Title: Mentors

(Sequel of sorts, to "Breaking Up is Hard to Do")

Rating: T

Disclaimer: Gibbs, McGee, Abby, Tony, Faith, Ziva, Ducky, Palmer, Kate, Shepard and Ari (I think I got them all!) are not my characters. Caitlin, JT, Jasmine, Jaime, Winslow, Branson, and Decker are my creations.

Summary: A wedding, a case, and a belated celebration keep the team busy for a couple of days. (Sorry, it's kind've hard to sum this one up… LOL!) Three chapters, one posted daily.

Pairings: McGee/Abby, Tony/Faith, Palmer/Jasmine

Author's note: About 6 years post-Twilight, give or take. Caitlin and JT are approximately 4 years old in this one. Gift for us Palmer fans, and McAbby fans, and Ziva fans, and anyone who likes the idea of a Tony/Faith pairing… ;)

Another Author's Note: This story contains an excerpt from another story I posted, at Friends of NCIS, but which was never published here at Also, if anyone needs background on Palmer and Jasmine, they can read "Breaking Up is Hard to Do" which introduces Jasmine and explains who she is.

Mentors Part I - Jitters

Jimmy Palmer looked at his pale reflection in the mirror, then swallowed hard.

"I'm gonna barf," he said, weakly.

Timothy McGee and Anthony DiNozzo stood behind him. "Don't you dare, Palmer," Tony warned.

"You're a medical examiner, Jimmy. You see nauseating things every day in autopsy. You're gonna spew over this?" Tim asked, incredulously.

"This is different," Jimmy protested. "Anyway, it's not the "being married" part that's getting to me. It's the "getting married" part. Sometimes I think maybe Jasmine and I should have just eloped."

Tim narrowed his green eyes and glared at him through the mirror. "Wrong answer, Palmer. You aren't denying my baby sister her fairy-tale day. Which reminds me, we haven't had that little man-to-man chat yet."

Jimmy's eyes reflected fear slightly as he swallowed and turned to face Tim. Tim grinned at him, his eyes still narrowed slightly, as he reached out and straightened Jimmy's collar, and adjusted his bow tie. He moved his hands to his shoulders and gave them a hard squeeze, as he looked him straight in the eye, still grinning.

"You hurt my little sister in any way, shape, or form, and I will hunt you down and kill you."

Jimmy nodded weakly.

"And he'll have an accomplice," Tony added, picking at some non-existent lint on Jimmy's jacket sleeve, with a slightly evil grin. Jimmy nodded weakly again.

"And Abby will make sure that nobody can prove a single solitary thing." Another slightly evil grin, this time from Tim.

"I didn't just hear that," Gibbs said, with a mock-warning tone, as he entered through the doorway, carrying a small 4 year old girl. They all turned to look at him as he walked over to them, and Tim reached out to take the child from Gibbs. "Hey Princess," he said to her, smiling warmly at his daughter. Tony chuckled softly, "Isn't she just the prettiest little thing you ever saw?" Palmer smiled slightly at his soon-to-be niece, reaching out to gently tickle her cheek. She reached out for him, and Tim passed her over. Jimmy was distracted for a moment with the little girl, then suddenly, he remembered - McGee.

Jimmy swallowed again, nervously, then Tim grinned at him. "I know you'll treat her right, Palmer. I would have killed you already, if I didn't know that for certain."

"Thanks, Agent McGee." Jimmy didn't look like he knew what to say to that last part. Tony smirked as Tim rolled his eyes. "Jimmy, in about two hours, we're going to be brothers. I think you can call me Tim now."

Jimmy laughed, a little less nervously. "Thanks. This is all a little bit surreal, you know?" Tim and Tony shared a look. It wasn't much more than 5 years ago when the two colleagues had taken turns acting as each other's best men - when Tim had married Abby, and then about six months later, Tony in turn had married Faith Coleman. "We know," Tony said, patting him on the back. "It's just this one day. The getting married part is just one day. After that, you're off to the races. No worries."

"How do I look?" he asked, finally, setting Caitlin down and adjusting his bow tie for the umpteenth time.

"Stunning. Now quit fidgeting," Tim said, laughing. Just then, Ducky walked in, Tony's son JT in tow, and grinned at his assistant M.E. "Dr. Palmer, my my. What a striking figure you present. And the contact lenses have done wonders for you. You hardly look the same man."

"I'm gonna go check on Jazzy," Tim said, turning towards the door, and reaching down to take Caitlin's hand. Jimmy looked over at him as he left. "See you at the church, Tim."

The last thing Tim heard, as he and Caitlin walked out the door, was Gibbs, saying, "Palmer, I'd give you some tips on how to have a successful marriage… but I don't have any."

He chuckled to himself. He remembered receiving that tidbit non-advice, himself, not that long ago.

…………………………………………………………………………………………

Tim stood outside the door, his ear turned closely towards it, his hand resting on the doorknob, while his daughter, all decked out in full flower-girl regalia, played with his bow tie. He listened intently for a moment, then knocked. "Everyone decent in there?" he called out cautiously.

"Define "decent" Timmy," a laughing voice called out. Jasmine sounded happy, at least. "Ready or not, I'm coming in!"

He opened the door and glanced over at his sister, standing in front of the full-length mirror. She turned around and beamed at him. "Timmy!" she said happily. Abby smiled warmly at her husband and gestured him over. Tim put Caitlin down as Jasmine opened her arms to embrace her big brother.

"Jazzy… I'm speechless. You look absolutely radiant," he said quietly. Jasmine smiled up at him. "Thanks, Timmy. I'm so happy I could bust! How is Jimmy doing?"

"Scared to death, I would guess?" Abby offered up. Tim chuckled and nodded. "He's just this side of conscious. He'll be fine," he said, with a reassuring smile.

"You didn't threaten him, did you?" Jasmine asked, frowning the trademark McGee frown that she shared with her big brother.

Tim cleared his throat guiltily, and Abby giggled again. "He's your big brother, Jazz. It's his prerogative to threaten your husband-to-be." Tim smiled innocently as he gazed down at his sister. "In fact, he wouldn't be much of a big brother if he didn't look out for you."

The bride smiled, shaking her head. Abby glanced over at Faith, who was adjusting her earrings yet again. "You look great, Faith. Quit being so anal!" Faith smiled slightly. "Hey, I gotta be me, Abby." She winked at her as she turned around to pick Caitlin up, fussing with her dark ringlets. Abby rolled her eyes. Well, at least she wasn't fussing with the earrings anymore.

"So," Jasmine said nervously, "are you ready to hand me over lock, stock and barrel?" Abby giggled and Faith grinned, as Tim answered, "No. But I guess I have to suck it up and do it anyway." He winked at his sister.

"It's hard to believe now, there was a time when…" Abby trailed off. "Palmer used to have a bit of a crush on me." Tim scowled slightly. "I didn't know if I should be relieved or twice as dismayed when he forgot all about you and turned his attention to my sister." Jasmine reached up and patted his cheek reassuringly.

They all turned towards the door as Ziva knocked softly and entered.

"Everything is set at the church," she said. "Whenever you're ready. Ducky called and said they're heading over there in about 5 minutes."

Abby looked at Ziva, thinking back suddenly to the very rocky start of their working relationship. It had taken her a long time to warm up to Ziva, and seeing her guys take to her so quickly and so easily hadn't helped either. She had threatened McGee with death, even as she knew on some level that she had nothing to worry about as far as Tim went. She supposed that it had more to do with the lingering grief she had felt over losing Kate. In any case, the years had calmed the stormy waters, and slowly, she had accepted Ziva as part of the team, accepted that she wasn't there to replace anyone - she was just there to be herself and do her job in her own way. And she accepted that Tim really did have eyes only for her.

Of course, it hadn't hurt that Gibbs, Tim, and Tony had decided to hasten the process by locking them in an elevator until they called a truce. Well… until Abby called a truce, anyway. Ziva had just been grateful for the olive branch. Several years and so many girl talks later, so many spa weekends, so much chocolate… it was hard for Abby to believe there was a time when she'd have rather scratched Ziva's eyes out than talk to her.

Abby blinked herself back to the present, as Ziva approached her. "Oh, Abby, you have a loose button," she said. "Faith, is there a needle and thread I could use?" Faith gave her a look. "Ziva. Really, who do you think you're asking? I come prepared for ANY eventuality." She reached into her small handbag and pulled out a needle, and some black thread.

"Jab me and die, David," Abby warned playfully, as she turned around.

Tim turned suddenly as Jasmine appeared before him, endearing eyes and pleading expression. "Timmy? Could you fasten this for me?" He took the delicate pearl necklace from her hands and gestured for her to turn around. Suddenly, he had a flash of memory.

He and Abby had been fighting - again. Abby had asked Palmer out on a date, out of spite. He felt a little sorry for Palmer, in retrospect, being used like that. But Palmer hadn't minded, and anyway, after reminiscing one evening over a beer, while waiting for Jasmine to finish getting ready for one of their dates, Palmer revealed to McGee that he had shown up that particular evening with no real expectations. His intention had been to merely test the waters, and see how he really felt about Abby, once and for all.

It had turned out to be completely moot.

Tim had invited his sister to accompany him, knowing that Abby wouldn't have known who she was if Jazzy had walked up to her and stomped on her foot.

He wasn't sure if he should be relieved or dismayed, when Palmer's attention suddenly and abruptly turned to Jasmine. That evening was a little hazy, anyhow. He and Abby had made up for all lost time, after reaching an understanding and conceding to each other that they had both been acting like jerks. The last they'd seen of Palmer and Jasmine, they were sitting a little too close, and hitting it off a little too well.

The rest, of course was history, for not just Jasmine and Jimmy, but for Abby and Tim, as well.

When he thought about it, later on, he realized that Palmer was a good, honest man, with a tremendous heart, and a healthy sense of respect for the female species. He knew, without question, that Jimmy would treat his sister right. And indeed, he had.

Of course, it didn't hurt that even after all this time,he still had the ability to put the fear of God into Jimmy Palmer.

…………………………………………………………………………………………

Tony stood beside Ducky, briefly lost in thought. This reminded him of another day, about 5 years prior. Another stint in a wedding party, 6 months before his own wedding. He smiled at the memories.

He and Tim waiting at the altar, patiently watching up the aisle. Tony nearly giddy at the anticipation. He couldn't wait to see the look on Tim's face. It would be absolutely priceless. He remembered thinking briefly, sadly, that Kate wasn't there to see this day. He suspected that perhaps her death had set the ball rolling though. Life is too short - that was a harsh lesson they had all learned the day that Ari Haswari had cut her life short with the cold precision of an assassin.

But they had long since accepted Kate's death, and had learned instead to appreciate her life. Instead of brooding over their own feelings of loss, they had found themselves gradually laughing and reminiscing over remembrances of good times. "Remember when Kate used to…?" now brought smiles and laughter, instead of searing pain like a square kick to the gut. This was a sign that things were definitely looking up.

So there they were, groom and best man. The moment had arrived. The doors swung open. While Tim couldn't take his eyes off of Abby, Tony couldn't take his eyes off of Tim. Abby had sworn him to secrecy, and had threatened him with a fate worse than death if he revealed anything. Tony knew that Abby had a vivid and rather, shall we say, morbid imagination. Her idea of a fate worse than death was probably far more colourful than most.

There stood Abby, on Ducky's arm. A beautiful, glowing vision in ivory satin and lace, her dark hair in an elegant up-do, makeup subtle and neutral, highlighting her natural beauty, instead of overpowering it. She was the very picture of a fairytale bride.

Tim caught his breath, and his eyes grew wide as saucers. "Oh… Abby…" he whispered, shocked nearly speechless. Tony chuckled softly. Tim looked at him abruptly. "You knew about this?" he whispered with delighted wonder.

Tony gave him that trademark DiNozzo grin. "Of course I did McGee. Abby wanted to surprise you. Her gift to you. Well, one of 'em anyway," he said with a sly wink.

The two men watched in silence as Ducky walked Abby down the aisle. Her eyes met Tim's as she reached his side, and took her place next to him. Leaning over to her, he just managed to find his voice as he whispered, "I was totally expecting black lace and leather. You take my breath away, Abs." Abby smiled mischievously, and glanced knowingly at Tony, before returning her gaze to her groom. "Well," she whispered back quickly, "I haven't completely lost my mind." She lifted the hem of her skirt delicately to reveal shiny black combat boots. Tony smiled broadly as he heard Tim chuckle softly, and say, more to himself than anything else, "That's my girl…"

Such a day, filled with memories and new beginnings. Tony later told Tim that he had been positive he was going to ask if he was sure they were in the right church, with the right bride. Tim just grinned, and told him, "Well, the thought did cross my mind, but at that point I'd pretty much forgotten how to speak…" And Gibbs had shocked everyone by bringing an escort - and revealing, finally, who that mysterious redheaded woman was. His team was good though. For once, they'd figured it out already, by the time he felt like telling them. Turnabout was fair play, after all. How many times had they all worked so hard to find the answers, only to have him tell them that he already knew them? They still hated when he did that.

Tony blinked himself back to the present as he sensed movement beside Ducky. He glanced over and saw that Palmer was beginning to sway slightly. Tony shook his head and readied himself for a catch.

Jimmy stood, knees steadily weakening, and trying desperately to keep himself from passing out. Breathing normally was a challenge. Give him the nastiest corpse you could think of to deal with, he'd rather do that than this.

He closed his eyes as Ducky stood next to him and patted his arm gently. He took a deep breath and thought back to the night before, the little chat he'd had with Agent DiNozzo, at the rehearsal party.

"I know it's tough, Palmer, standing up in front of everyone and laying your heart open wide like that. It's not the being married part that's got you scared, is it?"

Jimmy had smiled at this, and shaken his head. "We're practically married already, Agent DiNozzo. Sorry. Tony. You're right, it's… the wedding itself. I wasn't this scared the first time I dealt with a body. Hell, I wasn't this scared the first time I dealt with Agent Gibbs." Tony had laughed out loud at this, and slapped his back.

"You know what, Palmer? I've got good news. And it has nothing to do with car insurance or a cheesy little lizard."

Jimmy laughed, eyes sparkling. He was grateful for the lighter tone of the conversation.

"What's that?"

Tony cleared his throat. "Tomorrow you're going to be in a church full of people who care about both you and Jasmine. And you're gonna be scared spitless. But when those doors open, and you see her standing there on Tim's arm… the whole world is gonna melt away, and there won't be anyone in it but you and her. Nothing and nobody else will matter."

"Really?" Jimmy sounded like he'd just been thrown a thread of hope and was grasping for it desperately.

"Really. Trust me, Palmer. I've been through this. Tim has been through this. It's just one day."

Jimmy opened his eyes, and gazed up the aisle as Tim and Jasmine suddenly appeared in the doorway.

Well, if that didn't beat all.

Tony had been right, after all.

…………………………………………………………………………………………

"Hold me up, Timmy," Jasmine whispered, desperately.

"Look, Jazzy. Down the aisle. He's waiting for you."

Jasmine was afraid to open her eyes, for fear of seeing all the people waiting for her to walk down the aisle, and suddenly barfing all over her big brother's rented monkey suit.

That would be so embarrassing.

"Trust me Jazzy. Open those beautiful eyes. I promise, it'll be like we talked about last night."

Jasmine took a ragged, fear-filled breath. "Me and Jimmy. Nobody else. Got it. You sure, Timmy?" Her olive green eyes remained closed.

"Have I ever let you down, Squirt?"

Jasmine smiled at this. He had a point.

Tim had always looked out for her, had always protected her, and had never once let her down.

He had hugged her when her heart was broken and given her a shoulder to cry on, and laughed in celebration with her over her triumphs. He had kept her secrets, and always had some kind of advice to offer, and had never failed to tell her how proud he was of her when she managed to find her own right path. And now, there was another path she needed to take.

She opened her eyes, and looked down the aisle.

Well, shivering shih-tzus. Thatjust bloody wellfigured.

Her brother was right again.

…………………………………………………………………………………………

Gibbs sat back at a table, enjoying the food, the drink, and the company.

He was distracted briefly, as he watched his guys, dancing with their wives, and he watched Ziva, stealing a dance with Tony's son JT, a four year old charmer who had, in Faith's humble opinion, stolen the show as ring bearer, along with his partner in crime - Caitlin McGee, the flower girl.

He watched, smiling, as Ziva held JT, laughing as he wrapped his small arms around her neck and giggled as only a four year old can. He turned his attention back to Ducky, as Caitlin appeared suddenly and invited herself on to his lap.

"So I think, Jethro, semi-retirement will be ideal for me. I feel confident enough in Dr. Palmer's abilities to leave my morgue in his hands."

Gibbs chuckled. "But not confident enough to hand it over to him lock, stock, and barrel?" Ducky grinned, his blue eyes sparkling. "Truth be told, Jethro, I'm rather looking forward to seeing him break in his new assistant. I have lived for this day for years." He chuckled mischievously. "Poetic justice, Duck?" Gibbs asked, laughing. Ducky grinned, and nodded. "Indeed."

Their light conversation was interrupted as Gibbs' phone rang. He looked at the display and groaned.

Jen.

"Gibbs," he answered, tersely. He had a feeling in his gut that tonight's time off for celebration was about to be cut short.

"I need you and your guys, Jethro. Campers found a body. Looks like a dead Marine."

He almost started to protest, before deciding that protesting the abysmal timing would be pointless. Might as well suck it up. "I'll gather the troops," he said, dejected, and more than a little pissed.

His wasn't the only team at NCIS. Why him, why them, why tonight? He kissed the top of Caitlin's head as he set her down, and ventured on to the dance floor to assemble his team.

…………………………………………………………………………………………

Jasmine Palmer was scowling her Classic McGee Scowl, a look that at that very moment, she had in common with her new husband, her brother, her sister-in-law, and all of their colleagues and friends.

"She had to call you guys? Are you seriously the only team of agents she's got?"

Gibbs frowned. "You would think so. I'm really sorry, guys. Jasmine, Palmer, I'm so sorry this had to ruin your special day. Ducky is headed back to autopsy to grab some gear. Palmer, you may not have time to change, so gear up properly. And make sure you change into proper hiking boots."

He turned to his agents. "Ziva, you might want to take some time to change. Tony, Tim, you'll be fine as you are. Abby…"

Abby gave him a dirty look. "I know, I can work as I am, too." It wasn't the first time Abby had worked in a black cocktail dress.

"I can look after the kids," Faith volunteered.

"And I can change and lend a hand in autopsy," Jasmine said. Tim looked at her, quizzically, and she raised an eyebrow at him. "What? It's my wedding night. I'm not spending it alone. Jimmy's new assistant doesn't start until next week, and he and Ducky could use the help tonight."

Jimmy was about to protest that it wasn't fair or right, for his bride to spend their first night as husband and wife slicing into a corpse. But, he soon realized that it wasn't fair or right for him to have to either, and while it royally sucked as the start to their honeymoon, this way, at least they'd be together.

Tony looked decidedly displeased. He was really looking forward to a night off. He shook his head and grunted. "Let's rock and roll, guys," he said. Gibbs sighed, and led the way out.