Hi there! Thought I would post a little story in my Lessons universe. Hope you all enjoy.
Teaching an Old Dog New Tricks or Gibbs learns a lesson from Tony.
Gibbs woke with a gasp. It never failed, every time Tony caught a bug or a cold the nightmares returned. Blue lights and hospitals. Tony being unable to breathe. Gibbs hated reliving one of the most hellish times in his life. What he hated more was the fact that his son was sick. Tony had been fighting a cold for almost a week. Now that the team had the weekend off Gibbs had only had to say the word bed and Tony was there.
As he lifted himself up off the sofa, he heard the shower going. Tony was already up and about. That could be good or bad. Gibbs debated breakfast as he switched on the coffee maker. If Tony felt better, it would be a good idea, but if he felt worse, food was probably the last thing on his mind.
Tony breathed deeply and let the steam from the shower work its magic. The cold pills he had been taking were no longer doing their job. Maybe it was time to call Ducky. If he did that though he would have to tell his dad that he felt worse than he let on. Of course, upon hearing this Gibbs would freak and go into uber dad mode. Maybe that was a good thing. If Gibbs were taking care of everything, he wouldn't have to do so. Still, Gibbs would run himself ragged. Tony didn't want that.
Gibbs heard the shower cut off just as he entered Tony's bedroom. The length of the shower had the older man worried. He had called Ducky just to be on the safe side.
Tony was actually somewhat relieved to see his dad as he stepped into the room. The concern was evident in the blue eyes that held worry and laughter at the same time. Tony knew he looked terrible, the laughter could be forgiven.
"You look awful. I'm glad I called Ducky. Come on, get back into bed. Anything you need? Water? Toast?"
Gibbs placed his hand on Tony's forehead and immediately felt the heat.
"Fever reducer?"
Tony snuggled into the bed and relished the comfort of having Gibbs in his life. The man would never know just what he had done for him. Gibbs had loved him when no one else deemed him worthy of such.
"No to the toast, yes to the other two."
"O.K. I'll be right back."
Ducky let himself into the house and made his way up the stairs. He heard the voices before he saw Tony or Gibbs. He could tell that Tony's throat was irritated by the way his voice cracked as he spoke.
"Well, it seems you have done it again, Anthony."
"I guess I have."
"Let's have look shall we?"
Tony fell into a light sleep after Ducky finished his examination. The old Scot tucked the blankets around the boy and quietly made his way the kitchen to reassure a very anxious father.
"Tea?"
"Thank you, Jethero."
"So, what's the verdict?"
"Well, an upper respiratory infection and a touch of laryngitis. It could be worse. I've written a few prescriptions that should clear it right up."
"Thanks Ducky."
"Jethro, you know I would do anything for that boy."
Gibbs was aware that the older man was quite fond of his son. Ducky seemed to sense Tony's need for approval and affection and in true Ducky form dished both out in ample supply.
Gibbs watched Tony sleep. The kid looked so peaceful in sleep. Finally, the coughing had subsided allowing for the peaceful slumber. Now that the fever was down Gibbs kissed the brunette head on his stomach and let himself drift slowly into sleep with his son. Having Tony in his life was a constant learning experience. Just today learned that because of the plague Tony would always be more susceptible to infections, but he didn't have to panic. He had also learned that when his son was sick or injured, snuggling was allowed.