I'm sorry for the delay. I had a lot to do in the last days.

Enjoy the new chapter:)

I don't own anything. The characters belong to CBS.

Chapter 17

"Tony, give me the remote control. I don't want to watch this."

"Forget it, McGrumpy. This is a classic. Everyone loves this."

"Well, I don't. So, can we please change the DVD?"

"No, just give it a few minutes and then you get it, too."

"We already watched half an hour. It's not getting better."

Gibbs sighed heavily in the kitchen. What had he been thinking when he told his team to sleep at his place? Well, he wanted to make sure that they are alright. That his little family was safe. But now they started to act like little children because they couldn't agree on a movie they all liked. Why did he even bother to make them dinner?

"Hey, Gibbs."

Surprised he turned to the forensic scientist, who was standing in the door with a blanket around her shoulders.

"What are you doing here, Abs? Didn't I tell you not to leave the couch?"

"Tony and McGee are fighting, and I'm not in the mood to listen to them."

"I'll end this once and for all," Gibbs growled and wanted to storm by his surrogate daughter, but she stepped in his way.

"Don't, please. They were kidnapped and locked up for days. They need a little fighting to feel like themselves again."

Gibbs narrowed his eyes, while he observed the woman in front of him. She was a little pale again and definitely not her usual happy self. Softly the silver fox laid his hand on her cheek.

"How do you feel?"

"I'm good."

"Abs…"

"I'm getting better. Being out of this hospital helps a lot. I need things, which give me comfort and give me a good feeling. Like home, family, friends or work."

"You're not going back to work for the next few weeks."

"We'll talk about that on another day."

"Not a chance. You almost died this time. I held you in my arms, and you weren't breathing. Do you have any idea how bad…?"

Gibbs couldn't finish the question. His heart was giving him pain when he thought back to this horrible moment. It had been his worst nightmare coming true.

Abby knew her boss well enough to know what he must have felt and how bad it did infect him. She must have reminded him of the time when he had lost Kelly. Carefully, she pulled her arms around his waist and gave him one of her hugs.

"I tried to save air as much as I could, but in the end, there was nothing left. I wanted to stay awake until you find me, but…"

"It's not your fault, Abs. The one, who is responsible for our pain, is Mister Watson. I can't hurt him anymore since he is already in prison, but I will make sure that he will never come out again."

"Sounds fantastic."

Suddenly, they noticed a bad smell in the kitchen.

"Ehm, Gibbs? I think your sauce is more than ready."

"Damn it!"

Quickly, Gibbs released Abby and turned back to the dinner he was preparing. If he wouldn't be more careful, they had to order something.

"Why don't you go back in there and give those two idiots a head slap from me?"

"I would rather help you here."

"There is nothing you can do. The dinner is ready, I just have to put it on some plates."

"So, there is something I can help you with."

"No, it's not."

"You can't carry all plates at once."

"Then I have to go twice. Go back to the boys."

"Have you talked to Bishop?"

"She called me as soon as she and Jake arrived at home. It sounded as if tonight would end in a nice dinner and a long sleep."

"That's good."

Gibbs went silent, while he filled four plates with the food. When he wanted to carry two plates to his fighting kids, he noticed that Abby hadn't moved an inch. She had a big smile on her lips and held out her hands to help him. Sighing, the former marine handed her the plates.

"Why can't you just do what I say?"

"I want to help you."

"And I want you to take some rest."

"And I will. But not now."

"Go, we have to split the crazy birds out there."

Together they entered the living room. Tony and McGee were lying on the ground, both fighting for the remote control. Gibbs placed his plates on the table before he grabbed the stupid device out of their hands.

"Enough with this nonsense! You both stop this immediately, or you will help me in the house for the next weeks."

"Boss, Tony isn't willing to…"

"I don't want to hear this. Eat your dinner."

Abby giggled, while she put the third plate down. Then she went with her dinner to the couch, which she shared with Gibbs. The boys used the floor as their place to watch the movie. Tony earned a light head slap before everyone turned to their food, and silence fell on the living room, except for the TV, which was still showing 'Sherlock Holmes – The Woman in Green'.

"Daddy! Daddy, wake up!"

Tired Gibbs groaned. He needed sleep. Why couldn't they all leave him alone?

"Daddy! I know that you can hear me! Wake up!"

He knew this voice. No, he heard those words before! Quickly, the former marine opened his eyes and was rewarded with two beautiful green eyes. Abby's little face was leaning over him and she smiled when she saw that he was awake.

"See? I knew you heard me, daddy. Why didn't you answer me?"

"Abby."

This time, he remembered. He had this nightmare before. He was in the squad room, and this was his little Abby, who he had scared off.

"I know my name. I want an answer."

Gibbs just looked at her and admired her beauty. She was so innocent and filled with love. The last time, he had pushed her away, because he hadn't wanted to believe this dream. Because he wasn't her dad. This time, he wouldn't make the same mistake.

"Daddy? Are you deaf?"

The little girl was poking his chest with her little fingers. Smiling, Gibbs grabbed her, pulled her onto his stomach and started to tickle her. Abby squeaked, while she tried to escape his strong hands.

"Let me go!"

"What's going on here?"

Little Tony appeared in front of his desk.

"Tony, help me! Daddy tickles me!"

Gibbs sat up, then he tried to grab the unsuspecting boy, but Tony wasn't stupid. Quickly, he jumped out of Gibbs' reach.

"Not a chance, dad."

Abby wanted to use the distraction to run away, but the old man wasn't ready to let go of the sweet girl. Softly he held her close to him and gave her a kiss on her hair.

"Daddy, I can't breathe," Abby giggled.

"That's not true. You can still speak, so, there is plenty of air left."

She pushed him away with her tiny arms, and Gibbs played along. Smiling he pushed her small nose, which ended in another giggle.

"I'm sorry, boss. I tried my best to keep an eye on them, but they are really quick."

Bishop arrived with McGee's younger self. She was still a full grown-up.

"Never apologize. It's a sign of weakness," Gibbs replied.

"Right, rule number 6. I promise that I won't let them out of my side anymore."

If everything went as planned Pride and Callen should arrive any minute.

"Hey, kids. Have you already driven your father crazy?"

"Agent Pride! That is not funny," Bishop said angrily to the older agent.

And here they were. Suddenly, Gibbs felt how Abby winded herself out of his embrace and ran towards his friend.

"How is my sweet Abby?"

"Uncle Pride!"

Pride lifted the giggling girl up in the air until he rested her on his hip. Her pigtails were swinging up and down. A memory appeared in front of Gibbs' eyes. Abby in Pride's arms, the darkness coming closer, four men who were attacking them, Abby screaming for help. Gibbs was on his feet within a second and took a closer look at the office. There was no darkness or a cold coming over him. The sun was shining through the windows as if nothing could destroy this beautiful moment.

"Hell, Gibbs. You look terrible. You should go home and take a nap," Callen said, "The case is closed. The killer is in prison, and Pride, Bishop and I will finish the paperwork."

"He is right, boss. Leave it to us and take your kids home," Bishop agreed.

"Home!" cheered Abby, and her brothers supported her.

Gibbs smiled at the happy faces of his children. It seemed as if this time, this wouldn't be a nightmare. Relieved, he held out his arms. A sign for his daughter to come back to him. Of course, the little girl reacted immediately and reached out for her daddy, who pulled the child in his arms. Abby put her arms around his neck.

`This is not a nightmare. It officially turned into a dream.´

"Let's go boys. We go home."

"Tony, stop it! That's not funny!"

"If Ziva would be here she would have kicked your ass by now."

The scene had changed into his second nightmare. Would it end like the one he had nights ago or would it change into a good dream just like the one in the squad room?

`Maybe I need to change it by doing something different than the first time.´

Gibbs left his basement and entered the living room. Just like he thought, he found Tony and McGee fighting over the… he couldn't remember what the name of the computer game was. And Abby was trying to help McGee. Quickly, Gibbs crossed the room. He saw his little girl falling, but before she could meet the floor he was there and lifted her up in the air. Abby released a small squeak until she realized who caught her.

"Tony! Give your brother the computer game-thing!"

"It's a Nintendo, Dad, and not a computer game."

"Don't talk back to me, young man. Give Tim that stupid game or you are grounded."

"That's not fair! Tim and Abby are always playing! When is my turn?"

"Not now. Do I have to lock it away or do you listen to me?"

Tony gave him the evil eye, then he gave in and handed over the game.

"Good boy."

"It's still not fair."

"Daddy, Tony pushed me."

"He didn't mean it, Abs."

"But he…"

"What do you say about this? Do you want to help me with our dinner?"

"Dad, I want a pizza!" yelled Tony.

"No, we had pizza two days ago," Abby objected "I want a burger."

"Boys, no fighting anymore. Abby and I, we make Spaghetti Bolognese, and you guys play nicely together or you will read a book."

Gibbs didn't wait for an answer. Instead, he walked with his little girl to the kitchen.

"Daddy, I want to play with Tony and McGee."

"But I need your help with our dinner. Don't you like it to prepare our food?"

"Yes, I do."

"Good, then let's get started."

The former marine left Abby on a chair, while he went to the refrigerator.

"Alright, we need…"

Suddenly, he heard his doorbell.

`Did this happen the last time too? No, in my nightmare there was this ice cream melody. The shadow man wouldn't walk to my door and ask nicely for my children.´

"I open the door!" said Abby happily.

Shocked, Gibbs heard how his little girl ran out of the kitchen.

"Abby, don't!"

Immediately, he ran after her, but at the time he reached her, Tony had opened the front door. The worried father grabbed the little child and pulled her into his arms before she could get within the grasp of the intruder.

"Don't do this ever again! Do you hear me? I'm the only one, who is allowed to open the door!" Gibbs told her angry.

"But I didn't open the door," Abby whispered with tears in her eyes.

"But you wanted to do it! And you would have if Tony wouldn't have been faster!"

"Gibbs, why are you yelling?" asked a familiar voice, "It's just me. Your kids know me."

Gibbs turned to their guest and saw his friend Pride. It wasn't the shadow man. Did he already change his nightmare by taking Abby with him in the kitchen? Had this been enough? Gibbs felt relief washing over him when he saw the friendly face of the old agent.

"I thought… it doesn't matter. Please, come in."

Gibbs mentioned to Tony to close the door and when he turned, he saw that tears were rolling down on Abby's cheeks. Immediately, his bad conscience appeared and was biting him. He was the reason for her sadness and all because he wanted to keep her safe. Gibbs pressed the little one closer to him and gave her a kiss on her temple.

"I'm sorry, Abs," he whispered, "I didn't mean to yell at you."

"Never apologize – it's a sign of weakness," she recalled his rule.

"Not with you. When I do something wrong to you, then I have to apologize."

Little Abby put her arms around his neck and squeezed him tight, but he didn't care. She was the last person on earth, he wanted to anger.

"I forgive you, daddy," she whispered back.

"Thank you, little one."

"Alright, enough with this sneaky talking. I want to hug my goddaughter," Pride interrupted.

Gibbs smiled before he turned back to his kitchen.

"Who says that you owned this privilege?"

"Gibbbbbbs."

"You can play with the boys. Abby and I, we have to make dinner."

"Daddy, watch out!" giggled the girl.

The ex-marine turned just in time. Pride had a pillow in his hands and it was clear that he would use it.

"Catch."

Gibbs caught the soft cotton with his free hand. Pride used his distraction to grab the little girl out of his arms.

"Hey!"

His friend ran to the couch, then he shielded Abby with his body.

"You don't get her back."

"I said you can play with the boys," Gibbs said, while he beat up Pride with the pillow.

"But I want to cuddle with Abby."

"And I need her to make dinner."

"She can't help you. She will just sit beside you and watch you how you prepare the food."

"It's not your decision to make."

"Abby doesn't want to go to the kitchen. Right, Abby?"

"Stop talking her into…"

"I want to play with Uncle Pride," the smiling girl answered.

"See? She knows what's good for her. Go to your dinner. I stay with the kids."

Pride was smiling from one ear to another. He knew he had won this argument and he didn't regret it for even a second. Sighing Gibbs gave up. He left the pillow on Pride's head, then he returned to his kitchen. He knew when he had lost a battle, and the dinner wouldn't make itself.

"Daddy? Daddy."

Groaning, Gibbs noticed that the scene had changed again. Two nightmares lied behind him. This could only mean that the third one was next. Hopefully, this one would turn into a good dream as well.

"Daddy?"

The tired team leader opened his eyes and got his confirmation right away. In front of him, stood little Abby with her stuffed bat. This could only mean that in three, two, one… The bright flash illuminated the whole room and was soon followed by the loud crash. Abby's scream hurt his ears, but at least he awoke fully. Gibbs sat upright on the couch. His little daughter had her eyes closed and hugged the bat tightly. Carefully, he pulled her into his arms with a little smile on his face. She grabbed his shirt, immediately, as if she was afraid he would let her go again.

"It's okay, sweetheart. It's just a thunderstorm. You're completely safe in here."

"Dad?"

`And here are my boys.´

Tony and McGee stood in front of the stairs, just like the last time.

"Come here."

Abby cuddled closer to him. She didn't want him to let her go. Gibbs pulled McGee close to him, while Tony was fine with just cuddling against him. The second flash and thunder came, and all three kids shrugged.

"Daddy, make the thunder go away," Abby whined.

"I can't, sweetheart."

"But you can do everything. You're my daddy."

Tony sighed beside him, but this time Gibbs wouldn't allow him to say anything against his little sister.

"I know you think I'm Superman, Abs, but the weather is something I can't change. I have a better idea. Why don't we go upstairs to my bedroom and we all cuddle there? I will stay with you guys the whole time until the thunderstorm is gone."

"Do you promise?" asked Abby.

"I swear I won't leave."

"I'm in," McGee said.

The two boys walked back upstairs. Gibbs moved Abby a little, so, he was able to walk with her on his hip. Then he walked to his front door and locked it. As soon as he heard the save click, he froze. He did this the last time, too. Still, it didn't stop the shadow man from taking his children. What if this was useless? But he changed the first two dreams. What did he have to change to protect his children in this version?

"Why do you lock the door, daddy?"

"Because I feel safer when I know that no one can get inside."

"But you never lock the door."

"Well, this time I do. I'll keep you and your brothers safe."

Gibbs gave her a kiss on her forehead before he went upstairs to his bedroom and his waiting boys.

He placed Abby on the blanket when another lightning appeared. She screamed because of the loud thunder and was clutching his shirt again in an instant. Gibbs suppressed the upcoming laugh and put her between her brothers. Like the last time, she snuggled closer to Tony, who put his arm around her. Gibbs joined his kids under the blanket, then all three of them moved closer to him before they closed their eyes and went to sleep. The ex-marine thought about closing his own eyes, but he couldn't stop his thoughts. What if this nightmare wouldn't change like the others? What if Watson would come inside and take them away again?

`No, trust yourself. You saved your team in the real world. You can save them here too. This time, no one will take them away from you.´

Gibbs allowed the dream to move forward by closing his eyes.

"Daddy!"

Immediately, Gibbs was awake and searched with his hands for the three little bodies. But the bed was empty!

"Daddy!"

Suddenly, the weight of a four-year-old girl crashed into him and threw him on his back.

"Wake up, daddy. I'm hungry."

"Abby?"

"I'm hungry."

"Where are your brothers?"

"Playing with the Nintendo. I want pancakes for breakfast. Like 50."

"You eat 50 pancakes?" asked Gibbs with a smile on his face.

"Sure, I'm a big girl, and they need a big breakfast."

Gibbs laughed, then he took a look out of the window. The thunderstorm was over. The sky was blue, and the sun was up too. Apparently, he made it through the night without losing his children to the darkness. Laughing, he grabbed Abby and threw her in the air. The little girl giggled happily before her dad caught her again and covered her face with uncountable kisses.

"Daddy!"

Finally, he released her, and she crawled to the end of the bed. Far away from his grasp.

"What is going on with you?"

"I'm just glad to see you and to have you here with me."

"Where else should I be? We have no kindergarten this week."

Gibbs smiled, then he moved his legs out of bed. Abby, who was scared he would start with the kissing again, jumped off the bed, but she wasn't as fast as her dad with her short legs. Before she reached the door, he had pulled her into his arms again.

"Daddy! Let me go!"

"Not a chance."

The team leader found his two boys in the living room playing with the tech-thing Abby mentioned before.

"Good morning, boys."

He gave each one of them a kiss on the head, which they tried to avoid.

"Dad! We are playing!" Tony protested.

"Come on, Abby. Let's make pancakes."

Humming Gibbs walked to his kitchen. His world was perfect again.

There is one last chapter left.