Author's Note:

Thank you for the reviews. I loved them…

Here's the next chapter… Enjoy…

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Forty minutes later, Nurse Suzy called Ducky and Gibbs into the ER.

"How is he?" Gibbs asked.

"I am fine." Tony replied.

"He is stable but grumpy." Nurse Suzy said.

"I'm not grumpy." Tony insisted. His torso was wrapped in a tight bandage and his head wound was also dressed. "Can I leave now?"

"Dr. Gabe is signing off your prescription and release forms as we speak. We will be releasing him into your care Agent Gibbs as you are listed as his next of kin."

"Don't worry Boss. You don't have to babysit me. I'll be fine on my own at home." Tony said.

But Nurse Suzy shook her head in the negative. "Either Agent Gibbs takes care of you or you get to be our guest for the night."

"What?" Tony grimaced.

This is like being between a rock and hard place.

I can't stay here. I hate hospitals.

I can't be with Gibbs. He will keep pushing for answers.

"You're staying with me, DiNozzo. End of discussion." Gibbs said.

"No. I'll spend the night here."

"Really DiNozzo. You're so afraid of telling me what the hell's going one that you will rather spend the night in the hospital."

"Jethro, calm down." Ducky intervened. "Anthony, you need to talk to someone. You know that Jethro only wants to help you."

"I'm fine Ducky. I just want to be left alone."

"Fine, I won't push you to talk, but you will be staying with me." Gibbs said as the Nurse Suzy and Dr. Gabe arrived.

"Agent DiNozzo, you don't have a concussion, but if you develop a severe headache, nausea, vomiting or vertigo and pass out, in the next 48 hours, you need come back to the ER immediately."

"What about his side?" Gibbs asked.

"Agent DiNozzo's ribs have been badly bruised and are likely to be sore for the next few days. I recommend 48 hours of bed rest and no strenuous activity or field work for at least two weeks."

"What? Come on Doctor, I have to get back to work."

"Anthony, as your primary physician, I agree with Dr. Gabe's recommendations." Ducky said.

"What else, Doctor? Gibbs asked.

"I've prescribed anti inflammatories, pain medication and a mild sedative to help Agent DiNozzo relax. I suggest you take him home so he can get some rest."

"Great, let's go." Tony said getting off the bed. Gibbs reached out for him as he gasped in pain at his sudden movement.

"I'm good." Tony said through clenched teeth.

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Back at Gibbs' house, Tony sat on the couch. He was sore, tired and moody. Gibbs had been quiet all the way and that was irritating him more then when Gibbs was demanding answers.

Gibbs headed into the kitchen and filled a glass with water. He shook out the prescribed meds and headed back to the living room. Handing the meds and water to Tony he said, "Drink up."

"Yes Boss." Tony responded.

Gibbs took the empty glass and headed back into the kitchen. Tony heard him moving dishes around. When he caught the scent of aromatic spices, he realized that Gibbs was cooking.

"Ah, Boss, you don't have to cook for me." Tony shouted.

"We've got to eat, DiNozzo. You still like Beef Vindaloo with rice?"

"Love it, Boss." Tony replied. The scents were comforting and warm. It had been months since Tony had a good home cooked meal. But to have Gibbs preparing it, that was just so… so surprisingly comforting.

Tony removed his jacket and stretched out on Gibbs' couch. He closed his eyes and took a deep breath enjoying the smell and sounds of cooking. His mind drifted back to Ziva. When they had been alone in her childhood home, she'd cooked curry and rice for him. Then they'd sat together on the balcony and fed each other. She would always end the meal with something sweet. But the sweetest moment for all would be when she would lean into him. Turn her face up to his and kiss him. She had the softest lips and she kissed with such intensity.

Tony felt the trickle of tears as they rolled down the side of his face.

God Ziva, I wish we'd had more time together.

Why didn't you come back with me?

Gibbs watched Tony from the kitchen. He saw Tony shudder as more tears rolled down the side of his face. He wanted to reach out to him and comfort him. But he knew that Tony would be embarrassed by this show of emotions and they would go back to being awkwardly silent.

So he let Tony have the privacy he needed to release his pent up emotions of grief over the loss of what he and Ziva could have had.

You will get over this Tony. I'll be here to help you through it. Gibbs silently promised as he continued to prepare a hearty meal for his young agent.