A/N: I'm sorry about this chapter…it's not my favorite but I was stuck on how to transition from the hospital to where I want/need the fic to go. Please bare with me for the this chapter and maybe the next…thanks!

Gibbs and Ducky stared at one another for a moment.

Gibbs turned to Abby, "I promised DiNozzo I'd bring him books and games. Would you go to the store and by some?"

Abby nodded and accepted the credit card Gibbs offered. She gathered her stuff and gave her boss a smile. After a seconds hesitation she leaned over and gave him a gentle kiss on the check.

"Abigail, do make sure it's appropriate for a twelve year old." Ducky called after her.

Abby flashed the elderly M.E. a grin and disappeared out the door.

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"So, how do we help him Duck?" Gibbs finally asked again.

"We treat him like he's twelve. He'll come back when he's ready." Ducky suggested.

"And if he doesn't?" Gibbs wondered.

"I don't know Jethro…I just don't know." Ducky admitted softly.

The two sat in silence; each lost in their own thoughts.

It was ducky who finally broke the silence, "Shall we go check on our patient?"

Gibbs nodded and led the way to Tony's room. Tony was sitting on the bed with the TV on. He was in the middle of laughing over the antics of Lucy (I love Lucy) when the two older men walked in. He suddenly turned the show off and looked over at the two.

"T-the nurse said I-I could…I mean me-I," Tony stammered.

Gibbs gave him a smile though on the inside he was seething; not at Tony but at the younger man's father.

"It's alright Tony. You already know Doctor Mallard; he just wants to check on you again." Gibbs explained.

Tony didn't say anything. He simply nodded his head and waited. Ducky took a step forward and held out his hand.

"It's a pleasure my dear boy. You may call me Ducky like everyone else." Ducky bowed causing Tony to laugh.

"I'm Tony…well, Anthony really," Tony smiled.

"Well Anthony, I'm going to check your bump on your head and then I'll leave you alone to finish watching your show." Ducky smiled back.

Tony nodded once again though he knew he should have answered the man vocally. He waited for the reprimand that never came. He watched Gibbs out of the corner of his eyes the entire time that Ducky looked him over.

With the examination done Ducky let the two alone. Gibbs pulled his chair up closer to the bed and then sat down.

"I sent Abby, a girl who works for me, to pick up some books and games for you. In the meantime why don't we see what Lucy is up to?" Gibbs suggested.

Tony smiled brightly and soon the two were engrossed in the episode…which is how Abby found them when she returned.

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"Hey Gibbs," Abby said cheerfully as she entered the room. She handed Gibbs back his card and placed the bags she was caring down on the foot of the bed.

"Hi Abby; Tony, this is Abby, the girl I was talking to you about. Abby, this is Tony DiNozzo. He's gonna be staying with me," Gibbs introduced.

"Hi Tony," Abby hugged the boy.

"Hi," Tony responded shyly.

Much to Gibbs' relief Abby acted like there was nothing wrong though he did notice that she refrained from acting too familiar with Tony. Abby sat, Indian style, at the foot of Tony's bed and pulled the bags in front of her. She gave Tony and smile and waited until he smiled back.

"I wasn't sure what kind games you liked or books you read so I just picked up an assortment of things. Book wise I got you the first two Harry Potter books and a couple Hardy Boys." Abby handed the books to Tony who grinned with some uncertainty as he stared at them.

Abby had to fight a lump that formed in her throat. She had known his father wasn't a good man but never had she guessed he'd been cruel. She blinked back her tears and smiled once again.

"Do you like them?" she asked nervously.

"They're great; thank you," Tony replied sincerely.

Gibbs could tell that Tony was still slightly uncomfortable around him so he stood up and stretched before ruffling Tony's hair and giving Abby a pat on the back.

"I'm gonna go get some coffee and see if I can't find some blankets. You two need anything?" Gibbs asked from the doorway.

Tony stared down the blanket and Abby shook her head no. Gibbs nodded and gave her a meaningful look before leaving. Tony looked up at the door and Abby didn't miss the fact that Tony seemed less tense.

"Are you ok Tony?" Abby inquired.

Tony gave the Goth girl a wry smile and nodded. Abby wasn't convinced but let it go for the time being in order to show him the games she got.

Abby slowly pulled out a deck of cards, poker chips, two puzzles, and an assortment of puzzle books and writing utensils before getting to the 'good' stuff.

"I wasn't sure what kind of games you liked so I got you Battleship, Sorry, and Monopoly." Abby grinned. "Ok, so I wasn't sure boss man would let me buy you one but I did have an extra…"

Abby pulled out a game boy and ten different games. "I figured you wouldn't want to play games with Gibbs all day so I thought maybe…"

"I love it. Thank you Abby; I…" Tony's voice trailed off.

Abby couldn't stand it anymore and she went to sit by the man now turned little boy. She put an arm around him and hugged him to her.

"What's the matter Tony?" She asked quietly.

"I don't want to be a bother," Tony answered not knowing why he was being so honest with a woman he'd just met but he couldn't stop himself. "What if I mess up? I don't want him to be mad at me or send me away. I…I just…I don't know!"

Abby hugged him tightly before gently pushing him away and cupping his chin in her hands. "You're a twelve year old Gibbs expects you to get into some trouble but he will never be mad enough to send you away."

"How do you know?" Tony all but cried.

"I know Gibbs. Besides he loves kids and I know he loves you." Abby reassured.

"He says that when I hit my head I forgot that we were friends." The boy looked up her with sad eyes.

"You were friends Tony and that is why I know Gibbs loves you." Abby smiled.

"What if I don't remember him?" Tony was concerned.

"Then you'll just have to become friends again." Abby replied firmly. She gave Tony another hug and then pulled out a Battle Ship. "Let's play a round."

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Gibbs went back to Tony and Abby almost a forty-five minutes after he left. When he entered the room the two were immersed into a game of poker. The scent of the pizza he was carrying alerted the two to his presence.

"Hey Gibbs," Abby waved.

"Hey Gibbs," Tony mimicked.

Gibbs smiled brightly and laid the pizza on the dresser by across the bed. "Tell me when you're done and I'll serve you a piece."

The two quickly finished their hand as they realized they were starving.

"Done," Two voices rang out.

Gibbs quickly served them and himself each two slices of pizza. He handed Abby a Caf-Pow and Tony chocolate milk. Tony smiled gratefully and the trio ate in silence. When they were done Tony yawned. Abby took that as her cue to leave.

"See you tomorrow Boss man, Tony." Abby gave them each a kiss on the cheek causing Tony to blush.

"Ok kiddo, you ready for bed?" Gibbs stood up and waited for an answer.

Tony nodded his head, to tired to feel wary of the older man. Gibbs smiled and helped him lay down before covering him up.

"I'll be right here when you wake Tony." Gibbs said gently as he ran his hand through the younger man's hair.

As Tony drifted off to sleep he couldn't help but wonder if Gibbs would keep his word…

TBC…

A/N: I need your opinion!! Do I keep this as is (a father/son relationship)? Or do I make this an adoption fic? You get to tell me so please even if you hated this chapter press the little purple button and tell me what you think! Thanks!