Gibbs/Allison Series:
Choosing Between Old & New # 5
By: MchakotayParis (R. Mason)
Chapter 12
Anthony DiNozzo
Ali's time with Tony came a few weeks after the cookout, Ali having returned to work just a few days earlier. Her department had gotten several new cases while she'd been gone and they'd had called her several times before she finally came back to help. Once back it turned out that she had to almost start from the beginning because several of her team members had broken protocol and totally screwed up the decryptions so it was up to her to fix it and then discipline them.
Ali never really liked this part of her job as Allison but knew it was a necessary evil, and after spending the last two weeks fixing the decryptions she'd disciplined her team. Demoting one and transferring the other, which meant that she had to do one of the other things she hated and hired another decryptor. So after several long hours of searching for a replacement she was no closer to find some.
It was during one of their nightly cuddling sessions that Gibbs and Tobias sprang their surprise on Ali. Gibbs had asked Tony if he could come over this weekend and spend his time with Ali trying to get her to relax. They knew that Ali always enjoyed her time with Tony and spending time with him always made her happy.
"Ali how would you like for Tony to come over this weekend and spend some time with you?" asked Gibbs as he gently rubbed her back
"Really Daddy, but what if he…" started Ali then stopped when he saw the looks on Gibbs and Tobias' face
"Ali sweetheart, you remember what Auggie said and honestly you've been so busy recently with work lately that we kept putting him off every time he asked. But I think you need a movie marathon weekend with Tony, he told us to ask you what movies you wanted and just let him know. Now what would you like to watch?" asked Tobias
Ali sat thinking for a minute then a smile broke out all over her face and she answered "The Harry Potter movies, but Papa can we do the marathon a special way with popcorn, candy, nacho's and soda?" asked Ali
After acting like he was thinking about it for a minute or two Tobias answered "Of course sweetheart we can even move your play mattress in here with your comforter over it so you both can be comfortable. How does that sound?"
"Oh wonderful, Thank you Papa. May I call and tell him?" asked Ali excitedly
A few minutes later Gibbs handed Ali his phone having already speed dialed Tony's number, a few minutes later Ali heard Tony's voice calling. "Hey what's up Boss?
"Tony it's me Ali" laughed Ali as she put the call on speaker phone
"Ohhhhh…hey squirt what's up?"
"Daddy and Papa said that you wanted to come over this weekend and watch a movie marathon with me"
"Sure do kiddo that is if it's alright with both of them?"
"Its fine Tony" said Gibbs from his place on the couch as he watched Ali start bouncing slightly
"And guess what Tony, they said we could even have nachos, popcorn, candy and soda while were watching the movie"
"That's great Ali, sounds like were going to have a great time. What movies do you want to watch?"
"I was thinking I'd like to watch the Harry Potter movies if that's okay with you?" said Ali hesitantly
"Whatever you want sweetheart, hey how about I bring the candy and popcorn and you can take care of the nachos and soda. I thought I'd bring a big bag of those different flavored jelly bellies"
"Ewe, I don't like the green or black ones" cried Ali
"Hey no worries, I'll eat all the green and black ones I promise" said Tony quickly
"Thanks Tony, but I get the red and pink ones okay?"
"Sure thing princess, so what time should I come over Boss?" asked Tony to Gibbs and Tobias who he knew had been listening into their whole conversation.
"Let's make it around eleven thirty that way the nachos can be Ali's lunch and I won't even to try to throw in some fruit as part of Ali's snack" said Gibbs with a smile.
"Sounds great Boss, well I guess it's a date little one I'll see you on Saturday okay?" said Tony
"Great Tony…and Tony?"
"Yeah princess?"
"Thank you for spending time with me" said Ali softly
"Sure thing squirt, you know you're my best girl. See you Saturday" called Tony then hung up the phone.
At the dial tone Ali closed Gibbs' phone then handed it back to him curling into his arms.
"Thank you Daddy" whispered Ali as she snuggled against his chest and relaxed with a sigh
"You're welcome baby girl" whispered Gibbs as he leaned over and kissed the side of her head.
-NCIS-
Saturday turned out to be a little bit colder than normal so Gibbs and Tobias had a blazing fire burning in the fireplace by the time Tony arrived for their movie marathon. They'd moved Ali's play mattress and put the comforter over it so with the fire going they had a soft warm place to watch their movies.
Tony arrived as promise at eleven thirty with an extra-large can of popcorn and a bag multi flavored jelly bellies. Tobias and Ali had gone to the store earlier that morning to get the things for the nachos and soda and had everything cut up and waiting in the kitchen for him to arrive. At his doorbell Ali ran to the door sliding the last few feet in the foyer to stop just in front of the door. As she opened the door Tony held out his arms for her and was soon engulfed in a full fledge Ali hug. After letting him go Ali dragged Tony into the house and showed him their private movie theater.
"Wow squirt, comfort and warmth. I may want to come over here more often to watch movies with you"
"You know you're welcome anytime Tony" said Tobias as he came up behind the pair and put his hands on Ali's shoulders.
"Thanks Tobias, so what are you two going to be doing while Ali and I are visiting the wonderful world of Harry Potter?" asked Tony
"Oh don't worry about us Tony, Jethro and I have our own ideas to entertaining ourselves" said Tobias with a smile
"Ewe Papa, TMI…way too much TMI" cried Ali as she clamped her hands over her ears
"I agree squirt, ewe…." said Tony with a laugh
"Well why don't you go ahead and fix your nachos and soda's then get everything settled before we head upstairs" said Gibbs as he came up behind Tobias
"Uhhh Boss, what about when Ali needs to be changed?" asked Tony hesitantly, he knew that Ali still wasn't comfortable with him or change her and do be honest he wasn't sure he was ready for that either.
"Just buzz us Tony, the monitor has a call button just encase you need us. One of us will come down and take care of her"
"Great thanks Boss. Now how about we start on those nachos and soda's squirt then we can get settle and start our marathon" said Tony as he led Ali towards the kitchen
Five minutes later both Tony and Ali returned to the living room each carrying a large plate of nachos and soda. While Ali got settle on the mattress Tony returned to the kitchen and brought out the bowl of popcorn and jelly bellies. A few minutes later Tony started the movie and the two of them were engrossed in the wonderful world of Harry Potter.
After the first movie ended Tony buzzed the monitor and Gibbs came down to change Ali while Tony took their plates and glasses back to the kitchen. When he returned Gibbs was still kneeling over Ali gently rubbing her Ali's back.
"Tony I think Ali might need a nap, would you mind waiting to start the next movie?" asked Gibbs
"No problem Boss, I actually need a break. That mattress is soft but I don't know how Ali laid around on it all the time without killing her back" said Tony as he stretched his back bending forward and the back.
"She's used to it Tony, plus if you watch her she never really lays flat she always has one leg bent so she doesn't hurt her back" replied Gibbs with a smile, he'd had his share of backaches spending time with Ali on her play mattress.
"Good to know Boss, but I might just try sitting against the couch for the next one. Do you think Ali would mind if I took off for a while then came back before she woke up?"
"Sure go on Tony, Ali's usually down for about two hours in the afternoon so I'd be back no later than three or three-thirty" said Gibbs.
"Great boss, I'll be back before the squirt wakes up and thanks" said Tony quickly then grabbed his coat and left. Watching the movie again had given him the perfect idea for a gift for Ali and he needed talk to Tim to see if he could help him find it for him. He remembered that there was photo album in the movie and he wondered if Tim could maybe help him find one just like it for Ali or maybe make him a digital photo album for her computer.
As promised Tony returned before Ali awoke from her nap and once again he buzzed upstairs and this time Tobias came down. The weather had warmed up enough so after snack Tony suggested that they play outside for a little while then start the next movie. Ali readily agreed and while Ali ran upstairs to get her shoes on Tony explained his surprise for Ali
"Uhhhhh Tobias, I know you said that you didn't want us to shower Ali with gift but I thought it might be a good idea if we took pictures of each of us with Ali and then Tim and Abby put them in a digital photo album for Ali's computer. You know so she could remember all the fun she's had with each of us" said Tony then waited for his reaction. Gibbs and Tobias were sometimes hard to read sometimes when it came to spoiling Ali so he didn't want to push it with the gifts.
"I think that's a wonderful idea Tony, thank you" said Tobias his voice a little husky with emotion
"Great, Abby says to take as many photos with your phone as you can and then send them to her. You do know how to do that right?" asked Tony with a smile
"Of course I do DiNozzo, I've even showed Jethro how" said Tobias sharply then smiled at the younger man because he could tell by his smile that he was just pushing his buttons
"Great then, you take the pictures and send them to Abby and we'll take care of the rest" just then Ali came bounding down the stairs and Tony turned his attention to her. "Hey squirt why don't you grab a light jacket then we can go outside and see if I can help you on your tossing"
"Yeah right Tony, I think I'll leave that for Daddy if you don't mind but I wouldn't mind some pointers on catching though"
"You got it angel, and just so you know I'm the world best catcher in the world" said Tony as he led Ali out to the backyard.
With a smile on his face Tobias returned upstairs, but in less than an hour they returned because the weather had changed again turning cold again. After another quick change and fixing some hot chocolate Ali and Tony once again settled down on the mattress with the bowls between them to watch the second movie.
This time Ali made it through the whole second movie and almost into the third before she needed changing and Tony once again buzzed upstairs. This time both men came down stairs and while Gibbs took care of Ali, Tobias and Tony started dinner. After fixing Ali and Tony a plate of hotdogs and French fries they let her carry her plate back into the living room and eat on the mattress while they once again started the movie. As soon as Gibbs and Tobias finished eating and cleaning the kitchen they went back upstairs but not before Tobias snapped off several pictures of Tony and Ali watching their movie.
Ali and Tony made it all the way through the third and halfway through the fourth before another break was required and this time when Tony returned to the living room he brought a bottle for Ali. He knew it was getting close to her bedtime so before he restarted the movie he made a suggestion.
"Hey Boss, how about you take Ali upstairs and get her ready for bed just encase she falls asleep during the movie, that why if I buzz you all you have to do is pick her up and carry her upstairs and she's ready for bed"
"Good idea Tony, come on sweetheart. Let's get you ready for bed so you can finish this movie" said Tobias as he gently pulled Ali up off the comforter
"You promise not to start the movie without me Tony?" asked Ali as she followed Tobias upstairs
"Scouts honor squirt, you go get ready for bed and I'll wait right here" said Tony as he sat down on the couch and leaned back with a groan
After a quick change Ali returned down stairs along announcing "Papa and Daddy said to tell you that I wasn't allowed to stay up past ten o' clock and that we could finish the rest of the movies tomorrow if you wanted to stay. He also said that you're welcome to spend the night if you'd like or could come back tomorrow at the same time. Your choice" then looked at the younger man and added. "I won't be upset if you leave Tony, just as long as you come back tomorrow so we can finish the movies"
"Thanks princess, I don't know how you do it laying around on that mattress all the time" said Tony as he stood up and stretched
"Daddy and Papa have the same problem, here Tony let me help" said Ali then went over and rubbed her hands over the middle of his back until his muscles loosened. With a sigh Tony relaxed and Ali stopped the massage
"Thanks squirt, I feel much better now and are you sure you're okay with me leaving and coming back?" asked Tony, he knew he'd gotten away with it once but he didn't want to push his luck
"I'm sure Tony just be back around eleven thirty tomorrow and Papa said we could fix taco's for lunch this time"
"Sounds like a plan to me, so are you ready to finish the movie?" asked Tony as he lead Ali back to the mattress and comforter
"Sure am, let's finish this movie" said Ali as she flopped down on the mattress and comforter putting a pillow under her leg and another under her head. So Gibbs had been right he might just try that to see if it helped his back.
By the end of the fourth movie Ali was fast asleep with her bottle in her mouth and her "Puffalump" clutched in her arms. It was just a few minutes before ten o' clock so he buzzed upstairs then started taking the bowls and mugs into the kitchen. As he saw Gibbs descend the stairs he called softly
"Ali's asleep on the comforter and I'm heading home, I'll be back around eleven thirty to start the next part of our marathon. Do you need me to bring anything for the tacos?"
"No thank you Tony, Tobias and Ali took care of that this morning. I think they bought enough stuff for us to be eating nachos and tacos for a week" said Gibbs as he bent down and picked Ali up.
"Well if you need anything just text me, you do know how to text right boss?" asked Tony with a grin
"Get out of her Tony before I make you spend the night on that comforter" said Gibbs as he carried Ali upstairs
With a hurried glance behind him Tony grabbed his coat and left, pulling out of Ali's driveway only a few seconds later.
As Gibbs reentered their bedroom Tobias asked "What's wrong with DiNozzo?", and then placed his reading glasses on the night stand beside his bed. They had both been reading trying to catch up on personal and reports that they'd gotten behind on.
"He's discovered the pains of spending time with Ali on her play mattress; I told him if he didn't behave I was going to make him spend the night there" laughed Gibbs as he climbed back onto the bed.
"That's cruel Jethro, even for you. Is Ali settled?" asked Tobias as he looked over at his partner/lover.
"Yep, changed and sound asleep with her bottle, pacifier and "Puffalump" replied Gibbs with a smile
"Jethro do you think we ought to try and wean her off sleeping with a bottle?" asked Tobias
"I don't know Tobias, Ducky said as long as it doesn't start affecting her teeth or her weight we could let her have one. I know she sleeps better if she falls asleep with her bottle" replied Gibbs honestly.
Ali's nightmares had all but stopped and she was sleeping through the night only waking if she was sick or felt bad. Ever since that family cookout Ali had been back on her nightly routine and they had finally been able to get a full night sleep without worrying about her waking up. It felt a shame to disrupt something that had just gotten fixed and they were both almost certain that Ali would protest giving up her nighttime bottle, so for now they were going to leave well enough alone and let Ali keep her bottle.
"I guess you're right, so what should we do now that our little girl is safely tucked away in bed?" asked Tobias with a gleam in his eye.
"Oh I can think of a few things" answered Tobias then proceeded to show Gibbs exactly what they were.
-NCIS-
As promised Tony appeared on Ali's doorstep at eleven-thirty exactly with another can of popcorn and Jelly bellies. They had only made it through about half of the can of popcorn but he didn't really like stale popcorn so he brought some more in a different flavor this time. Ali had eaten all of her favorite colors and was working on the rest of the jelly bellies so he brought another bag for her.
There mattress and comforter were still on the floor and another blazing fire was once again in the fireplace casting a warm glow over there setup. Ali was wearing another of her winter play sets this one with a dark blue tee-shirt dress with white snowflakes all over it with a matching white tank top and flannel Capri pants. As they headed towards the kitchen Gibbs and Tobias were just coming down the stairs.
"Thanks for coming back Tony" called Gibbs as he descended the stairs
"No problem Boss, can't let me girl down now can I beside I promised her a movie marathon and were only about halfway through. Are you sure you're okay with Ali eating all this junk food" asked Tony he knew that both Gibbs and Tobias were very picky about what Ali ate and mostly made sure she ate very healthy meals and snacks.
"Every once in a while won't hurt her Tony, just don't expect it every time you come over" said Tobias with a smile.
"Of course not, hey squirt save some of that cheese for me" called Tony as he entered the kitchen with a smile.
Ali had already made herself two tacos and was working on a third before Tony even made it into the kitchen.
"That's enough Ali, leave some for Tony" said Tobias as both men entered the kitchen
"Yes Papa" said Ali as she put some of the nacho chips on her plate then dribbled cheese over them.
"Do you have your drink yet princess?" asked Gibbs as he looked at his daughter. He had to admit she looked better than she had just a few days later more relaxed and happier than he had seen her in days.
"No Daddy, may I have another soda?" asked Ali, she knew that when she and Tobias had gone to the store Saturday morning that they had bought a twenty-four case of coke zero for them to drink this weekend.
"Yes you may sweetheart, but remember they are only for lunch and dinner. Anything else needs to be juice or gator aide understand?"
"Yes sir, thank you Daddy" cried Ali as she threw her arms around both me then happily headed towards the cabinet to get her glass and a soda. They'd found her a large plastic glass with a lid and straw for her to use when she was playing on the comforter so there were no spills. When she'd finish Ali took her plate and glass and headed towards the living room to get comfortable on the comforter.
They had moved the couch and chair back a little so the mattress would fit in front of the fireplace then put the coffee table to the side so they could use it if they needed it. Ali had put her plate and glass on the table as she got her blanket settled around her then reached for the plate. Tony came in a few minutes later then returned to the kitchen to bring in the bowls of popcorn and candy and soon they were all settled and starting the fifth movie.
Once again at the end of the movie Tony buzzed upstairs and Tobias came down to change Ali, then simply turned Ali back over and placed a bottle in her mouth and her "Puffalump" in her arms then covered her with the blanket. This time Tony didn't leave but spent Ali's nap time upstairs in his room watching a basketball game. Around three-fifteen or so Tony knocked on Gibb's and Tobias's room then headed back downstairs to find Ali just stretching awake. As Gibbs changed Ali Tony helped Tobias fix Ali a snack of cheese and orange slices with another glass of gator aide, then carried them all to the living room just as Gibbs was finishing up.
"But Daddy, you said I didn't have to eat fruit" whined Ali
"Oh he fixed this for me princess" said Tony quickly "You know have to watch my figure"
"Oh….okay, but may I have some to?" asked Ali after a few minutes thought, they did look good and her tummy was getting a little sick with all the candy and popcorn she was eating.
"Of course princess" said Tony as he leaned over and kissed her on the side of her head. As he looked at Gibbs he saw the older man mouth a silent "thank you" then smile. At his small nod Gibbs stood up and left the two to their snack and movie.
It was almost dinner time again before Tony buzzed upstairs once again signaling that Ali needed changing. They'd gotten through the sixth movie and started on part one of the last movie when Tony noticed that once again Ali was getting fidgety. Both Gibbs and Tobias both came down and while Tobias changed Ali Tony helped Gibbs start the grill for dinner. They had promised Ali hamburger and French fries for dinner on her last movie night so while got the grill ready Tony started getting the things ready for the hamburgers. After Tobias had changed Ali they both entered and dinner was grilled and put together very quickly. Instead of returning up stairs Gibbs and Tobias went into the living room with Ali and Tony and watched as Ali settled herself on her mattress but looked longing back at the couch were Gibbs and Tobias sat.
Tony saw her look back to and said quickly "Hey squirt, do you mind if we skip the mattress for these last two movies. I don't think my old back can take a whole lot more" then he started grimacing and rubbing his back.
"You're not old Tony, but if your backs bother you I wouldn't mind if we sat on the couch, that is if Daddy and Papa are staying?" said Ali as she looked at the two older men.
"We'll princess we haven't seen you for nearly two days and Tobias and I haven't seen these movies yet so if you don't mind…." Said Gibbs
"Oh no Daddy… I don't mind at all. As a matter of fact I was hoping I could sit between you and Papa?" asked Ali as she stood up.
"Of course little one, there's plenty of room for you here between us" said Tobias as he moved over then patted the space between himself and Gibbs.
At his words Ali beamed and quickly grabbed her plate and glass then scrambled in between both her daddies. As she settled down Tony gratefully sank into one of the side chairs and a few minutes later the movie started again. At the end of the movie Gibbs took Ali upstairs and changed her then got her ready for bed. When she came down she was wearing only her sleep top, an oversized tee-shirt and her diaper carrying her "Puffalump" and pacifier. As she settled back between Gibbs and Tobias she saw that someone had fixed her a bottle and it was sitting on the coffee table waiting for her. With a smile she snuggled against Tobias placing her pacifier in her mouth as Gibbs wrapped her blanket around her legs as the last movie started.
The movie lasted a little longer than Ali's bed time and by the end Ali was soundly asleep laying in Tobias's lap with her feet across Gibbs. As the movie stopped they looked down and smiled, Ali was completely relaxed and hand enjoyed herself enough to let herself go. She was the perfect little girl just enjoying watching a movie with her daddies and brother. With a sigh Gibbs started gently rubbing Ali's back as he carefully moved Ali's legs out of his lap and carefully picked up Ali out of Tobias' lap.
"Do you guys need me to stay and help clean up this…." asked Tony as he waved his hand over the furniture and mattress.
"No thanks DiNozzo, go home and get some sleep and thanks for this weekend with Ali" said Tobias as he gently clapped the younger man on the shoulder
"No problem Tobias, anytime Ali needs to relax just give me a call. You know I love spending time with our girl. See you later though, and tell Ali I'll call her later" said Tony then grabbed his coat and left. It had been a very good weekend even if it had resulted in his having a monster backache twice.
As Tobias meet Gibbs coming down the stairs he stood in his way staring deeply into his clear blue eyes.
"So, what do you think we ought to do now?" asked Gibbs his voice catching a little in his throat as she stared at his lover
"Well, tomorrow is a work day so I think we should go to bed early and maybe….." started Tobias then stopped talking as he slowly started leaning towards his partner.
"What about….." started Gibbs but stopped as he saw the hungry look in his partner's eyes.
"Leave it, we can clean up tomorrow. Right now I have this urge to spend some quality time with Ali's Daddy" then gently captured Gibbs' lip, the kiss starting out gentle but soon turning into more.
As the broke Jethro whispered "Tobias"
"Shhh, let me love you tonight Jethro. Let me show you how much you mean to me" then with a gently tug Tobias pulled Jethro up the stairs and into their bedroom, spending the rest of the night and into the wee hours of the morning making sweet passionate love.