Severed Connection- Chapter 13 - THE END
Chapter 13
AN: I would like to thank everyone for their support of this fic!
*
Tony had been back at the Navy Yard for two days. His schedule had been hectic. He had to pack his desk and move them to the floor below. He had been reading scores of files, trying to find the right makeup for his new team. It was an exciting prospect to be able to build a team from the ground up. These would be his people…his team. He already felt a sense of protection for them and he had not even narrowed down the search yet.
As he glanced at his watch, he realized it was lunchtime. He grabbed his Sig and badge and placed a light coat on. Spring was in the air, but he still felt chilly more than not since his illness. He decided to grab a bite at the outdoor cart by the Yard.
As he paid for his meal, he heard his name called. It was Abby. He had not seen McGee, Ziva, or Abby since he arrived back at the Yard. He turned around and saw the three of them sitting, eating lunch. He took a deep, steadying breath and walked towards him.
The first moments were awkward to say the least. You could tell Abby wanted to hug him, but she showed surprising restraint.
Tony stood at first and did notice the empty chair and after some time, sat down. He gazed at the three whom he used to consider close friends; he did not know where to start.
“We are happy you are better, Tony.” Ziva began. “We were all worried.”
“Thank you, Ziva.” He replied in a polite tone. The three could sense Tony’s unease with the situation.
Abby’s eyes watered. “Tony, we are so sorry. We had no idea. I never meant to hurt you.” Her puppy dog eyes made Tony ache.
“I know, Abbs.”
McGee looked uncomfortable. “Tony…we are sorry. We never realized our comments and actions were so hurtful. You are a great agent. I-I didn't realize it how much until you weren't here. ”
“And about the party, Tony…” Ziva added.
Tony held his hand up. “Look…guys…I understand you are sorry. I get it. I've had a lot of time to think and I hope you have too.”
“I miss you, Tony. Do you…do you think we can ever be friends again?” Abby asked and waited for a response with bated breath.
“I hope so, Abby.” Tony sighed. “I thought of the group as family…you know? And it really hurt…all of it. It will take some time…” They could see how guarded he was being. It was so different than he used to be.
Tony thought about his life’s journey: to the despair and loneliness of his youth and to his trials and tribulations of the last year. He was ready to start anew. He received a second chance and everyone deserved that in life.
He held out his hand towards the group and smiled widely. “Hi, I’m Special Agent Anthony Dinozzo.”
"Tim McGee." The youngest smiled and felt a weight lifted from him as he shook Tony's hand.
"Ziva David." The ex-Mossad liaison grinned widely as she felt the warmth of Tony's hand in hers.
"Tonyboy!" Abby squealed as she jumped from her seat and sat in Tony's lap. She placed her arms around his neck and held on for dear life as she buried her head in his neck. He felt her shaking as his arms embraced her. She murmured 'I'm sorry' a million times as he felt her tears against his skin.
"It's okay, Abbs..." Tony softly responded as they held each other. He realized how much he missed her as well. "Everything will be alright." And for the first time in years, he believed it.
*
Tony and Gibbs stood just outside of MTAC looking down at the two MCRT teams. The three that had joined Tony were doing well. They gelled as a Unit quickly and worked well when needed with his former team. Both groups were off rotation for the weekend. Gibbs looked at Tony and smiled. “See you in a few?”
“Yeah. Let me grab my things from my desk and I’ll meet you there.” The two walked down together and looked at their teams. “Have a good weekend.” Tony said as he and Gibbs walked towards the elevator.
*
When Tony pulled up to Gibbs’ placed he felt excited in anticipation of tonight. The two had many dates, but usually they went out to a restaurant or a movie. They were slowly getting to know each again on a different level. Tony was enjoying the leisurely pace of it. They had been dating for over a month now and as if Gibbs sensed his need to move slowly, they had not even kissed. They were working on building a new foundation based on honesty and trust.
But Tony felt a charge in the air tonight as he pulled up to Gibbs’ house. The older man had promised to cook for them and he couldn’t wait.
As Tony walked into the front door carrying a six pack, he followed the smell to the fireplace. “Steak, cowboy style…I love it.” He said as he placed the beer down. Jethro had set up the coffee table as their place to eat. He offered half a steak to his former Senior Agent and took the other half for himself. He placed some potatoes on their plates and cracked open two beers.
“So, how’s the team?” Gibbs asked after taking a drag of beer. He has been careful in discussing Tony’s new team; he did not want to be an undue influence on how Tony shaped his own.
“My Probie's a bit green, being straight out of FLETC and all. But, he’ll come along.” He smiled. “Perkins and Garcia are good agents; they work exceptionally hard.”
“They follow you around like puppies.” Gibbs smirked.
“Do you blame them?” Tony replied with sparkling eyes. “They have the best team leader ever!” He chuckled and ducked from the head slap that he knew was coming.
They ate the rest of their meal in a comfortable silence. They were just enjoying each other’s company. As they cleaned up in the kitchen, Tony found himself gently pushed against the counter. The older man had him trapped. Tony smiled as he saw the feral look in Jethro’s eyes.
“What can I do for you, Jethro?” Tony asked softly as he felt Gibbs’ hardness against his. He couldn’t help the groan that escaped as he closed his eyes briefly, enjoying the contact.
“I’m going to kiss you.” Jethro said in a low, slightly forceful tone that had Tony panting. He waited for Tony to say something and when he didn’t, he leaned in and captured the younger man’s lips. The kiss was passionate and everything each had imagined for years.
Tony had to pull back to catch his breath. He stared with awe at the man that he loved so greatly. “This seems like a dream.”
“No…finally it’s not.” Gibbs placed his hand on Tony’s cheek. “It’s real, Tony.”
“Jethro…” He whispered as his voice cracked as he leaned in again.
“God…I love you so much, Tony.”
“I love you too…”
*
Epilogue
Tony hummed a tune as he brought cookies out of the oven. He wanted to make sure everything looked perfect. It was Christmas Eve and although his team had to work the next day, he was looking forward to a little Christmas cheer tonight. He already had time to run to the Yard to give Charlie his yearly chocolates.
The doorbell rang and he walked towards the door, straightening out his reindeer ears perched on his head. He smiled widely when he opened the door to see his father.
“Dad!” He said with enthusiasm as he saw his father and a valet behind him.
"Junior." He said with a big smile and then turned to the man and said, “Place those over there, Richard. Thank you.” The valet entered the apartment and quickly placed numerous items under Tony’s tree.
“You didn’t have to bring all that, Dad.” Tony said, blushing slightly as they shared a hug.
“Hush, now. It’s a pleasure.” He looked around the place after Richard had departed. “The place is really looking good, Tonio.” He smiled as his son offered him a Christmas cocktail. “Although, I wish you would have taken that other place we had looked at.”
“I couldn’t afford that one, Dad.” Tony said absently while he arranged the presents.
“You know I could have paid for it. It had a doorman, son. It was safer.”
“I carry a gun for a living!” Tony said in an exasperated tone. He couldn’t help but feel warmed by his father’s concern. “I work for a federal agency. I can’t lead by example if I live in a million dollar apartment.”
“Okay…okay…” Senior held up his arms in mock surrender.
Jethro chose that moment to walk into the apartment with his father in tow.
“Jack!” Tony said in an excited tone as he rushed to hug the older gentleman. Jethro was amazed how close those two had gotten.
“Hi there, Tony.” He said with a smile as he returned the hug.
“Come on in.” He led the two in. “Jackson Gibbs, this is my father, Anthony Dinozzo Senior.”
“It is a pleasure to meet you, Jackson.” Senior held out his hand.
“You too.” He replied. “And please, call me Jack.”
He turned to greet the other man. “Jethro.” Tony’s father extended his hand.
“Sir.” The ex-marine replied with a nod as they shook. On his visits to DC, Jethro and Senior had some time to get to know each other. He was sincere, so the two were getting along.
Tony looked so excited. “Okay, now that everyone is here, let’s eat!”
*
As they sat down at Tony’s kitchen table, the feast he had prepared looked absolutely divine. Before they began eating, Tony raised his glass and the others followed suit. “Last year at this time…” He couldn’t help but stop when his voice cracked with emotion as his eyes watered briefly. He took a deep breath and gained the strength to continue when he felt Jethro grasp his hand. “I want to say how thankful I am. I believe in second chances and I am so grateful.” He paused again to compose himself. “I love you all.” He looked at the three sitting at the table with him. “Merry Christmas!”
THE END
AN: I would like to thank everyone for their support of this fic!
*
Tony had been back at the Navy Yard for two days. His schedule had been hectic. He had to pack his desk and move them to the floor below. He had been reading scores of files, trying to find the right makeup for his new team. It was an exciting prospect to be able to build a team from the ground up. These would be his people…his team. He already felt a sense of protection for them and he had not even narrowed down the search yet.
As he glanced at his watch, he realized it was lunchtime. He grabbed his Sig and badge and placed a light coat on. Spring was in the air, but he still felt chilly more than not since his illness. He decided to grab a bite at the outdoor cart by the Yard.
As he paid for his meal, he heard his name called. It was Abby. He had not seen McGee, Ziva, or Abby since he arrived back at the Yard. He turned around and saw the three of them sitting, eating lunch. He took a deep, steadying breath and walked towards him.
The first moments were awkward to say the least. You could tell Abby wanted to hug him, but she showed surprising restraint.
Tony stood at first and did notice the empty chair and after some time, sat down. He gazed at the three whom he used to consider close friends; he did not know where to start.
“We are happy you are better, Tony.” Ziva began. “We were all worried.”
“Thank you, Ziva.” He replied in a polite tone. The three could sense Tony’s unease with the situation.
Abby’s eyes watered. “Tony, we are so sorry. We had no idea. I never meant to hurt you.” Her puppy dog eyes made Tony ache.
“I know, Abbs.”
McGee looked uncomfortable. “Tony…we are sorry. We never realized our comments and actions were so hurtful. You are a great agent. I-I didn't realize it how much until you weren't here. ”
“And about the party, Tony…” Ziva added.
Tony held his hand up. “Look…guys…I understand you are sorry. I get it. I've had a lot of time to think and I hope you have too.”
“I miss you, Tony. Do you…do you think we can ever be friends again?” Abby asked and waited for a response with bated breath.
“I hope so, Abby.” Tony sighed. “I thought of the group as family…you know? And it really hurt…all of it. It will take some time…” They could see how guarded he was being. It was so different than he used to be.
Tony thought about his life’s journey: to the despair and loneliness of his youth and to his trials and tribulations of the last year. He was ready to start anew. He received a second chance and everyone deserved that in life.
He held out his hand towards the group and smiled widely. “Hi, I’m Special Agent Anthony Dinozzo.”
"Tim McGee." The youngest smiled and felt a weight lifted from him as he shook Tony's hand.
"Ziva David." The ex-Mossad liaison grinned widely as she felt the warmth of Tony's hand in hers.
"Tonyboy!" Abby squealed as she jumped from her seat and sat in Tony's lap. She placed her arms around his neck and held on for dear life as she buried her head in his neck. He felt her shaking as his arms embraced her. She murmured 'I'm sorry' a million times as he felt her tears against his skin.
"It's okay, Abbs..." Tony softly responded as they held each other. He realized how much he missed her as well. "Everything will be alright." And for the first time in years, he believed it.
*
Tony and Gibbs stood just outside of MTAC looking down at the two MCRT teams. The three that had joined Tony were doing well. They gelled as a Unit quickly and worked well when needed with his former team. Both groups were off rotation for the weekend. Gibbs looked at Tony and smiled. “See you in a few?”
“Yeah. Let me grab my things from my desk and I’ll meet you there.” The two walked down together and looked at their teams. “Have a good weekend.” Tony said as he and Gibbs walked towards the elevator.
*
When Tony pulled up to Gibbs’ placed he felt excited in anticipation of tonight. The two had many dates, but usually they went out to a restaurant or a movie. They were slowly getting to know each again on a different level. Tony was enjoying the leisurely pace of it. They had been dating for over a month now and as if Gibbs sensed his need to move slowly, they had not even kissed. They were working on building a new foundation based on honesty and trust.
But Tony felt a charge in the air tonight as he pulled up to Gibbs’ house. The older man had promised to cook for them and he couldn’t wait.
As Tony walked into the front door carrying a six pack, he followed the smell to the fireplace. “Steak, cowboy style…I love it.” He said as he placed the beer down. Jethro had set up the coffee table as their place to eat. He offered half a steak to his former Senior Agent and took the other half for himself. He placed some potatoes on their plates and cracked open two beers.
“So, how’s the team?” Gibbs asked after taking a drag of beer. He has been careful in discussing Tony’s new team; he did not want to be an undue influence on how Tony shaped his own.
“My Probie's a bit green, being straight out of FLETC and all. But, he’ll come along.” He smiled. “Perkins and Garcia are good agents; they work exceptionally hard.”
“They follow you around like puppies.” Gibbs smirked.
“Do you blame them?” Tony replied with sparkling eyes. “They have the best team leader ever!” He chuckled and ducked from the head slap that he knew was coming.
They ate the rest of their meal in a comfortable silence. They were just enjoying each other’s company. As they cleaned up in the kitchen, Tony found himself gently pushed against the counter. The older man had him trapped. Tony smiled as he saw the feral look in Jethro’s eyes.
“What can I do for you, Jethro?” Tony asked softly as he felt Gibbs’ hardness against his. He couldn’t help the groan that escaped as he closed his eyes briefly, enjoying the contact.
“I’m going to kiss you.” Jethro said in a low, slightly forceful tone that had Tony panting. He waited for Tony to say something and when he didn’t, he leaned in and captured the younger man’s lips. The kiss was passionate and everything each had imagined for years.
Tony had to pull back to catch his breath. He stared with awe at the man that he loved so greatly. “This seems like a dream.”
“No…finally it’s not.” Gibbs placed his hand on Tony’s cheek. “It’s real, Tony.”
“Jethro…” He whispered as his voice cracked as he leaned in again.
“God…I love you so much, Tony.”
“I love you too…”
*
Epilogue
Tony hummed a tune as he brought cookies out of the oven. He wanted to make sure everything looked perfect. It was Christmas Eve and although his team had to work the next day, he was looking forward to a little Christmas cheer tonight. He already had time to run to the Yard to give Charlie his yearly chocolates.
The doorbell rang and he walked towards the door, straightening out his reindeer ears perched on his head. He smiled widely when he opened the door to see his father.
“Dad!” He said with enthusiasm as he saw his father and a valet behind him.
"Junior." He said with a big smile and then turned to the man and said, “Place those over there, Richard. Thank you.” The valet entered the apartment and quickly placed numerous items under Tony’s tree.
“You didn’t have to bring all that, Dad.” Tony said, blushing slightly as they shared a hug.
“Hush, now. It’s a pleasure.” He looked around the place after Richard had departed. “The place is really looking good, Tonio.” He smiled as his son offered him a Christmas cocktail. “Although, I wish you would have taken that other place we had looked at.”
“I couldn’t afford that one, Dad.” Tony said absently while he arranged the presents.
“You know I could have paid for it. It had a doorman, son. It was safer.”
“I carry a gun for a living!” Tony said in an exasperated tone. He couldn’t help but feel warmed by his father’s concern. “I work for a federal agency. I can’t lead by example if I live in a million dollar apartment.”
“Okay…okay…” Senior held up his arms in mock surrender.
Jethro chose that moment to walk into the apartment with his father in tow.
“Jack!” Tony said in an excited tone as he rushed to hug the older gentleman. Jethro was amazed how close those two had gotten.
“Hi there, Tony.” He said with a smile as he returned the hug.
“Come on in.” He led the two in. “Jackson Gibbs, this is my father, Anthony Dinozzo Senior.”
“It is a pleasure to meet you, Jackson.” Senior held out his hand.
“You too.” He replied. “And please, call me Jack.”
He turned to greet the other man. “Jethro.” Tony’s father extended his hand.
“Sir.” The ex-marine replied with a nod as they shook. On his visits to DC, Jethro and Senior had some time to get to know each other. He was sincere, so the two were getting along.
Tony looked so excited. “Okay, now that everyone is here, let’s eat!”
*
As they sat down at Tony’s kitchen table, the feast he had prepared looked absolutely divine. Before they began eating, Tony raised his glass and the others followed suit. “Last year at this time…” He couldn’t help but stop when his voice cracked with emotion as his eyes watered briefly. He took a deep breath and gained the strength to continue when he felt Jethro grasp his hand. “I want to say how thankful I am. I believe in second chances and I am so grateful.” He paused again to compose himself. “I love you all.” He looked at the three sitting at the table with him. “Merry Christmas!”
THE END