Gibbs/Allison Series:
Choosing Between Old & New # 5
By: MChakotayParis (R. Mason)
Chapter 17
Family Cookout II
After Jimmy and Ducky's time with Ali Gibbs and Tobias informed everyone that they were going back to their usual weekend get together, meaning anyone who wanted to was welcome to come over either on Saturday or Sunday and spend time with Ali. If they wanted to take her anywhere however they needed ask in advance but other than that the weekends were an open invitation unless otherwise notified.
The weather hand finally turned and stayed warm so they were able to spend more time outside in the backyard or working in the yard. It was during one of these family weekends that Gibbs finally brought up the subject to Auggie which had been bothering him in the back of his mind. Ali and successfully reestablished her bond with each of her extended family and even added a new member to that family in Auggie, now he wondered if maybe it was time to try and add Jack to that mix as well.
As usual almost everyone was over at Ali's house by eighty-thirty and after she was changed and dressed in one of her spring play sets Ali happily bounced downstairs and got in the middle of fixing breakfast this time it was Tony trying to teach Ali how to make something for breakfast. After it was fixed, eaten and the kitchen cleaned up everyone went to work on the weekend chores. By ten o'clock when Ducky and Auggie arrived the chores were done and Ali and the younger members of her family were playing in the backyard. As Auggie and Ducky pushed open the sliding door to the backyard Ali saw them, and came running over with a squeal
"Auggie, Ducky! You came, you came" called Ali then stopped just in front of them and gently gave each one a hug.
"Of course my sweet, we couldn't pass up your family cookout now could we?" said Ducky as he returned her hug
"Great Daddy and Papa said I could help with the meat this time if I was very careful" said Ali excitedly
"And I'm sure you will be little one, now are you finished with all your chores?" asked Auggie
"Yes ma'am" said Ali with pride
"Good girl, now how about we go and talk to your Daddy and Papa about a little project that I'd like to start with you" said Auggie
"Yippee! Come on Auggie, there over here" called Ali as she gently started pulling Ali towards the work shed.
Gibbs had been working on a special present for Ali so he'd been spending her play time in the shed working, at Ali approached she heard Gibbs hammering and waited until he stopped then softly knocked on the side of the door. A few minutes later both Gibbs and Tobias came out of the work shed to see both Ali and Auggie standing in the doorway.
"Good morning Jethro, Tobias" said Auggie as Ali bounced quietly beside her
"Morning Auggie, glad you could come over" said Tobias as he looked at the women, Ali was always so happy to see Auggie that it warmed his heart every time he came over.
"You know I wouldn't miss spending time with my girl, which is one thing I wanted to talk to you about? How do you feel about Ali and I starting a small garden here in the backyard" asked Auggie
"Oh I don't know Auggie, a garden is a lot of work. Do you think Ali can handle it?" asked Gibbs with a smile on his face and a wink at the older women.
"Oh please Daddy, please! I can do it please….please!" said Ali excitedly bouncing even harder than before.
"Alright baby girl, calm down. What kind of garden were you thinking about Auggie?" asked Tobias as he looked at Ali.
Instantly Ali stopped bouncing and stood still beside Auggie, listening intently to what she was saying.
"Well I was actually thinking of starting with just a small container garden at first. You know a couple of pots with tomatoes, bell peppers, and things like that. Then If they do well we might consider making a raised garden to grow some root vegetables" said Auggie
"That sounds reasonable, why don't you and Ali plan out what you want and maybe tomorrow we'll go to home depot and get what we need" said Gibbs as he looked at his daughter, she was about to bust with excitement and as soon as he finished speaking Ali launched herself into his arms wrapping her arms and legs tightly around him.
"Oh thank you Daddy, thank you!" cried Ali
"Ali why don't you talk to Ziva and see if you can choose some plants that you can use in your cooking too" suggested Tobias
"Oh can we Auggie, can we?" asked Ali as she looked at the women then back at her Daddy and Papa
"I think that's a wonderful idea sweetheart, we can go talk to Ziva now if you'd like" said Auggie then was instantly dragged away from the two men and towards Ziva who was on the play set with Tony and Tim.
Both men stood for a few minutes watching the animated conversation and at Ali's squeal of delight figured that Ziva had said she would help suggest plants for the small garden. So after another few minutes of watching Ali trying to drag both women towards the house to plan their garden they returned to the work shed.
By the time Gibbs and Tobias called everyone in to cleanup and start fixing lunch Ali, Auggie and Ziva had planned out what plants they wanted and how many containers. Lunch was organized chaos as everyone tried working in the kitchen until finally Gibbs, Tobias, Ducky and Auggie left leaving the preparing of lunch to the younger crowd.
As the older generation retreated to the living room each took a place on a chair or couch and waited for to be called to lunch. As they waited Auggie could tell that something was on Jethro's mind and after a few minutes she gently asked "Jethro do you have a concern about Ali doing the garden?"
At her question Gibbs quickly turned his attention to the other two and sighed "No Auggie it's not that. Since the weather is turning warmer and everyone has had their time with Ali I was wondering if maybe I should start thinking about trying to bring Jack into the family"
Auggie sat quiet for a few minutes contemplating this then realize that he had just as much right to get to know Ali as she did after all he was Jethro's father and could be a vital addition to their family. With quiet caution she asked "Have you talked to him since his first visit?"
"Yes, the day Ali was at the construction site with Abby"
"And what did he say?" asked Auggie softly, now was when they found out how much he wanted to be a part of Ali's life.
"He said that he wants to get to know both Allison and Ali but would do it only if she felt comfortable enough to be herself around him and at her own time and pace" said Gibbs
"We'll that's a good start at least, what did Ali say when you told her?"
"She said she wanted to get to know him but that she wanted to talk to you first because he scared her a little"
"Did she say when she was scared of him?" asked Ali pointed, this would get right to point of if he was able to spend time with Ali without upsetting her.
"She said he was a little scary when he got mad and yelled" answered Gibbs
"That's not surprising, her father got very loud and fierce the few times he got mad at her, even striking her twice
"Jack would never do that and if he did I would take care of it personally" said Gibbs emphatically, remembering the time that he had struck his father for call Ali a name.
"I'm glad to hear that Jethro because Ali doesn't need him to remind her of her father, if she allows him to come down and spend time with her he is going to have to control his temper or I'm afraid he could do more harm than good to Ali"
"Believe me Auggie, he understands that but we will explain it to him if and when Ali lets him come. Anything else we should know?" asked Gibbs
"Let me speak to Ali then I'll let you know, but that's the main thing. He has to control his temper" stated Auggie emphatically.
"Ok, when do you want to talk to her?" asked Tobias
"I think I'll wait until after lunch and her nap, then we'll go to our special place. And remember that it applies to both you Jethro if you need it" reminded Auggie, she had a feeling something else was bother him to but he wasn't quite ready to talk yet.
"Thanks Auggie, maybe after lunch while Ali's asleep?" said Gibbs quietly
"Sure" said Auggie just as quietly then patted his hand.
Just at that moment Ali bounced into the living room announcing "Lunch is served Lady and Gentlemen" as she came to stand in front of Tobias and Gibbs
At her smile Gibbs stood up and whisking her into his arms and saying "Lead on princess, this old man's starving" then gently started tickling her side
"Oh Daddy, I've told you before you and Papa aren't old, just older" said Ali as she squealed trying to get away from him hand.
"Good answer my sweet, may I take you in my dear" said Ducky as he stood then extended his arm to Auggie.
With a shy smile she took his arm and let him lead her into the dining room where everyone was sitting at the table waiting for them. As they each took their place everyone started passing the plates around and lunch turned into its usual festive occasion. After everyone was finished eating and drunk their last cup of coffee or tea, Ali helped Jimmy, Tim and Tony clean the kitchen up then went upstairs with Tobias to get her diaper changed then put down for her nap.
As Tobias and Ali headed towards the stairs Gibbs got up from the table and headed towards the backyard, with a sad little look after the man Auggie followed Tobias and Ali upstairs and entered Ali's room just as Tobias was covering up Ali and giving her a bottle. As he stood he smiled at the women then stepped aside so he could kiss Ali goodnight, these were the times that Auggie missed spending with Ali the most when she was truly little Ali.
As Auggie leaned over Ali she gently kissed her forehead, brushing back her hair then whispered "Goodnight sweetheart, sleep tight"
"Night Auggie, love you" whispered Ali around her bottle then turned over and went to sleep.
Auggie stood watching Ali for a few minutes more then walked to the door where Tobias was waiting, but before she passed him she stopped and placed a gentle hand on his arm.
"Tobias, do you know what's upsetting Jethro? It's more than just his father getting to know Ali isn't it?" asked Auggie gently
"It's sort of difficult to explain Auggie, a couple of weeks ago Ali asked Tim and Ziva to help her fix us a breakfast in bed. And after she brought in our tray Jethro commented that there was enough food for all of us and asked her to stay but she told him that Tim and Ziva had told her that she needed to leave us alone so we could eat after working up our appetites" explained Tobias quietly as a slight blush started to raise on his cheeks.
It took Auggie a few minutes to figure out exactly what Tobias was referring too, and when she did she burst of laughing, causing Tobias to look back at Ali then pull the older women out of the room quickly.
"It's not funny Auggie, Jethro is very sensitive about our personal life" said Tobias slightly stronger than he meant too.
At his replied Auggie quickly calmed down and turned to look at Tobias' flushed face "I'm sorry Tobias, you're right it's not funny and I shouldn't have reacted that way but I really don't see the problem?"
"Jethro's concerned that Ali might get upset if she knew what the two of us do when were together" said Tobias, his blush growing with every word.
"Oh for heaven's sake! Tobias that's ridiculous, come with me" said Auggie hotly then pulled the man down the stairs and out to the backyard to find Gibbs in his work shed trying to work on his project for Ali.
Auggie stood looking at the man and felt her fury at him instantly leave her, he was genuinely concerned that if Ali found out about their sexual practices that she would be upset. After a few minutes she quietly moved into the shed until she was standing just in front of the man.
"Jethro" said Auggie softly
As he looked up he saw Auggie standing in front of him then looked passed her to see Tobias in the doorway and knew instantly why she was here. Tobias had told her about the incident a few weeks ago and how it had upset him. With a sigh he dropped the tool he hand in his hand and sighed standing up to face the women who seemed to know their little girl the best.
"Auggie….I…" started Gibbs just stopped when he couldn't go on
At his hesitation Auggie stepped forward and gently took him into her arms, after a few minutes she backed away but kept her hands gently on his shoulders. "Jethro, you honestly don't think that anything you or Tobias could possibly do would upset Ali do you?"
"But she's so sweet and innocent when she's Ali" said Gibbs sorrowfully
"But that's just when she's Ali, you don't honestly think she's been able to be Ali all her life do you? For forty-nine years or more she's been Allison almost exclusively. And in that time I can truthfully tell you that she has had her fair share of good and bad lesbian and gay couples as friends"
At their looks Auggie held her hands up for silence and continued "Don't worry, the bad ones have been taken care of and won't ever bother Allison again. But she knows what the two of you do when you're alone. We'll probably not exactly what you do but she knows the jest of it and I can assure you she doesn't care. As long as you love her unconditionally and never intentionally hurt her your sexual preferences don't matter to her"
"Are you sure Auggie, because we wouldn't want to…" started Jethro then stopped when he saw the look on her face
"We can ask her when she wakes up but I'm pretty sure I can tell you her answer, I'll tell you what why don't all three of us go upstairs to change her and talk to her then" suggested Auggie as she looked at the two men, she knew that Ali's room was a quiet private place to talk and since this was a sensitive subject for the two men it was probably the best place
"Alright, thank you Auggie" said Gibbs softly as he picked up his discarded tool and went back to work, with that gesture Auggie knew she was dismissed so she turned around and gave Tobias a smile then headed back into the house to wait for Ali to wake up.
-NCIS-
At three-fifteen as usual they heard noises from Ali's room and Gibbs, Tobias and Auggie all headed upstairs. As Gibbs woke Ali, Tobias gathered her diaper supplies then almost without a noticeable break in the routine moved to change her as Gibbs moved away to turn off her sleep music and to rinse out her bottle and pacifier. These two really had the routine down pat and it was a joy to watch them both take care of Ali almost as one.
After Tobias had finished changing Ali instead of helping her up Gibbs sat back down on the side of the bed gently pulling her into his lap "Ali sweetheart, we need to talk to you about something before we go back downstairs okay?"
"Sure Daddy, did I do something wrong?" asked Ali as she looked at Gibbs then at Tobias as he was coming out of the bathroom. Usually both of them didn't come up to wake her so she figured that they're talk must be about something serious.
"No baby girl, it's nothing you've done. It's about us actually, you remember when Ziva and Tim came over a few weeks ago and helped you fix breakfast in bed for us?" asked Tobias as he and Auggie came over to stand beside the bed.
"I remember Papa, and I didn't get up out of bed honestly" said Ali
"I know you didn't princess it's not that, what we're referring to was when you brought us breakfast and I asked you to stay and eat with us. What did you tell me, do you remember?" said Gibbs
Ali thought for a minute then smiled as she remembered what Tim and Ziva had told her when she had filled their plates. "I said that Ziva and Tim had told me that you need to be left alone so you could eat after working up your appetites" said Ali with a smile
"Do you know what they were referring to Ali?" asked Gibbs as he raised her chin so he could see her reaction to his question, neither man wanted there to be any doubt about how Ali felt about this subject.
"Of course Jethro, I'm not stupid!"
"Allison" said Tobias as he looked at their daughter then at Auggie, the women had an "I told you so look" on her face.
"Sorry Daddy, but let me say here and now as both Allison and Ali that I don't care what the two of you do in the privacy of your own bedroom. Just so long as I don't have to watch or you don't try to include me I'm perfectly happy with you two being an exclusive couple"
"But you know about male sex right?" asked Gibbs sort of shyly
"Daddy, really! I may act like a two year old but I'm really almost sixty-three. I think I have a pretty good idea what the male sex act entails although I do know it differs from couple to couple but I really don't want to know the specific, ewe" said Ali with a high pitched squeak at the end and a scrunched up face.
At her answer Auggie cleared her voice causing both men to look her way and then smile at the look on her face. She had told them that Ali wouldn't have a problem with their sex life and she was right.
"Okay baby girl, just so long as you understand that neither of us would ever do anything to hurt you" said Gibbs as he pulled her into a hug
"I know that Daddy, and I love you both for it but you don't have to worry. Your sex life is just between the two of you. Now can we go downstairs, I would like to talk to Auggie after I've had my snack and maybe show her something on the computer if that's okay?" said Ali as she looked at the three people standing around her bed.
"That's fine princess and maybe we can even eat our snack while we're talking, how'd you'd like that?" said Auggie as she looked at the two men for approval, at their nod Auggie held out her hand for Ali and she took it happily jumping off of Gibbs lap and following Auggie to the door.
"Thank you Daddy, thank you Papa. I love you!" called Ali as she and Auggie left her room to go downstairs and eat.
"Well I guess we were worried for nothing huh Jethro?" said Tobias as he took the few steps needed to close the distance between himself and his partner.
"I guess not but I still can't help but wonder if she's just saying that to please us" said Gibbs as he spread his legs then pulled Tobias between them
"Jethro give it a rest, both Ali and Auggie said that she didn't care about what we did privately and I believe her. And since I have no intention of putting on a voyeur show for Ali or sharing you with anyone, including my daughter I don't see a problem"
"I guess you're right, so what do you suggest we do while Ali and Auggie talk?"
"Well since we have a house full of people downstairs, I'd say not much but just you wait until later after our little one is asleep" said Tobias as he leaned in towards Jethro and started to capture his mouth
Just then they both heard a loud voice from downstairs calling "Daddy, Papa. Are you coming downstairs or do we need to give you guys a minute" yelled Ali
As both men broke apart they smiled then slowly made their way downstairs
"Somehow I'll bet that comment came from DiNozzo, I think it might be wise to have a little talk with our older siblings about appropriate subjects of conversation around Ali" said Tobias after stealing a quick kiss from Gibbs then moving ahead of him
"I agree" said Gibbs with a smile, then followed his partner downstairs.
-NCIS-
Ali and Auggie talked for almost an hours and then they came inside and Ali showed her and email advertisement that she'd received. As Ali opened up the website, then went to the section that she wanted Auggie waited wondering just what their little girl was up to. As far as she could see she was in the women's section of the sleepwear and she knew that Ali usually preferred to sleep in just one of her sleep tank tops and her diaper. As the page loaded Auggie saw the Eileen West section of women's nightdresses and once again wondered if Ali was having an identity crisis.
"So what do you think Auggie, aren't they pretty" said Ali as she looked at the various nightdresses.
"Yes sweetheart, I think there beautiful but I don't understand why you're looking at them. Do you want to try and be Allison more?" asked Auggie, she'd thought that Ali was happy with the way things were but maybe there was more going on that she thought
"Oh no Auggie, I just got this e-mail from them and saw the nightdress in the e-mail. The lady wearing it looked so pretty, and we'll I was thinking that maybe I would sometimes like to be that pretty too" said Ali shyly as she looked away
It still amazed her that even though Ali had grown and become so much more confident in herself as Ali, that deep down she was still that scared little insecure girl that she had first seen when she'd been assigned the Grayson case. Ali might act like a two year old most of the time but she was still a women and sometimes a women needed to feel pretty. Auggie knew that Ali felt pretty and was very proud of that fact when she was wearing her play sets but that was as Ali, the two year old. Deep down Ali the women needed to feel pretty too and if wearing one of these nightdresses did the trick for her then she couldn't see any harm, just so long as Ali didn't try to turn into Allison while she was wearing them.
"Well as I said sweetheart, I think their pretty and if you want to wear them as Ali I don't see any reason why you can't but why don't we do this first. Why don't we show them to Daddy and Papa and explain why you want to wear them and see what they say. I don't think there will be a problem but I just don't want you to get upset if they react in a way you don't expect okay?" explained Auggie
"Okay, but I still can wear my diaper them to bed while I wearing them right? I mean if I'm going to be pretty like the ladies in the pictures I don't have to be grown up to do I?" asked Ali worriedly thinking that if that's what it meant then maybe she didn't want them after all
"Oh no baby girl, if you want to wear your diaper while you wear the nightdresses I'm sure it will be fine. Besides it's only around the house" added Auggie with a smile.
"Oh thank you Auggie, I was worried for a minute. When can we talk to Daddy and Papa about the nightdresses?"
"How about I go talk to them right now then you can show them. Why don't you make a wish list of all the nightdresses you would like, that way we can show Daddy and Papa and see what they say" suggested Auggie as she stood up and kissed the women's head.
Boy she was still a conflict of personalities if she'd ever seen one, on one hand she wanted to be Ali the two year old who needed to be loved and taken care of and then on the other she was Ali the women who still needed to be loved and taken care of but wanted to feel beautiful like a women too. This was a new step for her and she hoped that Jethro and Tobias were strong enough to take it on.
As she watched Ali happily making her wish list of the pretty nightdresses that she wanted, Auggie smiled once more then went to inform her fathers of what she had found out. In her talk with Ali about Jack's reaction she'd found out a few new things that disturbed even her about Admiral Grayson. She had a feeling that Jackson Gibbs wouldn't react that way but his strong reaction and harsh words had brought back the memories of the few confrontations Ali had with her biological father. Secondly she'd discovered that Ali had a deep longing to be considered pretty as a women, but still while she was in her "baby or little Ali" mode and dressed as a women. At least she had to be grateful that it was just pretty cotton nightdresses and not silk women's lingerie.
Auggie found Gibbs and Tobias once again in the work shed and just knocked once then entered pulling up a stool beside the two men.
"Well, did you talk with Ali? What did she say?" asked Gibbs as he once again put down the tool he was working with and gave his full attention to Auggie. He could tell that she'd found out something that had disturbed her a little and that was beginning to worry him, maybe wasn't the best time to try and bring Jack into the family just yet.
"Well I found out several things, and before I tell you I want you both to promise me that no matter how much it upsets you that you won't show you're reactions around Ali. She got upset enough just remembering the memory and I don't want her to have to relive it with either of you."
"We promise, now tell us Auggie what happened?" said Tobias solemnly as he took Jethro's hand, giving it a little squeeze.
"Well it seems that the Admiral tried to make Ali give up her "baby self" several times and when she couldn't and had an accident he yelled at her calling her very harsh and hateful names and even hit her a few times"
"Why that bast..." started Gibbs then stormed out of the work shed and promptly went to pacing the backyard cussing and punching at Ali's tire swing.
As Tobias and Auggie emerged from the shed they saw the others worriedly gathering around and called "Uhhh Ziva, Abby. Would you go inside and keep Ali busy while I finish talking to Jethro"
"Sure Auggie, is Gibbs alright?" asked Ziva as she headed towards the house with Abby to find Ali and keep her indoors. Whatever had happened had upset Gibbs tremendously and Ali didn't need to see him like that.
"He'll be fine Ziva, I'll explain it to everyone later right now I need to take care of Tobias and Jethro" called Auggie as she watched Gibbs pace back and forth in the yard
"Right, hey guys why we don't go inside. I think it's time for the game to come on" said Tony as he hurriedly shepherded Tim and Jimmy into the house.
With a quick wave of gratitude towards Tony, Auggie and Tobias sat down on Ali's play set to wait until Gibbs calmed down enough to talk. It took forty-five minutes before he was calm enough to come over to Tobias and Auggie without feeling the fury resurface in him. As he came over walked over to the bench swing, Tobias moved over giving him room to flop down beside him. Auggie had taken one of the single swings the next section over and silently watched as the two men sat, hand intertwined Gibbs head leaning slightly on Tobias' shoulder.
"Feel like you can talk now Jethro or do you need more time?" asked Auggie finally as she saw the man's shoulders sagging slightly
"It just makes me so mad the more I learn about Ali's life with Admiral Grayson. How could he treat such as sweet, kind hearted person in such a horrible way?" said Gibbs finally
"You have to remember Jethro that he considered Ali worthless because she no longer fit into the grand scheme he'd planned for her. He wasn't looking at her as a person but as a worthless piece of property that he still hoped he could force mold into something that was useful to him. Once he realized she couldn't or wouldn't give Ali up he just thought of her as a means to take care of his other children"
"He ought to have been arrested for hitting a child" said Tobias forcefully
"I agree but since he scared Ali enough that she didn't say anything one anyone until now, and I'm afraid that child abuse cases have a statute of limitations on the time you can prosecute" said Auggie sadly "But we know now and can help Ali work through it by trying to limit her time around people who might have strong reactions like that. So now what we need to do is tell your father about Ali's father's reaction and then explain to him her reaction so he understands why he can't react that way around her again. I'm afraid that if he reacts like that to her again there might not be any way he can spend time around her, because one more breakdown and I'm afraid we'll lost Ali and Allison all together"
"Don't worry about Jack Auggie, we'll make sure he understands the importance of keeping his temper if he wants to have anything to do with his son or granddaughter" said Gibbs with so much conviction that Auggie was certain that he meant it. If he so much as raised his voice in anger to Ali he might lose any chance he had of ever getting to know her or of ever seeing his son again.
"Good, now the second thing I learned is a little happier but just as complicated. It seems that Ali wants to be considered pretty as a women but while she's still "little Ali" explained Auggie. At the two men's puzzled looks Auggie quickly continued. "It seems that she received an e-mail advertisement from a website called The Vermont Country Store which sells, among other things women's nightdresses. Very pretty, modestly made, long cotton nightdresses. When I asked her if she wanted them so she could be Allison when she wore then she said no. She told me that in the picture the lady wearing the nightdress looked pretty and she wanted to look pretty like that sometimes too, but she still wanted to wear her diaper, even when she wore the nightdress"
"I'm sorry Auggie, I don't understand. How can she wear a women's nightdress and want to be a women but still be our little Ali?" asked Gibbs.
"That's the complicated part Jethro, in Ali's growth since her breakdown she's become more independent, more confident and comfortable with herself as Ali. And while she happily dresses in all her cute play sets and even her more adult one's when she goes out she's still thinks as "little or baby Ali" and told she's cute or precious. Well now Ali needs to feel she's pretty or beautiful as a women, and while she doesn't want to give up the "little Ali" mode she wants to be looked at as a women to. Sort of like the mildest form of Adult Infantilism, were an adult thinks and acts like an adult but wears the diapers just for fun or because they like the feel of them"
"But isn't that what Ali does?" asked Gibbs now more confused than ever.
"Oh no Jethro, Ali lost her mild form of Adult Infantilism classification when she took one an eighteen month to two years olds personality. Now she would be classified as being a split personality, since she's the adult Allison during the day at work and "baby or little" Ali at night and on weekends when she's home"
"But she can flip between them so easily" said Tobias quickly
"That's because she's accepted both personalities as being an essential part of her and as she found out the hard way at the beach house she can't have one without the other"
"I still don't understand how she can have both a split personalities and practice Adult Infantilism?" said Gibbs
"Well she's technically not practicing Adult Infantilism since she's taken on the personalities full time but let's just say she's a child/women who wants to be pretty like women sometimes while still being a child"
"Well I guess it could be worse, she could have wanted to start wearing sexy women's lingerie" said Gibbs with a smile
"That was my though too Jethro. So do me a favor and come take a look at the nightdresses on the website. They are really very pretty and modest, and with the exception of them being made of a sheer cotton I don't think there will be a problem"
"How sheer?" asked Tobias quickly remembering the first time that he'd given Ali a shower and although neither he nor Jethro thought of her in that way they were both men who had been with women before so sometimes their bodies reacted on its own accord.
"I think several of the nightdresses have robes that she can wear over them to forestall any unintentional reactions to her that either of you might have" said Auggie with a smile, remembering the story that Ducky had told her about Jethro's untimely reaction to spending the night with Tobias sitting in his lap
"Alright, if you're sure Auggie, let's go see if we can make our child/women feel pretty" said Gibbs with a smile then stood up and pulled Tobias to his feet.
As they entered the living room they saw the rest of Ali's extended family sitting around the computer as Ali proudly showed everyone the nightdresses in her wish list.
As Tony saw them come in the door he called out "Hey boss, you ought to come and see this website. It's got some really nice things that I think Ali would look pretty in"
"That's why we're here Tony, and you don't have a problem with her wearing these but still being our "little Ali" said Tobias as he looked at Tony and the others, one all their faces he saw nothing but happiness at the thought of Ali wearing the nightdresses but still being their little one
"No boss, no problem. Every women likes to feel pretty sometimes" said Tim
"That's very prophetic McGenius" said Tony
"But very true Tim, thank you" said Auggie with a smile at the younger man. "Now if two of you will excuse us I think Ali would like to show Tobias and Jethro her wish list now. Right Ali?"
"Oh yes please, I'll ask Abby to help me e-mail you the link to the website so you can get on and look more later on" asked Ali as she looked at her younger older brothers and sisters'.
A few minutes later Tim, Tony and Jimmy rose from their seat and moved away from the computer giving Tobias, Gibbs and Auggie a place to sit. As Ali once again went back to her wish list he hoped that she'd done the right thing in showing Auggie this website. So far everyone's reaction had been positive and very supportive but now came the big test. Would Gibbs and Tobias allow her to still be their baby Ali while wearing one of these nightdresses?
After a few minutes of looking through her wish list and going to the pages which showed each nightdress exquisitely Gibbs and Tobias turned to Ali with a big smile on their faces "Well I don't see any reason why you can't wear them sweetheart, but there kind of expensive so I don't want you buying a whole lot at one time. And since the material looks kind of sheer you might consider buying the matching robe that way you won't get cold if you wear them at the beach house" said Gibbs
At his answer Ali jumped up and threw her arms around Gibbs' neck, then Tobias' giving each a kiss on the cheek and whispering in their ear "Thank you Daddy. Thank you Papa."
"Just remember princess that you're always pretty to us no matter what you wear" said Tobias which earned him another hug and kiss from Ali before she ran off with Tim, Tony and Palmer to play in the back yard.
"Nice save Tobias" said Auggie as she closed out Ali's e-mail then shut down the computer
"We meant it Auggie, she doesn't have to wear pretty women's nightdresses to be pretty or beautiful to either of us, we both love her for who she is on the inside" said Gibbs as he looked at his partner and smiled
"I know you both do, and for that I am eternally grateful, so when are you going to call your father Jethro?" asked Auggie
"I think I will let Ali decide and call him, since it's her that he has to get to know but I'm not going to press her. When she's ready she'll let us know" said Gibbs as they all went back outside to spend the rest of the day just watching Ali play.
At dusk Gibbs and Tobias called everyone inside and after a quick clean up and change Ducky, Tim, Tony, Ziva, Jimmy and Auggie helped start dinner while Ali, Tobias and Gibbs started the grill. When the grill was ready Ali bounced into the kitchen and with Tobias' help carried the platters of meat to the grill. After a few close calls Ali helped Tobias and Gibbs grill all the meat and were soon carrying them to the tables on the patio.
Since there family had grown Tobias, Ali and Gibbs had enlarged the concrete patio surface and bought another outdoor patio set so everyone could now eat at the tables. So as everyone sat down the started eating Gibbs looked at their family and smiled. It was nice to have everyone here but it would be better almost complete when it included Jack. After everyone had eaten and taken their dishes into the kitchen, then cleaned up Ali and the younger generation put down Ali's "play" comforter and got out the different activities they wanted to do. Ziva and Abby worked on the puzzle, while Ali, Tony, Jimmy and Tim worked on a big Lego set that Ali had gotten for Christmas. The older generation settled themselves on the couches and chairs and watched television of watched the younger ones play.
By nine o' clock Ali had all but given up trying to play and was just lying on the comforter watching the others put together the set. Earlier when Ziva had seen that Ali was getting sleep she had gone upstairs and gotten Ali's pacifier and her "Puffalump" and brought them down quietly slipping the to the women. Now as Ali watched her brothers and sisters play with her on her comforter she wondered with it would be like to include Gibb's father in the mix.
She was pretty sure that he was generally a nice man, but he was old fashion and hadn't understood Ali's and Gibbs relationship and naturally his first reaction had been anger. That had happened before to her when someone found out that she wore diapers and drank from a bottle, they'd gotten angry at her calling her all sorts of name and telling her she was an adult she needed to act like one. So when she saw his reaction she'd automatically gone back to that time and done the only thing she knew to do, she ran. But now she had her Daddy and Papa back along with her extended family who loved her no matter how she acted so maybe it was time to add another grandpa.
Not that she didn't love the grandparents she had, she loved Ducky and Todd and Rachael Peters very much but with the exception of Ducky they weren't family, but Jack was Gibb's father, her own father's, so to speak, flesh and blood and she knew that if it was done right they could have a very special relationship almost the same as what she had with Gibbs and Tobias.
After a few more minutes Gibbs noticed that she was just lying on the comforter and gave over and knelt down beside her asking "Do you feel okay baby girl?"
At Ali's nod he smiled then turned her over and felt her diaper, she was wet and needed changing so with a look at his watch he said again. "How about we head on upstairs and get you changed, then ready for bed, you've had a big day and I think someone's getting sleepy" then held out his hand to Ali helping her to her feet.
"We'll clean up the toys Boss" offered Tim
"Thanks Tim, and remember you're welcome to stay the night if you like" said Gibbs as he lead Ali out of the living room "Tell everyone goodnight Ali"
"Night everyone, and thank you for spending the day with me" said Ali as she stopped turning around but still leaning heavily against Gibbs side
"Night sweetheart, I'll see you tomorrow and maybe Daddy will take you to get the things for your garden" said Auggie
"Really, oh can we Daddy please" said Ali as she looked up at him excitedly
"We'll see little one, it depends on how you feel tomorrow alright?" said Gibbs gently, he could tell that Ali was exhausted by the way she was totally leaning against him and he didn't want to overdo it with another big day.
"Okay Daddy, night Auggie. Love you" called Ali as he turned back and put her face against Gibbs side as he lead her towards her room.
"Love you to sweetheart" called Auggie.
After that the house was cleaned up quickly and everyone grabbed their coats with only Auggie spending the night. As she headed upstairs she meet Gibbs and Tobias coming out of Ali's room and smiled as she passed the two men heading towards her room. As Auggie's door closed Tobias quickly lead Gibbs towards the master bedroom, remembering his earlier promise of what they were going to do once their little one was tucked in bed asleep.
-NCIS-
Sunday was a much quieter day with only Ziva coming over. Auggie had asked if she could wake Ali so as soon as they heard some noise from Ali's room she headed upstairs. She entered to find Ali just waking up and quickly went to her bedside
"Morning Princess" said Auggie with a smile and a gentle brush of her forehead
"Auggie, you stayed" answered Ali as she pulled her pacifier out of her mouth and then held her arms out to the older women
As Auggie leaded down to hug the women she had to smile, Ali looked so innocent and sweet after she'd just woken up, it was sometime hard to think of her as anything but their little Ali
"Of course sweetheart, I told you I wanted to see if your Daddy would take you to get your garden" said Auggie then with a smile, leaned down and whispered in Ali's ear "and maybe after that we could get back on that website and buy you a couple of nightgowns and robes"
Ali smiled and threw her arms around the older women's neck again gently pulling her down then released her and Auggie quickly changed her then helped Ali up and she bounced to the bathroom to get dressed. Breakfast was a quick affair with Auggie and Ali fixing some eggs, bacon and toast for the four of them. After everything was cleaned up Auggie and Ali went to the computer in the living room while Tobias and Gibbs lingered over another cup of coffee.
By the time Ziva arrived at nine o' clock Auggie and Ali had ordered two matching nightdresses and robes from The Vermont Country Store and three more spring/summer play sets for Ali from the lady who made them. Fifteen minutes later everyone was pilling into Tobias' SUV and heading for Home Depot to pick out Ali's garden.
Their little group attracted a little bit of attention but no one cared as they happily watched Ali bounce around the garden section picking out the best containers, soil and plants that she could find. Because they got the biggest containers they could find so the plants had room to grow they also find some planter scooters to put under each containers so they could be easily moved. After filling up several carts with all their garden supplies they finally headed towards the checkout counter. When the cashier had finished ringing up everything both Gibbs and Ali started pulling out their credit cards but Auggie stopped them both with a glance
"It's my project so it's my treat" said Auggie firmly
"But Auggie, we can't…." started Gibbs just stopped when he saw the look on her face
"Jethro Gibbs put that away now…." repeated Auggie quietly but just as firmly
At her tone Gibbs blushed slightly, then said quietly "Yes ma'am"
After that everything was bagged up and the small group headed back towards Tobias' SUV, then headed home with the girls in the back talking and planning happily. As soon as they got home Ali wanted to start working on the garden so after everything was carried out to the patio in the backyard all three women started to work with a little help from Gibbs and Tobias.
By lunch time all the containers were filled with soil, the plants planted and a cage in each container. Gibbs and Tobias had agreed that Ali could use one corner of the patio so when they were finished six large containers stood in one corner. They'd bought two tomatoes plants, two pepper plants (one green and one yellow bell), one cucumber plant and some lettuce seeds. Along with the container plants Auggie and Ziva had also bought Ali a small herb garden so she could learn to use them in her cooking. So after watering and cleaning up the patio they headed into the house for lunch.
After lunch and Ali's nap the rest of the afternoon was spent with Auggie and Ali quietly on the floor while Tobias and Gibbs watched television. Auggie stayed for dinner but left just before Ali's bed time tell the woman that she would see her again next weekend. That evening as Tobias put Ali to bed he was once again amazed at the family that he's joined.