AU set back to 2005, Gibbs just got home from a rough and lengthy deployment in Iraq and decided to spend leave with Jackson before getting acclimated into the civilian world and taking control of his team once more. Jenny is not sick, nor did she chase after La Grenouille and the feud between Jethro and his father did not last as long as it had been portrayed in the show.

Stillwater, Pennsylvania

11 June, 2005

He wasn't really sure what possessed him to embark on this surprise visit to his hometown, considering how much he doesn't like the people in it, but he thought it would be nice for his Dad since father's day was coming up.

He wanted to get there early, particularly before Jackson opened the store so he'd be able to help out as much as possible and give his dad a break. That and he hoped by getting there at six o'clock in the morning he could avoid the rumor mill for at least a few hours.

When he pulled up to his childhood home, he could tell that his father had already left, so he parked in the driveway and walked the few minutes to his General Store.

Looking through the window, he could see his father wiping the front counter down and simultaneously reading something in the paper. He chuckled, Jack hadn't really changed in the last forty years.

The front entrance was locked and he was actually happy about that since his elderly father was alone, counting the thousands of dollars in the cash register. Before he could even knock, the other man had spotted him, quickly moving from around the counter and letting him in.

'Leroy! What a surprise, come in, come in.' He then pulled his son into a hug, which Jethro reciprocated quickly.

'Hey, dad.'

'Boy, it's been a while.'

He dipped his head and nodded, looking around apprehensively. Which of course his father noticed, walking up by his side to make sure everything was okay, that he wasn't having any trouble readjusting.

'Are you alright son?'

He looked down at his boots, 'I will be.'

'I thought you were in Iraq until August?'

'I did too, but we got word a few weeks ago, didn't think it was gonna happen, been hearin' it for months. Got home day before last.'

'I don't want you to take this the wrong way son, but wouldn't you rather be somewhere else celebrating your homecomin', not helpin' you ol' man around his store?'

Jethro looked at him and shrugged, 'Father's day is Sunday, had some time, figured we had a long overdue visit.'

Jackson smiled, 'I'm happy you made it back in one piece. I appreciate it, son.'

'Least I could do.'

XXX

They were quiet for some time after that, just enjoying each other's company and he was happy that his father hadn't decided to pry, at least right off the bat anyway.

He continued to sweep up some stray leaves and dust, then he dumped them in the trash and just as he reached the front area of the store, an elderly woman came walking up with a few bags in her hand.

Jethro opened the door for her, taking the items from her hands in a kind gesture.

'Well I'll be, Leroy is that you?'

He gave her a small grin, 'Yes, ma'am.'

'I thought you were overseas until the end of the summer?'

He shook his head, 'Got home early.'

'Thank the lord for that, you've been over there long enough.'

'That I have.'

She squeezed his hand and held on for a moment before turning her attention to Jackson, 'I guess you boys will appreciate this then,' She said, motioning towards the casserole dish.

'Thank you, Liz, ya didn't have to.'

'It's not a bother, really.'

Jethro made himself scarce in the back room, he could tell the woman was trying to snag his father and despite the thought of that happening, he was happy for him, he needed someone to keep him on his toes.

He only wondered what his mother would think.