All Sharp Like Fox Teeth: Volume Two – Chapter 5 – quicksylver28

Reading Time:
19 Minutes

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Tony chuckled at the wall of emojis his son sent to his phone before sending back a simple thumbs up in response. He knew it would drive the boy crazy but it would also help distract him on the drive to his first meeting with his therapist. Stiles had been sending random facts, funny memes and emoji speak off and on since five am, an electronic manifestation of his leg shake.

Thankfully, Tony had already been up and doing a session on his humidifier. Even though his lungs hadn’t been as touchy in the excellent California air, prevention was still better than cure. After the session and a couple of mugs of his special tea blend on the balcony, he got one more ping on his phone. This time netted him a full sentence… though in all caps that signified shouting.

:: IT”S DANNY MOM. DANNY’S MOM IS THE THERAPIST.::

It took Tony a bit of mental acrobatics to recall who Danny was and all he could do was to send back a single thumbs up before Stiles went into the session. Tony chuckled as he could just imagine the boy’s aggrieved yowl at the lack of appropriate reaction from his dad but Tony had always been a bit of a troll at heart. Just ask McProbie.

He laughed outright when Noah sent a picture of Stiles making the funniest “old man staring at phone”  face at his phone with the text – ::Nice Work. In session now. ::

With a job well done, he dug into the luxurious room service breakfast with gusto. He had things to get done before meeting the other two for lunch. Phone calls with Lori about the house and all the inspections and documents he would need, his financial advisor about his funds, the hospital about Stiles’ outstanding medical fees and his frat brother about moving his things, his car and piano cross country.

He called and had a long talk with Brad about how his lungs were behaving and promised to get a full body check up at the local hospital while waiting for his appointment with the specialist at Paolo Alto. Brad was even considering flying in for the first consult to help smooth the transition and Tony was grateful for having made such a good friend out of such adversity. By that time, the house would be up and running and Brad could take one of the numerous guest rooms for his stay.

A call to Commander Avery gave him an update on all the progress NCIS Legal had made on the plethora of issues left in Tony’s wake but thankfully, he wasn’t needed for in person deposition just yet. They were managing to keep him out of it so far based on how well put together his evidence and reports had been constructed. It would be a while yet before they would need his input on things.

Delores, on the other hand, had the latest gossip on the MCRT and confirmed the financial processing of his medical retirement. Gibbs was on administrative leave pending investigation and had taken the opportunity to join Franks for another Mexican Siesta as he waited to find out if he was going to officially get the boot.

McGee was suspended without pay for both his federal hacking and the trash he put in his Gemcity books. Tony’s lawyer had already texted him that Jimmy had reached out and wanted to pursue a case of defamation for the necrophilia. Word was that Admiral McGee was already circling the wagons, no doubt preparing to hang his boy out to dry to protect what he could of his own name and career.

Abby had also been suspended and her lab was being audited for accreditation standards violations. She was also being investigated for her threats to ruin Tony’s life and career. She was staying with the nuns as she’d been ordered to stay in Washington or she would have already taken a flight back to the Big Easy with her tail between her legs. The shit storm headed her way as they checked through each and every of her cases for lab compromise made Katrina look like an afternoon drizzle.

Ziva had been given a choice… American justice for espionage, CIA recruitment at a black site for the rest of her natural life or a one way trip back to Isreal. She chose Isreal… no surprise. At least under Daddy David, she had the illusion of freedom. As long as she stayed an ocean away from Tony and his people, he was satisfied enough with that.

The politics of the whole situation were a nightmare and the US government didn’t want to come out of it with egg on their face. There would be things swept under rugs in the end but Tony didn’t have the energy to mind too much. Yeah, as a law officer it stuck in his craw to see justice subverted for international optics but it was par for the course in cases like this.

Vance was in the hot seat for his relationship with Daddy David and for not dealing with the mess Jenny made of the organization, even if that was what he’d been brought in for. Instead, he’d made his own, all new mess on top of the old one and further tilted NCIS’ path from the straight and narrow.

Word on the street was that SecDef would be taking over while the agency went under investigation as a whole. They would also, with personal oversight and approval from the president, be in charge of building a trusted crew in to run the agency how it was supposed to be run. Until then, every shadowed corner, black book project, nook and cranny in NCIS would be dug three feet deep and exposed to the harsh light of the sun. Everything not nailed down was going to be shaken loose. Only time would tell who would weather the storm and come out the next side with their lives, careers and/or freedom.

Rocky was already talking of getting out while the getting was good and joining another agency. Tony wished him well and told him to avoid Fornell if he wanted to try the fibbies. Rocky had just laughed and told him about the feelers Tom Morrow was already putting out to all the NCIS assets he liked and trusted.

Around midmorning, when he was contemplating a snack, he got an email from the Private DNA lab with a link to a secure portal and password. His breath caught in his chest, his heart racing as he re-read the innocuous looking mail. Slowly, he closed it, deciding to wait until they were all together to click on the portal. Even though he knew Stiles was his… even though the boy was so much like his mother… he was still too scared to open it alone.

By the time lunch time rolled around, he’d touched base with a few of the frat brothers and had a talk with Aaron though it was a short one as the man was about to jet off on a case. Tony still felt bad for not bringing up the mystery of Beacon Hills but he still didn’t know enough to get his cousin involved.

He organized a picnic basket from the hotel… it really did cater to all tastes… filled with brioche bun sandwiches, deviled eggs, chilled tuna pasta salad, fruit salad in parfait and thick chocolate caramel brownies for desert. Hey, when on a picnic… eat picnic foods.

Dressed in a green polo that brought out the colour of his eyes and a pair of snug jeans, he grabbed a cream knit sweater in case the breeze off the lake got cold; packed up with Range Rover and headed out to the lookout point near Beacon Lake. Apparently, that was where Danny’s Mom, the Therapist lived and held her sessions.

Beacon Lake was the largest of a string of them that ran through Beacon County, a beautiful crystal blue body of water that reflected the Hills of Beacon hills on one end and the tallest waterfall of Beacon Falls in the far distance. In between, along the mirrored surface floated small fishing boats, larger yachts and a few fancy speed boats which left whipped up trails of white froth in their wake.

A large swath of lake front near the road had been made into a public area with parking, tables and facilities for visitors. Further on the private properties peppered the shore line. Thankfully, those beached were had not been privatized and could still be access but some of the shore were pier access only and needed boats to reach. It was a delicate balance of homeowner privacy verse local town folk enjoyment that Noah fought long and hard to keep fair and without hostility.

He parked the Range Rover and claimed one of the tables, hauling the picnic basket from the hotel, some brown bags full of snacks and supplies he’d bought on the way and a cooler of drinks on ice as they day was hot, despite the cool breeze coming up off the lake. He stripped off his knit sweater and hung it on one of the benches, rolling his shoulders as he took in the uninterrupted view.

Stiles and the Sheriff arrived soon after, just as Tony had finished setting out the spread on a red gingham table cloth the hotel had cheerfully provided. Both Stilinski men lit up at the sight and sat quickly as tony chuckled and joined them.

“Who knew talking could build quite an appetite right?”

Noah only nodded sagely as Stiles took a big bite of a loaded pastrami sandwich and moaned at the juicy flavour. Whiskey eyes closed in pleasure as he took a second bite, cheeks bulging like a chipmunk’s. Tony shared a grin with Noah at the boy’s antics and Noah hummed in thanks as Tony cracked open the tuna pasta salad and began making plates for all three of them.

Two deviled eggs were swiped by pale fingers and disappeared just as fast as the sandwich did while Tony passed out actual silver ware wrapped in matching red gingham cloth napkins. The hotel really went all out.

Most of the mela passed in silence, mostly because the food was that good and a bit because Tony figured that Stiles wasn’t as yet ready to talk about what he’d just been through and was using stuffing his face as a delaying tactic to gather himself. Tony let him have it, this wasn’t something to be rushed. This was just the first meeting of many and they needed to start the journey as they meant to go on. Steady and supportive. With kindness and grace freely given. They were into the fruit parfait and brownies by the time Stiles felt pulled together enough to speak.

“Danny’s Mom is really cool and laid back.” he dug into the desert cup with his spoon, mixing the fruit and cream together absently. “She has a little ‘she shed’ built right out on the waterfront for her sessions. It’s really comfy with fluffy chairs and there even a couch but it’s not like the one you expect in a shrink’s office. It’s wicker and hangs from the ceiling and feels like you’re lying on a cloud.”

He chuckled to himself and ate a spoonful of half melted cream and fruit chunks. “Did you know that Kona Coffee from Hawai’i comes in grades? She offered me a cup but not the strong stuff everyone talks about but a nice mild one that tasted like chocolate and caramel. It was really good and she served them in fugly ceramic cups that her kids made when they were young. Mine had ‘Danny’ written on it and I am so gonna tell him about how awful his hand writing was back then.”

The teen stared out over the water for a few quiet minutes while Tony and Noah busied themselves police the trash and dishes. The older men were divvying up the last of the brownies when Stiles began to talk once more.

“I told her about you.” he looked over at Tony. “We just talked about how things are going now. Nothing too deep but you’re a big part of that and I wanted to tell her. You don’t mind, do you?”

“Not at all, Mimmo.” Tony shook his head gently, briefly squeezing his son’s hand before letting go. “I don’t mind if the whole town knew… the whole world. But I know it’s a lot to explain so it’s up to you to tell who you want and when.”

The teen nodded, shoulders relaxing. “Good. I’m glad. It felt weird saying it all out loud to someone. The whole timeline. I know I talked to Shelby and Ms. Ramirez back in DC but it wasn’t the same. Like I was finally able to line up all the ducks and lay them out in a row all neat and organized. It really helped to figure out what I was feeling and thinking without getting it all tangled up like usual.

Tony caught Noah tilting his face down with a pained expression and felt his heart twist for them both. Stiles had been keeping so much to himself for so long that it was almost dizzying to see him do the kind of self-work they so desperately hoped for him. And to have him talk about it with them was also a good sign… a really good sign and something the both older men needed to carefully encourage and facilitate.

The rest of the session was just more light talk and coffee as Hana , Danny’s mom’s actual name, wanted to keep the teen comfortable and open to sharing. And it worked because Stiles wasn’t nearly as freaked out as he’d been before and was actually looking forward to his next session. They finished off the brownies, most of the snacks and the last few bottles of drinks as they chatted pleasantly, the sun warming them as the lake breeze kept them cool enough to enjoy the beautiful weather.

It was enough of a pick me up that Tony felt brave enough to tell them both about the email from the DNA centre and they eventually had to have Noah open up the email as Tony and Stiles held hands on the other side of the table. The smile that spread over the other man’s face had Tony slumping to rest his head against the arms while Stiles hugged him tight from one side.

“I never doubted.” the teen whispered as he squeezed Tony’s shoulder. “Not after I saw that picture of your mom. I knew that I was yours. A test didn’t have to tell me.”

Tony found himself weeping in earnest, shivering in the bright sunlight as Noah moved to sit on his other side, both Stilinski men rubbing comforting circle on his back as the noise of folks out and about having fun drifted over the lake and strip of white beach sand that sprawled just beyond the look out.

He had known in his heart of hearts, from that first rainy day, that Stiles was his; but it was still good for it to be officially confirmed. That meant some of his other plans could now, finally and legally, move forward.

Both Stilinskis hugged him tight when they finally stood and started back towards the cars. They’d taken Stiles blue jeep, with Noah driving of course, instead of the cruiser; and it was a bit of a walk back to the vehicle from Tony’s car.

“Dinner at ours?” Noah’s voice was hopeful, his handsome face smiling as he hugged Stiles shoulders. “I’m already planning to up my work out schedule to match all the awesome meals I’ve been eating lately.”

Tony laughed brightly, the brittle feeling that had been rattling in his gut fading away like old cobwebs. “I don’t know. Today kind of calls for a celebration. Maybe Panda Express? You talk about it enough. I really want to see what all the hype it about.”

He put up a hand as the other two both opened their mouths to speak. “None of those godforsaken butter battered deep fried heart attack chicken bacon shrimp a-BOMB-inations though… I will be making those myself from now on, thank you very much. And they will be better tasting and much better for your poor arteries too.”

He made a disgusted face and shuddered at the memory of Mac gobbling down half a dozen of the unholy things in one sitting. He gave both a narrow eyed gaze as he pointed a finger in their general direction. “No one will be ordering those unholy things with me at the table. Eat that shit on your own time.”

Stiles burst into loud cackles, clutching at his stomach. “Whatever you say, dad.”

Noah rolled his eyes and sighed heavily before smiling that stupid gorgeous smile. “As you wish.”

Tony mock glared at the grinning man even as a blush crept up his face. “I don’t those words mean what you think they mean.” Sigh. He really couldn’t help himself.

Noah just grinned wider. “Inconceivable.”

Tony just flushed deeper and quickly turned away, hopping into the SUV as Noah laughed and Stiles blinked thoughtfully at them both. Stupid handsome Sheriff with his stupid handsome smile and stupid twinkling eyes. Stupid Tony for watching Princess Bride a million goddamn times and reading too much into stupid movie quotes.

Ugh. Stupid Libido.

Horny Dumbass indeed.

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The Beacon Hills Panda Express was a large corner building at the end of main street and across the from the local cineplex. It was painted the patented red with a huge panda mural painted along the front. It was brightly lit and most of the tables were full as a line formed near the buffet counter. The few outdoor tables covered by red umbrellas were full but Noah was able to find them a nice table inside.

Tony felt a bit over dressed with his black Brunello Cucinelli button down and Tom Ford black slacks. Thankfully, he left the black Zegna blazer in the Range Rover and the Gucci belt and shoes weren’t too shiny. It also helped to see the hungry gaze Noah ran up and down his body as he and Stiles drew near.

Noah looked really good in a grey knit v-neck that clung to his chest with the arms pushed up to the elbow so his forearms were deliciously bare and dark grey slacks. Meanwhile, Stiles looked smart in a white button down and deep blue jeans. He still wore converse sneakers but they were a new pair that gave his outfit that personal Stiles flair.

“You two clean up really nice.” Tony smiled wide as he greeted them with hugs. It was true… they made for a handsome pair and many eyes were already being drawn their way as they were shown to a corner booth by a bubbly waitress who both Stilinski men greeted warmly and called by name. Betty was a short yet energetic thirty something year old woman  with the blonde hair pulled in a tight but as she guided them to their seats.

“I thought this place was buffet style.” Tony mused after she left them with menus and went away with their drink orders.

Stiles hummed as he sat between both older men. “It usually is for most but there’s a sit down section for those who want the full dining experience. The restaurant’s been around long enough that it’s become a whole thing. That’s why there are secret menu items and specials. This place is more for locals than those passing through.”

Noah agreed with a grunt. “There are places like Rosino’s and Moshi Mochi Sushi that cater more to the tourists while our good old Panda Pandi is the go to eatery for us Hillers. It’s got great food for a great price with great staff.”

“It’s just great all around.” Stiles finished with a wide smile.

Tony laughed along. “Panda Pandi?”

Noah chuckled while Stiles covered his face with a groan. The older man gestured at the slumped teen.  “This one couldn’t say the Express part as a little kid so he called it Panda Pandi. It just got stuck over the years.”

“Daaaad. Stop talking.” the teen pouted as he tried to cover his face with the laminated menu. “At least wait until we get home. Geez.”

Noah only shook his head. “He’s going to hear all the embarrassing stuff eventually, kiddo.”

“I know…” the teen pulled himself up from his slump and hissed loudly. “… but not in public, ok?”

Tony couldn’t help but smiling adoringly as the two bickered, his chest full of love at being a part of such an adorable domestic situation. Tonight, especially after the official confirmation of parentage; he truly began feeling like if he was a part of this. That he wasn’t some hopeful outsider looking in… some foolish imposter trying to grasp at something he didn’t deserve.

No… tonight he felt like he truly belonged.

“Ok you two… there’ll be enough time to trade embarrassing baby stories later. I’ve got a few doozies that are sure to blow yours out of the water, just you wait.” he waved his menu at them. “Can we get to ordering now? I’m a man starved.”

The night was cool as they stood in the parking lot after dinner, the breeze pushing down the heat of the day as they stood with familiar red take away boxes in hand. The food truly had been great and so had the service. But it was the company that made it such a wonderful night. Both Stilinski men were charming and funny and earnest and Tony hadn’t had that much fun in a fast food restaurant in more than a decade.

“You sure you don’t want to come over for a night cap?”

Noah made the invite so tempting but Tony had an early morning and needed to get some shut eye after such a full day. It seemed ironic compared to the long, hard hours he’d worked for NCIS in the past but now he valued his sleep… he valued his health. He had to live long enough to see his son grow into his own man. He wanted to dance at his boy’s wedding and spoil his grandkids. He had to live for himself now and that meant self-care and good life choices.

“Sorry. Early morning tomorrow.” Tony hugged his boy tight, smiling as the teen’s arms squeezed his chest until it almost hurt. “Brad ordered that I get a full checkup before visiting the specialists in Paolo Alto so I’m meeting up with Melissa before she gets off shift and she’s going to introduce me to a good doctor there.”

Stiles’ nervous expression made Tony cup the back of his head tenderly. “I’m fine, Mimmo. It’s just a precaution. To make sure the start of my medical treatment on this coast picks up from where the other one left off. I will be okay.”

“Can I… I mean… could I go with? To the hospital in the morning and to Paolo Alto…?” Stiles’s pale fingers hsd creased Tony’s shirt where he gripped it so hard. The boy glanced at his dad for a reaction before turning worried eyes back to Tony. Tony reached up and took that hand, giving it a gentle squeeze.

“Of course you can, Tesoro. I promised I wouldn’t keep secrets from you about my health, didn’t I?”

Noah nodded along easily, placing a steady hand on his son’s shoulder. “Let me know the date for the specialist and we’ll make a day of it.”

Both Tony and Stiles gazed at the sheriff, their eyes filled with enough awe to make the older man start to fidget.

“Thank you.” Tony said softly, to warm tone carrying so many feelings. The other man just blushed and ducked his head.

The good byes were warm and drawn out with hugs and laughter until Tony turned the Range Rover back to the hotel. His week was almost up there and he was seriously contemplating accepting the repeated offers to stay with Noah and Stiles until his house was ready for occupation. Things on that end were going as fast as money could make it but it would still be a few more days until then.

It was something to seriously consider.

Especially as it didn’t feel like he was intruding anymore.

It had kind of started to feel like welcome.

It had kind of started to feel like home.

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