"Abby, two weeks ago you came to my house at 2 AM to admit you messed up with McGee. Now, he's back and you're blaming him for everythin'?"

"I know, Gibbs. And I can't really explain it. I do know that I was at fault for a lot of what happened. I know I treated him badly. Really badly. But it's like he's got a new attitude now and he thinks he's better than the rest of us or something and I hate it!

Oh, yeah, that had been her excuse, alright. But the reality check she'd been given when she finally did speak to Tim just yesterday, for the first time since he'd come back, said differently.

"There you are!"

"Abby."

"We need to talk."

"About?"

"Seriously? The class, McGee! The class! Jeez, what'd you think we'd have to talk about after the way you just up and quit on Gibbs the way you did? I'll tell you what, Mister. If it wasn't for Vance making me do this with you - I'd have nothing to say to you - At. All!"

"What about the class?"

"Well, you need to tell me exactly what you're planning on teaching these guys. So we don't trip over each other's plans. I know you think you've got it all covered, what with you 'degrees' and everything but…"

"You can see for yourself."

Just like the old Tim, he'd let all of her negative stuff slide off his back, as if not affecting him at all. This wasn't anything close to being better than the rest of them. Could Tony have been exaggerating? Why did Abby just take his word for it when it came to Tim? She knew the guy better than anyone. Surely, she'd be able to read the situation with more objectivity than Tony?

"Wow. This is ….this is cool, McGee!"

"Vance did it – well, had it set up. But, yeah, it is cool. Your computer station's over there. The desk over there is yours too. My work station's over on the other side of the room."

"Oh. Afraid we'll get in each other's way, McGee?"

"Actually, I am."

She still feels the sting of his brutally honest response to her attempt at humor in their strained situation but as she sits here at 0630 Saturday morning tired from a sleepless night as she huddles under her afghan, all Abby can do, is think about how to fix this mess. Try as she might, it won't leave her head. Gibbs and Ducky are right. It's not just Tim's doing. In fact, it's more her doing than Tim's. Everything the Director had leveled at them in that initial meeting fit her like a glove and two weeks ago she was full of remorse for it, just like Gibbs pointed out.

Now? Now she's saddened and ashamed that she's allowed herself to flip-flop so horribly as if trying to be sympathetic to all sides. Who did she think she was kidding? What happened to her own sense of integrity? Didn't the fact that Tim asked for her to be assigned to give her input into this class speak volumes as to his? No one has ever had reason to throw stones at the young man's character before. Why is Abby doing so now?

"This some kind of a game to you, Abby? You've done nothing but humiliate him and treat him like your favorite puppy on a good day! Your bad days are even worse; treating him like crap and letting him take the rap for your selfish decisions to break the rules!

Sad, she realizes glumly, that it has taken so many people to point out her screw-ups, for her to get it. The bottom line is thatTim has finally stood up for himself and she should be proud of him for it. It's hard to admit you're wrong when you're the reason someone's walked away from the job they loved and busted their ass for.

…You're the reason he's walking away from the job he busted his ass to earn and keep!"

Maybe her guilt has been masquerading as anger directed at Tim. Only a shrink could tell her that. Oh joy! Yeah, that's just what she needs right about now. Not! Wait, where did this come from anyway?

Being called to the carpet for all her crimes seems to have brought out the less than civil side to her, that much is obvious, even to herself now as she looks back at how horribly she spoke to Tim yesterday. He probably won't want to see an email from her, but it will be the only place she can start to make things right with him. She knows he didn't deserve her attitude and the side of her that loves him like the friend he's long been to her, doesn't want another day to go by without fixing that.

But, first, she has to eat. Her growling stomach won't be put off any longer and it's a long wait before she can actually do anything about this situation anyway, except think it into the ground. Well, that and send the email. But she doesn't want to do that too awfully early, either. She forces herself up off the couch and to the kitchen

Returning to the couch with her plate of toast, Abby sits back down and pulls her afghan around her tighter as she sniffles at the impending arrival of tears. She's made such a mess of things and only she can fix them. But she doesn't know how to start. Yes, you do. You just admitted it.

Restlessly, she puts her untouched plate of toast off to the side and gets to her feet, beginning to pace the small space of her living room. This is important enough that she needs to swallow her pride and do what's right. Even Gibbs is disappointed in her about it. That should have told her all she needed to know when he'd deliberately met with her for coffee to set her straight and she knows it. Especially since Gibbs agreeing with Vance on something like this is such a rare feat. It's one for the record books. Yeah, so, not funny, right now, Abigail! Pick up the phone already!

From seemingly out of nowhere, a slightly older memory whispers through her mind now, catching her off guard.

"Get him back here."
"Abby!"
"Seriously, Gibbs! We can't let him go like this!"

Where had that attitude of a compassionate friend gone? Where had the concern for Tim and all he held dear, disappeared to and why? Apparently, even Ducky had been wondering the same thing.

"Abigail, if Timothy were giving up his position simply because of the hot tub incident, he would have done so before this latest case. The case in which you deliberately allowed yourself to become unavailable after ditching him when he was charged with keeping you safe; or when you treated him so reprehensibly, deliberately disregarding his orders, putting your life and those of your innocent students in danger, while in Mexico."

Between Vance, Gibbs and Ducky, there's been no doubt that they all support Tim wholeheartedly in this mess. Who can argue with that kind of unmovable force? Gibbs sure didn't pull any punches when he had something to say about it.

"Think you'd better start counting yourself lucky not to be on the receiving end of a written reprimand to begin with. I'd stop making so much fuss if I were you."

Even beyond his sister Sarah, Abby wonders if Tim is even half aware of all the support he actually has in this. She hopes so. He deserves to know. Wow. Breakthrough? Heh, maybe. It's a start, anyway, right?

Glancing at her clock, she notices she's been stewing about this for well over an hour now. Time for action. First, one email message of abject apology to Timmy, ah, Tim. After that, an 'emergency' call to Rachel Cranston. She'll tell her like it is. Of that, Abby is sure.

*****NCIS*****

Sleeping in on Saturday is not something Tim's used to doing, well, until recently, that is. But, even know, he finds himself only able to give it until 0700 before he's had enough of doing nothing and gets up to start his day. Turning his phone vibrating over to actual volume, he notices that he has an email alert. Grimacing at the thought, he sets his phone down and heads for coffee. Whatever the message is, whoever it's from, can certainly wait until that necessity has been inhaled.

Curiosity gets the better of him, even though he's pretty sure, it's not Ziva, since she'd call his cell phone. He's just as convinced it's not Gibbs or Ducky. That leaves either Jimmy, Abby or Tony. Well, could be Sarah, too. Or even his mom. She hadn't been too happy with his vacation at the beach that didn't include that slight out of the way jaunt to see her. She had forgiven him though, citing the understanding for his need to be alone to think.

Forcing himself to finish his first cup of coffee before letting himself find the answer, it's only a short two minutes later before he's flipping open his phone and getting to the bottom of the mystery. When he sees the email, he's shocked. Never had he expected this.

"Timmy

"I'm sorry. I know I've been treating you horribly here lately and even over the years – when it suited me. Everything that the Director (and Gibbs and Ducky) has told me- is true. I just couldn't see it - until now.

Well, no, that's not entirely true. Let's just say, I've had some less than stellar moments trying to wrap my head around everything I'm responsible for in this mess. I took that out on you and I'm sorry.

I know it's asking a lot and I know you're probably not ready to answer this. But will you at least think about forgiving me? I promise to do better from now on.

Abby.

His eyes lose focus as he reads the email yet again. Blinking, he notes the time stamp. She sent it not even 30 minutes ago. Well, he's not going to jump into answering her right away. He has to think this through because while he's not willing to hold a grudge, he's also not willing to be her doormat any longer.

If they can get that clearly understood between them, everything should smooth itself out, slowly but surely. As he carefully plans out his response, his heart grows lighter, bringing a wave of relief to him that clears the way for a very optimistic future.

Taking a deep breath, he slowly lets it out – and makes a call. "Hey. I was wondering if you'd be willing to help me with something that's just come up?"

"Good morning, Tim. I will be happy to help." Ziva's cheery tone lets him know she's been up, as he'd suspected. Still he feels relief. It is rather early and he did just take that for granted. Literally head-smacking himself, he vows not to do that again.

"Sorry, it's so early. Ziva."

"Nonsense. I am already up. I am an early riser."

"I know. Still…"

"What is it that has come up that you need my help with?"

"I think it'll be easier to show you in person. If you don't mind coming over here, that is."

"Not at all. I shall be there shortly."

"Thanks, Ziva."

"Do not mention it. That is what friends do, Tim."

"They also remember to say 'thank you.' He reminds her a touch dryly.

"Oh. Right."

Chuckling, he ends the call and gets busy getting ready for her arrival. A quick jump in the shower and a fresh change of clothes later, Tim's hair is wet, as is his bare feet, but his relaxed fit jeans and his pullover long sleeve shirt complete the picture. He's just in time, too as he hears her footsteps coming down the hall on his floor and goes to open the door for her before she has to knock.

His manners bring a smile to her face as she leans in to kiss him on the cheek. "Good morning."

"Moring, Ziva. Thanks for coming."

"Anything for a friend. Now, what is this we need to work on?"

"There's no rush, if you'd rather take a minute and get some coffee. I just made it." He offers shyly.

"I would like that."

Many relaxed moments later, spent quietly drinking coffee and offering pleasantly traded conversation about how their weeks of work has gone, they are back to the subject at hand as Ziva sets her coffee cup down and gets to her feet. "Alright, what is this you need my help with, my friend?"

Tim leads the way to his couch and beckons her to sit down next to him. "Let me show you. I got this email earlier this morning and I thought I'd get your input as to how I should answer it."

"You need my input for an email?" She's surprised to say the least.

"You'll understand when you read it. I think." Tim offers quietly as he hands her the phone with the email in question open for her perusal.

****NCIS*****

The rest of the morning passes in a blur as they turn their day off into one of spending time relaxing at Tim's. Lounging in front of the television with no forced dialogue between them feels so comfortable, Tim almost falls asleep. As his head lurches towards Ziva's shoulder, he becomes aware of the near miss. Realizing his goof, he relinquishes his place on the couch so he can get up and stretch. "Are you hungry, Ziva? It's almost lunch time. We can order out."

"Or." She slowly drawls out as she gets to her feet. "You can allow me to cook for you."

Tim's eyebrows head to his hairline. "You want to cook for me? I mean I know you love to cook, but…"

"Yes, Tim. I want to cook for you. But not right now. Dinner. Tonight."

Tim smiles. "That would be nice."

"First, I must go get what I need to cook with. And you, must take Ducky to get his car."

"You're right. So, should we meet back her at say, six?"

That sounds like the perfect plan, Tim." She admits as she slips her coat on and heads to the door. "And thank you for asking me to help you with the email."

"I appreciate your input. It helped. A lot." Tim offers as he holds the door open for her.

"Until later tonight, then." She promises as she slips away, leaving him to ponder all that's just happened in the space of one short morning.

****NCIS*****

Driving back from the Navy Yard after taking Ducky to get his Morgan, Tim can't help but think back and marvel at Ziva's response to Abby's email.

****Flashback***

Several silent minutes go by before Ziva says anything or even looks away from the phone. Finally she looks over at him. "I am here because you have forgiven her, yes?" Ziva questions softly.

" I've never been able to stay pissed at Abby. Families screw up; they hurt each other; but they mend what's broken and they come back stronger, right?" Tim reasons. "But, wait. How did you….?"

"It is who you are Tim McMcGee. It is one of the qualities I like about you. You hold no ill-will toward others, no matter what they have done to you."

Tim shakes his head. "I'm no saint, Ziva. There's plenty of times I have to really work at that. This was one of them."

"But you have done it. And you should be very proud of yourself.!"

"Thank you. But, most of it is… well, Abby. She obviously feels really bad about the way she handled things and I'm not gonna hold that over her head. But, at the same time…"

"You do not want her to think for a moment that there is anything more between you than friendship" Ziva surmises.

Tim's eyes go wide with surprise. "Not quite what I was thinking, but…I hope she's not letting herself go there."

"I am sorry. I mis-spoke." Ziva offers with abject remorse in her tone.

"No. You didn't. I actually agree with you. I was just surprised to hear you say it." Tim shifts on the couch to get comfortable, accidentally bringing them even closer together. Neither one of them move apart. Their quiet glances speaking volumes for them. "I just need to send her a response that won't be misconstrued or taken wrong."

"What have you thought of so far?"

"All I've got is "Apology accepted. Let's take it one day at a time."

Ziva shakes her head. "No. That leaves it open for her to misunderstand – to believe you are letting her in much more than you really are."

"Oh. Right. Definitely don't want that" Tim smirks as he glances at her.

"Tim. Are you certain? You have loved her for a very long time." Ziva's question is a surprise as is the serious tone it's asked in.

Giving her his full attention, Tim answers her straight from his heart. "Ziva, I gave up on being good enough for her a long time ago. I'm done with that. And if I had any doubt that I was – these last few experiences of being her Protection Detail have removed all of it. So, yes, I'm sure."

"That is a relief." Ziva sighs as she leans back into him.

"Ziva, are you saying what I think you're saying?"

"What I am saying, Tim McGee, is that we must find a different response to give her."

Smiling softly at her aversion, he relents and drops the question. He's rewarded with an offered solution just moments later.

"Why not simply tell her the truth?

"The truth?"

"Yes, Friends always. That is correct, is it not?"

"Well, yeah."

"There is no room for speculation or false hope there."

"Hmm. You're right. It does seem to be exactly what she needs to hear. "Thanks, Ziva."

****End Flashback*****

He hasn't heard from Abby since he answered her email, but then again, he wasn't really expecting to. His mind returns to Ziva, and the dinner they have coming up tonight. It's an unexpected date, but one's he's certainly looking forward to. Speaking of date… he's got lots to do if his place is going to be fit for such an occasion, what with flowers and candles and ambiance…..

The ringing of his cell phone interrupts his flow of thoughts as he absently picks it up to answer it. "Tim McGee."

"Anytime today is good for me, Tim."

"Gibbs. Ah, okay. Actually, I'm already out so, if you'll just name the place, I'll meet you. But I have to go by 4."

"Hot date?"

"Actually…."

"Heh. Relax, Tim. Are you anywhere near the dinner under the bridge?

"What's it called? I'll find it."

*****NCIS****

Now it's going on 2 PM and Gibbs is already sitting at a booth when Tim walks into the diner he's located with little trouble. He's nervous and most definitely feeling awkward about this. Everything they need to talk about is so yesterday that it almost feels foreign to push any issue now. It's very much a case of too little, too late.

Still, this has to be said, at least in some small portion, so that it can't be left unsaid – even if it has no bearing on his future. It's like a page-turning novel he just can't put down. He has to see this through to the end with Gibbs, no matter where that end might take him. Thankfully, Gibbs has mellowed out enough in the last month, that he's the one to break the disjointed silence that walks in with him. "Tim."

"Gibbs." Tim returns as he slides into the booth to sit across from him. "Thank you for calling me."

Gibbs nods in his short affirmative acceptance way before nodding in the direction of the waiting carafe of coffee and the still overturned coffee cup waiting to be used. "Coffee there if you want it."

"Thanks." Tim reaches for the two items, fixing his cup the way he likes it, gratefully wrapping his hands around the now hot mug as he struggles with how to start this long needed conversation.

Again, the older man seems willing to carry the weight, at least of getting things moving forward, as he's the first to speak. "Had a lot of time to think about everything you let Vance in on."

Tim can't think of anything to say in return. He's done his thinking on this weeks ago and since then his mind has moved on to making sure his future at NCIS is handled with the tenacity of a bull-dog, taking this first task assigned and digging in as if it can make/break his career - and the real task hasn't even started yet!

"Plenty of things should have been handled differently." Gibbs tries again.

Tim finally feels connected to a piece of the conversation, even if it's just with regret and anger. The words are escaping before he can call them back. "Boy, what I would have given to be having this conversation with you months ago."

"Why didn't you, Tim?" Gibbs latches on to the regret in the younger man's tone with his own iron grip. His steely-eyed gaze doesn't waver as he watches the younger man for his response to his surprisingly quietly asked question.

Tim shakes his head as he hugs his coffee even tighter. "No one was ready to listen then. Especially you."

Gibbs blinks. Picking up his own coffee mug, he takes a healthy few sips and sets it back down on the table. "You're right. I wasn't. Shoulda been.."

The apology in his former boss' tone is unmistakable but it fails to wash away the after-burn of this much too late eye opening coming from him, especially since they have yet to address the elephant in the room with them. Tim takes a deep breath and drags it out through his next need for air. "Look, let's not do this, okay? What's done is done."

Again, Gibbs is caught off-guard but in a way, he can understand not wanting to re-hash old wrong-doings. The past is just that – the past. Anything said to address them - is just words after the fact. They change nothing that happened. Still, this time's different, even if they can't seem to get there to the place where so much wrong played out every day, almost on repeat, where they sat across the squad room from each other every day and nothing was done to stop any of it. There's a legitimate need to cover old ground.

And Gibbs is determined to at least try that much. "Tim?"

The younger man stubbornly shakes his head. "It won't change anything, Gibbs."

"Okay. You gonna be able to work with Abby now?" His former boss wants to know at least that much.

Guardedly, Tim glances at the older man, not sure why he's asking.

"You let me know if she gives you any more problems." The older man offers calmly in place of further questioning.

Tim sits back in his seat, flabbergasted and uncertain. Where did this Gibbs come from? Where's the old model? Why couldn't this model have been there for him before he had to choose his well-being over working on the team he loved? God, this is just so…not the point anymore, especially if things with Ziva are headed where they seem to be headed now, remember? Rule 12?

Still it feels so like a slap in the face to all Tim's just forced himself to go through in order to change what was going on for himself when no one else would, that it's not exactly a feeling of satisfaction he's experiencing right now.

Gibbs sighs as he takes in just how ingrained Tim's sense of the boss not being there for him, really has been. It's something that never should have been allowed to fester or even take root and he only has himself to blame. Still, it can't be entirely too late to apologise even if Tim doesn't want to rehash specifics. "Just because we can't undo any of it, doesn't mean I don't owe you an apology for it. Hell, Tim. We all do."

Tiredly, Tim offers his acceptance of this all important admission from the man who seldom gives them. "Thanks. I just wish…never mind. I do appreciate this, Gibbs. Really. " Looking at his watch, he's dismayed to see it's nearly four. Crap! "Gotta go!" Tim blushes as he gets to his feet "Thanks for the time, Gibbs. And the honesty." He offers as he turns to go.

"Tim." Gibbs calls him back.

Impatiently, Tim turns back to see what the man wants.

"You and Ziva - be good to each other."

Hmmm. Anyone else besides me, think Tim was a little too hasty to say' let's not talk about it anymore"?

Something tells me, his conscience will be buggin' him about that again before too long...