Advice

[rose-malmaison.livejournal.com]

Advice by rose_malmaison

Pairing: Gibbs/DiNozzo, existing relationship.
Characters: Tony, Jethro, Anthony DiNozzo Sr., Jackson Gibbs.
Warnings: M/M.
Rating: G
Word Count: 500
Follow-up to Cold Feet
Summary: A very short discussion about what makes for a good marriage.

Advice

"It's only a piece of paper," says Tony's father. Tony raises an eyebrow at that comment and Senior looks abashed. "Hey, I tried, several times, but after your mother, well, I guess my heart wasn't in it as much as I thought it was."

Jackson Gibbs makes a sort of harrumphing sound that warrants a glare from Senior. Jackson ignores the dark look and says, "Let me tell you, in my day we took our vows seriously. I was married for twenty-five years and the missus and I were only parted by war and death." Memories hit him and he runs a hand over his mouth, half turning away. He takes a few seconds to collect himself.

Jethro pats his father's shoulder a little awkwardly, though it's obvious from the way Jackson leans into his son's touch that it means a lot to him.

Senior clears his throat and shifts his weight and Tony knows that his dad isn't immune to the way those feelings have a way of coming up and snowing over you when you think about those you've lost, no matter how many years it's been since they've gone. Tony touches his old man's sleeve and offers him a smile that, he hopes, shows he understands. He misses his mother in a bittersweet way but her passing seems so long ago. Tony can't imagine what kind of state he'll be in if Jethro dies before he does – not that he wants to think about that kind of thing, not on his wedding day.

"They say," Tony says trying to lighten the mood, "that the key to a good marriage is separate bathrooms."

Jethro frowns at him. "Thought the key to a good marriage was putting the toilet seat down."

Tony bumps his shoulder against Jethro's and teases, "You must have left that toilet seat up an awful lot, Boss." Of course Jethro growls at the insult, or it could be because of Tony calling him Boss.

Both of their dads look at Tony and Jethro at the same time and Senior says speculatively, "I'm not sure that applies in this situation. Wouldn’t you keep it up?" He shakes his head, befuddled, then gives up.

Jackson asks Senior, "How about you and me opening some more of that champagne and comparing notes on women, DiNozzo?"

"Sure Jack. I can call you Jack, can't I? I say that money's the key to a good marriage. Do you know that the first words Tony's mother ever said to me she borrowed from Groucho Marx: 'Will you marry me? Do you have any money? And answer the second question first.'"

Tony and Jethro shake their heads as they watch their fathers heading over to the buffet table. It's Tony who voices what they're both thinking, "Oh God, I hope Dad doesn't have any of my baby pictures in his wallet."

Jethro stares at Tony for a second and his eyes widen with fear. He hurries after his father, calling, "Hey, Dad?"

*** end ***

Comments

[kesterpan.livejournal.com]

This made me laugh! I could definitely see the two dads ganging up on the boys. And neither of the younger men would quite know what to do about it. :)

[rose-malmaison.livejournal.com]

You know what they say about adults of any age being reduced to kids again when faced with their parents. I had to add that Groucho quote, just found it by chance. I wasn't sure how many years Jackson and Ann were actually married though...
Glad it amused you!

[cuke11.livejournal.com]

cute follow up & pic! :)

[rose-malmaison.livejournal.com]

I was lucky to find that pic of Ralph Waite with his hand raised - from Bones, I think it was. Plus the fireplace shot was a find - made it all come together.

I picture Jackson and Senior solving a crime together while their sons are pulling out their hair thinking their dads are in trouble. LOL

[cuke11.livejournal.com]

Jackson and Senior - Partners in Crime Fighting? *loves!*

[ferneberga.livejournal.com]

Loved it

[sunsaralyn.livejournal.com]

Both pieces were good. Very nice. :D

[magdarko.livejournal.com]

Ha ha, loved this! Loved the idea of Jack and Senior telling each other stories while their sons look on, horrified, and probably making dramatic 'no! no! no!' gestures in the background. And the belated 'Oh no they might have PICTURES!' panic. Great companion to the heartfelt emotion in Cold Feet.