Thanks for all your wonderful reviews, loves yous

xx

Gibbs was not doing a good job at keeping the worry out of his demeanor, he knew Tim was sensitive and picking up on it, as he made them their breakfast.

"Day...care, Gibbs? Stay wid Gibbs?"

"Well, Tim, I''ll go to work then pick you up when I'm done."

"Dony?"

"He's going to school but he will see you later when he gets out, he goes there too."
"See Dony... dare?"
"Yes,...later on."

"Lader?"
"Yes, Timmy. After I'm done with school I take a bus there." Tony stayed sympathetic and patient.

"Lay...der?" Gibbs could see Tim begin to panic, all the tell-tale signs he was beginning an emotional meltdown.

"Stay wid Gibbs? Pease!"

Gibbs wasn't sure what to do so he quickly crossed the kitchen to lift him from his booster seat and held him close. "You can bring your teddy bear." Gibbs nodded towards the toy in Tim's arms.
"And... bwing... you?"

Gibbs didn't answer him pressing his head against his neck. Tim clutched him, crying into his chest, knowing his answer.

Gibbs knew Tim wasn't going to be able to finish his toast at this point so he made their way to the toddler's room to get him dressed.

"What would you like to wear today Tim? How about your Mickey Mouse... car shirt?" He stood over Tim's dresser pulling the t-shirt out of the top drawer showing it to him. Tim tried to look at the shirt through the big tears that filled his eyes. He shrugged then looked at Gibbs, blinking, the tears sliding down his red cheeks.

The small boy patted his chest. "Keep jamas on? Stay home wid grumpy?"

"Sorry Timmy. Grampy Jackson is home in Stillwater. He has to run his store."

"I hulp grumpy?" Tim had turned both his hands palms up, hoping his idea would be convincing enough to Gibbs.

He actually began to consider Tim's desperate collaborating but knew it would not be doable. This was too much, they didn't even get to the daycare yet.

"Do you want a bottle, Tim?"

"Kay." Tim tried to keep positive, his voice strained, not far from breaking.

"Let's get you dressed then I'll fix you one." Tim complied as he stood in front of a kneeling Gibbs letting him change him from his pajamas. Shaky sighs kept shuddering through his body as he leaned his hand on Gibbs' shoulder to keep himself steady, lifting each leg to work into his jeans.

"You get me Gibbs. I see you layder?"

Gibbs held Tim's face gently and looked into his eyes. "Yes, Tim. I will be back to get you. I promise." Gibbs wiped Tim's face then kissed his cheek. Tim's arm wrapped around the man's neck as he continued to quietly cry, but at least he was calmer. He began to suck his thumb.

"Tony, buddy are you ready!?" Gibbs yelled through the house carrying Tim on his hip.

They all headed to the car, Tim holding him tight.

xxxxx

Tim protested once he was strapped into his seat, kicking his feet.

"Drink your bottle Tim, it's okay."

Tim was reluctant but stopped kicking, drinking as he played with his hair, curling it around his fingers. Gibbs gave him a wink of approval, "That's my boy."

Tim sighed, drinking earnestly. His eyes grew heavy as he fell asleep on the way to Tony's school. Gibbs was appreciative that Tim wasn't crying any longer and able to sleep and build his strength for the day ahead of him. Gibbs was able to park close enough to the school that he could leave Tim in the car sleeping as he walked Tony closer to the school's entrance.

"Love you buddy. You be good." He patted Tony's back.

"Love you dad!"

Gibbs eased quietly back into the car, checking Tim who was sound asleep. He drove to the daycare making it in good time with a little extra, allowing for any problems dropping him off. He parked in the parking lot with Tim still asleep. Gibbs began to worry this would make it tougher for the little guy. Waking up and him leaving all at the same time was not a good combination.

He lifted him out of his seat as he yawned, limp as a rag doll.
"Timmy? Wake up chief. We're here."
Tim quickly woke, going straight into panic mode, clinging to Gibbs' arms. Tim had probably, hoped he had slept through the whole ordeal.

"Ah, Tim. Relax, it's fine." Tim shook his head in protest, "No, stay wid me?"

Gibbs found that Tim used those three little words a lot since he had taken him in and they never ceased to break his heart each time. "When we get home I'm going to make you a special dinner, your favorite. Pancakes and Fruit Loops."

"Go home wid you.. make... now?"

Gibbs had to give it to the little guy, he was persistent.

"I love you Tim."

"Love you Gibbs, kay?" This was too hard. He trudged into the center with Tim's diaper backpack over his shoulder.

"I'm going to miss you when I can't be with you but I have to go to work. I can't wait until we can play tonight when we get home."

He entered the center to make his way to the toddler room. Tim looked around, curious and apprehensive. The busy place was very noisy, filled with kids running, laughing and some crying.

"Where's Dony?"
"In school."
"Lader?"

"That's right."

"Mama come get me?"
Gibbs was now convinced that Tim really didn't want to be here.
"I will Tim."

He entered the room and a quiet, young girl; a teacher came close. She was petite with soft, long blonde hair and blue eyes.

"Hi. Is this Timmy?" Tim cowered closer to Gibbs but nodded.

"I like your shirt. See?" She directed their attention to the design on her t-shirt, a small version of Minnie Mouse driving a red sports car was silk screened on the center of her shirt.

"Dat's a Alpher Romeo." Tim pointed, then shyly, smiled.

Jody looked at her shirt, "Alpha Romeo you say? I'm not good with sports cars' names but it does seem familiar. I have a feeling your right."

Gibbs was once again impressed, noting the white stripes some Alphas are decorated with. "Oh...he's right, all right." Gibbs got a kick out of it, the welcoming couldn't have been more perfect.

"I'm Jody."

Her eyes revealed the sweetness and patience that Tim desperately needed. Jody held out her arms welcoming Tim into them. Tim did not hesitate to lean towards her. Gibbs felt a tinge of reluctance releasing Tim to her grasp; a mixture of strong feelings of sadness and apprehension rushed through him. The toddler looked relaxed and confident in her arms as they shared a private conversation about their shirts. Gibbs stood and watched them for a moment before hanging Tim's backpack on a hook labeled with his name on the wall above. He knew this was cue to high-tail it out of there.

Another teacher approached him. "He'll be fine."
"Huh?"

"My name is Catherine. He'll be fine..."
"Gibbs, you can call me Gibbs. I'm Tim's foster parent."

"I read Tim's file. He's had a tough, little life. We'll make sure to keep that in mind if he has any problems and acts out-"

"He's never acted out in my care since I took him in. I've had him for over a month, he's a great kid."
"Impressive. I can see you've both bonded remarkably."

"Yeah...we have. Tony may want to visit him when he gets back from school."

"That would be fine."

Gibbs waved to Jody as she winked at him, discreetly. Tim looked up, "Bye Gibbs!"
"Bye, Tim." Gibbs' voice cracked. He let out a sigh of relief then exited the building.

Gibbs got in his car and buckled his seat, sitting momentarily to think over what had just happened. A tear came to his eye. He then chuckled, realizing he was the one who was almost crying; not Tim. He checked his mirror and left.

xxxxx

Jody found Tim to be very cuddly and difficult to put down; she found that she loved holding him. He had bonded with her instantly, feeling comfortable in her presence and was even okay to be put down as long as she was near. His foster parent had called multiple times to check on his him as they continued to reassure him that Tim was doing fine, without so much as one tear since he had left.

They were now allowing the kids some time for dress-up, as Tim stood by watching the others dress in different outfits. Mary dressed as a princess, while Sue was happy with the doctor's jacket and stethascope. Seth fought Josh for the cowboy vest but was convinced by Catherine to settle for the fireman's jacket and helmet.

"What would you like to dress as, Tim?"
"Army man."

"Let's see."
Jody rummaged through the clothes finding an army vest that fit snugly over the small boy. Then she placed a green plastic helmet on his head. "Would you like to talk into a walkie talkie?"

"Uh, huh." Tim nodded. She then found a special belt full of pretend army gear that she wrapped around his waist.

Tim mumbled into the walkie talkie. "Whishkey, Dango Foxchot."

Jody and Catherine giggled. "Too cute."

"Where did you learn that Timmy?"
"Dony. Where's Dony? He could play army, too."
"He's at school, but he will be here soon."

"Take bus here?"
"Right, Tim."

"Okay, if you all want to wear your dress-up clothes for the rest of the day that is fine. We are going to head out to the playground now."
The children yelled excited as Tim clung to Jody's leg watching them. "Do you want to stay an army man Tim?"
Tim nodded. "Bay..gwound, Jody?"

"Yes, we're going to go outside and play."
"Yeah." Tim whispered, his arms pumping.

The small group walked through the center to the back door leading to the playground. Tim held onto Jody's leg the whole way watching the other children and the busyness of the center.

They entered a small section in the corner of the playground area, set up specifically for the toddlers with smaller, plastic equipment. They had a sandbox, some special, smaller swings and a couple of small slides. Tim was content with the sandbox. He sat near Josh who loved to talk a lot, to no one in particular. Tim picked up a bucket and shovel and began to dig, filling up the bucket. A few more children from the group sat around Tim.

"Mine!" Rachel, a little girl with red hair and freckles grabbed the last shovel that was sticking out of the sand. Seth pushed her, wanting the shovel then grabbed on to Tim's. Tim stood his ground and would not let go. Seth leaned over and bit him in the arm.

Tim wailed, he had never been bitten by another person before and he realized it was extremely painful. Jody ran over instantly, looking at Seth and the guilt written all over his face.

"Catherine? I'm going to bring Tim in to bandage the wound. I believe someone is in for a major timeout."

"I agree."

"I'll send another teacher out to help you."

"Thanks."

Jody rushed Tim into the center then into the bathroom to clean his wound, advising a teacher; Beth to help outside. "I'm sorry, little guy."

Tim cried looking at his arm. "It hurts...Jody!" Jody shook her head, feeling awful for Tim. Seth had broke through the skin and it was bleeding. It would most likely bruise.

"I know. You didn't deserve that, you poor thing."

Jody cleaned the wound then put a band-aide on it to protect it. She removed his army helmet, then picked him up letting him rest his head on her shoulder as he still whimpered. She bounced him as she walked back towards the door to the playground. She planned to hold him the rest of the time they were outside if that was what he needed.

xxx

"Jody? Why is there a band-aide on Timmy?" Tony was leaning over the small boy sprawled out on his back, on a cot, watching him sleep, hoping he would wake soon. As soon as he had stepped off the school bus and entered the center with his fellow classmates and teacher he had asked if he could visit Tim.

Jody did not want to tell Tony the details and would save them for Gibbs. He was afraid Tony would develop resentful feelings towards the boy who had inflicted Tim's injury.

"It's something I will discuss with your father. Don't worry, it was well taken care of Tony. That is sweet you are so concerned for him."

"Well, he's my brother, Jody."

"Timmmmmmy." Tony whispered. Jody giggled finding no harm if Tony were to wake him.

Tim's eyes fluttered open as a smile grew on his face. "Dony!"

"See? Told you I'd come here."
Tim hugged him as he yawned. Dony, I had peanutbudder..samich for yunch. Jid you?"

"Yup." Tony nodded. "I have to go now. I will see you when dad comes to get us, it's pretty soon, okay?"

Tim shrugged, sighing. "Okay."

xxxx

Jody could see the relief in Tim's demeanor when Gibbs knocked on the window from the outside waving at Tim. Tim hopped in place, "Dat's Gibbs Jody. He gettin' me!" They saw Gibbs run by the windows to get to the main entrance as he waved and smiled at Tim, acting all goofy, something they hadn't seen too often in the man.

"Yes, Timmy. Of course he'd be back. He thinks the world of you."

Jody lifted him, "Catherine, l'm just going to run him out and meet him half way."

"Don't forget to tell him about the...ahem..."

"Oh, yeah, I won't."

Jody could barely keep a hold of Tim as his arms reached towards the direction of Gibbs. Gibbs ran up quickly to gather Tim and his belongings. "How's my big Timmy guy?"

Tim clapped his hands. "You got me. Danks."

"Uh, oh what happened?" Gibbs noticed the band-aide on Tim's arm.
Jody filled Gibbs in on what happened out on the playground. The man was understanding, knowing things like that happened all the time with kids but Jody could still see the hurt in his eyes, feeling awful about it.