Title: Things to Do in D.C. When You're Dead

Written for the If Today Was Your Last Day Challenge

Disclaimer: Still don't own, and still just playing. Yadda freaking yadda.

I apologize for not getting this up sooner. Apparently I do need sleep :/

Those of you who are on the emotional side may want some Kleenex before the end.


Chapter 4

Ziva watched the doors close with a sinking feeling in her stomach. For as long as she had known him, she had believed that McGee was not a quitter. She always admired his persistence, how he attacked every problem with determination. This time, however, it seemed as though McGee had given up on something that should have been the most important to him. She suspected the reason for his attitude and it worried her more than she would normally admit.

"Why won't he let us help him?" asked Abby, close to tears again. "He doesn't need to suffer."

Ducky merely shook his head. "I don't know, my dear. Nevertheless, we should get started. We certainly don't have any time to waste."

A determined expression settled on Abby's face and she turned to the M.E. "Lead on, Duck-man. Let's save our Timmy!" The two of them headed for her lab and Tony turned to Ziva.

"Now what?"

"We do what McGee asked, because that is what friends do. We make sure the case against Kendall is solid, and that he pays for what he has done."

"But what about McGee?'

"We do what we can for him. We will be there for him, no matter what happens."

Tony sighed. "I still can't believe this is happening."

"Nor can I, but we must deal with it. For McGee's sake."

A few minutes later the elevator doors opened and the two men emerged. McGee immediately went to his desk and sat down to resume the work he had been doing without a word as Gibbs motioned for Tony and Ziva to follow him. He walked to the corner near the staircase, hidden from view from the bullpen, and turned to them.

"What did he say, Boss?" asked Tony before Gibbs could even begin.

"He doesn't want any of you to see what's supposed to happen to him near the end. He asked me to make sure you wouldn't remember him like that."

"Damn it, we want to be there for him. He deserves that."

"No, Tony, he deserves to have his request honored. How often does McGee ask for anything?" Ziva and Tony shared embarrassed looks. "Even though he's doing it for all of you, it is the least we can do for him. This time it's about what he wants."

Ziva nodded. McGee was trying to protect them, and even though she did not believe it was necessary, it showed that, as always, he was thinking about his team. Tony, however, still looked ready to argue but she placed a restraining hand on his arm.

"No, Tony. Gibbs is right. It is time to honor his wishes."

Tony slumped against the wall and cast his gaze downward. "So we're just supposed to leave him alone…to die?"

"He won't be alone."

Startled, the younger man looked up at his boss. "But you said—"

"He doesn't want any of you there. He didn't mention me."

"But—"

"No more arguments, DiNozzo. Let's get back to work."

Reluctantly the two agents followed their boss back to the bullpen where their last teammate was still working quietly. Ziva watched him for several minutes. Normally she could read him easily, but now his emotions were deeply hidden. She wished she could offer comfort, as she had tried to do earlier, but she was suspected such an overture would not be welcome, at least not now.

The rest of the team returned to their own reports, checked facts and records, and soon everything they had on the case was compiled into three individual documents, detailed enough to answer any question that might later arise. Just as Ziva was about to send her own report to the printer, McGee rose from his desk, gathered the pages he had printed, and carried the file over to Gibbs. The lead agent opened the file, read the first page, and looked up at McGee in surprise.

"Is this…?"

"All I could find."

Gibbs gave McGee a rare smile. "That's good work, Tim."

"Thanks, Boss." McGee returned to his desk as Tony shot Ziva a questioning look. She shrugged and turned to McGee.

"What was that?"

"Just some more evidence against Kendall."

"So what do we-?"

"I'll handle it," said Gibbs. "The rest of you can go."

"Boss, what-?"

"Go with McGee. I'll call if I need you."

"Yes, Boss."

XXX

If anyone had told Tony that he would be spending a Saturday playing tourist in a city that he had lived in for ten years, he probably would have scoffed at the idea. The thought of traipsing through the various historical and cultural landmarks that he had taken for granted for years was certainly unappealing, but over the course of the day he had been given a new perspective. Tagging along with someone who was seeing these sights for both the first and last time was alternatively depressing and heartwarming. While Tony's appreciation for history had been dampened by his father's interest in one major event, Tim still obviously found enjoyment in hearing and seeing the nation's past. His enthusiasm for adding little bits of trivia for Ziva's benefit soon became infectious, and before Tony realized it he, too was joining in and it became a sort of contest to see who could provide the most commentary.

Every so often, however, Tony would be reminded of why they were doing this. He would see a brief flash of sadness in his friend's expression, and Tony would work to try and distract him. The discussion or debate that followed usually led to more trivia, and they would head off to the next place of interest in order to settle whatever question had come up. Ziva merely followed along, watching the two men banter with a slightly puzzled expression, and when something did remind McGee of his situation, she would place a hand on his arm or face in silent comfort.

While she distracted the younger man, Tony would call Gibbs for updates. Each time he grew more worried, as the lack of progress by Abby and Ducky to find a way to help their teammate made the likelihood that they would avoid the day's outcome less of a possibility. Tim sensed these changes in his mood and would do his own work to distract the older man, and they would head off to the next site.

Their most memorable stop of the day was the Smithsonian, and when they entered the Museum of Natural History, they received a surprise. They were met by one of the curators and given a 'behind the scenes' tour of the parts of the building that far fewer people got to see. Tony suspected they had Ducky to thank for the rare opportunity, and he reminded himself to thank the M.E. when he could. While he himself was not as thrilled to be examining the array of relics the museums vast collections held, Tim's almost child-like expression of wonder as he followed their guide made it worth the while. Tony had only seen that look before when Tim was presented with some new gadget, and he was surprised to learn of the younger man's other interests. He felt a stab of regret when he realized, yet again, how much he had to learn about then agent with whom he had worked for almost eight years, and how little time he had left to discover it.

After the museum closed, they wandered down the Mall towards the Washington Monument. They stopped to examine the wares of the street venders, and Tim bought T-shirts for Tony (Witness Protection – You Can't See Me) and Ziva (I heart D.C.), which they immediately pulled on over their work clothes, eliciting a genuine laugh from the younger man. They continued their trek and soon found themselves at the base of the Monument. Knowing Tim's fear of heights, Tony didn't suggest a ride to the top, but surprisingly McGee did. They headed inside and received another surprise. The guard immediately took them to the elevator for a quick ride to the top. When Tony questioned the man, he simply smiled and said "Tell Gunny he doesn't owe me for this one."

Once at the top, they had an incredible view of the area. Tony had seen pictures, but he had never had the opportunity himself. He turned to Tim to ask what he thought and stopped. For the first time that day, the younger man's expression was completely open, and what Tony saw was heartbreaking. Tim soon noticed his scrutiny and the expression vanished, but not before the full effect had hit. Tim tried to cover with a joke, and in that moment Tony realized the deflection had not been for Tim's benefit, but for his own. Tony knew Tim had been doing what he could to help his teammates get through the day as much as they had been trying to help him.

Once they returned to the entrance Tony made one more call to Gibbs. After a few brief moments of instruction from the lead agent, he snapped his phone shut and guided his companions back to the Metro, where they took the train to the Navy yard to retrieve Tony's car. He drove the group to Gibbs' house, a place where he had often sought sanctuary, and wondered if Tim would understand the significance. One glance at his face when they arrived told Tony that he did.

They gathered in Gibbs' living room, watching him cook steaks in the fireplace as they described their day. They were soon joined by Ducky and Abby, and were told that while Jimmy had helped them with their ultimately fruitless search for a way to help Tim, he had opted to stay at NCIS. The reason was left unspoken, but it was understood: he would be ready if he was needed in his official capacity. Abby had immediately gone to Tim and hugged him, apologizing over and over for not being able to help, and insisting that she wanted to continue, that there had to be something they could do. Tim told her he understood, and thanked both Abby and Ducky for trying. Tony's heart sank at the realization that they only had a couple of hours left to spend with their friend.

XXX

Tim sat on Gibbs' sofa, listening to the rather forced conversation between Ziva and Ducky. He knew his team was trying to help him keep his mind off his situation, but he also knew that they were feeling the stress of the day as well. Tony was sitting silently in the chair next to the sofa, and after watching the older man struggle, Tim tried to distract him.

"Hey, Boss, do you remember the first time I rendered Tony speechless?"

The group turned to him in surprise and Gibbs' chuckled.

"Yeah, I do."

"I do not," said Ziva. "What happened?"

"It was before Tim even started at the Navy Yard. He came all the way to D.C. to deliver a report and for a lunch date with Abby."

"Tony told him me couldn't get a date with her unless I had a tattoo, so I told him I got one." Tim couldn't help but chuckle at Tony's current expression. "The look on your face…"

"Hey, how was I to know you'd take me seriously, let alone get 'Mom' tattooed on your ass?"

The forensic scientist raised her head from Tim's chest. It was the first time she had moved from the position she had been in, seated next to Tim with her arms wrapped around him, since her arrival.

"It doesn't say 'Mom'."

Tim and Ziva both laughed and Gibbs chuckled at the startled expression that crossed Tony's face.

"You…you lied to me?"

Tim gave him an unrepentant grin. "Yup."

Even Abby laughed as Tony sputtered. "He told me about it when we went to lunch. Best giggle I'd had in awhile."

Tony shook his head. "And here I thought you were the innocent little newbie."

"Not quite so innocent. I did get a tattoo, just not that one."

Tim sat back and smiled as he felt the mood lighten and the normal banter returned. Another hour passed, full of lively conversation and reminiscence, and Gibbs even shared a couple of stories from his years as a 'probie'. Tim had relinquished the stopwatch to Gibbs as part of their earlier agreement, so he wasn't keeping time that way, and he barely noticed the clock tick past 2200. It wasn't until almost half past the hour that he felt the first sharp pain, a sudden reminder of what Kendall had promised. He managed to breathe through it, and he glanced around at his companions to see if they had noticed. Tony and Ziva were busy talking to Ducky, and Abby was watching them. None seem to have picked up on his distress. When he looked at Gibbs, however, he saw that his boss was aware, and he could clearly read the question in the older man's expression. Tim felt another sudden sharp pain, longer in duration. After it faded, he met Gibbs' gaze, and slowly nodded as a twist of fear settled in the pit of his stomach.

Gibbs cleared his throat. "Tony, Ziva, take Abby home." Tim looked down. He couldn't stand to see the expressions on their faces as Abby started to protest.

"No, Gibbs! I don't want to leave Tim."

"Abbs…"

"No!" She put her hand against Tim's face and forced him to look at her. "Timmy…"

"Abby…please."

"But—"

"I don't want you to see this. Trust me, it will be better this way."

She wrapped her arms around him again and buried her face in his shoulder. "I can handle it, I swear."

"Abby, you must listen. This is what Tim wants. He is doing this for you."

"Leave me alone, Ziva."

"Come on, Abby. It will be OK."

She shook her head and Tim looked up at Tony. He could see the devastation in the senior agent's eyes and had to look away.

"Abby," he said softly. "It's time to me let go."

She started to sob. Finally, after a few moments, she sat up and looked at him. "I'm sorry, Timmy. For everything, for all the bad stuff I ever did to you, and I never told you that I—"

"I know, Abby. I forgive you. It's OK." He kissed her forehead and then leaned his head against hers. She gave him once last crushing hug, and then, albeit reluctantly, allowed Gibbs to lead her towards the door. Tim looked up at the rest of the group as he brought himself under control and rose from the sofa. He turned to Ducky.

"Thanks for trying to help me."

"I only wish I could have done more, Timothy."

"I know. I appreciate what you've done. Everything you've done for me." The older man grasped his shoulder and gave him a final nod before heading for the door. Tim turned to Ziva.

"You've been a good friend to me, Ziva. There's no way I could ever repay you for everything you've done for me. Thank you."

She stepped forward and placed both hands on either side of his face.

"You are a good person, Tim McGee, no matter what anyone says. Thank you for being my friend." She brought his face down to hers and kissed his forehead. "I will not forget your kindness, and I…" she gave him a teary smile. "I will not forget you. Shalom, Tim." She, too, headed for the door, and he was alone with Tony. Tim tried to keep his tone light, but despite his efforts his voice trembled a little.

"I guess this is it, man. Take care of yourself, OK? And don't be too hard on the next 'probie'."

Tony stared at him for just a moment before stepping forward and embracing him in a crushing hug.

"I'm sorry, Tim," he said, muffled against Tim's shoulder.

"Hey, you know what Gibbs' says about apologies," Tim responded, his voice noticeably shakier.

"I do, but right now I don't really care."

"Yeah, I know."

Tony released him and stepped back, obviously struggling to remain stoic. "Thanks for always having my six, man. I just…I wish I could have had yours."

"Thanks, Tony."

Tim watched Tony turn and walk to the door where he turned back to face the younger man one last time. "Hey Tim?"

"Yeah?"

"Say…say hi to Kate for me."

Tim managed a smile. "I will."

The older man stepped through the door and disappeared as Tim sank back to the sofa. He covered his face with his hands and took several deep breaths as another sharp pain hit. When it was over, he looked up to see Gibbs watching him, a sad look on his face.

"OK, Tim. What do you need?"

He took another deep breath and sighed. "I need you to keep me alive until midnight."

XXX

Gibbs' eyes widened as he watched his agent try to explain himself.

"I know you've seen a lot of awful things, and if there was another way I wouldn't have you watch what's going to happen to me, but…I don't think I'm strong enough to do this myself."

"You want me to…?"

"Keep me from killing myself once the pain gets too bad." He looked down at the floor in obvious embarrassment before meeting Gibbs' gaze once again. "Kendall wants me to commit suicide, and I don't want to give him the satisfaction."

"Why do you think he wants that?"

"Some things he said: he expected me to 'go to Hell like all the rest'. He told me that before he injected me with the drug, and then, during his interrogation, he mentioned that the others would be in a 'different set of woods than they expected'. I think he was referring to the 'Wood of the Suicides', from Dante's Inferno. He alluded to that earlier, and…it just made sense."

"Why would he care?"

"Well…it's kind of hard to charge someone with murder when the victim commits suicide. I know there are all sorts of other things that we could charge him with, but a good defense attorney can argue away the murder charge. Then, of course, he just may really want to make sure I go to Hell. The background check I did on him suggests he would find it a suitable punishment for any of his victims."

"Damn…"

"Yeah." Tim's face twisted in pain and as Gibbs' stepped forward he held up his hand. "I got it. Just a preview of things to come, I guess," he whispered. Finally his expression cleared and he returned his attention to Gibbs. "Sorry."

"It's OK, Tim. What do you want me to do?"

"Just…stay with me. Tell Kendall that he lost, and make sure he gets what he deserves."

"I can do that."

"Good." He looked around and blushed slightly. "Where, uh, where should we go?"

"Go?"

"Yeah, I mean…I'm sure you don't want…this to happen here, at your house?"

"It doesn't matter to me, Tim. Wherever you chose."

"Uh, we could go to the basement, maybe? I wouldn't want to disturb the neighbors." Gibbs could see that Tim was still trying to make light of the situation, but he didn't think he could play along, not this time.

"If that's what you want."

Tim just nodded and headed for the stairs as Gibbs followed. He reached into his pocket and pulled out the stopwatch. They had a little more than an hour left.

When they reached the basement, Tim stopped to look around. "No more boat, huh?"

"Nope, got other projects going now." Gibbs' winced as he remembered the last project he had completed in this basement. He wondered if Tim was aware of the irony of his choice to be in the some room that had recently held a coffin.

Gibbs watched as Tim paced slowly back and forth, stopping occasionally when the apparent pain he was feeling took over, each time a little longer than the last. Finally he sat down on one of the wooden sawhorses and bowed his head.

"Tim?"

He looked up and Gibbs saw the stoicism that the young man had struggled to maintain all day finally fall away.

"I'm scared, Boss," he whispered.

Gibbs walked over and sat down next to him and put a gentle hand on his shoulder. "It's OK."

Gibbs glanced at his watch: 22:59. He turned to Tim and saw a bead of sweat slowly make its way down Tim's temple. Before he could ask what was happening, Tim doubled over and let out a long, strangled scream and pitched forward. Gibbs barely managed to catch him and lowered him to the floor as Tim began to writhe in agony.

"Please…make…it…stop," he groaned through clenched teeth.

"I wish I could, Tim."

"I…know. Sorry…" He screamed again as he thrashed, trying to free himself from the torment, a reprise that Gibbs knew would not come any time soon.

Time seemed to move at a snail's pace. Gibbs held the younger man in his lap as his terrible cries of pain weakened to groans, and finally to whimpers. His fevered movements grew weaker and weaker until he was just shuddering, barely able to lift his hand to grasp Gibbs' own. The older man wanted to offer comfort, as he had done for others who had breathed their last in his arms, but the words wouldn't come. He couldn't tell Tim it would be OK. He could bring himself to lie, even if the words themselves would have no real meaning to the suffering man. All he could do was to hold Tim and watch the numbers tick down on that vile stopwatch, counting down to the end.

Finally, with just a couple of minutes left, Tim's ragged breathing quieted and he looked up at Gibbs with pain-filled but clear eyes.

"I didn't…let him…win."

"No, Tim, you didn't."

"Thanks…Boss."

"You're welcome, Tim," Gibbs replied, his voice cracking slightly.

Tim smiled weakly as he finally relaxed in Gibbs' arms. He closed his eyes, let out one long, shuddering breath, and fell silent.

TBC…


Did I mention that my muse is evil? Just checking.

One more chapter to go, to be posted late tonight.