Chapter 14 - Bubbles

Trisha had just finished filling up the bathtub with hot water when Rochelle pushed a chair bearing Gibbs into the bathroom. Gibbs looked at Trisha and grinned. It made her a little uncomfortable.

Trish made a face at him. "What?" she asked the man in the chair.

Gibbs smirked and shrugged. "Nothing," he exclaimed with innocence, as he turned to look at the mirror. "Whoa," he said as he gazed at his reflection, "I look like Hell." He brought his hand up to his forehead and ran his fingers over the cut above his eyebrow.

Rochelle took the opportunity, "Yea, and you smell like it, too!"

"Hey!" Gibbs and Trisha exclaimed in unison, causing Rochelle's grin to get even wider.

"Ok kids, I can take it from here," Gibbs told the girls. When they didn't budge, he made a gesture towards the door. "Seriously, I'm good." Rochelle turned and left, but her friend stayed put.

"So you don't think you're gonna need any help? Ok hot shot, go ahead and try and take your shirt off," Trisha told Gibbs.

Gibbs knew she had a point, but being as stubborn as he was, he wasn't going to let a 12-year-old get the best of him. So he went for it, and as soon as he lifted his arms higher than his shoulders, he wished he hadn't. He froze and inhaled sharply. Trisha shook her head and went to Gibbs, pulling his shirt off the rest of the way. She stepped back and gave him a look that said 'I told you so.'

"Ok, ok. I get it," Gibbs sighed. "Might as well stay and help. Seeing as how you like my hair, you can stay and wash it for me. I'll leave the shorts on… like swimming trunks."

Trisha had turned around to get fresh towels when she whipped around suddenly, "Who said I like your hair?"

"Uhhhhh…." was all Gibbs said as he looked everywhere but at Trisha's gaze.

Trisha giggled and swung the computer chair around. Gibbs got himself in the tub with a little bit of leaning on Trisha for balance.

Once Gibbs sank into the water, he felt like he was in heaven. "Ahhh, thank you," he sighed as he closed his eyes.

Trisha gave Gibbs a wash cloth and a fresh bar of soap. Gibbs scrubbed himself while Trisha sat on the sink counter and looked at a magazine.

"Hey kid, can you get my back?" Gibbs asked her.

Trisha knelt down next to the tub and took the wash cloth and soap from Gibbs, who leaned forward a little bit. Trisha scrubbed his shoulders and then lightly washed his lower back, being careful not to hit his ribs. When she was done, she got back up and went over to the sink, bringing back a large cup.

"Slide forward a little, then put your head back so I can get your hair wet," she instructed Gibbs. She placed her hand at Gibbs' hairline to keep the water from running in his eyes. After his hair was wet, she put some shampoo in her hands and began to scrub Gibbs' head. She kept it up for a good five minutes, making his hair really soapy. Then, to finish it off, she made Gibbs' hair stand up like a Mohawk. She leaned aside so Gibbs could see the mirror.

He laughed, "Funny, kid. As much as I like it, I don't think NCIS would appreciate it if I actually went to work with this hairdo."

Trisha smiled and gently pushed his head back so she could rinse the shampoo out. She got the conditioner and repeated putting it in his hair, except this time she gave him a good head rub. She drew random patterns on his head with her fingers. Gibbs just sat there with closed eyes and a smile on his face. He was disappointed when she stopped and rinsed the conditioner out.

Trisha leaned back and got the wash cloth, then dipped it into the water. She brought it up to his face and gently began to wash the dried blood away. He winced when some soap got into one of the cuts. Trisha saw it, leaned in, and gently blew air above his eyebrow to make the stinging stop.

For supposedly having an iron one, Gibbs' heart melted. He wondered how anyone could ever want to give this kid away. He made his mind up right there and then; if no one wanted this kid, then he would take her. He wouldn't hurt her like everyone else did. She could trust him; he just had to prove it to her.

When she had gotten all the blood off of his face, Trisha reached and pulled out the plug in the tub, letting the water go down the drain. When she turned around to look at Gibbs, he was already looking at her. His blue eyes sparkled and he smiled. Trisha was confused. She knew that look Gibbs was giving her; it was the same way that her real father used to look at her. Trisha's head dropped as she avoided Gibbs' eyes. She stood and turned around. Grabbing a dry towel, she turned back and knelt next to the tub to dry Gibbs' hair.

Rochelle came back into the bathroom carrying Gibbs' clean clothes. She set them down on the counter and said, "So what are we gonna have for dinner?"

Trisha looked at Rochelle. "Whatever," she muttered. "Help him," she said as left the bathroom. Trisha went to her room and slammed the door shut.

Rochelle turned to Gibbs, who looked very confused. "Holy crap, what did you do?"

Gibbs shook his head, "I have no idea." He let out a sigh, "Just help me get outta here and I'll go talk to her."

A/N: I will try and update soon, but another week of classes is coming up - which means more work. Thanks to everyone for the great reviews!