CHAPTER 9 – MAKING PROGRESS

When Gibbs arrived back at the hospital that evening it was to the memorable site of Tony holding close that crazy Hippo of Abby's. Every once in a while Tony would adjust his position in his sleep and the little animal would let of a small whoosh of sound. Gibbs had a fleeting thought: at least it's a better whooshing sound then the contraption breathing for Tony earlier today.

Gibbs nodded to Ducky and pointed to the hallway momentarily. Ducky sensing his friend wanted to discuss Tony's condition moved towards the door.

"How is he?" Gibbs asked not wasting time on meaningless pleasantries.

"He's had a good afternoon Jethro. Dr. Pitt removed the tube obviously. He switched him to a full mask and Tony seems to be handling the switch well. He's been maintain a good oxygen level so far except on the occasion he starts coughing which leaves him quite breathless. The coughing though is a good sign in that it is productive and it is getting some of the infection he had down there out. This course of antibiotics seems to be working and he has not had any adverse reactions thus far. Dr. Pitt seemed to think if he could keep this improvement up we might be able to step down a unit tomorrow."

"I'm glad to hear it. That would mean the others could start visiting right?"

"Yes that's correct. How are the others driving everyone crazy yet?" Ducky asked with a hint of a smile in his eyes. He was pretty sure he knew the answer already. Gibbs team was notorious for causing a stir and was often the talk of NCIS for their antics though few were foolish enough to gossip about the group in Gibbs presence.

Gibbs rolled his eyes as he prepared to reply. "Ducky sometimes I feel like I am running a daycare rather than a professional investigative team. Can you believe Abby had convinced McGee it was possible to take over the hospital's security camera's so they could keep an eye on Tony themselves. Thing is I was half tempted to let them do it- never doubted they could. But I really didn't want to explain to Vance why we used millions of federal dollars for something not case related."

Ducky was laughing at this point. "Oh my they didn't. I am afraid to ask if my own protégé was mixed up in this at all."

"Well of course Ducky Palmer was designated as stake out- poor choice if you ask me boy still quakes in his boots if he thinks I am going to be on his case."

"Jethro everyone shakes in their boots when you're upset."

"Tony doesn't."

"Well yes but Tony is Tony. That boy marches to his own beat and has seen enough trauma in his life that even you sometimes don't compare. You need someone to stand up to you anyway can't have you getting a big head now can we."

"I don't see why not."

"Of course not and where was Ms. David in all this?"

"She was the one holding down the fort pretending to do work. By pretending I mean she was playing some game Tony taught her on her computer. That boy better get back to work soon or nothing productive is going to get done. People always think he is the goof off but the truth is he's the motivation for the rest of the team to keep working."

"Yes this is true. Well he's certainly making strides in the right directions. It seems are prayers are being answered. Why don't you go and sit with him again and I will head out. We can switch places around the same time tomorrow as we did today."

"Sounds good Ducky. Have a good night."

"You too Jethro." And with a parting nod of his head Ducky left the ICU.

Gibbs headed in to Tony's room and seated himself in the chair by his bed.

It was only a few moments after Gibbs had been seated that Tony started to wake. The connection between the two was so close that their mere presence could bring about a response.

As Tony's eyes opened he immediately found Gibbs and gave a small smile. Tugging of his mask he whispered out. "I followed orders boss no more tube."

Gibbs lightly tapped the back of Tony's head.

"Good for you now follow this order – keep your mask on and stop talking. Just breathe. I believe that was the first order that started this whole episode and it still applies."

Tony grinned behind his mask and gave a nod in the affirmative.

"Nice gifts you got there Tony. Would you like me to read some of the mystery novel Ziva sent?"

Tony gave a surprised look at Gibbs as if to say you don't have to Gibbs I'm sure you have more important things to do.

"Nothings more important than this right now. Besides if I am going to sit in this boring hospital I might as well have something interesting to do besides watching you breathe and a book seems like a good start to me."

Tony gave an appreciative smile- message received Gibbs was here to stay and he cared for him.

Gibbs picked up the book and began reading aloud.

It was a pleasant scene to any who happened to walk by. In fact at one point two nurses could be heard at the nurses' station.

"Isn't it sweet how his dad cares for him? My dad never read to me as a kid and here this one reads even to his adult son."