This is the third story in the series. Bad Luck And Trouble and then Tantrums. Read those first. 

Jethro sat at his desk to review the latest case. His team had been working hard to solve it, but some days he missed adult Tony. DiNozzo didn't think like everyone else. He thought outside the box.

"Boss?"

"Yeah Kate?"

"Why don't you ask Tony? He may be young but he's still in there." Kate whispered.

Gibbs looked at his watch. "It's naptime at the daycare Kate."

"He doesn't usually nap Gibbs. He told me so."

"Fine. Let me call and check." Gibbs dialed the daycare extension for Tony's class and spoke with his teacher. What he heard made him frown. "Don't say anything to him but I'll come get him for a while."

Gibbs got up and headed for the elevator. When he approached the pre-school class he peeked in thru the window. He saw the lights were low and everyone was napping everyone but Tony.

Tony was sitting on his cot with his arms crossed over his chest, in full pout mode.

Gibbs saw Tony's teacher, Terry Banks head toward him and opened the door. She whispered, "He's all yours Agent Gibbs."

"Has he been a problem?"

"At first, yes, but we compromised. He didn't have to sleep but he has to stay on his cot quietly. He normally has books, but he was a little sarcastic and lost the privilege today."

"I'm surprised he's not crying. He's been very emotional this week."

"Nothing we can't handle. It helps that he knows you're close enough to come deal with any bad behavior."

"Good." Gibbs looked at Tony waiting to be noticed. He didn't have to wait too long. Tony always seemed to know when he was around.

When Tony looked up, Gibbs signaled him to be quiet and to come to him. Tony complied quickly. Gibbs turned to Terry and whispered, "We'll be back later."

"Okay. See you then."

Gibbs took Tony's hand and led him out of the classroom and signed him out of the daycare.

"What's up dad? Am I in trouble?"

"Should you be?" Tony just shrugged. "Bad morning?" Gibbs asked.

"No, not really." Tony answered.

"Kate told me you weren't crazy about naptime and this current case could use you view of things."

"Really? I can help with a case?" Tony bounced with excitement.

Gibbs smiled. "Yes as long as you behave."

"Cool! I'll be good Boss. It will be like old times."

Gibbs and Tony entered the bullpen and Tony smiled and said hi to everyone. Gibbs returned to his desk and let everyone get reconnected then announced they needed to get back to work.

"Tony? Come sit with me." Gibbs winked with him. Ziva didn't know about Tony's downsizing but believed he was 'Tony's' son, now Gibbs's son.

"What you got dad, I mean Boss." Tony smiled.

The team gave Tony a quick summary of what they were working on and as Abby was explaining her computer frustrations, Tony asked if she checked the 'buffers'. When everyone looked at him and then agreed it led to a break in the case.

"That's one smart kid." Ziva said after she was alone with Abby.

"He's just like his father." Abby smiled. The team had let Abby and Ducky in on the secret, but not the new director, who Gibbs had a history with.

"Gibbs?" Ziva asked.

"No, Tony's biological father was Agent Anthony DiNozzo. He was killed in the line of duty 6 months ago. He left Little T to Gibbs." Abby clarified.

"Isn't that unusual?"

"Not if you had heard about the rest of the DiNozzo family. They disowned him when he was thirteen. Tony never would have left his son to them. They don't even know about Little T."

"Would they object to Gibbs as the boy's father?"

"I don't know?" Abby answered.

"I better get back upstairs." Ziva left Abby thinking about a smart and lucky little boy.

*****

Gibbs had left Tony sitting at McGee's desk playing a computer game together as he went up to brief the director.

"Probie?"

"Yeah Tony?"

"You think the boss will let me help more often?"

"Maybe. We wouldn't have found the suspect without your help."

"Good. I hate naptime."

McGee laughed and Tony joined in. Neither noticed the man walk up to the desk until they heard a 'oh my God'. Tony's head shot up, recognizing the voice immediately. Standing in front of them was Anthony DiNozzo Sr.

"Can I help you sir?" McGee asked.

"He looks just like Anthony at that age."

"Sir?" McGee was confused.

"My grandson. My name is..."

"Anthony DiNozzo." Tony answered.

"Mr. DiNozzo, what can I help you with?"

"I want to know why my son never told me about my grandson."

Tony finally shook off his shock. Fearing the worse, he stood and moved away from the man he hated so much the first time around.

"Anthony. Come see your grandfather." DiNozzo Sr. demanded.

Tony kept moving away. When his 'father' yelled "now" sternly, Tony turned and ran up the stairs toward MCAT screaming "DAD!"

Gibbs heard the yelling and ran out into the hallway with the director right behind him. He found Tony yelling for him with tears in his eyes.

"Tony! What's wrong?" Gibbs grabbed the child and picked him up. "Sh, calm down and tell me what's wrong?"

Tony couldn't speak but he pointed down to the bullpen. Gibbs recognized the man from Tony's file. "Sh. He can't hurt you. You're mine and we have some powerful back up. Okay?"

Tony had forgotten about the SGC and calmed down. "Okay." He hiccupped.

"Let's go face the beast." Gibbs tickled the boy as he growled playfully.

Gibbs entered the bullpen with Tony still in his arms. "Mr. DiNozzo. I'm Special Agent Jethro Gibbs. What brings you down here?"

"You know damn well why I'm here. Are you the boy's guardian?"

"I'm his father now, yes."

"Father! Anthony left his only child to his boss?" Not his family?" DiNozzo fumed.

"From what Tony told me about his 'family', yes he left him to me. And before you try to throw your considerable wealth at taking my son from this family, I should warn you; don't. You'll loose."

"Are you challenging me Agent Gibbs?"

"Just stating facts." Jethro adjusted Tony's weight on his hip, who was sucking his thumb as he clung to Gibbs.

"His father had that nasty habit. Always had his hands in his mouth."

Tony pulled his thumb out and scowled. Gibbs noticed the look Tony was giving his 'grandfather' and said, "Kate? Take Jr. here down to see Abby."

"No! I want to stay here." Tony clung to Gibbs arm.

"You'll go with Kate like I asked. Now." Jethro disengaged Tony's hands and transferred him to Kate. Tony was going to argue but recognized the look Gibbs was giving him.

"Yes dad." Tony whispered.

"Come on short stuff. Let's see what Abby's up too." Kate deflected.

"Agent Gibbs. I came to see my grandson."

Gibbs smiled. "No."

"No?"

"You have no grandson Mr. DiNozzo. Tony didn't want his son anywhere near you. You were an abusive father and you will not get the chance to be an abusive grandfather."

"I did not abuse my son. Yes I was stern but from what I just observed, you are too."

"I am nothing like you. You ruled with fear. Stay away from my son." Gibbs signaled McGee. "McGee, escort Mr. DiNozzo out of my building. Don't come back Mr. DiNozzo."

"You haven't heard the last of me. I'll be back with my lawyers."

"Bring it on DiNozzo."

DiNozzo Sr. stormed out and Gibbs collapsed in his chair. Taking several deep breaths, he calmed down and picked up the phone. Dialing the number from memory, Jethro waited for someone to pick up.

"Dr. Jackson."

"Daniel? It's Gibbs."

"Hey Jethro. How's the other tiny terror?"

"He's doing well. I have a problem that just showed up though."

"What problem?"

"Tony's father just popped in and I'm afraid he's going to fight the custody."

"Don't worry Jethro. I'll have General Hammond call the President and get him off your back. I'd also suggest you have Abby put a GPS locator on your kid."

Gibbs laughed. "Already done Daniel. The first time the brat wondered off and got lost I had Abby put in a sub-dermal GPS. Come in handy quite often."

"I did the same with Jack. He's constantly hiding somewhere in the SGC. Don't sweat about DiNozzo Sr. We'll let the President deal with him."

"Thank you Daniel."

"No problem. Hey, let Tony know that Jack lost internet privileges for the rest of the month, so he won't be chatting with your boy."

"Sure. What did he do?"

"Nothing much. He just smuggled himself into one of the MALP's and went through the gate. He was lucky it was a safe planet. Well at least until I got a hold of him."

"I guess I should be grateful Tony can't get off the planet."

Daniel and Gibbs chatted for a few minutes then hung up. Gibbs sighed as he headed down to the lab to check on Tony.

*******

"G2! Get back here." Abby yelled.

"No! And quit calling me that."

"Come on Tony. Gibbs is going to shoot me."

"I would never shoot you Abs." Gibbs smiled when Abby jumped.

"Don't do that bossman."

"So, where is my little terror?"

: Hiding. Kate brought him down here but he hid as soon as she set him down."

"His 'grandfather' showed up. Raising a fuss about custody but it's being taken care of."

"So?" Abby asked.

"So what?"

"Tony?"

"Oh. Anthony DiNozzo Gibbs! Front and center."

"But boss..."

"One!"

Tony scrambled out of his hiding place and approached Gibbs.

"Come here son." Gibbs opened his arms to Tony, who ran to him.

"Is he gone?" Tony whispered.

"Yes Tony and I called Daniel."

"What'd he say?"

"He's going to tell General Hammond and have the President take care of it."

"President of what?" Abby asked.

"President of the United States Abs." Tony smiled.

"Well I'll be. You've got some nice friends G2."

"Abby!" Tony whined. "Stop calling me that."

"But it's cute." Abby smiled with mischief.

"No it's not." Tony pouted.

"Did I miss something?" Gibbs asked.

"No!" Tony yelled.

"Watch your tone young man." Gibbs warned.

"Boss. She keeps calling me G2." Gibbs’s confusion was easy to see. "Gibbs Two?"

"Ah. Abby?"

"It's just a nick-name boss." Abby defended.

"One he apparently doesn't like, so please..."

"Cool it. Got it boss. Sorry Tony."

"Okay Abs. I'm sorry I yelled at you too."

"Let's go grab a snack. I could use some coffee." Gibbs carried Tony to the elevator and they headed back down to the daycare just in time for snack.

"Tony? I don't want you to leave this classroom until I come get you. If you see anyone familiar or close to your 'grandfather' tell Miss Terry or call security. Okay?"

"Sure dad." Tony smiled at Miss Terry. "You think he might try something?"

"When he finds out he can't get you legally, he may try to snatch you, but I doubt it will be today."

"Why can't I just stay with you?"

"Son, I'll be back in less than an hour. Have a snack and play until then."

"But..."

"I have to go talk to the director. Then I'll be back. I promise."

"Okay." Tony hugged Gibbs quickly and turned to his snack.

Gibbs warned Miss Terry and security about a possible threat then went to talk to Shepard.

*****

Gibbs was true to his word and picked Tony up within the hour and they headed home.

"Can I chat with Jack when we get home dad?"

"You can send him an email if you want, but Daniel told me Jack was grounded from the internet for the rest of the month."

"Got caught in the MALP?" Tony smiled.

"Yeah. How did you know that?"

"He told me what he was planning. Did they catch him before or after getting through the gate?"

"After."

"He's good."

"Good, harrumph. I hope Daniel roasts his backside."

"Probably did." Tony sighed.

"What's wrong Tony?"

"Nothing really. Jack's life is more exciting than mine unless you consider my 'father' trying to steal me away. Why would he want his 'grand-child' when he didn't even want me the first time?"

"Maybe he's feeling old and wants an heir." Gibbs said gently.

"I don't want to go through that again boss." Tony whispered.

Gibbs pulled the car over and turned around in his seat to look at Tony. "You have my word, he will not take you away. If by some strange chance he does get custody, we will fly to the SGC and hide on another planet if need be."

"Would General Hammond let us?"

"It's already approved if needed. Okay? No one takes one of mine. Understand?"

"Yeah boss, thanks."

******

Tony was playing with the legos the next day when he noticed a strange man looking in the window of the daycare class. He quickly ducked and hid out of sight. When the man moved away from the window, Tony ran over to Miss Terry and tried to tell her his concern.

"I'll check it in a moment Tony."

"But he could be gone by then." Tony argued.

"Go play Tony."

"But..."

: Tony, I promise I will go check in a minute." Terry assured him.

Tony nodded but he knew Terry was too distracted, so he decided to fix it himself. He went over to the table and dragged a chair and dialed Gibbs extension.

"Gibbs."

"Dad?"

"Tony? Where are you?"

"Dad, there's a strange man looking in the classroom window."

"Where's Terry Tony?"

"She's busy so I called you." Tony defended.

"Tony!" Terry yelled. "What are you doing?"

"Calling dad."

"What! Is he on the phone?"

"Yes ma’am." Terry held out her hand for the receiver and Tony complied.

"Agent Gibbs?"

"What's going on Terry?"

"I'm sorry he called you."

"Tony said he saw a strange man looking in?"

"Yes a few minutes ago. I asked him to wait a couple of minutes. I was in the middle of something but apparently he didn't want to wait."

"He does tend to be impulsive. Check out his concern and I'll call security, then I'll be down."

"Certainly Agent Gibbs." Terry hung up and turned to find Tony looking at her. "I'm going to go check the hallway and your father is having security check."

"Is he coming down too?"

"Yes Tony. Then we are going to sit down and discuss following classroom rules."

"But you were busy." Tony argued.

"We will talk about it later. Stay here with Miss Rhonda." Terry opened the door and checked the hallway. She caught a glimpse of someone going into the stairwell, but she couldn't be sure.

When security showed up, Terry sent some of the Agents to check the stairwell. They were looking when Gibbs showed up.

"Anything Terry?"

"Nothing yet Agent Gibbs. I thought I saw someone but nothing has turned up yet."

"Where's Tony?"

"Pretending to play."

Gibbs smiled. "I'll check the camera's and see if there's anything. Do you want me to take my trouble magnet?"

"Could you remind him of the class rules? I know he was concerned but..."

Gibbs held up his hand. "I'll remind him."

"Thank you. I'll go get him." Terry entered the classroom and returned with Tony. "Remember what I said."

"Yes Miss Terry. I'll try." Tony replied. "I'm sorry I broke the rule."

"You're forgiven Tony. Have a good weekend."

"Thank you Miss Terry." Gibbs said as he took Tony's hand. "Let's go son. You can help me view the tapes."

"Dad?"

"What Tony?"

"I'm..." Tony paused. "Can you..."

"What son?" Gibbs asked as he knelt in front of Tony.

"Can you carry me Boss?" Tony whispered.

"Sure. Come on Sport." Gibbs lifted Tony into his arms and hugged him close. Tony snuggled into the embrace and wiped at his moist eyes. "Sh, Tony. Remember, no one will take you away."

Tony nodded against Gibbs’s shoulder and put his thumb in his mouth. Gibbs held him tighter as they headed up to the bullpen.

*******

Tony and Gibbs watched the security tape and saw the man who had looked into the classrooms. Tony identified the man as the one he saw and Abby started a detailed search for his identity.

Through the entire process, Tony stuck close to Gibbs. He was so under foot that Gibbs tried to settle him at his desk, but every-time he tried Tony would throw a fit. He finally gave up and carried Tony. Snuggling close to Gibbs shoulder, Tony finally fell asleep.

"Hey bossman. Little T asleep?" Abby asked as Gibbs entered the forensic lab.

"Finally."

"Why don't you put him down on the futon?"

"I'd love to Abby but every-time I try to put him down he screams." Gibbs sat down. "What do you have?"

"You were right about that creep. He works for Anthony DiNozzo Sr. The MP's picked him up trying to leave the naval yard."

"Great. Did they bring him here?"

"Yeah. He's upstairs."

"Good." Gibbs stood, readjusted Tony and headed up to the bullpen. He entered the observation booth to find McGee and Kate waiting.

"McGee? See if we can transfer Tony to your shoulder so I can interrogate this scum."

"Sure Boss." Very carefully they transferred Tony to McGee's shoulder, when Tony mumbled Gibbs shushed him and Tony settled.

"Don't move McGee."

"Right Boss."

Gibbs interrogated the man who admitted that DiNozzo Sr. had been angry when none of his lawyers would go against the federal government. He was scouting to snatch Tony for his 'grandfather'.

Gibbs got enough to indict DiNozzo Sr. in kidnapping and issued the warrant. As the last statement was being signed, Gibbs heard Tony screaming.

Meeting McGee in the hallway, Gibbs took a sobbing Tony into his arms. "Sh Tony. I have you. Calm down." Gibbs gently bounced and rubbed his back.

"McGee? Finish up here then head home. I expect you all back here on Monday. I'm going to let the Director know what's happening and then we're headed home too."

"Dad?" Tony hiccupped.

"What Sport?"

"Where were you?" Tony was still sniffling around his thumb.

"We caught the man outside your classroom. He gave us enough to stop your 'grandfather'," Gibbs winked, "from harming you ever again."

"Really? No more?"

"No more worries. You belong to me."

"Thanks. Love you Dad." Tony snuggled again and dozed off, secure in his father's arms.

"I love you too Tony." Gibbs gently kissed Tony's head. The duo reported to MTAC and then headed home. Gibbs smiled as they put the past behind them and looked forward to a bright future. He counted himself a lucky man.

The End

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