AN: Sorry for the delay as usual. This is super short. I've decided that I can only get short chapters out seeing as how my attention span is currently about 5 minutes max. This is a super "big" filler just until the next chapter which is almost…almost in progress. Remember, all mistakes are mine. Continue being awesomely patient! I love my readers!

Chapter: Something…

The remainder of the day slipped by in a quiet unease. Tony's fever held steady around 102 and the team was beginning to worry that he had been under its effects for too long.

"Don't worry" Ducky said calmly. "The fever is just the body's natural way of fighting off the infection. What's important now is that Anthony is able to rest calmly with minimal interruption."

At those words the ME glanced at Abby who was sitting none-too-calmly at the door closest to Tony's room. She was taking Tony's hospitalization better than expected, though the strain of holding it together was beginning to take its toll on the forensics specialist.

"Abbs," Gibbs said. "Why don't you go home now with Tim and Ziva? Ducky and I will stay here and wait until Tony wakes up."

Abby sniffled slightly but after some coaxing agreed.

"Don't worry about him Abbs." McGee said as he put his coat around her shoulders. "We'll all keep our phones on so Gibbs can keep us updated." McGee nodded towards the lead agent who in turn replied in agreement.

"Keep our boy safe, okay?"

"You will give him our best?" Ziva added.

"Of course my dear, of course." Smiling softly Ducky put a comforting hand on her shoulder.

"Yeah. We will." Gibbs sighed and watched the three turn to leave the hospital. After they had gone Gibbs sat down heavily on the uncomfortable plastic chair in the waiting room while Ducky went to speak with Tony's doctor.

Left alone with his thoughts, Gibbs reflected on the past few weeks. Had he really been so hard on Tony since his return from Mexico? Had he been so neglectful of his SFA that the younger man honestly thought he had done something wrong? These weren't questions Gibbs wanted to think about at any length so he was grateful when Ducky came back from the nurses' station.

"How is he, Duck?"

"Holding his own still. The fever has settled to around 101 which, as you can imagine, is significantly better than before. We should be thankful that he managed to get in so quickly and catch the infection before it did any more damage to his lungs. This could have been very bad, Jethro. Very bad indeed."

"I know Duck. You should head back, too. Those bodies won't autopsy themselves and I'm sure Palmer is having a fit without you there."

"Mr. Palmer is a very capable lad, but I understand. While speaking with the nurses, I informed them that it would be best if you stayed the remainder of the duration as close as possible to Anthony. I do believe they brought you a more comfortable chair."

"Hell, Duck, I'd stand the whole time if that meant I could be there when he wakes up again. I need him to know I care."

"Despite what he said to Timothy, I'm certain he knows you care. Your reputation for not keeping team members around has not gone unnoticed." Ducky smiled.

"Do keep me posted."

"Will do." The ME turned as Gibbs headed towards Tony's room. "Oh, and Duck?"

"Yes, Jethro?"

"Thanks."

"You are quite welcome. It's good to have you back."

AN: CRAP! This was CRAP! But I want to get this finished so I can move on with my life! I have so much trouble sitting down and actually writing…especially this story. Oh well. Sorry it's short. You don't have to review. Finishing this fic is really now just for my loyal and PATIENT readers who have fed my soul for so long. I want to thank you again, by the way. Thanks for continuing to be awesome. Next chapter will feature mucho Tony/Gibbs family lovin'!