Chapter Twenty Nine
It had been nearly four weeks since Joshua had moved in with Gibbs and Noah. For the most part the boys were getting along great minus the occasional sibling rivalry. The team had come to know and love Joshua as much as they did Noah. Tony and Noah still shared a special, unbreakable bond and Joshua had grown close to Abby and Tim. He spent most afternoons in the lab doing science experiments and picking up interesting facts that related to whatever case they were working as well as doing his homework.
Learning seemed to come naturally for Josh. Gibbs checked his homework each night when they got home and there were rarely incorrect answers. Noah was making improvements with his school work as well. He wasn't having as hard of a time concentrating, he was paying more attention to detail which helped with his lessons and his speech was starting to improve. There was no longer a fear that he had dyslexia and he was learning new skills each day.
The things he was learning in daycare were more on his level than the kindergarten work he'd struggled so much with. Gibbs was practicing with him at home; working on writing his name, practicing using scissors, counting, shapes and colors as well as learning the days of the week and the months. Noah was still behind where he should've been but he was working hard and there was no doubt in Gibbs' mind that he would catch up.
Jenny was becoming more of a fixture as well. She'd come over and cook meals on occasion, enjoy bath time with Noah who'd decided he liked having Mommy and Daddy's help and attention after all, they'd watch movies, play games and go on walks around the neighborhood. After cuddling up with the boys and reading bedtime stories, she and Gibbs would curl up together on the couch to enjoy some quiet time before she headed home. With the addition of Joshua to the family their alone time had been limited to evenings after the boys had gone to bed but it was Friday night and they had a date.
Tony arrived at Gibbs' house a little early and flopped down on the couch between the boys. Noah was instantly in his lap as Josh leaned against him. "What are we watching?" Tony asked before leaning down and kissing the top of Noah's head.
"Milo and Otis," Josh answered.
"It's about a little doggy and a kitty," Noah added.
"I haven't seen this movie in forever," Tony said. He ruffled Josh's hair then kissed the top of his head as well.
Gibbs made his way down the stairs in a comfortable button up shirt and pair of blue jeans and headed into the living room. "Alright boys, bedtime's at 2100 hours. I left some money for pizza on the dining room table. I have my cell phone if you need me. You guys have fun." He leaned down and kissed both Noah and Josh goodbye.
"What, no kiss for me, Boss?" Tony teased. Gibbs smirked as he gently slapped the back of Tony's head. "Thanks Dad," Tony said with a smile. He was loved. Both boys giggled at the strange affectionate gesture. They both loved their goofy big brother and knew their dad did too. Gibbs tapped Tony's chin then headed out.
Tony watched as Gibbs backed out of his driveway then jumped up. "I have a surprise for you guys!" he said sitting Noah down next to his brother. "Wait here, I'll be right back." He hurried out to his car, not even bothering to put his shoes on and returned with a handful of huge shopping bags.
Noah and Josh ignored the movie and watched Tony curiously. The senior field agent dumped out several nerf guns he'd purchased at the store earlier that day along with enough ammo to arm a small army. All three of the boys' faces lit up as they thought about all the possibilities.
They went to work opening the boxes, assembling the guns and loading the ammo. When they were done they laid them all out on the living room floor and each chose a weapon to start with. Tony gave the boys to the count of ten to find somewhere to hide and they both scurried off in opposite directions. He counted out loud then headed off in the direction he'd seen one of the boys go. It was every man for himself as the three chased each other through house, shooting at each other and hiding to avoid behind shot.
After almost an hour of chasing each other through the house and being pelted with nerf darts, the boys decided to take a break for dinner. Tony called and ordered a couple pizzas then called Tim, Ziva and Abby to come over and join in the fun. There were plenty of guns and all three boys knew it would be more fun with more people playing. The rest of the team showed up and after eating and giving their dinner a chance to settle, they once again chose their weapons and all disappeared into different corners of the house.
Gibbs decided to take Jenny to one of the local indoor mini golf courses for their date. It would give them an opportunity to have fun and enjoy being together without being interrupted by the boys. Both did horribly, shooting way over par on each hole because they were too busy teasing one another and poking at each other, trying to mess the other one up and enjoying any excuse for physical contact.
After two games of mini golf, each round worse than the previous, the two headed back to Jenny's house. It was still early and neither were ready for their date to end. Jenny invited Gibbs in and he accepted. They both sat down on the couch next to each other. Gibbs wrapped Jenny in his arms and leaned in to kiss her cheek. Jenny turned her head and their lips met.
"I had fun tonight," she said snuggling into Gibbs' embrace.
"Me too," Gibbs said resting his head on top of hers. The two sat quietly for a moment, enjoying the time alone together. Gibbs was first to break the silence. "Jen." His voice was so quiet she almost missed it.
"Hmm?" Jenny wrapped her arm across Gibbs' midsection and cuddled closer to him.
"I think we should make things a little more permanent," he said stumbling over his words a bit. "I'd like you to consider to moving in with me and the boys. You're already over all the time and the boys are comfortable with you. Everything feels natural except the part about you going home each night."
"Wow," Jenny said. She sat quietly thinking about everything from their present situation to what their future might hold. She had a choice; she could either run away again or commit to being there for the long haul. With her career right where she wanted it she didn't see any reason to run again. More importantly, she didn't want to run again. She was ready to settle down and start thinking about a family.
Gibbs gave her a minute to think before he spoke again. "Talk to me," he said gently. "What are you thinking?"
"I think that," she paused and smiled up at him, "nothing would make me happier."
Gibbs smiled as he leaned over and kissed her. Jenny rested her hand against his cheek and moved her leg over his legs as she leaned into the kiss more. The gentle pecks turned into hungry, passionate kisses ending with Jenny sitting on Gibbs' lap by the time they broke apart. They stared silently into each other's eyes. It was time. They'd waited and put the boys first while they considered what they wanted for their own futures but the decision had been made. There was no reason to wait any longer.
Jenny's eyes moved from Gibbs' eyes to his chest as she started undoing the buttons on his shirt. Gibbs watched her as his hands moved from her face down to her neck, shoulders and arms and came to rest on her hips. Jenny laughed quietly once she had most of his shirt unbuttoned.
"What's funny?" Gibbs asked quietly.
"You wear too many layers," Jenny said untucking his undershirt from pants.
"What can I say? I'm a man of many layers," Gibbs said with a smirk.
Jenny smiled and pushed him back against the couch before leaning in and pressing kisses to his chest as she inhaled his familiar scent. It took her back to the wild, passionate love making they'd shared in Paris but this wasn't Paris. This was Washington DC, home. There was no more running, no more hiding. This was the beginning of their new life, their life together, their second chance.
Gibbs relaxed into the couch and focused on controlling his body's reaction. They'd resisted temptation and waited and now that it was time he wanted to make sure the night was one they'd never forget.
It was after midnight by the time Gibbs parked his car in his driveway. He'd forgotten his undershirt at Jenny's house and was hoping somehow that Tony wouldn't notice. He'd rather leave the details of his evening with Jenny to the young man's imagination but a missing undershirt was a telltale sign of what they'd done.
His curiosity peaked when he saw Tim, Ziva and Abby's cars parked in front of his house. He knew his boys were in good hands with them so he wasn't concerned in the least but he did wonder what kind of mischief the group had gotten into. He entered the house and found everyone sleeping piled on top of each other on the living room floor. He turned the TV off and covered them up as best as he could before he lifted Noah out of the dog pile.
"Daddy?" the little boy said around a yawn.
"Yeah, it's just me, Buddy," Gibbs answered. He pulled Noah's head to his chest as he carried the little boy down the hall and into the bathroom. "Did you guys have fun tonight?"
"Uh-huh." Noah was barely awake and having a hard time not falling asleep in Gibbs' arms.
"What'd you guys do?" Gibbs asked as he sat Noah on the toilet. "Go pee pee for me."
"I not a'pposed a tell," Noah said, "but if you promise not to say I telled you then I will."
"I promise," Gibbs said with a smile. He was growing more and more curious about what Tony had done with them that evening.
"Tony bringed guns with ss-squishy bullets and we shooted each other," Noah said happily. "Then we eated pizza and then, um, Timmy and Abby and Ziva comed over and them played with us too and then we watched a movie and eated popcorn and candy but everybody falled asleep and Ziva was snoring."
"Yeah? What happened when Ziva started snoring?" Gibbs asked as he helped Noah get his pants up.
"Uh, Tony telled her to be quiet but her wouldn't so him rub—he rubbeded her tummy till she stopped."
"Well it must've worked," Gibbs said, "because I don't hear her snoring anymore."
"Yeah," Noah said stretching his arms out for Gibbs to pick him up, "she be'd quiet." Gibbs lifted Noah into his arms and kissed his temple. "Daddy, can I sleep with you tonight?"
"Sure Buddy," Gibbs said, "Daddy has to take a quick shower then I'll lie down with you."
Noah had been a little more clingy since Josh's arrival but Gibbs was doing his best to make sure both boys got more than enough of his love and affection. They both came from single parent homes and had both been neglected their whole lives. Gibbs was determined to do everything he could to make up for lost time and make sure there was no doubt in the boys' minds that they were loved.
After grabbing Squirt from the living room, Gibbs made sure the house was locked up then took Noah upstairs and laid him down in his bed. He took a quick shower then stretched out next to the little boy. Noah scooted over to Gibbs' side of the bed, tucked himself under his daddy's arm and quickly fell asleep. Gibbs wasn't far behind.
Gibbs woke the following morning when Josh crawled into bed next to him. The boy's feet were like ice and as soon as they made contact with Gibbs' leg, he was awake. "Mornin' Bud," Gibbs said. "How'd you sleep?"
"Good," Josh said. "I got a little cold this morning."
"I can feel that," Gibbs said with a smile as he pulled Josh close and kissed his forehead. "Give me your feet. I'll warm them up for you." He rubbed Josh's feet between his hands, letting the friction warm them while Josh relaxed next to him in bed. With all the moving around and whispering, Noah started to wake.
"Are you up too?" Gibbs asked pulling Noah close and giving him a kiss good morning.
"Yeah," Noah said around a yawn. "Is Joshy in here?"
"Yep," Gibbs said, "Joshy's on my other side." Noah propped his head on Gibbs' chest and giggled at his brother. "I think it's time to wake the others up," Gibbs said. "Where'd Tony hide the nerf guns?"
"Him hided them in his truck in his car!" Noah said excitedly.
"Okay, you guys wait here," Gibbs said. "I'll be right back." He moved silently down the stairs and found Tony's car keys in the mess of keys on the table in the entryway. He headed out to the car, gawked at the trunk full of weapons and ammo then grabbed two of the guns and returned to his bedroom where the boys were still giggling. "Alright guys," he said handing them each a gun, "go get 'em."
The boys snuck down the stairs as quietly as they could, easily returning to game mode from the previous evening. It was early enough on Saturday morning that the team was still dead to the world. The boys opened fire on the group, chanting in victory as the unsuspecting agents were bombarded by foam missiles. Gibbs stood in the doorway watching, enjoying see his kids so happy and catching his team off guard.
"Not nice, Boss," Tony said. "You could've warned us you were raising two sneaky snipers."
"What fun would that be?" Gibbs asked with a smirk as he stepped over and around the group to get to the kitchen.
While Tony, Tim, Ziva and Abby got themselves up, Gibbs headed into the kitchen to start breakfast. Once Tony finally wrestled the nerf guns away from the still giggling boys, he turned the Saturday morning cartoons on and got them calmed them down. He wasn't used to getting up so early on a Saturday and needed a little longer to fully wake.
Gibbs made a mountain of sausage and bacon, a large bowl of cheesy scrambled eggs and turned a bag of potatoes into hash browns. He cut up some fresh fruit to add a healthy touch to the meal. The group crammed together around the dining room table and enjoyed their breakfast while they talked about the events of the previous evening and shared their weekend plans. After breakfast the team disappeared and Gibbs sat down with Josh and Noah on the couch to talk to them.
"What do you guys think of Mommy moving in here?" he asked.
"I think that Mommy should live here with us all a time," Noah said getting excited about the prospect. Up until then Daddy and Mommy had told him how much they loved him but adult stuff seemed to get in the way of both of them living with him. He didn't understand anything about the complexities of a romantic adult relationship. "I think that Tony and Timmy and Abby and Ziva should live here with us all a time too!"
Gibbs laughed as he pulled Noah's head to his chest and kissed him. "I think we might need a bigger house if we move everybody in here."
"Is them all gonna move here?" Noah asked.
"Mommy's going to move here," Gibbs said, "but your brothers and sisters are old enough to live by themselves now. They can come visit you guys whenever they want but I think they like having their own places to live." Gibbs turned his attention to Josh who hadn't said anything. He was still quiet and kept his thoughts to himself but Gibbs was getting pretty good at getting him to open up. "What are you thinking, Josh?"
"I'm excited," Josh said although his tone told Gibbs he was still working through the idea in his mind.
"What's on your mind, Kiddo?" Gibbs asked gently.
Josh shrugged and cuddled into Gibbs' side when the agent wrapped his arm around him. Gibbs sent Noah upstairs to get dressed then waited patiently until Josh was ready to speak. "Do I have to call her mom?" he asked in a whisper.
"Nope," Gibbs answered. "You can call her Jenny like you have been or Mom or Mommy or whatever you feel comfortable with."
"Will she be mad if I keep on not calling her mom?" Josh asked.
Gibbs started moving his hand up and down Josh's arm while he listened to what his boy was saying and attempted to read between the lines. Josh had a difficult time sharing his feelings but Gibbs was learning to read him. "She won't be mad at all, Josh. Both Jen and I just want you to know that you're loved. We want you to feel like you belong here, like you're a part of us. It doesn't matter if you call us Dad and Mom or Gibbs and Jenny or even hey you," he teased.
"I do think of her as a mom," Josh confessed quietly, "as a mom for me, I guess, kind of. I don't know."
"You know what I think, Josh?" Gibbs said. "I think because of what your mom did to you, you maybe associate mom with something not so good."
Josh turned away from Gibbs, a little bit ashamed of his feelings. "I feel bad. I think I loved my real mom. I tried to love her."
"That's okay," Gibbs said holding him tighter. "It sounds to me like you loved your mom but not some of the things she did to you. Does that sound about right?"
Josh was surprised at Gibbs' insight. He was surprised that Gibbs seemed to know how he felt, maybe even better than he did. He wondered how much the agent really understood. A slight nod of his head confirmed what Gibbs had already suspected. Gibbs leaned down and kissed the top of his head then ruffled his hair.
"Everything you're going through and feeling is normal," he whispered into the boy's hair.
Josh nodded his head. He still had some reservations about Jenny moving in but he felt better about his feelings towards his own mother after the talk with Gibbs. The way Gibbs had explained things made him not feel so guilty about that little part of him that resented her. "When is Jenny coming over?"
"Well, we're going to go over to Jen's house this morning and help her pack and then we'll all come back here together," Gibbs said. "How does that sound?"
"Good," Josh said.
Gibbs got himself and the boys ready then they headed over to Jenny's house. She'd already been hard at work that morning. Gibbs started loading already packed boxes into the back of his truck while Jenny got Noah busy packing shoes and Josh packing books. She taped another box together and continued packing her clothes. She really wasn't planning on taking very much with her. She'd grown up having all her wants and needs met but her time with NCIS had taught her how little she could live with. There had been many times that she and Gibbs had nothing but the clothes on their back while they were following their targets. Gibbs lived a simple life as well. He valued things that couldn't be purchased with money. The bulk of her belongings would remain at the house and she knew she wouldn't miss them.
After everything was packed and loaded into the truck Noah got in the car with Jenny and Gibbs took Josh with him. He'd noticed that Josh still seemed to have some reservations and wanted to talk to him again on the drive home. He was determined to get to the bottom of whatever was on Josh's mind.
"What's bugging you, Kiddo?" he asked. Josh shrugged, his eyes focused in his lap. "Josh, talk to me, man," Gibbs said gently. "What's going on?"
"Nothing really," Josh said, twiddling his thumbs. "It's not important."
"If it's bothering you then it's important to me," Gibbs said, reaching over to squeeze the boy's shoulder. "Do you not want Jen to move in?"
"It's not that," Josh said with a sigh. "It's just that, I guess I'm kind of worried."
"Whatcha worried about?" Gibbs pressed when Josh grew quiet again.
Josh looked up at Gibbs half wondering what he'd done to tip Gibbs off and half wondering if it really was okay to talk to him about what was on his mind. Gibbs waited patiently while the boy worked out his dilemma in his head. "It's just that sometimes when Mom's boyfriends spent the night she ignored me," the boy paused before continuing, "actually that happened all the time."
Gibbs could hear the worry in his voice, he could see his little boy was uncomfortable and was impressed with his willingness to talk despite the fact that Gibbs had to work hard to get him started. "Joshua, you and your brother are more important than anything else to Jenny and I. No matter what happens, we'll always make sure you're taken care of." He paused and gave the boy a moment to digest what he was saying. "Do you believe me?"
"Yeah," Josh said, chewing on his lower lip.
"Jen's spent a lot of time at our house," Gibbs said. "Have we ever forgotten about you?"
Josh released a deep breath and stopped chewing on his lip. "No," he said, "I like playing board games together and going on walks and reading bedtime stories."
Gibbs smiled as he saw Josh relax. "Josh, I need you to promise me something," he said, "if you ever feel ignored or left out, it's very important that you tell me or Jenny."
Josh looked up at Gibbs, seriousness set in his face. "I promise."
"Come here," Gibbs said patting the seat between them, "scoot over here." Josh obeyed and got himself buckled in then Gibbs wrapped an arm around him and kissed the top of his head. "I love you, Joshua. I only want good things for you."
Josh smiled and leaned into him, feeling loved and relaxed and enjoying his alone time with Gibbs. He loved that the man took the time to notice him and cared enough to talk to him and really listen. "I love you too."
The group spent the rest of the day getting Jenny unpacked and settled in. Noah carefully arranged her shoes in her half of the closet, making sure each shoe was next to its match. Josh rearranged Gibbs' books and consolidated them enough there would be room for Jenny's books as well. Jenny hung clothes in the closet and put other clothing away in the dresser. Gibbs went back and forth between the three, spending time with each and lending a helping hand wherever it was needed after carrying the boxes inside.
Once everything had a place Jenny relaxed with the boys while Gibbs made dinner. They enjoyed grilled hamburgers and hotdogs then relaxed in front of the TV. All of them were tired from the physical exertion of the day and enjoyed chilling out together.
