Gibbs suggested CJ go have a shower and clean up. He'd arrange for something to feed them both supper.
CJ took the opportunity to let the hot water wash over her and drain away the last vestiges of guilt and worry. It didn't take long to feel like herself again. After toweling off she dressed in sweats and tied back her still wet hair. Walking awkwardly CJ made her way to the kitchen to find Gibbs leaning against the counter on the phone.
After he hung up he removed his wallet from his back pocket and counted out money and putting on the table in the front hall.
"So who's bringing us dinner?" CJ asked with a smirk.
Smiling back, he grabbed at her playfully trying to tickle. She quickly evaded him and ran to the living room hiding in a crouch behind the couch laughing. He sat down on the couch listening to her laughter. He sat not trying to apprehend her, he knew she'd come to him. She soon stood and tried to ambush him from behind. He easily lifted her over his head and sat her on his lap while he tickled. Laughing until she had tears rolling down her cheeks.
When the door bell rang he easily lifted to standing in front of him. Leaving her standing there he went to retrieve dinner from the delivery boy. He opened the bag and emptied the contents onto the kitchen table. CJ joined him quickly and took a set of chopsticks and one of the containers of food and leaned forward on the table. Gibbs shook his head and pointed at the chair "We sit to eat young lady".
" Com' on Giiibbbssssss" she whined.
Putting on a stern look he shook his head again "You put yourself in this situation, you realize that sitting on a sore bottom is part of the punishment, how else are you going to be reminded to keep out of trouble?" he said in a mock reprimanding tone.
"Hummmpff" she responded angrily sitting gingerly. Once seated she shot him one of his own glares.
Looking intently at her chicken chow mein CJ decided to broach the subject of who was going to relay the day's events to her parents. "So did you call dad?"
"Nope" he said also staring at his dinner and keeping his face neutral.
"Nope?... why not?"
"I thought you might want to do it yourself"
"Nope"
"Too bad. It's your job"
"I don't want the job. Can't you do it…. Plllleeeeaaassseee.." she did her best pleading voice and sad puppy dog eyes.
"The last time I did it for you. But not this time, it's up to you" changing to a more serious tone.
"But…." playing with her food.
"What is it angel?" he asked kindly. On hearing her pet name her head snapped up and looked into his deep blue eyes.
"Ah.." she started and then stopped.
Without words he encouraged her to continue.
"This morning dad thought something was up…. and he asked me…. and well…"
"You didn't tell him did you."
Shaking her head she continued "he said … Come clean now, you won't like it if I find out on my own" furrowing her brow.
"Mmm" pursing his lips and nodding. He understood now. "Telling him this morning would have been a better plan."
"I know that now" her voice starting to rise.
Motioning with his hand he directed her to sit back down. "Calm down CJ. I am sure that he'll be understanding. He's … been…. in such situations himself… "he said smiling.
"Ya think?" she brightened.
"Ya, I think" he smiled. "Clean up from supper and then go finish your homework."
He remained sitting with the paper and another cup of coffee for company.
