Tony had intended to offer Ziva a ride back to her car, but she looked like she just wanted to be alone, so he let her leave without even offering. She had agreed to meet them for dinner, and that was a start. He figured she would probably use the time by herself to think over everything that had happened.

It was November, but it wasn’t cold outside. Instead it was one of those unseasonably warm days, with a cloudless sky that was a beautiful bright blue, nearly the color of Gibbs’ eyes. Both men got into Gibbs’ car and drove to the hospital, Gibbs terrorizing everyone else on the road and Tony hanging on for dear life.

It was about 10:30 now. It hadn’t taken nearly as long to bring Madame Director down as they had anticipated. And Tony thanked God Gibbs hadn’t had to go so far as to seduce her. She had been too sure of herself and her charms to even think she was being set up.

"So who do you think they’ll get to replace the bitch?" Tony asked.

"Not sure."

"Maybe you’ll get it," Tony said with a smile. "That would put a whole new light on sleeping with the boss."

Without even looking at Tony, Gibbs reached out and popped him on the back of the head.

"Ouch! That hurt, Boss. I’m still sick, you know. You can’t hit a sick person."

Gibbs snorted. "Honey, after last night and this morning, I don’t think you can use that excuse anymore. You seemed just fine to me." Gibbs was smiling ear to ear. His ass still twinged from the unaccustomed invasion, but it was a good kind of twinge.

"Yeah, it was okay, I guess."

"Just okay?" Gibbs glared.

Tony grinned. He loved that glare. "Nah, it was perfection. I just wanted THE LOOK."

"THE LOOK?"

"Yes, THE LOOK. Gibbs, you have this look about you when you want something and you say it all with those beautiful blue eyes of yours," Tony stated, putting his hand on Gibbs’ thigh.

"You know, if you move that hand too much, we might get into an accident."

"Well now, we wouldn’t want that." Tony moved his hand a little, closer to the swelling that was beginning behind Gibbs’ fly.

"Tony?"

"Yes, Boss?"

" I- Never mind." Gibbs paused, then said, "Tony can I ask you something?"

"Sure, Boss, what is it?" Tony removed his hand because he heard something in Gibbs’ voice that made him think this was going to be more than a casual conversation.

"How did you know about Megan?"

Tony saw the hurt in his eyes. He knew it wasn’t directed at him but was rather a heart-felt hurt, the hurt of having lost a child too young.

Tony licked his lips, knowing it was time to confess. "Well, to tell you the truth, I had this really hot guy offer me a job, and like a good investigator, I investigated him. I hope you’re not mad at me for looking into your past," he said, looking at Gibbs.

Gibbs took his eyes off the road long enough to look at Tony. He turned his attention back to the road, but one hand came off the wheel and grasped Tony’s hand, raising it to his mouth to kiss the back of it. There were no words, just the kiss.

"So, I was thinking," he said after a while." If Jenny wants it, we can give her the attic since it’s bigger. She can have a sleeping space, a sitting room and a place to do homework. Since she’s young and growing, I thought she might like the extra room."

"That would be cool. I think she might like that. So, tomorrow I’m calling my lawyer and getting some paperwork started about her and us, and well, Jethro, I know you said you wanted to put the house in my name, too, and I want you to be part of my life just as much, so I’m having your name put on everything of mine as well. You were already the beneficiary of my will, but now you’ll have half of all my assets."

Gibbs shot Tony a look, one eyebrow raised. "You made me your beneficiary already?"

"Boss, I did that the day I started working for you."

"Tony, what made you do that?"

"I found a job I loved and someone I loved to work for. It just so happened I fell in love with that same person, and even if Abby and Ducky hadn’t kept pushing me to talk to you about it, I would have still loved you and wanted you to have what was mine."

Gibbs smiled. "They ganged up on you, too, huh?"

"What? They tried to get you to say something?"

"Yep."

"I think we so owe them some big time Christmas gift."

"I think you’re right, we do. Shit, Christmas will be here before we know it. It’s already almost Thanksgiving."

"Yep, and if I remember correctly, we’re off for both holidays."

"About that. When the new director is appointed, I might not be going back."

"What? Why?"

"Tony I had one marriage and family pay for me not bring there for them. I will not let that happen again."

Tony was a bit shocked that Gibbs would compare their fledgling relationship to a marriage, but he let that slide for now. ""Jethro, you love the job. I was planning on not going back."

"No, Tony, you love it even more than I do."

"I don’t know about that, but still you have more time in."

"How about this: for now we both take time off, enough to get Jenny and you moved in and settled and a life going again. Then we can talk about it with the new director about what will happen from there. Sound like a plan to you?"

"Yeah, I can live with that."

They were pulling up to the hospital. Gibbs used valet parking. Both men got out of the car.

Tony said, "But I’m not having someone else raise her. If we’re going to be part of her life, we do it. I had-"

Gibbs was around the car and taking Tony’ hand, not letting him finish the thought about his own childhood. Tony was a bit uncomfortable with the gesture. Not that he had a problem with PDA, but this was Gibbs, ex-marine, a man’s kind of man, and he was showing PDA. To another man. Tony went with it, though.

Gibbs looked into Tony’s eyes as he stroked his hand. "Tony, we won’t have someone else raise her. Yes, at times we’ll have to have someone else watch her because of the job. Whenever possible we’ll ask Abby or McGee or Ducky or even Ziva to watch her so we can go out on a date, but it will only be ever so often. Tony, we will be her guardians in every sense of the word. And about that; I don’t want to push her to call us anything but what she wants to, okay?"

Tony was almost in tears for Gibbs being so okay with this and holding his hand in a public place.

"Yes," Tony said, then hesitated and just to get a reaction, added, "Pookie."

Gibbs shook his head and smiled. He continued to hold Tony’s hand as they walked into the hospital, only releasing it when they got to the front desk to get their visitor’s badges to allow them into the pediatric ward to visit Jenny.

The pediatric ward was on the seventh floor. Once the elevator stopped on that floor, the security guard checked their badges and let them into the ward, sending them in the direction of her room. They got to her room and saw that she had a roommate, as well as a visitor in the room.

The visitor was an average looking woman of about middle age, and she was talking to Jenny. When Jenny saw the boys walking into the room though, she stopped talking to the woman, her face lighting up with a wide smile.

"Hey there, Sunshine," Gibbs said.

"Hey, honey, how are you today?" Tony asked.

"Hi, Tony, Mr. Gibbs."

"Okay, I thought we already talked about this. You have to stop the Mr. part. It’s just Gibbs or Jethro, okay?"

She smiled and nodded. The lady sitting next to the bed had a chart in her hands and stood up when they entered the room.

She held out her hand to each of them. "Mr. DiNozzo, Mr. Gibbs, nice to meet you both. I’m Miss Parks, Jenny’s social worker. May I please have a word with you gentlemen in the hallway?"

"Sure," Gibbs said, motioning to Tony with his head to follow.

Tony leaned down and kissed Jenny’s cheek, saying, "Be right back, Jenny," before following Gibbs and Miss Parks out into the hallway.

"Once again I’d like to say it’s nice to meet the both of you."

"Likewise. Is there something we should be concerned about?"

"Oh, no, gentleman. I just wanted to introduce myself and make sure you understand Child Services is only doing it’s job. It should be an easy transition to make the little girl your ward since her mother expressed she live with you, Mr. DiNozzo."

"Yeah, can’t say I wasn’t shocked by that. I had no idea."

"I’ve talked to the hospital staff already, and they said both of you were great when she was downstairs. We also tried to call Director Sheppard today to start the process of vetting the both of you but was told she was no longer with NCIS."

"Yes, she had some issues and was removed form the position just earlier today."

"Oh, I’m sorry to hear that."

"Why?" Tony said. "I’m not."

Gibbs glared at him. Not because it wasn’t true but because he’d said it in front of Miss Parks.

Miss Parks looked at him curiously, but all she said was, "Well, anyway, the temporary custody hearing is planned for Wednesday, and she should be released to you at that point. We’ll bring her to the trial, and you can take her home from there. I’m just glad she has two people who want to look after her."

"Even though I wasn’t expecting Monica to want this, Jenny is a great kid, and it won’t be a hardship."

Miss Parks smiled. "I’ll leave you to your visit with the little girl. Have a nice day, gentlemen."

Tony smiled and went back into Jenny’s room while Gibbs shook the social worker’s hand and thanked her for her help.

"So, they said you get out on Wednesday," Tony said, sitting in a chair between Jenny’s bed and the wall, her bed being the second one in the room.

"Yeah, Miss Parks said she’ll take me to the courthouse and then you guys can take me home."

"That’s right."

Gibbs took the chair Miss Parks had been sitting in, the one closer to the door. "On the way back to our house we can stop and pick up some of your stuff."

"NO!" Jenny snapped at Gibbs’ words.

Tony and Gibbs shared a look of surprise.

"What’s the matter, honey?" Tony asked, trying to take her hand.

"Nothing," Jenny whispered, looking down at her hands where they were twisted in the covers. "I just don’t want to go back to that place. It hurts."

"Jenny, I understand it hurts, but you need-"

"No, please don’t make me go there," Jenny pleaded, almost in tears. "I don’t want anything from that place."

Tony and Gibbs both stood and sat on their respective edges of the bed. Tony held out his arms, and Jenny fell into them.

"It’s okay, honey, we can get you all new stuff if you want," Gibbs said, rubbing her hand, wishing he knew how to make this easier for her.

"Really?" Jenny asked, pulling away from her spot on Tony’s chest and looking at Gibbs.

Gibbs put his arms out to hug the little girl, and she went into them willingly. Tony wasn’t jealous or mad; he knew Gibbs was being the protector of his family in the same way he was with his team.

"Yes, really. Jenny, we just want to help. In time you might want to go back or want some of your things, but until then we’ll go shopping and get you new stuff. How does that sound?"

Jenny was returning the hug now. Gibbs pulled back a bit and looked into her face. "Tony and I were talking. How does the whole attic sound for a room for you? It’s the same size as the other floors. We can set it up so that it would be like two different rooms, a place to sleep and a place for you to have your desk, computer and everything else."

"I can have my own computer?"

"Of course. You’ll need it for schoolwork."

"Thank you, Jethro." She hugged the ex-Marine while Tony put his hand on her back.

"Do you have a favorite color?" Tony asked.

"I love pink. Just like the ribbon around the bear Jethro brought me. See?" she added, picking up the bear and showing off the ribbon.

Gibbs almost lost it at that point. Tony could see his control was being tested, he just didn’t know why. But it didn’t matter. He put his hand on Gibbs’ arm, showing his silent support for whatever he needed.

"Jenny," Tony said hesitantly, "it might not be easy for you at school."

"What do you mean, Tony?" Jenny asked, letting go of Gibbs and turning to Tony.

"Well, honey, having two men looking after you, two men who love each other is what I’m talking about. There are people who won’t like it and will say bad things to you because of it."

"But why? Mom-" Jenny stopped and drew a shuddering breath because it still hurt to even think about her mother. She couldn’t hold back the sob that escaped her.

Gibbs took her in his arms again. "It’s okay, honey. Cry if you want to."

Jenny did just that. She cried. Tony was rubbing her back while Gibbs held her. She cried for a good fifteen minutes till she was able to get herself under control again.

Wiping at her cheeks, she said, "Mom said it was okay for two men to love each other. I asked her once `cause I was confused about Jethro and you. When we first moved in and we had you over for dinner."

"I remember that. And your mom was right. It is okay, but some people in this world just don’t think it is."

Jenny was still holding tightly to Gibbs. She was scared and hurt. Losing her mother was painful, and she hurt inside. And now to know that people might not like her living with Tony and Jethro…

"So what do I call the both of you?" she asked after about thirty minutes of silent crying in Gibbs’ arms with Tony rubbing her back soothingly.

"Whatever you want, honey," Tony said, looking at Gibbs for support on that one.

"You can call us whatever you want, honey," he agreed.

"Okay," she said sleepily.

Gibbs could feel the exhaustion seeping into her little body and helped her lay down. She was still being given pain meds, and the nurse had just come in and given her a little more of the meds. Jenny fell asleep with each man holding a hand at around 1:00 PM.

One of the nurses came into the room a bit later and coughed quietly to get their attention, nodding her head in the direction of the hall. Gibbs looked at her, then looked at Tony, asking him with his eyes if he should go. Tony nodded, staying where he was on the side of the bed but watching Gibbs and the nurse talking in the hall. He looked at Gibbs questioningly when he came back in.

"Abby needs us to go to Headquarters. The SecNav and the new Director need to talk to both of us right now."

Tony’s brows drew together. "About what?"

"I don’t know, Tony. We have to go, but it’s hard," Gibbs said softly as he put his hand on Jenny’s shoulder and shook her gently. "Hey, sunshine, can you wake up for a moment, please?"

"Um, Jethro, what’s wrong?" she asked groggily, seeing the concern in his face.

"Tony and I have to leave for a little while. Our boss needs to talk to us. If we can come back again tonight, we will. Okay?"

"Do you have to leave?" she murmured, trying to sit up but having difficulty because she was lightheaded from the meds.

"Yes, honey, we do."

"Boss, do both of us have to go?"

"Abby told the nurse we both have to go. The whole team is being called in. Emergency meeting."

"Okay, got it. Jenny, I’m sorry honey, but both of us need to go. But if we get done before visiting hours are over we’ll come back. If not we’ll be here first thing in the morning. Okay?"

"Okay," she said quietly, voice quivering in an effort not to cry again.

Gibbs took over again, holding her. When she was almost asleep, he laid her back down. She was asleep before her head hit the pillow, traces of tears streaking her flushed cheeks.

"This sucks."

"I know, Tony. I’m not happy about it either, but we go play nice, find out what the SecNav wants, then get our asses back here."

"Sounds like a plan."

With one last look at a sleeping Jenny, both men left the room, hands occasionally brushing as they went down to their car for their trip to NCIS HQ.

Gibbs and Tony were heading to HQ, Gibbs driving like he normally did.

"Um, Boss."

"Yes?" Gibbs glanced over at his lover and noticed he was almost green.

"Think we can-" Tony put his hand over his mouth in an effort to stop the nausea and what was in danger of making a return appearance.

"Oh, sorry, forgot you're not one-hundred percent." Gibbs didn't sound sorry, but he did stop driving like a mad man.

"Thanks, Boss. You know, you might have to drive like a human now with Jenny."

"When she's in the car I think I can do that."

The hospital was about a fifteen-minute drive from NCIS Headquarters. Gibbs normally would have made it in half the time, but today the time was closer to what it should have been. They pulled into the parking garage and parked on the first floor, their footsteps echoing hollowing in the structure as they walked towards the entrance of the building. As they neared the door they noticed a security guard escorting Chip out of the building.

Chip glared at the two men. Gibbs and Tony ignored the lab tech, or as it seemed now the former lab tech.

"Good. Boss, he kind of reminded me Hitler. I thought it was the moustache, but he still gave me that feeling even after you made him shave it off."

Tony and Gibbs walked into the building, earning a smile from the security guard on duty.

"Hey, Tony."

"Hey, Mike, how are the kids?" Tony questioned as he signed in, smiling at the guard.

"Great, and thanks for that game thing you found. I believe their exact words were that ‘you rock'."

"Not a problem." Tony leaned in closer and said in a mock-whisper, "I have a
CONNECTION when it comes to video games."

Mike looked around, then looked at Tony and Gibbs. "Just a heads up, guys, but all hell is breaking loose in there. The new Director wants you both in Con 4."

"Thanks, Mike," Gibbs said.

He and Tony took the elevator to the second floor where the conference rooms were located and entered room #4. Abby, Ducky, McGee and Ziva were already there.

"Hey, guys," McGee said by way of greeting. "We were told to sit in here and wait."

"Hurry up and wait," Gibbs commented as he found the carafe of coffee in the middle of the table and poured himself a cup, closing his eyes and smiling in ecstasy as he inhaled the aroma.

"So, do we have a clue who-"

The door opened, ending Tony's question, and in walked former Director Marrow. They all stood when he entered.

"Thank you ladies and gentlemen for coming on such short notice." He nodded at them. "Please take your seats, we have a few things to go over."

"Tom."

"Jethro, always nice to see you."

"Not that I'm not glad to see you, but what the hell are you doing back here?"

"Okay, let me start by saying that Sheppard has been fired. The SecNav would like to extend his personal thanks for coming forward and exposing her for what she was. I've been assured she will never again work in this kind of field."

The whole table smiled their pleasure at the news.

"Next, the person you all knew as Chip has also been let go as he was a mole for the ex-director."

"Good, he was an ass," Abby said, earning her a look from Gibbs. "What, Gibbs, he was."

"Okay, enough please. Effective as of one hour ago I have been placed back as Director of NCIS."

"Good to have you back, sir," Gibbs said, standing to shake his hand.

"Ms. Sheppard had me removed from this position by the same means by which she was going to get Special Agent DiNozzo out of the picture. She had friends in high places and was using her position to try to, I believe her words were, ‘reclaim what was mine'."

Gibbs sighed. "I'm sorry you and Jimmy had to be dragged into all this because of her obsession and delusions."

"So were we, but he is fine. Sheppard had him put on extended medical leave because of a sprained ankle, but he will be back to work by the end of the week, Ducky."

"Good. I've missed young Mr. Palmer."

"Which brings me to the next point. The SecNav did ask me about you and Tony, Jethro, wanting to know if you can still perform your job working with each other."

Tony's eyes widened and he opened his mouth but Marrow halted him with a raised hand.

"Not to worry, Agent DiNozzo. I assured him this would not affect any of you and that this was the best team in NCIS. I let it be known splitting you up would be stupid. Was I correct in saying that, that this wouldn't change the way you work with each other or anyone else on the team?"

"Yes, sir," Tony and Gibbs said in unison.

"Good, it's as I thought. And Officer David."

"Yes, sir."

"With you coming forward we can surmise that you were not working for the former Director. Is that correct?"

"Yes, sir."

"Good. If you wish to stay and remain a member of NCIS, we would like to have you stay."

"Sir, I think I would like that."

"Good."

A smile crossed the faces of the other team members, including Abby. The lab tech even went so far as to pat Ziva on the back, earning a surprised look from the newest agent.

"Now, just a few more things. Effective as of this moment, this team is off the books till further notice."

"What?" Tony asked incredulously, wondering if for all the talk of it being okay they were all suspended for their methods in bringing down Sheppard.

"Tom, what the hell," Gibbs said.

"Relax, it's not a punishment. Ducky informed me of what has transpired in the past few days, and with Tony's recent medical history, not to mention the new addition to your family, you will need time. I might add I called child services back and gave them a good word for the both of you. You've all been pulling an extreme amount of overtime lately and officially never took time off after the passing of Special Agent Todd. I'm putting you all on mandatory administrative leave till after the first of the year, with pay. The only condition is that each of you see the staff counselor."

There were several groans from around the table, but no one protested.

"Jethro, Tony, if you both need more time with the young girl, just ask. I know what it's like adopting a child, and with the situation your adoption will be a lot harder on the family as a whole contending with the recent loss of the young girl's mother in such a sudden, tragic way. So, people, that means I do not want to see any of you logged in at this building till after the first of the year. Is that clear?"

"Yes, sir," was the response of everyone present, accompanied by wide smiles.

"Okay, people, dismissed. Jethro, Tony, can you please stay?"

"Okay," Gibbs said, then looked at the others. Then at his watch. It was too late to get back to the hospital "Guys meet up at Kobi's."

"Got it, Boss-man," Abby said, bounding out of the room, nearly holding hands with Ziva.

Ziva, who had previously only met with dislike from the Goth tech, was taken aback by the affection Abby was showing her now. Ducky and McGee followed, discussing plans for their unexpected time off, leaving Gibbs, Tony and Marrow.

"Tom."

"Jethro, Tony, if either of you need anything, just let me know."

"Tom, thanks, but I think you've done everything we could have asked for," Gibbs said to his old friend.

"Good, and if you should need help with the move, just call. Jimmy and I will be glad to help."

"Thanks, but I was planning on hiring movers and having them do all the work."

Gibbs looked at Tony in surprise.

"What?" Tony said, looking at both men and smiling. "I hate to pack."

"I'd think you'd be an old hand at it with as many jobs as you've had," Gibbs said dryly.

Tony rolled his eyes. "How do you think I know I don't like packing?"

Gibbs shook his head, then turned to the Director. "Tom you're more then welcome to join us for dinner."

"I'd love to, but I have a few mores fires to put out that bitch has started."

"Thanks again, Tom."

Gibbs shook his hand as they left the room, he and Tony heading to their desks in the bullpen.

"Boss?"

"Yes, DiNozzo."

"Him and…"

"Drop it, Tony."

"Okay, not a problem."

Tony grabbed his laptops from his desks and left the office without a bit of reluctance. They exchanged good-byes with Mike the security guard on their way out, wishing him happy holidays as well since they wouldn't be back till after the New Year.

The team met at Gibbs' favorite Japanese restaurant for dinner. Most of them had no idea what they were eating, but they didn't care. The food was good and the company was even better. The party turned into a celebration of Cait's life and their future. Everyone enjoyed themselves, but by the time the party broke up, it was already 6:00 PM. Visiting hours for the pediatrics ward were now over.

"Boss," Tony said, his upset showing in that one word.

"I know, Tony, but we'll go first thing in the morning. Visiting hours start for her ward again at 1000 hours, so we can leave early and stop at my lawyer's office first."

"Good, then we can swing by my bank and my lawyer."

"Tonight let's stop by your place and pick up some more clothing. Not that I don't like seeing you in sweats or better yet no clothing at all, but your car is still there and I thought you might want to bring it over to our house."

"Smart man. I knew there was a reason I loved you."

Tony put his hand on Gibbs leg as they drove towards the apartment complex. He didn't rub Gibbs' leg, merely rested his hand there. Gibbs took the hand in his and held it against his thigh till they reached Tony's place.

"Boss, what are we going to do about Jenny not wanting any of her stuff or her mother's stuff from their place?" Tony asked as they entered the building.

"Tony, she's going through a hard time right now. For now we pack up everything and put it in a storage unit. Then when she's ready she can get what she wants."

"What if-"

"I was also thinking she might want to see a counselor," Gibbs continued casually. "Maybe we should all go as a family."

Tony put one hand on his forehead and one on his chest, falling back against the wall in a mock faint; the action was punctuated by a ding as the elevator door opened.

"What was that for?" Gibbs questioned as the doors slid closed behind them.

"Leroy Jethro Gibbs, I never would have pegged you for a counselor type person. You were one of the ones groaning when Marrow said we had to see one."

"That was about work. This is different. I have seen one once before, after-" Gibbs stopped what he was saying as the elevator doors opened.

Tony saw the pain in his face and heard it in his voice and stepped closer to his lover to plant a kiss on him. His tongue asked for entry into Gibbs mouth, and Gibbs allowed it. He wasn't ashamed of his love for another man, was, in fact, proud of it. They kissed in the hallway, right outside Tony's apartment. Tony eventually broke the kiss.

"Okay, I think it would be good for all of us to see one, as a family."

Tony unlocked the door to his place. Gibbs walked to the kitchen and gathered the perishables from the fridge, the stuff McGee had brought for them. Tony went to his bedroom and was packing a suitcase.

Gibbs walked in and stood in the doorway, watching as Tony took clothing out of his closet. He smiled at the younger man's wardrobe. He had everything from tailored Armani suits to ratty old T-shirts and sweat suits.

"You look good just like that."

Tony jumped. "Stop doing that."

"What?"

"That sneaking up on people thing you have going for you."

Gibbs walked over to his lover and put his arms around him and kissed his neck, worried that it felt so warm; much warmer than it should be.

"Honey, you okay?"

"Fine," Tony said, turning turned around in Gibbs' embrace.

Gibbs kissed his forehead. "You're running a fever."

"I'm fine," Tony reiterated.

"You might feel fine, but let's get you home and into bed just in case."

"Always trying to get me into bed. I see how it is, you only want me for my body."

"Keep dreaming, DiNozzo," Gibbs said, releasing Tony with a smack to the ass.

Walking over to the dresser, he opened drawers till he found Tony's underwear, intending to help him pack.

Seeing what he was doing, Tony said, "No, don't," but it was too late.

Gibbs stopped and blinked when he saw what was on top of the boxer briefs in the drawer.

"Um, Boss, I can explain," Tony said, looking like a deer caught in headlights when Gibbs picked up the fuzzy cuffs and put them in his pocket.

"Okay, talk."

"Uh, they were a gift. Just a gag gift, nothing more."

"Oh, really? Such a shame." Gibbs smiled and walked out of the room, back towards the kitchen, calling back over his shoulder, "Bus is leaving, Tony."

Tony was still in shock but managed to move when Gibbs said that. He began throwing socks and underwear into his suitcase. Shoes could wait; the sneakers he was wearing would be fine for now. Shutting his suitcase, he grabbed it and hurried out of the bedroom.

"Boss, what did you mean back there?"

"I have no clue what you're talking about, honey," Gibbs said innocently, then ruined it by winking at Tony.

Tony got the hint and smiled from ear to ear. He was still smiling when they reached the parking lot and both cars. He continued to smile, and Gibbs noticed it when they got out of their cars at the house. He knew what that smile meant, but Tony was still sick and that would have to wait.

"Okay, take your meds, then head upstairs and into bed."

"No."

"Yes, Tony. You're still sick, even if you feel better."

"Gibbs, I hate that stuff."

"I don't care. You need to get better, honey." Gibbs kissed his cheek. "So no more of last night till you're better."

Tony stuck out his lip in a pout.

"I am a Marine, and that does not work on me, Mister."

"Damn," Tony said, kissing Gibbs hard and fast before the other man knew what had even hit him. He smiled as he released Gibbs before running up the stairs.

Gibbs was still smiling himself as he made Tony a bowl of soup. When he took it up to their room, he found Tony curled up on the bed, holding Gibbs' pillow and sleeping.

Gibbs smiled as he set the tray on the nightstand and woke Tony up. "Honey, you need to take your meds," he said softly.

Still mostly asleep, Tony didn't fight him when he gave him the drugs and water. Gibbs removed his clothing and crawled into bed with Tony. Feeling the new body in the bed, Tony rolled over till he was half-on and half-off Gibbs. With a smile of contentment Gibbs brought his arm around and pulled Tony even closer. Kissing his forehead, he was pleased to note it wasn't as warm as before.

Closing his eyes, Gibbs drifted into sleep with his precious bundle held close.

The next morning Gibbs woke as usual at 0500 hours, Tony still cuddled against him, using him as a pillow. Gibbs smiled, enjoying the feel of the hard, muscular body pressed up against him. Deciding to forego his run this morning, he pulled Tony closer and went back to sleep. When next he awoke Tony was still snuggled up with him, as if he hadn't moved. Full of love for the man, Gibbs kissed Tony's head, rubbing his lips against the silky dark hair till Tony began to stir.

"Um."

"Time to get up, honey."

Tony ran his hand over Gibbs' fuzzy chest, purring, "How about a quickie?" His hand continued running over Gibbs' torso, heading down South to a growing erection.

Gibbs breath caught in his throat, but he stopped Tony's hand. Tony lifted his head, looking at him curiously.

"Tony, number one, you're still not feeling well, and number two, we need to get up and get ready; there are a lot of things we need to do this morning before we visit Jenny. We need to see my lawyer, and we have some shopping to do for Jenny."

Tony sighed. "I know, but I really wanted to play love-struck teenager this morning."

Tony rolled off Gibbs and walked to the bathroom, putting a little extra movement into his hips. Gibbs stacked his hands behind his head and watched the wiggle of that ass till it disappeared into the bathroom, wanting nothing so much as to follow Tony and fill that ass with his aching hardness. But he couldn't. Not now. There was too much to do.

With a sigh of regret Gibbs got out of bed and threw on a pair of boxers before heading towards the kitchen. He poured a cup of fresh, hot coffee, silently thanking the inventor of coffee makers with automatic timers. After savoring a cup, he pulled out eggs and bacon and began to make breakfast. He ate his own food and was just finishing up Tony's food when the younger man came down the stairs, showered and dressed.

"You can cook," Tony said in surprise when he saw the steaming plate of food waiting for him.

"Of course. My mother made sure I could cook and sew and take care of myself."

"Well. We know who'll be doing the cooking in this partnership," Tony said with a smile as he sat down and dug in.

"Let me guess, you can't cook."

"Nope. I never had to. We always had a cook till I hit college, and then take-out became my friend."

Gibbs smiled and kissed Tony's head before running upstairs for his own shower. He was out in less then five minutes, then dressed and changed the sheets on the bed. Carrying the dirty linen downstairs, he started a load of laundry. By the time he'd had his second cup of coffee, it was 8:30 AM.

Picking up the phone, he called his lawyer's office, requesting a meeting as soon as possible. He was told he could see the man if he could make it there in twenty minutes. He agreed to be there, then went back in to the kitchen.

"We need to get moving, Tony. My lawyer is expecting us in twenty minutes."

"Cool. After we see your lawyer we can stop by the bank and open a joint account."

‘Tony, look, I can't take-"

Gibbs was stopped by a kiss.

"Really, Tony-"

Tony kissed the man again.

"Tony," Gibbs began in exasperation. "I-"

Once again Tony kissed him.

"If we keep this up, we might not leave the house at all today."

"Now THAT is a good idea, but we have a little girl who needs us," Tony said, kissing him again before going into the entryway for his shoes and jacket. Grabbing his keys, he said, "I'm driving."

Gibbs didn't argue, just followed him out and got into the passenger seat of Tony's car.

"Honey, you know we might need to get a bigger car, one designed for a family."

"Yeah, I thought about that. But neither one of us is the mini van type," Tony said with a smile and he headed down the driveway that snaked through the woods. "So, where are we going?"

Gibbs gave Tony the name of the lawyer and the address. Tony made the trip without pissing off any other drivers, something Gibbs' had never managed.

Gibbs and Tony were taken directly to Mr. Bristow's office. Tony noted the fine furniture and leather-bound books, impressed that Gibbs' lawyer wasn't some run of the mill Joe. He was even more impressed with the quality of the coffee offered.

"What can I do for you today, Jethro?" the smiling older man asked after introductions were made.

Gibbs leaned forward. "What I need to know, Aaron, is what it will take to put half of everything I have in Tony's name."

To Tony's surprise, the man didn't even raise an eyebrow.

"What exactly do you mean by EVERYTHING?"

"I mean everything. Half of the house, the land, the stocks, everything I own."

"Some will be nothing more than signing a few papers, but the land and house will require a new deed to be drawn up and registered. Do you have your current deed with you?"

Gibbs nodded, pulling an envelope out of his inner jacket pocket, causing a lifting of Tony's eyebrow. He hadn't seen the man get that.

Aaron Bristow took the deed and looked it over. "Everything seems to be in order. Maria will take care of writing it all up, and we'll call you when it's ready to be signed." He folded his hands on his desk and smiled. "Is there anything else I can help you with, Jethro?"

Gibbs drew a deep breath. "Actually, there is. Tony is being made guardian of a little girl and intends to adopt her. I want the paperwork started so that I can adopt her as well, or at least be named another guardian."

"Through an adoption agency?"

"No," Tony said, telling him the story of Jenny and Monica and her will.

"I see. I don't foresee a problem, but it's something I will have to investigate thoroughly before moving forward. What is the young girl's social worker's name?"

"Miss Parks."

Bristow made notes, then looked up at the men. "I'll get on it right away."

"Thanks, Aaron," Gibbs said, standing and offering his hand to the man who also stood.

"My pleasure, Jethro."

Tony offered his hand as well. "Nice to meet you, Mr. Bristow."

"Likewise, Mr. DiNozzo."

From there they went to Tony's lawyer's office, basically going through the same process once again, then headed towards Tony's bank, located on the outskirts of a mall parking lot. Gibbs raised an eyebrow when the president himself took them into his office to handle the transaction and transfer Tony was requesting.

Making it a true joint account, Gibbs had his assets moved into Tony's account since he banked there as well. Page after page of information was entered into the computer, printing out page after page for the men to sign. Gibbs blue eyes widened and he nearly choked when he saw the amount listed on the paper.

"Good Lord, Tony, how did you get this much money?" he asked after the president had left the office for a document he needed for the transaction. "I thought your parents disinherited you?"

"My Aunt Tinsy loved me," Tony said with a fond smile. "She was always proud that I never wanted the money, that I always wanted to go to Ohio State and become a cop rather than falling back on my father's money and name. So when she passed I inherited all her money and holdings."

"Tony, this says you have $22,000,000.00 in savings alone."

Tony shrugged. "Sounds about right for the savings. The bonds add probably another couple of million, and the stock fluctuates daily because of the sometimes erratic stock market."

Gibbs just looked at the man. His man: his filthy rich man. Good God, what had he gotten himself into? he wondered as he signed all the papers the president pushed in front of him after returning to the office. He was still reeling as they left the bank.

"I knew you had a trust fund, but I never imagined anything like this," Gibbs said, stopping in the middle of the parking lot.

When Tony noticed Gibbs was no longer beside him, he walked back to him, took his arm, pulled him to the car and pushed him gently up against the door.

"Damn, Tony, you're stinking rich."

"So are you now."

"Tony, really, that is way too-"

"Shut up. You are my husband in my mind, body and soul, so why not monetarily as well. Now how about we walk over there and pick up some clothing for Jenny," Tony said, nodding towards the mall across the parking lot from them.

"Yeah, sure," Gibbs murmured, not knowing what else to say. His mind was in a whirlwind since the man he loved had just made him a multi-millionaire. He still couldn't quite grasp the situation as he and Tony walked into Macy's.

"Okay, what would a little girl want?" Tony pondered as they headed towards the kids department.

Gibbs just looked around helplessly, completely out of his element. Not so Tony. He was right at home shopping.

Tony found a sales clerk, explained they were adopting a little girl and they need help with sizes. With his eye for detail, Tony was able to give the clerk accurate estimates of Jenny's height and weight. The clerk showed him a dress she considered would be the right size. Tony held it up and eyed it.

"What do you think?" he asked Gibbs. "Looks about her size, doesn't it?"

Gibbs merely shrugged. "I'll have to trust your judgment on this one."

"I think it's right."

Tony began picking out clothing he thought Jenny would like, which turned out to be a large majority of the different styles in the kids department.

"Tony, don't you think this is a little much?" Gibbs questioned, not really sure what was appropriate for a little girl.

"Nope, never enough for our little girl."

Gibbs shook his head. "You are insane. You know that, don't you?"

"Hey, shopping is an art," Tony said, "and I am an artist."

After paying for their purchases, Tony handed the bags to Gibbs without even asking. The older man was stuck being Tony's pack mule, carrying the ever-growing collection of bags throughout the mall, trailing behind Tony like a faithful husband.

"Where are we going now?"

"There's a bed store here in the mall. She needs a new bed for her new house."

"You're too much, Tony."

Tony smiled, glanced around and sneaked in a kiss without too many people seeing. Gibbs couldn't help the smile that sprang to his lips at the touch of Tony's soft mouth on his.

They found the bedding store and bought a large canopy bed, as well as a down comforter and pillows. The bed was scheduled for delivery and assembly on Thursday. After they finished there, Tony dragged Gibbs into Spencer's, where he bought Jenny a lava lamp, a strobe light and any other kitsch item he thought a ten-year old girl might like, including a butterfly chair and a fuzzy pillow.

Gibbs raised his eyebrows when he caught Tony hiding something from him, but he didn't say anything, merely smiled. Tony was having fun shopping, and he loved seeing Tony so happy, even if he got stuck with all the bags.

"You ready?" Gibbs finally said. "It's almost noon, and Jenny will be worried we're not coming."

"Oh, shit, I totally lost myself. How could you let me?" Tony laughingly complained, smiling as he walked out of Spencer's carrying the bags from there.

Gibbs still had all the other bags. He really did feel like a pack mule, or like one of the other faithful husbands tagging along behind their shopping wives. At least Tony didn't have a purse for him to carry.

Gibbs placed all the bags in the trunk of the car and got in on the passenger side as Tony slid behind the wheel, saying he was still driving so their purchases, as well as themselves, made it their in one piece.

Gibbs looked at Tony in amazement. "Shopping is a sport to you."

"Yep. Just wait till you see what I get you for Christmas."

"Honey dust again?" Gibbs asked with a smile.

Tony wiggled his eyebrows and put his hand on Gibbs' leg, leaving it there as they drove towards the hospital, only taking it off his thigh when they went through the Burger King drive through. Once they were at the hospital and parked, Gibbs grabbed the bags containing the clothing and carried it inside.

"You could help with this, DiNozzo."

"But, Boss, didn't you say just this morning that I'm still not well?"

Gibbs shook his head, wondering how many times in the years to come his words would be thrown back in his face. At least Tony held the door for him as they entered Jenny's room.

"Hey there, Peanut, how are you?" Tony asked as he neared the chair where she was sitting, a blanket tucked around her.

"Tony," she said happily, smiling broadly.

"Why aren't you in bed, young lady?" Gibbs asked with a smile as he placed all the bags in a corner.

"Hi, Jethro. They wanted me to sit in a chair for a little while after they had me walking in the hallway. They said something about circulation and my incision or something like that. What is that?" she asked, switching from one subject to the next without missing a beat as kids were wont to do.

"Well, we went shopping and got you all new clothing like you said you wanted," Tony said, talking while he unpacked the clothing. Looking around in an exaggerated manner, he pulled a smaller paper bag from one of the bags.

Jenny eyes lit up when she saw the Burger King name on the bag and smelled the food.

"I got you your favorites, chicken nuggets and fries," Tony said while placing the food on the table and rolling it up to her.

Gibbs was standing in the way so that the nurses could not see her through the window with her contraband. It was easier since she once again had a room to herself, her roommate having been released already.

While she ate Tony showed Jenny all the clothing they'd picked out for her. He wanted her to try it all on, but Gibbs wouldn't let her, saying there would be took much bending and too much of a chance of tearing open her incision. Tony grinned sheepishly, saying he should have thought of that, that he was just too anxious. He then told her about the canopy bed they'd ordered for her.

Jenny started to cry when Tony went into a detailed explanation of the bed. Both men looked at one another in alarm, Gibbs standing close beside her chair and Tony sitting on the straight-back chair next to her.

"What's wrong, Peanut?" Tony asked softly, hugging the crying little girl.

"N-nothing."

"This is not nothing, honey," Gibbs said, rubbing her back with one hand and resting the other hand on Tony's shoulder. "What's the matter?"

"I'm crying because I'm happy but sad, too."

"You miss your mom."

"Yes, but I'm glad you're both going to look after me."

"Jenny, Jethro thinks we should go see a counselor as a family," Tony said, pulling away from her hold and the touch of Gibbs' hand.

"Miss Parks said she'd say something to you about that."

"You're okay with that?" Tony asked, not wanting to force her into anything she wasn't ready for.

"Yes, I think so. Miss Parks said it might be good to talk to someone."

"Honey," Gibbs said, crouching down to look her in the eye, "neither of us are trying to replace your mother. You know that, right?" he said seriously.

"Yes, I know."

"Okay. Also I want you to know that Tony and I are here for you no matter what. The only rule that we have for you in the house is that you respec. Think you can remember that?"

"Yes, Jethro."

"And it goes both ways, honey. If you're in your room, we'd never enter without knocking first. We expect the same from you. Unless it is an emergency, then you can come right in, any time, day or night. Think we can all live with this rule?"

Tony smiled at the way Gibbs was talking to her, as if she was a young person and not just a kid. Something about the way he was around her made him want to lean over and kiss the man, but he wasn't sure how Jenny would react.

"Yes, sir," Jenny said.

"Not that again. No sir. I work for a living," Gibbs said with a smile.

Tony chuckled, getting the joke that Gibbs was an enlisted man and never to be called sir. He put his hand on Gibbs, and something of his thoughts must have shown.

"You two going to kiss?" Jenny asked, seeing the hand on Gibbs and the weird look in Tony's eyes. It was the same look her mom had gotten when she'd first gone out with David, a guy she'd worked with for a while.

"Would you be bothered by that?" Tony asked, needing to know how she felt.

"I guess not. You both love each other and Mo-" Jenny started crying again.

This time Gibbs was the first to get his arms around the little girl. Tony hugged both of them.

"Mom said when two people love each other they sometimes kiss."

"Yes, that's true," Gibbs said.

The rest of the day went fast. Visiting hours were over at 8:00 PM. On weekdays they were different.

"Okay, honey," Gibbs said when the nurse gave him a pointed look through the window and pointed at her watch. "We'll be back tomorrow, and then we'll see you at the courthouse on Wednesday. Okay?"

Gibbs looked at her the entire time he was talking but wasn't quite prepared for her to reach out and hug him and kiss his cheek. Tony got a hug and kiss as well. Tony kissed her back while Gibbs kissed her head, her hair soft under his lips.

He thought of Megan then and was surprised to realize it didn't hurt quite as much.

When the men returned home, Tony flopped down on the sofa, put his feet on the table and basically passed out. Gibbs was feeling a little lightheaded and run down himself as well, but he needed to get some things done. He covered Tony with a throw from the back of the sofa, kissed his head and walked upstairs. He put all the bags of stuff they'd bought for Jenny in the one spare room. They had left an outfit for her to wear home on Wednesday, but everything else had been brought back with them.

Gibbs then proceeded to go up to the attic. He looked at the boxes stored there and all the dust covering everything in the room, then set to work. There were about twenty boxes in all; they would be moved to the basement eventually, after they had been gone through, but for now he put them in the spare room. He had to make room for the bed that was being delivered on Thursday.

It took nearly two hours to move the boxes, and when he was done his breathing was harsher than it should have been from just that. He was, in fact, nearly huffing and puffing from the minor exertion, which wasn't like him since he was in great shape. Finished for the night, he went back downstairs to see Tony still passed out on the sofa. He laid down on the sofa, putting his head in Tony's lap and passed out himself.

Sometime in the middle of the night Tony's eyes snapped open. Feeling a strange pressure in his lap, he looked down and was just able, with the light from the hallway, to make out Gibbs lying there. Tony put his hand on Gibbs, his smile turning to a frown when he felt how warm Gibbs felt to the touch. He wasn't really hot, but neither was he at his normal temperature.

"Boss," Tony said softly, stroking Gibbs' forehead.

"Yes," Gibbs murmured sleepily, not waking up as quickly as he normally would have.

"You okay?"

"My back is killing me, but other then that, I'm fine. Why?" Gibbs asked, looking into Tony's eyes. Even in the meager light, he could see the love and concern there.

"You feel warm."

"I was working, Tony." Gibbs sat up, again feeling a little lightheaded and as if his head was the size of a watermelon.

Tony saw Gibbs sway a little when he got up and said, "No, you're not okay. This is not like you."

"I'm fine, DiNozzo."

"I'm not buying it." Tony got up, went into the bathroom and found a thermometer, then went back to the living room. "Under the tongue."

"I'm fine, honey," Gibbs said again, looking up at Tony now with the added light from the bathroom.

Tony reached over and turned on the lamp on the table. "Humor me please, baby," Tony cajoled, then froze when he realized what he'd just said. He put his hand on Gibbs' head and played with his hair. It was just a small word, but it was monumental when you'd never called anyone that before.

"Okay," Gibbs conceded, taking the thermometer, putting it under his tongue and looking at his watch.

Tony sat on the sofa and pulled Gibbs closer to lean on his chest. "They do make digital thermometers, you know."

Gibbs rolled his eyes. Figured Tony couldn't even have a thermometer that wasn't high tech.

After a minute Tony pulled it out of Gibbs' mouth and looked at it. "You're running a low grade fever, so you want to tell me again how you're really feeling?"

"It's nothing, honey. Must be from moving all the boxes out of the attic."

"You did that without me?"

"Yes. I seem to remember you've had trouble breathing, and it was very dusty up there. You're still getting better after your little stay in the hospital. Speaking of which, it's past time for your meds."

Gibbs got up, still feeling lightheaded, and went into the kitchen, Tony right behind him.

"Go lay down, Tony."

"Not unless you do, too," Tony said, standing there with his arms crossed over his chest.

"Tony, I'm fine."

"Then you won't mind if I call Ducky."

Tony walked out of the room, heading for the phone in the living room, Gibbs right behind him with a glass of water and Tony's pills.

"You are not calling Ducky at 0100."

"Baby, you were out in the rain the other day, for God knows how long. What if it's more than just a fever? You wouldn't want to give me something that might make me sicker, would you?" Tony said, playing his own health card with a smile.

Gibbs stewed for a moment. "Fine, I might be coming down with a cold. Happy now?"

"I'll be happy when you take some Nyquil and get in bed for some sleep."

Tony took his own meds, then went back to the bathroom and found Nyquil in the medicine cabinet. He poured out the prescribed amount and handed it to Gibbs with a smile.

"Please," was all Tony said.

"Okay, but for the record, I hate this stuff."

"Hey, look at it this way. It's the only medicine that comes with it's own shot glass."

Gibbs rolled his eyes and knocked back the burning liquid, not even bothering to hide his grimace. "Happy?"

"Yes, but for so many other reasons."

Tony leaned in and kissed the handsome man in front of him, running one hand up to Gibbs' head and the other hand over Gibbs' back, slipping it up under his shirt, flattening it against the warm, smooth skin there.

Gibbs returned the kiss longingly, running his own hand down underneath the back of Tony's pants and over the smooth-skinned ass. His other hand slid upwards around Tony's neck.

Tony started to nip down to Gibbs' neck, opening his mouth over the vulnerable flesh. Gibbs let out a cry at the feel of the hot, wet mouth on his throat.

"No, we can't. Both of us are sick and need rest." Gibbs stepped away from the loving, even though he wanted nothing so much as to continue.

"But-"

Gibbs put a finger over Tony's lips. "Tony, I love you, and I love making love to you, but it's not all I want from you. Right now we're both very tired, and I'm running a low grade fever, so how about we take a rain check and just go up and cuddle and fall asleep."

Tony broke out into laughter.

"What's so funny?"

"Never would have pegged you for the cuddling type, Boss," Tony said, embracing Gibbs. "But I think I might like that. You're huggable."

Gibbs smiled and took Tony's hand in his, holding it as they went upstairs. Gibbs got undressed, throwing his clothing into the hamper. Tony left his lying on the floor. Gibbs looked at the beautiful naked man.

"Um, Tony."

"What?"

"We have a hamper."

Tony smiled. "Yeah, I know, but I can put my clothes in it in the morning. Right now I have more important things to do."

Tony walked over to Gibbs, took his hand again and led him to the bed. Pulling back the covers, they both got into bed.

"You know, I was thinking that once Jenny comes home we might have to start sleeping with clothing on."

"Why?" Tony questioned, laying his head on Gibbs' chest a mere inch from his nipple. He kissed the nubbin, causing Gibbs to suck in a breath.

"Well, I remember-" Gibbs began, stopping suddenly when painful memories made his chest tighten. He was remembering when Megan was alive and she would come into his and her mother's room.

Tony felt the strength drain out of the man and knew what he was thinking about. "Boss, you know I'm here to talk, right?"

"Yes, honey, I know. It's just another reason to talk to a counselor. I have a lot I never talked to anyone about, not even Ducky. He knows about my first ex-wife and that our daughter died, but that's about all."

Tony kissed Gibbs' chest again. "It's okay, baby, I understand. And I understand why you think we should wear clothes to bed. It's in case Jenny needs us and comes into our room in the middle of the night."

"Yes," Gibbs said, kissing Tony's head again.

"Do me a favor, please, Jethro."

"If I can."

"Take it easy the next few days. If you have a cold, let's keep it minor."

"I think I can do that, but what about the move?"

"I know this guy. He was a cop at the same time I was in Baltimore, and he had to take retirement after fucking up his leg. He owns a moving company now. I was going to give him a call and have him pack up the place and move everything over. We can get a storage place for anything we don't keep here."

Tony stopped talking when he realized Gibbs' breathing had changed, becoming slow and steady in sleep. Kissing Gibbs' chest once again, Tony closed his eyes and let himself drift to sleep, loving the security of being wrapped in Gibbs' arms.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Tony was the first to wake. That, in and of itself, was an unusual occurrence. The fact that Gibbs was nearly snoring was further proof that the man wasn't one hundred percent. He didn't even awaken when Tony left the bed to slip into a pair of boxers. The underwear would have to do for now since they'd forgotten and left his suitcase in the car.

Tony ran down the stairs and into the kitchen, expecting the smell of coffee to greet him. He stopped and blinked in shock, thinking Gibbs must have been worse than he let on to forget to ready the automatic coffee maker. He started a pot. While it was brewing he called his buddy about the move, knowing he would already be on the go at 8:30 AM. He talked to the man for a bit about personal things, then made arrangements for the move.

If everything went well, by Saturday everything would be packed up and moved. Tony was grateful for that. Many more nights sleeping in Gibbs' bed and he'd need traction for his back. It was no wonder the man rarely slept there. Even sleeping under the boat in the basement had to be better than that crappy mattress.

After finishing the arrangements for the move, Tony called around and found a storage unit large enough for his extra things and Monica's and Jenny's stuff. It was a bonus that the unit wasn't far from Gibbs' place. Eventually he knew Jenny would want to go through her mother's things and decide what to keep, what to give to charity and what to throw away.

Tony poured a cup of coffee for Gibbs and carried it up to the master bedroom. Once there he just stood there in the doorway, looking at the man he loved sleeping and thinking how much his life had changed in one short week.

Who would have thought him getting sick and being hospitalized would lead to such a life change, resulting in finally being with the man of his dreams. For that matter, who would have thought Gibbs swung both ways. He'd never guessed. The man had never given any indication that was he anything but a straight arrow.

But then Tony started to think about what he knew of the man and their relationship up to that point. The head slaps, the getting up into his face, maybe those had been signs all along and he just hadn't realized.

Whatever. That was the past. Now there was only the future to think of. A future with the man he loved. The only person he'd ever made love to; all the others had merely been sex, no love involved. Love was one of those four letter words that actually made a difference.

On top of the illness and the revelations between Gibbs and himself was the passing away of a friend and the gaining of a daughter. God, that was hard to wrap his mind around, the fact that for all intents and purposes he was now a father. It would be the first time for him but the second for Gibbs. He was glad they'd talked to Jenny, letting her know they didn't have any intention of trying to replace her mother but would be there for whatever she needed. They COULDN'T replace her mother, but they could love her like they'd both already started to do.

Gibbs started to stir, and Tony snapped out of his little daydream. Gibbs mumbled, eyes still closed. He wasn't even fully awake, but he could smell the coffee. Tony walked into the room, standing next to the bed and looking down at Gibbs as he opened those beautiful blue eyes.

"Hey there Marine," Gibbs said, voice sleep-rough and sexy. "Come here often?"

Tony sat down on the side of the bed and put the coffee mug on the nightstand. "Only when the ship brings me to port. But it looks like now I have a better reason to stay in port."

"What might that be?" Gibbs asked, grabbing Tony around the waist and pulling him down into a kiss.

"Mmm. You." Tony smiled, looking at his lover, his boss, his life mate.

"Nice."

Tony leaned in for another kiss. It wasn't the prelude to anything more, merely a good morning kiss. Sure there was passion, but more than anything there was love. Gibbs pulled away with a smile, closing his eyes and lying back against the pillow once more.

"What time is it?"

"About nine. I called the movers already and found a storage unit. We need to stop on the way to the hospital to sign the papers and pay a deposit. I'm going to have to do something about my apartment, too. I might have to pay more to break the lease since I just signed a new contract."

"Some places have a house clause so that if you buy one you can get out of your contract, and now that you own a house, you might be able to use that," Gibbs said with a smile, sitting up.

Tony put his hand on Gibbs' forehead. "You feel normal this morning."

"See, it was nothing."

"Nah, I think it's just because the germs were not stupid enough to hang around you."

Tony smiled, handed Gibbs the coffee and got up to go shower. Gibbs drank the whole cup of coffee, then got out of bed and walked down to get more, not bothering to put anything on. When he got back, he walked into the bathroom and leaned against the sink. Tony was just getting out of the shower.

"What happened to modesty and a little girl?"

"That is for tomorrow. For today…" Gibbs shrugged, smiling at the sight of a wet, naked Tony.

"Well, shit."

"What?" Gibbs asked, one brow rising.

"My stuff is in the car."

"Smart, DiNozzo."

"Hey, it was your fault. You distracted me before I got in the shower."

Gibbs smiled as he threw on a robe and walked outside to get Tony's suitcase since Tony's head was wet. When Gibbs came back he put the suitcase on the bed, then went to get a shower himself.

"How about we stop and pick up real food for Jenny and eat out at the diner," he called back into the bedroom, raising his voice to be heard over the water.

"Sounds like a plan to me," Tony called back, throwing on a pair of blue jeans and a gray turtle neck sweater.

Gibbs came out of the shower before Tony was even finished putting on his socks.

"Damn, that was fast."

"Once a Marine, always a Marine."

"Sumper Fi," Tony said.

Gibbs smiled as he dried himself off. Tony just sat there, watching the water as it tracked over Gibbs' body.

Gibbs caught him staring. "What?"

"Just looking at the old war-wounds man in front of me and thinking that if you had been around when Michelangelo was sculpting David it would have been called Jethro," Tony said with a wicked smile.

Gibbs' cheeks pinkened just a bit. "I love you, too," he said, throwing on his clothing.

The boys stopped at the diner, ate then got something to go. Tony had never been around Jenny for breakfast, so he wasn't sure what she would like, so they got her waffles. Didn't all kids like things they could put syrup on? Tony then had a thought of Gibbs with syrup on him. How much better it would be with the flavor of Gibbs.

Jenny was happy to see them, hugging them both when they bent down to her, then digging into the waffles. They smiled indulgently as they watched her put them away as if she hadn't eaten in a week. That meant she was mending, at least physically.

They sat with her the whole day, halfway through Gibbs going back to the diner to get something for them all. When Jenny drifted to sleep after eating, they just sat there, watching her sleep and keeping guard.

Later in the afternoon the social worker came around and explained that tomorrow was merely a formality, and it would be quick and simple. The background check on them had panned out like she knew it would. They couldn't work for the Navy, doing what they did, if their backgrounds weren't clean.

Tony and Gibbs told Miss Parks about their plans to see a counselor. She thought it was a good idea and promised to bring them a list of names of counselors specializing in such problems when she saw them the next day at the hearing. Both men thanked her. She did say there would be a home inspection once before the formal adoption was finished, saying once again it was just a formality. They told her about Jenny's room and that she seemed to be happy about the idea.

After leaving the hospital later that night when visiting hours were over, they went home and got into an argument over cleaning out the attic. Gibbs didn't want Tony breathing in the dust. Tony came back with the fact that Gibbs himself had been sick the previous night and that he wasn't going to let him do this alone. They were, after all, in this together.

They settled on a compromise with Tony wearing a bandana tied over his mouth and nose.

Working together, Tony and Gibbs managed to clean every inch of the attic. Both were dirty and sweaty by the time they finished and in great need of a shower before bed. Tired and ready for sleep, they stepped into the shower together, steam rising around them from the warmth of the water.

Gibbs picked up the soap and washcloth, but Tony took them from his hands with a smile.

"Let me, Boss."

"Tony, I'm too tired for that right now."

"No sex, Jethro. I just want to wash you."

Gibbs nodded and turned around, presenting his back to Tony. Tony began running the soapy cloth over his back. Gibbs groaned when Tony would find a particularly sore area and massage it till the kinks were all gone. He hadn't realized just how tense his muscles were from all the cleaning. By the time Tony had scrubbed him head to toe, he was in a completely relaxed state.

"My turn," he said, taking the soap and cloth from Tony.

He washed Tony's back, trying to be clinical about the cleaning, but he couldn't help but caress the sculpted back while running the soapy cloth over it. Instead of relaxing him, the washing seemed to add tension to Tony's body. And when he turned around, Gibbs could see why.

Gibbs didn't say anything about the erection rising up between them, just moved the cloth over him in a slow, sensual manner. Tony hissed when the textured cloth was dragged over his sensitive nipples in a circular motion. Gibbs continued washing Tony, stopping at his navel, then bending down and starting at his feet, moving up his legs till he came to the throbbing hardness.

Neither man spoke, but Tony groaned when the first stroke of the cloth in Gibbs' hand over his hardness made him jerk, his cum splattering against Gibbs' stomach before being washed down the drain by the cooling water. They still said nothing, but Tony leaned over and gave Gibbs a gentle kiss of thanks as the older man reached over to turn off the water.

They dried themselves and were in bed by 10:00 PM. Gibbs ever-reliable internal alarm had failed him that morning, probably from a combination of mental and physical exhaustion and the Nyquil, so he wasn't taking any chances with such an important date. He set the alarm for 7:00 AM, giving them two hours to dress, eat and get to the courthouse by 9:00 AM. They had no idea what time their case would come before the judge and would have to be there from the start until they were called.

Gibbs didn't forget the coffee this time, setting the timer for 6:45 AM so it would be fresh and hot when they awakened.

They fell asleep snuggled together. They had dressed in boxers before hitting the bed, getting into the habit of wearing them.

The ringing of the alarm came all too soon. Gibbs was the first to wake. Tony hid under the covers, pulling them over his head. He didn't want to get out of a warm bed with an even warmer Gibbs. Not that the older man was running a fever, but his body generated a lot of heat that drew Tony while sleeping.

"Morning," Gibbs said, the words barely heard. It was more than just morning scratchiness. Gibbs had laryngitis.

"See," Tony said, kissing the man, "you overdid it."

He didn't care about morning breath. This was Gibbs. Hell, he'd puked on the man and sucker punched him. If Gibbs could deal with all that, a little thing like morning breath wasn't going to faze him. The kiss was long and hard, Gibbs participating fully. They had been kissing for nearly ten minutes when Gibbs' cell phone went off.

"Gibbs…Hey, Abby what's…Yes, today is the day…No, I think maybe Friday…Okay you and McGee bring dessert and call Ziva and Ducky and tell them both to bring something…Thanks, Abby…Yes, Abby, I'm fine, just a little cold…Yes, I know, from standing in the rain…Don't you even think about calling him for this...Thanks, Abs."

After Gibbs hung up, he looked at the man in his arms.

"So?"

"Abby wanted to come over tonight," Gibbs said, still barely able to be heard.

"Okay, so why did you say no?"

"Tony, Jenny is coming home tonight, and I thought it would be nice if it was just us for a few days. Yes, Jenny has met McGee and Abby, but still…"

"I knew there was another reason why I loved you. You're not just a pretty face." Tony kissed him quickly before getting out of bed and starting to get dressed.

"Damn," Tony said, smelling the coffee in the air, "what is that godawful smell?"

Gibbs sniffed, but with his cold, he was too stuffy to actually smell anything. "What? I don't smell anything."

"Okay, it's official. When we get back home, you're in bed for the rest of the day."

"Tony, I can't. I need to help out around here."

"Jenny will help you, then. I'm sure she'd love to feel useful. How does that sound?"

"Tony," Gibbs said in exasperation.

Tony picked up Gibbs' pants and pulled the fuzzy cuffs out of the pocket where they'd been stashed. "You WILL stay in bed, or I get to use these to keep you there. What do you think? Jenny might ask a few questions, but I'm willing to risk it. Are you?"

Gibbs' eyes narrowed. If looks could kill, Tony would have been pushing up daisies by that time. But the younger man didn't back down, just continued to stare at Gibbs, the cuffs dangling from one finger.

"Okay, you win. Save those for later."

Tony grinned, mind filled with images of Gibbs cuffed to the bed.

Gibbs smiled as well as he dressed. "How about if we compromise?"

"What did you have in mind?"

"I won't stay in bed, but I will stay on the sofa. If nothing else I can supervise from there. I might even break down and call the cable company."

"Okay, I think we can do that. As long as it is just the sofa," Tony stressed, walking over and putting his arms around the bare-chested Gibbs.

Gibbs kissed the man's nose. "You're cute when you get protective."

"Well, I can't let you have all the fun." Tony kissed him again before walking down to the kitchen.

Gibbs threw on a button-up shirt before following Tony downstairs. The younger man had already poured a cup of coffee for Gibbs but not himself today.

"I am so taking you shopping today for real coffee."

"This is real coffee," Gibbs said, his voice a little louder but still very raspy.

Tony snorted. "Yeah, right. Dream on, Boss."

Tony's cell phone started going off in the living room. He went to answer it, not giving Gibbs time to respond.

"DiNozzo…Yes, Abby…No, he's good, really…Abby don't call…Okay, but it's your head…Thanks, honey."

Tony went back into the kitchen.

"Who was that?" Gibbs asked, cup of coffee to his lips.

"Abby. She's calling Ducky."

"Tell me it's just to invite him over for Friday night dinner."

"Sorry, but, no. She's worried about us, Boss."

"I'll kill her."

"Hey, leave her alone. She's just making sure we're good."

Gibbs just growled.

"I think we should head out. I'm hungry, and since you're not cooking right now, we need to stop for food."

Gibbs nodded, then said, "Okay, but now I know what to get you for Christmas."

"And what would that be?" Tony asked as he and Gibbs were walking out the door.

"Cooking lessons," Gibbs said with a smile.

Tony smirked as he got into Gibbs' car, the company car he drove as team leader.

Glancing at Tony, he asked, "Have you thought about what we should do with Jenny when we go back to work? I know we don't want a babysitter, but there will be times when we can't get around it."

"We don't have to worry about it, because I'm not going back to work."

"Tony."

"Hear me out, Boss. I love my job, and you love yours, but now we have a bigger job, a job I never thought I really wanted. But now that it's part of my life, I found out I really do want the job of raising a family, but I am not fucking this up like my folks did with me."

"I understand that, Tony, so let me reiterate, I have had a long run at NCIS. Yes, you're right, I love the job, but I would trade it for this in a heartbeat. I fucked up the first time with my first wife and daughter, and I will not let that happen again," Gibbs stated emphatically, putting his hand behind Tony's head.

"How about for now we agree to disagree."

"Since we're both being stubborn bastards about it, I think for now that's all we can do. But know this, we will be there for her. Tom said we can come back when we want, so there's time for us to make a final decision."

"Good."

They stopped at the diner and grabbed something quick to eat before heading for the courthouse. They had to circle twice before finding a parking spot, and Tony grinned at Gibbs' muttered imprecations. They were used to military trials, so a public courthouse was new for them.

Miss Parks and Jenny were in the room already. When Jenny saw the men, her happiness was apparent in the smile she sent them. Both men hugged her, which she returned, tightly wrapping her arms around both men. But since she was still a little sore, they made sure their own hugs were much softer.

They sat down on the end of a pew. Jenny climbed up on Tony's lap and laid her head on his shoulder. Gibbs smiled when he noticed she had fallen asleep. Miss Parks, sitting on Tony's other side, smiled as well.

The social worker knew this was the best place for Jenny. The little girl loved both men, and it was obvious they adored her, even if she wasn't much more than a stranger. Finding that kind of dynamic in a would-be family was rare and precious. As far as she was concerned, children needed to go to a home where they would be loved, it didn't matter if both parents were the same sex. A family was a family, and a happy one was what they all wanted for their charges.

They had to sit in the courtroom for three hours. Sometime after the two-hour mark Tony asked to take Jenny down to the hotdog stand just outside on the corner but wasn't allowed to. Since their hearing hadn't come up yet and he wasn't officially her guardian, he couldn't take her outside the courtroom.

Gibbs solved the problem by going out and getting them something they could eat in the hallway under Miss Parks' supervision. She couldn't very well deny them since Jenny was still taking antibiotics and a mild pain pill after her surgery and needed food to take them with. She had two more days left on the meds.

When they went back into the courtroom, this time it was Gibbs' lap she sat on. The pain pill made her drowsy, and she fell asleep again. When the judge called for them, he noticed she was sleeping and allowed Gibbs to stay there with her. He had read the file. Knowing the little girl had just gotten out of the hospital, he knew she needed to rest to speed up her healing.

The judge gave his speech about how happy he was to see two people step up and take responsibility for their neighbor's child. Yes, it had been in Monica's will that the little girl go to Tony, but nothing said he had to actually take her. He was glad the young man had stepped up. Saying that, he set the court date for the second of January, the first Monday of the New Year; at that point all the paperwork for the state would be completed and they would have permanent custody of the little girl. Both men thanked the judge.

Tony was smiling, but there was a lump in his throat, too. This was all so new to him. What if he screwed up?

"Hey, sunshine," Gibbs said softly against her head, "time to wake up. We can take you to your new home now, honey." He couldn't help but smile at the innocence of little girl as she slept.

"Um," she mumbled, still groggy from the pain pill.

"Come on, honey," Gibbs tried again. Seeing that she was not waking up, he picked her up and carried her from the room.

"You got her, Boss?"

"I'm fine, DiNozzo," he said with a smile.

Miss Parks walked out with them. "We'll plan for the home tour sometime within the next few weeks. I hope you understand if will be a surprise, that we can't tell you ahead of time when we'll be there."

"Yes, ma'am, we understand."

"Good. Hopefully by that time this little beauty will be all settled into her new home." Miss Parks smiled. "It was very nice to meet you both. So far everything is going great, and I'm sure the rest of the proceedings will go by just as quickly."

"Thank you, ma'am."

With Jenny still in Gibbs' arms, he and Tony and went down to his car. Halfway there Jenny woke up. Well, almost woke up. She was still very groggy.

"Jethro," she murmured.

"Hey there, sunshine. Think you can walk?"

"Yeah," Tony added, "he's not as young as he used to be."

"Watch it, DiNozzo."

"Yes," Jenny said around a yawn.

Gibbs put her down, and she winced in pain.

"Sorry, honey."

"I'm fine, but I'm hungry."

"She takes after you, DiNozzo."

Tony shot Gibbs an amused look before smiling at Jenny. "Well, we can stop and eat anyplace you want."

"Really?"

"Yes, really."

"Can we stop at Chuck E. Cheese?"

"Sure we can, honey, but do you think you're up to playing in there?"

"Yes," she said, nodding her head vigorously.

"Honey," Gibbs said, bending down to her level, "we'll take you anyplace you want. But right now I think you might still be a little too sore for Chuck E. Cheese. You hurt when I set you down, didn't you? It's not that I don't think you would be careful, but the other kids might hurt you accidentally. So how about you heal for another week or so before Tony and I take you there."

"Promise?"

"Cross my heat," Gibbs said, making an X over his heart.

"Well, Boss, seems you're not a total washout when it comes to pop culture," Tony said with a smile. "How about steak? We can go to Outback."

Jenny looked up at Tony and smiled. "Can I get chicken fingers?"

"You can have whatever you want, honey."

She took Gibbs' hand in one of hers and Tony's in the other, walking between them as they went to their car. She got into the back and buckled up, Tony checking to make sure the belt was secure before he and Gibbs got in. Tony kept stealing glances at Gibbs, wondering how difficult it was for him to drive like a sane person with Jenny in the car. He was impressed that Gibbs got them to the restaurant without cutting off a single person.

Tony ordered a thick rare steak, Gibbs got some kind of pork dish, and Jenny got her chicken fingers.

"Can I ask a question?" Jenny asked as she dipped a fry in ketchup.

"Yes, and you don't have to ask if you can. Just make sure that you don't talk when someone else is."

"And say excuse me."

"Yes, ma'am, thank you and please," Jenny recited when Gibbs said that.

Tony snickered, and even Gibbs smiled.

"I know I asked before, but what do you want me to call you both now that I'm going home with you?"

"How about Tony and Jethro for now," Tony said.

"Okay, I think I would like that," she said, finishing her salad.

"Our friends want to come over and meet you, Jenny," Tony said.

"Abby and Tim?"

"Yes, and our other coworkers, Ducky and Ziva."

"Okay. Why?"

"Because they know you're important to us. At work we're all a team, but other than that we're friends, and friends want to be a part of each other's lives. And now that you're part of our lives, they want to get to know you. Is that okay with you?"

"Yeah, I guess so, Tony."

"We told them to come over Friday. We might even be able to get Gibbs to cook out on the grill."

"Tony," Gibbs said in exasperation, "it's November."

"And your point is?"

"You aren't the one having to stand out in the cold."

Tony just smiled.

"Oh, you are so getting cooking lessons for Christmas," Gibbs muttered.

"I guess that's okay," Jenny said again. "I liked Abby. She looked fun."

"She is a lot of fun. Tim is the stick in the mud."

Gibbs slapped the back of Tony's head.

"Ouch! What was that for, Boss? Probie is a little square, you know."

"Yes, but still, you shouldn't talk about your teammates like that," Gibbs said, rolling his eyes significantly towards Jenny.

"Got it, Boss."

The rest of the meal went quietly. Gibbs had called the cable company and he got them to come out today. By pure luck they had had a cancellation. They were going to stop at Tony's place but Jenny started to freak out at the thought of stopping there so they decided against it for now.

"Tim…Yes, I need a favor from you, please…Stop at my place and bring over my TV…Long story," Tony said, not wanting to mention Jenny's problem with her sitting right behind him in the car. "Thanks, Probie…Yes, Abby and Ziva can come as well…Thanks, guys."

Gibbs glanced at Tony when the younger man looked in his direction.

"Abby and Ziva are with McGee, and he said Ducky is already at the house, waiting for his patient."

"Who?" Jenny asked.

"Our friend Ducky is a doctor. He works with us, and sometimes he makes sure that we're healthy. Since Gibbs has a cold right now, he wants to check him out."

"You need soup. Mom always gave me soup when I was sick. Remember the one time, Tony, when you came down and we watched a movie at our place?" Jenny was getting better about not crying when she would talk about her mother.

Tony turned and smiled at her. "I remember that, honey. You fell asleep watching Snow White."

"Uh-uh, you fell asleep."

"Me? No, I remember it being you."

"Nuh-uh, Tony, it was you!"

Gibbs smiled as they argued like little kids. He was still smiling when he pulled into his driveway. Even seeing Ducky's classic car parked next to Tony's on the grass didn't spoil his mood. Gibbs parked in his usual spot.

They got out of the car, Jenny holding Tony's hand as they walked up the steps and inside. They both walked past the man standing just inside the front door. But the moment Gibbs walked in, he had a thermometer shoved in his mouth, his wrist being held in Ducky's hand while he counted the pulse beats as he looked at his watch.

"Jethro, you're running a bit of a fever."

"All right, Ducky. Now, how about I introduce you to Jenny."

Jenny walked over to them when Gibbs motioned her over, but she was nearly standing behind him, looking shyly at Ducky.

"Well, hello. Jennifer is it?"

"Yes, sir," she said softly as Gibbs gently took her shoulders and moved her more into view.

"My name is Doctor Donald Mallard but people call me Ducky."

"Everyone calls me Jenny."

"Okay, then, Jenny it is. Now, Jenny, can you do me a big favor?"

She shook her head yes.

"These two men do not take good care of themselves. If they get sick can I ask you to call me?" Ducky handed her a card "This way they do not get too sick."

He just returned the glare that Gibbs was throwing his way. Tony merely smiled. Ducky was a law unto himself. He could even get a rampaging Gibbs to stop in his tracks.

"Do you think you can do that, Jenny?"

"But I thought tattling was wrong?"

"Quite right, that is true, dearie, but with these two I think we can bend that rule a little, don't you? After all, we want them to stay well."

"Okay, I guess," she said hesitantly, looking at Gibbs who smiled and nodded his head yes.

"Good. Now, Jethro, you need bed rest and plenty of fluids. I'm guessing that you staying out in the rain the other day brought this on."

"Ducky, I'm fine," Gibbs insisted, but his voice was still scratchy and not up to full volume.

"I will be the judge of that. Now, sit on the sofa, or do I need to have you tied to the bed?" Ducky smiled at Tony, who in turn smiled at Gibbs.

"All right. You all don't have to gang up on me," Gibbs grumbled as he sat down on the sofa.

Ducky carried his bag over to Gibbs and pulled out a vial and a needle.

"What's that for?"

"Just a B-12 shot. It will help."

"Ducky, really, I'm fine."

"Don't be such a baby, Boss," Tony said, sitting down next to Gibbs, Jenny on his lap. "It's just a little needle."

Gibbs glared at Tony while Ducky administered the shot. Tony smiled, glad for once it was someone other than himself on the receiving end of a needle.

"Okay, Jethro, you are to take it easy for the next few days, and I will be back on Friday. Abby said we're having a get together then."

"Yes, Ducky, and thanks."

"Don't bother getting up. I will show myself out. It was a pleasure to meet you, Jenny," Ducky added, putting on his hat and coat before walking out the door.

Not more then five minutes later the doorbell rang. Gibbs got it before Tony could. It was the cable guy. Gibbs showed him where he wanted a hook up in the living room, then took him to the attic to show him where to put a hook up for Jenny's room.

"I have a TV for my room?" she asked after she and Tony had followed them up.

"Not yet, honey, but you will have when we get you one. For now we'll bring the small one from the living room up here when McGee brings mine by."

The cable man said he shouldn't take long and that he had the box for the TIVO. They only needed it in the attic since Tony already had a TIVO box for the living room from his place. Gibbs had no clue what TIVO was or why they even needed it, but Tony said they had to have it. Gibbs just shrugged and asked if it had parental control.

They went down to the spare room. It was a little cramped with all the boxes they'd stored in there, but they were able to get to the bed where Jenny's clothing was still in the bags.

"Hello," a voice called from the living room.

"Up here, Abs," Tony called back. "We'll be right down."

The men went downstairs, Jenny right on their heels. Tim and Ziva had the TV in their hands while Abby stood there and watched.

"Hey, guys," Gibbs said. "Ziva, this is Jenny."

They put the TV down and Ziva walked over to the little girl. "Hello, I'm Ziva," she said, holding out her hand.

Jenny looked at Gibbs for approval. When he smiled, she took Ziva's hand and shook it.

"Thanks for bringing the TV over, guys. The cable guy is upstairs hooking up the attic connection so Jenny can have a TV in her room."

"You're getting the attic. How cool is that?"

"Hi, Abby," Jenny said with a smile.

"Hey there, half-pint. Show me your room?"

Jenny looked up at Gibbs and Tony.

"Go ahead, peanut. Abby can help you pick out stuff for your room if you want. We can all go shopping tomorrow."

"Can we go to the mall?"

"Yep," Abby said, taking the little girl up the stairs.

But Jenny was nearly dragging her feet, looking back over her shoulder at Gibbs and Tony, biting her lip, her eyes wide. Recognizing the look of panic when he saw it, Gibbs stood up.

"You guys mind if I come up there with you?"

Jenny looked relieved, even though she didn't say anything. She smiled when Gibbs caught up to them, his hand resting in a gentle caress on top of her head.

Once they were out of sight, McGee said, "So what's the deal?"

"Jenny doesn't want to go near the apartment complex right now," Tony said, sitting down in the armchair.

Ziva and McGee sat down on the sofa.

"I can understand that," McGee said, "but it sucks. So how are you getting everything moved?"

"I called a friend who owns a moving company. He's packing up my stuff and will have it over here Friday. I plan on having Monica's stuff put into storage just in case Jenny wants any of it when she gets older."

"You're smarter than you look, Tony," Ziva teased.

Tony merely glared at her before saying, "Thanks again guys for stopping over and bringing my TV."

"We didn't mind," McGee said. "Jenny is a great kid."

Tony leveled a look at McGee. "Yeah, you met her before, didn't you?" he said in a silky smooth voice.

"Yes, I did."

"About that, Probie." Tony leaned forward, spearing McGee with a laser sharp hazel glare. "I don't appreciate you pointing a gun at a ten year old girl and scaring her to death, especially MY girl. Are we clear on that?"

McGee visibly swallowed. "S-s-s-sure, Tony. But I didn't know who was there."

"I know you were just looking out for me, but don't do it again. You scared her, Probie."

McGee was spared from further comment by Abby bounding down the stairs, Jenny and Gibbs following behind her at a more sedate pace.

Abby jumped off the step second from the bottom. "Okay, guys, let get out of here and go see that movie," Abby said to McGee and Ziva.

Tony and Gibbs saw them to the door, watching as they pulled away.

"Okay," Gibbs said to Tony once they were out of sight, "what do you want for dinner, honey?"

"How about Chinese?"

"Sounds like a plan. What about you, Jenny? Is that okay with you?"

"Yeah. Can I get chicken and broccoli?"

"You sure can."

Tony knew the number for delivery by heart and made the call. The cable guy came down and hooked up the TV, commenting on what a great TV the giant flat screen was. By the time he was done the food had been delivered and it was close to 6:00 PM. After eating they sat together on the sofa and turned on the TV to the Disney channel. Gibbs stared at the movie, wondering just what the hell that was they were watching.

"This is great, Boss," Tony said, swinging his feet up on the coffee table. "This little alien is like a dog, and he and the little girl get into so much trouble."

Jenny had climbed up into Gibbs lap to watch, so he had no choice but to stay with them. After that movie was finished they found a family movie on HBO that Jenny liked, so they watched it, too. Not far into it Jenny fell asleep since she had had another pain pill with her dinner. Gibbs carried her up to the spare room, Tony going ahead and turning down the covers and getting her nightgown. Gibbs undressed her, careful of her bandage. Tomorrow they would call Ducky about the best way to change it, but for now it was fine. They didn't want to wake her.

Tony put her nightgown on her. She didn't wake up, even when the sheet and comforter were pulled up over her. Both men leaned down and kissed her forehead before leaving the room, leaving the door open so she could see the light from the hall if she woke up suddenly. By the time they had her dressed and in bed it was about 9:30 PM. Tony took the last of his meds, and since he was tired he and Gibbs went up to bed as well, undressing down to their boxers before crawling into bed.

"You're great with her, Boss," Tony said sleepily, head on Gibbs' chest, listening to him breathe.

"Yeah, it's weird, really. Knowing what to do with kids just comes naturally."

"I know. You like kids and they like you." The rise and fall of Gibbs' chest soon lulled Tony to sleep.

Gibbs smiled as Tony drifted off, gently running a hand over Tony's fuzzy chest the whole time. He leaned his head against Tony's and soon followed him into sleep. Both slept peacefully until they were awakened by a scream. Gibbs was up before Tony could even get his head off his chest. Both of them ran towards Jenny's room and found her sitting up in bed crying.

She was crying, nearly screaming. Her chest heaved with her harsh cries. Gibbs was the first to get there. He was on the bed holding her when Tony entered.

"Ssshh, it's okay, honey, we're here," he murmured, soothingly rubbing her back.

"Mom! I want my mom!" She was screaming.

Gibbs looked at Tony helplessly.

"Honey we're here," Tony said, kissing her temple and rubbing her back, his hand brushing against Gibbs' as they both tried to comfort her.

The three of them sat there cuddled together, comforting one another, soothing sounds being made softly. She eventually began to calm down, her cries becoming shuddering sobs.

"Ssshhh," Gibbs soothed, rocking her.

After about fifteen minutes her sobbing had nearly ceased.

"You okay, Peanut?"

"I was scared you left me like my mom," she whispered, nose all stuffy from crying.

"Oh, honey, never," Gibbs assured her, kissing her head.

"I was all alone."

"No, you were just sleeping in the spare room."

Gibbs looked into Jenny's eyes. Tony had turned on the overhead light when he came in, so he could see the fear and sadness in her eyes.

"Think you can go back to sleep now?"

"Stay with me," she pleaded, grabbing hold of Gibbs with one hand and reaching for Tony with the other.

"Honey, we have to go to our room."

"No, don't leave me."

Gibbs looked at Tony, who had tears in his eyes as well.

"Peanut, how about you come in there and sleep with us?" Tony said.

Jenny pulled away from Gibbs chest and looked at Tony. "Really?"

"Yes, honey, anytime," Tony said gently, still rubbing her back soothingly.

"Yeah, I'd like that."

Tony picked her up this time since Gibbs had done it so much earlier in the day. He didn't want Gibbs hurting himself.

They carried the little girl into their room and placed her between them on the bed, her body settling into the dip in the mattress. With a hand stretched out to both of them, she fell asleep right away. Tony and Gibbs leaned over her and kissed, then settled down on their respective sides of the bed and fell asleep, Jenny in the middle.

Jenny woke up twice more with nightmares, assuring neither Tony nor Gibbs got much sleep that night. She would cry out for her mother, then fall into the embrace of one of the men, crying herself to sleep.

Gibbs woke up later on. Looking at the red numbers on the clock on the nightstand, he realized he had awakened at 0500 as usual. But once more he would have to forego his morning run since he couldn't extricate himself from Jenny's hold without waking her; she seemed to be holding on for dear life.

In the quiet of the early morning, he could hear her mumbling in her sleep. Canting his head closer, he was able to make out most of her words. His chest tightened when he heard her worrying about losing them the same way she'd lost her mother.

There would be so much this little girl would have to deal with in the immediate future, let alone further down the line. Up till that point he hadn't really understood just what she had been going through. He already cared for her, and he silently vowed to be there for her.

Tony was on the other side of Jenny, spooned behind her, holding her. One of his arms lay across her, his hand resting on Gibbs' chest. Smiling, Gibbs put his hand on top of Tony's and went back to sleep. Running could wait. Right now he needed to be with his family.

Jenny eventually woke again, but this time it wasn't because of a nightmare. The sun had risen and slanted through the blinds. As soon as she stirred, Gibbs awakened and found himself looking into her blue eyes.

"Hi there, sunshine," Gibbs said softly so as not to awaken Tony.

"Morning, Jethro," she said around a yawn.

"Hungry?"

"Yes."

"Okay, then let's get you dressed, and then we can make some pancakes. How does that sound?"

Jenny just smiled. Gibbs pulled away, climbed out of bed, then helped her out. Holding her hand, he walked her to the guest room where her clothes were. He found a cute little dress and tights that Tony had gotten the day before and laid them out. Jenny looked a little scared and unsure. Gibbs didn't let it go unnoticed.

"What's wrong, honey?" Gibbs asked, sitting on the bed so he could look her in the eye.

Jenny bit her lip and said quietly, "Mom said I shouldn't get undressed in front of boys."

"And she was right. But I think she would let you get undressed if you needed to with Tony and me around."

"Really?"

"Yes, but only because we are now-" Gibbs stopped from finishing that thought.

"You mean because Mom died," Jenny said, eyes starting to fill with tears again.

Gibbs pulled the little girl into a hug.

"That looks like fun. Can anyone join in?" Tony asked from the doorway.

Gibbs looked up. Tony was standing there, still in his boxers, hair all mussed and eyes sleepy as he watched them embrace.

Jenny stepped out of the embrace and took her clothing.

"Morning, Peanut," Tony said, walking in and sitting on the bed next to Gibbs.

"Hi, Tony."

"You okay, honey?"

"Yes," she said, sniffling just a bit.

"Okay. Now, how about we give you some privacy so you can get dressed? Gibbs and I will get dressed, too, and then we can get something to eat. Seems like I heard Gibbs say something about pancakes," Tony said, winking at Jenny.

"Okay."

Tony and Gibbs left the room, shutting the door behind them. They opened it again, fast, when Jenny started screaming. Once Jenny saw the men again she stopped crying.

"You okay, Peanut?" Tony asked, going to her level.

"I am now," she whispered, hugging him, then reaching for Gibbs and hugging him around the waist.

"I tell you what, we'll leave the door open. Okay?"

Jenny nodded. Tony and Gibbs' room was just across the hall from the guest room and she could see into their room as they went back there. Tony was sure to stay where she could see him while Gibbs went into the bathroom to change his underwear before dressing. Tony then went to the bathroom while Gibbs stayed in sight.

"Tony, she's scared about losing us the way she did her mom."

Tony looked at Gibbs curiously. "How do you know that?"

"She was mumbling in her sleep, and that was what she was worried about. I think that's why she wants the door open."

"I can't say I blame her, Boss."

"I know, neither do I."

A movement from the doorway caught their eyes. Jenny was standing there in her dress, but she didn't have the tights on.

"Can you help me?" she asked, holding out the tights.

Tony only had his pants on, but Gibbs was fully dressed.

"Sure, honey," Gibbs said, taking the tights.

He looked at them, trying to figure out just how they went on. Tony watched him as he put his shirt on, smirking at the older man's confusion. Finally he took them and helped Jenny get into them. Gibbs watched the proceedings with a look of bemusement.

"Okay," he said once Tony had the tights on her, "how about we go and get that food now. Then you and Tony and Abby can go shopping like you planned."

Jenny looked at Gibbs, her eyes wide. "You can't come?" she questioned a bit uncertainly.

"Honey, someone has to wait for your bed to be delivered today," Gibbs explained as they went down the stairs.

"But-" she protested as they entered the kitchen where a pot of coffee awaited.

Gibbs poured a cup of coffee for himself before setting out the things he needed to make the pancakes, glancing every so often at Jenny.

"Honey," Tony said, brushing a hand over her hair, "I'll be there and so will Abby."

"But what about Jethro? He won't be with us."

"Nope, he'll be here in the house, just like Ducky said for him to do."

"But what will happen if-"

"Honey, we'll be fine. I promise."

"But you can't be sure, Tony. What if the same thing happens that happened before?" she asked, sniffing.

Tony could see the anxiety of separation was affecting her hard.

Gibbs saw it, too. "How about you guys wait around till after the bed comes and I can go with you."

"Really?"

"Yes, really," Gibbs said, ruffling her hair. "It should be here sometime between ten and twelve."

"You mean that?"

Tony smiled. "He never says anything he doesn't mean, honey. Now, how about we go email Abby and let her know what the new plan is."

"Okay!"

Tony took Jenny out to the living room and fired up his laptop. A while back McGee had set up a wireless network in everyone's living space, so Tony knew there would be no problem working from there.

"Sit here beside me, honey, and I'll let you email Abby yourself."

"I can do that?" Jenny asked excitedly.

"You sure can."

He showed her how to use the email. She had a basic understanding already from school, but Tony showed her how to use it on his computer. She told him his system was cool as she typed what he told her to. She even told Abby she was the one typing, having a ball emailing back and forth with the lab tech.

Once they were finished, Tony turned on some cartoons for Jenny. The smell of bacon wafted from the kitchen, making Tony and Jenny's stomach rumble at the same time. They were laughing when the doorbell rang.

Tony answered the door. It was his buddy, picking up the key and the pass code for Tony' apartment. Tony gave it to him and then invited him in for pancakes, but he had to get to work if he wanted to get everything into Gibbs' place by Saturday at the latest.

"Who was that?" Jenny asked after he had gone.

"An old friend of mine. He's packing up my stuff from my apartment and moving it over here."

"Oh."

Gibbs came out and announced, "Come and get it."

Jenny almost pushed Tony over in her haste to get to the food. Tony just laughed, looking at a grinning Gibbs. His smile widened when he entered the kitchen and saw glasses of milk poured for both Jenny and himself. Gibbs made up a plate for Jenny. He started to cut her pancakes, then stopped and let her do it when she rolled her eyes and sighed. Tony snickered as he filled his plate with pancakes and bacon.

"So, what do you want to get at the mall?" Gibbs asked as they began eating.

"Not sure exactly, Boss. Do we need anything specific?"

"We need to go to the grocery store since I don't have a lot of food in the house. First I need to know what you like, Jenny."

"Whatever you want."

"No, honey, we have to have some kind of foods you like."

"Well, Mom used to get me fruit snacks for my lunches for school. And I love peanut butter and jelly," she added after taking a sip of her milk.

"Then we need to pick some up."

"What about juice boxes?" Tony asked.

"I can get juice boxes?" Jenny asked with a bright-eyed smile.

"Sure, why not."

"Mom always said she couldn't get them. I had them that one time you brought them over."

"Then we'll get you juice boxes," Gibbs said. From what Tony had told him about Monica and her situation, he knew she'd just been getting by and probably hadn't been able to afford the little extras like juice boxes. Jenny wouldn't have to worry about things like that again.

"So, I was thinking maybe we can stop at the Toys R Us next to the mall and get you some toys since Gibbs only has the boat."

Jenny looked at Gibbs. "You have a boat?"

"Yep, in the basement."

"Can I see it?"

"Sure, but finish your food first."

Jenny started to wolf it down.

"Slow down," Gibbs commanded gently. "We eat like humans in this house."

Jenny stopped and looked at both men like a scared little rabbit that had just been caught by the fox.

"It's okay, honey, just take your time. The boat isn't going anywhere."

"Nope," Tony added, "no way of getting it out of the basement."

Jenny finished the food in her mouth. "Then why build it there?"

"Well, it was the only dry stop at the time, and thank you for finishing your mouthful before talking."

She smiled.

"What kind of toys do you want?" Tony asked.

"I don't know."

"Well, when we get there you can pick out what you want."

"Really?" Jenny asked, smiling but almost close to tears at the same time.

"What's the matter, honey?" Gibbs asked, putting his hand on her head.

"Nothing."

"That face is not nothing, peanut. What's wrong?"

"I just miss Mom a lot and-"

"What?"

"Well you're both great and looking after me but…"

"I know, honey," Tony said softly. "You're allowed to miss your mom. I know I miss her. She would come over after you fell asleep, and she and I would talk for hours before I would carry you back home and put you in your bed. Jethro and I just want the best for you."

"I know. It's just hard," Jenny whispered, once again trying not to cry. "Mom always said she wished she had the money to buy anything she wanted and to get me anything I wanted."

"Honey, I want you to know one thing if nothing else; we love you. We know we'll never replace your mother, and we're not trying to. We just want you to be happy. You expressed a wish not to have any of your old stuff, and we respect that wish, so that's why we're getting you all new stuff. "

Jenny was still holding back the tears.

"And one more thing," Gibbs added. "It is okay to cry. Never, and I do not care who it is, never let anyone tell you it is not okay to cry."

"Thank you, Jethro." Jenny still didn't cry, but it wasn't because she was trying to hold it back. It was because the men had made her feel better.

They finished eating, Jethro sitting there drinking more coffee or what Tony called ‘swill that passed for coffee.' Jenny got up and started to take the plates from the table.

"What are you doing?" Gibbs asked curiously, watching her over the top of his mug.

"Well, at home I had to clear the table, so I just thought… Did I do something wrong?"

"No, it's okay, honey. Tony and I just never talked about having chores for you." Gibbs looked at Tony.

Tony smiled. "Okay, how about you help set and clear the table and you keep your room picked up."

"That sounds fair to me. What about you, Jenny?"

"Sure it was what I had to do at home. I also had to take the trash to the shoot."

"Not here. Tony gets trash detail." Gibbs smiled at his lover, who stuck a tongue out at him.

"Can I see the boat now?"

"Yes."

Gibbs took Jenny down the stairs while Tony finished cleaning up from breakfast. Tony heard the email ding. When he checked it he saw that Abby would be over shortly and that Tim and Ziva were out looking for a place for Ziva to live. Then it hit Tony. He picked up his cell phone.

"Yeah, Probie, I have an idea…Let me talk to Ziva…Ziva, yes how about you take my old place? This way I don't have to cancel the new lease I just signed…Ha, ha! It's called subletting. You really need to work on your English…Nah, people do it all the time, and I'll give you a lot better rate than you'd find at any other place…Cool, talk to you later."

He hung up the phone then made another call, this one to his buddy packing up his apartment, telling him his job just got a little easier since Tony was leaving all the furniture except the bedroom set. All the stuff except his electronics was just going into storage anyway, so why not let Ziva use it. He was even leaving the appliances in the kitchen. Once he made all the arrangements, he finished loading the dishwasher.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

"Wow, this is cool."

"Thank you," Gibbs said, thinking back to Megan and how she would help with the first boat he'd been building. And then there was Zach who'd been down here not so long ago and had helped.

"Tony's right, how are you going to get it out?"

"Not sure just yet. I'm thinking about busting down a wall and taking it out that way," Gibbs said, looking around the basement. When his gaze slid over the washing machine, he remembered his laundry from yesterday and went to throw the wet linen in the dryer.

"This is really nice, Jethro."

"Thank you. One day we'll have to come down here and work on it together," he promised, looking at Jenny as she stood next to his workbench.

When it dawned on him what was in there, he casually put a hand on her shoulder and guided her closer to the boat. Added to the agenda for later today was a lecture on gun safety since he had a sniper rifle and two handguns in the house, one of which was hidden in the workbench. And he knew Tony had al least three handguns himself.

Jenny began running her hand over the skeleton of the hull.

"This is very smooth."

"Yep. It's because Gibbs works on it so much that he tends to fall asleep underneath it all the time." Tony said as he descended the stairs, drying his hands on a hand towel.

"You sleep on the floor?" Jenny asked, wide-eyed.

"I have been known to fall asleep on the floor, yes."

One corner of Tony's mouth quirked up. "I always liked that smell on you."

"What smell?"

"Sawdust," Tony said with a smile as he stopped next to Gibbs.

Gibbs put his arm around Tony's waist and was gong to kiss him but stopped short and made it look all innocent-like since Jenny was watching them.

"It's okay, Jethro. I don't care if you kiss Tony," said with a smile as she walked around the boat.

Gibbs took advantage of her distraction and kissed Tony.

"What's this?" she asked, holding up a plane.

Gibbs smiled and walked over to her. "That is called a plane. Be careful because it's very sharp."

He was showing Jenny all the tools needed for boat building when Tony heard footsteps upstairs. Leaving the two alone, Tony went upstairs to see who it was.

"Hey, Abs."

"Hey, Tony. Man, you look like shit."

"Oh, thanks. You look just peachy yourself."

"Hey, I work hard for this look. What's your excuse for looking like you haven't slept in a week?"

"Jenny woke up three times with nightmares last night."

"Ouch. Sorry."

"It's cool. I had a feeling this might happen. She ended up falling asleep in bed with us. Sorry about having to wait to go shopping, but she didn't want to leave Gibbs at home. She feels better knowing we're both around."

"Well that's not surprising. She just lost her mom, and now two great people are looking out for her, and she doesn't what to lose you guys too."

Abby sat at the kitchen table, drinking a soda Tony had taken from the refrigerator for her. When they heard a truck pull up, Tony looked at the clock. It was 10:30. Nice, they might get out to the mall earlier than anticipated.

The men delivering the bed were there and were shown where to take it by Tony and they set to work. It was set up and the men were gone by 11:30. Having heard them leave, Gibbs and Jenny came up the stairs. There was sawdust not only in Gibbs' hair but also all over Jenny's dress.

Tony just shook his head. "Okay, you two, go up and get changed again before we go out. I am not going to be seen with both of you covered in sawdust," Tony said in a mock-stern voice. "Jenny, your bed just got set up. You want to go and see it?"

"Oh, yes, please!"

"After you get cleaned up you and Gibbs can go look at it. I think it will be cool after we put in a wall and make it like a sitting area and bedroom."

Gibbs and Jenny went up the stairs and changed, Gibbs laying out a shirt and pair of pants for Jenny this time. After being with her in the basement, he realized dresses weren't the smartest choice for everyday wear for little girls. While doing that he made a mental note to pick up a hamper for her room, along with a dresser, a desk and whatever else was needed for her room as far as furniture went.

Gibbs changed his shirt and brushed the sawdust from his hair while she changed, once again leaving his door open so she would know he was there. They then went upstairs to the attic to see the bed.

"That's all mine?" Jenny whispered in awe when she saw the bed. With it's canopy and four posts it looked huge to her.

"Of course. Tony said something about drapes-"

"Bed curtains, Boss," Tony corrected, entering the room behind them.

"Whatever." Gibbs glared at Tony since the younger man knew he didn't have a clue about those kinds of things.

"This is big." Jenny climbed up on the double bed. She and her mom had only had twin beds.

"Well, you're still growing, honey," Tony said. He knew she was thinking about the twin beds she and Monica had slept in. Monica had done the best she could. The only reason she'd been able to afford an apartment in his building was because one of her bosses had sublet it to her at a very reasonable price. "Now, let's get down there before Abby sends out a search party. Let's go shopping!"

They went downstairs and found Abby playing a game on Tony's computer in the living room, head moving sideways as she battled what looked like alligators.

Abby looked up. "Hey, guys." She ended the game, turned off the laptop and stood up. "You know, Tony, that was a great idea you had."

Gibbs raised one brow. "What great idea, Tony?"

"Well, I'm not using my apartment right now."

"Right. So?"

"So I'm going to sublet it to Ziva since she's having trouble finding a decent place. I'm sure she's tired of living on McGee's sofa."

"You're a smart man sometimes."

"Only sometimes?" Tony asked with a pout.

"Yep."

Gibbs helped Jenny with the coat she'd been given by child services since hers had been ruined in the accident. He, Tony and Abby put on their coats and left the house. As soon as they walked out the door, Jenny's hand was in Gibbs'. Walking behind them, Tony and Abby smiled at each other over that. Jenny got into the backseat.

As Abby was getting into the back as well, Jenny hesitantly asked, "Abby, can Tony sit back here?"

Abby just looked at Tony standing in Jenny's open door, then glanced up and met Gibbs' eyes in the rearview mirror.

"Sure. Abs you take the front," Tony said as Abby got out and he got in.

"Hey, works for me," Abby said as she slid into the front seat. "It's not often I get to ride shotgun with Boss-man."

Jenny reached over and took Tony's hand. Tony smiled at her, at the same time checking to see that she didn't look too tired or as if she was hurting. She hadn't taken a pain pill all day, saying she was okay when she'd been asked. He knew she was better, but he suspected she had refused mainly because the pills put her to sleep and she didn't want to miss this day of shopping.

Gibbs was driving like a normal human being, resulting in Abby saying, "Boss-man, you know how to drive like a human being."

"Every so often, Abby," Gibbs said with a smile at his lab tech, not taking offense at her comment.

"How about a new coat, Jenny?" Tony asked. "Would you like that?"

She shrugged. "I guess. This one is warm, though."

"Then you can use that one if you want."

"I think we need to look at dresses for Thanksgiving dinner," Gibbs added.

"What do you mean?"

"We're going to have a large dinner this year, the whole team getting together."

"Really, Boss-man?" Abby questioned excitedly.

"Hey, he's the boss," Tony threw in from the backseat.

"He doesn't say something he doesn't mean," Jenny added, remembering what Tony had told her.

Gibbs grinned at her reflection in the rearview mirror and winked. "That's right. I was thinking of having everyone bring something and we can do the turkey, maybe even get it deep-fried."

"That sounds like fun," Tony said.

"I think it will be, Tony." This time it was Tony's eyes Gibbs met in the rearview mirror, both men smiling intimately.

The mall wasn't far from Gibbs' place. In the area around the mall there was also a Home Depot, a Toys R Us and a TGI Friday's.

"Boss, let's stop at Home Depot too."

"What do we need from there?"

"I just want to see something."

Their eyes connected in the mirror once more. Tony's had a gleam in them. Gibbs just shook his head as they pulled into Home Depot. They all went in, Jenny between the men, holding their hands and not letting go. Abby took Gibbs' other hand. They walked around till Tony found what he was looking for.

"Okay, peanut, which one do you want?" he asked as they stood in front of the gym sets.

Jenny's eyes widened. They all looked so big. "Really?" she asked, looking at first one man then the other.

Gibbs looked at Tony, one eyebrow raised. Tony smiled, then looked down at Jenny as he said, "Yep."

Jenny let go of Tony's hand long enough to point at the largest of them all. "That one."

"Good choice," Abby said. "I'll go find a sales clerk." She went bouncing off and came back with an older lady.

"Yes, sirs, how can I help you?"

"I want to buy that," Tony said, pointing at the play set Jenny had picked out. "Can you deliver and assemble?"

"Yes, sir, but it is extra."

"No, then we'll-" Gibbs was stopped by one of Tony's fingers over his lips. Gibbs sighed. "That's fine, ma'am."

Tony was smiling ear-to-ear. He put his hand on Gibbs' arm. Gibbs just shook his head. Once again Jenny took hold of their hands as they followed the lady up front to pay. They were told it could be delivered on Sunday if that was convenient for them. Tony said that would be fine and thanked them as they left.

The next stop was Toys R Us. They walked in, again Jenny not letting go of Tony or Gibbs' hands. Tony stopped at the front of the store and got a cart, then steered one-handed towards the display of bicycles.

"Okay, honey, which one do you want?"

"No, Tony, that's too much right now," Gibbs protested. "Santa is coming next month."

Jenny started to laugh.

"What's so funny?"

"Jethro, there's no such thing as Santa," Jenny said, not letting go of their hands even though she was laughing.

"Even so," Tony said, winking at her before winking at Gibbs, "you heard Gibbs. No bike for now."

They walked over to the dolls, Jenny finally letting go of their hands when Tony said she could push the cart. With Abby and Tony's help she picked out a bunch of different Barbies and all the accessories to go with them. She also picked out a few plush animals. Abby found a huge Cheer Bear from Care Bears that she wanted for herself. After the eighth doll was put in the cart, Gibbs stopped them, stating once again the holidays were coming up.

Tony smiled, knowing Gibbs was looking forward to having a little girl to spoil at Christmas. Jenny frowned and bit her lip, then started to cry again. Tony bent down and gathered her into his arms, Gibbs bending down as well and putting a hand on her back.

"I miss Mom," she whispered before they could even ask what was wrong.

"It's okay to miss her, honey."

Tony stood up and picked her up. She was heavy, but he didn't care. She laid her head on his shoulder and cried, slowly calming until there were only a few sobs and sniffles. Abby was making faces at her, trying to make her happy again. It eventually worked. Tony put her down once she had quieted. She took both men's hands again, Abby pushing the cart this time as they went to pick out movies since Tony didn't have many kids movies in his collection. They also got Jenny a DVD player for her room.

Tony took Abby's bear and added it to the cart, telling her it was his gift to her for helping out today. She kissed his cheek before heading to a cash register. When they paid, Tony thought Gibbs was going to have a heart attack when they were told the total.

"Relax, Boss," Tony said. "I've paid more for some of the suits I where to work" Tony shot him that great smile of his that never failed to make Gibbs' heart do a little flip in his chest.

The next stop was the mall. This was a boring trip for Gibbs, but Abby was having a blast helping Jenny pick out things for her room and some more clothes, things more practical for an active little girl, although Gibbs balked at the black studded T-shirt. Abby just laughed. The only time Jenny wasn't holding hands with Tony since Gibbs was once again delegated to pack mule status, was when she was in the changing room.

Since Gibbs wouldn't let Abby buy the black studded T-shirt for Jenny, she popped into Hot Topic and got Jenny a shirt that said I'm With Stupid and had an arrow pointing left, where Gibbs was standing. Tony laughed. Gibbs rolled his eyes but one corner of his mouth turned up.

They went into the Kid Gap and got her a bunch more clothing. They also went to Macys and got her a dresser set that matched her bed and a desk for her computer and homework. They also stopped at the Dell store and picked out a computer system for her, one that would be built to their requirements and shipped to their house in a few days. Abby took care of that part of the shopping, making sure it would run on the network and have everything needed.

They also stopped in the Disney store. There they found a great dress for the Thanksgiving Dinner they were planning. It was a cute red velveteen dress with Minnie Mouse on it. She got a few other things from there before they left. By the time they finished shopping, they'd spent most of the day in the mall.

By the time everything was loaded into the trunk of Gibbs' car it was around 6:00 PM and stomachs were starting to rumble. Even Gibbs was tired. What was it about shopping that was more tiring than a day spent on the training course at Quantico? Not to mention more stressful to his heart when he saw the prices. Like how much Tony had paid for Blue Hawaiian coffee in that specialty store. The prices alone in there were enough to make him nearly pass out, but Tony assured him it would be worth it once he tasted this. Gibbs shrugged. To him coffee was coffee, no matter the price. Tony told him he was in for a rude awakening.

Because the TGI Friday's was right there, that's where they went for dinner. Jenny got chicken fingers again. Abby had seafood. Gibbs and Tony both had steak. After dinner they went back to the house. Once everything had been carried in, it was after 8:00 PM. Abby kissed the boys, thanked Tony again for the bear, then hugged Jenny before leaving, her walk as springy as it had been early that morning. Not that it had anything to do with the massive amounts of soda she had consumed with dinner.

"Okay, young lady, time for a bath, then off to bed."

"Okay, Jethro," she said and ran up the stairs.

"Please walk up and down the stairs," he called after her.

"Okay, sorry."

"It's okay, honey. We just don't want you to get hurt. One of us will be up in a moment to run the bath."

"Okay," she said, going up the stairs in a more sedate manner this time.

"I'll go," Tony said. "You look tired, baby."

Tony kissed Gibbs before heading upstairs. Gibbs followed, taking an armful of bags up with him. It took three trips to carry all the clothes and toys upstairs to the guest room. Once that was done he stood in the hallway and watched Tony running a bath for Jenny. They'd gotten her bubble bath scented like peppermint at the mall and Tony poured some of it in, making Jenny giggle when he took the suds that were foaming up and made himself a beard. Gibbs smiled as he watched their interaction.

After the water was done filling and Jenny was in the tub, Tony left the room, leaving the door open so she could still hear them. Going into the master bedroom he changed into a pair of house pants and a T-shirt. Gibbs had followed him in.

"You're going to spoil her, you know."

"Well, yes."

"To make up for what you didn't have."

Tony shrugged. "Kind of, but also to show her that we love her."

"I think she knows that, honey. We don't have to buy her everything in the mall to show we love her."

"I know, Boss." Tony sat next to Gibbs on the bed. "So, you think she'll be able to sleep in her room tonight?"

"Honestly, no, I don't."

"I had that feeling." Tony looked down at his crotch. "Sorry, guys, no fun tonight."

Gibbs chuckled. Tony smiled and kissed him, pulling him down on the bed and kissing him again and again. Gibbs returned the kiss, his hand going down the front of Tony's pants, causing the younger man to gasp.

"Um, Tony," came from the bathroom.

Both men snapped out of their haze of need and wanting, Gibbs reluctantly pulling his hands out of Tony's pants. Tony started to get up but Gibbs stopped him with a kiss and got up himself.

"Hey there, will I do?"

"Yes."

Gibbs took the large terrycloth towel and dried her off before wrapping it around her and leading her to the guest room. Underwear and a nightgown were already lying on the bed where he'd put them earlier when he'd carried everything up. He stood in the doorway and turned his back, giving her a little modesty as she dressed.

"Okay, Jethro."

He turned around. "Honey, you think you want to try sleeping in the bed alone tonight?"

Once again she had the deer-caught-in-headlights look.

"That's okay, we figured as much." Gibbs took her hand and led her back to his and Tony's room.

"You're not mad?" she asked in a little voice.

"Of course not, honey. We just want you happy."

Gibbs helped her up into the middle of the bed. Almost right away she was out like a light, sleeping peacefully. Gibbs was standing at the side of the bed, looking at her. Tony walked up behind him and put his arms around him.

"I love you."

"I love you too, Tony." Gibbs kissed his cheek.

Tony got into the bed while Gibbs striped down to his boxers and T-shirt. They lay on either side of Jenny, stroking each other's arms.

"You know, we never did get around to food shopping," Tony commented.

"We'll go tomorrow. Since Jenny doesn't want to be separated from either of use, we'll make it a family outing. We'll have to buy the stuff for the Thanksgiving dinner, too."

"I like the idea of having a large group, the whole work family coming over to eat."

"I do, too. But I probably should have asked you first before suggesting it."

"It's okay, Jethro. These people are the only family I've ever had. I want to share the holidays with them. I want everyone to see how happy we are. And I want Jenny to know she has a big family ready to look out for her."

"Maybe we can invite Tom and Palmer."

That caused Tony's head to pop up. "I thought you hated him?"

"Who?"

"Jimmy."

"Nah, I just like to make him jump like I like to make McGee jump."

"You really are a bastard," Tony said affectionately.

"Just noticing that?" Gibbs asked with a smile before reaching over and turning off the lamp on the nightstand.

"Boss, about today," Tony said into the dark.

"Tony, spend the money. I really don't care. It's yours to spend."

"Hey, it's OUR money, so you have a say in it as much as I do. If you noticed I stopped when you said to."

"I know, honey, and thank you. Can we make one promise to each other?"

"What?"

"If we're going to fight, and I know there will be fights since neither one of us are angels to live with, can we just make sure it is not in front of her?" Gibbs put his hand on Jenny's head.

"I agree with that."

"Good, so you and Abby and Jenny can start decorating her room tomorrow. The bedroom furniture should be delivered tomorrow. I still can't believe you got next day delivery."

"Baby, it's all about how much you're willing to throw at them," Tony said, smiled evident in his voice. "We got some quilt bedding and matching curtains for the windows. The canopy and bed curtains match, too. And we have that pink fuzzy chair and the lava lamp. Think you can put up the wall to give her the illusion of having more rooms?"

"I think I can do that. It shouldn't be that hard."

"Good."

Tony rose up on an elbow, as did Gibbs, their mouths meeting in a gentle, loving kiss over Jenny. They then each lightly kissed the little girl sleeping between them.

"I'm scared, Gibbs."

"Why?"

"What if she's never okay?"

"Tony, she never will be completely over what happened. Yes, the therapy will help. We need to make a call in the morning to set that up, by the way. She lost her mother, her only family, and now she has two dads she doesn't know that well. How would you be?"

"Well, with me I might have rather had two dads like us than the parental units I was cursed with."

"Okay, bad example, but still, you get the point."

"Yeah. She's just so lost right now. She didn't let go of our hands in the mall unless it was absolutely necessary. We got a few stares today."

"Let them stare."

"You don't care, being seen with another man in public?"

"Tony the only people who need to know about us already know. The rest of the world can go take a leap off a cliff. I love you, and I am not embarrassed about that. There won't be as much public displays of affection as there might be with other people, but that's not because you're a man. I was the same way with my wives, but I won't run from you in public, either. Right now we just need to worry about Jenny."

"I love you, too, Boss, and Happy Birthday." Tony picked up Gibbs' hand that was stroking his arm and kissed it.

Gibbs wasn't surprised that Tony remembered it was the Marines birthday today.

Both men stopped talking and finally drifted to sleep, surrounded by the love of a newly formed family.

It's funny how the body works. So far Gibbs was always the first to
wake up. His internal clock, programmed from his time in the Marines,
was set to rise at 0500. Today it was Tony who woke first: Tony, the
man who could sleep through just about anything. He'd always found it
funny how he could sleep on the plane during a case while Cait would
be puking her guts out.

Tony saw that Jenny was still sleeping, curled up in the middle.
Thankfully she hadn't awakened all night but had slept like a baby.
Tony looked past Jenny to the sleeping Gibbs and placed his hand on
the older man's forehead. He felt a little warm. He was still sick,
so they would have to change the menu for tonight. He wasn't sure
what they would do but it would be something other than Gibbs cooking
out.

Tony carefully got out of bed. Gibbs moved a little but didn't wake
up. Tony threw on Gibbs' robe and went down the stairs after looking
at the time. It was 0830. Even for Tony this was early on a day off.
He was used to sleeping till 1000 or so, but something had awakened
him today. He just wasn't sure what it had been.

Tony walked into the kitchen, smelling the Blue Hawaiian coffee he'd
put in the maker last before turning on the timer. Having set for
more than three hours, it was bound to be strong by now, which was
something he needed right then. His body was awake but his mind was
still trying to sleep.

Sipping his coffee, he looked around Gibbs' kitchen. Well, now it was
his as well. That thought gave him pause: his and Gibbs' kitchen. He
knew he and Gibbs were meant to be together and would be together for
a very long time. Till death do they part, right? That's what the
wedding vows said. Wedding. He knew Gibbs had been married three
times, and now, for all intents and purposes, he was married again,
this time to Tony. Same sex marriages were only legal in a few
places, and DC and Virginia neither one were one of the places.

Tony wanted to do something. Nothing large and flashy; he knew Gibbs
would never go for that, so anything he planed would have to be
perfect. A few ideas came to him. He was just sitting there, and the
big idea, what he wanted to do, came to him. He knew how he wanted to
express his love. He wanted to exchange rings but it had to be when
he felt it was the right time for them. It would take time and
planning, but Tony could wait. He'd waited this long for Gibbs, he
could wait a while longer.

"That smells good."

Tony was startled out of his daydream when a dressed Gibbs with a wet
head stepped in front of him.

"Hey, baby."

"Morning, honey," Gibbs said, leaning down for a brief good morning
kiss.

Tony moaned, the touch of Gibbs' lips serving to fully awaken him. He
was still smiling when Gibbs pulled away to pour himself a cup of
coffee. Closing his eyes, he inhaled the scent, then took a sip. His
eyes shot open.

"This is good."

"See, coffee can have flavor. Funny thing is, I even made it weaker
than most people."

"No, it's great. So what were you thinking about just now? You looked
intense."

"Oh, nothing really, just thinking about everything that's happened
in the past week and how our lives have changed."

Gibbs smiled as he sat down at the kitchen table. "Yeah, it's been a
wild ride."

"Yep, but I wouldn't change a damn thing."

"Well, I would."

"Really? What?"

"I would rather have told you I loved you without you being sick.
And, don't take this the wrong way, but I would rather have not had
to take Jenny for the reason we did."

"No, okay, so there's a couple of things I would change. I would not
want to give her up, but I wish it had been for a different reason
that we came to have her. I liked Monica."

Gibbs placed his hand over Tony's hand and smiled. Both men were
sitting together, enjoying the silence.

"Tony, we have to talk to her about gun safety."

"I never even thought about that, with so many guns in once place, I
guess we need to. She's a smart girl. I'm sure she knows about it,
but it couldn't hurt any."

"No, it wouldn't. There's something else I need to tell you."

Tony knew from Gibbs' tone that this was a heavy topic. "Okay, what?"

"Tony, I'm sorry I didn't take you for backup when I faced Ari."

"Do you know how worried I was? I was ready to break down the walls
in the office," Tony said, the hurt and worry still evident in his
voice.

"Honey, I know." Gibbs' hand on Tony's put a little more pressure on
it, showing strength and love.

"You went to the bitch."

"Yes, Tony. I had just lost Cait and almost lost Abby and I was not
about to lose the person I loved."

"Gibbs, we're cops. This is what we do. I never want you to put the
mission or your life in jeopardy just to save my sorry ass."

"Tony, I can't make that promise. I love you and will try to protect
you at whatever cost is necessary."

"Boss, I love you, too and would do the same, but at work, it has to
be work. We can't let ourselves get caught up in our relationship on
the job. If we do, then we lose our effectiveness."

Gibbs started to laugh.

"What, Boss?"

"I thought I would be the one to say that. Anyway, you're partly
right. I did call Jen to help me track down Ari, but in the end I had
Ziva, and she was the one who took the shot that killed him."

Tony's eyes didn't break contact with Gibbs' crystal blue eyes.

"There's more, Tony."

"More? Okay, I have one thing to ask first; he's dead, I mean really
dead, isn't he?"

"Yes."

"That's all I care about. I'm glad you trust me to know the truth."

"I don't want secrets between us."

"I only want the-"

Tony stopped talking when they heard crying from the bedroom. Both
men left their coffee cups on the table and ran upstairs, taking them
two at a time. Jenny was still in bed, crying. Tony was in the room
first and had Jenny in an embrace with Gibbs on the other side,
embracing them both.

"Shh, it's okay, honey. We're here now."

"I thought you left me," she mumbled against Tony's chest, her tears
still falling.

"Honey, you never need to think that," Gibbs assured her. "Neither of
us are ever going anyplace."

Jenny stopped crying shortly.

"How about we get you dressed," Tony said, looking into her
face, "then we go out for breakfast today, then food shopping? I'm
sure the team will be here sometime around four or so."

"Okay."

They all pulled away from the embrace. Gibbs walked her back to the
guest room and got some clothes for her. Tony jumped into the shower
and did a quick shave since he had not shaved since Gibbs had done it
for him in the hospital. From there his mind progressed to the first
time they'd made love. The memories alone were enough to make him
hard; he ached for release. Standing in front of the mirror naked, he
saw Gibbs sneak into the bathroom, trying to keep one hand outside
the door and in Jenny's sight.

Gibbs just looked at the naked Tony with the hard dick and licked his
lips. Tony closed his eyes and took a deep breath.

"You ready yet?"

Tony couldn't talk; he was too distracted.

"I take that as a no. Tony, we don't have time for what you're
thinking, so get your butt in gear. Jenny and I are going to make a
list for the store." Gibbs liked his lips again, looking at Tony
longingly before leaving the room.

Tony just closed his eyes and tried to get his body under control
again. The only thing that could kill his hard-on was to think of
Madame Bitch. He finally finished his ablutions, then got dressed and
headed downstairs.

"We need milk, eggs, butter," Gibbs was saying.

Tony walked into the kitchen and found Jenny writing down what Gibbs
said they needed.

"You have very nice penmanship."

"Anything's better than yours, DiNozzo."

"I told you, Boss, she would spell check my reports." Tony smiled and
winked at Jenny, who just giggled.

"Okay, we need cereal and fruit." Gibbs stopped so she could write
them down. "Tony, what's for dinner? You mentioned steaks on the
grill."

"I did, but you're still sick, so we'll nix that idea."

"I'm fine."

"Yeah, okay, nice try, thanks for playing. The next question, Bob."

"Smart ass."

"You know it. And language, please."

Gibbs grimaced. "Sorry."

"How about we make lasagna or something like that."

"Nope, can't do that. Not enough time."

"What do you mean, Boss?"

"Well, the best way I know how to make that is to make it a day in
advance. That way you don't have to cook the noodles, you let the
sauce cook them for you after they've soaked in it."

"Okay, nice to know. Then let's got the stuff and we can have it one
day next week."

"Sounds like a plan to me. Jenny, I need you to write down a turkey
and the makings for dressing."

"Okay, Jethro," Jenny said, taking it all down. "What goes in
dressing?"

"Well, we need onions, celery-"

Getting bored with the making of the grocery list, Tony wondered into
the living room to check his email.

There were a few junks from a college buddy and one from Abby. He
read the one from Abby saying she, McGee and Ziva would be over
around 5:00 and they would bring a salad and a dessert. He emailed
her back, saying that would be great. Now he just needed to call
Ducky and have him bring the wine. He would do that after he read the
emails from his buddy. He was doing that when Jenny tapped him on the
shoulder.

`Tony, we're ready to go."

"Thanks, Peanut." He shut down the laptop and got his jacket.

"Tony, where's your winter coat? It's cold outside."

"Back at my place, Boss."

"Then wear this." Gibbs threw him another jacket he had in the closet
that was a lot warmer than the lined windbreaker Tony had.

Gibbs himself put on an older coat that was warmer. Jenny had hers on
already, just waiting for the men. They piled into the car. Jenny was
okay with sitting in the back alone this time. Gibbs was driving
since they were once again taking his car.

They went to the local Shop Rite, parking the car next to the cart
holding area towards the middle of the lot. In the same shopping
center there was also a Blockbuster, a dry cleaners, a pizza parlor
and a hair salon. They walked over to the carts and Tony and Jenny
waited for Gibbs to fish out a quarter.

"Can I put it in?"

Gibbs handed the quarter to the little girl and she put it in the
slot, unlocking the cart from the one in front of it. Jenny held onto
the cart as Tony and Gibbs walked side by side. They started in the
produce section. Tony saw a side to Gibbs in the food store that he
didn't know the man had in him. Gibbs was a shopper after all. It was
food that brought it out in him. He made sure to get the best price.
He picked out only the freshest fruit and veggies they would need for
the next week. In the deli he carefully looked over each and every
selection.

"Just get roast beef," Tony said.

"Nope. I have to see which one is on sale verses the better brand."

Tony smiled at his lover while Jenny watched the other people around
them. She saw a man at the front of the food section watching her but
not really watching her. Since he only glanced at her every so often
and didn't watch her overtly, she paid it no notice, too interested
in watching people herself.

"Okay, I'd like a pound of Boar's Head roast beef." Gibbs turned to
Jenny. "Do you like bologna, ham or turkey?"

"Turkey and bologna."

"I'd like a pound of turkey and a half pound of bologna. Also a half
pound of white American and a half pound of Munster."

"Thank you, sir," the deli person said.

After about five minutes the deli meat was done and they went down
the pharmacy aisle. Gibbs stopped at the cold section, getting
Children's Tylenol and Nyquil and a few other children's products. He
also picked up a new set of Mach 3 razor heads for him and Tony and
was going for shampoo but Tony stopped him.

"Nope, we get the good stuff."

`Tony, why pay all the money for something you only use once or twice
a day?"

"It's better for your scalp and it smells great. Live a little, Boss."

"Okay, I like that part since you always smell great when you walk
into work," Gibbs said with a big smile for Tony.

As Gibbs was reaching for shaving gel, he overheard a comment from an
elderly lady.

"They should be ashamed of themselves. That poor little girl," she
said to her husband who wasn't even paying attention to her.

Gibbs could barely make it out and was glad Tony and Jenny didn't
hear it. Gibbs ignored her as he got a new bottle of adult strength
Nyquil as well.

They continued going up and down aisles. The first was the cereal
aisle. Tony came back with three boxes and put them in the cart:
Lucky Charms, Captain Crunch with Crunch Berries and Cocoa Pebbles.

"Tony, that stuff is not good for you."

"But, Gibbs, I love this stuff," Tony said, looking wide-eyed and
innocent as Jenny stepped up to them.

"Jethro, can I get this?" she asked, holding up a box of Kix.

"Sure, honey."

Gibbs turned back to Tony, who was down by the candy at the other end
of the aisle. By the time he got there, Tony had four bags of
different kinds of chocolate bars and some hard candy, which he put
in the cart.

"What is that for?" he asked.

"To munch on."

Gibbs had no clue how Tony stayed in shape and had such a toned body
with all the junk he put in the cart, not to mention his body. Gibbs
was going for the popcorn, the old fashioned kind you poured into hot
oil. Tony stopped him by putting his hand on Gibbs. They looked at
each other, Gibbs noticing the little old lady again just down the
aisle.

"Get the microwave kind. It's much easier, and Jenny can make it
herself."

"Okay, honey," Gibbs said, just loud enough that the old lady heard
him.

"Peanut, what kind do you want?" Tony asked as Jenny was looking at a
candy or something.

"This kind is what Mom used to buy," Jenny said.

Tony could see she still hurt but it was getting better. They got the
extra movie butter kind, like Monica used to buy for Jenny. Tony
smiled as he put it in the cart.

Gibbs overheard the old woman talking again, and Tony heard her this
time as well.

"Fags should stay with their own kind and not be allowed to have kids
just to change them to fags, too." The lady was once again talking
to her husband, who once again was not even paying attention.

Tony and Gibbs looked at each other. This was the part of their life
they feared: not for each other. They were grown men and could take
care of themselves where the bigots were concerned, but Jenny
shouldn't have to hear that kind of prejudice.

The next aisle was pasta, sauce, rice and dried beans. Gibbs got the
lasagna noodles and a few other kinds of pasta, looking at prices and
making sure to get what was on sale, but for the sauce he got the
kind Tony wanted. He then reached for a green can of Kraft Parmesan
Cheese.

"No, don't get that stuff. We'll stop at a place on the way home and
get the good stuff."

"Tony, there is nothing wrong with this."

Tony snorted. "Boss, I'm Italian. That stuff is crap."

"Yes, you are, but you can't cook," Gibbs said with a smile, but he
conceded to Tony's wishes.

The soup was at the end of the aisle; on the other side were the
canned veggies. Gibbs got corn and nothing else.

"Jenny, go pick out some soups for yourself, okay, honey?"

"Um, no, that's okay."

Gibbs looked at her. "Honey, I know you like soup. I want to get
something you like."

Jenny visibly swallowed. "Whatever kind you want, Jethro, is fine.
I'll just stay here."

Tony looked at Gibbs, both men seeing the problem at the same time.
Tony bent down to her.

"Jenny, honey, it's okay for you to go a few feet away from us, you
know. We're not going anywhere without you, and we'll be within sight
the whole time. You know nothing is going to happen, don't you? We're
in the middle of a grocery store, people all around. We'll be
watching you, I promise."

Jenny drew a deep breath but managed a shaky smile. "Okay, Tony," she
said as she walked away.

Gibbs looked at Tony as he stood up. "Tony, that lady?"

"I know, Boss. Just ignore it."

Gibbs noticed the same old lady was now in the soup section. He and
Tony moved in that direction. That was their little girl down there.

"Are you okay, honey?" the woman asked Jenny.

Jenny didn't even say anything, just looked at her. She'd been taught
to never talk to strangers.

"Honey, can you hear me?"

"Can we help you?" Gibbs asked.

Jenny hurried to the side of her guardians, slipping her hand into
Tony's.

"No," the woman said with a sniff. "I just wanted to make sure the
little girl was okay."

"She's fine."

"Yeah, right," the woman said, walking off. "Those fags have the girl
scared to death. Someone should call the cops."

Gibbs was livid, wanting to go off on the old lady. Tony knew from
the iciness of those blue eyes what he was feeling and placed a hand
on Gibbs' forearm. Just that simple touch snapped him out his
building rage.

They came to the drink aisle, and Jenny was allowed to pick the kind
of juice boxes she wanted. She got several different kinds, asking if
that was okay. Gibbs just smiled as she put the three different kinds
she wanted in the cart.

They walked up the cleaning aisle. Gibbs needed laundry soap and
bleach. He also needed Windex and cleaning supplies for the bathroom.
Tony came back with fabric softener.

"What's that for?"

"I might not know how to cook, but for the stuff I don't get dry
cleaned, I know how to wash."

"Only because Mom showed you," Jenny piped up, smiling at Gibbs when
she said it.

"Rat," Tony said, laughing.

Gibbs asked Jenny if she wanted a room scent for the attic. Jenny
got citrus scent. The next aisle was paper products. Tony came over
with TP, but it wasn't the kind Gibbs normally bought.

"What's that for? We have plenty at home."

"Yes, and your kind is almost as good as sandpaper."

As Tony put it in the cart, he and Gibbs talking, the old lady walked
by. She didn't say anything this time, just gave them a dirty look.
Gibbs put paper plates, napkins and paper towels into the cart.

The next aisle was frozen foods and cookies. Tony was up and down the
cookie aisle, coming back with an armful of different varieties.
Jenny was standing in front of the fruit snacks.

"Jethro, can I get fruit snacks, please?"

"Sure, honey. Whatever kind you want, get a few boxes."

She did, getting the Looney Tunes and Scooby Doo kinds.

"Jethro, can I also get some Pop Tarts?"

"No need to. Tony already got a few boxes. Look in the cart and see
if those are okay. If there isn't anything you like, put one back and
get what you want."

Tony was standing next to him, looking at the ice cream on the other
side of the same aisle. Tony walked away. Jenny put back a box of the
Pop Tarts and got the s'mores flavor.

"I want to try these."

"That's fine, honey. You want some ice cream or something?"

"Can I get ice cream sandwiches? I love them."

"Sure, honey. I think Tony is over by them already."

The cart was almost full by now. Tony helped Jenny get the kind of
ice cream sandwiches she wanted and he grabbed two half gallons of
Edy's Ice Cream. Gibbs smiled at the choice. Continuing on from
there, Gibbs got a loaf of garlic bread.

"No, don't get that," Tony said. "I can cook one thing in this world,
and it just happens to be garlic bread."

Gibbs looked at Tony. "Okay, then let's get a loaf of the bread in
the bakery."

Tony winked at him and ran off to the bakery to get a baguette of
French bread while Gibbs and Jenny headed down the next aisle.

"Jenny, what kind of topping do you like on pizza?" Gibbs asked. He
didn't normally get this much food, but now he had two growing people
in the house.

"Hamburger and pepperoni."

"Okay, honey." He grabbed a few frozen pizzas and put them in the
cart.

Jenny was further down, looking at a little heart-shaped frozen
dessert. It was cookie dough.

"Honey, are you okay? Do you need help?" the old lady asked, then
continued talking to a wide-eyed Jenny.

Gibbs was looking at frozen veggies when he heard Jenny yell from
further down the aisle.

"No!" Looking for Gibbs, she ran towards him.

Gibbs left the cart and met the crying girl halfway, bending down to
her. "What is it? What's the matter, honey?"

"That mean lady said she was going to call the cops and take me away
from you and Tony," Jenny sniffled, holding onto Gibbs and looking
back at the old woman.

Gibbs' eyes narrowed as he looked at the old lady. Getting on his bad
side wasn't smart for anyone to do, especially where it concerned his
family. Gibbs stood up, keeping one hand on Jenny's shoulder.

"It's okay, honey, don't worry. We won't let her hurt you, and no one
will ever take you away from us."

The woman's mouth tightened, but she didn't say anything else, just
headed down the dairy aisle. Gibbs had to go down the same aisle, but
he went in the other direction.

Gibbs got 1% milk and a carton of eighteen eggs, along with two
packages of bacon.

"Jenny, do you want some string cheese or something?"

"Really?"

"Yes, honey, really," Gibbs said, never losing eye contact with the
old woman coming up the aisle towards them.

Jenny picked out the string cheese she wanted and placed it in the
now overflowing cart. Tony still wasn't back from the bakery.

"Faggots should stay-"

"Listen, lady, you ever make a comment like that again within ear
shot of this little girl-" Gibbs' broke off the threat when Tony
placed his hand on his back, draining the anger from him.

"Boss, something the matter?" Tony asked casually, looking at the old
woman.

"Sick. The both of you are sick, some kind of perverts. You people
should not be allowed to raise children."

"Look, lady, you have no clue who the hell we are or anything at all
about us. I don't know what crawled up your panty hole today," Tony
said, getting into it.

The store manager came up, the addition of an official person in the
mix causing the husband to finally pay attention.

"Excuse me, what seems to be the problem?"

"This lady is harassing us and making threats to our little girl."

"They're fags," the woman spat. "They shouldn't even be allowed to
have children."

"Listen, ma'am, I'm sorry if your feelings are offended, but they
have every right to shop here, same as you."

"You should call the cops. The little girl is scared and should be
put into a safe home environment."

Jenny was overhearing it all. Tony was closest to her, and she
latched onto him. He placed a hand on her back comfortingly.

"I'm sorry, ma'am, but what I see is you aggravating the guests in
this store. I'm going to have to ask you to leave."

"Huh, this is just a conspiracy against good, decent, hard-working
people," she commented as she stormed off exceedingly quickly for
someone her age, her husband hanging his head in shame.

"I'm sorry, gentlemen, for your experience in this store," the
manager apologized to them. "I hope everything is okay now."

"It is now," Gibbs said, not losing sight of the lady as she hurried
away. "Thank you, sir. Thank you for your help."

Tony had defused the situation with the help of the manager, who left
as well. They were in the aisle. People looked for a moment, then
went back to what they were doing.

"They're not going to take me away, are they?" Jenny asked in a small
voice, looking up at the men.

"No, honey. Remember, the judge said we can look after you till he
signs the official papers that your Mom wanted."

"Yes."

"Then they can't take you away."

"Good. What's a fag?"

Tony looked at Gibbs, who was meeting his gaze but not knowing what
to say. How did you explain prejudice and bigotry to a ten-year old?

"How about we talk about this when we get home."

"But I want to know."

"I know, honey," Tony said softly, "but it's not a nice word and
should not be talked about in public."

"Oh, okay, Tony."

They put in a package of the frozen cookie dough in the cart.
Finished with their shopping, they went up front and got in line,
Jenny not letting go of Tony. Every so often Tony and Gibbs' eyes
would meet. Looking around, making sure the old woman wasn't anywhere
near them, Jenny noticed the same man from earlier watching her but
again paid it no never mind.

When it was their turn to pay, Tony grabbed a Milky Way bar. "Honey,
do you want one?"

"No," Gibbs said. "We're going out to eat after this, and you don't
need one either." Taking the candy from Tony's hand, he put it back.

Tony pouted but didn't protest, merely reached for a pack of gum.
Gibbs just smiled. Tony was just a large kid at times. That was part
of the reason he loved the younger man. Younger man. Gibbs still
didn't know why Tony wanted to be with him in the first place. He
was a bastard, after all. Why would anyone want to be with him?
Especially someone like Tony who could have anyone he wanted? Those
thoughts caused the smile to leave Gibbs' face. Tony saw it and
recognized the look.

"Don't go there, Boss."

"What?"

"I know what you're thinking. Just don't go there."

Gibbs paid for the food, once again nearly passing out from the
total. It was the most he'd ever spent on food in his life. They
packed it up, then Gibbs remembered the ice cream. They had to go
home before going out to eat. They went home and put the groceries
away. On the way out the door, Jenny ran to the car and Tony stopped
Gibbs on the porch.

"Never doubt why I love you. To me you're perfect and just want I've
always wanted."

"But-"

"No buts, Gibbs. I love you, all of you. Who cares about the rest?"

Tony sealed the promise with a hard kiss, his tongue asking for
entrance into Gibbs' mouth. Gibbs' tongue met his and started to
move, stroking Tony's tongue. They didn't know who moaned first, but
it really didn't matter because it felt like heaven to both men.

"I'm hungry," came from outside the car.

Tony and Gibbs stopped kissing and smiled, then with a quick peck on
the lips they joined Jenny at the car.

They drove to the diner and ate brunch. Jenny asked what brunch meant
and Tony explained what it was. Tony had a Rueban, Gibbs wanted a
hungry man's breakfast and Jenny got Belgian waffles.

As they were eating Tony pulled out his cell phone and called Ducky
to inform him to meet at the house around 6:00 and to bring a nice
bottle of wine. Ducky responded he would be happy to.

Gibbs pulled out his cell phone and a piece of paper the social
worker had given him.

"Yes, my name is Jethro Gibbs. I need to make an appointment for me
and my family please?Yes, Monday 11:00 is fine with us?Thank you,
ma'am."

Tony looked at him curiously. "Who was that?"

"We have an appointment for the counselor for Monday. Okay?"

Jenny just nodded her head since she was eating.

"Uh, Boss, not to put a downer on things, but we'll have to," Tony
cleared his throat. "Well, they don't offer same sex insurance plans
so whose should we put Jenny on?"

"Never thought about that. Okay, how about we put Jenny on your
insurance and mine as well, this way it doesn't matter. As for the
both of us, well we can figure that out later."

Tony called Barbara in benefits and added Jenny to his insurance,
then passed the phone to Gibbs so he could do the same. The woman
said it was nice of him to do it but it wasn't necessary since she
was covered on Tony's. He wanted to do it anyway in case anything
happened to either of them. Barbara did it, even if she thought it
overkill, and congratulated them on getting a little girl.

On the way home, Tony made Gibbs stop first at the import market
where he went for good Parmesan and Romano cheeses. He also picked up
some good vodka sauce and fresh made raviolis for dinner that night.

Tony then had Gibbs stop at the butcher since Tony wouldn't let him
get any meat at the supermarket. Gibbs had to admit it looked much
better then the stuff they sold in the supermarket. They got some
chicken, pork and a few porterhouse steaks along with a few filet
mignons. Gibbs also ordered a twenty-five pound turkey for the day
before Thanksgiving. He wanted a deep fryer for the turkey but since
it was such a large bird they had to special order the fryer, telling
him it would be there in a few days and that they would call when it
arrived.

On the way home Gibbs also stopped at a hardware store. Tony was a
little confused but shrugged it off. Gibbs was getting out but Tony
and Jenny were going to stay in the car. Jenny could still see Gibbs
from the car, but she did look scared about him not being there. When
they were at home she knew they were there and was getting better
about not having to see them all the time, even though she preferred
to see at least one of them. Outside the house was a different
matter, though.

Gibbs wasn't in the store long, soon coming back out holding a small
bag. He got into the car, then opened the bag and pulled out the
contents.

"Here, one for both of you."

He handed Tony a key, just a silver key, nothing special about it.
Then he pulled out a key that was colorful and had happy faces all
over it, along with a pink fuzzy key ring. Putting the key on the
ring, he handed it to Jenny.

"Here you go, honey."

She smiled happily. "Thanks, Jethro. It's cool."

Both men just smiled. Tony got the significance, even if Jenny
didn't. This meant that from now on the house would be locked, now
that Gibbs had something worth protecting, meaning his new family and
not their possessions.

When they got home they found a note in the kitchen about the bed
being upstairs, already set up and that Tony's clothing was there as
well. Tony's friend had even commented that the new bed worked well
with Gibbs' other furniture and said the old bed was out back behind
the shed. Tony's safe, he said, was also in the bedroom since he
hadn't known where it was to be put, and the electronics were all in
the living room.

"Guess it's a good thing I got those keys made now that there's stuff
here to steal."

"Can I have a juice box?" Jenny asked.

"Sure, honey. They're in the fridge. They should be cold by now."

Tony went into the living room to hook up all of the video and audio
equipment. Jenny sat on the sofa, watching him. She wanted to get a
doll to play with but she didn't want to leave them alone. Gibbs went
into the kitchen and put away the rest of the food they'd just
purchased, shaking his head at how full the refrigerator and cabinets
were. Following the directions given to him from the butcher to avoid
freezer burn, he froze some of the meat. He then began to get the
stuff out for dinner and get it readied for preparation.

Going into the living room, he noticed Jenny looked rather
bored. "Honey, why don't you run up and get a toy or something?"

"Come with me."

"Okay, honey, let's go."

Gibbs took her hand and they went up to her room in the attic to get
a doll and some of the accessories. When they heard people's voices
coming up the stairs, it sounded like they were carrying things.

"Where do you what this?" the men in the doorway asked, holding one
of the dressers they had bought for Jenny's room.

"Over here, please."

The desk was brought up next, and the deliverymen had to assemble it.
Gibbs had them put it together in the middle of the room, saying they
can move it once he was finished with the wall he was going to be
putting up. The rest of the furniture, the other two dressers, two
tall ones to go with the long one, were then moved in. The long one
had a mirror in the middle of it. Jenny looked at all the furniture
and smiled, thinking how cool it all was.

"Okay, honey, how about we go get your clothing and bring it up here
and put it all away."

The attic did have a closet so Gibbs also grabbed some empty hangers
from the spare room. They both went up and folded her cloths, hanging
up the dresses and nicer clothing, the rest being put away in the
drawers. By the time they finished, it was starting to look like a
real room. It would be better once Gibbs put up the wall. He would go
to Lowe's tomorrow and get the supplies. While planning it out in his
head, he noticed that Jenny looked sad again.

"Hey, sunshine, what is it?" Gibbs put his hand on her shoulder.

Looking up at him, she repeated the question from the grocery
store. "What's a fag?"

"Um." Gibbs was at a loss for words, not really sure how to explain
it to her. "To begin with, it's not a nice word. It's a word that
some people call people like Tony and myself."

"What do you mean?"

"Well, Tony is gay. You know what that means, right?"

She shook her head no.

Gibbs took a deep breath. "Well, a gay person is someone who likes
the same sex, like a boy liking a boy and a girl liking a girl."

"Oh, like Tony loves you and you love Tony."

"Kind of. Tony is gay since he only ever wanted to love men."

She looked lost.

"I'm what is called bisexual since I have loved both men and women.
You with me so far?"

The little girl shook her head no again.

"Okay, so, you know I had a daughter, right?"

"Yes, you said it in the hospital and got sad."

"Yes, I did. I miss her greatly. She was my daughter with my first
wife."

"First wife?"

"I've been married three times already. I loved them all. But now I
love Tony, so I have found love in both men and women. Now do you
understand a little?"

She nodded her head yes, then asked, "So what is a fag?"

"I'm getting there."

He hadn't heard Tony come up the stairs and standing a few steps
down, listening to them. Coming into the room, he said, "Fag, Peanut,
is a very bad word to call people like Gibbs and myself. It's not a
nice thing."

"Why?"

"It means the person saying it can't be open minded and see that
people like Jethro and myself are just people like them." Tony walked
over to them and went to one knee in front of them where they sat on
the floor and reached out and took Gibbs' hand. "See, they don't get
that love is blind, that it doesn't see gender or race or color."

"I'm lost."

"That's good, honey. That means that your mind isn't closed off like
that woman's in the store. No one really understands why any of it is
the way it is. All you can do is accept it."

"But you're not letting them take me away, are you?"

"Nope, not now, not ever. You're stuck with us," Tony said with a
smile, ruffling her hair and seating himself on the floor with
them. "So, the stuff is all hooked up. Now Gibbs just have to build
the walls up here."

"I plan on doing that this weekend. It shouldn't take that long. We
can get paint as well, and you can pick out the colors you want."

"Really? Any color?"

"Yup," Tony said before Gibbs could.

"Cool, I want pink."

"I think we can make that happen," Gibbs added.

Tony looked around. Most of the clothing had already been put
away. "I see you both have been busy putting things away up here.
Where are your toys going?"

"Over there. Jethro said he would build me a chest to put them in."

Tony was still holding Gibbs' hand. "Jethro is good with his hands."
Tony smiled at Gibbs, meaning it in more than one way.

Gibbs returned the smile, knowing exactly what Tony meant.

"Well, he is building a boat," Jenny said innocently.

Both men smiled at her comment.

"Anyone home?" they heard from the second floor.

"Up here, Probie," Tony called back, not moving.

They heard more than one set of footsteps heading up the stairs.

"Hey, guys."

They were all still sitting on the floor. Tony looked around and saw
Abby, McGee and Ziva. Ducky and Gerald hadn't shown up yet.

"Wow, this is cool, Jenny." Abby came over and sat on the bed.

Ziva was still standing near the stairs, not feeling quite right, and
Tim was a little out of sorts being there after Tony had threatened
him for pointing a gun at Jenny.

"Guys, relax. So, McGee, you up to getting your but kicked in Halo 2
Death Match?"

"Yeah, right, Tony."

Tony got up and kissed Gibbs on the forehead. He and Tim went to the
living room to play a game. Gibbs had no clue what they were even
talking about.

"Gibbs, I left the salad in the kitchen."

"That's good, Ziva. Come on in, you don't have to stand at the door."

"I wasn't sure?"

"Ziva, relax this is just a fun time to be had tonight."

Ziva smiled, seeming to relax a bit.

"Well, I have cooking to get done." Gibbs got up and walked out,
Jenny not far behind him, Abby and Ziva right behind them.

In the living room, Tim and Tony were getting loud and a little out
of hand, causing Gibbs to smile. Jenny was sitting near them,
watching, as was Ziva.

"Mind if I join?" Ziva asked.

Both men looked at her like fresh meat. They showed her how to work
the controls and she joined the game. Where the men had been
competing against each other before, they now bonded over the fact
that Ziva kept kicking their asses.

"Jenny, come here, please," Gibbs bellowed from the kitchen.

Going into the kitchen, she found dishes and silverware on the table.

"Can you please take these into the dining room and set the table?"

"Okay, Jethro."

"I'll help, honey," Abby said, taking the dishes and letting Jenny
get the silverware.

The dining room was off the living room and easily sat eight. Abby
and Jenny were setting the table when they heard Ducky as he came
into the dining room.

"How are the both of you ladies tonight?"

"Great, Duck-man, and yourself? Where's Gerald?"

"Who's Gerald?"

"He is my partner, and he is in with the children playing that
godawful game," Ducky said. "Jennifer, can I have a word with you,
please?"

"Sure, Dr. Mallard."

"No, please, it is Ducky. Everyone calls me that."

Ducky took a chair and had a seat, offering one to Jenny as well.
Abby took the hint and left the room. Jenny could still see Tony from
where she was and noticed the black man sitting on the love seat
playing the game.

"Now, how are the two men treating you, young lady?"

"Great, sir."

"Good. I never doubted them at all. So, how are they feeling?"

Okay, I think. Jethro looked tired yesterday, but we were shopping
all day in the mall and Tony made him carry all the bags."

A smile crossed Ducky's face at the thought of Gibbs being the pack
mule.

"Good, good, my dear. You did great. Now, let's go see about dinner
and have some food. I don't know about you, but I am extremely
hungry."

They went into the kitchen. Gibbs had gotten wine glasses out and
Abby and Jenny moved them to the dining room along with the glasses
for whatever else they were drinking, whether it was tea, soda or
water. Jenny then asked the people playing the game what they wanted
to drink. They all told her, and it was poured and taken into the
dining room and placed on the table, Abby helping Jenny the whole
time. Gibbs called everyone to dinner. The game was tied by that
time, Tony and Gerald playing against Tim and Ziva.

At dinner Tony explained about what they all wanted to do for
Thanksgiving, and everyone was up for the idea. Ziva was happy to be
invited since it was an American holiday and happy that she was being
accepted by the team as one of them. Tony also explained about the
apartment and what he left for her and what she would need to bring.
She thanked him again. She told him the Thanksgiving feast, her
first, was what she was most looking forward to.

She looked at them when they all laughed. "What? I have a healthy
appetite."

After dinner Jenny got out of clearing the table because Tony and Tim
were told they had to do it since they had acted like such little
kids, arguing over the game. Both whined good-naturedly about it the
whole time, but it was all in good fun. Gibbs got out the Death by
Chocolate cake that Abby and McGee had brought. Everyone got a large
piece, Jenny even asking for seconds. They all smiled that she was
fitting in very well. More than one comment was made about her taking
after Tony.

Around 9:00 she went upstairs for her bath, Tony with her the whole
time. Downstairs, still in the dining room, the others were asking
questions of Gibbs about how she was adjusting. Gibbs told them about
the shopping incident that day. Jenny came down and lay on the sofa
till she fell asleep, the adults still talking in the dining room
about life and how it had changed for them all.

After about 10:00 most of the people all left, asking what they
should bring to dinner for Thanksgiving. They were all looking
forward to the deep fried turkey. Everyone was smiling and full when
they left.

Gibbs and Tony finished carrying the dishes into the kitchen. Gibbs
told Tony just to leave them in the sink and they could take care of
them in the morning. Tony almost fell over. Jethro Gibbs, former
Marine and current lover, was a man who folded his clothing after
taking it off. What was the world coming to that he'd said leave the
dishes for morning? Tony's comment to that effect earned him a swat
on the ass.

Gibbs picked up Jenny and they went up to Tony's California king bed.
The room was a little cramped now but there was still enough room to
walk around, although barely. They put Jenny in the middle again.
They walked into the bathroom, leaving the door open a crack just in
case she woke up and needed to see them.

They kissed, deep and with intense passion, hands roaming over hard
bodies. Clothing was removed during the exploration. They weren't
trying to make the other come, but it was close for both of them. But
knowing Jenny was in the next room, they managed to curb their lust,
although the desire was still there.

They put their boxers back on and climbed into bed on either side of
Jenny, holding hands over her. With one last kiss they rested their
entwined hands on Jenny's stomach and fell asleep.

Once again Gibbs was the first to wake. He lay there, realizing he'd just had the best night's sleep he'd ever had. Tony's bed made a huge difference with it's foam top that conformed to his body. And his old bed wasn't small, but now they had room enough for all three people to fit without even a thought of a problem. Tony was curled up on the edge of the bed on his side, and Jenny was sprawled out in the middle.

Gibbs saw the clock on the nightstand on Tony's side of the bed. It was a new addition to the room. It was 0600. Damn, he was tired and horny. He and Tony had just gotten together and had made love for one night and made out the next morning but that was all.
Right now Jenny came first, even if he was yearning to make love again with Tony. But at this rate it might be a fast and hard fuck.

He was going to try to get Jenny to sleep in her room tonight. It should be done by bedtime. The walls wouldn't take that much time to put up. The hardest part would be measuring the space and getting the supplies. He had a large table saw out in his shed at the back of the house. The only other thing out there was the riding mower he owned. Hell, the basement was larger then his shed, which was one reason the boat was in the basement and not the shed.

Gibbs lay there for another twenty minutes before getting out of bed. He threw on a T-shirt and went to get a cup of coffee. After only one day he'd grown addicted to the Blue Hawaiian that Tony had bought him. He'd just poured a cup and was taking a sip when he heard two little feet coming down the stairs.

Looking up, he saw a still-sleepy little girl "Morning, sunshine."

"Hi, Jethro," she mumbled, walking in and rubbing the gunk from her eyes. She sat at the table.

"You're up early."

"Not tired," she said, almost falling asleep at the table.

"Um, okay. So, are you hungry?"

"Nope."

"Well, I'm going to have some oatmeal."

Gibbs went to the pantry and got out a packet of instant oatmeal. He measured the water into a bowl and put it in the microwave. Looking at Jenny, he noticed how she was slumped at the table, just this side of sleeping.

"Okay, honey, no sleeping at the table. If you're tired, then you can go back up to bed."

"Not tired," she mumbled again.

"Jenny, you're sleeping at the table," he said as he mixed the oatmeal and water. "Come on, let's get you back up to bed." He left the oatmeal on the table.

"No, I'm fine, really. Can I go and watch TV?"

"Sure, honey."

Jenny shuffled out of the room, heading for the living room and the TV. Gibbs sat back down and ate the food in front of him, drinking some of the best coffee he'd ever had. Tony had been right about that, not that he would admit it to the younger man. How could be admit Tony knew more about coffee, HIS addiction, than he himself did?

Gibbs finished his breakfast, put the dishes in the dishwasher, then turned it on. He then walked out and found Jenny sleeping on the sofa, curled up under a throw that Tony had just bought from the Disney Store. He'd said Gibbs needed more color in his house and this would help. Gibbs smiled and went up to see Tony.

When he got there Tony was spread eagle on the bed. Gibbs looked out in the hall and down the stairs. Jenny was still out cold. So was Tony. He'd been up for about an hour, but he wanted to crawl back into bed, right between Tony's legs and wake him up properly but knew that Jenny could wake up at anytime, so they couldn't chance an early morning blow-job.

Since he couldn't do what he wanted, Gibbs just crawled into the bed and laid his head on Tony's chest and listened to Tony breathing. After doing that for a while he kissed Tony's nipple and licked it ever so lightly. Tony had more than one response to that stimulus. Gibbs could see the morning wood forming in his boxers, and Tony's breathing was different, a little faster. Gibbs lifted his head and settled his mouth over Tony's. Tony's eyes opened as he returned the kiss. Tony flipped Gibbs on his back, not even breaking the kiss. Tony's hands pinned Gibbs to the bed, one on each of the older man's wrists as he straddled Gibbs' body.

Both men were moaning with passion by that time.

"Tony," Gibbs panted.

"Um."

"Tony, Jenny could walk in."

"You're no fun," Tony complained, kissing him again and letting go of his hands.

Gibbs took control again, flipping them over so that Tony was on his back and Gibbs was on top, continuing the kiss as if he needed it to breathe.

"I'll show you fun soon, honey," Gibbs declared, kissing him again, "but right now we have walls to build, paint to slap on and curtains to hang and that rug thing that you bought that looks like a dead poodle."

Tony snorted. "Hey, that's cute."

"Yeah, okay, if you say so. It looks like a dead Poodle "

Gibbs kissed him again before getting out of bed and heading for the bathroom. He was finished with his shower and standing in front of the mirror shaving by the time Tony crawled out of bed. Tony walked in, put his arms around the still-damp Gibbs and kissed the nape of his neck just under the edge of the silver hair. Gibbs stopped mid-stroke because his blood had left his hand and gone straight to his hardening dick.

"You keep that up I might just throw you on the bed and fuck you senseless."

"I can live with that," Tony murmured, licking and nibbling at that spot on Gibbs' neck now.

Gibbs put the razor down as he tried to regain control of his body, but that wasn't going to happen anytime soon, and he knew it. Gibbs surprised Tony by turning around and kissing him harder than he'd ever kissed him before. Tony was shocked; it almost broke his nose it was so hard and fast. Gibbs flipped their position so that Tony was up against the bathroom counter, Gibbs' body pressing him against it. Gibbs made another move, flipping Tony around and bending him over the sink.

"Oh, God yes, Boss, please."

"Please what, Tony?"

Gibbs leaned in, kissing his way down Tony's spine. He licked his fingers and inserted one into Tony's eager rectum. Tony gasped for air when the finger invaded his body, taking hold of his own hard member and stroking it slowly while Gibbs prepared him.

"God, Boss, I need you in me NOW!"

"Not yet, honey, not yet."

Gibbs had gone from kissing to nipping at the spot where Tony's spine ended. Tony was feeling decidedly lightheaded, as if he could lose consciousness at any moment. Gibbs spit on his fingers again and inserted a second one to Tony's waiting hole. Tony was moaning, nearly screaming from the bliss of having Gibbs finger him.

"Boss, now, please, I need to feel you."

"I'm right here, Tony."

Gibbs sank his teeth into Tony's shoulder, although it wasn't hard enough to break the skin. Tony was moaning, finding it difficult to breathe. Between Gibbs kissing, biting and preparing him and him stroking himself, his breath had nearly been stolen. Gibbs spit into his hand a few times and rubbed it over his hard, leaking cock, using it for lubricant.

Gibbs' blue eyes met Tony's in the mirror. "You ready?"

"Been ready. Please, fuck me. HARD!"

"Never, Tony. I won't fuck you, but I will make love to you. It will always be love."

With that declaration Gibbs slid into Tony in one smooth move, managing to hit his prostate on the first stroke. Tony screamed in sheer ecstasy and shot his load. With the clenching of Tony's internal muscles, Gibbs only had to move once before he, too, was shooting his warm seed deep into Tony. Both men were sweating and panting, trying to gain control again. Gibbs slipped out of Tony and Tony moaned with displeasure from the void that he left in him.

Tony couldn't move. The loving had been fast and hard and he felt boneless about then. Gibbs helped him up. Tony was leaning on the sink, looking at his older lover.

"I think you need another shower, Boss."

"I think you're right, we both need a shower. And you need to clean up your mess," Gibbs added, pointing at the cum dripping down the front of the sink cabinet. Tony still wasn't breathing normally.

"God, Boss."

"I know, Tony."

Tony's hand was coming up to lie against Gibbs' face when they heard a little girl cough from the hall.

"Hey, Peanut," Tony called, reaching for a towel to cover himself and throwing one at Gibbs.

Jenny walked into the bathroom, almost in tears.

"What's wrong, sunshine?"

"I woke up and couldn't find you guys."

"We're right here, honey," Gibbs said, tightening the knot in the towel around his waist, "getting ready for a hard day's work in your new room."

"I heard someone scream."

Gibbs looked at Tony, silently letting him know he could handle that since he had been the one screaming. Tony smiled.

"I just stubbed my toe, honey."

"You okay?"

"Oh, I am now, so how about I hit the shower and we go upstairs and start hanging the curtains and moving things around where you want them and Gibbs will be up shortly and show us where the walls will go."

"Okay."

Tony gave Gibbs a quick kiss before walking out of the room, receiving a swat on the rump from Gibbs when he went by him. Tony took a clean pair of boxer briefs out of the dresser and put them on, then removed the towel. He threw on a pair of sweats and an old ratty T-shirt, then took Jenny upstairs and laid out her clothes for her, turning his back while she dressed. Gibbs followed soon after, carrying a tape measure, two hammers and some small nails.

"These are for your curtain rods."

Jenny and Tony both smiled, anxious to start the decorating.

Gibbs noticed how warm it was up there. "I was worried about heat but I can see this will be the warmest room in the house."

"Heat rises, Boss."

"I know that, DiNozzo."

"Jethro, why do you sometimes call Tony by his last name?"

"Not sure, just a thing we do at work. I rarely call him Tony."

"Same thing for me. I call him Boss because a while ago we started to call him that. Just a nickname I guess."

"It's weird."

"So are we."

Tony attacked the little girl with a barrage of tickles, causing her to giggle to no end. Gibbs got in on the fun, but he attacked Tony, who stopped tickling Jenny; he was now the one giggling like a little girl. Jenny helped Gibbs work Tony over. When Gibbs noticed Tony was having trouble breathing, he stopped tickling him, remembering his lungs weren't what they should be.

"Sorry, honey," Gibbs apologized, helping Tony sit up.

"No, it's cool. It was fun," Tony panted, then started to cough.

"Yeah, okay, you want your lung back?" Gibbs' eyes said it all, how sorry he was.

"Jethro, it was all fun and games, and I'm fine now."

Tony got up and took one of the hammers and started to hang the curtain rods. Jenny had two windows, on opposite sides of the room. There were shades on them, but Tony put up a heavy dark pink curtain and on top of that a sheer light pink curtain. It made the place look cute. With Jenny's help, Tony put the chair together. All the while Gibbs was taking measurements and writing them down.

"Okay, let's go to Lowe's and get the stuff to build the walls."

"Um, Boss, how are we getting wood and drywall into your car?"

"Duh, Tony, they rent a trunk and we can rent it to bring the stuff back then take the truck back, or we can have them deliver."

"I take it you've done this before."

"Well, the boat is wood," Gibbs said with a smile. He hadn't worked on it in over a week and he missed it a little but not enough to make him wish the last week hadn't happened. "So, who's coming?"

Gibbs went downstairs, Tony and Jenny right behind him. They piled into the car and made the twenty-minute drive to Lowe's, Jenny holding both their hands as they walked inside. Once inside they intended to split up, but Jenny wouldn't let go of either of them, so they got the supplies together.

First they went for the wood Gibbs would need, then the drywall and nails. He talked to a clerk about renting a truck for their purchases. Once that was finished, they went to the paint department. They picked out two colors from the Disney line, Sleeping Beauty Pink and Stitch Blue. Tony saw a door with princesses on it and decided it would be perfect to put at the bottom of the stairs leading to Jenny's room, which excited the little girl so much she bounced up and down. Tony laughed and bounced with her. Gibbs just smiled. It was nice to have life in his house again.

They paid for the stuff at the front and rented the truck. Tony made a show of double-checking Jenny's seatbelt since Gibbs was driving the delivery truck. Gibbs glared at him but one corner of his mouth twitched. He drove to their house and unloaded their purchases, doing most of the lifting himself, not wanting Tony to put too much stress on his lungs after being in the hospital. Tony rolled his eyes but didn't argue. He and Jenny carried the paint up the stairs, Gibbs right behind them.

After the truck was unloaded, Gibbs planned to return it. "Okay, guys, I'll be right back."

"We can't come?" Jenny asked, looking a bit scared.

Gibbs squatted down to her level, Tony right next to her, one hand on her shoulder.

"Honey, I'll be fine. You and Tony can stay home and make lunch for us."

"But-" Jenny looked on the verge of tears.

"Honey, don't cry. I won't be gone more than fifty minutes." Gibbs looked at his watch. "Okay, it's 11:30 now. So if I'm gone fifty minutes, what time will I be back? Can you tell me?"

Jenny knew how to do the math but she wasn't thinking clearly, too worried about the separation.

"Come on, Peanut, you can do it," Tony encouraged, also bending down to her level and moving his hand to her back. He and Gibbs hadn't discussed this, but he could see what Gibbs was trying to do and followed suit.

Gibbs' arm with the watch on it was still held up so Jenny could look at it.

"Um, 12:20."

"Very good, honey. Yes, I'll be home by then. You can call me on my cell phone, but it might not be safe to drive and talk. I'll call when I get there and when I'm leaving. How does that sound?"

Tony handed her the phone. "When this says Boss, you can pick it up and answer it. Okay?" Tony smiled at her before winking at Gibbs.

"Okay, but hurry back."

Gibbs kissed her cheek before getting into the truck and driving off. Tony and Jenny went back into the house and Tony made grilled cheese sandwiches, one of the only things he could actually make since there wasn't so much cooking involved as there was keeping the temperature from getting too high that it burned. The phone rang fifteen minutes later. Gibbs was driving.

"Hello?"

"Jenny, I'm leaving now, okay?"

"Yes, Jethro." Jenny disconnected the phone and put it back on the table.

"See, everything is okay."

Tony let Jenny get the dishes for their lunch. He'd made tomato soup to go with the sandwiches. Twenty minutes later Gibbs walked into the kitchen.

"What smells so good?"

"I'm making lunch like you asked, Pookie," Tony said, seeking a smile from the older man.

Gibbs walked over and hugged Jenny. As he hugged Tony from behind, Tony twisted his head around so their mouths could meet.

"Okay, call me when it's done. I want to try to get that wall up fast."

Gibbs went upstairs and started working. About ten minutes later Tony sent Jenny up to get him. In that span of time he had most of the frame up for one side. Tony had also gotten a normal door for the room to make it a separate bedroom and living area. Laying his tools down, Gibbs followed Jenny down to eat.

"I'm going to start taking the boxes down to the basement today," Tony said.

"No, you're not. That's too much work for you."

"Boss, I'm not a child, I can do a little work. As an NCIS agent I have to run and keep up with the bad guys."

"Yes, but there you can, you have no choice. Here, you can't."

"Now, that is not fair."

"I can help Tony," Jenny offered.

"I know, honey, but a lot of them are heavy because of what's in them."

"It's just old junk I've collected through the years," Gibbs said.

"Never would have thought you for a collector."

"Truth be told it's stuff from my childhood. Old comic books and baseball stuff."

"You mean you were a kid once?"

"Smart a-" Gibbs stopped and looked at Jenny.

"You were saying, Boss?" Tony questioned, smiling from ear to ear.

Gibbs just glared at him.

"That's what I thought. Now, while you're up there sweating and putting up the walls, I can move the boxes, then come up and paint."

"No."

"Boss, this isn't up for debate, this is the way it is. I'm not going to let you or anyone else tell me what I can and can't do because I've been sick," Tony said firmly, putting his foot down.

Gibbs wanted to argue with him, but with Jenny in the room they couldn't go any further, so he didn't say anything else, but his look said it all as he began eating again.

Gibbs finished his food then went upstairs, still not saying a word. Tony knew he was pissed, but he didn't really care. He was not going to let Gibbs baby him all because he'd been sick and had almost died. He was smart enough to know when he'd overdone it and stop before he reached that point. He sent Jenny up to sit with Gibbs while he worked, moving nearly twenty boxes into the basement before his breathing became a bit ragged and he decided he'd done enough.

"Jethro said we can paint now," Jenny said, having come down the stairs silently. "He's
putting up the door to the attic now."

"Thanks, honey, I'll be right up."

Once she had gone back up, Tony sat on the basement steps, breathing heavily. He couldn't let Gibbs see that he'd overdone it after all. He'd never hear the end of it and Gibbs overprotective self would call Ducky, and he did not need a lecture from him either. He sat there for about five minutes, then went up to the attic. He was red and sweaty but he was breathing okay by that time. Gibbs was still working on the door and Jenny was in the attic on the top step, watching Gibbs.

"You okay?"

"Fine. Why?"

"Tony, look-" Gibbs looked up at Jenny. "Honey, can you give us a moment? We need to talk. We're just going to our room, okay?"

"You're going to fight, right?"

"No, Peanut, I promise we won't fight. We just need to talk."

"But I can't see you."

"Honey, come here," Gibbs said.

She went down the steps.

"Honey, both of us love you. We're not going anyplace. We're safe in our own house, and nothing will happen to us here. You don't have to worry."

"I just don't want to lose you."

"Oh, honey, you're never going to lose us. Hell, Tony is like a bad penny, always turning up were he shouldn't be."

Jenny didn't get the joke but she laughed anyway. Gibbs smiled.

"Go up and play with your dolls, and we'll be right up. You can leave the door open, and we'll leave our door open as well. How does that sound?"

She thought about it for a moment. "Okay."

Jenny walked away but kept looking back at them. She was up the stairs when the men walked back to their room, leaving the door open behind them.

"Baby, I'm sor-"

Gibbs put his finger to Tony's lips, then his lips met Tony's. Tony melted. He knew Gibbs meant well, but he couldn't stay mad at the man no matter how hard he tried.

"Tony, I'm sorry. I know you're not a baby. I just worry. It's my job in life to look after the people I love, and that's you and Jenny, and you know how seriously I take the job," he said, sliding a hand around Tony's waist.

"Baby, I know, but you have to let me out of the cage every so often or I'm going to be like a canary in a coal mine. I need to do things. Yes, I overdid it a bit today. I'm not going to lie to you. I couldn't even if I tried. I need to see how far I can push my body because if we go back to work I need to know I can still keep up and do what I do best."

"And that would be?"

"Getting into trouble so my knight in shining armor can come and save the day."

Tony leaned in and placed his lips against Gibbs' mouth. With a groan Gibbs pulled Tony tight against his body, slanting their mouths and flicking his tongue against the seam of Tony's mouth, demanding entrance. Tony was more than happy to oblige. It had been far too long, and he needed a taste of Gibbs like a crack whore needed a fix. Okay, so they'd fucked that morning, but they hadn't had time for kisses.

Gibbs' tongue was demanding in its exploration. If Tony had still had his tonsils, Gibbs would have found them by that time. As it was his tongue learned every nuance of Tony's mouth, including the shape of his teeth and the texture of his tongue.

Tony groaned, his hands sliding around Gibbs and down to his ass, grasping both cheeks and squeezing, earning an answering moan from Gibbs. Two hard cocks, separated by four layers of clothing, ground together in an instinctual rhythm.

Gibbs' mouth left Tony's, finding an earlobe and nipping sharply.

"Boss!" Tony gasped, head falling back, giving his lover access to the vulnerable area of this throat, an unspoken gesture of trust and surrender.

Gibbs' hands slid up Tony's ribs and chest, finding the top button of Tony's shirt and working it through the hole. He was reaching for the second button when they heard it.

"Tony!"

"Oh, no, no, no," Tony whispered, leaning his forehead against Gibbs', his breathing as harsh as the older man's.

"Tony! Jethro!"

Tony cleared his throat. "We'll be right up, honey!"

There was a moment of silence, then, "Okay."

Breathing under control and erections reluctantly subsiding, both men walked upstairs and to start painting. Gibbs opened both windows a bit. The air was cold, but they needed the ventilation against the paint fumes. Not to mention the cold air helped cool them off.

They painted the walls and moved the bed so it maximized the space, then hung the matching pink sheers from the canopy. Once they were finished they stepped back to admire their handiwork, deciding the room was cute, just what a little girl needed.

Her computer would be delivered in a few days, and they would have McGee over to hook it up for her. Gibbs thought the only thing lacking up there was a phone, but he decided she needed to grow up a bit more before they took that step. Lord knew when she became a teenager they'd probably wish they'd never given her one in the first place, but that wasn't till further down the line, and frankly, the thought of Jenny becoming a teenager scared the shit out of the ex-Marine.

"So, what should we do for dinner? I didn't take anything out."

"How about take out?" Tony suggested since he couldn't cook much more than the cheese sandwiches and tomato soup he'd made for lunch and Gibbs was tired whether he would admit it or not.

"Sounds fine. What do you want, Jenny?"

"Can we get pizza?"

"Sure, honey."

They walked downstairs and ordered two large pizzas, one with extra cheese and one with hamburger. While waiting for their food they sat down and watched a movie they'd just gotten. When the pizza arrived they ate in the living room while finishing the movie.

"Jethro, Tony, can we go see a real movie? I've only been once."

"Sure, honey," Tony said around the lump in his throat from her wistful tone. "I think Harry Potter comes out next Friday, so how about we go then?"

"Really? I can see Harry Potter?"

"Yep. Have you read the books?"

"Nope. I don't read too well. I'm in the stupid people classes."

Tony's eyes blazed. "No, you're NOT! Don't you ever say that."

"That's what the other kids at school call it."

"Jenny, I don't care what they say. You're not stupid. You hear us?" Tony said to her, pointing to both himself and Gibbs.

She nodded her head yes. Neither she nor Tony noticed the speculative look Gibbs sent Tony's way.

"I have a copy over at my place since I never told them to pack up the books, so one day we can ask Ziva to bring it over. How does that sound? Maybe we can read the books together because I know Gibbs here has not even heard of them."

"I have, too. I just don't know anything about them. It might be fun to read them as a family, then Abby can't yell at me about not knowing pop culture anymore."

"Great."

It was around 8:30 when Jenny tried to hide a yawn. It wasn't that late, but they had all worked hard and were tired.

"Okay, honey, time to get ready for bed."

"But I'm not tired," she protested.

"Did I say go to bed? No, I said get ready for bed," Gibbs said.

He went up with her, leaving the bathroom door open while she bathed, taking a shower tonight instead of a bath. He was in his room, reading a book about the history of the A-10 Wart Hog Jet Plane when she came out. Looking in his room as if to check to see if he was still there, she then went up and got dressed in her nightgown. Tony had already laid it on the bed along with underwear and socks. After dressing she went back to the master bedroom but Gibbs was till lost in his book.

"Can we watch another movie?"

"Sure," he said, whipping off the glasses he never admitted to needing. "What do you want to watch this time?"

"How about The Princess Diaries?"

"Okay, whatever you want."

They went downstairs to find Tony sprawled on the sofa, sleeping. Jenny sat on the love seat and Gibbs moved Tony's head so it would lie in Gibbs' lap. Halfway through the movie Gibbs heard snoring coming from Jenny. He stopped the movie and moved out from under Tony's head without waking him.

"Jenny, come on, honey let's get you to bed."

"Not tired," she mumbled.

"Okay, but humor me, okay? Let's get you upstairs."

Gibbs helped her up and was guiding her up the stairs to her room. She went without a problem, not even noticing which room they went into. Gibbs turned the covers down and helped her into bed.

"Where'm I?" she mumbled, more than half asleep.

"You're sleeping in your bed."

"Um."

Gibbs tucked her in and left the room, leaving the door to the room and the door leading up to the stairs open. He woke Tony and slipped an arm around his waist as they proceeded up the stairs side-by-side. More than half asleep himself, Tony smiled sleepily when Gibbs placed a gentle kiss on his forehead and undressed him, leaving his boxers on and helping him into bed. Gibbs undressed to his boxers as well and crawled into bed beside Tony.

"Good night, Tony."

"Night, Boss," Tony mumbled, moving over and snuggling up to Gibbs, using him as a pillow.

Gibbs smiled and wrapped his arm around Tony, and that was how they fell asleep.

Jenny didn't awaken at all that night.

The next morning Tony was the first to wake. He just lay there, marveling at the scars that made random patterns on Gibbs' body and that he'd never really paid attention to. Closing his eyes, he began tracing them, lightly running his fingers over the ones on his arm, his side and the ones he could reach on his chest without stretching too far over him.

He knew it was a measure of how much Gibbs trusted him that the ex-Marine sniper didn't awaken from his touch. Gibbs usually knew when someone was just LOOKING at him.

Tony smiled when he noticed the beginning of Gibbs' morning wood. He slowly began tracing more and more of the patterns of the scars on Gibbs' chest. Even without being awake the touch was enough to make Gibbs moan.

Reaching for the nipple closest to him, Tony lightly brushed a finger over it. Gibbs still didn't awaken, but his breathing began to change. Murmuring in his sleep, Gibbs changed positions, forcing Tony to stop momentarily. But then he smiled even wider because Gibbs had moved into the touch so that his whole chest was exposed to Tony. And still he slept on. Tony had seen him asleep often enough to know real sleep from pretend, not just from living together but from the job when they were on stake outs.

With the shift in position Tony was able to reach more of the scars on Gibbs chest. He traced them, making sure to brush his fingers over Gibbs' nipples every so often. What he wanted was to latch onto the hard nubs with his mouth, but it wasn't time. Not just yet anyway. First he wanted to see just how far he could take Gibbs before he woke up. Already there was significant tenting under the heavy comforter covering them.

Tony wasn't tracing the scars so much anymore as he was just making random patterns on Gibbs' fuzzy chest. That fuzzy chest was one of the things Tony liked so much about Gibbs; it was a turn on for some reason. And the fact that the hairs were gray was even more of a turn on for Tony.

He began paying more attention to Gibbs' erect pink nipples, flicking them and tracing them. Gibbs' breathing was heavier now, and the comforter moved from the twitching of his erection. Tony knew Gibbs was about to pop. He wanted to take that hard cock into his mouth, but he knew that would wake Gibbs up and that wasn't part of that morning's plan.

Tony moved a little on the bed so he was in a better position to lean over Gibbs who was still sleeping. Once again he marveled at the trust Gibbs placed in him that he kept sleeping. It was all a part of how they trusted each other with their lives and everything else, with everything they had and were.

Tony flicked his tongue over Gibbs' nipple and lightly nipped it with his white teeth. Gibbs lost it then, grunting as he came. From the movement behind his eyelids, Tony could tell his eyes had rolled back in his head. Gibbs slowly came to consciousness. Seeing Tony over his chest caused him to smile.

"So it wasn't a dream," he said, voice rough from a combination of sleep and orgasm.

"And what might that be?"

Tony took a nipple in his mouth again, this time not being as gentle, biting more than nipping. With a moan Gibbs' head went back from the pleasurable pain. The feeling was so intense he hardened again, then came again with a grunt of surprise. Tony hadn't planned on that but was very happy about it. He stuck his hand below the covers and took hold of Gibbs' now very wet cock and ran his hand up it once before Gibbs moved his hand away.

‘Too sensitive, honey," was all Gibbs could get out.

He brought Tony's hand up to his mouth and licked his own seed from it, blue eyes locked with hazel. Once that was finished he planted a kiss on Tony that rivaled all kisses. A kiss that almost made Tony come right then and there.

"Morning, honey," Gibbs said with a sleepy smile.

"Morning. Sleep well?"

"Woke up better than I slept but yes."

They kissed again, only coming up every so often for air. Gibbs gathered some of his own cum in his hand, then took hold of Tony's hard member and slowly started to stroke him, using his special lube. Gibbs didn't let Tony go, his lips planted on the younger man's, barely letting him come up for air this time. Breathing erratic, Tony needed more air but Gibbs wouldn't let his lover take long before once again fusing their mouths together.

Tony grunted into Gibbs' mouth when he came, spilling over the hand stroking him. Gibbs brought his hand up and Tony sucked on each finger, taking in the mix of his own seed with that of Gibbs. Once the hand was clean, Gibbs took Tony's mouth in a scorching kiss, tongue stroking deep into Tony's mouth, gathering up the taste of his and Tony's mixed cum.

"I love you, Tony."

"I love you, too, Boss."

Tony was lying half on and half of Gibbs, resting on his chest. Both men's boxers were wet and starting to get clammy as they cooled. They needed changing. They didn't want to move but they needed to start the day. Then they remembered and came back to reality: there was a little girl in the attic still sleeping.

"Tony, she slept through the night."

"I know. This is a good sign."

"Yes, it is. Now let's get cleaned up before we get all sticky and itchy."

"Together?"

"Nope, no time. It's already 8:30, and she's bound to wake up at any moment."

Gibbs kissed him again, slid out from underneath him and was in the shower before Tony could even blink. Moments later he was out again.

"One day you're going to have to teach me how to do that."

"What?"

"How to take a shower in the matter of a minute while getting your body so clean."

"Training, lots of training."

"Yeah, okay."

Tony kissed the man before going into the bathroom. He took a long, hot shower, letting the water run over his body.

While Tony was in the shower, Gibbs walked upstairs quietly. In the outer room he saw Jenny watching TV in her room quietly.

"Morning, Sunshine. How long have you been up?"

"About ten minutes. I didn't hear anyone and didn't want to wake you or Tony."

"It's fine, honey. I just wanted to check on you. Cereal okay for breakfast today?"

"Okay, let me get dressed."

"That sounds like a plan. You need help getting your cloths together?"

"Nope, I think I can do it."

"Okay, come down when you're ready, honey."

As he went downstairs to the kitchen, Gibbs smiled when he heard Tony still in the shower. Since they were still off work and his morning runs had been curtailed, he hadn't bothered setting the timer on the coffee maker the night before, not knowing when they would be up. Tomorrow, though, would be different. He intended to start running again tomorrow and would have to set the timer. For today he made some kind of caramel coffee, wanting to try all the different flavors Tony had bought.

The rest of the day was uneventful. Gibbs took Jenny down to the basement, and she helped him work on the boat. He was at peace when working on the boat. He thought back to little Zach helping him just a few days ago, then back to Megan and another boat. This was his third attempt at building a boat, and it was the farthest he'd ever gotten. After working for about three hours Tony called them up for lunch, having ordered delivery.

After lunch Gibbs started a very serious talk with Jenny about what they did for a living and that there was guns in the house. From there they went into a talk about gun safety that lasted for quite a while. Jenny asked them both if they had killed people with their guns, and they both said yes but only because that was the only way and they regretted anytime they ever had to pull the gun out of its holster. Jenny seemed to understand.

Later she asked if she could watch a movie in the living room. Tony was watching an old black and white movie but he stopped it and put in what she wanted to see. Gibbs made chicken that night for dinner. Jenny was in bed by 8:30. They'd discussed it and had decided on that as a bedtime for her. She would be allowed to read for half an hour, then it would be lights out at 9:00. She agreed without an argument.

Like the night before she slept in her own bed, with the door still open. Tony decided he didn't want to push her too far too fast. The boys went back down and just cuddled on the sofa till Gibbs fell asleep first. Tony woke him up and they went off to bed.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

0500 came fast. Tony hit the clock but Gibbs was already up and out of bed before it even buzzed. Tony crawled onto Gibbs side and curled up with his pillow. Gibbs smiled, knowing Tony wasn't even awake, that it was an involuntary response to him leaving the bed.

Gibbs got his cup of coffee beforehand, and then went for a run. During his run the cop pulled up and they talked for a moment. He'd wondered if everything was okay since he hadn't seen Gibbs in several days. Gibbs told him everything that happened, not leaving out any of the details. He didn't care if the guy knew he was with another man. The cop didn't seem to care and offered help if needed. After all, he had a boy the same age as Jenny and knew how difficult it could be. Gibbs thanked him and they went their separate ways.

Gibbs was back at the house a little later then usual, but not just because of talking to the policeman. Because he'd missed his run for so many days, he'd gone for a longer route this time. Plus he'd needed the time to think. They had their first appointment with a counselor scheduled for later that day, and he was going to open up about things he wasn't really sure he was ready to deal with just yet. Oh, well, he knew no matter what, Tony wouldn't be going anyplace.

He walked into the house, went upstairs and grabbed a shower. He stayed in a little longer than usual, letting the hot water relax muscles aching from not being used for a while. He finished his shower, got out and toweled off, then crawled back into bed. Tony replaced his pillow with the real thing, still not waking up, just switching positions. Tony seemed to sleep better when Gibbs was next to him, he could tell. Gibbs stroked Tony's back. He wasn't trying to get Tony off like he'd done to him the day before but merely to soothe the younger man. Tony began to purr, an honest to God purr that made Gibbs smile.

Not much later Jenny came to the door, crying. Gibbs had broken his own rule and gone to bed naked, so he couldn't get up and go to her. Instead he motioned for her to come into the room.

"Honey, are you okay?"

"I had the dream again."

"Honey, it was just a dream."

"No, it's not, Jethro," she stated, moving to the side of the bed. "It was the one where I watched Mom die in the car crash."

Gibbs let got of Tony and moved, pulling Jenny into his embrace. The sudden loss of his pillow woke Tony.

"Um, what's wrong?"

"Nothing, just a bad dream."

Gibbs held the little girl as she cried. Tony leaned over Gibbs and began rubbing her back.

"It's okay, Peanut."

Tony kissed the girl's head and was about to bring her under the covers. He had no clue Gibbs had even left the house. Gibbs quickly pulled the covers back down, not letting Tony lift them.

"No, I think it's time for all of us to get up."

Tony was shocked by Gibbs' reaction. When Gibbs smiled at him, Tony got it. Plus Tony saw the wet mark from Gibbs' hair on the pillow.

"Hey, honey, let's go get you dressed. We have to look nice for the doctor today."

"I don't want to go."

"Honey, it might be good to talk with someone about what happened."

"Can't I just talk to you and Jethro?"

"You can come and tell us anything, Peanut, but it might be good to talk to someone who is trained to do this kind of thing."

Tony flipped back the covers and got out of bed, exposing Gibbs' side. Jenny saw.

"Jethro, are you naked?"

Gibbs blushed a little. "Yes, honey."

"Why?"

"Sometimes adults sleep like that."

"Oh, okay. Do you and Tony have sex?"

The question came out of left field. Tony's knees gave out and he sat down on the edge of the bed. Both of the men looked at the little girl. She'd just asked a completely unexpected question during a conversation, and they had no idea what to tell her.

"You know about sex?" Tony asked faintly.

"Kind of. This one boy, he was older, was talking about it. He was fourteen and he was telling about things coming out of his-" She stopped, embarrassed.

Then it hit the men. They had no clue what a little girl might go through with growing breasts, and then there was the big one…the period. Both men were thinking the same thing at the same time. Abby and Ziva would have to help in that field. They knew Abby would not have a problem but Ziva might. They didn't know her well enough to know how she would handle this kind of topic.

"Um, well," was all Gibbs could get out.

"Yes, we do, Peanut. When two people love each other, like Jethro and I do, people make love, yes."

"Make love?"

"Yes, well, see sex is just that sex, but when two people really love each other it is so much more then that. You're a little too young to even know about it."

"That's for sure," Gibbs muttered. He was still floored that a ten-year girl had just asked him about having sex with his new boyfriend.

"Let's go and get you dressed while Jethro gets dressed himself."

Tony kissed Gibbs cheek and walked Jenny up to her room. Gibbs was still stunned and couldn't move. Tony came back five minutes later, shutting the door but leaving it open a crack before getting back into bed.

"What the…?"

"Well, she was just asking a question."

"I'm not mad. Well, I want to ring the neck of that boy, telling her about that kind of thing. She's not leaving the house till she is thirty."

"Baby, how realistic is that?"

"I know, but still. Tony did you think what we're going to do when she gets her…"

"No, not at all, really, but I guess we call Abby or Ziva."

"Yeah. Still, this is weird. I never would have expected that question. How did we get from her having a nightmare to her asking us if we're having sex?"

"Well, we did, kind of, yesterday morning."

"Yes, we did, but still."

"Why, Jethro, are you embarrassed of our sex life?"

"Only when it comes to a little ten-year old girl living in our house."

Gibbs kissed him and got out of bed. Tony watched him, marveling at the firm ass on him. Tony jumped out of bed and before Gibbs could put a pair of boxers on Tony ran his hands up Gibbs' ass, over his back and around to his chest.

"No time today, honey," Gibbs said, leaning into the caress nonetheless.

"I know. I just wanted to touch perfection."

Tony kissed the nape of Gibbs' neck before getting dressed himself. Tony got a swat on the butt when he left the room. Jenny was in the kitchen when they got down there. Gibbs' empty coffee cup was on the table. He poured himself another cup and drank it, then they went out for breakfast.

They arrived a little early for their appointment with the doctor, knowing they would have papers to fill out for each of them. It was then that it dawned on Tony that they knew nothing about her personal life, whether or not she was allergic to anything, not even what doctor she used. She knew the name of the doctor, and they would ask Ducky later if that was a good one or not and if not get her file to one who Ducky knew and trusted.

After filling out the paperwork they put Jenny down with both cards; since Gibbs' was a little better they used his as the primary with Tony's as the secondary insurance. They weren't worried at all about it. The lady at the desk was very nice and helpful and did say the social worker had sent over a file for the doctor already about them.

They sat in the waiting room for about ten minutes after completing the paperwork, Tony moving the whole time. He couldn't stay still to save his life. They called for them and they were shown into a large office with a sofa in the middle and a desk and chair next to the sofa. The little man in the chair stood up and shook both men's hands.

"Now, who do we have here today? Jenny, right?"

"Yes, sir."

"Very polite. Please, everyone, have a seat."

The doctor sat down, as did Tony, Gibbs and Jenny.

"Now, the social worker sent over the file about what happened to your mom. I'm sorry to hear about her passing."

Jenny took Tony's hand but didn't cry.

"I was thinking maybe an anti-depressant might be good for Jenny."

"Excuse me?" Tony said.

"Yes, in cases like these the child might need something to help her through it."

"She has something."

"Oh, she's already on something. That's good."

"No, you missed the point; she has us and our friends. We're what she needs, not some kind of pill."

"Tony, relax," Gibbs said to his lover who was getting a little loud.

Jenny was still holding his hand.

"I meant nothing by it."

"No, you read a file and think you know everything. You doctors are all the same; let put a pill in their mouth and they're all fine."

"Honey, relax." Gibbs did not use this term in front of people but Tony did not even hear him.

Tony was pissed that this doctor seemed to know the answers already without even talking to them.

"No, Jethro, he is no better then the ones my folks thought I needed. Give them drugs and make them behave. That is not what Jenny needs, and you know it. We're leaving."

Tony got up. Still holding his hand, Jenny walked out with him. Gibbs followed suit and they left the room.

"Sorry, sir, I didn't mean-"

Gibbs ignored the man. He was supporting his other half. They stormed out of the office, not even stopping at the desk.

Tony picked up his cell phone and hit the number four, holding it down till it started ringing.

"Ducky…Yes, I'm fine…No, really, just a little angry…It's nothing, but I need a big favor. Can you meet for lunch?…Yes, that place will be fine. We'll meet you there, thanks."

"Well, you care to explain to me what just happened?" Gibbs asked, cupping the younger man's face in the public parking lot.

"Jethro, she doesn't need pills. She needs someone to talk to and work through the feelings of separation anxiety."

"When did you become the profiler?" Gibbs kissed him, not hard and no tongue, but a kiss in public nonetheless.

"Jethro, he didn't even let us talk. He just wanted to give her pills. That is not the way to deal with it. I had that as a kid, and it did nothing."

"Okay, then. We have lunch with Ducky, and he might know something or someone who can help. You up for lunch with Ducky, honey?"

"I like him. He's nice."

"Yes, he is," Tony said. "Let's get buckled up. Gibbs drives like a maniac."

"Not when I have precious cargo in the car. Where are we eating, anyway?"

Tony gave him the name of the place. Gibbs knew it. Ducky loved to have lunch there. It was the same place where Ari had kidnapped Kate. They drove there right away but Ducky was already there waiting for them.

"Hello, my dear, and how are you today?"

"Good, Ducky."

"Good, I'm glad to hear that."

They were shown to a table inside since it was cold out. Tony told Ducky about the doctor and his solution of medicating Jenny.

"I am sorry for some of my colleagues, Anthony, but they just do not see the big picture, I have a great friend who specializes in children. She is wonderful. And about her primary care physician, I know a much better person."

Ducky put the numbers for both doctors on a card for the men and no more was said about the aborted appointment. They ate lunch, and Jenny told Ducky about her room and how Jethro had made a wall and now she has two rooms all to herself.

They said their good-byes to Ducky and made a few calls, one to the social worker, telling her about the doctor and giving her the name of the one they would be using. She said it was fine, that it wasn't required of them but it was advised. Then they called the pediatrician for an appointment. They also called the psychologist and got an appointment for the three of them. They stopped at Jenny's old doctor and showed the court papers that gave them the ability to sign for the chart and told the secretary where to send it.

Then, as a surprise, they took Jenny for dinner at Chuck E Cheese's like they had promised. Her incision from the surgery was much better and healing nicely. Ducky had changed the dressing when he'd been over for dinner and had shown them how to care for it. They'd been changing it everyday and knew just how healed she was. They knew she would be fine climbing over the stuff as long as she didn't hit the mostly-healed wound. Both men watched till she would come and pull one or the other in to play a game with her. Tony got more games except skee ball; Gibbs was a pro at that. Jenny walked out with one of the largest prizes because of Gibbs hitting high scores at the game. They took her home and watched a movie till it was time to get ready for bed. When it was time she hesitated only momentarily before going to her room and going to bed. But first she brought a smile to their faces and tears to their eyes by giving them both a quick kiss on the cheek.

Once they were sure she was asleep, they went up to their own room, Gibbs going in first.

"Shut the door, Tony."

"But Jenny-"

"Shut the door. We'll open it later. Afterwards."

A slow smile spread over Tony's face. "Whatever you say, Boss."

Tony shut the door and leaned back against it, watching as Gibbs removed his clothes and folded them, slowly revealing a body that drove Tony insane with desire. He licked his lips and swallowed when he saw that Gibbs was already semi-erect. The sight of that shaft hardening before his very gaze made him lick his lips again, his own cock filling with blood.

Gibbs crooked his finger, motioning for Tony to come to him. Tony obeyed, walking across the room and stopping face-to-face with the older man, taking full note of the flush of passion covering his cheeks. Gibbs took Tony's face in both hands and kissed him, hard and forcefully, making Tony groan.

"Clothes off, DiNozzo. NOW."

"On it, Boss."

Gibbs sat on the bed, leaning back against the headboard and watched as Tony quickly stripped, leaving his clothes in a haphazard pile on the floor. He didn't think he'd ever get tired of seeing Tony's body or used to the fact that it was now his to do whatever he wanted with.

Tony got into the bed on his side, crawling on hands and knees to Gibbs' side, smiling when he saw the lust flaring in those blue eyes. Leaning closer he softly fitted his mouth to Gibbs', giving him a kiss that spoke of love.

"Make love to me, Tony," Gibbs whispered against his lips.

Tony looked at him, judging to see if that was what he really wanted. What he saw made his breath catch because once again Gibbs was willingly giving up control to him.

"Anything you want, Boss."

Tony removed the pillow from behind Gibbs and helped him lie flat on the bed. Straddling his body, he leaned down, hands braced on the mattress on either side of Gibbs' head as he swooped in for a kiss that was hard and passionate, tongues dueling in their own mating dance.

Gibbs groaned, hands curling into the hair covering Tony's chest, letting go only when Tony began kissing his way down his body. He hissed when Tony took a nipple into his mouth, scraping it with his teeth, tugging on it with the incredible suction of his mouth. Tony's tongue began tracing patterns on Gibbs' chest, and it took him a moment to realize they weren't random patterns, rather Tony was mapping the scars on his body.

"Tony," he sighed, threading his fingers through the dark hair and pulling his head up for another kiss that left them both stunned and breathless.

Tony smiled and went back to what he was doing. He pushed Gibbs legs apart and moved between them, bending down to flick his tongue into that perfect navel. Gibbs swallowed heavily when Tony's lips and tongue continued southward. Tony's tongue licked up Gibbs' hard shaft and swirled over the tip before he kissed it softly.

Gibbs' only warning was the wicked smile Tony sent his way before he suddenly found his legs over Tony's shoulders and Tony's tongue circling his anus.

"Tony!" he gasped.

Tony chuckled but didn't let up, his tongue circling and stabbing, loosening Gibbs for the coming invasion. The sound of Gibbs' harsh breathing made him double his efforts till the rosy puckered opening seemed to beg for something more. Only then did he lower Gibbs' legs.

Reaching into the nightstand for lube, Tony slicked up two fingers and was amazed that they slid right in. Twisting and scissoring, he loosened Gibbs even more, wanting to make sure the pain of penetration would be as minimal as possible. When he added a third finger, he was afraid from the flush suffusing Gibbs' body and the way his chest rose and fell with his rapid breathing that he was going to shoot his load then and there.

Leaning over for another quick, hard kiss, Tony said, "Love you, Boss."

"I love you, too, Tony. Now hurry and get in me."

Tony's mouth quirked up. "Is that an order?"

"Hell yes, DiNozzo. Do it NOW."

Chuckling, Tony coated his cock with lube, then brought the head to Gibbs' eager and open hole, carefully pushing in past the tight ring of muscle. He pushed in steadily, both men hissing once his balls were flush against Gibbs' ass.

"Oh, God, you're tight."

All Gibbs could do was grunt as Tony pulled out and pushed back in, a bit harder this time. His legs lifted, wrapping around Tony's waist. He gasped, his eyes rolling back in his head when the new angle made Tony hit his prostate with each thrust. He wrapped a hand around his hard, aching cock, intending to jack himself off while Tony fucked him, but a growl from Tony stopped him.

"Don't touch that. It belongs to me."

Gibbs swallowed at the forcefulness behind that statement, finding it highly erotic. Letting go, he spread his arms out to his sides, fingers grasping and wadding up the sheets for a much-needed hold.

Tony stared into glazed blue eyes as his thrusts because faster and harder, pushing Gibbs into the mattress. It was only as he came that his eyes rolled back in his head, cords standing out on his neck as he gritted his teeth to keep from crying out. He didn't want Jenny hearing them and come running. There was no way he could get away with the stubbing his toe excuse this time.

Gibbs' breath caught when he felt his lover's hot seed filling him. He winced a bit when Tony pulled out, even though the younger man was careful. His eyes caught Tony's gaze just before Tony leaned down and engulfed his hard cock in his mouth, taking him all the way to the root in one swift move.

"Tony!"

Tony hummed in answer, the vibrations of his throat causing Gibbs' eyes to roll back in his head at the incredible sensation. It didn't take long, no more than half a dozen slides of his mouth up and down the hard shaft before Gibbs was thrusting his hips up, pushing deep into Tony's throat as he came.

Tony pulled off with one last swipe of his tongue across the sensitive head. Crawling back up Gibbs' body, he leaned in for a soft, sweet kiss, sharing Jethro's cum with him.

"You taste so good," he whispered against the older man's mouth.

All Gibbs could do was hum in response, nearly wiped out from the incredible experience. Tony chuckled, got out of bed, even though his legs were a bit unsteady, and fetched a wet cloth to clean Gibbs and himself.

Once that was done he pulled on a pair of boxers, then helped Gibbs into his before opening the door and turning out the light. Pulling up the covers, he crawled into bed and moved over to Gibbs, his head automatically finding its spot on Gibbs chest. With a happy sigh he drifted to sleep.