Chapter 4
Falling into the nearest seat Gibbs looks at the forming baby and he feels it happening.
He feels that tug in his stomach and that burning in his throat.
Gibbs fingers the picture and before he can second guess himself he is out the door and in his car speeding towards his destination.
…
Across town Tim was fussing over Sarah much to the dismay of the usually very independent woman.
"Sarah do you need anything else?" Tim asked for the thousandth time since he had gotten home and found his sister on his couch snoozing.
"Tim! Stop I am fine" Sarah huffed out.
Nodding Tim said, "I am going to take a shower" before disappearing and a few minutes later she heard the water turn on.
Sighing Sarah melted further into the couch and once again she found her eyes closing despite her desire to stay up and work on schoolwork.
A short twenty minutes later as Tim was getting out of the shower he heard a knock on the door and quickly draped a towel over himself before heading to answer the door.
"Hey Timmy!" Abby greeted the still wet man rather enthusiastically.
"Abbs what are you doing here?" Tim asked surprised to see the lab rat at his doorstep.
"Can I come in?" Abby asked giving him those puppy dog eyes that he never could resist.
"Uh sure. I'll go get dressed" the man said as he stepped aside to allow her entrance.
Waking up upon hearing talking voices Sarah smiled sweetly at the Goth's entrance.
"Hey Abby" Sarah slurred out with her voice still laden with sleep.
Coming over and hugging the younger woman Abby said, "You look so good Sarah!"
Laughing Sarah joked, "Yea babies do wonders for your figure."
"Only a few more months' sis" Tim said as he came into the living area and snagged his computer chair to sit in.
"So Abbs?" Tim asked.
"Well I was just wondering if I could throw you a baby shower Tim…if it is okay with Sarah that is" Abby said looking between brother and sister.
"Um well I don't really need anything Abby" Sarah said before adding, "but Tim could use some help."
Glaring at his sister Tim said, "I do not need help. Rather I need to save more is all" Tim said.
"Let us help you Tim" Abby pleaded.
"Yea Tim it is nice" Sarah said before she too put on her best sad face impression that she could muster.
Sighing Tim said, "Okay. But my apartment is too small for a party."
"Ducky volunteered!" Abby said bouncing up and down with excitement.
Smiling at the exuberance Tim nodded, "well just tell me when and we'll be there."
"How about next Saturday?" Abby asked.
"Did you have all this planned out Abby" Tim said smiling.
"Know me to well Timmy" Abby said before getting up and kissing the man's temple.
Hugging Abby Tim said, "Known each other a long time."
"Got enough wood there Gibbs?" Gibbs favorite wood guy asked as he was preparing for checkout.
"New project" Gibbs replied cryptically.
Putting his hands on his hips the man said, "Best not be getting married again. Last time you were you almost bought out the whole store."
Smirking and thinking about how many wood projects he finished during his last marriage Gibbs said, "Different type of commitment."
Gibbs arrived at work to an empty squad room which was odd considering everyone's stations were up and ready.
Grabbing a Caf-Pow! From the machine the man entered the elevator to go see if Abby had any results on the opened cold case the team had been assigned.
"So Tony you have to pick up the cake" Abby whispered.
"One McPops cake coming up" Tony teased.
Ziva chimed in saying, "I will wrap the gifts and pick up the appetizers from his favorite market."
Mentally crossing off other things on the list Abby and everyone never noticed Gibbs enter the lab until he cleared his throat before saying, "What's going on" and passing Abby her Caf Pow!
"Nothing boss" Tony said before adding, "just seeing what Abby has found about the latest case."
"Was the Lieutenant killed through cake and presents" Gibbs asked smirking at the team's growing discomfort.
"Oh fine Gibbs we are planning Tim's baby bath" Ziva said.
"Shower Zee" Tony corrected her.
The team saw the momentary fall in the man's features before his rigid exterior again was erected before the man said, "Don't buy furniture," before the man turned and left.
"Why would we give baby furniture?" Ziva asked confused.
"I think he means like a crib Zee" Tony said.
Exasperated Ziva said, "Well does he want that baby to sleep on the floor? Is that not frowned upon here in the States?"
Clapping her hands together Abby exclaimed, "Aww he is making the crib! Timmy and Gibbs are getting back together"
"Do not get your chicken hopes up Abby" Ziva said trying to be the voice of reason.
"Not touching that one" Tony said not even bothering to correct the broken idioms.
Soon Saturday was here and Tim was picking Sarah up from the dorm and they made their way over to Ducky's new Georgetown home.
Tim didn't even have to knock on the door before he was ushered into the home by Abby's over exuberant self.
"Hey Timmy, Sarah" Abby said before giving them both fierce hugs.
"Need to breathe Abby" Tim squeaked out.
"Sorry Timmy" Abby said before dragging the McGee's into the living room where everything was all set up.
Tim's jaw dropped when he saw all the gifts, food, and guests, "Really guys you didn't have to do all this."
"Well in that case I'll take the gifts" Tony said making a beeline for the gifts only to find Ziva in his path.
"If your grimy hands so much as touch those gifts I will kill you eighteen different ways with this muffin" Ziva said.
Backing away from the Israeli Tony said, "Okay keep Ziva away from everything."
"Timothy my boy" Ducky said as he came over and patted the man on the shoulder.
"Hi Ducky." Tim said jovially.
"How is cybercrimes treating you" Ducky asked never one to begrudge conversation.
"Meh it's okay. Just getting used to it again" Tim replied.
"Good my boy" Ducky countered before getting up and grabbing a bite to eat.
As the party dragged on Sarah went outside to get some air and was surprised to see Gibbs sitting on the porch.
Sitting in the vacated seat next to the gruff man Sarah spoke first, "Why are you out here Gibbs?"
Looking at the girl Gibbs replied, "Don't need to make it awkward" before sipping at his coffee.
"Tim told me what happened" Sarah bit out a bit bitter.
"Never said I wasn't a bastard" Gibbs said shrugging.
"Well then why are you here?" the young girl asked.
Shrugging the man said, "Because I need a second chance, because I am a glutton for punishment?"
Smirking Sarah said, "Tim always said you were never one with words."
"I have something for Tim, for the baby…" Gibbs started.
"Where is it then?" Sarah said looking around.
"Not finished yet…" the man reasoned out.
"Do you love Tim?" Sarah blurted out.
Putting down the coffee and looking the girl in the eyes he said, "I was caught off guard at what he said, but you have to know that he is the best thing to happen to me in awhile."
"Well then I'll help you. That is what you want right…someone to get Tim to talk to you right?"
Nodding Sarah continued, "just call me when its done and I'll make sure Tim shows up" before the girl got up and went up to the door. However before opening the door she said, 'This is your last chance though, if you hurt him again then you'll have to deal with me" and with that Sarah re entered the party atmosphere and no one inside was none the wiser to the shift in the paradigm.
