I am SO sorry for the long wait. Real life was intense lately. Anyway, I promise to upload more quickly from now on. Hope y'all enjoy!
Chapter Two: Invitation Only
Even Sarah McGee had to admit that she was glad that looks could not kill; she would surely be dead right now from the look she was getting from her older brother.
"I thought I told you to keep that a secret," he said.
"You did," admitted Sarah. "But I couldn't help it. After that whole fiasco at NCIS, I came home and found out that Mom was actually reading the book. She was telling me about it one night; telling me about how she was enjoying the fact that she had the time to read these days. You know she's a fan of those kinds of books."
Tim sighed and looked at his mother. "You actually like them?"
"Yes," she said, hugging him around the shoulder. "Honey, I think it's great that you've got such a cool hobby."
"Not to mention it makes you some money," added John.
Mary shot her husband a glare of her own, but Tim actually smiled at the comment. "Well, yes, the characters are loosely based off my coworkers."
"Loosely," exclaimed Sarah. "I had Tommy and Lisa pegged the moment I met them."
Tim held up his hands. "Okay, I get enough of this at work ever since you told them. But really, they've gotten over it and things have changed so much since then—well, they aren't exactly the same people that you met a few years ago, Sarah."
His tone was so sincere that Sarah let her smile fall from her face. She cocked her head sideways. "Really?"
"Well, Tony is still acts like a goof and Ziva is still badass and Gibbs is still…Gibbs. But honestly, things have changed some. There is one thing I never put in that I never put in those books."
"And what's that," asked John.
Tim swallowed. "I don't want you guys to take this the wrong way, but…well we're family over there."
Mary smiled and put her hand over his. "We understand."
"Son, out of everyone here besides yourself, I should know what it's like to work with people closely for years and get that kind of feeling," said John. "There's nothing wrong with having another family. I'm glad you do. I'm glad that you're going into the field every day with people who have your back. I know how you feel."
Tim smiled and realized that he and his father had more in common than he realized.
"You know," said his mother as they finally began to eat their sandwiches. Tim was beginning to feel like he had never left his house. "Maybe we should have them all over one day; for lunch or dinner."
Tim's sandwich was halfway to his mouth when he froze. The idea had occurred to him before…in nightmares. The visions of his father meeting Abby and Tony? Knowing that his son had once dated Abby? Knowing that his son was taking orders from DiNozzo? He might get along with Ziva—they were both hardcore enough. He didn't know what to think about Gibbs. Their fearless leader always had something to say to a father who may have neglected his kid. But if he saw that Tim was getting along with his dad, then maybe he would let it slide? His father might find Ducky eccentric and Jimmy a little weak, but he knew that his mother would adore them. In fact, his mother would probably adore all of them; they all had their charms. That was half the battle. It would all come down to his father. Tim was holding onto the hope that maybe they would just never have to find out.
"I don't know, Mom," he answered finally. "It's hard to make plans, ya know? We get cases so randomly." He was trying to discourage her, but he must've been away too long to forget her persistence. He should've known; her being an Admiral's wife and all.
"Well, we can make plans and if we have to cancel, we can always reschedule," said Mary optimistically. "There's nothing we can do if you have a case. Besides, it's not like your father and I are going anywhere."
Tim looked at his dad who was looking at him with some amusement in his eyes. He knew what his son was trying to avoid. "So they are like the people in your book?"
"Dad," growled Tim, clearly not happy with being teased. "I just—they're different, but they're my best friends."
"I promise to keep an open mind." Tim narrowed his eyes at his father. "Hey, if they work for a federal agency, how bad can they be?"
Tim let out a sigh while Sarah barked out a laugh.
You have no idea, thought Tim.
()()()()()()()
Even though Tim liked to come in every day like a morning person, even he hated Mondays. He had spent the entire weekend at his parents', grateful not to be interrupted by any cases. He had gotten a call from Abby, inviting him to come to a bowling tournament because the team of nuns was one short. (He smiled when he remembered explaining that to his parents.) He declined by telling her where he was. She had been so happy for him and expected a full report today. He hoped that he would get the chance. He wouldn't mind a slow Monday of paperwork or cold cases. Usually, he hated it, but sometimes it was a break.
Tony came in muttering about construction near his apartment building, while Ziva seemed chipper than usual. They got to bickering about exercise when Ziva explained her new running route (8 miles). She teased Tony for not exercising more, but Tim had to admit to himself that Tony seemed to be losing weight lately. He was hoping that it was in a healthy way and that he still wasn't berating himself over the whole microchip business. Gibbs was already present somewhere in the building—go figure. Abby bounced in, pronouncing that she was bored because no one had a case. Not even another team.
As Tim chatted with Abby about his weekend and Tony and Ziva were laughing about something on the computer, Tim tried to imagine them at his parents' house. He thought that maybe it could work. Ziva was more American and more calm and nice. Tony was growing up. Abby was just Abby and charmed just about anyone. Tim thought that her mother would adore Abby. Then Gibbs walked into the bullpen and with a head slap for DiNozzo and an inquisition about work, they were silent and constructive. Tim smiled—his dad and Gibbs would probably get along. Penny was right: they were very much alike in how they took care of their kids.
The weekend was a learning time for all the McGees. Tim heard all sorts of stories about what was going on in his family these days, and finally how they had gotten a dog after all these years. Tim told him about his own dog, Jethro, and how he had happened to get it. This led him to talk about all his teammates and the workings of NCIS. He kept it as G rated as possible. But his mother sometimes seemed worried and his father seemed to look at him in a new light.
On Sunday, he and his father had had a good talk.
"Dad," he asked as they walked down the street with the dog. "Are you proud of me?"
It was such a sudden question that he didn't feel offended by the surprised look on his father's face. But the quick answer left Tim equally surprised. "I've always been proud of you, son."
Tim swallowed. "You never said anything. You just kept telling me to do better."
John stopped, looking off into the distance as he contemplated his words. "Son, I only knew one way to raise someone: the Navy way. I was raised by the Navy and then I grew up to make men out of boys when they joined the Navy. And then I went onto lead those same men into battle. I could think of no other way to raise a son other than push him. But I have never been disappointed in you. You're so smart. And I'm glad you've found a way to put your skills to use. And I've never been more proud that my son is out there protecting our country with his technology skills."
Tim let out an uneven breath, feeling some emotion. But he didn't want to show it in front of his father.
"I wish I had been a better father," murmured the Admiral at last. "I've been doing a lot of thinking over the years, especially when I stopped hearing from you. I kept telling myself that I was terrible for having pushed my own son away from me. But I was a coward too. I could fight a naval battle in a heartbeat, but my hand would shake when I went to pick up the phone to call you. I was so happy when you called me."
"Really," asked Tim.
"Oh yeah," replied the Admiral. "But I was nervous too."
"You?"
"Everyone gets nervous, Timothy. I didn't want to screw up again. I didn't want to push you away."
Tim let out a chuckle. "Funny—I was thinking the same thing." He sighed. "Look, Dad, we can't go back and change the past. And I'm not gonna lie, I've been mad at you for a long time for never telling me 'Good job' or something like that. But how about we just start over, okay? I mean, we're kind of different people now, but you're still my father. And I just want you to know that I am proud of that fact."
Tim was startled to see some tears in his father's eyes. Granted, none were shed, but Tim felt good that he had elicited such emotion from his father.
John clapped a hand on Tim's shoulder. "Thank you, son."
Tim knew that that was the closest thing he was going to get for 'I love you' but he could live with that for now. Because he really had no memory of his father ever telling him 'thank you'.
Maybe things really were going to change for the better.
Tim let out a breath and texted his mother about what would be a good weekend for them to come over. He was now testing that 'changing for the better'. He got a quicker reply than he expected: This weekend if they could?
Tim swallowed; that was quicker than he thought. But he obediently sent back okay, I'll see and put his phone aside. Today was going to be Operation Invitation.
()()()()()()()
Abby was easiest. "Of course I would love to meet your parents Timmy! Just tell me when!"
"Maybe this weekend?"
"Awesome."
"I'll give you more details later, okay?"
"Sure thing! Just let me know." Another squeal as she turned back to her babies. "So exciting!"
Ducky and Jimmy were just as enthusiastic about it.
"I would be honored to meet your parents," said Ducky. "Just tell me when."
"I would love to, Tim, but Breena and are spending the weekend at Virginia Beach," replied Jimmy.
Meanwhile, Tim was thinking that the less people at once, the better. He didn't want to overwhelm his parents.
"That's fine, Jimmy," said Tim. "Maybe another time. You guys have fun. I'll let you know later, Duck."
They got a kidnapping case so the next 48 hours were rough as they expended all their energy into recovering two young children. Tim actually forgot about inviting anyone else and from the looks of it—so had Abby, Ducky, and Jimmy. Everyone was so focused. They were rewarded though by the sight of the children being reunited with their parents. The Director gave them Thursday off and that was when Tim found himself battling in his mind about who he should ask next.
He wasn't going to lie: he was mostly worried about inviting Tony, Ziva, and Gibbs. He finally opted on going over to the Boss' house unannounced Thursday afternoon.
"Hey, Boss," he greeted.
Gibbs was in his kitchen, fixing his sink. Briefly, he looked surprised at seeing Tim there. Tim didn't come over often. Not unless something was really troubling him.
"Everything okay, Tim," asked Gibbs as he sat up and wiped his hands.
Tim leaned against the counter. "Yeah. Actually, everything is going great. I talked to my dad last week—after that case involving Penny. We, uh, well I went up to my parents' house over the weekend and we—well everything is a lot better."
Gibbs gave him a half-smile. "Glad to hear it, Tim. But was there another reason besides a news flash that you came by?"
Tim blushed. "Well, my parents and I have been catching up and they wanted to meet you all. I was wondering if you had any plans this weekend? My mom invited you and the team over."
Gibbs shrugged. "Sounds nice. How should I dress?"
"Just like you always do, Boss," said Tim. "No need to be any different than who you are."
He could tell that Gibbs appreciated that. "Okay then, McGee. I'll be there. Got a time?"
"Noon on Saturday," said Tim. He handed him a piece of paper. "Here's the address. And I think Abby was looking to ride with someone."
"Who else is going," asked Gibbs.
Tim shrugged. "So far, I've got Ducky, Abby, and you. I asked Ducky and Abby before we got the case on Monday. I kinda forgot after that. Still need to ask Tony and Ziva." His voice had trailed off some then.
Gibbs smirked. "Saving the best for last?"
Tim felt a little queasy. "Am I wrong to feel a little worried about all of you guys meeting my parents?"
Gibbs actually chuckled. "No. Everyone feels that way about their parents."
"Believe it or not, I'm actually more worried about their reaction to you guys," said Tim. "No offense, Boss."
"None taken," replied Gibbs. "Because I understand. You know I hear all those things DiNozzo says about me whenever we have to meet someone relatively important." Tim nodded with a smile. "Tim, don't worry about it. We are who we are."
Tim actually stood up straighter. "Yeah. My dad promised to be open-minded."
Gibbs sighed. "You're not open-minded in my book until you've met Abby."
Tim laughed, in full agreement.
Friday came around and Tim was praying the whole day that no case would come up. None did and he finally got the chance to corner Ziva and Tony in the break area. He decided it would be better to ask them together.
"So do you guys have plans for the weekend," asked Tim.
Ziva spun around, coffee in hand. "Tony was going to take me to my first NFL game." She actually seemed excited about it.
"Really," said Tim. "I hadn't heard of this."
"That's because we've been keeping it under wraps, McNosy," said Tony, as he watched his bagel go round and round in the microwave.
"Why is that," asked Tim slyly. He let his voice carry that romantic tone.
"Because I was only able to get my hands on one other ticket," growled Tony, not liking the way that Tim was making it sound. "That's the only reason."
"Sure, whatever," teased Tim. Ziva was glaring at him, though so he muttered "Sorry" before taking a seat beside her at one of the tables.
"Why do you ask," asked Ziva.
"Well, um, I caught up with my parents recently," he began. Tony actually turned around and took an interest. Tim actually felt happy for his reaction; actually showing that he cared. "This past weekend actually. And everything was…nice. Anyway, when I say we caught up, I mean a lot. I've told them all about working here and…they want to meet everyone. My mom especially does." He realized he was talking really fast and took a breath while looking from one to the other.
The silence was broken with a ding! from the microwave. Tony pulled out his bagel and sat down at the table with it. Tim watched him cut it in half, place one on a napkin and slide the one on the paper plate to Ziva. He raised his eyebrows at Tim.
"No thanks," said Tim. He then watched Tony impersonate a great white from Shark Week as he took a bite from his bagel.
"We'll be there, Tim," said Ziva.
"You will," asked Tim, so surprised at how easily they had agreed. He hadn't even asked. He looked at Tony who nodded vigorously.
"Wouldn't miss it for the world," said Tony threw his mouth full of bagel. "A chance to see the Admiral, see that hot sister of yours, and meet your mother who must've given your sister her good looks. Not to mention: the place where the Probie was raised."
Tim rolled his eyes at Tony's reasoning while Ziva chuckled. But inside, Tim was happy that his friends had so readily been up to it.
'"You didn't think we wouldn't want to, did you," asked Tony. "We aren't that heartless, Timmy."
Tim blushed. "I've never thought you were heartless, Tony. I just thought—well you know, I'm the McGeek, the Probie. I didn't think you would actually want to meet my family."
"We met Penny," put in Ziva. "And she was great. And your sister was very nice and smart. Besides, you know what Abby says: we are family, right? Your family is our family."
"As long as they aren't the head of any assassin agencies," said Tony. He yelped when Ziva kicked him under the table.
"Oooh that was low," commented Tim with a smile. That made Ziva smirk. Tony shrugged and tossed his plate over his shoulder, so that it landed in the trash can behind him.
"So when is it, Probie," asked Tony.
"Tomorrow at noon," replied Tim. "Ducky, Abby, and Gibbs are gonna be there too."
"Did you invite Jimmy," asked Ziva, looking worried.
"Yes, I did," assured Tim. "But he and Breena are spending the weekend in Virginia Beach."
"Eewww," said Tony in a good imitation of a little kid. Then, again, that wasn't very hard for him.
This time, Ziva rolled her eyes. "We will be there," she repeated. "And we will behave ourselves, right?" She was looking pointedly at Tony.
"Sure," said Tony with a grin. "Best behavior. Now, do you think your mother would divulge any childhood stories about you? Because Penny had some great ones."
Tim sighed, knowing that was as far as he was going to get. But, still, he was glad that his two families would finally meet.
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