Title: Eyes
Rating: T for language. Hey, Gibbs is stressed out. 'Nuf said!
Disclaimer: With the exception of Cmdr. Tristan Webster, none of these characters are my creation.
Pairings: McAbby, although this isn't a McAbby fic, they are portrayed as a couple.
Summary: When Gibbs is injured in the line of duty, he finds out how devoted his team really is to him.
Author's note: Written before the start of Season 3, the setting is obviously pre-Twilight. And please be gentle - some of my plot points may be technically questionable, so please just enjoy the story for the story!
Agent Down
The shot rang out, Jethro Gibbs hit the ground, bleeding, and Kate Todd screamed, quite involuntarily.
Timothy McGee dashed out from his hiding spot, and straight over to his and Kate's fallen Boss. He looked around quickly, and when he spotted movement at the same time that Kate did, coming from their suspect's position, the two agents raised their weapons, and fired. They watched with grim and twisted satisfaction, as the assailant hit the ground, and stopped moving.
Without wasting a moment, they holstered their weapons, and dropped to their knees, next to Gibbs' fallen form. They worked quickly, Kate trying not to panic, and Tim desperately trying to remember his first-aid training.
He gingerly pressed his fingers to their boss's neck, checking for a pulse, and found none. Kate checked for breathing, but Gibbs' chest remained still. They glanced at each other for a split second, communicating without words, then Kate began CPR as Tim quickly called for backup and an ambulance.
When the call had been made, Tim landmarked his hands on Gibbs' chest, interlocking his fingers, and began chest compressions. He and Kate worked together, her administering artificial respiration, even as his blood covered her face from the close contact, and Tim's hands became sticky from the blood that had found its way on to Gibbs' clothing.
Suddenly, the fallen agent gasped, his involuntary vital functions again taking over. Tim sat back, breathing a heavy sigh of relief. Kate sat back as well, staring fearfully, wondering if this sudden recovery would last or not. When it appeared, a few moments later, that their efforts at CPR had been successful, Tim quickly removed his jackets, then his tie and dress shirt, leaving himself with just the white T-shirt he wore underneath, smeared here and there with blood transfer from his hands.
He bundled his dress shirt up quickly, and tossed it to Kate, who now seemed to be operating on autopilot. Wasting no time, she pressed it gently but firmly on the gaping wound in Gibbs' head, slowly but steadily oozing blood. Accepting Tim's offer of his tie, she tied it around the makeshift compress, securing it into place, as he gently draped his jacket over Gibbs.
They sat silently for the next several minutes, watching their boss with fear and apprehension, until finally, after what seemed an eternity, they heard the wail of the approaching ambulance.
When Jethro Gibbs had been loaded up into the back of the bus, Kate looked at her younger colleague, and promptly launched herself into his arms. Tim said nothing, but held her tightly, embracing the woman whom he had come to think of as a big sister, of sorts. She trembled like a poplar leaf on a stormy summer night, grateful to be with a friend like Tim, and glad that he was willing to hold her like this, without question or hesitation. Just as Tim's feelings for her had evolved into something akin to family, Kate had also come to think of him as a cherished sibling.
Finally, she began to regain her bearings. He breathed a heavy sigh, and glanced down at Kate, grateful for the gesture of trust and friendship. She released him from her embrace, and he led her to the car. They shared one more look of fear and concern, as they got in the car and promptly took off behind the ambulance.