Freeze Frame Chapter 10: A Rose tattoo, a ncis fanfic

FREEZE FRAME

Chapter 10

Disclaimers: Same as before

Warnings: none

A.N. Thanks for all the story alerts, there could be more reviews, though. A very big thank you to those who have. The next two chapters I've posted together. They will end this Episode. Keep a look out for the sequels, FREEZE FRAME 2 & FREEZE FRAME 3. Maybe not very creative titles, but I like the title and format of the freeze frame. Do You?

Chapter 10 – A Rose Tattoo

FREEZE FRAME: Mid shot Marley hugging Gibbs, her face buried. Gibbs hand rests on her head. Tony, Ziva, Abby, McGee and Ducky can be seen in the background, their forms slightly diffused. All are smiling. With one hand, Abby dabs a handkerchief at her eyes. She holds a single white rose in the other. Convert black and white. CUT

CA Conference Room.

Gillian came over to the sofa where Marley had been sleeping all afternoon. She lightly tapped her on the shoulder.

"Hey, Kiddo?"

Marley looked up and smiled. "Gillian, you're back."

Gillian wiped the hair out of Marley's face. "Yep. How are you feeling?"

Marley chewed on her bottom lip for a minute, trying to find the words to describe how she actually did feel. She felt pretty good actually, a little embarrassed, maybe, about the way she had acted down stairs, and maybe a little thirsty, but pretty good really.

"Pretty good really. Did Gibbs tell you about everything that happened?"

"He told me all about Ray Isles and the case."

"And how I had a big freak out?"

"Yep, that too, but he didn't actually put it that way. He said, Dr Mallard thought it was probably a good thing really, that you got it all out. He said you hadn't really cried."

"Yeah, well, I made up for it in one big smash hit."

Gillian tapped Marley on the nose. "Literally! So, I heard." Marley blushed and Gillian laughed. "Good. Now, if I'm right this drink is meant for you, so I think you better drink it."

"Then can I get dressed? I need to go see Abby."

Marley took a large swig of the drink Gillian had put in her hand and then hesitated to take a second when Gillian said, "Yep, but we need to talk first…..Don't look so worried its good news."

"Good, because I could sure use some."

"Okay, well. How would you feel if you came and lived with me permanently?"

"That would be cool, but what about uncle Nic? What if he comes back? I'm hoping they will find him, like, maybe he's just hurt and can't tell anybody who is or something."

"Whoa, settle down. Judge Knight has granted me full custody of you, but under the condition that when your uncle returns, that custody will be transferred to him. If that's what you both want, then that's what I will want."

"And, that would be alright, though, wouldn't it, because I still get to see you, right?"

"Oh, yeah, no matter what Marley, I'm gonna be around for a long time, even if it's just to make sure you don't go taking off of on any stolen pink scooters."

"Oops, you heard about that."

"Yes, and as of Tuesday you're grounded until you're sixteen!"

"Gee, between you and Gibbs, ya killing me. Besides, technically I was in NCIS custody, and Gibbs pretty much took care of the consequence thing, so you know your parental rights don't really count until Tuesday… Hey, how come Tuesday anyway?"

"Well, that's really something else we need to talk about. You are still in NCIS custody until Tuesday at least. You and Abby are witnesses against Ray Isles and to his confession. Until he confesses officially or the judge accepts your statement as an official testimony by Tuesday, Gibbs and the team are going to keep us with them."

"Us? You mean you can stay as well."

"Yep. We are all going to some safe house or place together. Like I said, Judge Knight granted me full custody of you. Well, It's more like an adoption. So that means as your parent NCIS is letting me stay with you until they think you and Abby are out of danger."

"Okay, well this is good really, cause the team are great, and Gibbs will really look after us. Everything is going to be alright. Right?"

"Sure it is." Gillian wanted to tell Marley more about the recent developments, but there were enough changes for Marley to digest. She felt that when the opportunity presented itself, she would need to discuss Marley having to change her name and the reasons for this along with the other precautions NCIS were insisting upon. "Hey, there's still more good news."

"Oh?"

"Yes, you will like this one... You get to go to school full time!"

"Oh," she replied, somewhat disappointingly. "Sounds peachy."

"And because I'm still employed as a councilor and supervisor in Alistair's group home trial, you'll be able to spend time with Zac and Josh still, at least on the nights that I'm there. Actually Zac graduates soon, but he's going to be doing his clinic hours as a supervisor, too. So you'll get to see him on staff days as well. There is also a new girl joining the group, Rye. She's fifteen. You will like her; she's a bit of a rascal, but a lot of fun."

"Gee, they didn't waste any time replacing me. Is she getting my room?"

"Marley, you're being silly. She was coming before all this happened. You would have had to share a room anyway."

"But, now it will mainly be her room, right?"

"Marley Rose, stop this. You're jealous and you have no reason to be. She has had a hard time, too. Her father is a marine and is very sick. He's in hospital, so she could do with a friend. Plus, Alistair has worked hard to keep this program going so that he can set up more homes and help more kids like you, Zac, Josh and now Rye."

"Well fine, but she better friggin not touch any of my stuff!"

Gillian swung Marley around and swatted her backside. "You will watch both your language and your temper."

"OW! Friggin isn't a swear word."

"Oh, why don't we ask Gibbs about the reference of that word in your statement then? You will be fair and friendly, Marley, and that's that!"

"Okay… So can she drive?"

"Marley!"

"Gee, you're really taking this mom thing seriously."

"Sorry, Marley, I'm here to take care of you. I care. Rye's not here to replace you and I'm not here to replace Rose."

"You can't replace Rose, Gillian. Gibbs would say that you're here to replace me." Marley smiled and then grabbed Gillian in a hug. She buried her head in the crook of her neck and let her tears quietly flow.

"Shhh. No more tears. Come on. You need to shower and change your clothes. Here, I bought you some new jeans and stuff. I'll have to go and get some more for the weekend."

"Can I come with you?"

"No, you have to stay here. But, I won't be long. Gibbs wants us all to go to the safe house together this afternoon."

"That's alright. Abby and I have something to do anyway."

CA Bull Pen. The entire team is standing in a circle, while Gibbs fills them in on the latest turn of events.

McGee spoke first. "So does that means we are all on duty this weekend?"

"As a matter of fact, Abby, Marley and Gillian will go over there this afternoon with me. We'll book in as a Mr. and Mrs. Stillwater with their daughter and au pair." responded a very serious Gibbs.

Tony raised his eyebrows, "Mr and Mrs? Daughter? Au pair? Hmm I wonder who's who?" Ziva slapped Tony up the back of the growled. " Only Gibbs does that, I've told you before!"

"Hey!" Gibbs crooked his finger and called Tony closer, then slapped his head.

Ziva smirked and looked at Tony. "Yes, Tony it's very obvious, Marley is the wife, Abby is the child, and Gillian the nanny."

McGee smothered his chuckle, which only made him snort. Gibbs glared at the trio.

"Well, I think it's very important for Gillian to be there, for Marley's sake at least," affirmed Ducky.

"Thank you Ducky. The fact is Abby and Marley need to be under our protection for the weekend at least. Gillian's movements won't be restricted, as she is not under protection. But Ducky's right, it is important for Marley."

"And, Nicolas Hanson?"

"Let Intelligence handle that. Our job is to keep Marley safe, probably for both their sakes. We'll go to work on that case when we're asked to."

"When we're asked to?"

"You know what I mean, Tony, so leave it for now. Marley knows nothing about his situation and until Isles and the Koreans are out of the picture, she doesn't need to know."

"Got it! Boss. So we all turn up at your place?"

"Nope!"

"Huh?"

"Not enough room. Intelligence and the FBI are funding a safe House for the weekend and well…"

"Oh, I hope it's not some dingy little one room motel room."

"No it isn't … Vance has arranged a one bedroom executive suite at the Four Seasons in Georgetown. They usually use it for visiting navel dignitaries, but we have it until Tuesday or as soon as Isles confesses and is arraigned."

"One bedroom, nice and cozy Boss." Tony leaned down to Ziva and whispered from the corner of his mouth, "the old dog."

"Di Nozzo! You got a question?"

"Ah, no, Boss."

"Well, I have," said Abby raising her hand. "Where do I sleep, Gibbs? I mean, I don't have a problem sharing a bed, you know, under desperate circumstances, but there are four of us."

"Abbs, we have an adjoining room."

"Cool, I'm cool with that, Gibbs, no offense; it's cool, like because you know I would share if I had to but…"

"Abbs. We'll sort out sleeping arrangements when we get there…. Tony and Ziva you go home get some sleep and meet us there at 1800. You'll do the night shift… McGee reserve a table for two at the Seasons restaurant. It's downstairs, so Gillian and I will be close if you need us."

"Oh, so we are babysitting, Gibbs?" asked Ziva.

"No...Yes."

"But, I don't need a babysitter, Gibbs."

"Abby, you are restricted. You will not go anywhere without one of the team."

"So why can't I go to dinner, you will be there."

"Because, you're grounded, both Marley and you, for that little escapade with the cars."

"Gibbs, one was a scooter, not a car."

"Abigail, consider yourself lucky that you got off that lightly."

McGee laughed. "I believe Tony took care of that, Boss. I'm sure Abby won't be doing anything like that again."

"Don't be too sure, Mr McSmug," whispered Abby.

"Abby, you got something to say, now?"

"Oh ah, no… I mean, oh, Gibbs." Abby ran to Gibbs and wrapped her arms around his chest in a huge bear hug. "No, it's great... I mean I didn't mean to be so selfish and insensitive. You go and have a great time. You deserve a good time and Gillian's a real nice person. I mean she must be she's going to adopt Marley and all, and she' real pretty, too. And we are all gonna have the rest of the weekend together, which is like really cool. Can we have room service? I love room service, especially the club sandwiches and the French fries, which won't be as nice as your dinner. But you know, it doesn't matter because a date's a date. And that takes precedence, even though you're probably a bit rusty…"

Everyone shouted, "ABBY!"

"McGee, I want you to head over to the hotel as soon as you can. Set up a surveillance center in the second lounge. Get some computers over there. Tap into the security cameras, I want as many views as you can get."

"On it, boss."

"Good, here's the address. It shouldn't be too hard to find."

"No worries. I've got my GPS anyway. It's top of the line."

"Sure is." whispered Tony, giving Abby a wink at the same time. "Hey, Velma?"

"Right on, Freddie."

Gibbs looked past the two conspiring adolescents to see Gillian leading Marley by the hand.

Ducky moved quickly and took Gillian's hand. "Miss Riggs, I presume? How nice to meet you."

"Please call me Gillian."

"A beautiful name," he replied as he walked back and stood next to DiNozzo and whispered out of the corner of his mouth. "Clever old dog, with impeccable taste."

Gillian turned to Gibbs. "I'm just going to get us a few things for the weekend. We'll both need fresh clothes and night wear."

Tony nudged Ziva."Night wear?"

"Stop it!" growled Ziva

"Well, if you could I'd prefer you didn't go back to either your home or Rose's flat. Here take this." Gibbs handed her a credit card. "Buy what you need for now. We can do more shopping later if need be."

Everybody gave everybody else quick glances and winks. Gibbs did not see them, but the color of his cheeks suggested that he felt their inspection. Gillian took the card and entered the elevator. All eyes were on Gibbs, as he escorted her.

Ducky bent down next to a smiling Marley. "Well my little lady, you look well and refreshed."

"I feel good, Ducky."

"I think you look good too. Marley? There's someone special that I think you a ready to see."

"You mean Rose? Can I see Rose, Ducky?"

"Yes, I think that maybe alright. But you don't have to, not if you don't really want to."

"I know she'll look different, but I want to see her. Can the team come too?"

"I think that's an excellent idea."

CA Morgue – The Team.

The team stood around Marley as Ducky pulled out the drawer that held Rose Louise Hanson's lifeless body. Rose lay there, her injuries concealed by well applied make-up. Her pallor was no longer grey or her eyes cold. They were closed as if she were sleeping. The make-up applied was subtle and softened the woman's features, a softness that Marley had rarely seen, since she was a small child. She couldn't quite remember. She remembered the vulnerability, the fear and often the panic. But now, now, she was just gentle. Marley smiled as she noticed the henna tattoo applied to her left shoulder…a blooming rosebud. Marley stretched to reach her mothers face. She felt her feet leave the ground slightly as she was lifted by the waist. Marley leaned over and kissed Rose on her pretty pink lips. "Mommy, I love you."

Ziva put Marley down on her feet and then knelt in front of this little girl and meet her gaze. They embraced for several moments when Marley whispered, "Baruch atah, yom yom ya' Amos lanu. (Praised are you, who daily carries our burden)"

Ziva was surprised and fought back tears. She gently took Marley's chin in her hand. "No more burden's for either of us. Panav Adonai yissa eleykla.( May the Lord turn his face to you)"

Marley stood back and looked at this team of people, who she had known for less than a week. Before her tears could escape, she took a deep breath. "Thank you Dr. Ducky. Thank you for taking such good care of my mom." Next she ran to Abby and threw herself at her. "Abby you did a great job on the make- up. She looks beautiful, she was beautiful. She'd love the tattoo too. She always wanted one but was scared of needles… She turned to McGee. Tim picked her up. "You're the smartest McGee, the Scooby Doo." She gave a quick kiss to his cheek.

"Hey, I like the Scooby reference. Wasn't he the hero? I think you're pretty much the hero here, Marley."

Tony took Marley from Tim. "Hey, stop filling her head with deep and meaningful television references." Tony leaned in close and whispered in Marley ear. Marley's eyes brightened and a small, but mischievous smile came to her mouth. "So what about me, I'm your favourite, right?" asked Tony

"Yeah, that's why she up chucked on you, bit you and nearly sent your gonads into orbit," quipped Tim.

"Na, that was all just a misunderstanding. Right?"

"Yeah, and I'm not sorry for anything, well except maybe for the Sam I am line."

"And you were pulling my chain about the Magnum episode, weren't you?"

"Hmm… I'll never tell. You may need to interrogate a distant relative."

The cryptic clue went over everybody's head, except, of course for Tony. He made a mental note to bring his box sets tonight and scan through them.

Gibbs laughed at Marley's simple and sincere expressions of appreciation. He was proud of his team. This case was solved and another would too soon take its place. They deserved some rest and relaxation.

Marley's voice pulled him out of his meditative revere.

"Gibbs?" She grabbed him around the waist and buried her head in his belly and sobbed.

TBC

Chapter 11 - EppaRog

A.N . A very big thank you To Harliquinn who managed to write a new Mag 7 story, Yah, and once again, beta read mine for me. The final chapter will be updated with this one. Please review.