Gibbs: …what do you see now?

--

Jackson couldn't help but notice the disappointment in his son's eyes when they were interrupted. It was a look he had become familiar with over the course of Gibbs childhood and one he hoped he'd never bring about again. It hadn't been long since Leroy had asked him that question when he finally pulled him aside to respond.

"You want to know what I see Leroy?"

It took Gibbs a moment, but he soon remembered the question he'd asked a short time before. "Depends on what you see."

"I see a man who is well respected…stubborn but for the right reasons, demands loyalty and gives it in return. Expects the truth from people no matter how many times he's been lied to. Exhibits all the qualities that a father would want in a son." He concluded his statement with a wry smile.

"You rehearse that?"

Jack continued to smile. "Maybe once or twice, how'd I do?"

Gibbs couldn't help but mirror his smile. "Not bad, not bad at all."

"I meant every word of it son."

Gibbs nodded. "I know, one thing I've learned over the years is how to tell a lie from the truth."

"A disheartening skill." Jack stated, but watched his son shake his head.

"Only disheartening if I don't catch 'em. Otherwise; it feels pretty damn good when I do."

Jack had placed a soft hand on his arm. "You know what else I see?" He watched Gibbs send him a questioning look before he continued. "My four year old boy overcoming his fear of the dark…"

Gibbs peered around. "You tell that to anyone on my team and I'll…"

Jack cut off his threat. "Relax Leroy, it's not as if they'd believe me anyhow…"