DISCLAIMER: I DO NOT OWN NCIS OR ANY OF ITS CHARACTERS!
Did I Ever Tell You I'm Your Hero
Ch 1
"Come on McReminisce. Tell us a story from your past," Tony urged his partner. "Ziva and I have shared a tidbit or two. We just want one story."
Tim shook his head. The morning had been spent listening to his teammates comparing childhood experiences. Truth was he didn't have anything of great interest to share.
A smile grew on his face as a distant memory arose. He wasn't even sure any more if it had really happened. What the heck, he could spin a tale and they wouldn't be any the wiser.
Watching Tim's face Ziva exclaimed, "He does have something to tell us. Go on Tim."
"Alright. There was this one time my dad was stationed in California and we went to the beach. Sarah was really little so my parents were watching over her intensely, so I wandered off on my own."
"How old were you?" Ziva asked.
"Twelve, I think. I decided to test the water and was surprised to find it so warm. I was used to the Atlantic waters which were much cooler. It felt so nice I decided to wander in further. Before I knew it I had gotten in over my waist and an undertow came and pulled me under."
Tony's and Ziva's eyes widened. "So what happened? Did your father save you?" Tony asked thinking he would've been doomed in that situation.
Tim's lightly shook his head, "I don't think my parents had any idea what was happening at that time. I remember trying to swim out of it, but I couldn't see above the water to know which way to swim. Suddenly I was grabbed and pulled to the surface. I don't remember too much after that other than waking up lying on the sand, someone telling me it was going to be alight and a paramedic checking me out. They ended up taking me to the hospital, but thankfully whoever had pulled me out had gotten to me before I had swallowed too much water."
"Your rescuer never came forward?" Ziva asked curious why a stranger would perform such a heroic task and not at least check up on him.
Tim shook his head, "Nope my parents had asked around to see if anyone who witnessed what had happened knew who it was. They wanted to thank whoever it was, but no one could shed any light on my savior."
"Maybe it was someone who just did the right thing because it needed to be done," Gibbs suggested striding through the squad room to his desk.
"Still someone who would do something so extraordinary would want to make sure he was okay," Ziva argued.
"Maybe whoever it was did check up on him, when no one was around," Gibbs nodded towards Tim.
"What's the big deal about helping McDrowning? His rescuer reminds me of you Gibbs," Tony laughed knowing his boss never accepted awards for doing his job.
Gibbs simply shrugged a shoulder and twisted his neck before taking a sip of his coffee choosing not to comment any further.
Tony narrowed his eyes observing the man he'd trained under for years. Gibbs decided to get up to go for a refill.
"McGee?" Tony queried his partner.
"What is it Tony? I have some work I'd like to finish," Tim was hoping to get back to work after sharing his story.
Tony stood and walked to the younger agent's desk. Taking a seat on the edge he asked, "Do you think," he hesitated wondering if the question would sound as crazy out loud as it did in his head, "Do you think it could've been Gibbs?"
Confused Tim asked, "Do I think who could've been Gibbs?"
Tony rolled his eyes with exasperation, "Your rescuer of course. Think about it. Have you ever met anyone else who refused to accept any recognition for excellence in service?"
"I'm sure there must be others. Rare true, but not entirely unique," Tim disputed.
Tony huffed as he stood up. He noticed Ziva watching the exchange between the two men. "What do you think Ziva?" he prodded.
"I think it would be a Gibbs-like thing to do," she acquiesced. "But would he not remember such a thing and tell McGee?"
"It's exactly the kind of thing he wouldn't mention. He never sees himself as the hero and won't accept anyone else putting that title on him," Tony argued back. "Guess there's not much we can do about it anyway." Tony shrugged and attempted to get back to his paperwork.
