Not beta'd; I do not own NCIS

"You okay?" Gibbs asked his emotionally exhausted agent.

Tim nodded, his head leaning against the wall, eyes still red and puffy from crying. "That was tough." Part of him had wanted to yell and shout at Charlie for keeping the kids a secret, especially these last few months when her health was declining, but one look at her in that hospital bed, pale and listless and all of those thoughts had flown out the window. Instead, he had walked towards and her reached for her hand. She had stared at him, her face defiant, but her eyes fearful. It was obvious that she knew he was aware of her secrets, that he knew about the kids. Clasping her hands and meeting her eyes, he told her how much he cared for her, how much he loved their kids, how he would care and provide for them; how much he loved the names she had chosen. He just talked, part of him wasn't even completely aware of what he was saying. After a few minutes, Gibbs knocked on the door, ready to enter with the kids. Once Gibbs had been introduced, he left the room, allowing the family to be alone for the first time ever.

Tears rolled down Tim's face as he remembered how her face lit up when she saw the kids, she hugged them, told them how much she loved and missed them, and how their father was going to take great care of them for now on.

"I know," Gibbs raised a hand to Tim's neck and gave a reassuring squeeze.

"She looks…" his voice trailed off. "I don't think it's going to be three months," he whispered softly. He had really been hoping that despite the odds, Charlie would be okay.

"Will she be staying in the hospital until the end?"

Tim shook his head, "No, she's going to stay with Nick, Hospice will be helping out. I promised to bring the kids by as often as I can, at least once a week, more if our case load allows it."

"Tim," Gibbs began.

Tim shook his head, "I'll figure it out and fine the time. We'll be fine."

"Tim, look at me," he commanded. "You just found out that you're a father. That's a major life change, there is a lot you need to figure out. Don't worry about a place to live," he added, "You and the kids can stay with me as long as you need to," he reassured his young agent. "But, adding to that, their mother is terminally ill. Paternity and family leave is available to you, you might want to take it. Most people would when only one of those things are going on in their life, but with both occurring simultaneously? You really need to think abut it, about what is best for you, for Kay and Todd, and for Charlie.

"Of course, after dealing with Tony and Ziva, nine month old twins will probably seem like a vacation in comparison. No doubt you'll be ready to come back soon. Just remember that the leave is there for you."

"My job," Tim protested.

"You will still have a position at NCIS." Gibbs commented before smirking, "Of course, technically I cannot guarantee the same job will be waiting for you when you return, that's the director's call, but I can tell you that I don't foresee anyone else being able to put up with Tony's antics like you can.

"No one will think less of you for using what you have," Gibbs reassured him.

"I...yeah, maybe."

"Now, how about we head home and get those kids of your settled?"

Tim nodded his agreement, looking over at his sleeping kids. "Um, aren't you worried about what Tony and Abby have been doing this entire time at your house?"

"Nope," Gibbs smirked, "I sent Tony a list of instructions and Ducky over there to supervise."

Nick followed them to Gibbs' place. Saturday afternoon was spent unloading her van, the sedan, and Gibbs' truck. Nick stayed and she and Abby fed the kids lunch and kept them entertained, while the guys moved the furniture and set up a room for the twins. Soon after, Nick returned to the hospital, after hugging Tim and reminding him that she and her sisters were only a phone call away. Gibbs offered to babysit, so that Ducky and Abby could head to the grocery store and Tim and Tony could head to Tim's place to pack some of his clothes and belongings. Gibbs was insistent that they move his bed, smirking that he doubted his 6 foot plus agent wanted to sleep on the preexisting furniture Gibbs had in place. After taking a look at what was available, Tim quickly agreed.

Tim also took that opportunity to give his notice at his apartment. A decision Gibbs and Ducky had encouraged, since both had offered to store the remainder of his furniture at their places if he hadn't located a new place by the end of the month.

Sunday was spent at Gibbs' home; Ducky, Tony, and Abby all stopping by to check on the new family, and each of Charley's sisters calling to repeat Nick's words from yesterday.

Tim spent part of the day, while the twins slept or were kept occupied by visitors, figuring out his finances and how much he could afford to spend if he did by a house. He also attempted to make a dent in Tony's list regarding decisions he needed to make, though Sunday wasn't the best day to follow up on some of those.

Nick had proven to be a fountain of information. She had contact numbers for the kids Doctor's; the daycare they attended; as well as a few sitters that Charlie had used and liked.

Tim woke early Monday morning, showered and dressed before getting the kids ready for the day.

"You coming in?" Gibbs asked when Tim entered the kitchen in search of coffee.

"Yeah. Whether I take the leave or not, and I probably will take some," he admitted, "I figured it was a good idea to go in today."

"You know that the day is probably not going to be that productive, right?"

Tim frowned at his boss's words. With everything he had to get done regarding the kids, he had been hoping for the opposite

"Everyone will be coming by to look at the kids," Gibbs smirked. "No doubt rumors will fly the minute you show up with them."

"I know," Tim admitted. "I guess I was hoping for more from our coworkers."

An eyebrow lifted, "You do remember that these are the same coworkers who placed bets about the father, right?"

"Yeah," Tim sighed in resignation. "I should probably start getting the kids ready," he said, putting down his mug.

"I'll help," Gibbs offered.

Between the two it didn't take long and before Tim knew it, he was loaded down like a pack mule and heading out to the car and to work.

Normally a conscientious driver anyway, Tim took even greater care with his two small children in the vehicle with him. To his surprise, Gibbs actually remained in his sight the entire drive.

Upon arrival, Tim removed the kids from their car seats and placed them in the double stroller, his go bag and the diaper bag over his shoulder. He received many looks as he walked towards the NCIS building and not the daycare, but he was determined not to let it affect him. Once inside, Tim introduced the security guard, Henry, to his children. Immediately, Tim could hear the voices of those around him speculating about the details.

As usual, Gibbs was right. Many people stopped at Tim's desk throughout the day, beginning with the director.

"Congratulations, again, Agent McGee."

"Thank you," Tim replied stiffly. He appreciated the use of the sedan, but still felt a bit hurt by her initial reaction to the news.

"HR knows to clear their schedule when you want to see them," she informed him. "Whatever you need to make this transition easier for you and the kids, please let me know. We will do our best to accommodate you."

"Thank you," he replied, his tone warmer than earlier.

She nodded and picked one of the children in the portable play pen. "And how are you today, Katelyn?"

"Kay," Tim corrected, continuing at the inquisitive look. "Katelyn is a mouthful. While she's little I'll probably call her Kay or Katie."

Jenny nodded, "Are you going to change their last name?"

"I…I don't know," Tim responded honestly, looking at Gibbs. He hadn't really thought about it. Did the older man want him to change their surname?

"Doesn't need to be decided today," Gibbs reminded him. "There are enough time sensitive decisions that need to be made first."

"Right," Tim nodded, gladly putting that thought to the back of his mind.

"And I thought McGee looked young when he started," Tony joked as he entered the bullpen and caught sight of the kids. "These two look like they could still be in diapers."

"They are still in diapers," Tim stated dryly, "Yet still better behaved than you."

"Ouch!" Tony grinned at the barb before turning to Jenny. "Director," he said before turning to the baby in her arms, "And how is Miss Katie today?"

She babbled at him, causing him to nod before turning to her brother and picking him up. "And Todd Anthony, my man, how are you?"

Jenny and most of the bullpen watched as Tony comfortably held the child, keeping up an endless stream of babble.

"What about their middle names?" Jenny asked curiously, "Are you going to change them?"

"You can't," Tony protested sharply.

"I can't?" Tim repeated, trying to hide his amusement at Tony's tone.

"No, you can't. Their mother took great care choosing their names. It would be rude and inconsiderate to change them, especially since she seemed to keep you and those important to you in mind when doing so."

"I don't know," Tim said hesitantly. "Having two middle names seems a bit pretentious. Simple is better," he added.

"Really?" Tony asked, pointing to Katie, "And which of her middle names would you drop? The one after your sister or the one after the forensic scientist that could kill you and leave no evidence behind?"

Those within range of Tony's words laughed when Tim paled at telling either women that he chose the other to honor with his daughter's name.

"He has a point," Jenny smiled, "and from what he said, I take it you found the 'S'?"

"Yeah," Tim smiled, introducing her once again, "Katelyn Abigail Sarah Gibbs."

"Very pretty," Jenny commented, "And Todd?"

"Uh," Tim hesitated, not sure how Gibbs would react to him sharing the name. "You know, I could drop both middle names for both kids and replace it with Gibbs, then change their surname to McGee."

"Todd Anthony Shannon Gibbs," Jethro provided.

"Oh," Jenny stated, realizing why Tim was hesitant.

"And there is no reason to drop or change any part of their names unless you want to," Gibbs informed Tim, looking into his eyes to convey the sincerity of his words.

"Right, and there is plenty of time," Tim repeated from earlier.

"Sorry, sorry I'm late," Ziva said, rushing to her desk and putting her things down. "I was only gone a week, yet I think I forgot how bad DC traffic is in the morning," she added finally looking up and seeing a child in Jenny's arms and another in Tony's.

"And who do we have here?" She asked, approaching Jenny. "It it part of a case? What can I do to help?"

"Uh, Ziva," Tim began, walking over to her. "I'd like to introduce you to my children. My daughter, Kay," he said, indicating the girl in the director's arms.

"Katie," Tony corrected.

Tim rolled his arms and waving a hand to the child Tony held, continued, "And my son, Todd."

Ziva frowned, causing Tim to tense, wondering how she was going to respond. He could handle the rest of the building talking and judging him, after all, they don't really know him, but Ziva was his teammate, one of his partners.

"What?" he finally asked, a bit harsher than intended.

Still frowning, Ziva looked between the kids and Tim. "I know I was not gone that long," she finally said.

"You weren't," he commented, glad that her frown was due to confusion and not disapproval. "But a lot can happen in a week. I'll explain later," he added, conscious of the listening ears.

"That is fine," she agreed. "Can I hold one?"

"Take Todd," Gibbs suggested. "Tony needs to be getting back to those cold cases."

"Right," Tony sighed, unhappily relinquishing his hold.

"I should return to work as well," the directory said, reluctantly passing Kay to Tim. "Contact HR and remember to let me know what you need."

"I will," he agreed as she left. After a few minutes, both kids were returned to the playpen so that the team could get to work. Tim immediately picking up the phone to schedule an appointment with HR.

"Boss," Tim began after hanging up.

"Go" Gibbs ordered. "I also suggest you take the time to follow up on additional items. I'll watch these two troublemakers."

"Okay, but can you keep an eye on Todd and Katie as well?" he joked, pointedly looking at Tony and Ziva.

"Go," Gibbs smirked.

10-18-19

Ziva's back, and very confused...Hmm, surprised Abby didn't stop by...