Not Beta'd; standard disclaimer applies

Science Doesn't lie, Chapter 29 The Family

Tim had been a bit worried riding in the car with Leroy. First there was the issue of his driving. Surprisingly, he didn't drive like he had for work, but was actually very cautious, as if he was transporting evidence or something more precious to him. Second, was the idea of being trapped in the car with him. They were rarely in a car alone together, even rarer was having it be for a non-work related. Part of Tim was expecting the two of them to fall into their normal behaviors: Tim, timid, quiet, and unsure what to say, Gibbs gruff and barking orders. Thankfully, that hadn't happened. The conversation even went well.

"I, uh," Gibbs began, shocking Tim with his hesitant tone, "I told Ziva about the results of the DNA testing."

Tim blinked, not expecting that news, "You did?"

Leroy shrugged, keeping his eyes on the road. "This morning," he confirmed. "Seemed only fair that she knew. I know DiNozzo does," he added.

"How'd she take it?" Tim finally asked.

"Good," Gibbs replied with a nod.

Tim smiled at the return of the typical monosyllabic Gibbs response. "That's good, at least. Um, did you tell anyone else?" he hesitantly asked.

Gibbs shot him a brief look before responding, "Ducky," he admitted. "That first day," he said, confirming Tim's suspicions. "After you left the lab, I…" he trailed off and shook his head, "I wasn't sure about anything. The thoughts and feelings were so overwhelming I knew I needed some help to sort things out. Not that it really mattered, I had already screwed things up by then."

"Hey!" Tim protested, not yelling too loudly since he didn't want to startle the other man while he was driving. "It's okay," he reassured him. "I understand and probably had a lot of the same thoughts and feelings," he confessed.

Gibbs shot him another look, this one not as serious given the teasing grin on his face, "I guess maybe we are a lot alike."

Tim snorted, "That probably won't work in our favor when it comes to the team. No doubt Vance will want to separate us for that reason alone."

The smile on the older man's face dimmed, "Tim,"

"I'm joking," Tim rushed to reassure his father. "I'm not saying he should or he shouldn't. It's his agency and up to him what he decides. Either way, I'm sure we'll be fine. And it's not realistic of us to expect work or the team to never come up in conversation until we know what's gonna happen."

"You're right," Gibbs nodded in agreement, letting that matter drop and bringing them back on topic. "Anyway, I found myself in autopsy. Palmer took one look at me and made an excuse to leave."

"I probably would've too," Tim admitted. "But, um,"

"Tim, son," his father began when the younger man hesitated, "Please don't be afraid to talk to me, about anything. As bad as it was that I didn't earn your trust in that way as your boss, it would be even worse if you didn't feel comfortable now that we know that I'm your father," he softly stated. "I understand some subject might be uncomfortable to actually discuss, especially those that are private in nature, but you shouldn't be too nervous to say something to me."

Tim nodded, understanding what he was saying. "It's just that, well, you kinda treat Jimmy like you treated me, and more often than not, a bit worse," he hesitantly expressed his thoughts. "I know he's not a field agent, but he's still a member of the auxiliary team and you should show him more respect, especially since he's never been anything but respectful towards you."

Gibbs was silent for a few moments as he thought about what Tim had said. He couldn't deny that his son had a point, but he didn't want Tim to think that he was agreeing with him just because of their newfound relationship. "You're right. And Palmer might not be a field agent, but he's been in the trenches with us and is deserving of my respect. I know that Ducky values his assistance. I'm actually surprised that Ducky hasn't called me out on my behavior," he confessed. "If anyone had treated members of my team like that," he stopped and shook his head. "And again, I am sorry for how I treated you," he softly apologized.

"I know, and you don't have to apologize every time it's mentioned," Tim felt compelled to point out. "In fact, given Rule 6, maybe you shouldn't apologize at all."

Another shake of the head, this time in disagreement, "Nope. I once told Ducky rule 6 didn't apply with friends, that goes double for family."

"Then the best apology would be one expressed by your actions," Tim countered. "Not continuing that behavior, with me or anyone else."

"Got it," Gibbs promised.

"So, other than Ducky, did you tell anyone else at work?"

"Just confirmed it for Vance," he stated. "Did tell Fornell at NCIS," he admitted, before explaining that Fornell knew something was going on due to Tony's behavior. "Um, I didn't tell Tony."

"Yeah, I did," Tim confessed, shocking the older man.

"You? Really?" he questioned in surprise. He had wondered fi that had been the case since Tony had admitted that he talked to Tim, but after some careful consideration he figured that Tony had stumbled on the truth and had confronted Tim, which had lead them to their conversation. "After how he had treated you at the beginning of the week, I wouldn't have expected that."

Tim shrugged, before sharing a little bit about Tony's visit to his new apartment on Tuesday night.

By the time he finished, the pair had arrived at the airport and the car was parked. They quickly made their way across the terminal to arrivals to wait for his plane to land.

"C'mon," Gibbs said, heading towards a coffee shop. "He knows to check for me in here before calling or getting a cab. You want anything?"

"I'll get it," Tim replied, "You grab a table for us. Um, you're usual?"

"Yep, thanks," Gibbs replied before walking away.

The conversation while they sipped their coffees and waited for Jackson wasn't as intense, since both of them were aware of the public setting. Their cups were about half full when a shadow loomed over them and they heard a voice call out.

"Tim!"

Next thing Tim was aware of was a pair of arms wrapped around his neck. "I'm so glad you are here. I can't wait to see my great-grandchildren."

"Er, hi, Mr. Gibbs, uh, Jackson," Tim replied, awkwardly patting the old man's arm, while Gibbs looked on in amusement.

"Ha! None of that, it's grandpa to you. Or Gramps. I'll even take papa or pops if that's what you prefer," he added.

"Uh," Tim hesitated as Gibbs stood and pulled out a chair for his father.

"Dad, sit," he ordered. "Let Tim be for a bit."

Jackson turned and glared at his son, "I have over 30 years of grandfatherness to make up for with him, don't tell me what to do, I'm your father, you're not mine."

Gibbs just sighed and reclaimed his seat.

In contrariness to his words, Jackson did release Tim and sit down. "Good to see you, Leroy," he dryly added, giving his son a cursory glance.

"You too, dad," Gibbs replied in the same tone.

Tim smirked at the interaction between the two.

"So, Tim," Jackson paused and looked at him, "Do you prefer Tim or is it Timothy? I've mostly heard the team refer to you as McGee, but hell if I'm going to call my grandson by his last name, especially when he should be a Gibbs."

"Dad," Leroy warned.

Jackson just waved the protest away, staring at Tim for an answer.

"Tim is fine,"

"What do you call your other grandfathers? I'm sure we can come up with something that we agree on."

"I, uh, don't have any grandfathers," Tim replied. "Um, they died before I was born. Most of my grandparents had. The only grandparent I've known is Penny," he stated, faltering as he said her name.

Jackson nodded and comfortingly padded his grandson on the shoulder. "And what did you call her?" he asked, assuming that she too had passed, quite possibly recently giving Tim's reaction.

"Uh, Penny," he repeated.

"You called her by her name?" Jackson asked, incredulously.

"She's quite a character," Gibbs injected.

"Hush, you, I'm talking to my grandson," Jackson said automatically before turning his attention to his son. "Wait, you knew her? You met her? Was this his mother's mother?" he asked, curious about Tim's mother and her relationship with his son. He had never been privy to Leroy's private life while he was growing up and even on the phone this morning, he hadn't talked about Tim's mother. The fact that Leroy knew Tim's grandmother made him wonder if there had been more to the relationship than he thought.

"Uh, no, my da-the Admiral's mother," Tim awkwardly corrected.

"And she's still alive," Gibbs added, suspecting what his father was thinking.

"Well, that's good," Jackson replied, looking between the two men before addressing his son. "Leroy, go get me a drink, that was a long flight and I'm parched."

Gibbs didn't bother arguing, just rolled his eyes before standing up and asking Tim if he wanted a refill. Part of him was curious about why Jackson wanted time alone with Tim, but figured the old man couldn't do too much damage in the time it took to get some more drinks. Still, he couldn't help the admonishment that left his mouth, "Behave," he warned Jackson before he walked away.

Jackson just shook his head, not speaking until Leroy was out of earshot, "Kids," he muttered. "Sometimes you wonder why you taught them to talk."

Tim stifled a laugh since Gibbs had said something similar earlier.

"If you want to call me Jackson, or Jack, if that makes you more comfortable, that's fine. Just know that I am open to other alternatives," he added, bringing them back to the original conversation. "Your sister called me Grandpa," he wistfully added.

"Sister?" Tim repeated, unable to stop himself from saying the next word, "Sarah?"

"Kelly," Jackson softly replied. "I take it you have another sister? Sarah, is it? Older or younger?"

"Um, younger, and she's my half-sister, apparently," Tim felt compelled to correct.

Jackson snorted, "I don't get that half thing. Oh, I get the biology," he said when Tim went to open his mouth, "It's just, well, which half of her is your sister? The left half? The right half? The top, the bottom? A sister's a sister as far as I'm concerned. None of this half crap."

Tim nodded automatically; he had never thought of it like that before. Then again until this week, he never really had a reason to think about it at all.

Jackson nodded, "How did she take the news?"

"Um, I haven't talked to her since my mother told me the truth," he slowly admitted. "I'm not even sure if she knows."

Jackson nodded understandingly. "And Penny?"

Tim looked away, "Same," he muttered.

"Why not?" he softly asked.

Tim just shrugged, looking around the café.

"Don't worry about them," Jackson stated. "They are more concerned about their lives than yours. Talk to me. As your grandfather it's my job to offer you wise advice gained from my vast years of experience," he explained. "Well, that and joining forces with you against my son," he joked.

Before Tim knew what was happening, he was sharing his thoughts, worries, and concerns regarding Penny, and to a lesser degree, Sarah, with his grandfather.

Jackson listened and nodded. At one point, he moved his hand from Tim's arm and made a shooing motion to Gibbs, prompting the other man to stay back a few feet while they finished their conversation.

"Do you trust that Penny loves you?"

"Yeah, at least I know she did, when I was her grandson."

"You are still her grandson. You always will be," Jackson informed him. "Even after you're gone, whether because of death or if you walked away from her. Nothing, nothing," he passionately repeated, "will change her love for you. She doesn't just love you because of the bonds of blood, or the perceived bonds of blood, but because of who you are. Because of the memories and moments shared. Nothing will change those or take them away. Have trust in her love for you," he advised.

"But you really should talk to her and Sarah and tell them what you learned. They will probably be as shocked and surprised as you and Leroy, but I am also sure that they will remain to be a part of your life. However, if by chance, I am wrong, well, you will always have me," Jackson concluded, meeting Tim's eyes.

"Thanks," Tim choked out, his voice filled with emotion. "I needed that," he admitted.

"I know. Now stand up and greet your grandfather with a proper hug," the older man said, pulling Tim out of his chair and once more wrapping his arms around him. Awkwardly, Tim returned the embrace. "Not a bad start," he teased. "But I'm sure you can do better. We Gibbs are huggers, there's no denying it."

Tim couldn't keep the snort of laughter that escaped at the idea of anyone calling Gibbs a hugger.

Jackson smiled, "I know what you are thinking," he said. "Let me tell you what your father was like as a boy, even as a young man, especially with Kelly," he said before launching into story after story of his family.

"Really, dad?" Gibbs asked. He had rejoined the two men when the conversation turned more light-hearted. "I have no memories of that."

"You were seven," Jackson returned. "And I'm sure I have pictures somewhere. You couldn't resist giving anyone a hug, especially if you thought they were sad. You told them a hug always made you feel better and that you wanted them to feel better. It didn't matter to you if it was a classmate, a relative, or a stranger, you just wanted to give them a hug."

Gibbs just shook his head, not bothering to argue.

"What do you think, Tim? He's a hugger, right?"

"I…uh," Tim faltered, not willing to respond or meet anyone's eyes.

Jackson's eyes narrowed and he turned his gaze to his son, "You have hugged him, right? He's your son."

"Dad, we just discovered that link two days ago."

"So? It might not have been appropriate for work, but this goes beyond that," Jackson argued. "Why haven't you welcomed him to the family with a hug?"

"Dad," Gibbs muttered, seeing how uncomfortable and embarrassed Tim was at the conversation.

"You can't tell me you hadn't thought about it, Leroy," he firmly stated, knowing his son couldn't deny it.

Gibbs refused to answer or meet his eyes.

After a few minutes, Jackson turned to Tim, "What about you? Have you thought about giving him a hug?"

Silence was the only response from Tim's side of the table.

"Someone save me from stubborn Gibbs men," he muttered, rolling his eyes towards the ceiling.

"Just drop it, dad," Leroy ordered, his eyes shifting briefly towards his son who seemed to become more uncomfortable as the situation dragged on.

"No, I won't drop it," Jackson returned. "Obviously, the two of you have talked about things, no doubt it was pretty high-strung; family stuff usually is and with everything that's happened between you two, one would expect this situation to be ten times worse.

"But how the hell can you expect things to get better if you won't admit to what you are feeling? If you aren't honest about it?"

"Jackson, please," Tim called softly, his eyes pleading with his grandfather to stop.

"Fine, I'll stop, but only if you promise me that next time you, either of you," he clarified, "wants to hug the other, you do so."

"Fine," his son and grandson immediately agreed, hoping that the subject would then be dropped.

"Promise?" he asked.

"Promise," they vowed in unison, not looking at one another.

Jackson smiled, knowing his son, the two will be hugging before the day ends. "Good, now how about we blow this pop stand and go get my great-grandchildren?"

"How about we grab some lunch first?" Leroy counter-offered.

"But-"

"If I'm going to pick the twins up early from daycare, I should probably call first and let them know," Tim injected. "It would only be considerate."

"I suppose," Jackson agreed. "But let them know we'll be there in about an hour."

"Two," Gibbs countered.

Jackson snorted, "Easy for you to say, you've already seen them and hugged them. You met them right after they were born."

"An hour and a half," Tim compromised before his father could say another word. "That'll give us time to get out of the city and grab a quick bite to eat."

Jackson laughed, "I can see how you were able to get along with DiNozzo for so long."

"Dad,"

Once again, Jackson ignored his son's warning. "I can't tell you how glad I was to learn that you were the agent that recently became a father and then later discovered you were Leroy's son. For a moment or two, I thought it was DiNozzo. Now, don't get me wrong, I know Tony is a good guy and a great agent, and I genuinely like the guy," the old man stated. "I even would've welcomed him to the family, he just strikes me as someone who is better in small dosages," Jackson said, laughing. "Holidays with him would've been one headache after another. But you," Jackson paused and stepped back to scrutinize Tim. "You are definitely a Gibbs. Stubborn as anything, if even half the stories I heard about you are true. And smart as a whip, from what your father tells me," he added.

Blushing in embarrassment, Tim refrained from replying and grabbed his grandfather's suitcase and steered them towards the car.

"Miss Sciuto," Director Vance bellowed from the mezzanine, "I believe you were expected in my office for a meeting five minutes ago."

At the sound of her name, Abby looked up, "I'll be right there," she informed him, "I have something important I need to do first."

"Miss Sciuto," Vance began, his tone harsher and firmer than it was earlier, not that anyone would've called his earlier tone friendly.

"I need to know why they aren't talking to me!" she angrily announced.

Ziva looked up and glared at Abby, "We talked."

Abby huffed, "You said hello," she stated.

"Is that not talking?" Ziva innocently asked, glancing around the bullpen, as if asking if anyone disagreed with her statement.

"Barely," she snapped in reply. "Even Gibbs usually says more than that."

"Leave me out of this," Gibbs stated, paying more attention to his grandson who he held in his arms than the drama unfolding around him. Kiva was nestled in Tim's arms, as he stood beside Ziva and Tony presenting a united front.

It had been a week since Tim had found Gibbs outside his door, and while neither one would say things between them were perfect, it was going better than either had expected. Deciding that they could use some time to adjust to the situation before returning to work, they had requested and received this additional week off. The majority of the time was spent together, often with Jackson present. Both of them knew that the main reason things had gone so well was because of Jackson, who they had dropped off at the airport earlier that morning, which was part of the reason the twins weren't in daycare. Jackson decided he was going to spend every possible second he could with his grandson and great-grandchildren.

While in the city, Tim and Leroy had agreed to a meeting that the Director requested. Vance encouraged them to come early and to bring the children with them, after all, almost everyone in the building now knew that they existed, and some, like Ducky were quite eager to meet the little ones. Many of their coworkers were surprised that Tim and Gibbs entered the building together, and were even more surprised at how comfortable the two men were with each other and the kids.

As expected, the two infants had been the main focus of the bullpen until Abby appeared. Once she exited the elevator, Gibbs and Tim had immediately reclaimed the kids from whoever had been entertaining them and wrapped them in their arms to protect them from the mad scientist.

"Miss Sciuto," Vance began once more, "You were supposed to go to my office as soon as you arrived, directly to my office," he clarified.

"Do not pass go, do not collect $200," Tim murmured, causing Tony to snicker.

"If you do not proceed to my office immediately, I will have no choice but to conduct our meeting here, with everyone present," the Director stated, glaring at her, "Since I have another appointment afterwards and it would not be fair to push it back so you could…socialize."

Abby shrugged, sure the meeting wasn't about anything bad, "Go ahead," she retorted. She suspected that she was missed in the lab. He probably wanted to cut her suspension short and have her return to work earlier than planned, which was fine by her, since her attempts at discovering how Gibbs was related to the twins hadn't yielded any results.

Vance looked at her for a moment before meeting Leroy's and Tim's gazes. "Very well," he said, when neither man protested that action. As he proceeded down the stairs, he loudly stated, "It has come to my attention that you have violated the conditions of your suspension,"

Abby's jaw dropped at that first sentence and she spun around to face him, "Maybe we should-"

Vance shook his head and continued, "As such, the remainder of your suspension has been negated. Your employment with NCIS is terminated, effective immediately, with prejudice," he added, causing many of her former coworkers to gasp in shock. It wasn't often that a federal employee was terminated and unallowed to work for the government in any capacity.

"I didn't," she protested.

Vance simply raised an eyebrow before sharing what intel they had gathered, to the surprise of those not in the know. "There will be no appeals. Here is your final paycheck, consisting of any unpaid vacation or personal leave you had available," he stated, holding out an envelope for her. "Security will escort you to your car. Directly to your car," he emphasized, glaring at the security guards who had followed her to the bullpen.

"You can't do this!" she argued, refusing to take the envelope.

"I believe I just did," he replied.

"Gibbs!" Abby called, trying to get the older man to step in and prevent Vance from firing her.

"Nope," Gibbs replied, meeting her eyes, to let he know he was serious about this. "Not anymore and never again," he vowed, this time looking at Tim.

"I found you your family," she yelled, her arms moving to indicate the child he was holding.

"Did you?" Gibbs raised an eyebrow. "They were already on the way to becoming my family before you interferred. You just discovered shared blood and DNA," Gibbs ignored Tim and Tony simultaneously coughing 'illegally'. "In fact, you almost lost me my family with all your machinations."

"Gibbs!" she howled again.

"Nope. You knew the terms of your suspension. This isn't the only way you broke it, just the first one we were able to prove."

Her mouth dropped open in shock.

Gibbs snorted. "You messed with the wrong team, Abby. The wrong family and that is what we are," he added.

In the background, Tony snickered, "If you say for better or for worse," he began, stopping when he received a slap to the back of the head. "McGee!" he yelped, rubbing his sore head.

Tim shrugged, "Just passing on the message," he muttered, tilting a head towards his father, who shot a quick grin and nod of approval in his direction.

Gibbs continued, not commenting on the side show. "Family is so much more than shared blood," he pointed out. "It's helping and caring, keeping promises and secrets, and protecting each other."

"I know. I'm part of your family, too, remember? I was trying to protect that," Abby shouted in protest.

"No, you weren't," Gibbs disagreed. "If you really thought we were your family, then you wouldn't have acted as you did. If you cared for me or Tim more than you cared for yourself, you never would've done what you did. You definitely wouldn't have kept it hidden from all of us," he pointed out. "Nor would you have been so blasé about the trouble your actions caused for others.

"The fact that you went to such lengths to hide it shows that you knew it was wrong, yet didn't care. You broke the trust that was placed in you, more than once," he added.

"You could've had a place of honor at our Thanksgiving Day table this year, for what you discovered, if you had gone about it in the correct way, instead, you made it so you won't even receive an invitation. Would never receive an invitation," he vowed. "Our family deserves better."

Abby stared at him in shock, unable to believe what she was seeing and hearing. This couldn't be happening, there had to be someway to get things back to normal, she thought, just as her eyes lighted upon her next target.

"McGee!" Abby screeched, changing the focus of her anger, and causing Ziva to reach out and take Kiva from his arms. Not only did this give her an opportunity to hold the infant, but it allowed Tim more freedom and movement for the ensuing discussion. "Tell them you're not mad or upset about what happened. If you're not mad, then they have no reason to be," she reasoned.

"I don't know if I can honestly say that I'm mad," he began in earnest, causing Abby to grin triumphantly. "What I felt went so beyond that. I was angry, pissed, disappointed. Definitely deeply concerned for you," he admitted. "What could possibly make you think that your behavior was acceptable in any way? Not only did you illegally obtain samples of DNA from my innocent 3-month-old children, you then ran it against the entire system trying to prove that they weren't mine."

Tim ignored the gasps and open jaws at many people at NCIS heard that information for the first time. "When an unexpected DNA match appeared, you not only announced that I recently became a father, but gave erroneous information regarding their parentage, coming up with the most ludicrous theory anyone could imagine."

Tony snickered at the look on everyone faces as realized what had happened. He didn't think anything could be as entertaining as this.

"I don't know what you were trying to accomplish when you did that, and I don't care," he firmly added when Abby opened her mouth to reply. "You then got upset when we wouldn't share the results from a second running of their DNA, and illegally set my DNA to run against the system, without my knowledge or permission. That was what got you suspended," he reminded her, while simultaneously telling everyone else what had happened.

"McGee," Vance interrupted when Tim paused to take a breath. "There is no reason to continue, she doesn't deserve your time or attention."

Abby huffed at the insult.

"You're right," Tim readily agreed, meeting the Director's gaze. "But for too long I've let her actions and words go uncontested. Everyone should know exactly what she had done. She had no problems telling everyone my business, and she started this conversation here by not meeting you in your office, and then wanting us to intercede on her behalf. It's about time that she learns that you reap what you sow," he said before facing Abby and continuing with his tale.

"But even with the suspension hanging over your head, you didn't learn. You were told not to contact any of us and warned not to track down the truth, that it was our personal business and if we wanted you to know, we would tell you. But you couldn't help yourself. You hacked into systems trying to find out information regarding the twin's mother; you contacted her asking for information regarding her parentage; and you also contacted Jackson to ask him personal questions as you tried to find the answers you wanted, regardless of how it affected anyone else.

"Even now, the only reason why you are upset is because of how it is affecting you. You never apologized for your lack of faith in me; for suspecting the paternity of my children; for announcing to everyone that I was a father even though you knew I wanted to keep that information private; for starting rumors that could've ended my career, because you never cared," the last words were practically hissed.

"I put up with a lot of crap from you since I've known you. I figured you must've been like that with me, and only me, because no one else seemed to see what I saw. I thought I was the reason why you acted so unbalanced, so I did what I could to keep the status quo," he softly admitted. "It wasn't until recently I realized that it's not me, it's you,"

Tony couldn't help but snicker at the reversal of the classic break-up line.

"I said it before, and I'll say it again. I'm concerned about you. About your mental health," he clarified. "Your actions, thoughts, and decisions don't mesh with the smart scientist you are. I'm not a psychiatrist and I won't pretend to be one, but I do think you need help and I hope you get it," he added.

"But I have to say, that regardless of whether or not you do, I want nothing more to do with you. I disagree with my father regarding what he said about you having a seat of honor at our holiday table," Tim said, confusing a few people as they processed that information. "While I am glad that we now know the truth, I will never thank you for your part in it," he added. "We-" he paused as he realized that the bullpen had gotten eerily quiet and that almost every employee present was staring at him, expressions of disbelief, confusion, and surprise etched on their faces.

Tony snickered, "Yeah, Probie, you kinda dropped a bomb on everyone," he quietly muttered, before telling Tim to think about what he had just said.

Tim paused as he replayed the words in his head, his face paling as realization set in. "I didn't…I," he mumbled, not wanting to meet his father's or anyone else's gaze and not knowing what to say to make things better.

Gibbs walked over towards Tim and passed Shane into Tony's arms. "It's all right, son," Gibbs said, as he reached out and wrapped Tim in a hug. "It's all right," he repeated soothingly.

"No!" Abby yelled in protest as she realized the truth and watched the scene unfolding before her.

"I believe it is time for you to leave," Vance stated as he nodded towards security to remove her from the building. "I suggest you do not list this agency as a reference," Vance added. Like almost every one of his employees, his eyes were focused on the newly announced father and son pair in front of them.

EPILOGUE

"We really could've done this at my place," Ducky stated, as he entered Jethro's house, holding the door open for Jimmy who was carrying a large platter in his hands.

"I know," Gibbs acknowledged, "but then, not only would we have been bringing over the turkey, but also the twins and the two tons of paraphernalia that accompanies them."

"I still would've been able to cook the turkey," Ducky argued.

"You wouldn't let us host and cook the main course, so why would we have let you do that?"

"Because I wouldn't have been the one traveling with two infants?" Ducky dryly commented.

"Uh, guys," Jimmy hesitantly injected, "Is there a place I can put this down before I drop it?"

"Yeah, sorry about that, Jimmy, this way," Gibbs said, almost causing the young man to drop the platter in surprise at the use of his first name.

"Dad! What did you do?" Tim asked, as he reached out to take the turkey from his friend before it hit the floor.

"Nothing! I was being nice," Jethro protested.

"That explains it," Tony said, as he stepped in the house behind them. "No doubt poor Jimmy was surprised by that," he said, patting Jimmy's back in greeting.

"Where's Ziva?"

"Where's the kids?" Tony returned.

"What does that have to do with where Ziva is?" Tim questioned.

Tony shrugged, "Nothing. I just want to see the rugrats," he admitted.

"You're not going to get their first word to be Tony," Tim warned.

"Ha! You don't know that," his boss said before taking off into the other room to look for the kids himself.

"Really? That's what he's trying to do?" Gibbs asked in disbelief.

"It's Tony, he always has some asinine scheme," Tim retorted. "He's trying for that or for their first word to be boss," Tim dryly informed them. "He thinks if he accomplishes the latter, then it would get me to call him that."

Gibbs just laughed before giving his son a side hug and following Tony towards the main living area of the house.

"Didn't you guys bet on that?" Jimmy asked, following the turkey carrying agent into the kitchen. "If their first word is boss, you call Tony boss, if their first word is his name, then he becomes their godfather?"

Tim shook his head, "I see the NCIS grapevine is alive and well," he dryly commented. After Abby's termination, a few rumors had flown around NCIS regarding his revelation, but most knew and understood that neither man had a clue regarding the truth before that week. Some even recalled how distraught Tim had looked when he left the yard that Tuesday after discovering the truth.

"Tony might have wanted to make that bet, but I wasn't going to leave the position of godfather up to chance, even though I highly doubted that either word would be their first," he added.

"And calling Tony boss?"

"Not gonna happen," Tim returned, as he set the platter down. In his mind, there was only one 'Boss'. It seemed strange to apply that title to another person, even if he had accidentally done so in the past. That was especially true since Gibbs still worked next to them. Things might have been different if his father had retired and Tony had taken over the team, but to call Tony 'Boss', when Gibbs was in earshot just didn't seem right to Tim.

That was something he had made clear the moment Vance had announced his decision to have two MCRTs. The Director had stated that this way, they could alternate cases, so one team wouldn't have to work days or even weeks without a break. It would also be easier to allow for time off, since a 'back-up' team would already be on site.

It was the Director's hope that it would be made official in the new year. The formation of the teams were currently on a trial basis, which was the reason for the delay. Currently, Gibbs would continue to lead one, while Tony would lead the second team. Ziva would continue working with Gibbs, and a third agent would eventually be brought in as his SFA, since Ziva, as Mossad liaison wouldn't be qualified. Tim would be promoted to SFA on Tony's team. They, too, would eventually receive a third agent to work with them. The two teams currently worked side by side in the bullpen, Vance wanting to make sure that everyone was willing and able to perform in their new positions before making it permanent and adding that third team member. So far, the situation seemed to be working well. Of course, being a team of two, more often than not, they shared cases and worked together to help each other out, something they suspected Vance had expected and was even pleased about.

"Oh." Jimmy said in response.

"Sorry, I'm late," Ziva called as she entered Gibbs's house. "I had an errand to run."

Tim smiled, and left the kitchen to greet his friend and teammate, former teammate, he corrected himself.

"What errand did you need to run on Thanksgiving?" Tony asked.

"Had to pick something up," Ziva mysteriously stated.

"If you got more presents for the twins," he hissed.

Ziva just glared at him, "If I want to spoil my godchildren, I will."

"What?" Tony yelped in outrage. "Tim! You made her godmother?"

Tim snorted, "Well, yeah," he said, in an isn't it obvious why tone. "Who else would I ask? No one else could protect them like Ziva could. Sarah is already their aunt, so it seemed kinda unfair to ask her to pull double duty," he added. For someone who said they never wanted kids, his sister Sarah doted on her niece and nephew. She had been as shocked as he was after first learning about his parentage, but after a couple of awkward meetings, where both of them were afraid to say the wrong thing, and they shied away from the topic of their mother and the admiral, thing soon returned to normal between the siblings. She had even joined him and his father for dinner a few times during the semester.

"And Godfather?" Tony asked.

Tim just shook his head in reply. "I haven't had a chance to ask him yet," he admitted, not meeting anyone's eyes. He and Tony have been working well together the last few months. The more experienced agent had really stepped up and finally trained Tim as he should've years ago, something that both of them had enjoyed. But as much as Tim trusted Tony and relied on him to have his six, he wasn't going to ask him to be godfather to his children, he had someone else in mind for that job. He only hoped that Jimmy would agree. The ME Assistant had been a good friend and willing ear these last few months, something that Tim had desperately needed.

A knock sounded on the door and a voice from outside called, "Hello?"

All eyes turned to Ziva before flitting towards the door, "I told you that I had to pick something up."

"Sounds more like a someone," Tony joked.

"Two someones, actually," the voice from the doorway corrected.

"Penny!" Tim joyfully shouted as he raced towards his grandmother and wrapped her in a hug before pulling her further into the room.

"Surprise." She happily greeted her grandson.

"It's so good to see you! I wish you had told me you were coming."

"Then it wouldn't have been a surprise, now, would it?" she admonished. "And I didn't want to get your hopes up since my plans were still tentative and I wasn't sure I would make it until the last minute."

"I'm just glad you're here," Tim stated. "Let me introduce you to everyone,"

"The children first," Penny commanded. "I can catch up with everyone else later, but I have yet to meet to my great-grandchildren."

Tim laughed and brought her over to the kids.

"Uh, Probie," Tony interrupted, sneaking glances towards the front door. "Aren't you forgetting something?"

"Tony, you're not going to be their godfather," he bluntly replied.

"Yeah, I get that," Tony rolled his eyes, "But didn't your grand-Penny," he corrected when she glared at him, "Say that Ziva picked up two someones?"

Tim froze before looking at the door, "Who?" he asked.

"Me," Sarah answered, stepping into the doorway.

"I thought you were going home?" her brother said as he went to greet her with a hug.

"And miss out on the twins' first Thanksgiving and a visit from Penny? Not a chance."

"Great to have you," he said, giving her another hug. "Um, you told mom and the admiral, right? I mean, they're not expecting you, are they?"

His relationship with the Admiral hadn't changed much, except for the fact that Tim no longer expected the older man to act in a parental manner towards him. His relationship with his mother, however, had gone through a change since that Tuesday in the bullpen. It took a while for the Tim to overcome his anger regarding being lied to, but he understood why she had done it. She had also realized that despite the circumstances, she should've told her son the truth, especially when it became clear that he and her husband hadn't bonded like fathers and sons should have. His mother had even flown up to meet her grandchildren and spend time with her son. Tim still felt uncomfortable when he remembered reintroducing his mother to his father, Leroy.

She laughed, "Don't worry, I told them. And I have their blessing," she added.

Tim sighed in relief, not wanting to be responsible for the next family fight.

"So, what do we need to do so we can eat?" Tony asked. "I'm starving!"

Gibbs smiled as he looked at his family seated around the table. Nothing and no one had changed more than he had in the last several months. One only had to look around this table for proof of that.

"A toast," he stated, as he stood up and raised his glass. "I am thankful that each one of you could join us here this year.

"Penny, though your arrival was a surprise, I want you to know that you are always welcome in my home. I'm grateful for the love and support you have shown Tim throughout the years.

"Sarah, you also are always welcomed, especially on cowboy steak night," he teased. It seemed whenever that was planned, she always contacted Tim for help with one of her classes. "Any sister of my son is like a daughter to me," he added. "I'm thankful that Tim has you in his life, a constant source of love and support since childhood.

"Ziva, you have grown and changed so much since you first joined your team and I am grateful that I was able to be a part of that. I am truly blessed to have you as part of my team, and want you to know that regardless of what the future might hold, you will always have a place in this family and at this table.

"Ducky, I don't know if I ever thanked you for trying to knock some sense into me all those months ago, but I thank you now. I would hate to think about where I would be if you weren't in my life. Thank you, for everything.

"Jimmy, I want to thank you for putting up with me and my antics in the past. I know we've had our issues n the past, all my fault," he admitted, "But I thank you for giving me another chance. You really are a valuable member of our team and I want you to know that my door is always open to you if you ever need anything. Thank you for the help and support, as well as the listening ear you've been for Tim these last few months.

"Tony, I cannot tell you how proud I am of you, of the man and team leader that you are becoming. I know I made a lot of mistakes, and with the exception of Tim, you are probably the one I hurt the most. I should've guided you more, directed you more,"

"Head-slapped him more?" Ziva asked, eliciting grins from almost everyone else at the table.

"Perhaps, though, it's not too late for that," Gibbs grinned. "I'm grateful that you learned what you needed to do to become a Team lead. I can't imagine sharing the position of MCRT Lead with anyone else. Thank you for always standing beside me.

"Tim, my son. I never thought I would say those words, and I cannot tell you how happy I am, not just to have son, but to have you as a son. The first time you called me 'Dad' was one of the proudest moments of my life. Not only have you enriched my life, but I feel like you gave it direction. Because of you, I no longer live in the muck and mire, but am able to enjoy the son. Getting to know you these last few months has been incredible, and I look forward to learning more about you and seeing you grow, both as an agent, and as a father. I love you, Tim," he softly concluded.

"I love you, too, dad," he stated, looking at his father, "Happy Thanksgiving." He turned to everyone at the table, and lifting his glass, "Happy Thanksgiving."

"Happy Thanksgiving," they repeated, mimicking his actions.

"Think we should tell him that he forgot the twins?" Tony mock-whispered to Sarah who was sitting next to him.

Gibbs stretched out his arm and slapped the back of his head. "They'll get their speech later. It's not worth waking them up for," he informed the jokester.

4-30-2020

Jackson meets his grandson. I had a bit of trouble with him...I liked some of his interaction with Gibbs, but not sure if I went overboard with him and Tim. Part of me could imagine him claiming to be a hugger and definitely sharing stories about Leroy's childhood. Anyway, I hope you liked that interaction.

Vance finally got to yell at Abby in front of everyone, though I think Tim did most of the yelling, including accidentally letting the news of his parentage slip.

Decided to go with a Thanksgiving epilogue (partly since Gibbs had mentioned their Thanksgiving table). Jackson didn't make it, since he had the store and was planning on coming up for Christmas :) Also thought about having Vance there, but didn't want too many people.

I hope you guys enjoyed the story (and the ending).

Basically, they lived happily ever after. I thought about adding a Christmas scene (with Jackson), or a first Birthday for the twins, but didn't have much else to add. Like all families, they'll still have their moments, but overall, things are good.