NCIS:: Keep Quiet CH 11 & 12
Chapter 11: KQ 11
Keep Quiet 11
Tony sat with his train as the others prepared for dinner. The holiday was much different from any other he had ever experienced. People came and smiled. None of them ushering him to a bedroom for their Christmas bonus gift from his father, him. Presents had piled up around the tree. Neighbors came in dropping them off. Some even stopping to sign to him, meet him. Cringing at first and running to Jet for safety.
Safety had been a foreign concept to him. Jet though represented all things that are good. Never hurting him, always hugging him. Learning a whole new language to communicate with him. Never meeting someone, anyone, who has done so much for him. He wanted to repay him but didn't know how. He knew how his dad's partners liked to be paid. Yet with Jet it is so very different.
So he found a place under the table to be alone. People had come over for dinner. People who were identified as relatives. Introduced as uncle and aunt. Cringing at the titles. For his father's friends had become those titles spoken with a leer. Performed with a leer.
Brining his one of many coloring books with him he drew. Drew in and out of lines like life. You can either follow the inside path or jump to the outside of the path for some adventure. Coloring the sky red. The man green. Or there was life inside the lines but a horse of a different color. Making them your own. Rewriting the rules. For he could keep quite and still communicate. His father never told him that. Jet had.
KQ 11
Jet searched where he left Tony by the tree next to his ever growing pile of presents. Wonder sparked in those eyes. Hadn't anyone ever given him a Christmas present before? Knowing what little past he did. Tony had never received one.
Searching now for his brother he looks to the normal hiding places; the bedroom, any closet in the house, under beds. Under?
Crawling to the dinning room table he goes under. There in the center of chairs is Tony. Tony's full attention on his coloring. Smiling he came under. Tony looks at him. Eyes staring through him.
'What are you doing under here?' Tony watches his hand speak. Learned this for him. An unneeded but needed way to speak. Tony stares at him. Resting his crayon on the coloring book.
'I just…'
'Tell me.'
'I don't like uncles or aunts.' Jet froze at the words. Why would Tony object to people who had given him presents, who showed nothing but kindness. Why? Then the gates opened. His past is very unlike his own. So he had to gather himself. What had uncles and aunts been represented to this tortured boy. Sure most people out there are not his blood aunt or uncle. Friends of the family. Honorary.
'Ok.'
'Can I go to my room?'
'Don't you want to open more presents?'
'I opened enough.' Tony had open only 5 gifts. He had so many more to go. The best part of Christmas besides family is the presents. Jet's heart sunk. He had to learn what this holiday meant to Tony.
'Tony why don't you like Christmas.' Tony glared at him. He had never had a true Christmas. He only knew what it meant.
'The holiday is father's time to hand me around as a bonus to aunts and uncles.' Blood raged through Jet at the spoken past events. No wonder Tony hid.
'Ok, let's go to your room.' Tony looks startled eyes at him. Was he going to take his bonus? Jet wouldn't do that would he? He never wanted it before. But it is a holiday. Once a year wouldn't be too bad.
Jet saw the change of expression. The wide eyed look. Then the defeat of what his words meant. Oh god.
'So you can rest. Tony, Christmas is different here. Let me show you.' Tony kinda, did trust Jet. But there was the old standby. The elephant in the room. 'I'll be right beside you. Please.' Tony takes Jet in. the sincerity in those eyes. Moving out he let Jet take his hand.
People had backed away as Jet brought Tony out of his hiding place. Watching as they went to sit by the ever growing pile of loving presents for Tony. Jet smiles at the pile. Tony went back to coloring. Ignoring as eyes watch little hands press the crayon deep into the paper.
KQ 11
Jackson had come out to see what everyone was talking about. Tony was ignoring everybody. What did they expect? They were told how fragile he is. Yet they still treated him like any ordinary child. Which glad they did but they forgot about their kiddy gloves. The warnings that Jet had pressed to them. Still coming forward to rub his head affectionately. Attempt to sign. Talk real loud like he would hear them. Basically being stupid humans.
Then there were the few who held the gloves tightly. Smiling and being gently. Minimal of movements around the skittish child. Seeing the torment there. Understanding. Luckily the little gathering would be over soon.
KQ11
Tony sat on his bed. A bed that contained a comforter with animals on it. 5 stuffed animals. Coloring books that had filled the bottom of his bed. A box to contain all the crayons he had received. Then there were literature books. People had given him gifts without anything to receive back. Curious and curiouser this place had become.
He knew the world of his youth still haunting him at night. Still haunting him now. If his father had seen all these trinkets he would dispose of them and lash out upon him. Tony cringed at that path of thought.
Getting off the bed he made his way down the stairs past the tree of the holiday. Going out he walks the town. It is early morning or late night. He didn't bother to take in the time. He knew Jet would be upset for his little departure. Just needing some space. Walking into the woods he walks a path he learned on his many of hikes with Jet and Shannon.
Moving along the known path he knew he let himself ponder on his father's rules.
'Keep Quiet.' He had remained quiet. Still people wanted to learn more from him. Learning knew ways to make him speak. Technically.
Sitting down under his favorite tree he takes in the wee night air. Thinking of the good memories he had. All recent. Then there was one from before. A beautiful lady who kissed him and hugged him closely. So close to touch.
Closing his eyes he tries to reimage the maiden. The dirty blond hair had changed to the red of Shannon. The smiling lips turned to Jet then to Shannon's. Opening his eyes there she stood.
'Tony?' he looks at her. 'What are you doing here?'
'Thinking.' Wondering if he should talk to them. No one has ever wanted him to speak before.
'We should head home.' Tony looks at her remembering his lady.
'Shannon, why does everyone talk. Make noise. Am I allowed?' she smiles warmly at him.
'You can make noise. You laugh. You cry.'
'But I am quiet.'
'There is nothing wrong with that.' True what was wrong with being quiet. People still spoke to him. Learning more while they presumed him this way. A safety net for him. Unsure if he is willing to give that up. Unwilling to give any of this up.
'Shannon can you hug me and sing?' knowing a strange request but he remembers his maiden doing that. Singing some unknown song in his ear.
Shannon smiles. Moving in she wraps her arms around Tony. For she loved her little man. The little man who is opening doors in Jet's heart and welcoming her in too. She places her throat neck to his ear. Then she begins humming some odd tune. Something he never heard before but it was nice and flowing.
His maiden. Falling asleep in her arms.
KQ 11
Shannon felt him go slack in her arms and smiles. She loves Tony so much and would do anything for him. Knowing that he asked for things so rarely. Never. And when he finally asked for something, something simple. To be held and sung too. Broke her heart. Him filling those gaps. Holding him tight she rocks him as if her own.
So simple yet so much.
KQ 11
Hope you had a safe holiday.
See you next year. 2012
Chapter 12: KQ 12: Shiloh
KEEP QUIET 12
BY: Wolfa Moon
DISCAILMER: look at previous chapters. Been in other universes for a while. Sorry. Thought I should update this one. Please enjoy. REVIEW!
KQ12
Every kid needs a dog. Basic rule for growing up. Jet had had one when he was young and growing. The old dog getting old and passing. Now he had another little boy. The dog would teach responsibility. And also provide companionship. Something his youngest son desperately needed. Shying away from the other kids in town.
Driving up to Marsters barn he smiles. Clara had called him up earlier that week asking to put a flyer in his window store about puppies for sale. So here he is driving up the dirt road. Still grinning.
Puppies for sale. Mix German Sheppard and bermies mountain dog.
Jackson got out of his pick up and is greeted by Clara Marsters herself.
'Hey Jack?"
"Hey Clara. Where are they?"
"This way." He had told her about his new son and how he was contemplating a dog for him. She told him it would be good for him. Even offering one as a welcome to the fold mix. Jackson agreed with her about the gift.
Following her into the barn he saw the horses stick their head out of the stalls as they passed but it was the last stall that held the main attraction. Inside the momma dog lay on the hay watching her 5 balls of fur play with one another. Moving in he knelt down. The puppies scrambled around. Yipping at him. He laughed as one tumbled over his own paws. Picking that one up he took, her, in. She was a small thing that was dark as midnight on her back. But white from her muzzle to her belly. Brown speckled through her ears and mane area. She cringed in on her self as he picked her up. Then pulling her close she sniffed at him. She was perfect.
"I'll take her." Clara smiles at Jackson. The man has such a big heart.
"I hope Tony loves her."
"The boy has a big heart. And she will fit perfectly." He laughs. "Once people see her your pups will surely go quickly."
"I hope so."
"Thank you Clara."
"No sweat. Just bring that boy out her so I can meet him."
"Will do." Jackson smiles as he and Clara talk while he heads back to his truck.
KQ 12
Jackson couldn't wipe the smile off his face. The small bundle of warmth adding to his heart. Pulling the sleeping puppy close he enters his house. Inside it is quiet. Usually you would hear music from Jet's room. Now a days he would be sitting with Tony. Reading him a book. Tony picking it up so quickly. Sharp as a tack.
Moving in he takes in the Christmas tree they hadn't taken down yet. Wanting Christmas to last a little bit longer. No Tony in sight. Raising an eyebrow he looks around in wonder. Then going up the stairs he sees Tony's door open. Peeking in Tony is on his bed drawling. Smiling he sets the warm ball of fur on the floor.
The puppy yawns looking up at him.
"Time to meet your boy."
KQ 12
Moving in the house he looks and listens. Smiling at seeing a school bag on the dinning room chair. Moving in to see the books neatly on the table. Tony is the most organized Boy he has ever met. But figuring it has to do with the bastard of a father. Knowing Tony's routine. Tony made a routine. Able to now control his life. Going up the stairs to the boy's room. This time of day is reading time. His time to be by himself. But maybe today Tony would like some company.
"AAAAAHHHHHHHHHHH!"
Jet charged up the stairs. Tony ever so silent screaming his lungs out and trying to get as high and far away from the cute form. A form who had scampered back as well from the screaming.
KQ 12
Jackson swears his son has Tony-dar. Whenever Tony is hurt, scared, anything not the norm for Tony. Well the few he could tell. Jethro was there. He picked up the dog and exited the room to come face to face with his son.
"Dad, Tony?" not able to speak just tilt his head toward Tony. What have I done? He thinks as he carried the puppy downstairs. Pets are suppose to be a good thing. Someone to help learn responsibility. Someone so you wouldn't be alone. A pet is a companion, a friend. Closing his eyes he has to remember time over and over again that Tony is not an ordinary boy. Tony is special. Special in ways that anything normal is a surprise. And this.
Looking up he watches as Jet comes down the stairs. Looking at the puppy in his father's arms. Crestfallen as he approaches.
"See the pups were ready."
"Yup."
"I didn't think about ever having a dog in the house again. Especially after Lucille." Lucille, his wife's and son's dog. The house without a pet in so long. Pain at how it ended. But she was an old thing. But still a puppy at heart. Dying of a broken heart when his mother died. Sitting by the door. Not eating. Loyal.
"So what did Tony say?" Jet moved around to sit beside his dad and pet the puppy. The puppy that happily licked his fingers.
"It's just more shit that makes me want to hunt down and kill his father." Jackson raised an eyebrow. It was always hurt him and make him suffer. Events kept on piling up. Going to the next level. Pain, torture, extreme torture, kill.
"What happened?"
"Tony had found a kitten on his way home from school. Kept it hidden. Or tried. Father used it against him to get favors to do things that he… would refuse and run. Doing a …" Jet couldn't even think of what Tony had told him. A party piñata. Use your stick to get at the goodness within. "His father killed the cat for not being quiet." Jackson closed his eyes. The horrors this kids been through. And the first noise is of fear of a death of an animal for making noise. Figuring out that Tony must have screamed in order to end the pain now before he became attached and was co hearse into dirty dreams.
"So should I return her?" Jackson could never tell with Tony. He needed guidance from the Tony expert. How stupid he had been. Just wanting Tony to not be alone. To have a friend. Be a normal boy. Chastising himself over an old argument. To be normal. Jet picks the dog out of his fathers lap.
"I don't know."
KQ12
Tony stayed in his room till dinner. Fear of seeing what was left of the dog. He had seen dogs in pictures and others having them. Never an intention to have one of his own. Sure this place is safe. But there were always the old fears. Skeletons in the closet rattling. Asking to come out.
Looking to the clock. Almost dinnertime. Setting his book down he moves to the door. Peaking out no dog. Now here is what you made me do boy. Look. Sleep with it. Learn what I can do. Hearing his father speak inside his head. Cautiously making his way downstairs. Jackson singing some off tune country song while he cooked. No sign. Good.
Moving into the kitchen he gets the plates out. Jackson jumps a mile in the air when he sees him.
"Jesus Tony. You are so quiet. Need to put a bell on you. " Tony cocks his head to the side. Why would they want a bell on him? Then they would hear him wherever he was. Be able to find him.
"Dad got the carrots." Jet comes into the kitchen. Running his free hand through Tony's hair. Accepting touch. But only form those he knew well and allowed. Setting the carrots down. Grabbing Tony's arms to follow. Jackson watched as his sons left him to work.
KQ 12
Jet had taken the dog with him on his trip to the store. Dog's need exercise. And pondering over and over what to do. Everyone needs a home. And a home always needs a pet. And Gibbs are dog people.
Leading Tony into the living room he sits him down. Rubbing his sweaty palms along his jeans to get ready to talk to Tony.
'Tony, about the dog.' He signed. Tony lowered his eyes at that. He had done wrong. Time to get a beating, finally. A gently had lifting his chin so they can see eye to eye. 'Tony, the dog is a gift for you.'
'Why? What do I need to do for it? What do I have…(to remember to do for it?)' Jethro swallowed heavy. Having his fair share of shared nightmares of Tony. Imagination going wild in the dead of night.
'You have to walk her, feed her. Take care of her.' How is he going to make Tony grasp that the dog is a good thing. 'Every child should have a pet. So they are never alone.' Tony watches him speak. Alone. All alone. True he had people he knew and trusted. But the other kids at his school. No one really. Not yet. 'Can you give her a shot. A week. If you don't want her we'll send her back to the farm so she can find another home.' Tony didn't want to be alone anymore. He liked the house and life. Another addition would be he guessed welcomed sine he was. But he knew nothing of dogs.
'What do I do? How does a dog work?' Jethro smiles wide. They are making progress. This is good.
'The first thing is, you need to name her.' Jet gets up. Going to the area behind the couch where he left the puppy. Picking her up he moves to Tony. Tony shies away from her. The puppy being tentative as well. Sniffing the air before slowly smelling at Tony pant leg. Guess she knew that this is the boy she frightened earlier.
Tony slowly moves his hand out to pet the puppy. Smiling at how soft the fur is. It felt so nice. The puppy slowly making her way into Tony's lap. Sensing that this is to be her boy. Tony smiles.
Jet can't help how Tony begins to glow at the pup in his lap.
'So what are you going to call her?'
'Shiloh.' Jet stares at him. Tony has been reading a lot. Finding solace in the books. Remember the book himself. The story of an abused beagle saved by a child. Smiling. A name Tony can relate too. Reaching over to pet Shiloh between her ears.
Shiloh, there newest family member.
Keep Quiet 12
AN: Sorry so long to update. Muse has me in other universes. hope to update soon. Any ideas?
TY all who have made checks in the boxes to keep tabs on.
Keep Quiet 11
Tony sat with his train as the others prepared for dinner. The holiday was much different from any other he had ever experienced. People came and smiled. None of them ushering him to a bedroom for their Christmas bonus gift from his father, him. Presents had piled up around the tree. Neighbors came in dropping them off. Some even stopping to sign to him, meet him. Cringing at first and running to Jet for safety.
Safety had been a foreign concept to him. Jet though represented all things that are good. Never hurting him, always hugging him. Learning a whole new language to communicate with him. Never meeting someone, anyone, who has done so much for him. He wanted to repay him but didn't know how. He knew how his dad's partners liked to be paid. Yet with Jet it is so very different.
So he found a place under the table to be alone. People had come over for dinner. People who were identified as relatives. Introduced as uncle and aunt. Cringing at the titles. For his father's friends had become those titles spoken with a leer. Performed with a leer.
Brining his one of many coloring books with him he drew. Drew in and out of lines like life. You can either follow the inside path or jump to the outside of the path for some adventure. Coloring the sky red. The man green. Or there was life inside the lines but a horse of a different color. Making them your own. Rewriting the rules. For he could keep quite and still communicate. His father never told him that. Jet had.
KQ 11
Jet searched where he left Tony by the tree next to his ever growing pile of presents. Wonder sparked in those eyes. Hadn't anyone ever given him a Christmas present before? Knowing what little past he did. Tony had never received one.
Searching now for his brother he looks to the normal hiding places; the bedroom, any closet in the house, under beds. Under?
Crawling to the dinning room table he goes under. There in the center of chairs is Tony. Tony's full attention on his coloring. Smiling he came under. Tony looks at him. Eyes staring through him.
'What are you doing under here?' Tony watches his hand speak. Learned this for him. An unneeded but needed way to speak. Tony stares at him. Resting his crayon on the coloring book.
'I just…'
'Tell me.'
'I don't like uncles or aunts.' Jet froze at the words. Why would Tony object to people who had given him presents, who showed nothing but kindness. Why? Then the gates opened. His past is very unlike his own. So he had to gather himself. What had uncles and aunts been represented to this tortured boy. Sure most people out there are not his blood aunt or uncle. Friends of the family. Honorary.
'Ok.'
'Can I go to my room?'
'Don't you want to open more presents?'
'I opened enough.' Tony had open only 5 gifts. He had so many more to go. The best part of Christmas besides family is the presents. Jet's heart sunk. He had to learn what this holiday meant to Tony.
'Tony why don't you like Christmas.' Tony glared at him. He had never had a true Christmas. He only knew what it meant.
'The holiday is father's time to hand me around as a bonus to aunts and uncles.' Blood raged through Jet at the spoken past events. No wonder Tony hid.
'Ok, let's go to your room.' Tony looks startled eyes at him. Was he going to take his bonus? Jet wouldn't do that would he? He never wanted it before. But it is a holiday. Once a year wouldn't be too bad.
Jet saw the change of expression. The wide eyed look. Then the defeat of what his words meant. Oh god.
'So you can rest. Tony, Christmas is different here. Let me show you.' Tony kinda, did trust Jet. But there was the old standby. The elephant in the room. 'I'll be right beside you. Please.' Tony takes Jet in. the sincerity in those eyes. Moving out he let Jet take his hand.
People had backed away as Jet brought Tony out of his hiding place. Watching as they went to sit by the ever growing pile of loving presents for Tony. Jet smiles at the pile. Tony went back to coloring. Ignoring as eyes watch little hands press the crayon deep into the paper.
KQ 11
Jackson had come out to see what everyone was talking about. Tony was ignoring everybody. What did they expect? They were told how fragile he is. Yet they still treated him like any ordinary child. Which glad they did but they forgot about their kiddy gloves. The warnings that Jet had pressed to them. Still coming forward to rub his head affectionately. Attempt to sign. Talk real loud like he would hear them. Basically being stupid humans.
Then there were the few who held the gloves tightly. Smiling and being gently. Minimal of movements around the skittish child. Seeing the torment there. Understanding. Luckily the little gathering would be over soon.
KQ11
Tony sat on his bed. A bed that contained a comforter with animals on it. 5 stuffed animals. Coloring books that had filled the bottom of his bed. A box to contain all the crayons he had received. Then there were literature books. People had given him gifts without anything to receive back. Curious and curiouser this place had become.
He knew the world of his youth still haunting him at night. Still haunting him now. If his father had seen all these trinkets he would dispose of them and lash out upon him. Tony cringed at that path of thought.
Getting off the bed he made his way down the stairs past the tree of the holiday. Going out he walks the town. It is early morning or late night. He didn't bother to take in the time. He knew Jet would be upset for his little departure. Just needing some space. Walking into the woods he walks a path he learned on his many of hikes with Jet and Shannon.
Moving along the known path he knew he let himself ponder on his father's rules.
'Keep Quiet.' He had remained quiet. Still people wanted to learn more from him. Learning knew ways to make him speak. Technically.
Sitting down under his favorite tree he takes in the wee night air. Thinking of the good memories he had. All recent. Then there was one from before. A beautiful lady who kissed him and hugged him closely. So close to touch.
Closing his eyes he tries to reimage the maiden. The dirty blond hair had changed to the red of Shannon. The smiling lips turned to Jet then to Shannon's. Opening his eyes there she stood.
'Tony?' he looks at her. 'What are you doing here?'
'Thinking.' Wondering if he should talk to them. No one has ever wanted him to speak before.
'We should head home.' Tony looks at her remembering his lady.
'Shannon, why does everyone talk. Make noise. Am I allowed?' she smiles warmly at him.
'You can make noise. You laugh. You cry.'
'But I am quiet.'
'There is nothing wrong with that.' True what was wrong with being quiet. People still spoke to him. Learning more while they presumed him this way. A safety net for him. Unsure if he is willing to give that up. Unwilling to give any of this up.
'Shannon can you hug me and sing?' knowing a strange request but he remembers his maiden doing that. Singing some unknown song in his ear.
Shannon smiles. Moving in she wraps her arms around Tony. For she loved her little man. The little man who is opening doors in Jet's heart and welcoming her in too. She places her throat neck to his ear. Then she begins humming some odd tune. Something he never heard before but it was nice and flowing.
His maiden. Falling asleep in her arms.
KQ 11
Shannon felt him go slack in her arms and smiles. She loves Tony so much and would do anything for him. Knowing that he asked for things so rarely. Never. And when he finally asked for something, something simple. To be held and sung too. Broke her heart. Him filling those gaps. Holding him tight she rocks him as if her own.
So simple yet so much.
KQ 11
Hope you had a safe holiday.
See you next year. 2012
Chapter 12: KQ 12: Shiloh
KEEP QUIET 12
BY: Wolfa Moon
DISCAILMER: look at previous chapters. Been in other universes for a while. Sorry. Thought I should update this one. Please enjoy. REVIEW!
KQ12
Every kid needs a dog. Basic rule for growing up. Jet had had one when he was young and growing. The old dog getting old and passing. Now he had another little boy. The dog would teach responsibility. And also provide companionship. Something his youngest son desperately needed. Shying away from the other kids in town.
Driving up to Marsters barn he smiles. Clara had called him up earlier that week asking to put a flyer in his window store about puppies for sale. So here he is driving up the dirt road. Still grinning.
Puppies for sale. Mix German Sheppard and bermies mountain dog.
Jackson got out of his pick up and is greeted by Clara Marsters herself.
'Hey Jack?"
"Hey Clara. Where are they?"
"This way." He had told her about his new son and how he was contemplating a dog for him. She told him it would be good for him. Even offering one as a welcome to the fold mix. Jackson agreed with her about the gift.
Following her into the barn he saw the horses stick their head out of the stalls as they passed but it was the last stall that held the main attraction. Inside the momma dog lay on the hay watching her 5 balls of fur play with one another. Moving in he knelt down. The puppies scrambled around. Yipping at him. He laughed as one tumbled over his own paws. Picking that one up he took, her, in. She was a small thing that was dark as midnight on her back. But white from her muzzle to her belly. Brown speckled through her ears and mane area. She cringed in on her self as he picked her up. Then pulling her close she sniffed at him. She was perfect.
"I'll take her." Clara smiles at Jackson. The man has such a big heart.
"I hope Tony loves her."
"The boy has a big heart. And she will fit perfectly." He laughs. "Once people see her your pups will surely go quickly."
"I hope so."
"Thank you Clara."
"No sweat. Just bring that boy out her so I can meet him."
"Will do." Jackson smiles as he and Clara talk while he heads back to his truck.
KQ 12
Jackson couldn't wipe the smile off his face. The small bundle of warmth adding to his heart. Pulling the sleeping puppy close he enters his house. Inside it is quiet. Usually you would hear music from Jet's room. Now a days he would be sitting with Tony. Reading him a book. Tony picking it up so quickly. Sharp as a tack.
Moving in he takes in the Christmas tree they hadn't taken down yet. Wanting Christmas to last a little bit longer. No Tony in sight. Raising an eyebrow he looks around in wonder. Then going up the stairs he sees Tony's door open. Peeking in Tony is on his bed drawling. Smiling he sets the warm ball of fur on the floor.
The puppy yawns looking up at him.
"Time to meet your boy."
KQ 12
Moving in the house he looks and listens. Smiling at seeing a school bag on the dinning room chair. Moving in to see the books neatly on the table. Tony is the most organized Boy he has ever met. But figuring it has to do with the bastard of a father. Knowing Tony's routine. Tony made a routine. Able to now control his life. Going up the stairs to the boy's room. This time of day is reading time. His time to be by himself. But maybe today Tony would like some company.
"AAAAAHHHHHHHHHHH!"
Jet charged up the stairs. Tony ever so silent screaming his lungs out and trying to get as high and far away from the cute form. A form who had scampered back as well from the screaming.
KQ 12
Jackson swears his son has Tony-dar. Whenever Tony is hurt, scared, anything not the norm for Tony. Well the few he could tell. Jethro was there. He picked up the dog and exited the room to come face to face with his son.
"Dad, Tony?" not able to speak just tilt his head toward Tony. What have I done? He thinks as he carried the puppy downstairs. Pets are suppose to be a good thing. Someone to help learn responsibility. Someone so you wouldn't be alone. A pet is a companion, a friend. Closing his eyes he has to remember time over and over again that Tony is not an ordinary boy. Tony is special. Special in ways that anything normal is a surprise. And this.
Looking up he watches as Jet comes down the stairs. Looking at the puppy in his father's arms. Crestfallen as he approaches.
"See the pups were ready."
"Yup."
"I didn't think about ever having a dog in the house again. Especially after Lucille." Lucille, his wife's and son's dog. The house without a pet in so long. Pain at how it ended. But she was an old thing. But still a puppy at heart. Dying of a broken heart when his mother died. Sitting by the door. Not eating. Loyal.
"So what did Tony say?" Jet moved around to sit beside his dad and pet the puppy. The puppy that happily licked his fingers.
"It's just more shit that makes me want to hunt down and kill his father." Jackson raised an eyebrow. It was always hurt him and make him suffer. Events kept on piling up. Going to the next level. Pain, torture, extreme torture, kill.
"What happened?"
"Tony had found a kitten on his way home from school. Kept it hidden. Or tried. Father used it against him to get favors to do things that he… would refuse and run. Doing a …" Jet couldn't even think of what Tony had told him. A party piñata. Use your stick to get at the goodness within. "His father killed the cat for not being quiet." Jackson closed his eyes. The horrors this kids been through. And the first noise is of fear of a death of an animal for making noise. Figuring out that Tony must have screamed in order to end the pain now before he became attached and was co hearse into dirty dreams.
"So should I return her?" Jackson could never tell with Tony. He needed guidance from the Tony expert. How stupid he had been. Just wanting Tony to not be alone. To have a friend. Be a normal boy. Chastising himself over an old argument. To be normal. Jet picks the dog out of his fathers lap.
"I don't know."
KQ12
Tony stayed in his room till dinner. Fear of seeing what was left of the dog. He had seen dogs in pictures and others having them. Never an intention to have one of his own. Sure this place is safe. But there were always the old fears. Skeletons in the closet rattling. Asking to come out.
Looking to the clock. Almost dinnertime. Setting his book down he moves to the door. Peaking out no dog. Now here is what you made me do boy. Look. Sleep with it. Learn what I can do. Hearing his father speak inside his head. Cautiously making his way downstairs. Jackson singing some off tune country song while he cooked. No sign. Good.
Moving into the kitchen he gets the plates out. Jackson jumps a mile in the air when he sees him.
"Jesus Tony. You are so quiet. Need to put a bell on you. " Tony cocks his head to the side. Why would they want a bell on him? Then they would hear him wherever he was. Be able to find him.
"Dad got the carrots." Jet comes into the kitchen. Running his free hand through Tony's hair. Accepting touch. But only form those he knew well and allowed. Setting the carrots down. Grabbing Tony's arms to follow. Jackson watched as his sons left him to work.
KQ 12
Jet had taken the dog with him on his trip to the store. Dog's need exercise. And pondering over and over what to do. Everyone needs a home. And a home always needs a pet. And Gibbs are dog people.
Leading Tony into the living room he sits him down. Rubbing his sweaty palms along his jeans to get ready to talk to Tony.
'Tony, about the dog.' He signed. Tony lowered his eyes at that. He had done wrong. Time to get a beating, finally. A gently had lifting his chin so they can see eye to eye. 'Tony, the dog is a gift for you.'
'Why? What do I need to do for it? What do I have…(to remember to do for it?)' Jethro swallowed heavy. Having his fair share of shared nightmares of Tony. Imagination going wild in the dead of night.
'You have to walk her, feed her. Take care of her.' How is he going to make Tony grasp that the dog is a good thing. 'Every child should have a pet. So they are never alone.' Tony watches him speak. Alone. All alone. True he had people he knew and trusted. But the other kids at his school. No one really. Not yet. 'Can you give her a shot. A week. If you don't want her we'll send her back to the farm so she can find another home.' Tony didn't want to be alone anymore. He liked the house and life. Another addition would be he guessed welcomed sine he was. But he knew nothing of dogs.
'What do I do? How does a dog work?' Jethro smiles wide. They are making progress. This is good.
'The first thing is, you need to name her.' Jet gets up. Going to the area behind the couch where he left the puppy. Picking her up he moves to Tony. Tony shies away from her. The puppy being tentative as well. Sniffing the air before slowly smelling at Tony pant leg. Guess she knew that this is the boy she frightened earlier.
Tony slowly moves his hand out to pet the puppy. Smiling at how soft the fur is. It felt so nice. The puppy slowly making her way into Tony's lap. Sensing that this is to be her boy. Tony smiles.
Jet can't help how Tony begins to glow at the pup in his lap.
'So what are you going to call her?'
'Shiloh.' Jet stares at him. Tony has been reading a lot. Finding solace in the books. Remember the book himself. The story of an abused beagle saved by a child. Smiling. A name Tony can relate too. Reaching over to pet Shiloh between her ears.
Shiloh, there newest family member.
Keep Quiet 12
AN: Sorry so long to update. Muse has me in other universes. hope to update soon. Any ideas?
TY all who have made checks in the boxes to keep tabs on.