Not Beta'd; Standard disclaimer applies

(yeah, actual chapter is not quite as long as it seems...sorry)


Science doesn't lie, Chapter 25 Best laid plans


"Good Morning, Ziva," Tony cheerfully greeted, a tray of coffees in his hand.

"You are in a good mood this morning, Tony," she replied.

He grinned, "No more cold cases."

"If we get a call," she reminded him.

He waved his hand dismissively, "Of course we'll get a call. The universe wouldn't do that to us," he said, handing her a cup.

She snickered, "I did not know it was the universe who orchestrated crimes against Naval personnel and their families."

Tony didn't respond to that tort. "Where's Gibbs?" He asked, as he placed a coffee on his desk.

"Probably gone to get coffee," she said, with a smirk, watching Tony closely. She still didn't know why her teammate had been so upset with Gibbs yesterday, and couldn't help but wonder if today's better mood was related to that.

Tony just nodded and settled into his desk, stifling a yawn. After leaving Gibbs's house last night, he had waited at the end of street in his car, hoping that the older man would head over to his son's apartment. After two hours of waiting, he finally realized that it wasn't going to happen. Part of him had wanted to go back and drag Gibbs over there, but he knew Tim would've hated it if he had done that. So, he came up with a different plan, one that didn't just include glaring at Gibbs all day, enlisting Ducky's help, since he was pretty sure that the doctor knew what had happened, or Ziva involved tomorrow if things didn't change.

It was a simple plan, and no doubt Gibbs would quickly realize what he was doing, but hopefully, it would also have an effect on the older man. Basically, he would casually make references about Tim all day. Call out to Probie as if he forgot that the younger man wasn't out in the field with them. Make comments about how he wished Tim could help him with a search because he was stuck and wasn't getting the information he needed. As he said, simple. But hopefully it would not only make Gibbs think about Tim, but also remind him how valuable he is to their team. He even picked up a coffee for 'McGee' this morning, and have someone ask about it. Everything was in place, now all he had to do was wait for Gibbs to be present and a call to come in.

"DiNozzo, David," Vance said as he entered the bullpen, "Cold cases."

Tony groaned, "I thought we were back in rotation," he complained.

The Director shook his head, wishing he had that recording of Tony's easy compliance from yesterday, not to mention his comment about not arguing with the Director. "Not when you're down two team members."

"Two?" Tony and Ziva questioned, their gaze automatically going to Gibbs's desk.

Vance tried to hide a self-satisfied smirk. "Gibbs is taking a personal day. He said something about seeing a family member."

At those words, Tony smiled and leaned back in his chair, his gaze quickly flickering to Tim's empty desk before returning to meet the Director's gaze. "Cold cases it is then," he readily agreed, offering them a grin. Never before had he been so happy with the assignment.

Vance's glance swung between Tony's happy grin and Ziva's look of confusion, a look of surprise on his face. It was pretty clear that one of them knew what had been revealed.

"I expect some progress made on those cases," Vance commented, his gaze once more taking in the bullpen, "It is clear that you have plenty of coffee to help you get through the day."

Ziva watched as the Director walked away. Once she was sure he was out of earshot, her gaze turned to Tony. "Why are you so happy about this?"

He grinned at her. "I think the better question is: why aren't you?" he said before whistling as he got up and retrieved some files for them to work on. Maybe his visit last night helped after all.


"Dad?" Gibbs questioned as he answered the phone that rang right as he was preparing to leave his house. "Is everything okay? Are you okay?" Even though the father and son duo had reconciled, it was unusual for the two to talk more than once a week, barring emergencies. Since they had talked just a few days ago, Sunday night, to be precise, he hadn't expected to hear from Jackson so soon. It was especially alarming that his father called him during the early morning hours of a work day, something he had never done before.

"I'm good, Leroy, fine, maybe even great," Jackson replied.

"Maybe?" Leroy repeated. "Wouldn't you know?"

"If I knew, I would tell you," Jackson replied. "Maybe you should tell me."

Gibbs rolled his eyes, not really having the time for riddles or puzzles. "Look, Dad, can I call you back later?" he asked, deciding that with the mood his father was in, it was pretty obvious that nothing was wrong.

The elder Gibbs ignored the question. "Got a strange call last night. Someone was asking about your exes."

Gibbs's feet stopped moving and he frowned, looking at the phone as if it had the answer. "My ex-wives?"

"That's what I thought at first," Jackson agreed. "But no, ex-girlfriends," he paused for a moment, "From about thirty years ago."

"But-"

"I told them you only had one girl around that time and that you were married to her," Jackson relayed.

Gibbs mouth fell open in surprise, he had no idea who would be asking those questions or why. He had no idea what to say.

"Asked if you ever cheated on Shannon."

At those words, Gibbs found his voice. "I didn't," he vehemently vowed.

"I know, son, I know," Jackson consoled. "Told them as much as well."

"You shoud've just hung up," Gibbs growled.

"But then I wouldn't have had any chance to figure out what this was about." Jackson stated. "Not that staying on the line with them helped that much, but I had hoped they would've let more slip," he added. "I was then asked if I had been in a physical relationship with a woman of child-bearing age 30 years ago."

Silence hung over the phone lines.

"Dad,"

"Son, what the hell is going on?" Jackson asked at the same time.

Gibbs sighed, "I don't suppose I can promise to call you back later and fill you in?"

Jackson paused, while their relationship was better, he wasn't sure when 'later' would be and he really wanted answers. "Give me something good now and I'll agree to hearing the rest later."

"Fi-"

"Later being sooner," Jackson added. "Sometime today, perhaps around lunchtime? I know if you're in the middle of a case, you might not get a chance, but I guarantee that you will have the opportunity to talk to me today."

Gibbs shook his head, before deciding he didn't have time to decipher his father's words. "I'll do what I can, Dad, I promise," Jethro offered.

Jackson sighed, knowing that that was the best he would get, at least for now. "Okay, now talk."

"One of my agents recently became a parent," Gibbs began.

"Tony," Jackson snorted, "Bound to happen sooner or later."

"It was found that the children and I"

"Children?" Jackson repeated in surprise. "Is the same woman the mother to all of them? Did he get back together with an ex? Or were multiple women pregnant at the same time? If he was with the same woman long enough for children, then he should've known all along that he was a father."

"Dad," Gibbs groaned, "If you want me to give you something, you have to let me finish, no interruptions, otherwise I'll hang up right now."

"Can't you jus-"

"Dad."

"Fine."

"It was found that the children and I share DNA." Gibbs paused, wondering how much his father knew about DNA. "That means-"

"You're related," Jackson softly concluded.

"Yeah."

Jackson paused for a moment, he had suspected something like this, but it was still a shock to hear, especially since his son mentioned that children were involved, he had expected to discover he had a 30 year-old grandchild, or possibly 30 year-old son or daughter. Young children had never even entered his mind. Now he was doubly glad he had done what he had. "I assume that you are closely related to the kids based on the questions I was asked."

"Yeah," Gibbs repeated. This was not how he wanted to share the news with his father. Of course, he also hadn't really thought about it.

"How closely?"

"According to the initial DNA results, within two degrees, or generations," he replied, sharing what Tim had told him when he discovered how close the connection could be.

"And you weren't aware of anything before this?"

Gibbs shook his head before remembering that his father couldn't see that response. "Nope," he said, deciding that the brief response was probably the safest.

Another pause.

"Hell of a surprise," Jackson said, finally breaking the silence.

Gibbs snorted at the understatement.

"I'm coming up," Jackson said. "I did one of those online geneology/DNA tests, maybe it'll come in handy to figure things out."

"Dad, you don't have to-"

"I already booked a flight," Jackson said. "Nonrefundable, I will arrive in a few hours," he added, before sharing his flight information.

"They're my family too, Jethro," he reminded his son. "We'll figure this out together. I definitely want to meet those kids and there's no guarantee we're going to have them for Christmas. Or Thanksgiving. Though the holidays would be much more enjoyable with kids around."

Gibbs sighed, knowing he wouldn't be able to talk his father out of it, even if he promised to reimburse him for the cost of airfare. That was especially true when his father continued talking about Christmas and how much easier it would be to buy for his new family if he had met each of them in person. On the plus side, Gibbs thought, his father and Tim had gotten along well in the past. Maybe it was what they needed to help figure things out. Plus, he would much rather explain things to his father in person than over the phone.

"The one thing, I wonder, though," Jackson said, after he finished his soliloquy about Christmas and bringing Gibbs's attention back to him, "Is who the hell called me?"


4-10-2020

Now, did you really think I would forget about Jackson? Obviously someone didn't since they called him...
Will it be a good thing for Jackson to come up and help or will what he discovers when he arrives destroy his relationship with Gibbs?

This chapter is a bit shorter...and I debated which scene to lead off the chapter and which to end it, kept reversing them multiple times (both in my head and on the computer), finally went with this way (obviously), though there were pros to the other way as well...

The ending of the story is really giving me a hard time. I mean like really. I've been trying to work on it for weeks, but just can't seem to get things right. One night when I was messing around, a few scenes came to me. I included them here, seeking your advice and comments to maybe help me out. They are very rough-


Alt endings, 1st scenario

With a sigh, Tim ended his call with Director Vance. That was that, then; an end of an era, the end of his time on the MCRT aboard the Navy Yard. Tim looked around his apartment and laughed. How ironic that the very same week his furniture arrived, he requested and received a transfer to the west coast. He hadn't really cared where he went, and after finally convincing Vance that this was what he wanted, the older man had presented him with several options. The main reason Tim chose the one he had was because they needed him there yesterday. In other words, all he had to do was pack a few things for himself and the twins and grab a plane. The agency would oversee the shipping of the rest of his belongings.

It wouldnt' be easy living in a hotel room with two infants, but Tim was sure it couldn't be worse than being in the same area with a father that refused to acknowledge him, that was ashamed of him.

No, Tim thought, past experienced told him that it would be better. With a smile on his face, Tim headed to his room to start packing, suddenly feeling much better about his future.


alt ending 2, HEA

Tim didn't know who spoke first, maybe it didn't even matter. All he remembered is that he and his father had finally talked. They talked, they laughed, they cried, and they both apologized. Yes, Gibbs apologized. He didn't offer any excuses or explanations, just apologized for how he had treated Tim since he pulled the younger man onto his team.

Yes, it was still Gibbs's team, and Tim was still a part of it. Vance had taken advantage of a couple of loopholes in the regulations to keep the team together. Tim, now reported directly to the SFA, Tony, rather than his father, Gibbs. In fact, the MCRT was closer and better than ever. They still had their fights and squabbles, but what family didn't? And that was what they were, family.


Alt Ending 3, (Kinda could be seen as continuation from alt ending 1)

After picking Jackson up from the airport, Gibbs had explained everything. The unauthorized DNA test Abby had done, her announcement, the rumors, the second DNA test Abby ran without permission, the results and his interactions with Tim since those results were shared. To say Jackson was mad at his son would be a gross understatement. Jackson had immediately asked Gibbs to drive him to his grandson's house. Regardless of what Gibbs decided, Jackson wanted to get to know his grandson as well as his great-grandchildren. Gibbs tried to explain that this wasn't what he wanted, that he too, wanted to change their relationship, something that Jackson immediately called him out on.

"You've had days to change things, but instead you just sat around and wallowed, waiting for him to come to you. If you want things to change, then you have to make them change! Now drive!"

Once they arrived at Tim's apartment building, Jackson wasted no time approaching the door and beginning to knock. It wasn't long before the sound had one of the neighbors curious about what was going on.

"He's not home," she said, poking her head out of her door across the hall.

"Do you know where he is? I'm his grandfather and came to surprise him with a visit," Jackson stated.

"Oh, my," she worriedly bit her lip.

Gibbs tensed, "Is something wrong?"

"He's away," she finally shared. "Just left a little while ago, actually."

"And Kiva and Shane?" Gibbs inquired.

"Went with him, of course."

"Jethro's still there," Gibbs commented, hearing the dog inside. At least he knew Tim hadn't run away.

She nodded, "Yes, I agreed to take care of him until Tim returns, much better than putting him in a kennel."

A kennel, Gibbs thought, that meant an extended leave. Maybe Tim went to see his mother and sister? Or Penny? Or perhaps he just needed time away. "Do you know when he'll be back or where he went?"

"He's going to be away for a few days," she admitted. "And it was about a job. I offered to watch the children, but naturally he didn't feel comfortable leaving them alone for so long."

Gibbs closed his eyes and leaned back against the door to Tim's apartment.

"Leroy, it'll be okay," Jackson hurried to reassure him. "He's not gone yet. It's an interview. These things take time. You'll be able to see him and talk to him when he gets back."

"Yeah," Gibbs agreed, his voice hoarse and rough as he reopened his eyes. "I'll leave a note or call him. Ask him to call me as soon as he returns."

"Oh, dear," the neighbor muttered, causing both Jackson and Gibbs to once more focus on her. "I'm afraid he already accepted the transfer. He's mostly out there to scope out the area with hopes of finding a place to live."

Gibbs closed his eyes again. "He's decided. Even if I call him, he won't contact me back," he stated in a monotone voice.

"Leroy,"

Gibbs shook his head and opened his eyes once more. "It's useless, Dad."

"Leroy Jethro Gibbs, do not give up," Jackson admonished.

"It's over." Gibbs said before he looked at Tim's neighbor. He tried to give her a small smile, though he imagined that he failed at that. He had a feeling that he wouldn't have much reason to smile in the future. "Thanks for your help, ma'am," he softly stated before heading back towards the hall.

She blinked, tears welling in her eyes. "If there is anything I can do," she quietly offered, her voice choked with emotion.

Jackson shook his head, "I...it might not hurt if you mention this to Tim. Hopefully it will help. Both of them are being stubborn," he admitted.

"Families."

"Yeah, families," Jackson agreed before disappearing down the hall after his son..


Alt ending 4.

Gibbs closed his car door before heading into the airport to meet his father. Jackson had offered to take a taxi to his house, but Gibbs decided he couldn't allow that. He'll just get his father and his luggage, drop them off at his house, then proceed to Tim's, where hopefully the two could talk and begin to clear up this mess that Gibbs had caused. After listening to everything that Fornell, Tony, and Ducky had to say, Gibbs realized that he had majorly messed up. Not just this week, but in the past several years when it came to Tim. Hopefully Tim would give him a chance to make things right.

Gibbs smiled and shook his head at the young man in front of him trying to juggle a double stroller, two suitcases, and a diaper bag. Jogging to catch up, he said, "Hey, need a hand...Tim," he said when the father of two turned to look at him.

"Gibbs," Tim replied, equally surprised.

"I...vacation?" Gibbs asked, hoping that that was what this was. Though the idea of traveling alone with two infants didn't seem like much of a vacation.

"I...you?" Tim turned the question around, not answering.

"Picking up Jackson," Gibbs replied, staring at Tim. "He wanted to meet his grandson and great grand-children."

Tim swallowed the lump that developed in his throat at those words, not knowing how to respond.

"What time's your flight?" Gibbs asked in resignation.

"A few hours," Tim admitted.

Gibbs nodded, wanting to ask Tim where he was going, but not sure if he wanted to know or even if Tim would tell him. "Here, let me help you," he said instead, reaching out his hands for the suitcases. Part of him wanted to grab the stroller to prevent Tim from leaving, but he doubted Tim would trust him with his children.

Tim nodded and released the handles, allowing Gibbs to take possession of them. He definitely hadn't expected to run into Gibbs at the airport, and he definitely wouldn't have expected the older man to help him leave, but maybe he should have. If nothing else made it clear to him that Gibbs didn't want this relationship, that did.

Gibbs looked at his son, knowing that it was now or never. "Do you have a few minutes to talk?"

Tim blinked, surprised at the question, "Do you?"

"Yeah," he replied, knowing that his father would understand. Jackson could either take a cab like he originally wanted, or he could hang around the airport once his plane arrived. Hell, Gibbs thought, maybe he could watch the twins so the two men could talk and focus on each other.

Gibbs allowed Tim to lead them to a set of chairs, he then spread a blanket out on the floor and released the twins from the stroller, plopping them down on the blanket before taking the seat next to him.

"What's up?" Tim casually asked.

Gibbs finished texting Jackson and put his phone down before turning to face his son.

"Transferring?" he calmly asked, adding "Where to?" when Tim nodded in reply to the first question.

"Probably the west coast," he admitted.

Gibbs slowly nodded. "I can't stop you," he sadly admitted. "And I won't, if you really want the transfer," he continued. "I just hope you are doing this because it is what you want. Not because you want to get away from me or the situation. Not because you think that this is the right thing to do or the easiest solution to this situation, but because it is what will make you happiest. I just want you and my gr-the twins," he corrected himself, feeling he like hadn't earned the title of grandfather, "to be happy and healthy. I'll do anything I can to help accomplish that.

"Whatever you decide, I hope you'll let me keep in touch with you. I know I messed up, but you are my son. You were part of my family before we found out the truth, and I still want you to be part of it. We have a lot of things we need to work through, I hope we get the opportunity to do that, even if it ends up being by phone or mail." Gibbs grimaced before adding, "Or text and e-mail. I just...I want to part a part of your life," he repeated.

Tim nodded, once more not sure what to say. He just knew that he had a lot of thinking to do.

When Tim remained silent, Gibbs moved to the floor to play with the kids, and give Tim the time and space he needed to think about what he said. He would've said a lot more, but with limited time, he didn't want rush things or possibly make things worse. He was going to miss this family, his family.

Looking at his phone, Gibbs noticed that he had a text from his father. Looking up, he noticed Jackson, standing several feet away, watching them. Gibbs also noticed the time. "C'mon," he said, moving the kids back into the stroller and folding the blanket. "You have a plane to catch," he added, touching Tim on the shoulder.

"Yeah," Tim murmured in agreement, as he stood up, still lost in his thoughts.

"What flight and airlines?" Gibbs asked. After obtaining that information, he led Tim to the correct area, Jackson wheeling the suitcases, while Tim pushed the stroller.

"Hey," Gibbs called, grasping the back of Tim's head with his hands. Making sure he met Tim's eyes, he continued, "It'll be okay. Whatever you decide, whenever you decide it. I'm here for you. My door is always unlocked or I'm just a phone call away."

"Yeah," Tim repeated, more aware of himself and his surroundings now.

Gibbs smiled, "Now, stay safe and take care of those kids."

Tim returned the smile, "I will. Thanks," he added.

Gibbs nodded, "No problem."

"It's what a father does," Jackson chimed in.

Gibbs rolled his eyes, "Dad, this is my son, Timothy McGee and his children, Kiva Maureen and Shane Murphy. Timothy, your grandfather, Jackson Gibbs," he introduced.

"Nice to see you again," Tim said, holding out his hand.

Jackson ignored Tim's hand and went straight for the hug. "We hug in this family," he said in explanation.

Tim snorted, wondering what Tony would say if he told him that. Maybe it skips a generation, he thought before returning the hug.


I would use one of these for the ending, but none of them quite seem right (the last has some possibilities, imagining them running into each other like that at the airport, but it doesn't necessary end things on a positive note). It's kind of funny (in an ironic way) that these scenes flow, but the one I want to write doesn't. Hopefully I will get this all sorted out and update soon.