Gibbs reacted instinctively when Tim suddenly launched himself into his arms. One hand came to rest on the younger man's shoulders, holding him tightly, while the other patted him gently on the back.

He'd held the distraught younger man after his first experience with the strap because he knew Tim needed the comfort. Tim had looked so much like a hurt little boy, it had been pure, fatherly instinct to pull him into his arms. Hell, he'd almost hugged him before he'd whipped him, he'd been so plainly terrified by his first sight of the implement. But he hadn't been planning on making a hug a part of every spanking.

Now, he smiled gently, marvelling at the difference between his two 'sons'.

He'd been spanking Tony for years, and had only recently drawn him into a fatherly embrace after a particularly emotional punishment. Even then, Tony had resisted the affectionate gesture, trying to push him away, and Gibbs hadn't again felt that more than a squeeze of a shoulder or pat on the back was needed with his senior agent.

With Tim, he'd only spanked him a couple of times before he'd felt compelled to wrap him in his arms afterwards. It was partly because he hadn't taken that step with Tim until fairly recently. With Tony, he'd disciplined him the way he'd always dealt with his subordinates' misconduct before he came to see the younger man as a surrogate son; with Tim, the affection was there first, and the discipline more paternal from the beginning. But, more than that, it was because Tim was such a different person than Tony, and so much more comfortable showing emotion. Unlike Tony, Tim had welcomed the comfort and reassurance he had offered.

And, it seemed, Tim was taking the initiative about getting some more of that comfort.

Gibbs murmured reassuringly in his ear, reminding him that he was safe, holding him until his tears subsided and his breathing returned to normal. Then he gently extracted himself from Tim's embrace and held him at arm's length for a long moment, both hands still firmly on the younger man's shoulders.

'Try to keep the sibling rivalry confined to things that don't require an official response, ok, Tim? Pranks are only funny when they're harmless.'

Tim nodded vigorously, smiling ruefully.

Gibbs released him, and tousled his hair gently.

'Good. Because that paddle is going to be kept in my desk from now on, and I think we'll both be happier if you don't give me any reason to take it out of the drawer.'

Tim nodded again, his eyes darting nervously to the top of the work bench, seeking out the object in question. Gibbs recognised the glimmer of an unasked question in the eyes still glistening with tears.

'What?'

'Oh, uh... it's nothing... really... just...'

Gibbs waited patiently.

'You said you made it, yourself? But... why... I mean... but when you were...'

Gibbs chuckled, understanding McGee's train of thought if not the actual question. He motioned him towards the stairs and snatched his car keys from where he'd dropped them.

'Come on, Tim. I'll tell you the story while I drive you home.'