Anthony DiNozzo waited patiently outside the coffee shop. He took his phone out of his pocket and checked for any missed calls or text messages. No text messages or missed calls. The off duty agent glanced at his watch and admitted to himself he had missed Elizabeth more than he thought he had. The sound of whistling caught his attention, and he grinned at the redhead walking towards him. He met her more than halfway and quickly decided her spoken greeting wasn't what he wanted.

"Hi yourself," he replied, slipping his arms around her small waist and pulling her against him. Lizzie grinned and allowed him to properly greet her. She gave him further permission when he parted her lips. When both needed to breathe, Tony broke the kiss, rubbing his nose against hers. "I missed you, Liz."

"I missed you too." She slipped her hand into his as they entered the shop.

"How was dinner?"

"Dinner was amazing. We had steak, baked layered polenta, and asparagus."

DiNozzo's mouth watered as he thought about the food. "Where was it ordered from?" He'd get the name of the place and order in for them one night.

Lizzie stopped and turned to him, looking up at him sideways and with eyebrows furrowed in disbelief. "It wasn't take-out. Mom handled the polenta and asparagus. Daddy always cooks the steaks."

"The Director cooks?"

Lizzie laughed softly. It amused her that her mother was always referred to as the Director. "Yes, Tony…the Director cooks. Maybe you'll find yourself at Sunday dinner one of these days."

"Maybe," Tony replied, grinning. He assumed Gibbs would allow him to come to dinner then poison him for dating his daughter. He thought about Arsenic and Old Lace. He was sure there was a better movie reference, but he was pondering how easily Gibbs could get arsenic or any other poison. Lizzie placed her coffee order then Tony placed his coffee and dessert order, paying for it.

Lizzie took their usual spot in the corner on one of the cozy suede sofas. The corner was the perfect spot if a person or couple wanted privacy. He sat down next to her, and she burrowed herself into his side. He slipped his arm around her. Since the place wasn't very busy, their order was brought to them.

"Thanks," Tony said, taking his cappuccino.

Lizzie sat up some and took her cup of coffee. "Tony, when I said dessert…this wasn't quite what I had in mind." Within the last few seconds, she had made the decision to be blunt with her boyfriend.

"I know."

She looked up at him, sipping her coffee. "Then why are we here and not at your place? We've been dating for over a month, and we've spent quite a bit of time together. Why don't you want to go to the next level? Are you not attracted to me and don't want to hurt my feelings by telling me? I won't send my father after you."

He sighed softly and put his coffee cup down. In turn, Lizzie placed hers on the table in front of them. She was unsure if she'd like his answer as she read his body language. "No, Liz. That's not it. I'm very attracted to you," he said, taking her hands and looking into her eyes. "Lizzie, you're…special to me. I want to take things slower than I…usually do. This is a new concept for me."

She stared at him silently before a tiny smile came over her face. "Okay. I can accept that, Tony." Finally, she had an explanation. The truth was Tony didn't want to treat her like the girls in his black book, and she couldn't find fault with that.

"Anything else, Liz?"

"No," she answered, shaking her head.

He let out a sigh of relief and kissed her lips. She scooted closer to him, almost putting herself into his lap. Tony pulled her more onto his lap and twirled a strand of her hair around his finger. "Liz?"

"What?" she asked, sipping her coffee and putting it down.

"Last week, there was a lot of tension between your parents. Maybe it was just the case, but it seemed there was something more to it."

"What was the case?"

"A six year old boy's father was kidnapped. His name was Zach. Really smart kid. He didn't like me too much. He reminded us all of Gibbs. He stayed with Gibbs for two nights, and I don't think the Director was happy about it." He stopped talking when he felt her tense underneath his hand which was placed on her back. "Liz?"

"Tony, I had a brother."

"Had?"

Lizzie nodded her head. "He died when he was six. Last week was his eighteenth birthday."

Tony let out a deep breath, taking in the information. "How did he die?"

"Jasper was born with congestive heart failure. We thought he'd be fine, but I don't know what happened. I couldn't understand being so young, and I've never asked. He took a turn for the worse when he was four. He had a heart transplant at five," she cleared her throat. "His…body rejected the heart. The doctors did everything they could do, but…in the end it just wasn't enough."

"Liz, I'm…sorry. I didn't know."

She shook her head. "Don't apologize. You wouldn't have ever known. They don't talk about it. Mom's blamed herself for years for Jasper's death. Her side of the family has the heart problems."

Tony rubbed her back in circles softly and kissed the top of her head when she rested her head on his shoulder. "That explains the tension between them."

She nodded her head. "After his death, they changed. Daddy started with the boats, and mom threw herself into her career. I miss him. Jasper was quiet, observant, and so compassionate. I don't think he ever complained when he was sick."

Tony listened considering he had no words to say. He wasn't sure what to say. Lizzie leaned over and picked up her purse, taking a photo out of her wallet. "That's Jasper," she told him as she showed him a family Christmas photo.

"He looks like Gibbs," Tony commented. He couldn't help but wonder how different his boss would be if his son had lived. Would he be less grumpy or would his drive to get the bad guys not be there? The agent resigned his thoughts to the fact that there's a reason and purpose to everything.

The two of them enjoyed being in comfortable silence, and Tony shared his slice of cheesecake with her. After a second cup of coffee, Lizzie removed herself from her spot in Tony's lap. "Hey, let's rent a movie and go back to your place to watch."

"Any suggestions on the movie?"

"Caddyshack."

Tony chuckled to himself. Lizzie was the only girl he knew that would suggest watching Caddyshack. "We don't need to rent that one. I own it." He stood up, offering her his hand and pulling her up. The two of them left the coffee shop and went to his apartment to watch the movie. He was looking forward to the weekend. Lizzie and Katie would be moving into their apartment in Georgetown. It would be easier to see his girlfriend, and she wouldn't have to sneak out of the house. The following Friday, he found himself along with McGee, Ziva, and Abby in Director Shepard's office. She requested the team's help with moving day.

On Saturday, the girls were excited about moving into Columbia Plaza. On the other hand, their mother had mixed feelings. The nest would be empty. Now, she felt like a hypocrite considering she had convinced Jethro that it was time for the girls to move out. She was tempted to take him up on his offer of having another child. He had approved of the area because the building offered a card accessed garage and twenty four hour front desk and maintenance service. Also, they didn't mind the presence of a protection detail. Of course, the apartment appealed to Lizzie and Katie for different reasons. The polished parquet floors, closet space, individual room controlled thermostats, balcony, private terrace, and fitness facility were the bonuses to them. Also, the location of the apartment building was also pleasing; it was considered to be the heart of Washington.

Gibbs considered it to be a blessing that his wife had talked him into spending a little extra to have the apartment fully furnished. He found the task of move in day daunting without having to move furniture. Jen and the girls were inside managing all the boxes that needed to be loaded. He walked out, carrying a box and stopped in his tracks. DiNozzo, McGee, Ziva, and Abby were walking towards him.

"Morning boss!" Tony said cheerfully. The rest followed suit with greeting except for Abby who hugged Gibbs even though he held a packing box. The Goth was beyond excitement. Today, she would finally meet the Gibblets.

"Hey Abs. What are you doing here?" Gibbs asked.

"The Director asked us to report here to help with moving day," McGee informed his boss.

"Oh," Gibbs answered with a slow nod of his head. "Well, go in there…she'll tell you what to do." He wouldn't be barking orders today. Jen was running the show, and he was playing puppet.

Everyone looked at each other, unsure of who should go into the house first. None of the team had ever stepped foot in the home. Tony pushed McGee into the doorway. After all, he was the Probie. The team heard a loud crash followed by Katie's voice yelling, "Ow! Fuck! Jesus Christ! Dammit! Mom!"

"Katharine!" Jen yelled her name in disapproval of her daughter's swearing word choices. "I'll be there in a minute!" She turned to find the team and forensic scientist looking dumbfounded. Abby hadn't expected to hear those words come out of a Gibblet. Jenny smirked in amusement. "Come inside. I don't want this to take all day which is why you're here."

"Director, will we get a lunch break?" Tony asked.

"Yes…Tony, you will get a lunch break at 12," she informed him.

Lizzie shook her head as she came down the stairs. Tony was a bottomless pit. That was one of the many things she'd learned about him. "Mom, we need another box. Katie didn't tape the box good enough, and well…you heard what happened."

"Get another box, and don't let her tape it." Jen had no time to warn her daughter as a black blur ran towards Elizabeth and hugged her tightly. Lizzie was beginning to feel slightly lightheaded. She hadn't ever been hugged so tightly in her life.

Gibbs walked into the house and exchanged a glance with Jen before focusing on Abby. "Abs, let her breathe."

"Oh, right!" Abby pulled back and smiled widely. "I'm Abby. I'm finally meeting a Gibblet! I can't believe it! I was so mad at your dad because he never told me! I had no idea! Don't worry. I couldn't stay mad at him long. He's a sly silver fox."

Elizabeth's wide eyes drifted to her father. She had heard stories about Abby but had thought the hyperactivity had been exaggerated. After seeing his amusement, she mildly glared at him, but she turned to Abby, smiling. "I've heard about you. It's good to put a face with a name. I'm Lizzie. What's a Gibblet?"

"You're a Gibblet," Abby explained. "See, we had a case one time. The petty officer was screening potential mates. There was a program to see what her kids would look like with whomever. It was part of the screening process. Ziva and Tony got McGee to try it with Gibbs and the Director. And," Abby paused and turned to Gibbs. "You did make cute Gibblets with the Director."

Gibbs cracked a smile and looked over at Jen. She shrugged her shoulders and looked at the team. "DiNozzo, you're with Lizzie so are you," she finished with a look to Abby. "McGee and Ziva…you get Katie." She knew Tony and Ziva needed to be separated. They would constantly bicker, and Jethro would want to injure them if Ziva didn't murder DiNozzo first.

"Where are we going, Jenny?" Ziva asked.

"Up the stairs and walk towards the sound of flying obscenities."

McGee nodded his head and started up the stairs with Ziva. Katie's room was easy to find, and the obscenities were definitely flying. Inside the room, it looked as if a land mine had exploded.

Jen put her attention to Abby and Tony. "Lizzie's finished with all of her packing. Boxes are labeled. You'll pass them off to Jethro to put them into the car. Tony, help her find boxes. The whole house is a disaster."

Abby nodded her head and saluted the Director. "Yes, ma'am!" She left to go upstairs and figured out Lizzie's room was next to Katie's room. Abby introduced herself to Katie and chatted for a few minutes. Of course, McGee had to remind Abby to let go before Katie passed out from lack of oxygen. Lizzie and DiNozzo disappeared into the kitchen to find more boxes for Katie along with packing tape.

Jenny let out a sigh and looked at her husband. "What are you standing around for, Jethro?"

He smirked and came to stand in front of her. "You look tired, Jen."

"I am tired."

Jethro nodded his head, taking her hand and pulling her to the base of the stairs. She had stayed up late helping the girls pack and had woken up early to get started with the day. He kissed her forehead after sitting down next to her.

"Jethro, our girls are moving out."

"I know. They'll still come home."

"It won't be the same."

"We could have another Gibblet."

"Jethro," she said in warning.

He shrugged his shoulders and squeezed her hand. "Slow down. You've been running on no sleep all week. You're not me, Jen."

"Chauvinist."

Her husband smirked down at her. "Schizoid libber." He grimaced when she punched him in the shoulder. The two of them went up the stairs and into Katie's room.

In the kitchen, DiNozzo glanced around. Before he could ask his question, Lizzie answered it. "Over there. In the cookie jar." She shook her head at him as he quickly walked over and found a cereal bar. Lizzie found packaging tape, labels, and made Tony get several boxes. The small army worked together with squabbling to get the twins moved into their apartment. The guys were enjoying a beer while the girls discussed decorating. Ziva sat down between McGee and DiNozzo while Gibbs left for the front desk. His signature was missing on a document for the lease of the apartment. Ziva snatched Tony's beer from him.

"Hey! That's mine!" He attempted a Gibbs stare but failed. She took a swig and handed it back to him. "Keep it," he said, giving the bottle back to her.

"Your girlfriend hasn't called."

"What girlfriend?"

McGee looked over at him. "We aren't stupid, Tony."

"He's trying to pull the chiffon over our eyes. Yes, McGee?"

Tony rolled his eyes. "Wool, Ziva. It's wool…not chiffon."

"Did you two break up?"

"No," Tony answered. He wasn't going to tell them the reason why the girlfriend hadn't called was because the three of them had been with her all day.

Ziva smirked at him and shook her head, putting her hands on the boys' shoulders and pushing herself up. McGee grimaced as did Tony. The Israeli had dug her bony fingers into them. "I must go." She found Jenny and the girls, telling them goodbye. She said goodbye to Gibbs as he came back into the apartment. Abby joined the boys for a beer. Gibbs wandered into Lizzie's room and watched her struggle to put the fitted sheet on her bed.

"Need help?" he offered.

"If you don't mind."

"Nah, I don't mind." He walked over to the other side of the bed and easily put the sheet on the corner. With help and instruction, the fitted sheet was on the bed minutes later. Gibbs grabbed the top sheet and watched Lizzie put it on. He sat down. "I remember when we brought you home from the hospital."

Lizzie looked over at her father. "Was it terrifying bringing both of us home?"

He shook his head. "Katie came home about a week before you. You stayed in because of breathing problems."

"Oh," Lizzie replied with a short nod of her head. She had never known and finished making her bed. Her father helped her arrange the pillows and gave her a tight hug, kissing the top of her head.

"You'll always be my little girl, Lizzie. No matter how old you get."

"I know, Daddy." She kissed his cheek and smiled at him, walking out of the room with him. The pair entered Katie's bedroom and found her being hugged by Jen. Gibbs sighed heavily, listening to his wife.

"If you don't want to stay in the apartment tonight, you can stay home one more night. Your father and I won't mind at all. You can all anytime…if you get scared or want to come back home. It doesn't matter what time, Katie."

Katie nodded her head. "Mom, I can't breathe. Lizzie and I will be fine. Promise. We'll call if we need anything."

Jen released her from the hug and sighed. "I just…it's harder letting go than I thought. When did you grow up?"

"When she came out of the womb, Jen," Gibbs answered with sarcasm while Katie grinned at him.

Jenny sighed and hugged Lizzie to her. "Same goes for you too, Elizabeth."

Gibbs put his hand on his wife's shoulder. "Jenny, let's go home. Let them get settled in. Okay?"

His wife looked at him with reluctance but nodded her head. Jen walked out of the room with Lizzie. Jethro smiled at his oldest and hugged her. "I said it to Lizzie. I'm saying it to you now. You're my little girl. If you need anything, I'll always be there. No matter what." He knew the girls would be safe and wasn't worried. In the back of her mind, Jen knew it also.

The parents left their daughters to their own devices after being walked out to the car. McGee, DiNozzo, and Abby stayed behind to get to know the Gibbs girls better. The boys had added initiative to stay and visit. Abby had threatened to kill the two agents without leaving a trace of evidence if they didn't stay. By the time they all left, Abby had become quite acquainted with Katie and Lizzie. Next week, they'd most likely be at a party with Abby.