Fic: The Meaning of Family (M7/NCIS)
Title: The Meaning of Family
Claim: Vin Tanner (Magnificent 7)
Fandoms: Magnificent 7/NCIS
Prompt: 092 - Christmas
Summary: When Vin's in trouble he seeks out family, even if he's not entirely aware of it.
Set in the same universe as Impromptu Meetings, Possibilities and Strangers and Friends.
Another fic I'd promised ages ago and never finished.
Eternal thanks to Moon for the transcription of the Mrs Mallard scenes. I wouldn't have been able to write this without them.
Table
Vin shifted uneasily as he stood at Ducky’s door. He rubbed at his arms trying to fend off the cold. His clothes were thin and wet and not much protection against the snow and freezing winds. He’d managed to get all the way to Chicago before what money he’d managed to scrounge together had run out. From there he’d had to hitchhike to D.C. Now that he was at Ducky’s door he was thinking that it might be better to simply turn around and go back to Denver. Of course he’d still have to deal with the reason he’d come halfway across the country in the first place.
Finally Vin took a deep breath in and knocked firmly on the door. After only a few seconds it was pulled open and Ducky stood there with a welcoming smile. Vin had to wonder if Ducky was waiting for him.
“Dr. Mallard,” Vin began hesitantly, before shaking his head. “It isn’t important.”
He was already turning away when Ducky came forward and put an arm around his shoulders, gently steering him into the house.
“Nonsense, you didn’t come all this way just to stand on my porch,” Ducky said, confirming Vin’s suspicion that Ducky had known he was there. “Why don’t we have some tea? I was just boiling the kettle.”
“Thanks,” Vin murmured as he surreptitiously looked around the warm, welcoming home. Ducky moved into the kitchen and Vin followed more slowly. He’d only met Ducky a few times while the man had been in Denver on a case, but Ducky had had more impact on his life than any other person he could think of, except perhaps his mother. After returning to D.C. Ducky had still made sure that he was put in a good foster home where he would be looked after and that he regularly went to see a doctor, who specialised in learning disabilities, for his dyslexia. It had taken almost six months before Vin had been able to let go of the majority of his suspicions regarding the man.
Vin stepped into the kitchen, wincing as the warmth made his extremities tingle after the cold outside. Ducky was moving around the kitchen busily as he checked on various things. Vin felt guilty for distracting Ducky from his preparations.
“Milk and sugar?” Ducky asked as he put out two cups.
“Sugar,” Vin answered, standing uncomfortably in the doorway. “Two,” he added when Ducky looked at him expectantly. He would have preferred coffee, but he wasn’t going to impose anymore than he already had.
“How’s the family treating you?” Ducky asked as he handed Vin the cup of tea. He then went to sit at the kitchen table, keeping a casual eye on his cooking. Vin moved slowly forward and sat in the chair opposite. Vin cradled the cup in his hands and relished the warmth that infused him.
“Alright,” Vin replied with a single shouldered shrug. The Johnsons smothered him, but Vin put up with it because for the first time in a long time someone expected things from him. Ducky expected him to do well and be his best and Vin found himself unwilling to let the man down, even if he wasn’t sure why.
“Yes, they seemed like good people when I spoke to them.”
Vin was sure that Ducky had done a lot more than just speak to them, Ducky had access to all sorts of resources after all, but he didn’t say anything. He wondered if the Johnsons had called and told Ducky that he’d gone missing. He felt guilty for worrying them, and he knew that they would be worried, but he didn’t feel any real loyalty to them, not like he did with Ducky.
“How is school going?” Ducky asked as he sipped his tea.
Vin shrugged. Between missing so much and his dyslexia Vin knew he’d never do well at school, but he was passing most of his subjects. He was sure Ducky knew that already though, since he doubted anyone would put that much effort into someone without keeping an eye on how they’re doing. Vin was more than a little uncomfortable with that, but he had long decided that the novelty of someone caring about him was well worth it.
“What’s the occasion?” Vin asked, trying to change the topic when one of the timers buzzed and Ducky went to take something out of the over. Ducky looked at Vin in surprise.
“It’s Christmas.”
Vin flushed and looked down. He hadn’t even realised. He’d spent every year since he was five trying not to make the time of year mean anything until eventually he could ignore everything associated with it and make himself believe it was just like every other day. He stood abruptly.
“I should go.”
“Nonsense,” Ducky insisted, “you’re staying for dinner, and we’ll sort something out for tonight.”
“I can’t -“ Vin began.
“I won’t hear of it,” Ducky told him and it was final. Vin looked up when someone entered the kitchen. “Mother,” Ducky said and he stood, going over to the woman.
The first thing Vin noticed about her was that the shirt she was wearing was buttoned wrong, the second was that she looked a little lost. Ducky led her over to a seat and Vin stood as she approached the table. She turned sharp eyes on him and looked him up and down.
“Who is this ruffian?” she asked Ducky. Ducky smiled fondly down at her.
“That’s Kevin, Mother. He’s joining us for dinner,” Ducky explained.
“Ma’am,” Vin greeted softly, sitting now that she was seated.
“Oh,” she said after a moment, then turned to Ducky. “I like him. He can stay.”
“I’m glad you approve,” Ducky said mildly. He smiled at Vin in a manner that invited Vin to join in.
“Is Matthew coming?”
“He’ll be here after dinner. His wife wanted him to spend Christmas with her parents.” Ducky’s tone was slightly disapproving and Vin wondered why he disliked Matthew’s wife, whoever Matthew was. Vin had never seen Ducky openly disapprove of anyone.
“What do you do, John?” Mrs Mallard asked, turning to Vin. Vin glanced hesitantly at Ducky who nodded to show that she was referring to him.
“I’m in school, ma’am.”
“And your plans for when you leave?” she asked, staring at him imperiously.
Vin looked briefly at Ducky who was busying himself with dinner. Despite that Vin knew that Ducky was interested in what he answered. They’d never quite gotten around to discussing what Vin was going to do when he finished school. Vin figured Ducky was letting him get used to one thing at a time.
“Figured I would join the army.”
“For Queen and country,” Mrs Mallard said approvingly.
“Yes ma’am,” Vin replied easily. He agreed with the general sentiment of what she said if not the specifics. “I was thinking of getting a degree in Criminal Justice while I was there.” The last Vin said while looking at Ducky. Ducky smiled proudly at him and Vin felt a weight lift from his shoulders. He’d been worried that Ducky wouldn’t approve but clearly that wasn’t an issue.
“Why don’t we move this into the dining room,” Ducky suggested. “I’ll bring dinner out in a moment.” He patted Vin affectionately on the shoulder as Vin passed him to go to next room. Vin smiled up at him, feeling content in the warmth of Ducky’s caring.
They had just started on dessert when the doorbell rang. Ducky stood immediately and went to answer it. He came back moments later with a stranger in tow. Vin watched him warily, unsure of the new addition.
“Matthew,” Mrs Mallard greeted with a flirtatious smile. The man, Matthew apparently, smiled back fondly.
“Kevin, this is Jethro Gibbs. He works with me,” Ducky explained. Vin stood and offered his hand which the man shook.
“Pleasure to meet you, sir,” Vin said as they all sat down once more.
“Don’t call me sir. I work for a living,” Gibbs replied gruffly. There was the unmistakable crack of a cane meeting shin and Gibbs winced.
“Leave him be, Matthew. He’s a good boy.”
Vin ducked his head, hiding a smile.
Dessert was quieter than dinner had been but the occasional quiet conversation between Ducky and Gibbs revealed a deep, enduring friendship between the two men and further evidence of Ducky’s dislike for the man’s wife. Once dinner was finished Ducky led his mother to bed but not before she’d kissed both Vin and Gibbs on the cheek and surreptitiously pinched Gibbs. The two were left on their own. After an awkward moment Vin began to clear away the dishes and Gibbs joined him. They washed and dried in silence though Vin could feel the weight of Gibbs’ scrutiny on him all throughout. Gibbs was the first to turn and look to the doorway where Ducky was standing. Both men seemed to communicate silently before they glanced at Vin. Vin shifted uncomfortably beneath their gazes.
“Vin, why don’t you join me in the sitting room?” Ducky asked. Vin glanced at Gibbs who turned back to the dishes.
“I’ll finish up here,” Gibbs said, as though it was his idea and not an excuse for Ducky to have a moment alone with Vin.
Vin sighed and nodded, following Ducky through the house to the lounge. They sat and Ducky looked at Vin gravely. Vin dropped his gaze to study the arm of the chair he was sitting on.
“What going on, Kevin?” Ducky asked.
“It’s nothing. Everything’s fine,” Vin replied stubbornly, though he wouldn’t look at Ducky.
“The Johnsons are worried about you. They didn’t know if you were alright.”
“I didn’t mean to make them worry, I just…”
“It’s alright, son,” Ducky said reassuringly. Vin stiffened a little at being called son, not because he didn’t want Ducky to call him that but because no one had ever called him that and meant it.
“Carlos has been hanging around.”
“Has he approached you?” Ducky asked, his expression etched with concern. Vin hesitated before nodding.
“He wants me back with the gang.”
“What did you tell him?” Ducky asked, resting a comforting hand on Vin’s arm.
“That I couldn’t. That I was going to school, trying to make something of myself. He won’t leave me alone though.”
“I’ll see what I can do on that front,” Ducky said as he patted Vin’s arm.
“What if I’m not meant to be anything more than that?” Vin asked softly, finally looking up at Ducky. Ducky smiled warmly at him.
“You already are.” Ducky stood and rested a hand on Vin’s shoulder. “Why don’t you get some sleep and I’ll get things started.”
“Thanks Dr Mallard,” Vin said. He yawned, the exhaustion of the last few days finally catching up with him. Ducky drew the blanket off the back of the couch and draped it over Vin as he lay down.
“You’re welcome son.”
In moments Vin was asleep and Ducky looked up at Gibbs who was standing in the doorway. Gibbs nodded and they returned to the kitchen.
“You heard everything then?” Ducky asked and Gibbs nodded.
“He’s a good kid.”
“Yes, he is. In spite of everything that has befallen him,” Ducky replied with a tired sigh. “Can you help him?”
“There may be a few favours I can call in.”
“Thank you, Jethro,” Ducky said and Gibbs smiled affectionately at his old friend.
“Don’t worry, nothing’s going to happen to him.”
Claim: Vin Tanner (Magnificent 7)
Fandoms: Magnificent 7/NCIS
Prompt: 092 - Christmas
Summary: When Vin's in trouble he seeks out family, even if he's not entirely aware of it.
Set in the same universe as Impromptu Meetings, Possibilities and Strangers and Friends.
Another fic I'd promised ages ago and never finished.
Eternal thanks to Moon for the transcription of the Mrs Mallard scenes. I wouldn't have been able to write this without them.
Table
Vin shifted uneasily as he stood at Ducky’s door. He rubbed at his arms trying to fend off the cold. His clothes were thin and wet and not much protection against the snow and freezing winds. He’d managed to get all the way to Chicago before what money he’d managed to scrounge together had run out. From there he’d had to hitchhike to D.C. Now that he was at Ducky’s door he was thinking that it might be better to simply turn around and go back to Denver. Of course he’d still have to deal with the reason he’d come halfway across the country in the first place.
Finally Vin took a deep breath in and knocked firmly on the door. After only a few seconds it was pulled open and Ducky stood there with a welcoming smile. Vin had to wonder if Ducky was waiting for him.
“Dr. Mallard,” Vin began hesitantly, before shaking his head. “It isn’t important.”
He was already turning away when Ducky came forward and put an arm around his shoulders, gently steering him into the house.
“Nonsense, you didn’t come all this way just to stand on my porch,” Ducky said, confirming Vin’s suspicion that Ducky had known he was there. “Why don’t we have some tea? I was just boiling the kettle.”
“Thanks,” Vin murmured as he surreptitiously looked around the warm, welcoming home. Ducky moved into the kitchen and Vin followed more slowly. He’d only met Ducky a few times while the man had been in Denver on a case, but Ducky had had more impact on his life than any other person he could think of, except perhaps his mother. After returning to D.C. Ducky had still made sure that he was put in a good foster home where he would be looked after and that he regularly went to see a doctor, who specialised in learning disabilities, for his dyslexia. It had taken almost six months before Vin had been able to let go of the majority of his suspicions regarding the man.
Vin stepped into the kitchen, wincing as the warmth made his extremities tingle after the cold outside. Ducky was moving around the kitchen busily as he checked on various things. Vin felt guilty for distracting Ducky from his preparations.
“Milk and sugar?” Ducky asked as he put out two cups.
“Sugar,” Vin answered, standing uncomfortably in the doorway. “Two,” he added when Ducky looked at him expectantly. He would have preferred coffee, but he wasn’t going to impose anymore than he already had.
“How’s the family treating you?” Ducky asked as he handed Vin the cup of tea. He then went to sit at the kitchen table, keeping a casual eye on his cooking. Vin moved slowly forward and sat in the chair opposite. Vin cradled the cup in his hands and relished the warmth that infused him.
“Alright,” Vin replied with a single shouldered shrug. The Johnsons smothered him, but Vin put up with it because for the first time in a long time someone expected things from him. Ducky expected him to do well and be his best and Vin found himself unwilling to let the man down, even if he wasn’t sure why.
“Yes, they seemed like good people when I spoke to them.”
Vin was sure that Ducky had done a lot more than just speak to them, Ducky had access to all sorts of resources after all, but he didn’t say anything. He wondered if the Johnsons had called and told Ducky that he’d gone missing. He felt guilty for worrying them, and he knew that they would be worried, but he didn’t feel any real loyalty to them, not like he did with Ducky.
“How is school going?” Ducky asked as he sipped his tea.
Vin shrugged. Between missing so much and his dyslexia Vin knew he’d never do well at school, but he was passing most of his subjects. He was sure Ducky knew that already though, since he doubted anyone would put that much effort into someone without keeping an eye on how they’re doing. Vin was more than a little uncomfortable with that, but he had long decided that the novelty of someone caring about him was well worth it.
“What’s the occasion?” Vin asked, trying to change the topic when one of the timers buzzed and Ducky went to take something out of the over. Ducky looked at Vin in surprise.
“It’s Christmas.”
Vin flushed and looked down. He hadn’t even realised. He’d spent every year since he was five trying not to make the time of year mean anything until eventually he could ignore everything associated with it and make himself believe it was just like every other day. He stood abruptly.
“I should go.”
“Nonsense,” Ducky insisted, “you’re staying for dinner, and we’ll sort something out for tonight.”
“I can’t -“ Vin began.
“I won’t hear of it,” Ducky told him and it was final. Vin looked up when someone entered the kitchen. “Mother,” Ducky said and he stood, going over to the woman.
The first thing Vin noticed about her was that the shirt she was wearing was buttoned wrong, the second was that she looked a little lost. Ducky led her over to a seat and Vin stood as she approached the table. She turned sharp eyes on him and looked him up and down.
“Who is this ruffian?” she asked Ducky. Ducky smiled fondly down at her.
“That’s Kevin, Mother. He’s joining us for dinner,” Ducky explained.
“Ma’am,” Vin greeted softly, sitting now that she was seated.
“Oh,” she said after a moment, then turned to Ducky. “I like him. He can stay.”
“I’m glad you approve,” Ducky said mildly. He smiled at Vin in a manner that invited Vin to join in.
“Is Matthew coming?”
“He’ll be here after dinner. His wife wanted him to spend Christmas with her parents.” Ducky’s tone was slightly disapproving and Vin wondered why he disliked Matthew’s wife, whoever Matthew was. Vin had never seen Ducky openly disapprove of anyone.
“What do you do, John?” Mrs Mallard asked, turning to Vin. Vin glanced hesitantly at Ducky who nodded to show that she was referring to him.
“I’m in school, ma’am.”
“And your plans for when you leave?” she asked, staring at him imperiously.
Vin looked briefly at Ducky who was busying himself with dinner. Despite that Vin knew that Ducky was interested in what he answered. They’d never quite gotten around to discussing what Vin was going to do when he finished school. Vin figured Ducky was letting him get used to one thing at a time.
“Figured I would join the army.”
“For Queen and country,” Mrs Mallard said approvingly.
“Yes ma’am,” Vin replied easily. He agreed with the general sentiment of what she said if not the specifics. “I was thinking of getting a degree in Criminal Justice while I was there.” The last Vin said while looking at Ducky. Ducky smiled proudly at him and Vin felt a weight lift from his shoulders. He’d been worried that Ducky wouldn’t approve but clearly that wasn’t an issue.
“Why don’t we move this into the dining room,” Ducky suggested. “I’ll bring dinner out in a moment.” He patted Vin affectionately on the shoulder as Vin passed him to go to next room. Vin smiled up at him, feeling content in the warmth of Ducky’s caring.
They had just started on dessert when the doorbell rang. Ducky stood immediately and went to answer it. He came back moments later with a stranger in tow. Vin watched him warily, unsure of the new addition.
“Matthew,” Mrs Mallard greeted with a flirtatious smile. The man, Matthew apparently, smiled back fondly.
“Kevin, this is Jethro Gibbs. He works with me,” Ducky explained. Vin stood and offered his hand which the man shook.
“Pleasure to meet you, sir,” Vin said as they all sat down once more.
“Don’t call me sir. I work for a living,” Gibbs replied gruffly. There was the unmistakable crack of a cane meeting shin and Gibbs winced.
“Leave him be, Matthew. He’s a good boy.”
Vin ducked his head, hiding a smile.
Dessert was quieter than dinner had been but the occasional quiet conversation between Ducky and Gibbs revealed a deep, enduring friendship between the two men and further evidence of Ducky’s dislike for the man’s wife. Once dinner was finished Ducky led his mother to bed but not before she’d kissed both Vin and Gibbs on the cheek and surreptitiously pinched Gibbs. The two were left on their own. After an awkward moment Vin began to clear away the dishes and Gibbs joined him. They washed and dried in silence though Vin could feel the weight of Gibbs’ scrutiny on him all throughout. Gibbs was the first to turn and look to the doorway where Ducky was standing. Both men seemed to communicate silently before they glanced at Vin. Vin shifted uncomfortably beneath their gazes.
“Vin, why don’t you join me in the sitting room?” Ducky asked. Vin glanced at Gibbs who turned back to the dishes.
“I’ll finish up here,” Gibbs said, as though it was his idea and not an excuse for Ducky to have a moment alone with Vin.
Vin sighed and nodded, following Ducky through the house to the lounge. They sat and Ducky looked at Vin gravely. Vin dropped his gaze to study the arm of the chair he was sitting on.
“What going on, Kevin?” Ducky asked.
“It’s nothing. Everything’s fine,” Vin replied stubbornly, though he wouldn’t look at Ducky.
“The Johnsons are worried about you. They didn’t know if you were alright.”
“I didn’t mean to make them worry, I just…”
“It’s alright, son,” Ducky said reassuringly. Vin stiffened a little at being called son, not because he didn’t want Ducky to call him that but because no one had ever called him that and meant it.
“Carlos has been hanging around.”
“Has he approached you?” Ducky asked, his expression etched with concern. Vin hesitated before nodding.
“He wants me back with the gang.”
“What did you tell him?” Ducky asked, resting a comforting hand on Vin’s arm.
“That I couldn’t. That I was going to school, trying to make something of myself. He won’t leave me alone though.”
“I’ll see what I can do on that front,” Ducky said as he patted Vin’s arm.
“What if I’m not meant to be anything more than that?” Vin asked softly, finally looking up at Ducky. Ducky smiled warmly at him.
“You already are.” Ducky stood and rested a hand on Vin’s shoulder. “Why don’t you get some sleep and I’ll get things started.”
“Thanks Dr Mallard,” Vin said. He yawned, the exhaustion of the last few days finally catching up with him. Ducky drew the blanket off the back of the couch and draped it over Vin as he lay down.
“You’re welcome son.”
In moments Vin was asleep and Ducky looked up at Gibbs who was standing in the doorway. Gibbs nodded and they returned to the kitchen.
“You heard everything then?” Ducky asked and Gibbs nodded.
“He’s a good kid.”
“Yes, he is. In spite of everything that has befallen him,” Ducky replied with a tired sigh. “Can you help him?”
“There may be a few favours I can call in.”
“Thank you, Jethro,” Ducky said and Gibbs smiled affectionately at his old friend.
“Don’t worry, nothing’s going to happen to him.”