PLEASE…STAY!

AN: I have been considering writing this for a while. I didn't like the Season 13 finale. I think the love child was just a convenient way for MW to leave the show. I don't think after finding out he had a child, Tony would leave all the support, all the important people in his life. A man who has never taken care of a child is going to leave all the people who would gladly support him and help him with that child? He's gonna leave and take his child to some foreign country where he knows no one and has no support? Really? I cannot see that. 1) It's not in Tony's character, and 2) And probably more important, it doesn't make sense. First-time pregnant COUPLES often move to be CLOSER to friends and family, not away from them. And, him being a SINGLE parent? He is going to need all the help the he can get. Hence, this fanfic. JL

"WHAT is he thinking?" Abby asked. She could not believe Tony was leaving the U.S. and taking Tali away, from who knows how long, to Paris. I don't get it!" She said as she paced the length of her lab and then whirled around and headed back in the other direction. "I just don't get it!"

Ellie and Tim were helpless. They could only wat Abby have her tantrum. They were as confused by Tony's actions as she was.

"What don't you get?" Tony asked as he walked into the lab.

Abby whirled around to face him. "You!"

Ellie and Tim were surprised speechless by Tony's sudden appearance.

The Goth stepped closer to Tony. "Why do you have to go to France? What's in France? What do you hope to accomplish? And what about Tali? She needs to get to know her family, Tony." Abby's tone softened. "We need the chance to get to know her. How are we going to do that if you're in France?" Abby paused. "Besides, you don't know anything about taking care of a kid, Tony. You need your family to help you with her. You're gonna deny her, her Grandpa Gibbs, and her Aunt Abby, and Uncle Tim, and Aunt Ellie? And what about Great Uncle Ducky and Uncle Jimmy? What about Victoria, Tony? Those two would be perfect playmates. They would love each other."

"I need answers, Abby. I need to know…."

"I know what you need to know." Abby said nodding. "But, you don't have to leave your family to get your answers, Tony. You don't have to leave. We…we'll help you." She said, gesturing to Tim and Ellie.

Both agents nodded in agreement.

"We'd be glad to help, Tony." Tim replied.

Tony shook his head. "I feel like if I go back to France…."

"What, Tony?" Tim asked. "It's been two years. What would you find in France?"

"She's not in France, Tony." Abby implored. "The memories of France, what you…had there…."

"It's a magical place." Tony replied.

Abby nodded. She understood how that could be the case. But, Ziva had not died in France, and she and Tony had only been in France a short time. Ziva and Tali had lived in Israel. It would make more sense for Tony to go to Israel, if he was going anywhere. But, she imagined, Mossad had taken care of that scene long ago. They would probably not even let Tony anywhere near it. Then there was the ever-present issue of Tony taking care of a small child. He had no skills in this arena. He needed help.

"The issue is Tali, Tony. Ellie said.

"You think I can't take care of my own daughter?" Tony asked, very shocked and a little hurt.

"We think that you're…um…." Tim started.

"We think you don't have any experience." Ellie said, saving Tim the struggle.

"You don't have any knowledge in the subject of toddlers." Tim stated.

"And you do?" Tony asked.

"No, that's not what were saying, Tony." Abby replied. "It's just that none of us understands you leaving now. You have people here who are more than willing to help you raise you daughter. We have no doubts you will make a great dad. But…."

Tim nodded, grateful for Abby's explanation of the situation. Ellie nodded, also.

"But, this is brand new for you, and for us. But here, at least you'll have Gibbs and Jimmy. And, you have a lot of eager aunts and uncles who are more then willing to help and to learn."

"Who do you know in France, Tony?" Ellie asked. "Who is going to help you with her when she's crying and won't stop and you can't figure out why? Who's gong to be there for you when she is being a little brat and has pushed you to your limit? Will you know what to do?"

"What are you going to tell her when she starts asking questions, Tony?" Tim asked sincerely. "And, I don't even mean about Ziva."

"I'll figure it out." Tony replied.

Abby enveloped Tony in a big hug. "We know you will. You'll figure it all out, eventually. And…you are going to be a great daddy to that little girl." She paused. "We are just telling you that you don't have to do it alone."

TBC