I Do Not Own NCIS

XXXXXX

"Whooping cough."

Jenny leaned into the doorway seeing the faint image of Gibbs and Tim in the darkened room, the only light; a soft glow from a revolving, dinosaur lamp, sitting in the corner of the room on top of a shelf.

Tim was quietly crying but seemed to still be sleeping as Gibbs rocked him, whispering soothing words.

"I can tell by the sound of his cough. Do you have a vaporizer?"

"Uh, no. Never needed one."
His cough sounds very congested. If you run the hot shower and sit in there with the steam going strong it should help loosen his cough. He might need to go on antibiotics. Tony said you have a friend that is a doctor?"

"Yeah. I'll give Ducky a call in a minute."
"That would be a good idea and Jethro, you are going to have to tell me how he got that name."

Jenny could hear a slight chuckle in the dark. "His name is Donald Mallard."

"Oh, I see. Interesting."

"Jen, I hate to ask this, but-"
"Of course. I'll start the shower and get it ready for Tim. Just give me a minute."
Jenny turned to leave then turned back. "And the bathroom? I'm sorry, I already forgot." She waved her hands around in a confused fashion.
Tony grabbed her hand. "I'll show you Jenny."

Tony guided her as they walked down a hall. "There you go." Tony pointed to the small room.

"Oh, yeah. There it is. Thanks, sweetie. Now, let's see here..." Jenny walked in then reached into the tub twisting the faucet to it's full capacity. It took a moment before the steam began to fill the small room. "Okay, Tony. You can tell your father to come in with Timmy." Jenny decided to turn off the bright lights so it would remain dark for Tim's sake, since he seemed to be able to sleep through it all.

Gibbs entered the room cradling Tim. "I guess I'll just take a seat." Gibbs said shyly, as he felt around in the dark to sit on the toilet lid next to the tub. Tim coughed, familiar to the sound of a seal, his eyes still closed as he fidgeted in Gibbs' arms. Gibbs gently wiped the tears off his face.

"Do you have a nightlight in here, Gibbs?"

"Uh...no. Gees, I should really have one for the kids."
"I have an idea, just a minute. Jenny went back into Tony's room and unplugged the dinosaur lamp, bringing it into the bathroom. She plugged it in, then placed it on the sink. "There you go, this way Tim can rest without the bright lights.

"Hey, there you go. That's a good idea, Jen. Now, I'll give Ducky a call."

"Can I watch tv for a little while, dad?" Tony poked his head in, "Wow, it's foggy in here!"

"Sure, Tony. Hey, Duck?" Jen saw that there was a stool in the corner of the room and dragged it closer to Gibbs, carefully sitting on its small surface.

Jenny listened as Gibbs explained the scenario to his good friend. Tim coughed, again and Jen could see the expression on Gibbs' face as he waited for the doctor's response, once hearing the sound of Tim's cough over the phone.

Jenny stroked Tim's hair from his forehead as he started to sweat in the steam. "Hi, Timmy." Jenny whispered in his ear. Tim appeared agitated, as he rubbed his eyes and whimpered. "Oh, baby..."

"Are you sure it's not too late for you to come out, Duck? Oh, it's only nine o'clock? I didn't realize it was so early. Well, I know you don't go to bed that early. No, I'm not insinuating that you're... old." Jenny giggled into her hands.

Tim coughed, again but it was a bit quieter. Gibbs and Jenny looked at each other, pleased with the quick improvement. Gibbs tilted the phone from his mouth to address Jenny. "Does that mean he's better?"

"The steam is really just relieving his cough, loosening it, it won't cure it, that is if he even has whooping cough. He may just have bad allergies. I've heard this before in the emergency room. He might not need the meds. It could just be allergies."

"Did you hear that Duck? What Jenny just said? Well, I know you know what whooping cough is, oh, sorry I mean Pertussis. But, you heard his cough, right? It sounds better. Uh, huh. Okay. See you soon."

Gibbs closed his phone. "He is going to come over to be on the safe side. Besides, he says he really wants to meet Timothy. I'm glad he's willing to make the trip, I'll feel better to know he is okay. Jenny? Do you still want to stay?"

Jenny could see the plea in Gibbs' eyes and knew, in her heart, she wouldn't want to be anywhere else.

"Of course, I will stay, Jethro."

Jethro looked at Tim, happy he had settled down now that his cough was weakening. He seemed to have fallen back to sleep.

"Thanks for all your help, I'm so sorry this all happened."

Jen smiled. "You know, Jethro, with these sexy dinosaur lights spinning in your bathroom and watching the caring, compassionate side of you, I think your bathroom can actually be a very romantic room."

"Well, that's a first. Can I give you a 'thank you' kiss, Miss Jenny?"

"Well...of, course, you can, Mister Jethro." Gibbs leaned in as Jenny did the same.

Gibbs knew he didn't care what room they were in as he kissed Jenny; just the fact that he was kissing her, was good enough.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Gibbs sat at the kitchen table with Tim in his lap leaning back against his chest. He had woken up during Ducky's exam but was quiet and content, his eyes swollen and sleepy from crying during his nightmares. Jenny was standing against the counter and Ducky was seated across from Gibbs and Tim, his chair turned to face them.

"His vitals are good and he has no temperature. As I see it Jethro, Tim is worn down and needs plenty of rest, fluids and.." Ducky leaned over grasping Tim's hand to give it a small shake, making him smile, "-plenty of laughs. Now I'm sure you and Tony are well capable of fulfilling my order. Right, Tony?!" Ducky yelled to the boy sitting in the living room, watching television.

"Right, Ducky!"

"I will leave the antibiotics in case his cough comes back. We mustn't take any chances. From what you have told me, this poor lad has gone through enough heartaches to fill a life time."

Ducky shook Tim's hand one more time before standing. "It has been a pleasure to meet your acquaintance young Timothy. I find you to be an exceptional, little boy."

Tim was at a loss of words as he looked around the room, then finally nodding to the doctor.

Ducky stepped closer to Jenny putting out his hand. "Also, a pleasure meeting you dear. Timothy is quite fortunate that you were here visiting, Jethro."

"Oh, it all comes second nature to me. I believe Tim and I created a strong bond already back at the emergency room. I'm just glad he feels comfortable around me."

"I have a feeling Jethro will have his hands full with these boys but, at the same time will be enjoying every moment spent with them."

"Oh, now that I have met them both, Ducky, I would agree with you, one hundred percent."

Tim loudly yawned, rubbing his eyes with his fists. Gibbs was not surprised to see his thumb enter his mouth once he started fondling the silk edging on his blanket between two fingers.

"I think I need to get someone off to bed." Gibbs nodded towards Tim.

Ducky headed towards the door carrying his bag, "Now Jethro, you will contact me, any time if a problem should arise?"

"You got it Duck." Jenny stood with Gibbs in the doorway as he held the door open for the older man, watching him as he approached his car to leave.

"Vindage Mowgan." Tim pointed.

Ducky stopped in his tracks, his mouth hanging open. "Did you hear that Jethro? He actually knows what kind of car I drive..he knows that this is a Vintage Morgan!"
"I know. We witnessed his knowledge of cars at the hospital."

"That is absolutley amazing, Jethro."

Gibbs chuckled. "I know, I know. This kid is full of surprises."

Ducky proceeded to enter his car then his head popped up one more time. "Timothy. I will not let this go, forgotten. We will have to discuss classic cars when an opportune time arises."

Gibbs bounced a sitting Tim in his arms as he waved to Ducky. "Bye Ducky."

"Bye Ducky." Tim copied Gibbs as he waved, too.

Ducky saluted the trio then entered his car after a friendly wink.

The car sped off as Gibbs closed the door.

"Well, that's enough excitement for one day." Gibbs addressed Jenny.

"I'm sorry, are you tired, Jethro?"
"Not in the least bit. It's just that it has been a long day; not bad long, just a lot has happened."

"Yes, I would agree your day did have its moments."

"Let me just get the boys to bed then we can continue our date." Gibbs wagged his eyebrows. "Would that be okay with you?"

"Of course, and why don't I help. I'll get Tony to bed as you put Tim down."

Gibbs beamed. "Thank you." Gibbs whispered with a smile.

XXXXXXXXXXXXX

Jenny pulled back the covers on the bed as Tony climbed in.

Tony breathed in deep. "Yum. I love fresh sheets."

Jenny had changed the sheets, as requested by Ducky, reasoning that Tim's illness was considered a very contagious one.

"So, Ducky says Timmy is okay?"

"Yes, hon, he just needs to rest. A lot has happened to him lately and he's getting run down."

"But, can we play tomorrow?"

"As long as you take it easy."

"His mom died like mine did. Dad, says we have a lot in com...in common. I knew I'd get a brother, he's suppose to be here."

"Oh yeah? How do you figure?"

"I just know, hey, do you like grapefruits?"
"I love grapefruits."
"Me, too. But, you don't like zombies...bummer for you. Do you like sharks?"

"As long as they don't want to swim with me at the beach."

"I like sharks, too but they would never bite me because I would..punch them in the nose." Tony punched the air with a strong, straight punch.

"It is possible the sharks might be a bit intimidated with those muscles you're sporting, mister. Hey, do you like...aliens?"

"I don't know, I never met one."
"But, maybe you have and they just didn't get around to telling you they were one."
"Hhhmmm, I know a kid at school that might be an alien. I should ask him."

"Maybe, it would be better if you didn't know."

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Gibbs had turned on the night light in Tim's room so the room wasn't completely dark as they rocked in the chair.

"Is mama coming 'ere, Gibb?"

"No, Tim. I'm sorry."

"But, I mish her."

"I know buddy."
"Stay with Gibb?"
"Yes. Now, you are going to stay with me and Tony."
"And Dony, Gibb?"
"Yes. I hope you like it here Tim. I'll do my best to make sure you are happy and safe."

Tim turned to his side, resting his face against Gibbs' chest to let the sound of his heartbeat soothe him. His little fingers caressed Gibbs arm in a soothing motion as his body relaxed and he fell into a deep slumber; just after he sighed, contently.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Gibbs was sitting on the couch when Jenny entered the room. There was music playing that Jenny found relaxing and sensuous. She sat down close to Jetrho as he wrapped his arm around her shoulders. He was on his second beer. Jenny picked up her wine glass.

"How did it go for you?"

"Tony is one hilarious kid. I don't know how you keep from cracking up all day."
"Yeah, he keeps me on my toes, comes up with some pretty wild stuff."
"How was Tim?"

"Asking about his mom."

"Oh, yeah? Did it go okay?"
"He seemed all right. Went right to sleep. Tony did that a lot in the beginning."
"His mom died, too, huh? He told me."

"Yeah. When he was three. Never knew his father. I was close friends with his mom from high school. Tony and I got so close that when she got sick she asked if I would adopt him. If she hadn't asked me I probably would have asked her, anyway."

"Wow. Now, that's something. You two must have been very close."

"I thought of her like a little sister. We had a lot of fun together but, there was never anything romantic between us."

"You must miss her."

Gibbs nodded. "Yeah. I do. But, it's nice when I see her in Tony."

"Oh, yeah? Like what, exactly?"

Gibbs crouched closer to Jenny, facing her. "Sometimes when he gets deeply engrossed, watching something, closeup, like, maybe a bug, his eyes almost cross. Hers did, too. But, in a cute way. And, oh.. the way they loved the beach. They would both tan while I burned to a crisp." Gibbs chuckled. "They both loved grapefruits and would share one every morning. No sugar!"
Jenny chuckled. "He asked me if I love grapefruits just a few minutes ago."

"Do you?"

"Yes." Jenny answered proudly.

"Then, I have a feeling you passed his test with flying colors...shoot. I know you passed mine." Gibbs gave her a broad smile.

Gibbs leaned in and their lips barely touched; then, slowly and softly. Gibbs rubbed his arm enjoying the shivers that seemed to consume his whole body.

The rest of the evening was spent with a slow tenderness that Jenny would always hold dear to her heart and remember, about their first date.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Just a heads up. My son had a very, short bout of whooping cough, as Tim did in the story. But, it can be serious and is best to get checked out. I read (online) many conflicting ways that whooping cough is treated, so still not sure the best way to handle it. But, I do know showers help; from experience. And, it is very contagious and antibiotics is needed at times.