What's Going to Happen: NCIS

Chapter 78

Melissa's POV:

"Is that what you want to do?" Tim and I just discussed how we're going to approach this with Gibbs. No way is the right way with this. We can't call him to our place and act like everything is okay when it's not.

"If you think of anything say it. Any ideas are good here." I remind him while I try to think of anything else, we can do.

I go on. "Even the scenery. Maybe it's not the best place but where else is going to be less alarming?"

I know I'm doing all the talking here, but Tim hasn't said anything yet. "I think the place we chose is good. It's the best thing. What do you think?"

After sitting there quietly, he shrugs. "I don't think there's another way we can do it. This makes the most sense."

We're at the kitchen table and I made us coffee for this morning. I knew we were going to need a lot of it if we were going to brainstorm ideas for this. I already finished my second while he started his. I haven't had a cup of coffee since I moved in. I haven't felt like I needed one until we started talking about this.

"Then, that's the way we'll do it."

He holds my hand. "I know I don't have to tell you this, but no matter what happens you know I'll be here in the end."

I shake my head and smile. "I know."

"And I know you're being optimistic, but just in case it doesn't go the way we want it-"

I can finish that one for him. "At least think of the other outcomes as well."

He pulls my arm to him. "Come here." I sit on his lap.

He takes a deep breath. "I can't believe we're doing this."

"We've talked about it for so long and now it's happening."

He stares into his coffee and doesn't say a word. "Be honest." I beg him. "What do you think will happen?"

His head and shoulders fall. I don't make him look at me because I'm the one who asked him to be honest.

"At this point I'm not so sure. We're being honest with him. That's all we can do."

I remember when Tim told me why Rule 12 became a thing. Apparently, two people got together on a team and it didn't end well. I know it's scary and sometimes complicated when you're in this line of work, but we love each other and we're willing to risk it all.

"Yeah." Is all I can say. I rest my head on his shoulder. I can feel him play with my hair. I could stay like this all night.

"But hey, let's talk about something else. Have you given any thought about what you want to do for New Years?"

I snuggle into his lap and close my eyes. Last year was fun, but too expensive and busy for my taste. I know he wants to give me the world, but all I want is him and he needs to see that.

"Can we just stay in?" I ask.

"Stay in? You don't want to do anything?" He seems surprised.

I shake my head. "No. As long as I'm with you I'll be okay."

My eyes are still closed but I can feel him kiss me on the head. "Okay baby. We'll do it your way this year."

I sigh because I don't want to bring this up, but I want to ask. "Have you heard from Sarah yet?"

It's as if I can feel his body freeze. I look up at him and he leans on his hand. "I don't think I'll be hearing from her any time soon. I'm not even sure if phone privileges are a thing." He rubs his face. "I should have asked."

I grab one of his hands and turn back over. "Hey, don't worry about that. She's safe where she is."

"I should have called her more. I shouldn't have been so selfish."

I don't know if that would have changed anything. I don't have a sibling, so this topic isn't my specialty. In my opinion she would have been alone no matter how many times he called. She still would have lost the friends that she did. I don't want to tell him this though. He wants to still think highly of her, and I have to respect that.

"Let's just be happy you caught her when you did."

I can feel his hand take my chin in look at him. "You mean when you caught her."

Yes, I saw the signs but didn't say anything until something was confirmed and I kept the fact that she came to visit me hidden.

I don't care that I was right. It just matters that she's safe now.

"I love you." I tell him.

I hold his hand tighter and snuggle into his lap. He plays with my hair the way I like it. "I love you too."

I know he's worried about his sister, but I can tell he isn't worried about her anymore. He's thinking about us being official in front of Gibbs. I can't help but be worried because it's radiating off of him.

We moved in together and are moving on in life together. It would suck to have to do that without a job.