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The Second Side of a Silver Dollar	By : Siberian Category: M through R > NCIS Views: 3570 -:- Recommendations : 0 -:- Currently Reading : 1
Disclaimer: I wrote this story soley for entertainment. No profit is being made and all rights belong to whoever is associated with the show NCIS and the characters. I don’t know their names, but I’m sure they know who they are.

Chapter List
- 1-One
- 2-Two
- 3-Three
- 4-Four
- 5-Five
- 6-Six
- 7-Seven
- 8-Eight
- 9-Nine
- 3
- 4
- 5
Acknowledgements: Thank you to Cowgirl65 for the wonderful review. I’m happy to see you liked the new relationship I introduced. It just always seemed to make since to me that they would be together. I’m sorry about the career misunderstanding but that is cool that you did earn money from it at one point. I’ll be sure to contact you on the forums as soon as I’m able. Even after editing this again, I’m sure some fine tuning will still be in order. Thank you for the praise. I hope you enjoy the following chapter.
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McGee couldn’t help thinking that this was a bad idea. He was already in the horse’s saddle feeling as though he were going to topple off without Gibbs’ solid presence at his back. Gibbs had just handed him the reins but kept a loose hold on the strips of leather to help teach him how they work. Gibbs stood next to him on the ground keeping step beside the horse in a slow walk after prompting it into motion. McGee had seized up as the horse moved but tried to relax so that he could pay attention to Gibbs’ instructions. The creature was led straight for some time before Gibbs demonstrated how to get the horse to turn with a pull of the reins. After the horse walked in a straight line for awhile he told McGee to give turning a try.
McGee was hesitant to comply. He’d never excelled at this type of thing. So it was with surprise that he managed to complete the task with ease. A gruff “Good job” met his success and McGee smiled softly at the praise. The lesson continued well into the afternoon before they headed inside for lunch. After eating Gibbs went back outside to tend to his horse. McGee followed him a moment after he left to show up in the barn hesitantly asking if Gibbs wanted help in caring for the animal. Gibbs had seemed surprised but McGee had pointed out that he’d been the one to ride today so it was only right that he take over some of the animal’s care. Gibbs had given a silent nod then spent the rest of the afternoon showing him how to care for the horse.
When they were done they headed inside to join the others until dinner. It was a pleasant meal with Ducky doing most of the talking. This time it was Gibbs who interrupted the talkative doctor and practically ordered the group to bed. The grateful looks thrown Gibbs way were lost on the kind older man as they headed to their beds for some rest. McGee felt even more uncomfortable then the night before when he realized that Gibbs was taking the third bed in the room he’d shared the previous evening with Tony. He knew that it only made since. Gibbs wasn’t going to bunk with the women but he still felt nervous.
He knew it was silly because he’d been sleeping close to everyone for weeks. All he could figure was that it was the addition of the beds that made the difference. It made the setting so intimate. By the time McGee had stripped down to underclothes Gibbs was already asleep. His body still against the bedding as soft breaths bounced off the rim of his hat; the black hat taking up the now familiar position over his eyes. Getting comfortable under the bedding McGee sent out a fervent wish that there would be no amorous goings on to wake him from sleep. He knew he wouldn’t survive a conversation about it with Gibbs in the room.
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The weather steadily grew colder as the days became shorter. The riding lessons continued until McGee was able to actually ride with Gibbs instead of the other man having to stay next to him on the ground. The brief rides had become long rides into the afternoon; the two of them riding so far that it only made sense to take lunch with them in case they lost track of the time. The stilted conversation of their first few lunches soon became comfortable conversation with somewhat long pauses. Gibbs had discovered that McGee had a sharp mind and loved to read. McGee found himself on the receiving end of Gibbs’ often dry humor and disarming smile. A rare thing that had almost caused him to fall off his horse the first time it was directed his way.
A firm hand steadying him on Gibbs’ horse when he’d started to waver. He’d regained his balance and smiled widely feeling foolish. Gibbs had smiled wider in response before turning his eyes back to the trail ahead. The horse that Gibbs rode everyday was Tony’s and at first McGee thought that would anger the other cowboy. He’d asked him about it one night before bed when Gibbs was still talking to Ducky. The response had been delivered with the same ease Tony seemed to use with almost every situation. “Are you kidding me Timmy? With you and Gibbs gone all the time I’m housebound. With Katie.” His eyebrows bounced briefly as his smile took on a conspiring quality.
“I’m tellin’ ya’ Timmy. It’s only a matter of time before I convince her I’m the only one for her.” With a wink the cowboy had flopped down on his bed ready for sleep. His one concern now extinguished McGee let himself enjoy the time Gibbs put aside for him. It was so rare for anyone to act as though he mattered. In the evenings they would tend to the horses then help out around the house before dinner. They only rested without doing anything that first night. Afterward Gibbs had divided up certain duties if things needed to be done. It was only fair since they were being allowed to stay there who knows how long. Even himself as well as Miss Kate were given ways to contribute. Those tasks were by far the easier though out of everything Gibbs delegated.
The pattern they’d fallen into was comfortable and it wasn’t long before McGee felt as though he started to belong. He knew it was a false feeling since in reality he was the group’s hostage but it was such a nice feeling he decided to ignore reality until it couldn’t be ignored. The nights were just starting to become bitter with the winter months encroaching when Tony made the announcement that he and Miss Kate were going to be married. The surrounding group was only slightly surprised. Most likely due to Miss Kate’s acceptance since she always seemed to be so put off by the cowboy but quickly raised their cups in congratulations. Although McGee was happy for them it was this upcoming event that would break up the current living arrangements. Miss Kate still had stakes in Clearwater Canyon and they would need to return to settle her business.
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Gibbs wasn’t too happy about having to return to Clearwater Canyon without a plan to eliminate Warren McGee. The new engagement forced him into the situation though. It had been an unwritten rule since his gang had gotten together that they never travelled alone. So when Tony told Gibbs that Kate needed to sell her saloon to who was running it and collect her things he knew that DiNozzo was really telling him they needed to go back to Clearwater Canyon. The gang wouldn’t be able to set foot in town but Kate could sneak into the saloon after it closed and speak with the employee who would be willing to buy her out. Tony would be waiting on the outskirts of town in case of trouble and then bring her back to their hideout once everything was settled.
Gibbs had wondered if the guy would even buy her out but had been reassured that it would go smoothly. So without further delay they packed up and headed back to Clearwater Canyon. The lack of extra horses meant that McGee still shared a horse with Gibbs. The other man was much more comfortable in the saddle during this trip. It was just too bad that Gibbs couldn’t say the same thing. If he’d thought the first trip was torture this time it was ten times worse. He spent hours at a time trying to think of anything to keep an erection at bay. It became common for him to leave the campsite once they’d stopped to relieve some tension. It’d been years since he’d needed to use his hand this much.
Finally after three days they’d arrived at the hideout and that same evening Kate and DiNozzo headed into town while he kept watch. It was only around midnight before he heard movement at the camp. He turned his head to see McGee get up from his bedroll to come to his side. The young man spoke in a whisper once he’d arrived at his location. “Do you mind if I join you?” Gibbs shook his head letting himself watch out of the corner of his eye as McGee took a seat at his side; the warmth from McGee’s body traveling the short space between them to seep through his clothing. “I’m worried about Miss Kate and Tony. Do you think everything will go well?” Gibbs shrugged. “If it doesn’t DiNozzo knows how to handle himself. They’ll be fine.”
Gibbs was in fact a little worried himself. He didn’t like the thought of something going wrong with them alone, but Tony had reassured Gibbs that he could handle whatever came their way. The only thing Gibbs had insisted on was that they be back at a certain time or the rest of the gang would come looking for them. Gibbs looked to McGee when he spoke again. “The stars are beautiful tonight. Very bright. No clouds to obscure them.” Gibbs looked up and had to silently agree. Most of the time he was looking down scooping out the ground for enemies it was rare that he ever looked at the sky anymore. He looked back to McGee and did something he hadn’t done in years. He let spontaneity take over.
He turned until he could cup the side of McGee’s face with his right hand. The other man looked somewhat startled at the touch. Gibbs didn’t let himself think as he leaned in and kissed McGee softly. The lips under his felt just like he thought they would; warm, wet, soft, pliant. It was only after another few moments that he realized they were too pliant. There was no response; none at all. Pulling back he was greeted with a look of horrified disgust. The expression managed to cut him to the core. His brittle emotions, just resurfacing, shattering into slivers, the new void in his chest deepening his bitterness. Without a word he turned away from McGee, got to his feet, and briskly walked away. Once he was far enough away he sat down heavily to keep up his watch. He should have known better then to get involved. In the end he was always the one to get hurt.
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McGee watched as Gibbs walked away. He didn’t know what to think. His father had always said that this was wrong; that a man should be with a woman. McGee had no reason to argue the point before so had taken it in stride. When he’d met Ducky and Jimmy he’d gotten a new perspective. They were good together; to each other. They deserved to be happy. Perhaps his father was wrong about that just as he’d been wrong about so many things. It still didn’t prepare him for Gibbs kissing him. The other man didn’t seem to feel anything for him except contempt. It was true they had been getting along much better lately but he’d still never imagined this happening. The question was did he like it?
Now that his mind was clearing enough to think he could feel a pleasant tingling in his lips. A smile slipped onto his face as he thought about how it’d felt to be kissed. It was wonderful. The soft play of Gibbs’ lips against his own as the other man’s body leaned into his personal space. Their body heat mingling due to their close proximity. ‘A wonderful kiss. A perfect first kiss.’ McGee felt himself blushing at the thought. He felt like a schoolboy again. An awkward schoolboy but it wasn’t too unpleasant of a feeling. He shivered as the night air registered. Getting up he grabbed his blankets and pulled them tightly over his shoulders. He returned to where he’d been sitting with Gibbs starting to wonder where the other man had run off to. It was no matter. Once he returned McGee would tell him how much he’d enjoyed the kiss. And maybe, just maybe, Gibbs would be pleased enough to want to kiss him again.
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Gibbs remained in his new location until he saw the two members of his party returning. The night was cold but it only now seemed to register as he tried to move. His joints protested his getting up from the seated position. His hands felt numb and he unconsciously tried rubbing them together to warm them. He made his way inside the cave only stopping briefly in surprise upon seeing McGee still seated in the same place. Fast asleep. It almost looked as though McGee was waiting for him but Gibbs didn’t try to delude himself from the truth. The look on the younger man’s face had been too telling. He looked away when he heard footsteps approach the campsite. Drawing his gun Gibbs went to the entrance to wait for the password.
The footsteps stopped just before the entrance to their campsite and Gibbs re-holstered his gun after hearing Tony’s voice saying the secret word. “Alright DiNozzo.” With the verbal affirmation of Gibbs hearing the password Tony entered the cave first followed by Kate. The both of them loaded down with bags. He raised an eyebrow in question and Kate gave him a slightly annoyed look. “You acquire a lot living someplace for a few years.” Gibbs didn’t comment further just reached out to relive Kate of some of her burden. Once they settled Gibbs took up watch until they’d fallen asleep. The plan had been for Gibbs to keep watch all night then get some rest the next day.
Once he’d caught up on some sleep they were going to head back to Ducky’s until the winter months had passed. Then when the weather became warmer they were going to head back to Clearwater Canyon with a new plan for revenge established. Gibbs looked toward the slumbering McGee and knew that plan was no longer an option. He briskly walked over to Ziva crouching low to shake her awake. “What is it Gibbs?” Gibbs could tell she was annoyed but pretended he didn’t notice. “I need you to keep watch.” Ziva squinted in confusion. “I thought I was keeping watch with Tony while you slept tomorrow?” Gibbs stood up as she started to climb out of her bedding. “There’s been a change in plans.”
Without further explanation Gibbs moved over to McGee. A hard shake woke the other man quickly; bleary eyes staring at him in confusion. “Get up McGee we’re leaving.” The other man struggled to stand as Gibbs readied his horse. Once the animal was ready Gibbs walked over and gently grabbed McGee by the arm to lead him to the horse. McGee didn’t seem fully aware as Gibbs helped him to mount the horse. Gibbs took the reins to lead the animal outside before mounting behind the younger man. Still half asleep McGee leaned back into Gibbs’ body lightly dozing as Gibbs directed the horse toward town. Gibbs tried to ignore the comforting weight against his body. It was impossible. Thankfully the ride didn’t take long.
Gibbs stopped the horse at the town’s edge then reached down to shake McGee awake again. A soft mumble reached his ears before McGee leaned forward slightly waking up a fraction. “Get down.” McGee looked to both sides of the horse only now seeming to realize where he was. Very carefully the young man dismounted before looking up to Gibbs a big yawn causing his face to scrunch up. Gibbs could tell he was waiting for instruction. He felt his jaw tighten as he forced his voice to go icy. “Go home.” McGee jerked as though someone had thrown ice water in his face. The grogginess seemed to clear away in an instant. The younger man’s breathing increased as he looked at their surroundings for the first time.
“I don’t understand.” That was clear as day. The confusion on his features was almost palpable. Just under that was a hurt so strong he looked like a kicked puppy. Gibbs had to remind himself that this was for the best. It was obvious the young man was disgusted by his actions and he couldn’t be in a situation where he was always second guessing how his actions would be perceived. “Your father paid the ransom. You’re not my responsibility anymore.” McGee looked down at that his hands twisting about his long since healed wrists. Gibbs tried not to think about how much he’d miss caring for someone again. It was too easy for Gibbs to feel protective where McGee was concerned.
His thoughts started to crowd his mind. Doubt was starting to creep into play about whether he should send him home. Gibbs had to end this before he changed his mind. “Get going McGee. I don’t have all night.” McGee jerked again his head moving in a slight nod. “Yes….sorry…I’ll just um. Goodbye Gibbs.” McGee practically ran in the direction of his house not looking away from the ground. Gibbs circled around the town’s edge until he had a view of McGee’s house. He waited there until he saw McGee being accepted into the house by a warm hug. No doubt his father was happy to have him back without losing a dime. Gibbs waited until McGee was safely indoors before heading back to the hideout.
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McGee felt numb as he was led into his father’s study. Just a few moments prior his butler had answered the door and given him a hug. The older man thrilled to know that his young master was safe. McGee had just smiled weakly not really knowing what to say. He’d been left in his father’s study so that his father could be informed of his safe return. McGee didn’t have long to wait before his father swept into the room in his nightclothes. It still amazed McGee that he looked nothing like his father. The man was tall and slightly thin with a broad frame. His short hair was a dark gray which looked liked tarnished iron. His face was sharp angles anchored by a thin mustache.
He lacked any of the softness of McGee’s features. The sharpness making him looked almost skeletal when he’d lose too much weight. McGee was the spitting image of his mother and it’d been a thorn in his father’s side since the day he was born. When he spoke it was in a harsh tone. “How did you escape?” McGee was confused. “I didn’t. Gibbs said that the ransom was paid and he dropped me off in town.” The bark of laughter that sounded lacked any mirth. “I didn’t pay the ransom. What makes you think I would waste my money on such a worthless son? All you do is sit around reading your musty books while I’m eaten out of house and home.”
McGee hung his head. ‘So it was just a lie. I’m not wanted even as bait. I must have misunderstood what Gibbs did. The kiss meant nothing to him.’ A sharp smell hit his nose and he instantly recognized it as the cigars his father smoked. “You know this might actually work in our favor. You were with them a long time. I’m going to call Sheriff Murphy over tomorrow and you’ll tell us what you know about how they operate.” McGee’s head snapped up. “I can’t father. I don’t know anything.” His father’s eyes narrowed as he sucked on his cigar. “You know more than you think. Even little details will help the Sheriff to catch Gibbs. He’s the reason we’ve been moving so much the last few years. The scoundrels determined I’ll give him that.”
McGee didn’t know that but he still couldn’t help his father. If any of them were caught because of information he gave the Sheriff he wouldn’t be able to live with himself. They’d made him feel included. They’d been so kind. “Father, I can’t, I’m sorry.” He braced himself for his father’s anger but was surprised when the man just went to leave the room. “I’ll let you get some rest and we’ll talk in the morning. I’m letting this slide because I know it’s been stressful for you the last few months.” As McGee stood he turned to face him again. “But you better get on the right track soon. You know how I feel about back talk.” Warren McGee was almost out of the door when McGee spoke up again.
“Father I won’t change my mind tomorrow. I can’t tell you anything.” His eyes dropped to the floor as a hard look was directed his way. “What is the matter with you? Huh?” Another laugh sounded although this one was disbelieving. “If I didn’t know any better I’d say you were in love with Gibbs.” McGee jerked at that a gasp escaping. ‘That was it. That’s what he’d been feeling. He was falling in love; falling in love with someone who didn’t want him.’ McGee’s eyes flew upward as his shirt front was gripped and he was yanked forward. His eyes widened at the feral look on his father’s face. When he spoke he did so around a growl. “That is the reason. I never thought a son of mine….but really why am I surprised I always did think you were too soft.”
McGee hadn’t seen his father this angry in years and couldn’t stop the plea before it escaped. “Father, please, I’m sor…” McGee’s words were interrupted by being backhanded across the face. The grip on his shirt was suddenly gone and he slumped to the floor. He put his hands on the Oriental rug underneath him to lift himself up as he felt a trail of blood slip from his mouth down his chin. He didn’t get far before a foot landed in his stomach. Crying out he landed on the floor again before trying to curl up into a ball. The action only angered his father further and he tried to lie still until his father’s temper had cooled. He lost track of time as he fought to hold back his tears.
Sometime later he was thrown unto his back; his father’s dry palm settling around his neck. A slight squeeze was his warning to lie still. He opened his eyes trying to push back the moisture enough so that his father came into focus. When he’d succeeded his father spoke. “Have you lain with him? Has he sullied you or are you still pure?” McGee tried to speak but choked slightly as his blood pooled at the back of his throat. He tried again this time with success. “No father, I haven’t, I’m still a virgin.” The look he received was disbelieving.
That wasn’t a good sign. “You’re telling me the truth?” The grip tightened slightly. “Yes.” He managed to wheeze out. His father’s features hardened. “Because you know if you’re not…” The point was made as the grip tightened to the point of complete air cut off and McGee was shaken hard for effect. McGee managed enough of a nod to convey that he understood before he was released. He turned to his side as he gasped for breath. The door slamming shut being the only thing to announce his father’s departure.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Gibbs was woken by the sound of arguing. “We have to wake him up.” That was Kate. “Katie, darlin’, we can’t do that he’s been up half the night.” No surprise that DiNozzo responded. “I don’t care how long he’s been up. We need to wake him up before it’s too late.” That made Gibbs uneasy. What did she mean by that? “Look Kate there is no point in waking up Gibbs. Last night when he returned McGee there was reason. Gibbs never does anything without reason.” Ziva now coming to his defense. It was commendable but pointless. He was already awake. Getting up from the bedding silently he approached the arguing couple with his most glacial expression.
When Tony looked toward him and responded with an ‘Ee!’ he knew he’d managed the look. Although in all fairness it was easier to accomplish without his coffee. Kate turned around at her fiancée’s expression but only lifted an eyebrow. As annoyed as he was that earned her more respect. Gibbs liked her more each day. “What is going on?” Kate jumped right in. “Why did you take McGee back into town?”Gibbs knew that would be her question but it still annoyed him severely. He didn’t answer to anyone. “In case you haven’t noticed I make the decisions around here. Why I do something is none of your concern.” A cup very slowly entered his field of vision.
He could see Abby out of the corner of his eye looking cautious as though she were approaching a wild beast with a raw steak. Gibbs took the cup and drank deeply the liquid already helping his mood as Abby backed away slowly. Kate let him have a swallow before continuing. “It is my concern when you send him back into that house. Back into that environment with no plan as to what he’s going to tell his father.” Gibbs’ gut involuntarily clenched. What did she mean by that? Tony tried to placate Kate; the worry in her voice starting to bypass the anger. “Hey Katie it’s alright. Timmy’s a big boy. He can take care of himself.” He leaned forward to give her a kiss.
Kate anticipated this and in a quick motion grabbed his hat before shoving it in his face. The two other females of their group laughing at the image of DiNozzo with his arms outstretched having a hat shoved into his face; pouting lips and all. Gibbs would have laughed too if he wasn’t suddenly feeling ill at ease. “What do you mean? Why would he have to know what to say to his father?” Kate shoved Tony’s hat into her fiancée’s loose grip before piercing Gibbs in place with a serious gaze. “After all of this time I don’t think Tim is going to be willing to give his father any information about your gang. This is going to anger Warren McGee. I don’t know if it’s true but there are rumors around town that Warren McGee beats his son.
I’ve never seen bruises but that’s not really a surprise. I never see Tim outside unless he’s picking up whiskey for his father. There has been a rare time or two when he’s been sitting on their front porch; almost always though he never leaves his house. Warren McGee has such a tight rein on him that he couldn’t even get a drink from my saloon when picking up his father’s whiskey. Even with his father out of town Tim knew that Warren McGee has eyes everywhere.” Kate paused a moment looking toward the ground before meeting Gibbs’ eyes again. “I’m normally not one to listen to rumors but there has been talk of our town doctor making late night visits to McGee’s house.
I’ve seen him entering the house a few times myself. Then the next day I’ve seen Warren McGee walking around town looking healthy as a horse. I have no proof but I don’t think the house calls were for the elder McGee.” Gibbs’ instincts were screaming at him to go investigate, but he tried to clear his head first. They needed a plan. If they went rushing into town it could mean their deaths. Kate speaking again broke into his calculations. “Gibbs I could go into town and find out what’s going on. It’s a small town and if anything’s going on I’m sure I’ll hear about it.” Gibbs was already shaking his head. “No. It’ll raise too many questions if you just show up in town.” Gibbs thought for another moment before looking to Ziva. His eyebrows lifted in thought. His plan just might work.
TBC...
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The Second Side of a Silver Dollar