Gibbs carried a coffee mug down to the basement and poured himself a shot of bourbon. As he set the bottle down, his cell rang. He took a swig of his drink as he checked the called ID, then answered, "Hey, Duck. You comin' to dinner?"
"Actually, Jethro, that's why I'm calling. I'm afraid I'll be stuck here a bit longer than expected. But I've called in some medication for Anthony, and McGee has agreed to pick it up on his way there."
"What kinda meds?"
"An anti-anxiety medication, just to get him through these next few days. We'll see how he does with them. They shouldn't affect his ability to work. I discussed this with him briefly a bit earlier."
"Didn't say anything to me," he replied. "But I guess I understand why."
"How is he doing at the moment?"
"Sleepin' right now. I'll be wakin' him up in a bit so he can get ready for company."
"I'm glad he's getting some rest. I'll try and stop by once I get out of here; check up on the two of you."
"Okay, Duck," he said, and ended the call.
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Ziva was hard at work in the kitchen with Gibbs, reheating one of the meals on the stove and setting the table, when there was a knock at the door. "I got it," Gibbs said as he set down the pile of plates onto the table. He made his way to the door, seeing McGee as he opened it.
"Hey, Boss," he said as he held up a small paper bag. "Ducky asked me to pick this up for Tony."
"Yeah, he told me," Gibbs replied as he took the bag, "Thanks." He moved from the door, allowing Tim to enter and shut the door before following him into the kitchen. "And good job, both of you, on finishing up the case without me today. I appreciate the extra work you've been puttin' in."
"It was pretty much an open and shut case," McGee said. "Not a big deal. And we're happy to help...in any way we can." Gibbs knew what he meant by that; helping Tony. "Where's Tony?" he glanced around.
"He was in the shower when I arrived," Ziva told him. "He should be down any minute."
Gibbs thought for a moment where he stood, then looked at McGee, "You finish settin' the table; I'll go see if he's about ready," he grabbed the bag on his way out of the kitchen.
Once Tim heard his boss's footsteps climbing the stairs, he glanced at Ziva, "So is Tony okay? Did Gibbs say anything?"
Ziva brought the pan of pasta to the table, glancing at McGee before scooping some of the concoction onto a plate. "He is healing," she told him. When she didn't elaborate, McGee felt he shouldn't push the subject further, and continued setting the table...
*~.~*
Gibbs tapped lightly on the open door of the guest room, seeing the light from the bathroom door which was also open. Without a response from Tony, he decidedly entered the room and approached the bathroom, seeing Tony standing in front of the mirror, closely examining the cuts on his face. "You've had worse," Gibbs told him.
"Yeah," Tony replied, calmly. "Not by my own hands, though."
"It wasn't really your fault," Gibbs told him, and Tony turned away from the mirror to face him.
"Well...thanks for stopping me from mutilating myself further," he said in a quiet voice before glancing at the bag in Gibbs' hand. "That the meds Duck called in for me?"
Gibbs had nearly forgotten he was holding anything, and glanced down before replying, "Yeah," he handed the bag to Tony. "Thought I'd bring 'em up, in case you felt like you needed one before dinner." He narrowed his eyes for a split second, rethinking what he'd just said and hoping Tony hadn't taken it the wrong way. Thankfully, he seemed grateful for the idea as he opened the bag and pulled out the bottle.
He held it up to the light before opening the top and pulling one of the tiny white pills out into his hand. Before allowing himself to think any further about it, he popped it into his mouth and replaced the cap, setting the bottle down on the counter top. "Ziva must be here already," he assumed.
"McGee too," Gibbs told him. "Abby's gonna be a little late, and Ducky won't be here for dinner, but he'll stop by once he gets outta autopsy." Tony nodded in acknowledgment and Gibbs cocked his head. "You need a few minutes?"
Tony met his eyes and shook his head, "No, Boss." He smirked, "Let's do this."
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"I'll never understand the logic behind killin' someone because ya don't wanna share," Tony commented on the discussion of the case they'd worked that day. "It's gotta be one of the most pointless, narcissistic states of mind imaginable."
"I'd have to agree," McGee said after swallowing the last bit of his dinner. "Hey, Ziva, this was really good. Thanks."
"Yeah, it was good," Tony agreed. "Then again, I don't think I've ever not enjoyed your cooking," he grinned.
"Ziva always makes the best food," Abby said as she placed her plate into the sink.
"I am glad you enjoyed it," she smiled before standing to take her own plate to the sink. Gibbs got up to put his own dish in the sink and began washing the dishes with Abby's help. McGee grabbed Tony's plate when he got up to clear his own.
"Thanks, Probie," Tony said as he stood and made his way into the living room to plop down onto the couch. Ziva casually sat down beside him, curling her legs up beside her. He smirked at her, "Miss me at the office yet?"
She squinted as her lips curved into a grin, "You have only actually missed a few days. But yes, we are most definitely aware of your absence."
Tony made a face at her, "Oh don't you worry. I'll be back, day after tomorrow, to brighten up your day."
"We'll see about that," Gibbs said as he entered the room, drying his hands on a towel. "You two want a beer?"
"Sure, Boss," Tony answered, as did Ziva.
"I've got it, Gibbs," Abby smiled as she walked past him with four bottles of beer, letting Ziva and Tony grab one, then turning to hand one to Gibbs.
"Thanks, Abs," he smirked and kissed her cheek before sitting in the chair across from the couch. Abby sat down at Tony's other side and snuggled close to him as she opened her bottle.
Tony sighed and rested back into the couch, "I dunno if it's the drugs, or the fact that I've got a beautiful lady on either side of me," he said as he draped his arms behind them both, "But I am really happy right now," he smiled. McGee smirked from where he leaned against the doorway before taking a sip of his drink.
Gibbs shook his head and grinned, but decidedly stood and grabbed the beer from Tony's dangling hand, "Forgot you were on meds for a minute there."
"Boss!" his face was a picture of surprise and disappointment.
"Don't argue, DiNozzo," he replied as he headed to the kitchen. "You'll have to okay it with Ducky, first."
"Ssh," Abby handed him her beer and he quickly took a few long gulps before sneaking it back to her with an appreciative grin.
"Saw that, Abby," Gibbs shouted from the kitchen.
"No you didn't!" she yelled back. Ziva laughed through her nose. Abby looked over at a smiling McGee, "Come on, Timmy. There's plenty of room," she patted the cushion beside her as she scooted even closer to Tony. McGee crossed the room and wedged into the small space between her and the armrest, easily. Abby relaxed back a bit against him. "Now I'm happy, too," she grinned. Tim blushed almost uncontrollably.
"Now, children," Tony narrowed his eyes to accompany a mischievous grin. "Don't go buildin' up to breakin' rule twelve. Especially not on Gibbs' couch... Of course, that'd be...kinda hot," he smirked.
"This is what happens when you don't behave, Abs," Gibbs said as he sank down into the chair once more, desperately trying to fight off the smile that threatened to beam through.
Abby got a defensive look on her face that was only slightly masked with her ultimate amusement, "Don't blame this on me, Bossman. You gotta admit, this is a pretty hot team. It was bound to happen sometime."
"Are you suggesting a team orgy, Abigail Sciuto?" Tony said in a playful voice as he carefully watched the reddening of Tim's face grow brighter.
"Guys! Seriously!" McGee shot them a glare.
"Relax, Probie," Tony laughed. "I know the first one's always a bit awkward at the beginning..."
"Okay, I think that's my cue to go," McGee stood.
"Ha ha!" Tony laughed and held out his hand in front of Abby, "Pay up, Abs!"
"Man, Timmy!" Abby scrunched up her face as she handed a five dollar bill to Tony. "I thought, for sure, you'd hold on longer than that!"
McGee furrowed a brow in their direction, "You were betting on who could freak me out the fastest?" disbelief was thick in his voice. "When did you even have time to conspire?"
"It is a withstanding bet, McGee," Ziva explained with a grin.
Tim stood there for a moment, glancing between each of his team member before sitting back down with a huff, "You guys are unbelievable."
"But not completely unpredictable," Gibbs told McGee with a smirk.
"That is true, Probie," Tony said as he leaned over to pick up the remote. "Some day you'll have us figured out. I was sure you would've begun to adapt a bit at least, by now. Who's up for some Magnum P.I?" he said as he clicked on the television.
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tbc...