and Abby pounced. "How's my little sweetheart?"

"He loves his Auntie Abby. Don't you, Zuma?" Tony bit his lip at Zuma's reproachful glare. The pup did take after Gibbs.

"Wait till you see what Auntie Abby got you. Well, don't just stand there, McGee, go get his presents." McGee just rolled his eyes and handed the bags he was holding to Gibbs.

"Not on the table." Gibbs said firmly as Abby sat down and went to put Zuma on the table.

"Meanie." Unperturbed, Abby cuddled Zuma against her before sitting him on her lap. "Goody…goody…" Abby bounced as McGee entered the kitchen, earning her a growl from Zuma. "Don't be grumpy, look." She proudly pulled out a set of dishes with the Marine insignia and Zuma's name engraved and painted in Marine blue.

Gibbs was impressed in spite of himself. Reaching out he took one of the bowls and got a glare from Zuma. The puppy was disgruntled that Gibbs took the bowl and not him. "This is very nice, Abs. Where did you find these?"

"There's a little shop near the gallery who makes them special. Special bowls for a special pup, isn't that right, Zuma?" Abby scratched behind his ears before reaching for the next bag.

"I don't remember that." Tony said as she pulled out a lovely hand-tooled leather collar with a metal tag, again with Marine insignia and Zuma's name. She had also included their phone number. "That's lovely, Abby. Here, sit up and let me put this on you." Tony slipped the collar around Zuma's neck. "Don't you look handsome? Thanks, Abby." He kissed her on the cheek.

"I also got a kit to embed a microchip. That way if anything happens, which it won't, they can call you immediately and have access to his medical records."

"Isn't he too young?" Gibbs asked.

"The vet said it can be done anytime, but he recommends Zuma be at least 6 weeks. You just use a needle to inject it; I can do it for you at the lab."

At the word needle, Tony and Jethro exchanged a look. "We'll talk it over, Abby." She handed the paperwork to Tony. "Are you planning on having him neutered?"

The men all winced. "We'll talk that over, too."

"You're such a good boy. I know these presents aren't much fun, kinda like clothes for Christmas, but I think you'll like this."

"Abby," Gibbs said sternly. "You promised not to go overboard."

"I didn't. He needed those things. I only bought a couple toys." Reaching into the bag, she pulled out a bear. She held it out to Zuma who cocked his head to look at the bear. She squeezed it and it squeaked causing Zuma to jump.

"You bought him a teddy bear?"

"It has a braided body that helps keep his teeth clean when he chews it. Again, it's a present but useful. I only bought one real toy." As she spoke, Abby pulled the final object out of the bag and Zuma barked excitedly. It was a boat. "I figured he should get used to them." Zuma yipped looking from the boat to Abby and back. He kneaded her leg with his front paws and gave a little whine; his ears perked up. "Here you go." Putting Zuma and the boat on the floor, she held out the attached anchor. Gripping it firmly in his teeth, the anchor squeaked. Shaking his head, he gave a little pull and danced when the boat moved. Dropping the anchor, Zuma looked it over and then got a firmer grip. Tugging he pulled on the anchor and the boat moved. He tugged harder and the boat moved further. Zuma was prancing now; as he proudly pulled the boat across the floor. Then he stopped, dropped the anchor and used his nose to line the ship up with Jethro's shoes.

"What do you have? Did Abby get you a boat?" Zuma answered Jethro with several excited barks. "Take it for a sail."

As if he understood, Zuma picked up the anchor and began pulling the boat around the table. When he got to Abby, Zuma paused. Dropping the anchor, he approached her slowly. He sat down and looked up at her and then standing he placed both paws on her knee and barked. "You're very welcome." Abby leaned down and Zuma gave her a sloppy kiss. "Want to take your bear with you?" Abby placed the bear on top of the boat as if he was riding it. Zuma wagged his tail furiously and then grabbed the anchor setting sail again.