DISCLAIMER: I DO NOT OWN NCIS OR ANY OF ITS CHARACTERS

A/N: A sequel of sorts to "Not So McPerfect: A Little Sister's Story

Measuring up to an Overachiever: A Not So McPerfect Story

Chapter 6

Mom called us to the table when dinner was ready. Roger held out my chair for me. I stopped the giggle that was ready to burst out and managed a quiet 'Thank you'. If he wasn't careful my parents might just want to adopt him and there would go our dating chances.

When he saw Mom carrying the large pan of lasagna, he jumped up and took it from her hands. "Let me hold that," he begged politely. He placed it in the center of the table and then held her chair out for her, before Tim or Dad cold stand.

Throughout the meal Roger answered all their questions politely. They asked about his parents, siblings, school and future plans.

"Tell us Roger. What is it you plan to do after high school?" Mom asked. Dad looked on with interest.

"I have thought of a few possibilities. College is a goal, but one that may not be affordable. So I was considering enlisting and furthering my education along with serving my country."

My eyes nearly popped on to my plate. He must be trying to butter up my dad, but that was really going too far. Dad would see right through that.

To my astonishment, I heard my dad say, "The military is a noble career choice, but one I hope you don't take too lightly." Looking at us all around the table he continued, "There are hardships and sacrifices that aren't yours alone to make and deal with. I commend you in your consideration of your options, but please do think long and hard before you make a final decision."

"Of course, sir," Roger agreed. "I still have a couple years to make a final decision. It would be ideal if I could land a few scholarships, but there's a lot of competition for them out there."

Dad nodded.

The rest of the meal was more relaxed. Tim shared a few stories about his friends and a couple situations he shared with the team from NCIS. They sounded like a fun group.

After we had finished eating, Tim and I cleared the table and started on the dishes, while Dad and Roger went back to sit in the living room. Mom put away the leftovers and joined them

"Roger's winning them over nicely," Tim grinned.

I knew then… I slapped his arm with a soapy hand.

"Hey, what was that for?" he asked almost indignant, but laughed despite it.

"You did talk to him! Told him what to say," I accused.

"I may have offered him some advice. You wanted me to help," he reminded me.

"I know, but I don't know who he is. Do you really think Mom and Dad will believe it and let us go out?" I looked uncertainly at him.

He patted my shoulder, "They love him. I'm sure they'll let him see you. Can't say for certain how. You may only be allowed supervised visits, but let's see what happens."

I nodded, "How did get to talk to him anyway?" I narrowed my eyes at him.

"I'm going to be an investigator on day. You have to learn skills and put them to us," he winked at me.

I rolled my eyes. "You talked to him on the phone didn't you?" I smiled as his ears reddened a sure sign that he was busted.

The dishes cleaned and put away, we joined everyone in the living room. I took a seat next to Roger leaving a respectable space between us.

I noticed my parents watching me expectantly. Feeling self-conscious I asked, "What did I do?"

Mom smiled, "Nothing dear. Your father and I are just trying to see you as the young woman you are. I think we tend to see you as our baby, even when we expect your responsibility to be that of someone older."

My palms were starting to sweat. Where was she headed with this?

Dad was the one who spoke next, "We have decided that Roger may come to see you. Here at home. Only while at least one of us is at home. If you maintain your grades, we will consider allowing the two of you to go out alone together on the weekends."

I jumped from my seat, an ear to ear smile on my face as I hugged both my parents, "Thank you! Thank you!"

"I think Roger may be a good influence on you," Mom remarked.

My jaw dropped. The smirk on Roger's face was barely perceptible, but I didn't miss it. Nor the one that Tim sported. Thankfully my parents were unaware.

I took my seat next to Roger again, less excited about seeing him and having to live up to the expectations he set for my parents. Now it would almost be like dating my brother! Of course, I knew his was more an act, but one he'd have to perform in front of my parents whenever we were with them.

I tried to be grateful for Tim's assistance, yet again. Despite the scrutiny I would be under, in the end I think it would be worth it. I smiled and risked holding his hand. He wrapped his fingers in mine and gave me a little squeeze and a wink. Oh yeah, he won them over and we'd gotten what we wanted.

As he said his goodbyes a bit later on, Tim pulled me to the side. "He's a good guy, Sarah. Don't blow it."

"I won't," I promised. I gave him a quick hug, "Thanks again, Tim. You're the best big brother!"

He blushed and gave me a squeeze of his own. "Anything for my little sister."

I walked Roger to the door and we shared a hug goodbye. He whispered in my ear, "I'm so glad your brother and I talked. He's a pretty smart guy."

"Don't I know it," I said proudly. "See you tomorrow."

"Yeah. See you tomorrow." He pulled away and left.

My parents stood arm and arm watching us, and as I turned to close the door I saw them sharing a smile. They didn't say anything else. They simply nodded at me and turned around to resume their night time activities. I smiled in victory.