Chapter 05

Jimmy felt someone shaking him and he glared up at the man shaking him. He snapped. "What?"

"We need to get a move on. Gibb's just knocked to wake us up. We slept through the alarm I set on my phone. You need to shower and dress and so do I. Come on get up we're already running late." Tim said.

"Go away. I'm sleeping." Mumbled Jimmy snuggling into the covers.

"Not going to happen Jimmy. I told you we're already running late and we don't have time for arguments. You need to get up now. Come on shower, breakfast and then road trip." Tim said.

"You are free to leave anytime McGee. Nothing is keeping you here. I told you I'm not going anywhere. So you can shove your schedule up your ass and let me sleep." Jimmy snarled.

Tim sighed and hiding an evil little grin said. "Have it your way."

Tim went and turned the water on in the private master bathroom. When he went back in the room he had to smile at how adorably cute his little mate was. Jimmy was all curled up half hidden in the bedding looking innocently cute and adorable. As he snored in between little yips, snuffles and growls as he slept. Pushing aside the flash of guilt at what he was about to do. Sternly reminding himself he warned him and that he had to be firm. Spoiling his little mate would come later.

Sighing he scooped Jimmy up. Once in his arms Jimmy woke up and began protesting. Tim ignored the complaining and dumped Jimmy clothes and all in the shower and then held the shower door closed. After waiting until the cursing stopped. Tim opened the door keeping space between himself and his angry mate not being stupid. He said smirking at the now wide awake but sopping wet as well as glaring and growling Jimmy. "I told you last night. That I've had it with your attitude James. Until you can behave like a sensible adult. We will do this my way. Now do you want to shower like a big boy on your own? Or do I need to strip, wash, dry and then re-dress you like the child you're behaving like?"

Jimmy glared at him from behind his hair that was dripping water into his eyes and mouth. Jimmy said through clench teeth. "I will bath and dress myself. Get out McGee."

Tim smiled brightly and said. "Good. I'll go use the bathroom down the hall and be back in twenty minutes. Don't leave your bedroom once you're done and leave the door unlocked. Remember what I said would happen if you run. The same goes if you lock me out of a room."

Jimmy threw his wet shirt at his face and started drying his face and hair with a hand towel.

Jimmy was disappointed when Tim caught it then grinned and said. "Feisty I like that. Means that you can keep up with me. You'll need your stubbornness as well. I'm told I have an impressive stubborn streak myself."

Jimmy glared and started shaving ignoring him. As soon as he was alone Jimmy closed the door and against his better judgment didn't lock it. Needing a minute he leaned against the door just concentrating on breathing in and out to calm himself down. Dam-it. He couldn't keep losing his temper and fighting back like this. It gave them especially McGee reason to manipulate him and when they got sick of his attitude later punish him. He had to submit until he figured a way out. Then he was gone and this time he'd call in every favor he had to stay gone. Calm again Jimmy finished shaving and took a shower. Towel around his waist he made sure his bedroom was empty. There was no way he going to be around McGee naked. He got dressed and then sat in the window seat and waited as ordered.

"You alright?" Tim asked walking into Jimmy's bedroom surprised to see Jimmy dressed and calmly waiting.

Jimmy nodded and stood up he started to head towards the door.

"Jimmy. One more thing before we go downstairs." Tim said.

Jimmy stopped and turned to face him not sure what to expect.

"I don't want to have to fight you or order you to every little thing that needs to be done. I'm not asking much from you. Just that you behave and not have to be forced to do as you're told. Which includes taking care of yourself and not having to be told to eat or sleep. But I will order you if push comes to shove to take care of yourself if you make yourself sick. You're safe with me Jimmy. I won't punish you in less you misbehave. However fighting me and forcing my hand to order you is a type of misbehaving and will be met with punishment. That being said. We're leaving for DC after we eat and you are coming with us no arguments. I'm telling you now so you won't be surprised later and that we understand each other and what is expected of you." Tim said.

Jimmy flashed back to his Uncle saying something similar only with a lot more threats. Just after his parents died and he took custody of him and Clark. He blinked and shook the memories off as he blanked his face. He nodded and followed McGee downstairs.

Downstairs when they walked in the kitchen. Gibbs and Tony were drinking coffee at the table talking to Clark.

Clark stood up at seeing Jimmy. He gave Jimmy a hug. Frowning when he didn't respond so he said. "I've got movers coming in an hour to pack everything for you. Tim said he'd rent you a storage place to keep it in. That is until you two decide where you're going to live. I'll have everything delivered to Tim's house. Once it there you can go through it and you can take out the things you want to have with you. The rest Tim will work out the details of a storage place. You need to decide what to do with the house though Jimmy. I can sell it for you or pay someone to take care of it until you make up your mind."

Jimmy shrugged what he wanted didn't seem to matter to anyone. So why bother saying anything. He went over and got something to eat and drink. Then he sat at the table with it. Looking around he decided to just concentrate on his own breakfast. Ignoring the irritation he felt at his uninvited guests making themselves at home in his house. He started eating and forced himself to calm down and ignore those around him.

Clark watched his brother noticing the annoyance briefly pass through his face before he blanked his expression again. He was surprised at Jimmy's lack of interaction with those around him. Puzzled he looked at Tim for an explanation.

"He was told to eat and behave. Which includes not fighting us when we leave or I'd order him to and he'd be punished for misbehavior." Tim said.

Clark nodded and said. "Jimmy a word please."

Jimmy looked at McGee. After getting a startled look and then a nod from McGee. Jimmy followed Clark into the other room.

"Don't do this Jimmy." Clark said once they were alone.

Jimmy looked at him confused and said. "Do what? I'm following orders. I thought that's what I'm supposed to do."

"I know you better than that James. You're submitting because you don't see another way until you can find a way out. What you need to realize is no matter what plan you come up with, it will not work. All you're going to do is piss off the people that care about you and make them not trust you. Why can't you just accept them and just be happy?" Clark said.

"What do you want from me Clark?" Jimmy said calmly.

"I want you to be happy Jimmy." Clark said.

Jimmy laughed harshly and said matter-of-factly. "I was up until a few days ago. I had a good job that interested me as well as kept me busy and a place I felt safe. It was wonderful my own little slice of heaven right here on earth. But now it's all gone and in the blink of an eye. I came home and my worst nightmare was sitting in the driveway. Then poof my freedom and my little slice of heaven is gone."

"It would have ended eventually Jimmy. In five months you would have had to come back to our pack and found a mate. At least this way you have found your mate and you like his pack mates." Clark said trying to reason with him.

Jimmy raised an eyebrow as he showed a small amount of temper in his eyes but otherwise stayed calm that is until he said. "Am I supposed to be fucking happy? As you hand me off to another Alpha and pack? One that can and will take over my life. And if that's not enough. Let's add in a dominate mate. One that can force me to do anything he wants with a simple order. And I can't do a dam thing to stop him. Gee it's a lucky day to be me isn't it? Well I'm not happy but what I want doesn't really seem to matter. Now does it Alpha Palmer. I'm to do as I'm told and the hell with my wants and needs. It's not like they matter as long as those above me are happy. Then everything is right with the world. Does that about cover it or did I miss something?"

Clarks head snapped back as if slapped. He said. "It not the end of the world Jimmy. They care about you and will protect you. If you give them a chance you can be happy. You were happy with them before and you will be again. Let them and your mate in. Give them a chance to know the real you."

"Not going to happen. Are we done?" Jimmy said.

"I guess. Think about what I said though." Clark said.

Jimmy didn't answer he just went back to his breakfast ignoring the others talking around him. He noticed Gibbs slip out to talk to Clark. He knew those in the kitchen had heard every word just like Clark intended. He really didn't care at this point what he said was true.

Clark walked out front to get his thoughts together. He heard movement behind him and turned to see Gibbs walk out. He said. "You've got your hands full with him Gibbs. Jimmy won't make it easy. He may seem like he's submitting but rest a sure. He's only buying time so he can put together a plan."

Gibbs smirked and said. "I know that Clark. So does Tim and Tony. Plus even though we were having our own discussion. We heard you two talking. But even before that we already knew Jimmy won't be like this for long. Jimmy is furious, hurt and scared. Mix that with a healthy dose of stubborn brat and he fits right in with our pack. He may deny it but Jimmy is already one of us he just has to accept it. We'll deal with whatever he dishes out."

"Jimmy will expect to be harshly punished for anything he does. But it won't stop him from fighting and pushing you and the pack, especially Tim. It will be a battle every step of the way to see how far he can go before you punish him or just give up on him." Clark said.

Gibbs grinned and said. "I'm counting on Jimmy fighting and pushing us. The most he'll get is his ass tanned or a lecture. Depending on the person sometimes both. But I can promise we'll never give up on him. We might get frustrated but we won't give up."

"Tan his ass, tell him off good. Do both if he deserves it Gibbs. But be careful when he's disciplined and by who. He might seem angry but most of this is him scared. Don't hurt him Gibbs or it will be done before you start. I've seen my brother really shut down and it's frightening. Right now I know he's going through the motions but if he gives up completely something will have to be done before it gets too far." Clark said.

Gibbs nodded and said. "I remember our discussion last night. Your Uncle was a sadist and Jimmy his favorite victim. Jimmy shut down not caring if he lived or died just wanting the pain to stop. When you were talking with Jimmy. Tim filled me in on the talk him and Jimmy had. I filled him in on the discussion he missed last night. Tim asked me that only he discipline Jimmy. I can't do that. Although the pack members will be told they can only hand out small punishments to him. If anything major is needed Tim or I can take over. If anyone goes overboard they will be dealt with and yes that includes Jimmy."

Clark smirked and said. "Don't underestimate the brat Gibbs. He's pretty devious when he wants to be. If he knows only you and Tim will deal out the harsher punishments. He'll push twice as hard to see how far he can push the others."

"I'm not worried he may get a swat or two as they wait for us to take over but they will handle it. So what are you planning for the house?" Gibbs asked.

"The lady up the street runs a real-estate office out of her home. She does both rentals and sells. She said as soon as her son gets in she'll send him by with paperwork for both. So it's up to Jimmy. I'm just waiting for the son and your surprise to show up." Clark said.

"Surprise?" Gibbs asked.

"Yep..." Clark started then stopped when a black car pulled up. He grinned at Gibbs shocked expression. "Let's check it out Gibbs."

"You bought us a car?" Gibbs asked in shock.

"Yep. Well actually I bought a car for the safest way for us to bring my stubborn brother back to DC and reconnect with him at the same time. My idea is this. On the trip home I figure all of us save Jimmy can take turns driving. If we keep him in the middle in back with one on each side of him. Then he can't jump out of the car. Also if we can take turns riding in back it will give each of us a chance to talk with him and maybe he'll realize we aren't the enemy. Once back home James can keep the car since he sold his bike and our Dad's Jeep. And that's not all the gas tank is already filled. There is also a pre-filled gas card and pre-paid credit card in the glove box. Also because I want all of us to be comfortable and well rested. I paid for hotel rooms along the route home. So we can stop each night and sleep in comfort. I expect we will have to double up to keep an eye on him. Having him run off in the night is not part of the plan. The four of us can decide at dinner who he's rooming with and tell him. If he has an issue with it he can tell us why then. And if we have to we can change it. The hotels are marked on the map which is also in the glove box. The trip should take us a week give or take a day or two if we stop and sight see on the way." Clark said opening the passage door.

"Who's breaking it to Jimmy that he has to not only sit between a random two of us for over a week. But he also has to share a room with two of us that night as well?" Gibbs asked.

Clark ignored him and turned and signed the paper from the person who dropped the car off and took the keys. A moment later the man hopped into a car waiting at the curb and was gone.

After minimal craziness the bags were loaded. Jimmy was openly glaring at his brother for his plan. For the first shift, Jimmy was sitting between Tony and Tim belted in, headphones in his ears reading a book and ignoring everyone. Tony and Tim were watching a movie on the monitors built into the head rest in front of them. This went on for about two hours. When a noise was heard from the back.

Gibbs and Clark: "What was that?"

Tony: "Not sure."

Tim: "Sounds like a computer alert. But it can't be mine. I turned mine off."

Jimmy: "…"

The four went off discussing what different alerts sounded like to them as the sound got louder and more annoying. Finally Jimmy took his headphones off and set them with his iPhone in his book on his lap.

Jimmy: "Gibbs can you please pull over."

Clark: "Why?"

Jimmy: "Because the noise is only going to keep getting louder and I'd like to answer or at least turn it off if I can't. Besides it's not like I can go anywhere. We're in the middle of nowhere."

Gibbs: "Watch the attitude. Why is it going off?"

Jimmy: "It's probably the client I was supposed to meet online two hours ago."

Gibbs, Clark, Tony, Tim: "Client?"

Jimmy: "Yes client. I have a business that I run from Home and I was supposed to speak with a client this morning. Didn't think of that did you? That I might have made myself a life away from you all."

Gibbs looked at Clark and rolled his eyes before pulling off the road and got out. Going in back he went through the bags until he found the noisy bag. He handed it to Tim over the seat. Who handed it to Jimmy.

Jimmy raised an eyebrow at Tim. After being told to go ahead and answer it. Jimmy opened the bag took out the laptop and after canceling the protection. He opened it ignoring Tim's questions on how he got in so easily. He opened the video chat as it began to ping again louder and now it was vibrating.

Jimmy: "Hello Miss Impatient. Bed rest getting boring already?"

The woman grinned and said. "You have no idea. I'm bored out of my mind on a good day but the Doc says I'm doing better. A few more weeks to go. Doc says if things keep going the way they are. Then everything will be fine. But you also said ten it's noon. Have you found it yet?"

Jimmy rolled his eyes and brought up his notes and said. "Well you look great Will. Just hang in there. It will be worth it after. Now as for the book. Give me another week or so and I'll have it. I won't able to work on it until this weekend. But I can give you an update in the meantime. Let's see oh yeah. It was bought by a private collector but he's willing to sell to the right buyer. He has feelers out for a different book. A book that I happen to have. So a trade might be in order. Right now I have someone talking to him to see if his intent is to con me. It'll hold until this weekend don't worry. It might even make it a better deal if we don't rush the trade."

The woman started whining immediately. "Jay why wait that long? You're usually faster than this."

"Not my fault Will. I'll do my best but you're looking at a week give or take a day. At worst two weeks. I won't charge you extra because it's my issues but it can't be helped." Jimmy said.

"Wait Jay. Did they… Are you… Do I…?" Will asked.

Jimmy grinned and familiar with Willow speak said. "Yes. Yes. No I'll be fine. I just need time."

Will smirked and said. "You sure."

Jimmy smirked back and said. "Who'd post bail? And aren't you supposed to be on bed rest. Are you looking to use me as an excuse to break out?"

Will laughed and said. "What bail? Have you forgotten who I work for? Besides I could send Faith or the boys."

Jimmy shook his head as he grinned at her and said. "Save it for someone who needs rescuing. I'm good Will. A week, two tops and you'll have it in your hands."

Will shook her head frowning and said. "Ok but I want to talk to you before that Jay. If not we'll have words and none of them vocal."

"Yes Ma'am. Got-ta go. I'll call in a few days. Love ya give Faith and the boys my love as well." Jimmy said.

"You better Jay. I told them you sent your love. Xan and OZ send their love right back at you and you have mine as well take care." Willow sighed off.

"What was she talking about James? And where you talking about leaving already?" Clark asked.

Jimmy closed his eyes in frustration but said. "No and No."

Clark turned around to glare at him and said. "That it two no's and no explanations."

Jimmy nodded and said. "That about covers it. I don't owe you one. My clients are none of your business."

"What about me? What if I ask if you're planning something?" Tim asked quietly.

"If you order it I'll tell you but I didn't lie. This is part of my job and it's none of any ones business but mine and my clients. It has nothing to do with any of you." Jimmy said dryly.

"What about Ducky and going back to work for him?" Gibbs asked.

Jimmy full on glared at him as he refused to answer.

Tony said. "So you dating her?"

Jimmy laughed so hard he had tears coming out of his eyes as the other four looked on in shock.

Tim's mouth twitched as he asked. "Care to share the joke?"

Jimmy tried to stop himself from laughing only to laugh harder. He re-opened the laptop when it pinged.

Willow was there and when she saw him laughing with an amused smirk she said. "Oh shut up Jay and tell them."

Tony blinked and looked at her in shock. He demanded. "How the hell did you know to call back?'

Willow grinned and said. "Because Jay has an odd sense of humor and I know he would find letting you idiots believe we were dating funny."

Jimmy stopped laughing and said. "Hey last time was your fault not mine."

"True. But be a good boy and tell them Jay." Willow said.

"No fair." Jimmy grumbled.

"James." Willow said looking at him.

Jimmy flinched at the resolve face and said pouting. "Willow is happily married to her wife Faith. The reason Willow is on bed rest is she is pregnant with her and Faith's second child. And frankly pissing Faith off scares me more than any one of you. Although I still say it wasn't my fault."

"I will tell her you said so. Oh and the boys want me to tell you that if your happy ass needs rescuing then you are already home." Willow said smirking.

Jimmy sat up and glared into the screen and said loudly. "Alexander Harris. Daniel Osborne front and center now."

Willow went wide eyed and turned the screen as two young men sheepishly sat down on the end of the bed.

"No rescue missions. Do you boys understand me?" Jimmy said firmly.

"Yes sir." Both said sheepishly.

"Good. Take care of Willow and I'll talk to you in a few days. Bye Boys. Bye Willow take care." Jimmy asked. He heard Willow say. "Bye Jay love you."

Tim looked at him with a raised eyebrow.

Jimmy shut the computer down and put it back in the bag then handed it back to Tim.

By the time Tim waited for Gibbs to re-open the back and had handed it back to Gibbs and turned back around. Jimmy had the headphones on again and was reading. Tim sighed and settled in to watch the next movie. It was going to be a long week.