This is where We Build, We Fight leaves off. I just had to get this down while it was still brewing.

No specific pairing

New Beginnings

Gibbs watched as the Gothic woman in the bright yellow coat gently and tenderly took the new life into her arms, letting her purse slide to the floor in the process. Once she had the baby securely enclosed in her arms, she moved the blankets away from the new soul, getting a better look at the baby girl that was a perfect combination of Jimmy and Breena.

He also didn't miss the look Abby and McGee exchanged.

Jimmy was the first one to spot him, the smile on his face bigger and brighter than he had ever seen. He stepped in when everyone looked to him, his own smile stretching across his face.

"Congratulations. How ya feeling?" He asked Breena, dropping a kiss to the top of her head.

"Sore, tired, beyond elated." She said, a wide grin finding its way on her face as well. He walked around the bed and came to stand in front of Jimmy, the younger man immediately stood up.

Gibbs extended his hand.

"Proud of you Palmer. You did a good job." Jimmy shook his hand, his smile never faltering.

"Thank you." They dropped their hands and Gibbs turned his top half to look back at Abby, a smile on her face as she cooed to the infant in her arms.

"No matter what happens, no matter what your orders are…you always put them first or I'll kick your ass. Got it?" He said, finally turning back to look at the new father, who only had eyes for his daughter.

"I wouldn't have it any other way." Jimmy said and he looked to his wife as Abby walked up to Gibbs, signaling for him to take the baby. And he did with a precision that experienced fathers had.

"Her name is Victoria Elizabeth Palmer." Jimmy said and Gibbs looked up to him then turned to look at his oldest friend, seeing the tears pooling in his wise eyes.

"Victoria." Gibbs cooed, finally getting a good look at the newest member. He remembered holding his own daughter for the first time, over twenty years ago. He remembered the way she felt in his arms and the way she smelled. The little noises she made as she took in everything around her.

As if sensing where his thoughts were headed, Abby rested her head on his shoulder, tracing the bottom of little Victoria's foot with her finger.

"So, you do know what happens if you feed her after midnight or get her wet, right?" Tony asked, earning chuckles and sniggers.

"Tony, don't make me hand the baby over so I can slap you." Gibbs warned and earned even more chuckles.

OoOoOoOoO

After Gibbs held her, Victoria was passed around for everyone to hold, comments and jokes being made and rebutted – mostly by Tony.

"So Bishop, you and Jake have any plans to add to the NCIS family?" Tony teased upon seeing Ellie take Victoria in her arms. She sent a mild glare in his direction.

"Not that it's any of your business, but no. Jake and I are currently not interested in expanding. Maybe a few years from now we will." She said and Tony was a little taken aback by her honest comment when he was expecting a smart ass comment.

"Well someone's gotta give Victoria a play mate. Abby! How are you and Ranger Rick doing?" Tony asked, unprepared for the solid punch Abby delivered to his shoulder.

"OW! What was that for?" Tony asked, rubbing his shoulder furiously. Abby just gave him a sweet smile and tilted her head.

"That was for suggesting me and Ranger Rick should copulate. Tell me Tony, why don't you and your squeeze provide Victoria's playmate." She bit back and Gibbs couldn't help but chuckle.

"Ah Tony, why don't you give in while you're ahead." Gibbs suggested and Tony smirked, pretending to zip his lips and throw away the key.

As Gibbs looked at the people in the room, he couldn't help but feel pride swell in his chest. He had known Ducky for more than twenty years. He had counted on the older man for so many things in his life. Keeping his worries and darkest fears between them too – even when pressured by the worried team. He had often provided guidance and comfort when sought, helping him through his thoughts when they lost people dear to them.

Between all of his agents, he had worked with Tony the longest. The man really was his loyal Saint Bernard when it came down to things. Sure he could be a real pain in the ass sometimes or did too much yabba yabba, he trusted him with his life. He knew there was something unique about this man the first time he met him over a decade ago in Brooklyn. Sure he could be a little hard headed and insensitive, but he held everyone he cared about close to his heart.

Then there was Abby, his wildcard. Gibbs had known her just about as long as he had known Ducky. She was – is – the only person that makes his days truly worthwhile. She gave her everything to bring the criminal to justice and a fierce protector to those she loved. Her job was her life. He truly believed that she was a bright ray of peace and innocence in this world, along with Victoria who hadn't had the chance to be corrupted by life.

Tim was his middle child – so to speak. When he first joined the team, he had been soft spoken and easily confounded. But over the years, he had been trained and molded to the fine agent and strong man he is today. No longer did he stutter or freeze when spoken to but rather with an air of purpose and poise. He balanced the team out perfectly, adding the nerdy brother and a brother in arms. He had earned Gibbs' respect and trust through hard work.

Where he had failed before, he was determined to keep Ellie safe. While he had failed Kate and Ziva on different levels, he had failed where he vowed he wouldn't. And now he had a final chance to prove he wasn't a screw up. There had been a little turmoil with Ellie in the beginning but like McGee, she proved herself quite quickly. She was a force to be reckoned with like Ziva before her and Kate before her. He saw a lot of both women in Bishop. She was able to fire back witty response to Tony's wise cracks with an accuracy that rivaled Kate's but required a little more thinking like Ziva's had. She had some incredibly large shoes to fill.

And lastly, Jimmy Palmer. Gibbs had found him slightly irritating in the beginning. An over excited ME's assistant who had landed a job with the big dogs. But over the years, Jimmy had shown Gibbs that while he may seem a little over-excited and tend to run on like Ducky sometimes did, he had grown on the older man. And now, as he watched Jimmy take his daughter into his arms, he realized that he was just as proud of Jimmy as he was of his agents.

And as he looked around at his family, he realized something: Life really couldn't get any better.