The days at the beach fell into a pattern largely dictated by the Gibbs' wish to help Tony in his recovery. So, they took in turns to take Tony on slow gentle walks along the water's edge and found shops which sold interesting food to tempt a faltering appetite. Jackson and Jethro also monitored Tony to ensure he was taking his pain medication and doing his breathing exercises. And, because they knew that Tony also needed some down time, they would considerately go off on longer walks so Tony could rest.

Tony was unsure what father and son talked about on their walks but suspected that old fears were being put to rest and memories shared. It was unlikely that the Gibbs duo would be happy anytime soon but Tony would settle for bridges being built. And to gain that he was willing to allow himself to be cossetted and cared for and if part of him enjoyed the unfamiliar experience, well that was nobody's business but his.

In fact, Tony didn't need as much rest as his companions believed and often, while they were out, he would take a walk in the opposite direction to get more exercise than they would prescribe. And so it was that Tony came across something which he thought might help Jethro move on.

Tony thought about it for a couple of days and then announced after breakfast that he felt like going for a walk with Jethro. He winked at Jackson who said,

"Go on, both of you. Leave an old man in peace, why don't you?" He rattled his newspaper to show that he couldn't wait to go back to it.

"How are things?" asked Tony as he and Jethro set off.

"Fine," shrugged Jethro.

"Fine as in fine or fine as in OK?" asked Tony.

Jethro took a moment to consider this before answering, "Fine. I think."

"Good," said Tony. "You still mad at your Dad?"

"Not so much," said Jethro. "He explained a few things."

"And did you explain anything?" asked Tony.

"What?"

"Hey, funny thing about communication. It goes two ways."

"Huh?"

"Your Dad's not psychic. Sometimes you actually need to tell him what's wrong."

Jethro shrugged, "OK."

Tony decided to interpret that positively, "See that you do." He got no response so tapped the boy gently on the head, "Hey! See that you do!"

Jethro grinned, "Enough with the head taps! I heard you."

"You know," said Tony, "If the Marine Corps doesn't work out I reckon you'd have a future with NCIS."

"Eh?"

"You're observant, quick, honest … you look out for people. It could work out," said Tony.

Jethro looked pleased but said, "Nah, I want to be a Marine."

"Fair enough," said Tony, "But don't go into the Marine Corps because you want to fight."

"What?"

"I mean, there's no point going in if you're not prepared to fight but don't go in because you're mad with the world and just want to fight. You know what I mean?"

"I guess," said Jethro. "And I was mad. But not so much now and I still want to be a Marine."

"Then go for it," said Tony. "But remember, NCIS could be an option."

Jethro nodded and then changed the subject, "Dad said you were really good at basketball and football."

"Were?" frowned Tony.

"You know what I mean," said Jethro. "He said you were on the varsity teams at college."

"Yeah," said Tony.

"Why didn't you say anything?"

"You prefer baseball," said Tony. "Didn't think you'd be interested."

"Baseball would have been better," said Jethro, "But I like football. And basketball. You could give me some tips?"

"OK," said Tony, "We could do that. Hey, we're here."

"Where?"

"Here," said Tony. "Come on, I've got something to show you."

Jethro looked a little disgruntled that sports coaching wasn't starting immediately but followed Tony willingly enough into a backyard.

"I ran into Terri the other day," said Tony as he smiled at the plump brunette who had seen their arrival. "Terri, this is Jethro. Jethro, meet Terri Sinclair."

There was a hint of sullenness on Jethro's face as he feared he was being drawn into some sort of social gathering which was stealing time from basketball or guitar lessons but he managed to avoid shrugging.

"You'll like this," said Tony with a laugh at Jethro's expression and he followed Terri down to an enclosed area near the house. Jethro's mouth fell open when he saw what was there. "Sirocco had pups a few weeks ago," explained Tony. "Eight of them." He pointed to an excited pile of squirmy puppies.

"You want to go in?" asked Terri. "It's OK now, they've had their injections."

Jethro nodded wordlessly and Terri opened the gate and let him in. The puppies wriggled towards him excitedly and he laughed, "What are they?" he asked.

"Labrador/Golden Retriever cross," said Terri. "I'll leave you to it." She recognised the look of pure love on the boy's face and somehow thought he'd be with the dogs for some time.

"You like them?" asked Tony.

Jethro nodded again.

"You can choose one," said Tony. Jethro's head jerked up. "I checked with Jackson. He's on board. It would belong to both of you but you can choose."

The smallest pup managed to make its way through its siblings and clambered onto Jethro's lap where he absentmindedly stroked it. Tony waited a few minutes and then asked, "Have you chosen one?"

Jethro looked at the litter and stroked the little creature on his lap and nodded. He reached to the edge of the group and picked up a puppy. "This one," he said.

Tony nodded, somehow he was not surprised. Part of him had thought he would choose the smallest puppy but the chosen one had stayed on the fringe of the group and watched what was going on, weighing things up before joining in. It wasn't that it was lacking in confidence but more that it seemed to think things through before acting, much like its future master, "Good choice," he said.

Tony managed eventually to tear Jethro away from the dogs and they began to walk back. "The dog will mostly be yours," he said, "But chances are you'll be going away in a few years. You won't be able to take the dog with you so it'll need to be friends with your Dad too. That make sense?"

Jethro nodded. "Sure. And it's not an it, it's a she."

"I stand corrected," said Tony. "Thought of a name yet?"

"Bethany," said Jethro, "After the beach."

"Run on ahead," said Tony, "Take my cell, you can show Jackson the pictures of Bethany." He smiled as he watched Jethro race ahead.

NCISNCIS

The visit was over. Jackson and Jethro had returned to DC with Tony … and Bethany. Jethro had been for the promised ride in Ducky's Morgan and been given a tour of NCIS Headquarters including a tour of Autopsy – Jethro wasn't sure whether or not he was relieved that none of Ducky's work was on display.

"Thanks, Tony, for everything," said Jackson as he took one last look around Tony's apartment. An apartment which was not quite as pristine as usual following the brief visit from Bethany.

"My pleasure," said Tony, grinning as he realised he meant it. He stretched out his hand to Jackson but was pulled into a hug instead.

"Thank you," repeated Jackson softly.

"Thanks, Tony," said Jethro. "For … for …"

"My pleasure," said Tony, taking pity on the boy and repeating his words to Jackson. He looked at Jethro and, taking a risk, pulled him into a quick embrace. The risk paid off and Jethro buried his face in Tony's chest for a second or two. "Don't forget," said Tony, "I'm always here. Call me sometime."

"I will," said Jethro a little shakily.

"And Jethro …" said Tony.

"Yes?"

"Make sure Bethany is housetrained before you bring her here again!"

"I will!" promised Jethro.

And with that they were gone. Tony's apartment was his again – and it was empty.

"You did it again, DiNozzo," said Tony to himself. "Why is it you can fix other people but not yourself?"

And he shrugged.

AN: Thank you to everyone who has taken an interest in the story. The characters are back in their boxes – the right way up!