Expectations to Obey

Ducky returned to the hospital at four, and consulted with the doctor in charge over Jethro's condition. He came into the room and spoke firmly to Tony. "Jethro is the same, Anthony. I want you to go home now, get something to eat, and get some rest. I'll stay here with Jethro."

Tony shook his head. "No, no, I'm staying."

Ducky took his glasses off and wiped them on his shirt sleeve. "I am pulling rank, then, Anthony."

"What does that mean?" Tony stood up and stretched and yawned, then smiled down at Ducky.

"It means that Jethro expects me to keep an eye on you and Abigail when he is not available."

Tony laughed, "We haven't done anything bad, so you don't need to tattle. We've stayed close to the hospital."

Ducky leaned down and checked Jethro's pupils, speaking as he did so. "Jethro is my friend, and he considers you and Abby to be his. He is not available now, but I am, and I have seen many more nights that you and Abby. I am older and wiser. So I am telling you that I want you to do as I told you. Otherwise, Jethro is not going to be pleased when he hears that you reacted so stubbornly. In fact, I'd venture to say he would be annoyed with you."

Tony stood a moment, clearly undecided. Finally he spoke quietly. "Ok, but I am only leaving for supper and a nap, then I'll be back."

"That's all I ask, Anthony," Ducky agreed. "Let me honor my friend by taking over where he would expect me to take over."

Tony started out the door, then turned around and grinned, "I'm only going with your sacred word that a)-, you will not tell Boss I was any trouble, and b)-, you don't start bossing me around after this."

Ducky's eyes twinkled. "I wouldn't dream of it, dear boy."