"Don't you dare even think it." Gibbs stared down at his agent, who was now gasping for air. "DiNozzo…Tony did you get that? Don't let this beat you."
"Can't—breathe boss."
Gibbs tried not to look scared, but fear covered his face. "Breathe Tony…don't let it win."
"I lo-st." He went into a coughing fit which caused Gibbs to reach for his hand and grip it tight.
"It's not over Tony."
"Thanks-b-b-oss."
He let his head fall on both their hands, he knew this was it. "For what DiNozzo?"
"Ever-y-thing."
"You did it all Tony, you learned, you grew, you did it, not me."
Tony attempted to shake his head; his boss never took compliments well.
His gasps were getting shorter, and Gibbs gripped his hand tighter.
"You can go DiNozzo; you don't have to fight for me anymore."
"Didn't want—didn't want to disappoint ya boss."
Gibbs smiled and looked down at him. "You never have son."
Tony smiled in return, returning the grip to the hand holding his.
"Thanks…d-d-dad."
And with one final, short gasp, the grip on his hand was loosened.