Chapter 10

One Week Later

"Are you glad you finally get to leave this place, Tim?" asked Tony as he helped gather things stuff.

"Yeah, I feel relieved that I don't have to sleep in this place another day!" laughed Tim. "And I can't wait to get back to wo-"

"Work, work, work, that's all you think about, Tim?" Tony cut in laughing.

Tim looked at him then rolled his eyes, putting the last of his belongings in his bag. "Whatever Tony. I'm just glad I'm still alive to even go to work.

"It's great to have you back, McGee," Tony smiled slapping Tim on the back gently. "Though you still look like a very skinny ghost." It was true. Tim had lost a lot of weight during his 2 ½ week stay at Bethesda. He was also still very pale, but the doctor discharged him, and he was ready to leave.

Tony had volunteered to bring Tim home and to work from now on until his car was absolutely fixed. At least that is what he told Tim. Tony and McGee left the hospital and arrived at Tim's apartment.

"Thanks for the ride, Tony." Tim said as he waved goodbye. But to his surprise, Tony got out to and took McGee's bag. McGee looked at him suspiciously, but didn't say anything. Instead he just turned to his apartment as Tony followed him up the stairs, also making sure he didn't fall backwards.

When they reached McGee's door, McGee unlocked it and took a deep breath. Then he turned to Tony, put Tim's bag down and headed for the fridge.

"Looks like Abby did some grocery shopping for you, McGee," said Tony, rummaging through the food.

Tim made a mental note to thank Abby for that. Then he had a very strange feeling in his stomach. His gums started tingling and he knew that could only mean one thing. "T-Tony," Tim said shakily, but that was all he could get out before he bolted to the bathroom and retched in the toilet bowl. He could hear Tony's faint voice yelling his name in worry, but it was all drowned out by his retching.

"McGee! Tim, are you alright?" Tony said. Tim looked up and saw that Tony had appeared next to him, his hand patting McGee's back gently.

Before McGee could get another word out, he passed out, only to the worried shouting of Tony's voice.

McGee's eyes opened slowly and wondered where he was. At first he thought he was still in the hospital, but then it all came back to him. He realized he was at home and in his own voice. Sitting up he looked around. He thought that he was alone, at first, but then he saw two shapes heading towards him. Rubbing his eyes to get more focus, he saw that it was Tony and Ducky.

"Ducky? What are you doing here?" Tim managed to get out before he fell back onto his pillows.

"Timothy, my dear boy, you look like a walking stick. Have you eaten anything since you left the hospital?"

"I-I had some saltines, but that was it...oh and a cup of coffee." said Tim, closing his eyes.

"No wonder, you threw up. Coffee isn't good for you after you've had internal injuries. You will be fine, just have plenty of fluids, besides coffee, and," he turned to Tony, "make sure he eats enough. No junk, maybe a salad and some soup." Tony nodded and sat besides Tim who had fallen asleep.

Monday

"It's about time you get down here, McGeek!" shouted Tony from his car as McGee approached it. It was Monday and Tim was allowed back at work, but only for desk work; just for a couple days until he looked more healthier.

The two drove to work in silence, and walked into NCIS in silence, except for a couple of 'welcome backs' and 'glad to see you are better' from the guards and such to McGee. McGee waved and nodded and said thanks to them.

The entered the elevator, but as soon as they did, Tony flipped off the power and turned to McGee. McGee's eyes were wide in confusion.

"What's wrong, Tony?" Tim said trying to smile, but failed.

"I-I meant to say this last week when I was talking to while you were still in the hospital, but I didn't have the guts. So... I'm going to say it now. I'm-I'm sorry, McGee."

Tim looked around and laughed, "Sorry for what? You didn't do anything to make this happen," Tim gestured to his injuries. What would have to-"

"Let me finish," Tony cut in, "I'm sorry I ever teased you about your personal life and all the things I say or do to you that hurts your feelings. I should have known when I crossed the line."

Tim's smiled disappeared and Tony could tell he was really listening. "Tony, you don't-"

"Yes, I do have to apologize. I will never make fun of you again, Probie." Tony said quietly.

"Yeah, right," Tim laughed but still looked serious. "But, thanks. I know you won't stop, because that's who you are. You wouldn't be DiNozzo if you didn't tease me."

Tony looked up and smiled. Then Tim smiled wider, "Just lighten up on the jokes, though."
"I will, Probester. I will," Tony said patting Tim on the shoulder. Then he leaned over to give him a hug. At first, Tim was shocked at Tony's reaction, but then he smiled and returned the hug.

When they let go, Tony pointed at him and said, "If you tell anyone I did that, I will slap you silly."

Tim smiled and nodded. Tony flicked the elevator power back on and pressed a button. After ten seconds, McGee spoke, "Uh...Tony, I think you pressed the wrong button. We're going to the garage now."

Tony smiled but didn't say anything or turn to McGee. When the doors opened and they stepped out, there were shouts of 'surprise' which made Tim jump and drop all of his stuff. He turned to Tony who was smiling at him

"Welcome back, Probie." he said. McGee turned back to the crowd, just in time to see Abby charging towards him and jumping on him. He would of fallen back if Tony wasn't there to catch him.

"Hey... Abby," he said struggling to breathe. Finally, Gibbs came over and pried her off of him. Then he reached over and shook his hand. "Welcome back, McGee," he said as he smiled. Ziva also came over and hugged him and kissed his cheek. "Good to have you back, McGee. We really missed you."

"Thanks, Ziva. Thanks, all of you guys." Tim said beaming and blushing at the same time. After others hugged, shook hands, and said their 'welcome backs', Gibbs whistled and all went quiet. Tim turned to Gibbs in a questioning look.

"To show how much we all missed an love you, Tim, the team, director and the rest of the agency, all chipped in to get you this," shouted Gibbs. He pointed to the opening door of the garage and a black sedan was being driven in by Tony. Tim just stood there mouth wide open in shock.

"This car has a GPS locator and a tracking device; so if you ever get lost, we'll find you. Also, something we didn't tell you... during your surgery, we asked the doctor to put a tracking device in your leg, so if you are ever kidnapped again, we'll find you faster." laughed Gibbs as he saw Tim's surprised and embarrassed expression.

Everyone cheered and laughed, then Tim joined in. Gibbs raised his beer, as did everyone else and said, "It's good to have you back. To Tim!" he toasted.

"To Tim!"

"To Timmy!"

"To McGee!"

"To Timothy!"

"To Probie!"

A chorus of different names for McGee rang out in the garage. McGee smiled and blushed, which covered up his paleness. Abby came over to him and kissed him on the lips and whispered, "I love you, Timmy. I'm glad your alive."

"Thanks, Abs. I love you, too. Oh... and thanks for the groceries, too." laughed Tim.

Abby looked into McGee's grass green eyes and laughed, "Your welcome, Timmy. Your welcome."

THE END

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