Gibbs/Allison Series:

Choosing Between Old & New # 5

By MchakotayParis (R. Mason)

Chapter 11

Family Cookout

After Auggie and Ducky's visit Ali really concentrated on being good and by the time Saturday rolled around both Gibbs and Tobias had to admit that she'd been really good. So when they woke her Saturday morning it was with a smile that they agreed she could go to the cookout. After a quick diaper change Ali dressed in her grungy clothes and helped Gibbs and Tobias get the house ready for the cookout. By noon they had cleaned the house and gotten all the chores done so it was a very tired Ali, Tobias and Gibbs that fixed and ate lunch then took a shower and put Ali down for her nap.

While Ali was asleep Tobias and Gibbs rested on the couch laying in each other's arms enjoying the feeling of finally having their family back together. Ali was back, and their extended family was coming over to meet the slightly changed Ali. She was still their baby girl or little one but with a slight maturity showing through as well.

Between one-thirty and two the team started to arrive and both Gibbs and Tobias had to laugh at how anxious they were to see Ali again. By the time Auggie arrive everyone had already arrived and she was greeted at the door by Gibbs announcing.

"Come on in Auggie, you're actually the last one here" then stepped back so she could see the rest of his team sitting in the living room talking.

"Well I guess I really didn't have to worry about them not wanting to see her did I?" said Auggie with a laugh as she walked into the living room and was greeted warmly. Sitting on the coffee table was a small pile of brightly colored packages and with a sly grin she pulled hers out from behind her back.

"Auggie" exclaimed Tobias as he looked at the older woman and smiled. He really couldn't blame them, it had been a while for most of them and they all knew how much Ali meant to all of them.

"Sorry Tobias, but I just couldn't help it" replied Auggie as she placed hers among the others.

"It's alright, just don't make a habit of it, you guys are spoiling her" answered Gibbs

"Yeah right Boss, were spoiling Ali…" called DiNozzo from the other side of the room

"Watch it Tony…" said Gibbs with a small smile on his face

"Sorry boss, hey isn't it almost time for the squirt to wake up?" asked Tony then stood up looking upstairs

"Well we haven't heard anything from her yet, but I'll go and check on her" said Tobias as he headed towards the stairs

Tobias entered Ali's room to find her still asleep curled up on her side with her pacifier in her mouth and her bottle in her hand. She looked so peaceful that he hated to wake her since they all had worked really hard that morning and she was finally sleeping peacefully again. She still had a few nightmares when she was really tired or upset but after talking to Auggie they had stopped for the most part.

As he gently brushed the hair off her forehead he whispered softly "Ali baby, it's time to wake up. You've got some very excited people waiting for you downstairs"

At his voice Ali opened her eyes and stretched smiling around her pacifier then taking it out and placing it on her nightstand.

"How you doing little one?" asked Tobias as he placed a hand on his cheek. She still looked a little tired but not too much for him to worry.

"I'm good Papa, is everyone here already?" asked Ali as she started to get up

"Whoa little one, don't you think you need a change first then get some clothes on" said Tobias as he looked at her. Ali had taken her shower before she laid down for her nap so they had left her in just her sleep top and diaper for her nap.

As Ali looked down at herself she laughed, she was very wet and just wearing one of her knit tank tops. If she was going to spend the day with everyone she needed to get some of her special clothes on. With a small sigh Ali laid back down saying "Sorry Papa"

"It's alright baby girl, you're not the only one anxious to see you again. Tony, Tim and Ziva were here before two" said Tobias with a smile

At that Ali settled down and Tobias quickly changed her then helped her up and went with her to her closet. Ali took longer than usual this time picking out her clothes and finally she came out holding a white tee-shirt dress with pink, yellow and blue flowers all over it with a matching black tank top and Capri pants. Ducky had bought her a coordinating black plaid hair how on a head band. This was one of her favorite play sets and she liked to save it for special occasions.

With an approving nod Tobias smiled and Ali threw her arms around him then disappeared into the bathroom. Ten minutes later she came out and did her usual little twirl around the room for their inspection.

"You look beautiful angel, now here's your socks" said Tobias as he handed Ali a thick pair of with socks with black lace around the top.

As she sat down to put them on he noticed that her head band had slipped a little so he bent down to straighten it then went to her dresser to get some of her barrettes. As he fastened on to each side of her head just behind her ears he smiled saying. "There princess, as beautiful as always"

"Oh Papa" said Ali as she jumped up and once again was in her arms. Then with a sad little sigh she stepped back saying softly "Are you sure I look alright?"

"Ali sweet you look wonderful, you're not having second thoughts about meeting everyone at once are you?" asked Tobias, he knew that everyone would be disappointed but would leave if that's what Ali needed.

"No….no…it's just…" started Ali then stopped dropping her head and slightly wringing her hands.

"Ali, if you don't think you can do this now we can reschedule the cookout for later"

"No I'd want to see everyone Papa, but I'm just afraid that they won't like the new Ali"

"Sweetheart, they love you no matter who you are wither your Ali or Allison. And I know for a fact that both Ducky and Jimmy are anxious to read your new book with you again. Ali you growing up a little just means that they can do more and different things with you that they couldn't before, not that they don't want to spend time with you" said Tobias as he pulled her into his arms

"Are you sure Papa?" asked Ali softly against his chest, as usual when she was upset or scared she buried her face in either his or Jethro's shirt almost trying to absorb strength from them.

"I'm positive little one, now let's go or they're going to send a search party out for us" said Tobias with a little laugh then with his arms securely around Ali's shoulders lead her out of her room.

When they left Ali's room she made it to the upstairs banister before she stopped again, holding on to Tobias' waist tightly looked down at her extended family. Everyone was sitting in the living room talked but stopped with they heard Ali's door close. Standing up they anxiously gathered at the edge of the living room. Everyone was smiling up at her, then she heard Tony's voice call "Hey squirt, missed you!"

At his call Ali's face beamed and she quickly released Tobias and ran down the stairs totally forgetting her promise not to throw herself at people. She first launched herself at Tony, then Tim, Ziva, Abby and Palmer before remembering herself and slowly walked towards Ducky and Auggie.

"How've you been doing squirt?" asked Tony as he looked her over, she looked good but a little different, somehow a little more grown up but still their little Ali

"I'm good Tony, maybe sometime do you think we could watch a movie or something again?" asked Abby shyly

"Of course squirt! You just clear it with Gibbs or Tobias and I'll be over in a flash with a movie and the whole shebang" said Tony

"And just let the rest of us know where you're ready and we'll come over as well, right guys?" said Abby

"Sure" said Tim

"Of course" said Jimmy

"Any time Ktantonet" replied Ziva

"Now see Ali, I told you they would still want to spend time with you. You feel better now" asked Tobias as he looked at her. She was holding tight to Abby's waist while smiling at the others

"Yes Papa" answered Ali

"Now that that's settle how about we get down to the presents" said Tony with a clap of his hands and a smile

"Presents….for me!" exclaimed Ali as she slightly bounced in Abby's arms but didn't loosen her grip on the woman's waist

"Of course my sweet, we can't go this long without bringing our little Ali something" replied Ducky as he gently loosened Ali's grip on Abby then lead her to the couch just in front of the living room. Sitting on the coffee table was a small pile of colorfully wrapped or bagged packages all with Ali's name on them. As usual Ali flopped down on the couch pulling her legs up under her, sitting on her feet.

One by one Ali opened each present squealing delightedly then running to that the person with a giant hug. From Tony she received the DVD collection of season two of Gilligan's Island. From Tim she got a coloring book from the Smithsonian Institution and colors. From Ziva she got a beginners cookbook along with an apron and pot holders. From Abby she got a new tool for her tool kit plus an invitation from the sisters to come bowling with them. From Jimmy she got a book, and Ducky bought her two more hair bows. Last but not least came Augustina, from Auggie Ali had gotten another play set. She had spoken with Abby and Ziva earlier in the week and gotten on Ali's favorite website and purchased her another play set. It was still being made but she had printed out of picture of what the set would look like and Ali was thrilled. It was pale pink tee-shirt with yellow, blue and green flowers all over it with a matching pink tank top and pink plaid Capri pants. At Auggie's gift Ali squealed the loudest and threw herself on the woman so hard that they both almost tumbled over.

"Ali…" said Gibbs and Tobias both sternly quickly grabbing hold of Auggie's shoulders before she fell over.

"Sorry Papa, Daddy. And I'm sorry to you to Auggie" said Ali as she let go of the woman and stood in front of her with her head down and her hands in her lap.

"It's alright baby girl, I'm really glad you like the outfit" said Auggie with a smile and a pat to her hand.

"Now how about we fix you a little snack then you spend some time in the backyard" said Gibbs as she looked at Ali, she still wasn't sure if they were still mad at her or not so she hadn't move.

"Come on Ktantonet, why don't we find you a snack while the guys get your toys out" said Ziva as she gently took Ali's arm and lead her to the kitchen.

"Right, let's go guys it's playtime!" called Tony then he quickly went over to Ali's toy chest then headed outside followed by Tim and Jimmy.

"Well Auggie, you think anyone is having a problem excepting the "new" Ali?" asked Gibbs as the older adults sat on the vacated chairs in the living room.

"Nope, if anyone has a problem it's Ali. She seems to still have some doubts but I'm sure that will clear up once she has her one on one time with everyone and I hope that includes me" said Auggie

"Of course Auggie, you can spend as much time as you wish with Ali. I know you didn't get to while she was Allison and now that she's Ali you might not know her as well as you would like so feel free to come over anytime" said Gibbs

"Thank you Jethro, that means a lot to me. I feel like I've missed out on so much with her. I knew her when she was Allison but I really don't know Ali"

"Well I can guarantee Auggie that even this Ali is totally different from the Allison you knew. How about we go watch Ali play, you said that you've never seen her play before" said Tobias as he stood and held out his hand to the woman

With a smile Auggie took his hand and the small group of adults walked through the kitchen and stood on the patio watching as Ali, Tony, Tim and Jimmy threw a football to each other. Gibbs had been working with Ali so she was pretty good throwing but still had a little trouble catching. As they watched Tony backed up then tossed a long pass towards Ali, who promptly squatted down shielding her head with her hands while the ball sailed over her head.

"Tony!" cried Ziva hotly as she went over and stood Ali up, then went to retrieve the ball

"Sorry squirt, I forgot. Here give me your best toss" called Tony as he moved up until he was standing only a few feet away from her.

With a gleam in her eye, and a quick look back at Gibbs Ali reared back and tossed the ball almost perfectly over Tony's head to the back of the yard. Tony stood with his mouth open for a few minutes then jogged over and picked the ball up walking slowly back to where Ali was standing in Gibbs arms talking nonstop and bouncing slightly.

"Did you see that Daddy, I threw it all the way to the back fence over Tony's head"

"I saw princess and I'm very proud of you" said Gibbs with a smile on his face.

"Alright squirt, You've been practicing so no more Mr. nice guy. You up for some more catch?" asked Tony

After looking up at Gibbs for his approval Ali said enthusiastically "You bet Tony, bring it on" then ran back to Tony and Ziva and resumed her game of catch.

"Well, I see what you mean Tobias. Ali is nothing like the Allison I knew" said Auggie "It's almost like she's a whole different person"

"In a way she is Auggie, the Ali you see now is the child that Allison never got a chance to be. Free and comfortable enough to be just who she truly is with her family" said Gibbs

"We'll I thank you for that both of you, and everyone else as well. I just hope I can live up your expectation as a part of her family"

"The only thing we expect my dear Augustina is to love and accept Ali unconditionally" replied Ducky with a smile on his face

"Well then I don't see a problem" said Auggie with a smile then sighed as she realized that she had truly been accepted into Ali's extended family.

The rest of the rest of the afternoon was spent watching Ali play. She continued her game of catch for a little while longer then asked to quite when her arm started hurting. After that she spent the rest of the time playing on her play set either swinging or climbing then going down the slide. When it started turning dark Gibbs and Tobias called them in taking Ali upstairs to change her and clean her up a little. She had fallen a couple of times and gotten some dirt on her hands and face.

After Ali was changed and cleaned up everyone started getting dinner ready, Tobias and Gibbs starting the grill while everyone else helped get their part ready in the kitchen. While Gibbs and Jimmy grilled the hotdogs and hamburgers Ali set the table then helped place the food on the table. It was still a little chilly to eat outside so everyone decided to eat in the dining room and after ten minutes everyone was sitting down at the table happily eating and talking about the day's activities.

When everyone had finished Gibbs allowed Ali to forgo helping clean up the dishes and kitchen so she could spend some time with Ducky and Jimmy on the couch reading her new medical book. A few minutes later Ziva, Tim, Abby and Tony reentered the living room carrying a tray with a sort mugs of coffee and tea. As she sat it down on the coffee table everyone grabbed a mug then settled down to either watch television or Ali, Ducky and Jimmy read.

By eight o' clock Ali was leaning heavily against Ducky's side with Jimmy mostly reading the book and Ali struggling to keep her eyes open. As Jimmy go to the end of a page he looked down and noticed that Ali's eyes were closed.

"Doctor Mallard" said Jimmy softly as he closed the book, looking down at the woman sitting between them

"Ahhh….Jethro. I think it might be time for you to put this little one to bed" said Ducky softly as he gently started stroking her head.

"Got it Ducky, you want to come upstairs and help me tuck her in?" asked Gibbs as he quickly got up and took Ali into his arms.

"I think I'll let Auggie take my place this time Jethro if you don't mind" responded Ducky with a smile. He had seen the look on the woman's face as she watched Ali cuddling against his side and saw the longing on her face.

"Auggie?" asked Gibbs as he stood with Ali in his arms

"Oh can I Jethro, thank you Ducky" said Auggie is a slightly wispy voice, her emotions showing in her voice.

"Sure, I'll even see if Ali will let you change her" said Gibbs as he headed towards the stairs, with Auggie quickly following.

Once in Ali's room Auggie quickly found Ali's diaper supplies and waited until Gibbs had her laying on the bed and her clothes off before she moved closer to the bed. Gibbs had taken her Capri pants and tee-shirt dress off but left her tank top on.

"Does she normally sleep in just a tank top?" asked Auggie as she looked down at the women in the bed.

"No, normally she has a sleep top that we change her into but since it's just really a tank top itself, I don't see any reason to take this one off and put another one on. She took her shower before we put her down for her nap so she really didn't get that dirty playing outside so she should be good tonight" said Gibbs as he stepped back and let Auggie moved to the side of Ali's bed.

She stood a few minutes then with a shake of her head quickly changed Ali, as she went to throw the wet diaper away and wash her hands Gibbs moved back to the bed quickly raising the bed rail then placing a bottle to Ali's lips and her "Puffalump" in her arms. When Auggie returned she stood by Ali's bedside staring at the sleeping angel that was their Ali.

"She looks so angelic sleeping like that doesn't she Jethro?" asked Auggie she voice slightly soaking up with emotion

"When she's like this she is our little angel Auggie, not that she's a devil any other time but now sleeping peacefully in her bed like this you can truly see the little girl that is our Ali"

"Yes you can, and your right. I don't know this Ali and I'm very glad that you and Tobias are giving me the opportunity to get to know her. Thank you both"

"You're welcome Auggie, now how about we go back down stairs and let her sleep" said Gibbs as he grabbed the baby monitor on her bedside stand then ushered the woman out.

The others had cleaned up the living room so when Auggie and Jethro returned downstairs they all were sitting around the living room quietly talking. Everyone stayed a few more hours talking until Ducky quietly announced that he thought it might be time to head home. After that everyone gathered their hats and coats and said their goodbyes promising to make arrangement for their separate time with Ali.

As Gibbs and Tobias closed the door behind the last of their extended family they wandered hand in hand in the living room then dropped onto the couch with a weary but happy sigh. Today had been exactly what Ali needed and everyone could see Ali relaxing and getting back into the flow of just being Ali with each member of her family. With a gently kiss to the back of Gibbs' hand Tobias pulled him to his feet then lead him upstairs to their bedroom where they made sweet and gently love celebrating the fact that Ali had her family back.