CHAPTER 11- THE GANG'S ALL HERE
By the time Gibbs had notified the rest of the team of Tony's move to another unit the transfer paperwork had been completed. Orderlies and nurses had worked in harmony to safely move Tony to the Progressive Care Unit a floor below ICU. The room was slightly smaller than ICU but thankfully came with a bit less machinery. It also had a few more chairs and even a couch that looked to pull out into a bed alluding to the fact that more visitors were permitted on this unit.
The transfer had worn Tony out and as soon as the new nurses had introduced themselves and done initial vital checks Tony was asleep. Gibbs felt this was best considering the rest of the team planned to visit after lunch.
The hours until lunch passed in relative silence. Gibbs read through some cold case files he had brought with him making the occasional note. He made one coffee run of course but otherwise the morning was uneventful. At 11:30 the sound of the food cart entering the room and the aroma of food caused Tony to stir. Gibbs moved to his side to help him adjust to a sitting position. A nurse entered the room about the same time.
"Alright Mr. Dinozzo, let me just switch out your mask for a nasal cannula so you can try eating something. For now you're on a liquid diet just to make sure you can handle things, but if you do well for lunch the doctor said we might be able to switch you to a soft diet."
"Thank you "Tony quietly replied. His voice hoarse from lack of use.
"Of course, don't hesitate to use your call button if you need anything else." With that parting comment the tray of Jell-O and chicken broth was pushed closer.
Gibbs watched as his agent looked at the tray as if it were an enemy combatant.
"Just try some. It won't kill you – it's not allowed too. Plus it's not so bad I've had MRE's that looked worse and I'm still here."
"That's because even food is afraid to harm you Gibbs." Tony complained but he also slowly took a spoonful of the soup.
Gibbs was pleased to see Tony finish the broth. He wasn't surprised; however, that Tony refused to touch the Jell-O. After the plague incident Tony had sworn off Jell-O saying it was the only thing he'd been allowed to eat for three weeks and if someone even attempted to make him eat one again they would be wearing it even if it was the president himself. Some battles, Gibbs decided, were better left alone.
Gibbs tilted his head to the side suddenly. Tony's eyes were immediately drawn to the movement wondering what he had heard, but before he had a chance to verbalize his curiosity he too heard what had caught Gibbs attention.
"Oh I'm so excited Ducky. I can't believe we had to wait almost three days to see him. You said he was doing better that is so good. And he liked our gifts. He really hugged Bert for me that's great and…"
Tony gave a soft laugh as he heard the distinct sound of Abby's voice. She was probably still at the other end of the hall but her excitement and joy were uncontainable. Tony pitied the ears of the group with her at the moment but also took great pleasure in the fact that she cared so much for him. He grabbed Bert who had been lying by his knees and positioned him under one arm. He definitely wanted Abby to know he appreciated her gift and a little teasing from the others was well worth the thought of making his honorary sister happy.
A brief knock at the door was the official warning that the team had arrived. Abby wasted no time running to Tony's bedside.
"Tony I was so worried." She leaned over and gave him a gentle hug. Suddenly she pulled back and shook her finger at him. "Don't you do that to me again young man. You have used up your hospital time. I won't have it any more. Do you hear me?"
Tony quickly nodded slightly scared. He wondered briefly to himself if Abby was bipolar as her mood changes could be so sudden.
"Hey Tony" McGee said. "You look better than last I saw you. How are you feeling?"
Tony cringed a bit at the last question. It was always odd that people asked how you were feeling in a hospital. Does anyone honestly feel good in a hospital? Needless to say Tony knew the appropriate answer to the question whether or not it was the truth.
"I'm okay McWorry". Tony said attempting some of his usual charm though his illness caused it to fall flat.
"Sure you are Tony" Ziva piped in. "You'd be fine if you were missing all your limbs and in the middle of a war zone."
The rest of the group chuckled at the truth of her statement.
"Of course Ziva, you know it's my smile and sharp intellect that make me the man I am."
A collective rolling of eyes suddenly overtook the room.
"It is good to see you looking somewhat better. You had me scared in autopsy. Please don't do that again." The soft voice of Palmer chimed in suddenly.
Tony decided not to be funny this time sensing Palmer's genuine concern and apprehension.
"I'm sorry I scared you, but thanks for getting help there so fast. You are a good friend."
The encouraging words from the sick man meant a lot to Palmer and suddenly some of the concern in his face eased away to be replaced by a light smile.
"Well my boy we are certainly glad to hear your voice."
"Thanks Ducky."
"I brought some cards. Who's up for Poker?" Abby suddenly piped in.
"Winner gets to bust me out." Tony asked hopefully.
A slap to his head was his reply.
"Got it boss- no running away. Can I at least play for better food?"
"We will see my boy" Ducky interjected "If Brad says it's alright maybe I can get you some nice cherry popsicles instead of broth."
"Deal" Tony looked expectantly at the others. "I meant that literally guys- it's a deal with Ducky but I also want you to deal me in."
Soon the NCIS group was playing an interesting version of poker. The rules seemed to be changing frequently but there were smiles all around. Tony lasted about three hands before he was once more dozing. The rest of the group switched games at that point to a quieter game of Rummy but no one left. Everyone seemed content just to gather around their friend's bed hoping their presence would be a healing power all its own. It would be to this scene Dr. Brad Pitt would later walk in. A picture of family and love not bound by blood but by experience, faith and friendship.
