Gibbs/Allison Series:

Choosing Between Old & New # 5

By: MChakotayParis (R. Mason)

Chapter 7

After eating and then cleaning up breakfast Gibbs, Tobias and Ali checked the house making a list of anything they needed to buy. After getting on the computer and ordering Ali another queen size mattress for the patio room Ali sent a video request to Auggie and all three sat waiting for her to accept the call. When Auggie opened the box it was to the smiling faces of Ali sitting in Gibbs' lap with Tobias standing behind them.

"I hope that smile means that things are back to normal for our baby girl?" asked Auggie as she watched the body language of Ali. She was sitting in Gibbs lap with Tobias' hand on each of their shoulders. Ali's hand was covering his on her shoulder, with her other in Gibbs'.

"Everything's fine Auggie, Ali's back and I think Allison will stay for during the day just at work" replied Ali as she leaned back against Gibbs chest.

"Oh thank God, little one. I'm so happy for you. But are you absolutely sure this is what you want, no more changing your mind and thinking you want to be Allison again?" asked Auggie seriously

"No Auggie, this is the way I want it to be. The way I need it to be…." started Ali then stopped turning her face into Gibbs chest and sobbing quietly.

"It's alright baby girl, we know you had to do it. Were just glad that you choose to come back to us as Ali" said Tobias as he gently started rubbing her back.

Auggie sat and watched the two men comforting Ali and was once again amazed at the depth of their love for this woman. Either man would do anything; including giving their life for her and that made Auggie feel that Ali was on the road to regaining her family. It would take some time but she was positive that Ali would regain her family, she just wondered if that would include Jackson Gibbs. After finding out all she could about him, and even driving to Stillwater to observe the man for a few days Auggie knew that he could be an important part of Ali's life.

He along with Ducky could take the place of the grandfather's that Ali never had. Rachael Peters would round out the older generation for Ali, with an extra grandfather thrown in. After a few minutes Auggie saw Ali starting to squirm on Gibbs' lap and turned her face towards the computer.

"Auggie?" asked Ali softly

"Yes baby girl" said Auggie in a soft motherly voice

"Do you think I could go back to coloring pictures again, maybe just drawing for fun this time?" asked Ali shyly as she gently rubbed her cheek across Gibbs' shirt.

"Of course baby girl, you can color anytime you want and if you want to show them to me I'll be more than happy to look at them"

"Thank you, can we get some more coloring things when we go to the store Papa?" asked Ali as she looked over at Tobias

"Of course sweetheart, we'll get you anything you need" said Tobias with a smile

Ali sighed then relaxed against Gibbs chest and closed her eyes. As Auggie saw Ali's eyes close she frowned signaling both men to look down at Ali in Gibb's lap.

"Ali baby, are you feeling alright?" asked Gibbs softly as he looked down at the women in his lap.

"I'm just a little tired Daddy, that's all" answered Ali softly

"Then why don't we put you down for a nap and we can go to the store after you wake up" said Tobias as he took Ali from Gibbs' arms, carrying her to her bedroom.

After Tobias had taken Ali, Gibbs turned to face Auggie his face instantly turning worried. "Auggie?"

"She's alright Jethro, just probably still exhausted. Remember she's hasn't had a good night's sleep in at least three days now. It will take some time but she'll get her strength back in a few days or so you just need to give her a little time. Now comes the pampering and coddling, you think you two can handle it?"

"Ya think Auggie!" said Gibbs sarcastically then broke into a smile that had Auggie relaxing and smiling back

"Good now I don't want to hear from you again unless there is a problem, but I expect to see Ali when you get home. Understand?" said Auggie with a force of authority in her voice, she knew that she really couldn't do anything to any of them since Ali was an adult and she hadn't been her case for several years but she hoped that the threat still held some weight.

Gibbs held Auggie's stare then did something he thought he'd never do, he backed down. He knew that Auggie really couldn't do anything to either of them but the look on her face told him that she could make their life miserable and that was something that neither he, Tobias or Ali needed right now. So with a twinkle in his blue eyes and a blinding smile on his face he silently dropped his eyes conceding to Auggie's authority.

With that small gesture Auggie sighed leaning back in her chair and almost going bonelessly limp. If Jethro had held his ground it could have gotten messy but by conceding to her he admitted that Auggie knew Ali best and trusted them both with Ali's safety but would step in if she saw they were lacking.

"We will call you the minute we get home and get settled Auggie, I promise"

"Thank you Jethro, and tell Tobias the same" said Auggie as she closed the video conferring box with a smile.

A few minutes later Tobias returned and wrapping his arms around Gibbs' shoulders. "Ali's down for a nap, how about we take his time to rest ourselves. I have a feeling the next few days may be rough in the sleep department so we probably should catch our rest when we can" whispered Tobias as he gently started nibbling Gibbs' neck.

"I thought you said we should get some rest?" answered Gibbs breathlessly pulling Tobias into his lap and capturing Tobias' lips with his own.

After a few minutes the broke apart and Tobias answered breathlessly "I didn't say we had to go to sleep right away" smiled Tobias as he stood then pulled Gibbs to his feet and led him to their bedroom. As Ali slept Tobias and Gibbs quietly and gently celebrated having their baby girl back.

-NCIS-

Ali slept for two hours and after making sweet love both men fell asleep in each other's arms. At Ali's small whimpers Gibbs and Tobias were instantly awake both moving to grab their clothes until Gibbs' hand stopped Tobias gently pushing him back down on the bed.

"I've got her Tobias, why don't you get cleaned up then fix her a snack" suggested Gibbs as he buckled his pants then pulling his tee-shirt over his head left to go check on Ali.

As Tobias watched his lover leave he smiled and relaxed against the bed for a minute, remembering the sweet lovemaking they had just shared, then he remembered their promise to Ali. They still needed to go to the store to get more food and replenish some of her toys and supplies so with a reluctant groan he rose and dressed quickly.

He met Gibbs and Ali coming out of her room and with a bright smile she ran into his arms.

"Hey little one, are you feeling better now?" asked Tobias as he gently rubbed her back, looking over her head at his lover. Jethro looked relaxed so he as sure that Ali was alright.

"I'm feeling better Papa" said Ali as she rubbed her face on his shirt

"Good girl, then how about I fix you a little snack then we head into Wal-Mart to pick up your stuff"

"Really Daddy, Papa?" said Ali as she looked at both men, at their smiles Ali wrapped her arms around Tobias' waist bouncing slightly "Oh thank you…thank you…thank you"

"You're welcome baby girl, but remember you need to listen to us and do everything we say okay?" reminded Gibbs as he took her chin in his hands and raised her face so she could look him in the eyes. She had to understand that they would do anything she wanted but there were limitations.

"I know Daddy, I promise. I'll be good" responded Ali then smiled as Gibbs pulled her into his arms.

"Then let's get you feed so we can get one our way, after dinner we can maybe watch a movie so something if you'd like" said Tobias as he led Ali into the kitchen, quietly discussing what she wanted for a snack.

After a quick snack of apple slices and cheese, Ali, Tobias and Gibbs headed towards Tobias's SUV then headed towards the little town of Chesapeake Beach. Since Ali had intended to see if she wanted to become Allison full time she had not packed a diaper bag and in her haste to be Allison full time she had dumped out all of her personal baby items at the beach house. So when they arrived at Wal-Mart Gibbs, Tobias and Ali headed towards the baby department to re buy her things. After choosing Ali a diaper bag, a couple of new blankets and some new pacifiers, along with diapers and wipes to keep in the car, they headed towards the toy department to buy Ali a few new toys and a pad of drawing paper and colors. After paying for their items at Wal-Mart they headed towards the Peter's general store.

As Gibbs pulled into a parking spot in front of the store Ali started getting fussy and Tobias and Gibbs' both turned around in their seats looking back at her. They hadn't found a "Puffalump" in the store for Ali but ended up buying her a soft sculpture baby toy for her to keep in her bag. Before they left the parking lot Gibbs and Tobias had packed Ali's bag with all of her newly bought items and given Ali her new toy, then covering her with the blanket. With practiced ease Tobias reached back to check Ali's diaper, she wasn't overly wet and could wait to be changed but he had a feeling that her diaper wasn't why Ali was upset.

"What's wrong little one?" asked Tobias as he gently rubbed her leg through the blanket.

As Ali sat up she removed her pacifier then frowned "Last time I saw Grandma Rachael I was Allison, do you think she'll want me as Ali again?" asked Ali hesitantly

Damn they should have thought about calling Rachael and Todd telling them that they were coming and Allison was once again their little Ali, but with taking care of Ali it had slipped there mind. Oh well, they were almost certain that Rachael and Todd would accept that Allison was now their Ali again and welcome her with open arms.

"I'm sure that Rachael and Todd will welcome you whether you are Allison or Ali sweetheart" responded Gibbs with a smile.

"You sure Daddy?" asked Ali

"I'm sure baby girl, but I can go in and tell them you're here if you'd like?" said Tobias

At Ali's little nod Tobias smiled then climbed out of the SUV and headed into the store, a few minutes later a very excited Rachael and Todd Peters ran out of the store yelling.

"Ali…Ali baby, is it really you?" cried Rachael Peters as she opened the back down the peered into the back seat of Tobias' car.

Sitting in the back seat crossed legged, holding a small baby toy was their little Ali. At the sight Rachael quickly crawled into the back seat enveloping Ali in a long hard hug. As Rachael pulled Ali into her she relaxed sagging deeply into the woman's arms.

"Oh sweetie, are you alright? Did you get everything worked out?" asked Rachael as she slowly pulled back and looked at the woman/child in her arms.

"Yes Grandma Rachael and thank you for helping me and then giving me the space I needed to make my decision" said Ali as she looked at the older woman, then the older man standing behind her in the doorway.

"Ali sweetheart, we may not totally understand everything about your situation with Jethro and Tobias but we will always support you no matter what you have to do" said Todd from behind Rachael then reached in and patted her arm.

"Thank you both" said Ali with a smile at both of them then laid her head once again on Rachael's shoulder.

After a few minutes Rachael pulled back, slowly looked at Ali, "Now are we ready to go into the store and get your groceries little one" asked Rachael as she patted Ali on the shoulder then slowly started backing out of the car.

A few minutes later Rachael and Todd were standing beside the door holding out their hands for her. Ali looked at their hands then climbed out, standing out beside the two older people. A minute later Rachael placed her arm around Ali's shoulders leading her into their store. Gibbs and Tobias entered the store behind Ali and with a smile at Rachael and Todd they led her around the store gathering their needed groceries. After paying for their groceries, and placing them in the car, then headed back into the store once more before leaving.

"Well I guess we'd better be heading back now Rachael" said Gibbs as she held out his hand to each of the older couple.

"Are you sure Ali's alright, Jethro" asked Todd as he looked at the three people in front of him

"She'll be fine, just needs a few days to rest and recuperate, and then she'll be her normal bubbly self" replied Tobias with a sigh

"Well if either of you need anything please call us and let us know" replied Todd then shook Tobias' hand and then Gibbs

After a few more minutes of quiet chatter, Tobias and Gibbs lead Ali back to the car. As she entered the back seat Ali curled up on the backseat grabbing her new baby toy and laying her head on the pillow. As Tobias climbed in he noticed Ali lying on the back seat, turning sideways in his seat he gently threw one of her blankets over her form the turned back to face the front as Jethro pulled out. The trip took the usually forty-five minutes and by the time they'd turned into the sandy driveway which led to Allison's beach house Ali was asleep. As Gibbs stopped the car he turned to see Ali clutching her baby toy with her pacifier in her mouth.

"Go ahead start taking the things in Tobias, I'll take care of Ali this time" said Gibbs, then leaned in and quickly gave him a kiss then opened the door and climbed out.

A few minutes later he re entered the car through the backseat door, carefully climbing over Ali until he was squatting at her feet. Gently pulling the blanket back Gibbs checked Ali, finding her wet, and rummaged in her bag pulling out her baby wipes and a clean diaper. After changing her quickly, Gibbs dropped the wet diaper into a plastic bag. He carefully picked Ali up, then back out of the backseat carrying her into the house and putting her down in her bedroom. After Ali was settled he helped Tobias bring in the rest of the bags, putting everything in its place. When everything was put up they sat down on the couch to rest from their trip to Chesapeake Beach.

Two hours later Ali awoke, wet once again, so as Tobias changed her Gibbs fixed her a snack once again. As Ali sat eating her snack in the kitchen, Gibbs and Tobias waited in the living room so when she finished Ali clambered between the two men who were sitting on the couch.

"Feeling better now Ali?" asked Gibbs as he looked at the woman beside him.

"Uh huh, Daddy do you think that maybe after dinner we could watch a movie or something?" asked Ali softly

"Sure thing sweetheart, whatever you want to do" said Gibbs softly as he leaned down and gently kissed her head.

After a few minutes of just sitting there Ali quickly sat up, and after giving each man a quick kiss, got up and quickly ran to her room, retrieving one of her favorite books them quickly hurried back to crawly back between the two men again.

"Papa, could you read this book to me?" asked Ali as she held out the book to Tobias

The rest of the afternoon was spent with Ali sitting between the two men while Tobias read Ali's favorite story. At dinner time Ali helped Tobias and Gibbs make dinner then after it was eaten, the kitchen cleaned up all three spent the rest of the night watching one of the Disney movies she had brought.