LOYALTY
By
Ashleigh Anpilova
Fornell has a big favor to ask Gibbs.
An established relationship story.
Written: January 2012. Word count: 500.
"Gibbs, yeah?"
"Hey, it's me."
Gibbs felt a smile twitch his lips. "Yeah?"
"Need to ask you a favor."
"Ask away."
"I wouldn't ask if it wasn't really important, Jethro."
Gibbs frowned at the intensity in Fornell's voice. "Just ask, Tobias."
"Okay, but remember, I wouldn't ask if -"
"If it wasn't really important. Yeah, heard you the first time."
"You know it's my turn to take Emily trick or treating?"
"Yeah. And she's going as a witch, she told me."
"The thing is, Jethro. You know the case I'm in the middle of?"
"Yeah."
"We've got a lead; a good one. But I have to meet with the guy tonight; I can't get out of it. If I call Diane and tell her I can't take Emily, you know what she'll say, don't you?"
Gibbs grimaced. "Sure do."
"Well, I wondered if you'd - I wouldn't ask, Jethro. I know it'd be hard for you. And I wouldn't ask if it wasn't really important." Fornell fell silent.
Gibbs rolled his eyes. "Still haven't asked, Tobias," he said quietly. "How about I make it easy for you. I'll be happy to take Emily trick or treating." As he said the words he realized he wasn't saying them just out of loyalty to his lover. He meant them. He would be happy to take Emily Fornell trick or treating.
"Are you sure, Jethro, because I wouldn't -"
"Hell, Fornell. Said yes, didn't I?" He heard Fornell exhale. "Want me to pick her up from Diane's?"
"No. She's going to drop her off at my office."
"Even better. Five o'clock?"
"Make it five thirty, you know Diane's never on time."
Gibbs laughed. "Sure do. Wonder if she was late for her marriage to Sterling?"
"She was!" Fornell fell silent for a moment. "Jethro?"
"Yeah, Tobias?"
"Ah, nothing. See you later."
"I'll be there." Gibbs hung up.
Wearing his Visitor's Badge, Gibbs was escorted to Fornell's office. He was a few minutes early, but he'd already found out Diane had arrived with Emily and left without her. He found Emily sitting on a chair, her head bent over a book, while Fornell talked on the phone and made notes.
As he went into Fornell's office Emily looked up. "Hello, Uncle Jethro," she said, closing her book and getting off her chair. "Daddy said you're going to take me trick or treating."
Gibbs smiled at her. "I am."
Emily looked up at him. "You do know what to do, don't you?"
"Emily!"
Emily looked contrite. "Sorry, Daddy. Sorry, Uncle Jethro. Do you like my outfit, Uncle Jethro?" She turned around three times so Gibbs could admire it.
"Yeah, honey, I do," he said, straightening her hat which had nearly fallen off. "You're the prettiest witch I've ever seen."
Emily smiled and took Gibbs's hand and dragged him to the door. "Bye, Daddy," she called.
"Hang on a moment." Fornell looked up. "Bye sweetheart. Be good for Uncle Jethro."
"I will!"
"Jethro."
"Yeah, Tobias, I know." Gibbs smiled.
Feedback is always appreciated
Go to NCIS General Series Slash Fiction
Page