Chapter - 04
Tim waited until the end of the day to let Palmer cool off for a while. Then he went down to the ME lab. He saw Ducky say goodbye to Palmer in his office. He nodded to Tim as he left. He slowed as he passed him and said under his breath. "Make it good Timothy you all really hurt Mr. Palmer. And if you do it again, I won't be too pleased with you my boy."
Tim nodded and moved into the room. He had barely moved when he heard.
"Let's make this simple Agent McGee. You are all sorry and want to apologize. I assume you are the first to appear followed by the rest. You all want to know how I met or if I am related to the DM. Along with why he paid for my medical training." Asked a cold Palmer who was now standing in the doorway of his office.
Tim nodded to in shock to do anything else.
Palmer nodded and motioned him into his office where he pointed to a chair. Once Tim sat, Palmer sighed and said. "I accept your apology and you can tell Tony, Ziva and Abby I accept theirs as well. I overreacted and lost my temper. I apologize for that and hope you will tell the others the apology extends to them. You have to understand Agent McGee what I went through when I met the DM. Well it was very painful and not something, I have shared with anyone save one person. Moreover, he only knows because he was there in the aftermath and well had he not been I would not be here. Now as to me being related to the DM, I am not. The DM helps struggling student in all occupations to get their education. The student rarely met him as it is mostly handled through the school they attend. That's all."
Tim blinked and said. "I'm truly sorry Palmer. We shouldn't haveā¦"
Palmer waved his hand and said warmly. "All is forgiven Agent McGee."
Tim smiled and said. "Tim"
Jay smiled back and said. "Jay"
Tim raised an eyebrow as he said. "Jay. I thought you liked Jimmy?"
Jay laughed and said. "Not really, I don't hate it I just prefer Jay. Abby and Dr. Mallard call me Jimmy. I never corrected them because I do not really mind that they call me that. Ziva and Gibbs both call me Jay all my friends do. Although Tony calls me Gremlin, which in a secret between you and I, and if you tell him I will deny it. I loved that movie and love that he calls me that. Especially when he treats me like a gremlin from the movie, I've several times had to bite my lip to keep from laughing and hold the frown on my face."
Tim laughed and shook his head. Calm he held his hand up and said. "I won't tell him. However, I will share a secret that I also will deny if you tell him. I love all the Mc-nicknames. It cracks me up with all the one he comes up with."
Jay laughed he had a feeling Tim did and he thinks Tony also knows Tim likes them. He also thinks Tony knew he likes being called Gremlin, which is why he kept both up. He looked at the clock and sighed as he stood. "Sorry Tim, I got to get going or I'll be late."
Tim smirked and said. "Got a date."
Jay smirked and said. "Yeah with my karate class, if I show up even ten minutes late. My beginner class declares mutiny against my assistant and it takes half the class to calm them down."
Tim's jaw dropped "You teach Karate?"
Jay nodded and smiled. "I have a Black Belt in Karate. I have been competing and teaching for years. I love it; I started taking classes as a kid and have all my life."
Tim smiled and said with interest. "Can I come and watch? I have always been curious about Karate."
Jay shrugged and said. "Sure Parents stay all the time and watch. However, you will have to be quiet though."
Tim nodded. A few hours later, he was watching Jay in shock. It was as if he was a completely new person. As he dealt with the kids he taught, he was firm but understanding when they made mistakes. He corrected them and told them to do the move again until they got it right, then he moved on to the next student making his way around the room. Tim had watched several classes and Jay had told him between classes. That this was his last class for the night and his advanced class. Tim's jaw dropped when Gibbs walked in. Gibbs just smirked and began to warm up.
At the end of the class, Jay walked up to Tim and said. "You don't have to hang around I'm going to spar against a few students that are going up for their next belt."
Tim smirked and said. "Afraid I'll see you land on your butt Jay."
Jay shook his head and laughed as he said. "They wish."
"Oh I don't know Jay. Katie floored you last week." Said a new voice.
Jay closed his eyes as he blushed, but smirked when he looked over his shoulder at Gibbs as he said. "A lucky groin shot Jethro. That I was not expecting and Katie is still embarrassed about it. She would barely look at me in class today. I hope this does not get in her way when she goes for her belt. I had Tina practice with her after class."
Gibbs patted his shoulder and said. "That girl has it bad for you son."
Jay yelped. "Katie's 15."
Gibbs shook his head and said. "But her Aunt Tina is 25 and warm for your form."
Jays eyes got wide as he croaked. "Tell me you're kidding Jethro, even if it's a lie. Tell me."
Gibbs smirked and said. "Nope."
Jay groaned and closed his eyes. Then he said. "I'm going to spar now. Maybe someone will get a lucky shot and I won't have to deal with this tonight."
Gibbs laughed and stood next to Tim. He waited until Jay had walked away and said. "You apologize?"
Tim nodded and then his eyes went wide as he realized Gibbs was the one person. He said quietly. "You were the one who knows, because you were there?"
Gibbs nodded.
Tim swallowed hard and said. "Don't want to know Boss. Just tell me he's ok and if not how can I help."
Gibbs looked at Tim and smiled as he said. "He moved on Tim. He never got over it and he won't that kind of thing scars you. I will not tell you what happen, if he wants you to know he will tell you. However, His job, Karate, Teaching, and when he can do it competing, is what gets him through. That and the few friends he has let in." Gibbs turned and looked Tim in the eyes as he said seriously. "For years, I'm the only one that knew about this part of his life. He does not hide it nor does he shout it from the rooftops Tim. Tread carefully here Tim, one false move and you can take more than the house down with you. Got me."
Tim nodded; he understood Jay had put his trust in him by letting him come tonight. He wouldn't betray that trust.
Gibbs nodded and smiled then said. "Good now let watch him spar. You're in for a surprise Tim."
Tim looked at Gibbs in confusion. However, his eyes widened when the sparring started. He could tell Jay was holding back but he blocked ever blow and corrected every mistake as if he was born to do it. An hour later, they were standing outside as Jay said goodbye to his students. A smiling but sad Tina left with her niece after Jay spoke to her.
"Dinner Jay?" Gibbs asked when Jay walked out.
Jay shrugged and said. "Sure. You coming Tim."
Tim nodded wondering when he was going to wake up at his desk at NCIS and find this all a dream.
