Hello everyone. As I predicted, life got in the way and I wasn't able to do as much writing as I had hoped.
But I finally got this chapter done. It's a bit longer than the other and it mostly sets things up for future chapters but I hope you like it nonetheless.
I'll try to get the next chapter out as soon as I can but forgive me if it takes a while.
Chapter 5
To an outside observer, it would look like Tim was staring intently at Gibbs house as he sat in the passenger seat of his girlfriend's car.
In truth he was lost in thought and he was looking at nothing in particular. It just so happened that Gibb's house initiated some of those thoughts.
Someone grabbing his hand made him jump a little. He looked down to see a slender hand over his, then looking up he saw the hands owner, Kelly, looking at him with a mix of concern and encouragement.
"You okay, babe?" Kelly asked.
"Yeah. Yeah," Tim replied, squeezing her fingers, "I just have a lot on my mind."
"Tim…"
"It's not about the mission, I swear. It's more about everything that's been going on lately. I promise I'll tell you about it later."
"Okay. Don't forget you also promised to be 100% cooperative with the NCIS counselor when you see them this week."
"I remember, I will be."
Kelly gave him a smile then leaned in and kissed him which Tim happily returned.
"I love you," Both of them said in unison, causing them to chuckle.
"I love you too," Kelly said before Tim could say it first, "Now, come on. Let's get this over while we can. I don't want to risk having mom called in to work and leave us alone with dad."
The two stepped out of the car and walked together, holding hands, towards the house.
Earlier that morning, they called Kelly's mom to set up a meeting time with her and Kelly's father, telling Shannon a summary of what happened and what they wanted to tell her father. They were lucky that Shannon had the day off and while it was uncommon, being a nurse meant that big emergencies happen and she gets called in on her days off.
Kelly knocked on the door then opened it and stepped in with Tim.
"Mom! Dad," she called out.
"I'm here," Shannon replied as she appeared from the kitchen, "Hi, honey. Hi Tim."
The three exchanged hugs before Tim and Kelly sat on the sofa while Shannon went to grab her husband from the backyard.
"It's going to be ok Tim," Kelly said, squeezing Tim's hands reassuringly.
"Shouldn't I be saying that to you," Tim replied.
"Yeah, but you're scared of my father. I'm not."
"Good point."
"You shouldn't be though."
"Easy for you to say, you're his daughter. He won't murder you. The rest of us aren't immune."
"Ha, murder."
They heard the back door open and closed and shortly after Gibbs and Shannon joined the young couple in the living room, each taking the available living chairs across from Tim and Kelly. Gibbs looked unhappy as if he didn't want to be there.
"Okay hunny," Shannon said, giving the couple a supportive look, "go ahead."
"Alright," Kelly said as she sat up and squeezed Tim's hand, "So first off, Dad, we were planning to tell you about our relationship for a couple days now."
"How long have you two been together," Gibbs cut her off.
"Almost two years."
"Is it serious?"
"Yes, it is," Kelly said confidently, "we've been talking about moving in together for awhile now but we were holding off until we told you."
"Why did you wait this long to tell us?" Gibbs asked.
"Because we knew you would react the way you did last night if you found out suddenly and you would try to interrogate us like we were suspects like you're doing now.
Gibbs narrowed his eyes at her but Kelly responded by raising an eyebrow back at him.
"What did happen last night," Shannon asked, "Your father didn't want to talk about it. Just that DiNozzo thought you were in trouble, and found you and Tim but didn't go into detail."
"Well, DiNozzo thought I was in trouble and broke into my apartment and caught Tim and I half naked and about to have sex and thought–"
"Can…you not mention that part," Gibbs interrupted as he shifted uncomfortably in his seat, "I don't want to think about my daughter doing… that."
"Dad. We fuck, okay, we fuck. I am an adult woman, and Tim and I fuck."
"You don't have to say such things to me and your mother."
"She knows we fuck!"
"Kelly!"
"Jethro," Shannon said, suppressing a chuckle, "They have sex."
"Shannon!"
Gibbs looked incredulously at the two women as they smirked at him. Tim meanwhile sat back on the sofa, his face turning red from embarrassment that reached all the way to his ears. He was silently praying to suddenly be swallowed by the sofa and disappear."
"Can we please move on," Gibbs said exasperated.
"So Tony broke into the apartment," Kelly continued, "and when he saw us, he thought he saw Tim… doing bad things to me. He had his gun pointed at Tim and put him in handcuffs without letting him explain. When I was finally able to talk, I let slip that Tim and I were dating which opens a whole other can of worms that I rather not think about right now.
Then dad shows up and sees us and Tony tells him Tim and I are dating and right away he starts trying to interrogate Tim and throw accusations, saying he's defiling me and going behind his back."
"Well look at it from my view," Gibbs spoke up, "I go into my daughter's apartment after getting a call that she's in danger and find her and Tim half naked and suddenly I find out they are dating. How else am I suppose to react?"
"Not by throwing out orders and trying to kick my boyfriend out. Who do you think you are trying to kick Tim out of my apartment?"
"He's my agent."
"Outside of work, he's my boyfriend and it's my apartment. My house, my rules, remember?"
"You're still my daughter."
"I am an adult with my own life. You don't get to control my life."
"She's right Jethro," Shannon intervened, "she is an adult now and you need to accept that."
Gibbs sighed and ran a hand through his hair.
"I know," he says, "I know you're a grown woman Kelly but to me you'll always be my little girl."
"I know that dad," Kelly replied, "and I understand but you need to accept it. I don't know what your problem with Tim is but we are together and I love him, and he loves me."
"It's nothing personal to him. I would have an issue with any guy dating my daughter."
"She could do worse, Jethro," Shannon said, "Tim is a good young man. Remember Dylan when she was in high school?"
Gibbs reacted by putting a hand over his eyes and running it down his face.
"Oh god, he was such a loser," Kelly said amusedly; upon seeing Tim's confused face, she turned to him, "I'll tell you about it later. I wanted to rebel and he seemed like a good idea but we barely dated."
"You haven't said a thing yet Tim," Shannon said, "do you have anything to say?"
"Well," Tim started as he sat up straighter, "Kelly said it best. I love her and I am excited and can't wait for us to move in together. We didn't mean to keep it a secret for this long and we definitely didn't mean for you to find out the way you did."
"That's not the only secret you kept that's bothering me," Gibbs replied, "Why didn't you come to me when Vance assigned you to that team?"
"When he told me I was chosen, I was sworn to secrecy. That the team and our missions were classified to the highest degree."
"You still could have told me."
"No he couldn't dad," Kelly jumped in, "it was classified. What rule was it that went: best way to keep a secret? Keep it to yourself. Second-best, tell one other person-if you must. There is no third best."
"Rule 4," Tim told her.
"Thank you. Bottom line is, he had no obligation to tell you. Quite the opposite actually. He isn't allowed to tell you."
"How is it that you knew then," Gibbs asked, "are you that one other person?"
"That's classified, dad."
"Well as his boss, I still think I had the right to know something was up."
"And Vance is both your bosses and he explicitly said not tell you or anyone else."
Gibbs let out a long exhale from his nose.
"I know you don't like it," Kelly continued, "but that's just how it is. We have a job to do, we have our orders, and we are going to follow them."
"I just…" Gibbs started, trying to find the right words, "I'm gonna need time to get use to all this. Both this and you dating each other."
"I understand. Just as long as you know that we are living our lives and you can't be freaking out over it."
"I'll do my best."
The rest of their meeting was filled with casual conversations and questions by Shannon enthusiastically curious about Tim and Kelly's relationship. Eventually they left Gibbs home with a promise to join them for dinner sometime in the future. When they returned to the car, Tim and Kelly discussed if and how they should tell Director Vance.
Which is how they ended up in his office, early the next morning, the director looking at the couple as he sat across them in his desk with an unreadable face. They both agreed that he had to know, since they were both on Alpha Team together and since they told Gibbs, they should tell Vance sooner than later. So they called his secretary the day before, after leaving Gibbs' house, and set up an early morning meeting.
"When I said she would make a valuable friend to you, Agent McGee," Vance started, "I didn't mean as in dating. Though I would be lying if I said that I didn't consider that you two would at some point and would make a good couple.
While I would have preferred to be told sooner, I understand the reasons for the secrecy. The irony being that you are both part of a task force that operates in secrecy. Seeing as how you both have been able to stay professional for this long and not have it interfere with your duties, I see no reason to change anything about Alpha Team as it concerns either of you as long as it continues to not interfere with your duties. Is that understood?"
"Yes, director," Tim and Kelly said in unison.
"Good. Now speaking of Alpha Team, I might as well update you both since you're here. The scan of the laptop was completed and a large amount of valuable information was found, including information on a couple high profile targets. The CIA are the ones following up on it but SECNAV has told me that our services could be required again if they decide to go that route."
"They still trust us after what happened with the last op," Tim asked.
"Fortunately they do," Vance told him, "it helps we were able to get a hold of the laptop but they ask us to not let another fiasco happen again. Something I intend to never have a repeat of. I prefer not to owe one to the CIA.
I was able to convince SECNAV that DiNozzo's mistake was due to high stress and panic, and that he would no longer be put undercover on an Alpha Team operation. He has a meeting with me later today to discuss returning to his duties albeit with some strict reminders."
"That's good to hear," Tim said.
Kelly merely nodded while schooling her face. She was still very angry with Tony about what happened two nights ago.
"If there's nothing else, you two are dismissed," Vance told them.
The couple left the directors office and made their way to the bullpen where Kelly greeted her arriving father before heading to her office.
Ziva later joined Tim and Gibbs in the bullpen and their day started. Not long after, Gibbs got a call and after a short conversation, hung up and got Ziva and Tim's attention.
"Gear up," Gibbs called out, "Warrant came through and we're gonna serve it."
"Can we do it with an agent down?" Ziva asked.
"Done it before," Gibbs told her, "shouldn't be a problem. Just gotta be extra careful."
With that, the team finished grabbing their gear and headed out.
Xxx
Later in the NCIS evidence garage, Abby stood in the center, writing on a clipboard in her hand, as everyone around her moved around and pushed carts and items here and there. She was so engrossed in her work, she didn't notice someone walking up to her from her side until they called out her name.
"Hey, Abby."
"Kelly," Abby replied enthusiastically when she looked up and saw the young red headed daughter of Gibbs, "Hi! What brings you down to my neck of the woods?"
"There are some forms I need you to sign off on," Kelly explained as she handed over a few sheets of documents to Abby, "it's all evidence forms from the Harrison case awhile back. The DA wants to make sure it's all verified and ready to go."
"Can do!"
Kelly waited patiently as Abby wordlessly scanned and signed the forms she was given.
So how was your weekend," Abby asked without looking up.
"It was okay," Kelly replied, "Mostly uneventful. Visited my parents."
"No clubbing or parties?"
"No."
"Slow weekend then?"
Kelly was about to ask what she meant when a car pulling into the garage got her attention and she saw Tim behind the wheel.
When the car stopped and Tim stepped out, she tried to stay nonchalant but her eyes went wide when she noticed the gauze on his neck and the blood on his shirt.
"Hey McGee," Abby greeted him, "whoa, what happened to you?"
In an instant, both women were next to him, examining his injuries. Kelly's hands covered her mouth upon seeing the marks on Tim's neck when Abby pulled back the gauze.
"I'm fine," Tim told them in a tired tone, "I was attacked by a vicious dog."
"What," Kelly exclaimed.
"We were serving a warrant and apparently the dog got into some drugs and mauled and killed its owner. When we got there, the back door was opened and it ran out and attacked me until I shot it in the leg."
"Oh my God."
"Where's the dog?" Abby asked.
"It's in the back seat. Gibbs had me drive it back here."
"My dad made you take the dog by yourself," Kelly asked, shocked at what he was hearing.
Before Tim could reply, he noticed Abby had opened the back door and was removing the muzzle off the German Shepherd.
"Abby, Abby!" he called out, "don't do that. that is a vicious animal."
Ignoring him, Abby had removed the muzzle and was petting the calm dog as it licked her fingers and whined.
"He's not vicious McGee," Abby told him, "he's a sweet, innocent doggy."
"Why isn't animal control handling the dog," Kelly asked, her attention all on Tim.
"Gibbs wanted the dog back here as soon as possible to get its blood tested before the drugs passed," Tim explained.
"But why you? Why didn't he send you to the hospital?"
"I'm fine. Ducky looked me over and patched me up. I'm just a little beat up."
"You got bit by a dog! A dog that you said was on drugs. The drugs or bacteria could have gotten into the wounds. You need to go to the hospital to get them properly cleaned."
"Kelly, I'm fine. It's okay."
"It's not okay. What was my dad thinking? I'm taking you to the hospital right now."
"Kelly, no. I don't need-"
"This is not up for debate Tim."
Tim was about to decline again when he saw the look in her eyes he recognized, where she was close to tears but was doing her best to hold them back. He could see she was scared and concerned for him and them being at work, and in front of Abby, was the only thing holding her back.
"Okay," he conceded.
"Thank you," Kelly replied softly, letting out a shaky breath.
"Hold on," Abby spoke up, "what about the dog? He needs medical help too. We should help him first."
"The dog is not important right now Abby," Kelly started but was interrupted by Abby.
"How dare you," Abby said, narrowing her eyes at the young redhead, "How can you say the life of an animal is not important?"
"I meant that Tim takes priority."
"But the dog was shot! He could be bleeding out. McGee is fine, he even said so himself. Those are just tiny bite marks."
"He's lucky his wounds are minor. It could have been worse. It could be worse. The dog was on drugs and could have rabies or something. It killed somebody already."
"He obviously doesn't have rabies and no way did he kill anyone. Just look at him, he's innocent."
"ABBY," Tim cut in, before Kelly could reply; he could see where the conversation was going and wanted to put an end to it before Kelly and Abby really got into it, "if I'm going to the hospital, I better do it now so I can come back sooner. Get started on helping the dog and I'll help you when I get back."
"Fine. But I'm not happy McGee."
"I know you're not and I'm sorry but we need to go now," Tim said quickly when he saw Kelly was going to retort.
He then put a discrete hand on Kelly's back and led her out as Abby turned her attention back to the dog.
Once Kelly and Tim were alone in the elevator, Kelly angrily wiped away the tear that finally came out.
"I can't believe my father," she said, "what the hell was he thinking? What the hell was Uncle Ducky thinking? He should have known better."
"It's not a big deal. The bleeding wasn't as bad as it could have been."
"Who knows what bacteria could have gotten in from that dog's mouth. The wounds need to be properly cleaned. Plus you said the dog ingested the drugs, right?"
"Yeah, it's snout was covered in cocaine."
"So what if the drugs got into you from the dog biting you? You may have a reaction and need treatment."
"Okay, true. You have a point."
"And what the hell is Abby's problem? How can she act like the dog is more important. I thought she was suppose to care about you? Instead she puts the well being of the dog that attacked you over her supposed best friend? God, I thought she was going to get bit too when she removed the muzzle, how careless can she be?"
"That's… just Abby."
"She's very frustrating."
The elevator occupants fell silent as the elevator reached its destination. The doors opened with a ding but neither of them moved, allowing the elevator to eventually close again.
Tim then lifted a hand and softly caressed Kelly's cheek with his knuckles
"Hey, I'm proud of you," Tim said softly, "you were able to keep from losing your cool with Abby. Good girl."
"N-no Timothy," Kelly stumbled but kept her voice firm; she had turned her head away from Tim's hand, "I'm mad at you too. You could have gotten seriously hurt or worse. Instead you're not taking it seriously. You should have stepped up to my father and told him no to transporting the dog and went to the hospital instead."
The silence returned to the elevator as McGee felt a wave a shame go over him.
The two remained unmoving for a moment longer before Kelly suddenly reached out and grabbed Tim's hand, moving up to her face and rubbing her cheek up against it. A smile went across Tim's face but he remained quiet.
"I hate when you scare me like this," Kelly said softly.
"I'm sorry," Tim told her.
"No, don't be," Kelly replied, resting her face against his hand, "It's your job. I should be sorry for getting so worked up."
"You have nothing to be sorry for. It just shows that you deeply care and I really appreciate that you do."
"I just don't want to come off as bossy, you know that. I been worried ever since my exes complained about it."
"You're not bossy, and you know I would say something if I felt it was getting too much. As it is, I need such a strong woman that's on my side in my life."
Kelly chuckled then kissed Tim's hand.
"I love you," she said.
"I love you too, " Tim replied.
Xxx
"Yeah Gibbs," said the voice answering the phone
"Dad, do you want to guess where I am," Kelly asked sternly.
She was currently outside Tim hospital room on her phone after having his wounds cleaned and blood drawn. They were currently waiting for the nurse to return with the necessary antibiotic shots. She also was holding Tim's phone at his request so she could call his sister and grandmother.
"Where are you," Gibbs asked, he was already annoyed by Tim not being at NCIS and not answering his phone, "Is McGee with you?"
"Yes, he is. We are currently in the emergency room.'
"What? Honey, are you okay? What happened?"
"I'm fine dad. I'M not the one who was attacked by a dog!"
"Tim? Why is he there?"
"Dad! He was bit by a dog. What is wrong with you?"
"Honey, he was fine. Even he was saying he was fine. I had Ducky take a look at him anyway. Patch him up."
"Uncle Ducky of all people should have known better. What if the dog had rabies?"
"The dog didn't have rabies, Kelly."
"But it did get into some drugs right? It could be under the influence and got some of it in Tim's bloodstream."
"Kelly–"
"and that's not even mentioning any bacteria it has in its mouth from mauling someone else. Thank God, Tim was able to shoot it before it could do any more damage. This could have ended really badly."
"Well, fortunately it didn't. Tim is fine but I sent him back to NCIS just to be sure."
"Yeah, with the dog that attacked him. What the hell were you thinking?! Why didn't you have animal control deal with the dog? They have the proper equipment. "
"We couldn't risk the drugs in the dog's system passing through and disappearing so I had Tim send it straight to Abby. Besides, the dog was muzzled. It's fine."
"So the health and safety of your agents are not as important as immediately solving your cases?"
"Kelly–"
"I can't believe you! I don't–… I can't do this right now. This isn't over Dad."
Kelly ended the phone before Gibbs could answer. She took a deep breath and tried to push down her anger and frustration. She turned to go back into Tim's room when Tim's cell phone rang. Thinking it was Tim's sister returning her call, she saw Ziva's name on the caller ID.
"Hello Ziva," she answered, "Tim's currently away from his phone."
"Oh," came Ziva's reply, "Kelly?"
"That's correct."
"Is Tim with you? I have not seen him at NCIS."
"He is. I took him to the Emergency Room for his wounds from the dog attack."
"Oh thank goodness, thank you. I told him he should go to the hospital to have his bites looked at but he dismissed the idea."
"Yeah, it took some convincing to get him to go. He kept saying he was fine."
"He can be as stubborn as a donkey."
"Mule, Ziva. Stubborn as a mule."
"Gah! They are the same creature, are they not?"
"Not really. Donkeys are their own animal while mules come from a donkey and a horse. You were close though."
"Thank you. How is Tim?"
"He is fine, thankfully. The dog was only able to leave punctures but they aren't that deep. His blood work isn't showing any drugs or rabies in his system but they are giving him vaccinations just to be sure as well as antibiotics for any infections."
"That's good. So he'll be able to go home tonight?"
"Yup, just as soon as he gets his shots and is discharged."
"Excellent. Please keep me updated if anything changes."
"Will do and thank you for caring about him Ziva."
"Of course. Tim is a dear friend and I care greatly for him. I wish I could have convinced him to go sooner but I am glad someone eventually did."
"Yeah, I'm currently mad at my dad for downplaying it and not sending him to the hospital. I'm ticked off at Tim for downplaying it too. Why are the men on the team so stubborn about their injuries?"
"I do not care for that whole manly mindset. How macho you are is not going to make a difference if you bleed out to death. At least Tim is able to be convinced otherwise. It helps that he has such a good friend like you."
"Yeah…" Kelly bit her lip at those last words and after a moment's thought, made a decision, "Hey Ziva, there's something you should know. Tim and I are together. We have been dating for almost two years now."
"You are?" Ziva replied, her voice getting excited, "that's wonderful! Mazel tov."
"We were planning to tell you together eventually but with everything going on, I figured it's better to tell you now before you hear it from someone else, like Tony or something. I'm sorry for keeping it a secret from you for so long. It's not that we didn't trust you. We just–"
"Kelly, it's okay," Ziva interrupted, "no apologies are needed. Between Tony, your father and Abby, I understand completely why you would want to keep it a secret."
"Thank you Ziva, you're the best."
"But, I must insist that you both join me for a dinner so you can tell me everything about your relationship."
"Of course! That would be great. We'd love to."
"Then it is a date. We will make plans after the case is over."
Kelly smiled as the two said goodbye. Kelly then joined Tim in his room just as the nurse was returning.
Xxx
Tim returned home with Kelly after they got out of the hospital. They were excused for the rest of the day by Vance so Tim could rest for the remainder of the day and since it was almost the end of the work day for Kelly, it was decided it would just make more sense.
When they got back to Tim's apartment, Kelly's mother was there not long after to check up on Tim and make sure they gave him the proper medication and show the couple the proper way to change out his bandages. She scolded him about his indifference to his injuries before giving him a tight motherly hug. Even though she was scary during the scolding, Shannon told them that Gibbs got it worse when she read him riot act.
Tim knew the next time he saw his boss. It would be a bit awkward. Sure enough, the next morning, when he got into office early as usual and encountered Gibbs, the two men stood across from each other without saying a word for a long minute.
"Listen McGee," Gibbs finally started, "about yesterday–"
"It's okay, boss," Tim replied, looking down.
"Shannon and me talked…. Well, more like she had a talk with me…"
"She had a talk with me too."
"So, I just wanted to say…"
"I know boss. It's okay."
Gibbs gave him a nod and the two fell silent again. Shortly after, Gibbs left to give Vance an update on the case just as Ziva arrived. After she was satisfied that her partner was indeed okay and not too badly hurt, the two went to work at their desk when a familiar voice surprised them.
"What, no welcome back party?"
Tim and Ziva looked up to see Tony strolling into the bullpen, his bag around his shoulder and a pair of sunglasses and a dazzling smile on his face.
"Tony, your suspension is over," Ziva stated.
"That's right," Tony replied, "After some explanation and discussion, Vance decided to end my suspension and let me return to work."
"With just a warning I hope?" Tim asked.
"Yeah, a warning. What happened to you McGoo," Tony asked, motioning to Tim's bandages, "I'm gone a few days and you get yourself hurt."
"I got attacked by a dog when we went to serve a warrant."
"A finicky Chihuahua got the better of you?"
"No, a German Shepherd," Ziva interjected, "one under the influence of drugs."
"A German- geez, how bad was it," Tony cringed.
"He got a good bite," Tim told him as he pulled back his bandages to show Tony his wounds, "but nothing worse than punctures. The shots they gave me at the hospital were honestly worse."
"Well, that tends to be the preferable thing. And you still came into work? That's at least a free 2-day vacation."
"It's honestly not a big deal, I'm fine."
"Don't let Kelly hear you say that, Timothy," Ziva stated without looking up from her work.
"Ah, so miss boss's daughter is not happy that you are downplaying it," Tony questioned.
"She was the reason I even went to the Emergency Room in the first place," Tim told him.
"So she takes care of her boy toy. Does that mean you and her are still special buddies?"
Tim sighed as he turned back to his computer, "I'm not answering that Tony."
"Come on probie. There's a lot of questions that need to be answered."
"Drop it Tony."
"Teammates shouldn't be keeping secrets from each other."
"That's rich coming from you, DiNozzo," a deep voice suddenly interrupted.
A shiver went up the three NCIS agents' spine before they looked over to its owner entering the bullpen and confirmed their fears.
Trent Kort casually strolled up to Tony, as if he was daring him or the other agents to verbally object to his presence.
"Cyclops, so good to see you. To what do we owe the pleasure," Tony asked, his voice dripping with sarcasm.
"I have a meeting with your director," Trent told him, "I just thought I'd check up on my favorite Major Case Response Team on my way to his office."
"We are doing great, thank you for asking," Tony responded quickly, "You can go now. You don't want to be late."
"I am also hoping to meet with the members of Alpha Team. I have a feeling your team could help lead me to them."
"How do you know about them," Ziva interjected from her desk.
"They're a well known secret among higher ups in all the agencies" Kort explained, "Those few in the know are aware of their exploits. They are in very high demand."
Tim just caught Tony's eye twitching as Kort said that. He doubted anyone else would have caught it but since it was Kort, Tim wouldn't be surprised if that was his goal.
"NCIS though has been highly successful at keeping their identities a secret," Kort continued.
"And you feel like you're entitled to that secret?" Tony asked.
"I wouldn't have been as successful in my career if I didn't learn all the secrets there is to know and this particular secret would be very advantageous to know."
"Well, you are in luck. You are talking to the leader of Alpha Team," Tony said, lifting his chin and looking at the CIA agent smugly, "so I suggest you watch yourself, Kort."
"I suggest you stick to being an NCIS agent DiNozzo. Being a comedian has still not worked out for you. Your indiscretion in the last operation is also well known among the CIA. We lost a valuable suspect, so it's obvious you're not even on the team."
A scowl immediately affixed to Tony's face. He was glaring daggers at Kort who was turning his attention to Ziva.
"Ziva isn't either because of her connection with Mossad," Kort stated, "and even Vance wouldn't take that risk, no matter how loyal she is."
Ziva crossed her arms and raised an eyebrow but remained stone faced.
"And Vance wouldn't choose the least experienced member of Gibbs team to be part of a clandestine strike team," Kort said, motioning to Tim.
Tim did his best not to react and keep his face in check. If Kort noticed anything, he didn't show it, instead he returned his attention to Tony.
"That would leave Gibbs," Kort continued, "he is a former sniper and is the most experienced but then again his absence would be the most noticed. Still, he is the most likely candidate. When I find out, I'll let you know if you're still curious, DiNozzo."
"IF you find out," Tony replied quietly.
Kort flashed him a cocky smirk.
"I should be going, it's almost time for my meeting with your director."
"Don't want to keep him waiting then Kort," said the voice of Gibbs from seemingly out of nowhere.
Gibbs casually walked into the bullpen giving Kort his soul piercing stare.
"You're right Gibbs, I wouldn't," Kort replied, "I'll be seeing all of you around."
Tim, Tony, and Ziva kept their eyes on Kort as he walked out of the bullpen and to the stairs until Gibbs' voice snapped them out of it.
"We have a case we're working on remember," he stated with a raised voice.
The three agents jumped and went quickly to work, not waiting to be told twice.
XxX
"You can not take in that dog," Kelly stated, looking wearily at the German Shepherd on the end of a leash.
"McGee," Abby pleaded with wide eyes as she held onto the leash.
A day later, Tim and Kelly found themselves standing in front of Abby in her lab as she held onto the leash of the German Shepherd as it sat patiently next to her. Earlier that day. Abby was able to prove his innocence and Team Gibbs caught the real killer. Now, Tim and Kelly were down in the lab after Tim was called down and were met with Abby and the German Shepherd.
"Abby, that dog has already tasted my blood and flesh," Tim told her, "I don't think it's a good idea for me to adopt him."
"But he was innocent," Abby replied, "he wasn't himself. Jethro wouldn't hurt a fly."
"Jethro?" Tim and Kelly exclaimed at the same time.
"You named the dog after our boss," Tim asked.
"It fits him," Abby explained, "it's a perfect name. Just look at him.
The three humans looked at Jethro as he looked off to the side panting and licking his lips.
"This is too weird," Kelly said quietly.
"Why can't you take him in," Tim asked.
"I tried, but my landlord does not allow pets and will not make an exception for him," Abby told him, "You have to be the one to take him."
"You cannot allow this dog into ou-…y-your home," Kelly interjected, looking at Tim with wide eyes.
"McGee can decide for himself," Abby snapped before turning back to Tim, "besides, you've been wanting to get a dog for a while now."
"That was before…" Tim started before catching himself from revealing his and Kelly's plan to move in together. They had plans to look at a few places that weekend. "That was before, Abby, but things changed and I can't take in a dog right now."
"But McGee, he's an innocent puppy. They'll take him to the pound and he may never find a home and he'll die sad and alone. You can't allow that to happen to him!"
"I'm sorry Abby. Maybe you'll find him a home soon before animal control takes him."
"But McGee! You shot him, you owe it to him."
"I can't Abby. I'm sorry."
"Hmph. Fine! Come Jethro, we know when we aren't wanted," Abby said, turning sharply away from the couple.
"Abby."
"Sorry, we don't have time for bad McGees right now. Have a good day."
"Abby…"
"I said good day."
Abby then walked forward, pulling Jethro along on his leash and went inside her office where she closed the glass door and continued to not look their way.
Tim and Kelly locked eyes and gave each other confused looks before shaking their heads and turning to leave.
"She is very…." Kelly started once they were out of Abby's lab.
"I know," Tim replied, "that's Abby for you."
"Jethro, geez. We are not naming any pets we get after our parents."
"Agreed."
The two fell silent as they stepped into the elevator and pushed the button for their destination.
"I'm still not sure if we should tell her about us," Kelly eventually said.
"It'll be better if we do," Tim told her, "at least if we do, she might not be as mad as she would be if she finds out. I want to believe Tony learned his lesson but…"
"He wouldn't pass up the opportunity to get you in trouble?"
"Yeah.