Chapter Text
I paced back and forth in the bullpen waiting for Tony and Tim to arrive, I texted them last night asking them to come in earlier than usual so I could speak to them before Ellie arrives in work. I needed to talk to them about something, but my gut was telling me this is going to be a hard bargain to sell. After all Tim is very nervous over new people seeing him when he’s little, it took him a good few months to be fully comfortable around us all and we’re apart of it, I still remember his nerves over Ziva joining. Then there’s Tony, that boy is very stubborn and deeply embarrassed over his age regression the last time I suggested telling someone about it he was the hardest to convince. Kate God rest her soul was more compliant and managed to convince Tony that it was a good idea because this time he’ll know his secret is going to be revealed unlike when she found out by walking in unannounced. Scaring him half to death and put me on the spot to explain everything going on without having any preparation. Of course telling Tim was a great idea and went down perfectly well, but I know what my boys are like, they’re nervous like a deer in the woods ready to bolt at any seconds. I still remember their reactions when Ziva got told they didn’t feel comfortable around her especially Tim he went to extreme length to ensure she didn’t know he wore pull-ups until I intervened and even then he found it hard to even look her in the eye for weeks because he was horrified she saw them him in state. Even then that situation turned out great she even took on a caregiver roll and helped me look after them from time to time. But I feel this is best after having two team members find out by accident and that’s without mentioning Ducky confronting me about his suspicions. That was more than enough and if we don’t right out tell Ellie she’ll no doubt will walk in on us at some point too. So, getting ahead is wise. I just need to sit her down tell her our secret, even offer her a trial at being a little or a caregiver and go from there. I just hope the boys see my logic behind this.
The elevator dinged and the doors slid open, I looked over to see both Tim and Tony walking towards me looking uneasy “Hi boss all okay?” Tim asked his voice cracking as he spoke.
I gave them a reassuring smile, which seemed to make them look more nervous “Yeah everything is fine I just wanted to talk to you both about our after work activities”.
Tony’s eyes flicked over to Tim “Oh boy I told you McGee, this talk was going to be about that and I’m betting Probiette as it was arranged before her very punctual clock in”.
I raised an eye brow at him “Actually yes, I want to fill Ellie in about what we do, even offer her a try like we did with McGee how do you two feel about that? We already agreed to meet tonight why not ask her along as well, rip the bandaid off because I think we can all agreed being walked in on, is far more embarrassing then just coming right out and saying it”.
Tim couldn’t look me in the eyes he just spoke to his shoes “What if she’s horrified about it and tells the whole of NCIS?”
I sighed “Do you really think she would do that? She’s very open minded and isn’t one to gossip or spread rumours”.
He shrugged “I guess not, but it’s embarrassing.” I squeezed his shoulder trying to comfort him.
I locked eyes with Tony who was rubbing his thumb over his lips, a nervous habit of his “Well Tony?” I tried to mentally prepare myself for his reaction.
“I don’t know Gibb’s, this is risky I feel like we’re pushing our lucky you know, first Kate found out but she ended up enjoying the rewards that age regression brings so no harm done there. Then we told McGee who surprised us all by being more clued up about it than we thought as he’s been asked to try it in college so it cut down on the awkwardness and now he’s happily part of our family dynamic.” He playfully elbowed Tim who grunted. “Then Ziva got pulled in and even though she was only a little confused by it, she wasn’t weirded out, she even became a good part time caregiver, so again it turned out well. Let’s not forget Ducky confronting you over the fact you called me kiddo but he turned out to be a caregiver to Abby then later on to Jimmy. I doubt we’ll keep getting so lucky so telling Ellie might be pushing it one too many times you know what I’m saying? What are the odds that she’ll be okay with it like everyone else?”
I took a moment to think over what he said, analysing it. He scared of being judged and the dynamic changing, I sighed “I promise you two that this won’t change our dynamic, I know you both have worries about telling people about this side of you which is totally understandable it’s private and slightly unorthodox. But my gut is telling me she won’t react badly towards you guys and I think it’s best to tell her now because sooner or later she’ll find out whether you two want her to or not so how about having it on your own terms”. They looked at each other for a long while before nodding their consent at me “Thank you I know that was a big step and I’m proud of you two but it will be just fine”. They gave me weak smiles and went to their desks to get ready for the day because soon Ellie will be clocking in.