Merry Christmas, Terry! This is a little unusual, but I hope you like it.

Rated: FR- 13

Family, Drama

Synopsis: Sarah McGee is in love with the wrong kind of guy.

Thicker than Water

"I found 'em! Here they are. Our little McGee is in the society pages again." DiNozzo looked up with a grin. McGee looked at the ceiling but said nothing.

Ellie jumped up, rounded her desk, and settled on Tony's shoulder. "Let me see."

"Look at him." Tony pointed. "He looks like he's in line for an execution."

Ellie frowned. "He's got that look on his face he sometimes gets like he just swallowed something bad, but the tux Delilah bought him looks nice."

"I'm right here, people," Tim mumbled.

"We know," Tony said as he enlarged the picture. "You should take lessons from your brother-in-law. He's wearing the perfect smile."

"He's not my brother-in-law."

"He will be," Tony said as he studied the photo of Congressman Josh Andrews, his arm around Sarah McGee's waist while Tim stood stiffly off to the side. "He already put a ring on it. I mean, the engagement party is tomorrow night."

"It's really very romantic, Tim," Ellie said. "Decorated Marine war vet turned congressman gets introduced to your sister by your dad. Whirlwind romance. He sits on the Appropriations Committee for the Navy. It's pretty amazing."

McGee sighed. "Ridiculous is more like it."

"Hey, come on. I thought you liked the guy."

He shrugged. "He's alright."

"Okay, Timmy. What's wrong?" Tony cocked his head.

"They're moving too fast. They just started dating like six months ago. What's the rush?!"

"They're in love," Ellie said as she settled back into her desk. "You should've seen me and Jake in the beginning. We didn't wait. Got married a year to the day we met."

"He's a politician." McGee frowned. "I got to go to these stupid events all the time."

"The unite he commanded was embedded in a remote region of Afghanistan holding off Taliban for six months before they got reinforcements. The guy is a hardcore Marine. We like Marines, remember?"

"They should slow down. She needs to finish her doctorate and find a teaching position. What's the big rush?"

Tony turned to Ellie. "Are big brothers supposed to be like this?"

"Oh yeah. All of mine squawked when we got engaged. Now, they love him." She narrowed her eyes at Tony. "It's not jealousy, is it? You know, Sarah getting all of the attention from their father."

"McGee? No! He likes it when someone can distract the old man. It takes the pressure off him. He's just being overprotective. You weren't around when he tried to hide his sister from a murder investigation."

"What?!"

McGee groaned. "Pleeaaase…"

"Okay, probie, that's a story for another time."

"Hey Boss," McGee said watching Gibbs as he walked into the bullpen with a fresh coffee. Tony jerked his head at Bishop and they both watched as McGee's eyes never left Gibbs as he settled into his chair. "Uh…do you have a minute?"

"I have approximately 660 minutes before I go home tonight. Which one of 'em do you want, Tim?" Gibbs put down his coffee and clicked on his computer monitor. His face settled into the slightly pained look it always had when he worked his computer.

McGee blew out air as he studiously ignored the smile slowly spreading across Tony's face. "Maybe, we could go get a cup of coffee…or something."

Gibbs sighed. "I'm already well fueled as you can see. I am sure that you are also aware that the Chesire cat over there is going to get it out of you by the end of the day anyway. So you might as well spit it out."

McGee worked his mouth. "There is a bit of storm blowing in later this morning."

Gibbs looked at the ceiling and Tony chortled. "The admiral's coming?!"

"I guess he's been advising Sarah's…I mean Congressman Andrews on the Naval Appropriations Committee, and they're scheduled to come in and meet with Vance this morning."

Gibbs shrugged. "What do I care? Sounds like they're going to be busy. I know I'm not going to that meeting. Looking over budgets for hours…not my idea of a productive day."

"Yeah…I'm with you on that, Boss. It's just that Dad's got a bug up his…what I mean is that he thinks it would be great if I went to the meeting. Thinks it would…be good experience for me."

"What do you think?"

McGee sighed. "I am not an assistant director so I have no business there. I've never prayed for a callout before. I mean, that would be a gruesome thing to do, but I would really welcome a reason to not be here when he shows."

"So, don't go."

"You've met the man."

"You want me to say something?"

He shook his head. "My fight, Boss."

The ping of the elevator sounded and the grin on Tony's faced widened as an entourage started filing out. "He's early."

"He's famous for flanking maneuvers," McGee mumbled as he stiffened. "Don't worry, Boss, I got this."

Aides of the congressional and naval variety walked ahead as if providing security. Congressman Josh Andrews pushed through and strode toward Tim, extending a hand. "Hey Tim! Good to see you again so soon. You hung in there last night like a true champion."

McGee rose and took his hand a little stiffly for a guy about to gain a family member. "I don't think I'm cut out for politics."

"Yeah, well that was me just three years ago. Look at me now." Andrews cut an impressive figure. He had thick, wavy, honey blonde hair styled like a Kennedy, offsetting brilliant blue eyes and a firm chin. Even in an expensive charcoal suit, it was clear that he carried the hard body of an active Marine.

"Like a Norse god," Tony muttered and Andrews turned his direction with a ready hand. "You must be Tony. I suspect the Norse deities had more integrity than politics allows a person."

"I read your book on your experiences hunting Ahmed El-Kati in Northern Afghanistan. Impressive stuff."

"Ghost written, of course. It's how I met Sarah. She came in on the final draft after the original ghostwriter quit. My own writing is as stiff as a dead body."

Before waiting for a reply, he swiveled and headed for Gibbs. "Uh-rah, Gunny. I knew your name before I ever met the McGees."

Gibbs nodded as he pumped hands with the young congressman. "Good to meet you, Captain."

He smiled a set of perfect, white teeth. "I like that so much better than congressman…or congressperson…which is really the proper term these days- as it should be, of course."

He caught Ellie's eye and was pumping her hand before she could even get her ear buds off. "I understand you're ex-CIA. Did some work on our El-Kati intel."

Her eyes widened. "That's classified, Sir."

"Of course. Unsung work. I wish there was a way to honor contributions like yours more publicly."

"Not necessary," she said, the red rising in her cheeks.

Andrews turned on McGee. "The admiral has his heart set on you being there. He called the director and got the okay. Think you can humor him?"

Tim looked past at him as his father finished a call and handed it to an aide. He was still the same hard man as he'd always been, but he looked thinner now, more fragile. His gray hair was nothing more than stubble after the radiation and chemo. He came straight for his son. "I know you're ready to revolt, but I talked to Vance and he likes the idea. Good experience for you. I'm sure Gibbs here can spare you for a few hours. And don't tell me you're working a case 'cause I checked on that right off."

"You look tired, Dad."

"I'm fine. Now, let's go."

Tim shook his head. "It's not in my job description to work on agency budgets."

"This is a way to make it part of your job description."

"I've got reports to write."

Admiral McGee narrowed his eyes at Gibbs. "Is this your influence?"

McGee jumped in before Gibbs could speak. "Don't bring him into this. My decision. I work the job I have until it's time for me to work another. I don't leapfrog positions."

"So this is better?!" The Admiral gestured with his arm. "You sitting here doing computer work day after day. This is going to build your career?!"

Gibbs started to rise, but Andrews stepped in. "Admiral, I know Tim does more than shuffle papers. I have had access to mission reports he's been involved in. It's impressive."

"Yes, he's very skilled at computers. That alone doesn't build a future."

"Clearly, he didn't tell you that he was shot out of the sky three months ago over Russia by a surface to air missile. He and Gibbs spent two nights getting an espionage suspect through hostile territory and into Finland."

Everyone froze for a moment while the admiral furrowed at his brow at his son. "Were you hurt?"

"I'm good, Dad."

"Why didn't you tell me? I have security clearance several levels beyond yours."

McGee threw up his arms. "What was there to tell? It happened. We handled it and it's over."

Admiral McGee slapped his desk. "This is the kind of story that shows people what you're made of. You don't have to share particulars, but this is what you use to promote yourself!"

Tim rubbed his mouth for a moment before responding. "Dad, the entire flight crew died on that mission. They risked everything to get us on the ground safe. They are the heroes of that mission, not me. I won't dishonor their memories with self promotion."

"Still, you can-"

"Enough!" McGee was on his feet, steadying himself with a hand on his file cabinet. "I have work to do. And you have a meeting to get to, Dad."

Tony saw the color drain from the faces of the Admiral's aides and he felt a twinge of pride in his probie.

John McGee pointed a finger. "You're better than this, Tim."

"I'm proud of what I do, Dad. This is enough for me. Please, don't stress yourself. It's bad for your blood pressure. You still have me on the books for dinner on Friday night, right?"

The admiral glanced at an aide and then nodded.

"Good. See you then." McGee sat down and clicked on his screen.

The admiral looked a little lost, but again, Andrews stepped in. "You all received your invitations to our engagement party tomorrow night? Sarah and I know how important Tim's team is in his life. We really want to see you all there."

"Wouldn't miss it, Congressperson," Tony said.

"Good! Can't say I blame you about this budget meeting, Tim. We've got nine levels of tedium ahead of us this afternoon." He clapped the Admiral on the back. "You ready, John?"

"Yeah."

Andrews started to lead him away, but McGee resisted. He turned to his son once more. "On Friday, I want complete details on that mission. Everything from soup to nuts. You hear me? I want names. If people died keeping you safe, I want to know who they were."

The emotion in his father's eyes surprised him and he only nodded in response. The bullpen watched as the entourage headed up the stairs. Then Tony leapt up and pointed at McGee. "You da man, McGee! You da, man!"

Gibbs said nothing but a smile tugged at his mouth as he returned to his email.

Bishop shook her head. "That was intense."

Tony pivoted in her direction. "What are you going to be wearing to the thing tomorrow night?"

"Uh, I don't know. I have a nice blue flowered dress I wore to my rehearsal dinner."

"Unacceptable, Bishop. You and I are going shopping after work."

"What?!"

Tony nodded. "You told me yesterday that Jake can't come, and so I've going to take you as my date."

"Uh…do I have a choice?"

"Are you my probie?"

"Yeah?" She looked at Gibbs in alarm, but he showed no interest in the conversation.

"You are almost 30 years old and you dress like a college sophomore. It's time to up your game."

"I'm pretty sure my husband isn't going to want—"

"Called him last night."

"Jake and I are on a pretty tight budget right now, Tony," she said shifting awkwardly in her chair.

"Senior hit it big on a deal. He sent me a taste. It's on me. We have an appointment with a stylist at Garfinkel's at 7 p.m."

"Gibbs?"

He shrugged. "It's his thing. You should've seen how McGee dressed before DiNozzo stepped in."

"What?!" Tim screwed up his face.

Tony winked at him. "You still da man, McGee. Never forget it."

…..

He twirled her around so effortlessly that her poor footwork was easily masked. He pulled her back in and smiled. "You look terrific, Bishop."

"I do, actually. I had no idea that a simple black dress would work like this."

"It's all in how you accessorize, Bishop," Tony said, eyes twinkling.

"I guess so. I always thought black was a boring color best suited for funerals."

"How very Midwest of you," he said as he maneuvered her across the dance floor.

She frowned. "Is that some sort of slur?"

"Nope. Just an observation. Simple is elegant, Bishop. And this black shift with the right jewelry and shoes is a knockout."

"Jake agrees. He said so when we sent him the selfie." She made a face and looked up at Tony. "Why isn't he even the least bit jealous that you bought me a dress and brought me as your date?"

"Men are like primeval creatures. When we met at Thanksgiving, we had a chance to sniff around each other real well. He can tell that my interest in you is solely that of a teacher with a student."

"You really like being the teacher, don't you?"

He sighed. "Sadly, McGee has outgrown many of my lessons…except when it comes to women."

He deftly moved her toward the opposite end of the dance floor.

"Where are we going?" She asked.

"You'll see." The smile on his face widened.

Then he dipped her and she looked up to see a breathtakingly beautiful woman in a pale pink gown that looked as delicate as spun sugar. "Eleanor Bishop, this is Sarah McGee. Sarah, this is Ellie."

Tony righted Ellie, and watched as Sarah gave Tony a hug and a kiss. Ellie extended a hand, but Sarah pulled her in for a hug. "You have my brother's six. That's makes you family."

"No offense, Bishop, but there isn't a woman in all of D.C. that is as beautiful as Sarah McGee is tonight."

"Agreed," Ellie said breathlessly. Sarah surprised her. She'd seen pictures, but that was a pretty girl and this woman was tall and dark with the most beautiful brown eyes she'd ever seen.

"If Tim wasn't my partner, you could've been the love of my life."

Sarah smiled. "Right. Because Ziva never existed."

"Only you can get away with a comment like that," Tony said. Ellie was fascinated by the naked affection on Tony's face. "How long has it been?"

Sarah bit her lip. "A year, I think. You brought gourmet pizzas over to Tim's place, and, after he fell asleep, the two of us stayed up until 5 a.m. talking."

"If I recall, you solved all of my problems."

"You did the same for me. My heart was still bruised by the professor who said he wasn't married."

"Well, you've certainly bounced back." Tony nodded at Congressperson Andrews talking in a group of legislators.

"He's amazing, Tony. I've never felt anything like this before."

"You ready to be a politician's wife?"

She looked in the direction of her fiancée with shining eyes. "I'd follow him anywhere. He works so hard. Up at 5 a.m. Focused until midnight. He cares so much about making the world a better place."

"What about your dreams, aspirations?"

She looked back at Tony. "I fly to New York after the party tonight to defend my dissertation in the morning. I'm hoping to teach, do some writing. I mean, I'll have to find something here in D.C. so that Josh and I can be together, but we can do it."

"He doesn't want you by his side day to day?" Tony was studying her carefully.

She laughed. "That's so old fashioned, Tony. You don't have to give up everything to be a politician's wife anymore. He supports everything I've worked for without question."

He leaned over and kissed her cheek. "You know I had to check. Adopted big brothers have the same rights as biological ones. Speaking of whom…"

She pointed at the buffet table. "He's standing over there with dad acting miserable."

McGee stood stiffly in his tuxedo next to his father in his dress whites.

"How are they doing?"

"Good, I think. Gibbs and Ducky are standing at the other end of the buffet. Tim's been running between Dad and Gibbs all night trying to make sure they're both happy. Impossible task."

Tony smiled at Bishop as he nodded at Gibbs standing stiffly next to Ducky in a grey suit, looking everything like a man at a funeral. "I bet you a hundred bucks the boss is hoping for a callout."

"Sorry Tony, Josh is gesturing at me. There always seems to be someone new to meet. Kind of weird to have an engagement party full of people you don't know."

Ellie leaned over as Sarah hurried off. "She's nothing like her brother."

"True. But the McGees are all remarkable in their own right."

…..

"Dad, I wish you'd sit down."

"Don't need to," John McGee said stiffly.

"You just had chemo, and you look as pale as a ghost."

"I'm fine. Stop fussing."

"I wish Mom was here."

He frowned. "I'm uneasy about that too. I don't understand it. I called her, but she wouldn't talk about it. Said she had too much back pain for a plane ride. Didn't sound like her at all."

"I should go out and see her. I'm worried."

"Well, someone has to. She doesn't want to see me," John McGee muttered.

"And where's Millie?"

"Millie! I haven't seen that child in years!"

"She should be here," McGee said as he scanned the room.

"I need a stiff drink," growled the admiral. "Damn that oncologist and his rules!"

McGee sighed and looked over at Gibbs and Ducky. Ducky looked dashing in his tux, and he would undoubtedly have been regaling someone with one of his many tales if he wasn't saddled with his brooding friend. It probably wouldn't have bothered Gibbs if Ducky had wandered off to socialize, but loyalty was strong in the old Scot and he stood by the human statue.

"I have the security clearance. I still don't understand why you didn't tell me about Russia."

"Dad, I went over this with you. I'm sure you were in plenty of tough spots when I was a kid, but you didn't come home and talk about them. You didn't want to worry us."

"I spent most of my career in the command structure, Tim. My job was to send men into situations like the one you faced. I didn't go myself."

"Which must have been very hard."

"Don't detour the conversation. When you're in danger like that, I want to know about it."

"What's the point? By the time I can talk about it, it's over. And I'm not using situations like that to promote myself, especially not when the real heroes in the story died. It would've been disrespectful."

John McGee nodded. "I spoke to their parents today."

"What?!" McGee's eyes widened. "I haven't even briefed you on the case."

"I didn't need you to do that, Tim. I read the case report this morning, and talked to the flight crews' parents this afternoon."

"Why would you do that!?"

"It's important that they know that their son or daughter's death had meaning, and the only person that can truly convey that is the parent of the son who was saved by their actions. I wanted them to know how grateful I am."

A lump settled in McGee's throat and he swallowed hard. "How did it go?"

"Very well. In fact, I was able to give them details that they didn't know."

"And that's okay?"

John McGee chuckled. "I'm an admiral. I made it okay."

Tim stared down at the ground for a moment. "I don't want to keep things from you. I just don't want to worry you unnecessarily. Stress isn't healthy for you."

"I'm not an invalid, Tim!" Redness crept up his neck.

Tim opened his mouth and then shut it again.

"I'm your father! I have a right to know when you are not safe. I don't care if our relationship is strained. I have a right to know!"

"Okay, Dad. I'm sorry."

"The Admiral's right, Tim."

McGee turned to find Gibbs standing there. "Hey Boss."

"You keep too much quiet. You hold things in."

The Admiral looked at Gibbs warily. "He was always like this. He used to come home all banged up when he was a kid, and he would never tell me what happened."

Gibbs nodded.

John McGee watched him another moment. "You've had a lot of success with my son. How do you get him to open up?"

McGee watched the two most powerful figures in his life with a mix of fascination and dread.

"You know your son much better than I do."

"It's not a competition, Gunny. I really want to know what works with him."

"Come on," Tim said. "All you need to do is ask me straight on. I'll tell you anything."

Gibbs rolled his eyes. "Oh, that almost never works with you. The trick in getting you to open up is to talk about anything except what's bothering you. Eventually, you'll start talking about what's on your mind. You just don't know you are."

John McGee shook his head. "I don't have time for all that nonsense."

"Admiral, the next time Tim is involved in a major incident, I'll make sure you get a call. If he won't do it, I will."

"Boss!"

"Tim, if you were my son, I would want the same thing your father does. It worries a parent more when they don't hear anything than when they do."

"I didn't think I'd ever say this, Agent Gibbs, but I appreciate your help with this."

Gibbs nodded. "I'll admit I never thought I would see us as allies."

John McGee extended a hand and Gibbs shook it. "I don't have control over much these days. I'm learning that sometimes you have to accept…that. I still have some distance to travel. I'm just hoping that there's time for my son and I before…"

McGee cleared his throat. "Dad, you sound dry. I'm going to get you a glass of water."

He hurried off before the admiral could finish. John McGee watched him search for a bartender and turned to Gibbs. "You'll watch over him, won't you?"

"As long as I breathe air, Admiral."

He sighed. "Thank you."

…

"Hey, sorry to keep you up so late." It was midnight and Sarah was in a pair of jeans and brushing her hair into a ponytail, her designer gown carefully laid out on the bed. Tim lounged on the love seat in the hotel suite the Admiral got for the engagement party.

"It's okay," he said as he leaned back, his eyes little more than slits.

"I just need to get my makeup off, and throw some things in my bag, and you can take me to the airport. Josh is still meeting with the Congressional caucus for New York downstairs."

"Yup." He closed his eyes.

She leaned over, and kissed him on the top of his head. "I'll wake you when I'm ready."

TBC…..