Tony's physical therapy for his hands and leg. At the center Tony learned more about how to work with Cappuccino, giving her the commands she knew. Gibbs was also to work with them both and learn how to help them with getting around the house. They also started learning Braille, and Abby joined in for that course. They also both started seeing a therapist.

Gibbs, while now helping them, started teaching an ASL course at the center. He helped out a lot with the deaf as well as with the support group for people who had loved ones who were blind.

Gibbs started the paperwork for custody for Kelly; after that started, Shannon's tune had changed, but Gibbs wasn't putting up with it anymore. Every time she'd get mad at him for something, she would use Kelly as a bargaining chip. Well, no more. He wanted full custody, and he was going to get it.

Friday night came fast in the Gibbs' household. It was the BIG night. Gibbs had butterflies all day long. He knew this was Tony's first real date. He wasn't going all out, but he was taking him to his favorite Italian place for dinner. It was a dive to look at, but it was run buy an older Italian couple who came from the old country and had a thriving restaurant; it was one of the best kept secrets in Washington. Gibbs also, after talking to his therapist, had a surprise for Tony.

"Abby does this look okay?"

"Dad, it's only a date. It's not like you have to look perfect. Besides, he loves you already."

"Still, Abby, it's his very first real date; I kind of want it to be special."

"It already is coming from you. I'm proud of you."

"Why?"

"Well, you've changed a lot. You're now talking to people and opening and sharing and such."

"Poppy!" Kelly came running into the room.

"Hey there, Angel. Uncle Tim pick you up?"

"Yup. He's downstairs talking to Tony. Will Tony be my new daddy as well?"

"Well, Angel, I'm, well…"

"Yes, honey, if all goes well, he will," Abby said, taking pity on her father.

"What do you mean goes well, Abby?"

"After they leave, Uncle Tim and I will try to explain it."

"Tony's doggy is nice. He let me pet her."

"Did Tony tell you the rules with the dog?"

"Just that she's not a pet but a helper for Tony and that sometimes she has to work and I can't just run up to him and play with her."

"Right. Think you can do that?"

"Are you and Tony still in different rooms?"

"Yes, Angel, we're dating."

"You love him, right?"

"Very much so."

"So do I. Mommy got mad about him. Is that why Mommy let me come over this weekend and then for the following week?"

"I know. Did Mommy tell you I'm trying to have the court let you come live with me and Tony for good?"

"Yeah. Can I stay with Abby sometimes?"

"Abby, that okay with you?"

"Heck yeah. We can paint our toenails and everything. Hey, how about we paint McGee's tonight?"

"He's a boy, we can't."

"Wanna bet?"

"Okay, that's more info then I wanted about McGee," Gibbs interjected.

"Let's let Poppy get dressed and we can go get Chinese food."

"Cool. Can Uncle Tim come?"

"Yup. Who do you think is paying?"

Abby took her little sister and left the man to his own devices. Gibbs wasn't a vain man at all, but he was a proud man, and he was now looking at himself in the mirror. He looked at everything about himself, his face, his body, everything.

‘What the hell does this man like about me? I'm not all the special,' Gibbs thought to himself. He didn't hear the dog or the man now standing in the doorframe.

"You ready, Jethro?"

"Oh, I'm sorry, Tony, yes."

"No, stop. Where are you?"

"In front of my dresser, in the middle."

Tony let go of the dog and knew how many steps it was to the dresser and walked slowly into the room, then he turned and walked to Gibbs. Gibbs put his hands out. Tony found a hand and pulled Gibbs closer to him. Gibbs followed the pull, then Tony started just feeling the older man's face, from his hair to his chin.

"You're handsome. You know that?"

"Tony, why? Why me? What do I have to offer you? You're young, good-looking. What does an old war-bruised man have to offer you?"

"Well, this, really." Tony placed his hand on Gibbs' chest, on top of his shirt, right where his heart was. "This is so large and so caring and so loving. This is what you have to offer this used blind man. You showed me that people can love me just for me being me. I'm not always believing it, but I know that you love me for me and not for my body."

Both men were then body to body, able to feel the other's erection. Gibbs held the man in front of him closer.

"God, I love you so much that it hurts, Tony."

"I know, Jethro, and if there wasn't a little girl downstairs who wants to play with Capp, I'd ask for something from you."

"Tony, I said only-"

"I do, Jethro, I want this for me. I want it for US."

"Not tonight, okay. I want you, believe me, but tonight is a date and maybe a little light petting, but nothing more, okay."

"I can live with that. I know you're not rejecting me."

"Never. I could never reject you. God, you got me all horny now. I'm sorry, I shouldn't say that."

"No, Jethro, we made a promise to each other to say what we feel, and that's what you feel. I'm okay with not making you happy. I'd like to show you that I can make you happy, but you're right, this is our first date, and well, let's go eat, I'm hungry."

"Good, so am I."

Tony put his hand down and tapped his side once. That was the cue for the dog to come and she did. The men walked downstairs and found Abby and Kelly sitting in front of the TV, begging Tim to let them paint his toenails.

"Okay, you guys play nice. Kelly, you're sleeping over at Abby's tonight."

"Yes, Poppy, so you and Tony can have adult time."

"Who told you that?"

"Abby." Kelly pointed.

"Rat," Abby said while tickling her baby sister.

"Okay, come say good night, and listen to your sister. Okay?"

"Yes, Poppy." Kelly ran and gave her father a hug and kiss good night.

"Can I get one, too?" Tony asked, bending down to get the hug from the little girl.

"Night, Daddy," she said without warning.

Tony stopped and let go in fear. Gibbs, seeing the reaction, placed a hand on the man's shoulder and went down to his level.

"What? Did I say something wrong?" Kelly asked, worried about the fearful look on Tony's face.

"No, Princess, it's just that Tony wasn't expecting that response."

"I'm sorry, Tony. I didn't mean to hurt your feelings."

"No, Kelly, it's okay. I…well…I was just taken aback. You don't even really know me."

"No, but you're Poppy's boyfriend, and you two love each other, so you're my new daddy now."

"I'm…well…I'm…"

Gibbs placed a hand on the small of Tony's back and the younger man gained support and knew what she said was okay with him.

"Thanks, honey, it means a lot to me." Tony held out his arms again.

This time the little girl latched on around his neck and Tony stood up, holding and hugging the girl close. Tony had tears rolling down his cheeks. Gibbs took his daughter, well, now their daughter, and handed her to Tim. He and Tony walked out of the house and the moment they hit the porch and the front door was shut, Tony all but broke down in Gibbs' arms.

"SHHHH, it's okay, Tony."

"She called me Daddy. I never guessed, in a million years, I would hear those words about me."

"She loves you, Tony. She's not the only one. You know if you want, we don't have to go, we can-"

"No, I want to go out on a date. You're right, we need to get to know each other."

Gibbs ended the talk with a kiss and both men and the dog all piled into the car. They got to the restaurant and it was packed, but Gibbs had called ahead and had had a special table held for him. He'd made sure it was an out of the way table so people didn't trip over Cappuccino. They had a nice private table. The waiter hit on both men and flirted to no end. Before eating Gibbs had made sure to help Tony know where things were at his place setting.

After finishing, they were in the parking lot and it was almost 10:00 PM. They were talking to each other, REAL talking, about life, what they both felt about the current political problem and even about what Gibbs had said about Tony becoming a field agent.

"Okay, I have a surprise for you. If we leave now, we'll make it just in time."

"What, Jethro?"

"You'll see."

"Um, not really."

"You know what I mean, smart ass."

"I would rather have this ass," Tony said, pulling Gibbs closer and resting his hand on the older man's still-hard, muscular ass and sliding his hand inside Gibbs' slacks.

"Tony."

"I'm not doing anything, just resting my hands, promise."

"Still…"

Tony started kissing Gibbs. The kiss alone made Gibbs want to cum right then and there, it was so intense and filled with fire.

"Okay, Tony," Gibbs said a bit raggedly, "a surprise for you. Remember?"

"I like this much better."

"Trust me."

Gibbs so wanted to just hold Tony, now and forever. He helped Tony into the car, then put Cappuccino in the backseat and drove over to Georgetown College and to the student union. They both walked up, Gibbs holding Tony's hand. Tony was a little taken aback since, yes, they'd kissed in the parking lot, but it had been a little out of the way. Tony could tell because he hadn't heard anyone around.

They stopped before going into a darkened room. Gibbs didn't say a word, but Tony heard him pay someone some money. They walked into a room and sat close to the door. Gibbs went in front, then Tony.

"Where are we?"

"Georgetown University Student Union."

"Why?"

"Just wait."

Gibbs took Tony's hand and held it again on the armrest. Cappuccino was in the aisle but since they were in the last row, she wasn't in the way. It wasn't that busy, but then Gibbs saw the lights dim and people stopped talking and the movie started. It was "The Maltese Falcon." Tony just stayed there; he never went to the movies. He held onto Gibbs' hand even tighter and Gibbs could tell he was happy with the movie. He'd had never seen it, and Tony was just listening. Gibbs was describing things if Tony asked. Since not a lot of people were near them, it didn't matter. After the movie was over they waited till it emptied.

"So, you happy?"

"I'm overwhelmed. I always wanted to go to a movie, but all the johns I had never…well, I'm blind."

"So? You still have ears, and you asked questions; not a big deal. So you like your surprise?"

"Yes, Jethro, very much." They both got up and walked out to the car. "Is there a bench nearby?"

"Yes," Gibbs said and guided them to the bench.

Cappuccino took her cues from the older man pointing to the location. After both men were seated, "Jethro, I'm not sure this is the right time or not but well…I think you should go back to work"

"Tony, look I'm happy to be with you and help you out and what not, with the center."

"I know, but I also know that you love your job. I was talking to Bill, and he thinks that it is time I start doing more and more on my own. I'm not pushing you away."

Tony reached for Gibbs' hands. Gibbs took notice and gave them happily to Tony.

"You're sure, Tony?"

"Yes. It would make me happy for you to do something that you love."

"But I love spending time with you."

"I know, but I'm ready for you to catch the man who did this to me, and I think you in the office might work better."

"Tony, I'm happy to do that for you. I'm happy that you think we can go after him. You're sure about this?"

"Yes. Bill said he can schedule our together classes for nighttime, after you get out of work. I can take the bus to get there and do the other courses and the Braille one is at night already."

"Tony, I'm asking one last time."

"Yes, I'm sure. I think it will help US as well."

"How so?"

"Well, I need to feel like I'm doing something of use. Yes, I do the laundry but now, well, I can take care of the house. I'm sure they will want to do a home visit with Kelly and the hearing and all. Also, I think you should go back to work and work during her Spring Break. This way she and I can get to know each other better."

"Tony, look, I've never doubted you and what you can do, but she is only eight."

"I'm not trying to overdo it. I talked to Billy as well, and he thinks I can. Don't you?"

"Yes, and then some. I'm just worried, okay, for her, for you."

"I'm not trying to steal her a-"

"I'm not even thinking that, Tony." Gibbs placed his hand on Tony's face; Tony leaned into it. "I'm just worried. How about I at least stay home one more day and maybe we can go to the zoo?"

"I think she and I would like that."

"Oh, I'm sorry, Tony, it's a visual thing."

"And so is a movie, but yet you still took me to one. I'm cool with just listening to the world, Jethro. Please, I can have an eight-year old try and describe to me what a tiger looks like again. Plus, I'd seen animals before I lost my sight, Jethro."

"You're sure?"

"As much as I want to go home right now and have you make love to me."

"Tony…"

"What I want and what I get are two different things. By the way, I'm a bottom."

"Good, since I'm a top."

Gibbs leaned in, still holding his face, and kissed him. Time stopped for that moment. Their mouths locked, love flowed between the men. Tongues raked each other's mouths and found points to make the other one smile and moan. What broke them up was the campus police stopping them and asking to see ID. Gibbs flashed the badge and they let the men off. Gibbs drove them home and they both were tired. Tony could feel Gibbs forcing himself to stay awake, even with the cup of coffee he got on the way home. Coffee to Gibbs was like water to most people; the caffeine didn't do much.

"Jethro, I love you," Tony said in the hallway between their bedrooms.

"I love you too, Tony." Both men just kissed. "Come to bed with me tonight. Nothing but sleep."

"I'm not sure, Jethro."

"Just lay next to me, that's all."

"I don't trust myself, Jethro. I want to feel you in me; I have for sometime."

"Tony, if you really want that, I'll make that happen, but-"

"Shhh."

Tony led them to Gibbs' bedroom and the moment Tony let go of Cappuccino she went to the side of the bed and just laid there. Gibbs guided Tony to the bed. Tony then slowly undressed Gibbs, first his shirt, then his slacks. Each time he picked up the article of clothing and folded it and placed it on his dresser. Then when he had on nothing but his boxers, Tony removed his own clothing, again folding each article. Cappuccino looked at her master while he was walking without assistance to make sure he was okay. Then she laid her head back down and went to sleep. Tony stopped at his briefs.

"Let me see you, Jethro, please, then we can go to sleep. I mean really see you, nothing more."

"Okay, but let's lay down. I know you know this house well, but I want you to take your time."

"I would like that, but I want to take these off for you," Tony said, flipping the elastic waist of his briefs.

Gibbs removed Tony's tented briefs and his boxers and made a throw and they landed in the hamper. Tony's twelve inches was hard as could be and leaking. Gibbs only had eight inches but his was also leaking. Gibbs was humming to give Tony his location.

"Okay, Tony, this way."

Gibbs guided Tony to the bed. He lay down and Tony crawled up the bed.

"Just lay back and let the fingers do the walking."

Tony started with Gibbs' face. He was on his knees, Gibbs was flat against the bed with only his one pillow propping his head up. He closed his eyes as Tony massaged his face.

Tony moved down Gibbs' neck and came to his broad shoulders. Tony found an abnormality there.

"What's this from?"

"That scar was when I was in France a few years back and got shot."

Tony was rubbing and feeling the wound. He found another wound on Gibbs' other shoulder and proceeded to ask Gibbs for every wound he found a scar for and Gibbs told him what it meant.

"Oh, God, Tony."

Tony was now moving over Gibbs' furry chest.

"Are you salt and pepper on your chest as well, Jethro?"

"Yes. You keep this up and we might have a mess."

"Then we have a mess, but Jethro, I'm not doing this to make you cum, you know that, right?"

"Yes and no. I think you want that but that is not your reason."

"True. That is just an outcome to a result to two people loving each other."

"Just don't stop, got me?"

"Not planning on it, Jethro. What's this one for?" Tony had found another wound on his belly.

"I was stabbed as a kid, a bottle from my father. I was protecting my mother."

"I'm sorry."

"I'm not. He was a total ass and that led me into the Marines. I would not be-" Gibbs bit his lip from Tony's light touch. He wanted to cum so bad but he was holding off.

Tony felt this and stopped for a moment.

"No, don't stop."

"I'm only letting you relax more. I'm not planning on stopping. I have two legs to go and, if you will permit me, your cock."

"Right now, Tony, I want to bury it deep in you."

"Jethro, I'm not stopping you." Tony leaned over and started kissing his lover.

"No, Tony, you're not. I'M stopping me."

"Why? Let it go."

"Not tonight. We have a lifetime together," Gibbs whispered back and moved Tony's hand right to his hard member.

Tony didn't stroke it; he felt it but didn't stroke. Gibbs' breathing was erratic, and Tony knew he was making this man happy.

"Oh, Goooooood, Tony," Gibbs moaned. He lost his control, and when Tony took his balls in his hand, six long streams of cum flew out of his body. The average human will produce about a tablespoon of cum, but Gibbs had just produced almost a ¼ of a cup. It was now all over his chest and Tony's hands.

"Mmmm, you taste good," Tony said, licking the warm cum off his hand.

"Tony, you know better than to-"

"Jethro, I'm the one that is the risky one, not you. I think I can taste your liquid love."

Tony then leaned over and smeared the seed between their bodies and kissed Gibbs, his own seed now in his mouth and their tongues mixing the flavors of each man.

"Oh, God, Tony, you keep this up, I might just blow again."

"Now we might just have to have that happen. I'm not done with my exploration. I have your back still."

"Okay, then can I get up or can you get a towel from the bathroom?"

Tony got off the bed and Cappuccino led him to the bathroom and Tony came back with a warm washcloth and a few towels. Tony then washed Gibbs' front, making sure to get the sticky fluid off his chest. Tony then went down Gibbs' legs, again asking when he came to a scar.

"Okay, your back, please."

Tony laid a towel for Gibbs to roll onto. Tony then proceeded down Gibbs' back, making sure to work the muscles. Gibbs, who again was getting aroused, shot another load of cum into the towel. Afterwards Tony got to Gibbs' feet. By that time the older man was a pile of goo.

"God, Tony."

"Shh, just hold me for the night."

Tony cleaned Gibbs up and they both got under the covers and fell asleep. Gibbs spooned up behind Tony, the younger man making sure Gibbs' cock rested in his ass crack.

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

"Daddy, wake up, time to wake up, Poppy." Kelly was at the foot of the bed with both men holding each other.

"Kelly, did you knock?"

"Nope, I let her in," Abby said, holding a tray of food. "We figured you would need energy, and so we cooked you breakfast."

"I made the pancakes."

"Thanks, Angel. Tony, we have visitors." Gibbs shook Tony, and he started at awakening to more than him in bed.

"Kelly, Abby, what are-"

"We made you breakfast. Abby said you would need energy food."

"Well, she's wrong." Gibbs shot her a look.

She just smiled, able to smell it.

"Here you go, boys."

Gibbs moved the tray to between them.

"Daddy, are you naked under the sheets?"

"Um, yes, Kelly, we both are."

"So you had daddy time. Mommy calls it mommy time."

"Well, we slept together, yes. Not much else."

"That's okay. I saw mommy doing stuff once."

"WHAT?!?" Gibbs almost pushed the tray off the bed and held his baby daughter. "YOU SAW WHAT?"

"You're scaring me, Poppy." Kelly was almost in tears.

Tony heard it in her voice. "Jethro, let go and relax. Please, Kelly, what you saw should only be seen by two adults who love each other, much like your father and myself. Your mother had no right to let you see that."

Gibbs had let her go and now was brooding and steaming. Abby saw anger she had only seen one other time in her father, and that was not a good sign.

"Kelly, let's go and feed Cappuccino"

"Okay, Abby."

Abby knew a few commands for the dog, but she just looked up at Tony. Tony knew she wouldn't leave his side without the command from him.

"Okay, play time," he said and Cappuccino went with the two ladies and they shut the door.

"She fucking bitched at me."

"Jethro."

"How the-"

Tony laid a hand on his pissed-off lover, but it didn't seem to relax him. Tony then moved his hands up, finding Gibbs' face, and he leaned over and kissed Jethro till he felt the body relax. After Gibbs' body relaxed, Tony let his mouth go.

"Now, this is what you're going to do. You're going to eat the food."

"That bitch." Tony placed his finger on Gibbs' cheek, but Gibbs knew what he was trying to do and Tony found his mouth soon enough.

"You're going to eat the food, you're going to kiss me good morning, then we're going to get up and get dressed. Then you will go down and call your lawyer and make sure she doesn't leave this house anymore, except for school. Then you will sit down with her and the whole family-" Tony stopped at that word.

Gibbs saw the glee in Tony's eyes from that one word.

"The whole family and we will talk about the changes that will be happening. You're still going to return to work. We'll also reassure that little girl, who, I might add, you just sacred, that she did nothing wrong, that it was her mother who did something wrong. You will also not turn her mother into a bad guy. She is still her mother."

"So when did you get so confidant?"

"Oh, about sometime between the first and the second orgasm I gave you last night."

"About that, I-"

"You regret what we did and moving too fast. I understand."

"Now there's the Tony I fell in love with. No, I'm not saying that. I'm saying that I kind of liked waking up next to you, and if you wish, I'm happy to share my bed with you."

"Jethro, are you sure? I know you wanted to take it slow."

"And we still will. We still tell the truth. If you're not in the mood or I'm not, we voice that. I told you things last night about myself I've never told even Abby. You know some of my deepest secrets, stuff I'm not proud of."

"It's what we do. I told you about some of the people in my past and how they treated me."

"We share. I'm ready to share my bed, my life and my daughters with you."

"That means a lot to me, Jethro."

Tony kissed Gibbs hard on the mouth, but not for long. Then he braked and Gibbs started to feed Tony. Tony let the man feed him. After the food was gone, Gibbs got up and in his robe walked over to Tony's room and got a set of clothing for Tony. Then he retuned and the men got dressed. Then, just like Tony said, they walked down and hugged Kelly and made sure she knew what she did and said and saw was not her fault and she did nothing wrong. Gibbs then called his lawyer and didn't care what it cost; Kelly was not leaving that house. The lawyer was happy to make this happen. Shannon had stepped over the line. Gibbs next call was to Tom Morrow, informing him he was retuning to work on Monday. Kelly was going to school on Monday, to her school. Abby or he would drop her off on the way to work.

While Gibbs was on the phone, Abby, Kelly and Tony moved his stuff into Gibbs' room.

Gibbs had the paperwork that night signed by a judge stating that Kelly was to remain in the custody of her father. It was not what you knew but who you knew in the city of Washington and Gibbs knew a lot of people and even a few judges that he was owed a few favors. Shannon wasn't happy and was trying to fight it, but for now the judge ruled in Gibbs' favor till a trial date could be set.

Child Services was also called in to do the investigation and Gibbs was fine with that. He didn't know anyone there, but neither did Shannon, so she couldn't make it look like it was him doing something wrong.

The next Monday Gibbs went back to work and Kelly was dropped off at school on the way to work and Abby or someone would pick her up from school afterwards. Gibbs was able to the first day and even the second day, but a case came up on the third and Abby left the lab, dropped her off at home and then went back to work.

Tony and Gibbs shared a bed but that was about all. Every night Tony would fall asleep using Gibbs as a pillow or pulling Gibbs up behind him. No sex was happening, it was just holding and bonding. Kelly was learning a few things that she would need to live with a service dog. That Monday they all went to the class and Kelly worked with Tony and Capp.

"Daddy, Daddy." Kelly came running into the house to find Tony in the kitchen, eating a snack.

"Yes, Honey."

"Poppy's not coming home for awhile."

"I know, honey, he just called, so it's just you and me for dinner. He said to get some take out."

"Oh, can we go to Wendys?"

"I would love to, honey, but well…"

"OH, I forgot you can't drive. I'm sorry, Tony."

"It's okay, honey. So how about we get Italian?"

"Really? Mommy never gets that, she only ever gets Chinese."

"Well, then, let's shake things up a little. Now, do you have homework?"

"Some."

"Then let's get started, young lady."

"Yes, Daddy."

Kelly opened her book bag and started her homework at the kitchen table. Tony went about and finished cleaning the house.

"Hello." Gibbs had gone out and gotten Tony a cell phone. Tony wasn't happy since he wasn't helping out with the bills, but Gibbs had convinced him to get one. Gibbs changed his plan to a family plan so Tony and Abby were on all one plan.

"Hey there."

"Jethro, what's up?"

"Hey, well, it will be late tonight. The case is a pain."

"So…"

"Just wanted to give you a heads up. You and Kelly going to be okay?"

"She's working on homework as we speak. I'm cleaning the downstairs WC, then we plan on ordering in Italian tonight."

"Sounds like you have a plan. What about class?"

"Well, I'll call Bill and tell him that we won't make it tonight."

"Tony."

"Jethro, I'm fine with this. It's not like you got a case to fuck up things. You do what you have to and get the bad person."

"We're trying. Well, call if you need anything."

"Stop fretting, MOM."

"Ouch. Love you."

"I love you, too. Night." Tony hung up the phone and went back to cleaning the bathroom on the main floor, then walked back into the kitchen and got a bottle of water.

"Daddy, I'm done."

"Okay, honey, then go and change and you can go out and play or you can watch TV."

"Thanks, Daddy."

The rest of the week was much like this. The case didn't break till Saturday afternoon when McGee found the clue that they needed. Well, it was Tony who found it. They were all talking aloud in the living room; Tony was eating something in the kitchen and he walked in and said something about something that they had and Tim then traced it and found that it was bogus. They were all amazed they didn't find it sooner. That night Tony and Gibbs didn't make love but they did make-out, touching and fondling. It was about bonding at this point. Neither wanted to go all the way but wanted to make the other happy so they ended both coming and then both falling asleep, Tony lying on Gibbs.

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

"Daddy, did you ever have sight?"

The family was on the way to the zoo. Abby and McGee were tagging along, as well as Cait and her new boyfriend. Everyone was in their own cars.

"Yes, honey, I lost it when I was like fifteen."

"So you know what the animals look like."

"Most of them, yes, but I want you to tell me anyway."

"Okay, Daddy."

Kelly sat back and was just enjoying the trip. When they got there Gibbs paid for everyone. After walking in, there was a machine there that sold a key that could be used in boxes around the zoo. Gibbs got one after Kelly, and then Tony, begged.

They all split up for a little while, Kelly holding Tony's free hand while he was holding Capp's harness.

"Poppy, can we get one, please." They had come to a machine that made wax figures of the animals that were in the compound next to them.

"Okay."

Gibbs put in the money and out popped a wax figure of an elephant. Kelly described the cages and the animals to Tony. Gibbs just had to smile, listening to the world through the eyes of an eight-year old. At each cage that had a wax thing, Kelly and Tony would ask for one.

"You know the both of you will drive me into the poor house."

Tony snapped at Gibbs' words. He always worried that he wasn't putting forth his share. Even if Gibbs did not mean it and was joking, the words stung him. He was hiding it well till lunch happened. The group met up for lunch together in the lower part of the zoo near the aquarium. Kelly noticed her Daddy wasn't eating and was just moping.

"Daddy, what's wrong?"

"Nothing, honey, don't worry about it."

Gibbs, hearing Kelly ask Tony if he was okay, tuned into the fact that Tony was shying away from everyone. He was sitting on the edge of the table, not next to him. He was just petting Capp. She was having a ball; she was eating Tony's hamburger now. He had fed it to her. It wasn't what she should be eating, but Tony didn't care at that moment.

"Tony." Gibbs had gotten up, walked the few steps and placed a hand on his back and sat next to him.

"Yes?" Tony forced out with venom in the word.

"Tony, what's the matter?"

Abby, overhearing this, being she was the next closest, opened an ear to get the inside track.

"Nothing, Jethro, now please," Tony again said with disdain in his voice, then he got up and Capp led him away.

Gibbs was now totally confused and lost as to what to do. He turned around and saw Abby making a sign for him to follow. The rest of the party stopped and noticed Tony leaving them. All of them were worrying about the blind man walking away; not that he would bump into anything with Capp, but he was their friend. Blind or with sight, he was walking away and that was all that mattered. Gibbs was at a loss and didn't know what to do.

"Poppy, where's Daddy going?"

"Not sure, Angel, but I'm going to find out."

Gibbs got up and followed his boyfriend. "Tony, what's the matter? Talk to me."

Tony was walking up the walkway. The zoo wasn't packed, but it was Spring Break, so it was busy. Capp made sure Tony wasn't walking into people.

"Nothing, just leave me alone. I just need time to be alone."

"Tony, what's wrong? We talk, I thought."

"Yeah, so did I." And Tony kept walking.

Gibbs turned back, now a good 100 feet away from the group. He saw Abby sign for him to follow and not let Tony shut down.

"No, damn it, talk to me." Gibbs followed, placing a hand on Tony.

Tony lost it. He broke down and just started crying. He fell into Gibbs' arms, his strong arms. Tony could feel that stress in the arms as well as safety.

"I'm sorry, Jethro, I'm so sorry. I'll move out and mail you money once I'm back on the street and pulling tricks."

"What the…?" Gibbs was holding the man he loved who was now falling apart.

Gibbs got him to a bench not too far away off a path. Tony was still in Gibbs' arms. Capp was following her masters. Tony was falling even more into Gibbs' arms.

"Tony, now think you can tell me what's the matter and why you're saying this rubbish?"

"I'm sorry I can't be rich, Gibbs, I'm sorry I can't."

"Shh, what's wrong, Tony? Don't tell me nothing, don't push me away."

"You said I was-"

"Daddy, you okay?"

Gibbs hadn't noticed that Kelly was now standing next to them. He saw Abby not too far away, so Gibbs wasn't pissed that Kelly was there.

"Daddy and I needed to talk, Angel. How about you and Abby and the others head over to the aquarium like we planned after lunch?"

"But I want to help."

"I know, honey, but I think I was stupid and said something bad."

"Why, Poppy?"

"Because Poppy doesn't think a lot."

"Will you say sorry?"

"Once I know why I'm sorry, yes, I'm sure that I will."

"Good. No hurting Daddy." The little scolded her father shaking a finger at him. Gibbs tried not to smile at this showing of love for Tony.

"I'll try, Angel. We'll meet you there."

Kelly hugged her father, then hugged Tony. She got a small hug in return from Tony. Then she ran back to Abby and they left, Kelly telling Abby what was going on.

"Now, Tony, what's wrong? How did I mess up?"

"You didn't, it was me. I'm worthless, Jethro."

"No, you're not. Why would you say that?"

"I'm poor and have no money and I just am worthless."

"You're worth a hell of a lot to me. I know Kelly loves you and so does everyone at that table. Well, maybe not Cait's date, but still…"

"I'm sorry I can't give you money."

"Is that what this is about?"

"You said she and I were driving you poor."

"Oh, Tony, I'm sorry. I shouldn't have said that. I didn't mean it. I was only joking."

"I can make money, Jethro. I can, really, if it would help."

"NO, you're not doing that ever again. For one, I don't share, and well, you're mine. And second, you're coming back to NCIS soon once we get your father."

"NO!"

"Relax, Tony, we're not going after him till you're okay with it."

"Jethro, really, I'm not worth your time."

Gibbs right then and there kissed Tony, full on the lips. He didn't care who saw him, even though he wasn't one for public displays of affection. Tony pulled away, shocked.

"Now, if you're not worth my time, then why the hell do you think I just showed the world that I love you, damn it? You're worth a hell of a lot to me and my daughters. We all love you a great deal and would be very sad if you left us. I suck at this, I told you. I'm sorry I fucked up and said that. You have got to believe me, Tony, I mean it. I'm not mad that you can't help out financially. Besides, you help out in so many other ways. Take this past week. Every day you were there for Kelly when she got home from school. Now that we know that you can take a bus from around the corner to her school, we can have you even pick her up from school. Please forgive me. Tony, really, I'm sorry."

"Jethro, but-"

"No buts. Please accept my humble apologies."

"It's my fault. I'm just too sensitive."

"No, you're not. I love the fact you care so much. There is nothing about you I don't love, Tony. Please just accept it and let's get back and Kelly can describe to you the dolphin show and the shark tank."

Gibbs was smiling. Tony put his hands on Gibbs' face and just felt around and felt every line and contour of his face and then pecked him on the lips. After that they walked back and found the group next to the seal tank at the entrance of the building. Kelly took her Daddy's hand and started describing what they were doing. Tony smiled.

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

That was the only day that Gibbs took off from work. Friday something happened. Gibbs had called him and told Tony that right when he was getting ready for the class that he was not coming home and Tony snapped again. He lost it. He found a corner and was wedged in the corner for some reason. He just started to rock back and forth. Kelly was with a friend for the night. She had asked to sleep over at the neighbor's house. She had made friends with one of Gibbs' neighbor's kids.

Tony didn't hear the person come into the house. When she did look around, she saw Tony on the floor, rocking, with the dog lying in front of her master, just looking up at the new person. The lady walked over to the phone and dialed a number.

"Gibbs."

"LEROY JETHRO GIBBS, GET YOUR SORRY ASS HOME RIGHT NOW!"