Gibbs/Allison Series:

Choosing Between Old & New # 5

By: MChakotayParis (R. Mason)

A/N: Dear readers, guests and anyone else who has clicked on my little story I want to apologize in advance for the length of time between posting my last chapter and this one. I have been recovering from a severe case of the flu that I am just now getting over. To be honest this has given me a small, all be it painful, chance to come up with the next part of this story and for the guest who asked for Ali to save the day it's coming although it's probably not what she meant but Ali will in a small way save Gibbs, Tobias and herself.

So now on with the story:

Chapter 22

After their small break everything got hectic again and it was with a lot of hard work, long hours and even a few working weekends that Allison, Tobias and Gibbs were able to clear their cases so they could go on their scheduled vacation time after the fourth of July weekend. Because of how hard they worked other agents and teams offered to step up and cover another two weeks for them, plus with an executive order from Sec Nav, Director Vance and the Director of the FBI gave them an extra month off and made their return to work date the Tuesday after Labor Day in September.

When Allison got the paperwork informing her of her extra month of vacation time she called everyone into a meeting in the conference room and then surprised them with lunch and a party showing for once the softer side of Allison Grayson. As she left her office that Friday she called out as usual

"Call me if anything important comes up and you need me"

To which came a loud and sounding reply "Not going to happen Doctor Grayson, see you in September" to which the door to the Cypher & Decryption offices were closed in her face. Allison stood there for a second then smiled as she heard the laughter coming from behind the doors, then with a deep breath and a giant weight lifted off her shoulders Allison started her well deserved vacation at the beach house with her daddies. She knew that the office could run without her, ever since that screw up with two of her agents, the office had been running so smoothly that it almost seemed they didn't need her anymore, But she was the head of the department and at work as Allison it was still very tough for her to give up control. But she trusted her people and she knew they could handle it so as Gibbs always said "Trust your gut" and let go.

Since it was the fourth of July weekend traffic was heavy and it took Allison almost twice as long to get home than usual. Tobias and Gibbs had both beaten her home and were sitting on the couch trying to watch the news when she arrived. As Allison entered the house both men jumped up and greeted her at the door and she willing went into their arms. Normally one of them was the last one home, so it was a rarity that they beat her home.

"Are you alright Ali?" asked Gibbs as he took her purse and suit jacket from her, it had gotten warm for July in D.C. So as soon as Allison had left her building she'd taken off her jacket and rolled up her sleeves.

"I'm fine Daddy, just got stuck in traffic and it didn't want to text you while I was driving. Did you get your vacation papers, my Director gave me an extra month off. I don't have to be back until after Labor Day!"

"Same with us princess, it seems that our agents have stepped up and are giving us all an extra month of vacation time. Do you want to stay down at the beach house or come back for August?" asked Tobias as he led her into the living room and sat down with her on the couch.

"I think I want to stay down in Chesapeake Beach, if we come back in August everyone is going to want to come over, and you two will be chomping at the bit to get back to work" said Ali with a smile, she was still slightly in Allison mode having not yet switch to Ali yet.

"Yeah right baby girl, you're one to talk. I'll bet you a dinner that your last words were "Call me if anything important comes up" said Gibbs with laugh then started tickling Allison to get her into Ali mode. Tickling was a sure fire way to bring out the little girl in Ali

With her writhing between the two men as they went at her from both sides Ali soon emerged and she was screaming "I give, I give!" called Ali as she slumped against Tobias' chest. She was breathing so hard it took her a few minutes to catch her breath before she could answer "You're right Daddy, but they told me "Not going to happen" and I was to see them in September, then they shut the door in my face"

"Good for them, so do you still want to have everyone over for the fourth or just leave Saturday and celebrate down in Chesapeake?" asked Tobias

"I want to celebrate here, after all it's going to be two whole months without my brothers, sisters, grandma and grandpa Ducky" said Ali teasingly, knowing full well that she would be calling each and every one of them at least a dozen or more time while they were down there.

"Awwww poor baby" said Gibbs with mock sympathy in his voice

"Oh phooey Daddy, so is everyone still coming?" asked Ali all of a sudden worried that their extended vacation time had changed the plans

"Don't worry baby girl, everyone will be over here by eight thirty to help with the chores and closing up the house. Mrs. Travis is going to watch the house, and Tim, Tony and Palmer have promised to take care of the yard work and any chores that need to be done while were gone. After lunch were going to grill the hot dogs and hamburgers, have a picnic out here on the patio then stay up and watch the fire works. After that we'll probably need to get to bed early since I plan on leaving no later than ten o' clock Sunday. That way we can be down in Chesapeake Beach by lunch time and have you down for your nap in your own room" said Gibbs, as soon as he and Tobias had gotten wind of the fact that there might be extra vacation time coming they'd worked out a plan to have someone take care of the house. They knew that Ali would worry so they'd planned it all out right down to the activities of this weekend, that way Ali could be totally in "Ali mode" and not have to worry starting her vacation off right.

As Ali sagged against Gibbs she said softly "Oh thank you Daddy" things had been so hectic at work that it was getting hard for Ali, even on weekends to let go of Allison and become Ali. She really needed this time off to just let go and be Ali for a while and her daddies had stepped up and taken care of everything for her once again. It was times like these that she couldn't believe how lucky she'd been to not only find Gibbs but Tobias as well, two men who were willing to put up with acting like a two year old child and almost totally taking over for her. In her life she'd found that most men wouldn't do that but these two had even going so far as to sacrifice their own need and wants for hers.

"No problem sweetheart, now how about we go upstairs and get you into "Ali mode" so your vacation can start now" said Tobias as she looked at his second daughter, she looked tired and really needed to relax and unwind a bit before they started the hectic weekend activities.

"Yes Papa, but can I wear one of my nightdresses after my shower tonight?" asked Ali.

Since she'd shown them the website, Auggie, Ziva and Abby had bought Ali several of the woman's nightdresses with matching robes and on occasion she had worn them around the house. Mostly when she was tired from working a long day or weekend as Allison and was having trouble letting go of her. It was during those times that she needed reassuring that she was pretty as Allison but still Ali as well. Gibbs and Tobias had willing allowed Ali to wear the nightdresses but still insisted on her acting and them treating her as Ali. So far no problems had arisen and they both had to admit that she did look very beautiful while wearing them.

As Tobias stood up he pulled Ali with him and together they went upstairs to turn their Allison into Ali. After Tobias had given Ali her shower and changed her into a clean diaper he let her choose one of her nightdresses and then left to meet her downstairs, this being one of the only times that Gibbs or Tobias didn't wait for her in her room feeling that she needed a little privacy as she transitioned from Allison to Ali. Normally she would slip into Ali's personality either while they were in the shower or as they changed and dressed her but when she wore the nightdresses it took her a little longer, usually until after dinner while they were cuddling on the couch she would slip into Ali. They granted Allison/Ali this time because she usually didn't ask that often, mostly just wanting to sleep in the nightdress while she was already in full Ali mode. But tonight was different, she still hadn't let go of Allison yet so they waited and gave her the time and space she needed until they had their "baby" Ali.

As Ali descended the stairs they once again noticed that even for a sixty-three year old woman she was beautiful. She had a grace about her that most women would kill for and a natural beauty that shown no matter what she was wearing, wither she was Ali or Allison at time like these her natural beauty shinned through.

"You look beautiful princess" said Gibbs as he came up to her and enfolded her in his arms.

"Thank you Daddy" said Ali shyly

"So since it's later than we usually eat do you want to fix a quick dinner or call for a pizza?" asked Tobias

"Pizza sounds good Papa, but nothing spicy. I think I might have eaten a little to much at the lunch party today before I left work?"

"Ali, what did we tell you about eating to much. Do you need us to give you an enema before you go to bed tonight?" asked Gibbs

Ali had had one previous encounter with gluttony and paid dearly for it with an upset stomach in which she'd had to miss their second family cookout the last first time Jack came to visit. Since then she'd been really good about watching the amount of food she ate but she was probably surprised and a little excited about finding out they had been given an extra month of vacation and over done it. As Gibbs and Tobias looked at her they could tell that she didn't feel one hundred percent but she also wasn't as sick as she was the first time.

"No Daddy, I've taken some Pepto-Bismol and it's help. I just don't want anything spicy" said Ali

"Alright princess, regular pizza cut the onions it is" said Gibbs as he got up and ordered their usual pizza to be delivered.

Thirty minutes later the three of them were eating pizza and drinking soda and beer in the living room while they watched a baseball game. After the pizza was finished and the plates and glasses washed and put away Ali took her place on the couch, laying her head on Tobias' lap while he leaned against Gibbs. As usual by the seventh inning Ali's eyes were drooping and by the end of the game she was sound asleep. As Gibbs carefully moved from behind Tobias he leaned over and picked up Ali and together they carried their adult/child daughter up to bed then retreated to the master bedroom to start their own mini vacation.

-NCIS-

At eight o' clock the next morning Gibbs woke Ali and after a diaper changed Ali dressed in her favorite fourth of July play set and by eight-thirty Ali, Tobias, Gibbs and all of their extended family were in kitchen trying to negotiate the usual chaos that ensued when there was a full extended family meal preparation. Thirty minutes later breakfast was being eaten at the dining room table and when breakfast was done the younger men departed into the kitchen for clean-up while Ali, Ziva, Abby headed towards upstairs to start the upstairs chores. Tobias, Gibbs, Auggie and Ducky lingered in the dinning room while the younger members of their family did the household chores.

"How's she's doing Jethro?" asked Ducky as he looked at the two men sitting across from him

"She's tired Ducky, we all are, and I'm a little worried about her. She's been having a hard time giving up Allison at the end of the day"

"How do you mean Jethro?" asked Auggie as she sat up a little straighter in her chair. She'd been worried about Ali since she'd heard that all three were working long hours and even some weekends to get these two months off.

"She's been asking to wear her nightdresses a little more often then usual recently" answered Tobias

"Was she Ali or Allison while she was wearing them?"

"Mostly Allison, but by the time dinner is over she's usually Ali" said Gibbs

At his answer Auggie answered with a smile "That's normal for her Jethro, she feels her life is finally perfect and she's just been given a two month vacation at her special place with her daddies. Allison now has to give up control, even temporarily, of one big part of her life that she's always had complete control over. You know as well as I do that Allison is a control freak and it's hard for her to give up that control, but for the two of you she's willing to do that. The fact that she asks to be Allison just a little longer while she's home with the two of you is telling"

"Do you think we should postpone the vacation then and spend some time her with her before we head down to Chesapeake Beach?" asked Tobias

"Heaven's no! She needs that time and place to be with the two of you. What you need to do is just give her the extra time as Allison that she needs and love her unconditionally. She's just having a little bit of a trouble giving up that control, but as you said she eventually turns into Ali"

"Yes, usually after dinner while we're cuddling on the couch"

"Answer me one more question? While she's wearing her nightdress is she acting like Allison or Ali?"

"Ali" said Tobias with a smile

"Then I wouldn't worry, Ali just wants to feel pretty a little longer. While she's Allison, Ali has always dressed professionally but very stylish and elegant while she's at work right?"

"We'll yes, when she's at the office" said Gibbs

"And when she's home she's cute, little Ali"

"Yes" said Tobias

"Then there you have it, Ali wants to feel as pretty as Allison so she asks to wear her nightdresses even though she's totally Ali am I right?"

"Your right, I just wish we could convince her that she doesn't have to wear her nightdresses to be pretty to us" said Gibbs

"Oh my dear Jethro, it's not you that Ali is wearing the nightdresses for" said Ducky with a smile "Correct me if I'm wrong but didn't you just say that even though she's wearing the nightdresses she's still Ali"

"Yes but..." said Tobias

"Ducky's right boys, Ali is wearing the nightdresses for Ali. She's having a momentary confidence crisis, and when she wears the nightdress she feels as pretty as Allison while she's at work. Give her that time and just love her unconditionally" said Auggie

"That's a given guys" said Gibbs with a smile

"So what can we do to help her with her confidence crisis?" asked Tobias

"I'm afraid that's something Ali's going to have to work out herself, but just love her and give her as many happy memories as you can as Ali this summer. You also might want to try to taking her out dressed up but as Ali" suggested Auggie

"Auggie, you can't be serious. You know how Ali is, she can't be out in public as an adult " asked Gibbs rather loudly

"Jethro calm down, it's not as preposterous as it sounds" said Ducky "You said so yourself that Ali as Allison is always very beautifully dressed, so if you take her out dressed up as Ali then she'll feel pretty as Ali as well"

"Ducky, she's a two year old when she's Ali, how is she supposed to be an adult as Ali. You didn't see her while she was struggling to be Allison full time" said Tobias with a hitch in his voice at the memory.

"My dear Tobias, I think you're under estimating Ali. Yes, I will admit that most of the time Ali acts like a two year old but given the proper preparation and situation I believe Ali can act like an adult"

"Ohhh I don't know guys" said Gibbs with a shake of his head

"Don't under estimate her, just think about taking Ali out in public and see what happens I'll bet she'll surprise you"

"You two aren't going to give this up are you?" asked Gibbs

At the smile on the two peoples face across from his both men sighed and put their hands to their faces.

"Alright, alright. We'll think about" said Tobias with a sigh.

Just a few minutes later Ali came bouncing downstairs, throwing her arms around Tobias' neck.

"Papa, papa. Guess what Ziva and Abby brought me?"

"What's that princess?" asked Gibbs with a smile, Ali was so excited and it was anyones guess what Ali's two sisters had brought Ali

"Come on, come look" said Ali as she took a hand of both men and pulled them towards the stairs.

With a smile on their faces both Tobias and Gibbs let Ali pull them upstairs, to her room where hanging in her closet were several sleeveless dresses with full skirts. Ali let their hands go in the middle of her room and walked to the closet with almost reverence to gently touch the dresses through the dry cleaners bag. As she turned around she was almost eerily quiet and still and looked at the two men before her.

"Daddy, Papa. Do you think that maybe well...maybe I could wear this dress out sometimes...just the three of us"

At the snickers from behind them both Gibbs and Tobias turned and looked at the smiling and unconcealed chuckling of both Augustina Chandler and Ducky Mallard.

"Alright, alright. You we're right" said Gibbs with a smile then turned to his daughter as she stood watching the four older adults. "Yes Ali, how about you pack the dresses and we'll see what we can do while we're down in Chesapeake. Is that okay?"

"Oh thank you Daddy, thank you Papa" yelled Ali as she hugged Gibbs then Tobias bouncing on her toes.

"Okay, how about we get back to the chores so we can get to the fun part this celebration" said Gibbs as he wrapped his arm around her waist and headed her back out of her bedroom.

By lunch time all the chores were done and once again the whole family was in the kitchen fixing a lunchtime buffet of cold cuts, potatoes salad and cole slaw. After the plates were filled everyone headed towards the patio were lunch was a happy affair which resulted in Ali falling asleep against Gibbs' side on one of the patio lounge chairs.

"We'll I think I'll leave the clean up to you guys and put this little one down for her nap" said Gibbs as he handed their plates to Tobias, then picked up Ali and headed into the house.

After a diaper change, Gibbs undressed Ali until she was just wearing her tank top and then got a bottle from her refrigerator then gave it to Ali and quietly pulled up her bed rail. As he left he turned on her sleep music, then grabbed the baby monitor and left Ali's room.

-NCIS-

As usual Ali was awake by three fifteen and redress in one of her sundresses and sandals. As Ali and Tobias headed back downstairs to find the rest of her family waiting for her in the living room.

"Hey princess, how was you're nap?" asked Ducky he came over to her and led her into the kitchen to fix her a snack.

Ten minutes later Ducky and Ali returned to the living room to rummage through Ali's toy chest and then headed out towards the backyard.

"Tony, Tim, you want to play with us? Grandpa's going to show me how to throw a cricket ball" called Ali from just inside the sliding door.

After looking at the group Tony called "Sure squirt, hey did I ever tell you..."

"Tony don't let her get hot out there" called Tobias as he watched Tony, Tim, Ali and Ducky playing in the backyard.

Two and a half hours later Gibbs called a halt to the game of make-shift cricket and took her upstairs to change her diaper, after that Ali spent the rest of the late afternoon playing in the shade of the patio on her puzzle, As the day wore on Ali became more and more excited that finally Abby and Ziva took her into the house and started preparing their fourth of July cookout.

By the time the grill was ready Ali, Tim, Ziva and Palmer had the food ready and soon everyone was eating hamburgers, hot dogs, pork & beans and cole slaw. For desert Ziva and Ali had made a special desert of individual fourth of July shortcakes. After the food was ready everyone eat on the patio tables enjoying each others company and watching the sunset.

After everything was eaten and cleaned up everyone Tobias and Gibbs took Ali upstairs to get her ready for bed. As a surprise while Gibbs changed Ali's diaper Tobias picked out one of Ali's nightdresses and matching robe and carefully hid it behind his back as he re entered Ali's bedroom.

"Ali princess, I think you should wear this tonight" said Tobias as he pulled the nightdress and robe from behind his back.

With a squeal of delight Ali climbed over Gibbs and ran to Tobias throwing her arms around his neck.

"Oh Papa really, you'll let me wear one of my nightdresses in front of everyone?" asked Ali as she looked at Tobias and then Gibbs.

At their smiles Ali once again threw herself at each man then grabbing the nightdress and robe from Tobias ran to the bathroom calling "Don't go anywhere please...I want you to go downstairs with me"

"Of course princess, we'll both stay right here" said Tobias as they both sat back down on Ali's bed.

Five minutes later Ali opened the door just a crack and looked out calling "Daddy, Papa?"

"We're still here baby girl, come on out and let us look at you" said Gibbs as he stood up and moved to the center of the room.

A few minutes the door opened a little bit further and Ali looked around then shyly moved out from behind the door to slowly move into the room. Gibbs and Tobias stood looking at Ali then each in turned moved to take her into their arms.

"Oh Ali, you look beautiful" said Gibbs as he held her at arms length and looked over his daughter.

Ali stood blushing and dropped her chin and tried to pull away but Tobias quickly came up behind her wrapping his arms around her waist.

"He's right little one, you look beautiful and we will happily show you off to the rest of the family"

"Papa" blushed Ali as she turned in his arms and buried her face in his shirt.

"If you feel uncomfortable Ali you can change into one of your other sleep sets" said Gibbs as he came over to the pair and gently started rubbing Ali's back.

A few minutes later Ali turned around in Tobias' arms looking at the two men in front of her.

"I would like to show everyone one of my nightdresses if that's okay?" said Ali shyly

"You can do anything you want baby girl, Tobias and I will be right by your side through anything and everything you do"

"Oh thank you Daddy" cried Ali as she went from Tobias' arms into Gibbs.

A few minutes later as Gibbs rubbed Ali's shoulders she once more rubbed her face against Gibbs' then stepped back wiping her nose on the back on her hand which made both Gibbs and Tobias laugh while Gibbs moved to her dresser grabbing a baby wipe cleaning her hand and face.

"Okay baby girl, now if you're absolutely sure about this lets get this show on the road" said Gibbs as he gently wiped her face one more time then wrapped his arm around her waist and lead her out of the room throwing the baby wipe in the trash on the way out.

With a smile Tobias followed both Gibbs and Ali out of her bedroom and then down the stairs to find the rest of the family waiting in the living room. At first everyone was casually talking until Ducky looked up and whispered "Oh my"

At his small whisper everyone stopped talking and looked up at the people descending the stairs.

"Oh Ali, you look beautiful" said Abby as she slowly walked towards the Ali.

Gibbs had stopped one step above Ali with Tobias right behind him just as Abby came up to Ali.

"Abby are you sure...I could" stammered Ali as she ducked her head.

"You look beautiful Ali, doesn't she guys?" asked Abby as she took Ali's hand and gently pulled her into the living room

"Oh yeah, you look...you look beautiful squirt. I mean Ali" stammered Tony as stood there with his mouth open staring at the woman that he considered his younger sister. Looking at her now, even at sixty-three, Ali looked beautiful.

"Yes Ktantonet, see you've even made Tony speechless" said Ziva as she came over and stood before Abby and Ali.

"Well my sweet, why don't we retire to the patio to get a good seat for the fireworks" said Ducky as he came over to Ali, taking her arm and leading her towards the patio.

As everyone settled into the patio chairs Ali snuggled between Tobias and Gibbs who were sharing an extra wide lounge chair which they had made when they'd bought the second patio furniture. Ten minutes later the fireworks began and soon everyone was enthralled by the fireworks display. Tobias had turned on a local radio station who was broadcasting patriotic music set to the local fireworks display. An hour later everyone gave a final "Awe" as the final grand display of fireworks exploded and the last strains of the "Eighteen twelve overture" played over the radio Gibbs and Tobias looked down at their daughter. Ali was snuggled against Tobias' side with her face buried in the side of his shirt.

With a deep chuckle Gibbs swung his legs over the side of the chair then stood and reached down gently picking up Ali up and carrying her upstairs to change her once more then put her to bed. Downstairs Tobias helped the rest of their family clean up the patio and kitchen then walked everyone out to their cars.

"Thanks for coming everyone" called Tobias from the porch as he watched his extended family head towards their cars.

"Thanks for inviting us Tobias, and tell Ali that she looked as beautiful as the fireworks" called Ducky as he and Jimmy Palmer entered his car.

"Yes, tell the squirt that she looked really nice" said Tony

"DiNozzo!" called Ziva as she reached over and smacked the back of his head.

"Hey!" called Tony as he ducked into his car into his car while Ziva entered the passengers side of the same car.

"Night Tobias" called Tim as he and Abby entered his car.

As each car pulled away Tobias waved to each vehicle until they were out of sight then when the last car was out of sight Tobias turned and re entered the house. As Tobias entered the house he quickly checked the alarm system then headed upstairs to find Gibbs just coming out of Ali's bedroom.

"Ali alright?" asked Tobias, then was quickly pulled into his lovers embrace and slowly walked backwards towards their bedroom where once inside both men set off their own set of fireworks.