AU stories for NCIS episodes. Each is independent from all the others since this is all based on the possibility of parallel universes and multiple timelines... many, many of them. Later on some may seem to follow something that happened in an earlier AU episode story, but it's probably coincidence unless I say otherwise in the beginning.

This is #4 - a short alternate universe story/scene for Season 1, episode 4 The Immortals.

The original episode aired on October 14, 2003.

The dialogue in the first part is from the episode.

Rating: K+

Category: General

Warnings: Spoilers for episodes, probably just the one that the AU story is about. But down the road who knows?

Disclaimer: I own nothing NCIS. I'm just borrowing the characters for a bit.

And finally, all mistakes are mine.

Preparing to leave the ship, Gibbs, Kate and Tony gathered up their things.

Gibbs, chewing gum, concerned look on his face asked Kate, "You all right?"

She sighed and replied, "I just can't get over how the line between reality and fantasy was so blurred for Seaman McDonald."

Gibbs put on his NCIS cap and responded, "For him, destroying Zuger's website was every bit as real and violent as trying to kill the skipper."

Tony added, "I'm so glad my parents pushed me into sports in high school."

As Gibbs and Kate headed toward the door, Tony asked, "Aren't you interested at all in what I brought you back from Puerta Rico?"

Kate and Gibbs responded affirmatively, reluctantly.

Tony whipped out gift bags and handed the first one to Kate. She peeked inside and smiled. Removing the tissue colorful paper only took a moment and she smiled again, bigger this time, before saying, "Thanks Tony. I've read about these."

"That one was carved and painted by hand. See the little feet. No webbed toes."

"Cute. I remember now. They have special pads on their toes that let them climb and stick to trees and leaves."

Tony beamed. Kate really liked his gift.

Gibbs gave Tony a look of respect, pleased that the younger man had chosen thoughtfully. And done his homework about the forest coqui, aka free toed tree frogs. He wondered if Tony was going to tell her about the mating habits which get very loud as the males flirt and posture to attract females. The thought stopped there as a bag was thrust into his hands.

Tony looked at him expectantly so Gibbs didn't stall. He reached in and pulled out a bag of coffee beans. Nice. He smelled them through the packaging as Tony told the rest of the shopping story.

"The coffee farms are starting to come back, boss. It's going to be big business in 8-10 years. Right now all of their coffee is distributed locally."

Looking pleased, Gibbs told him, "Thanks, DiNozzo."

The three tired agents, lugging their packs, navigated through the ship slowly, even though the helicopter was waiting for them. Kate was a little ahead going around a corner so Gibbs quietly asked Tony what he got for Abby.

Tony turned his head and replied, "Same as Kate; different color and it has stripes."

Just before they went through the hatch to the deck, Gibbs asked, "What did you get for you?"

"Uh, nothing, boss."

Gibbs knew he was lying. Anyone would have known Tony wasn't telling the truth.

Kate was waiting for them before heading outside to the deck.

"Kate, go on. Tell 'em we're coming."

She hesitated for only a second before slipping from the passage.

Gibbs made sure nobody was within hearing distance before glaring at DiNozzo and a full three count later said, "Tell me you did not get rum."

From the look on the agent's face, Gibbs knew he was right.

"You can't bring that aboard ship. Tell me you had it mailed."

Tony had the good sense to admit what he'd done.

"It's wrapped in bubbles and brown paper. Nobody saw it."

Gibbs shook his head. "Not the point."

Tony had purchased alcohol while on duty and brought it with him to the ship.

With Gibbs' disappointment weighing heavily, Tony said meekly, "Won't happen again, boss."

End

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