Hello my lovely readers!
First of all I wanted to thank you for all your amazing reviews on the previous chapter. Also I wanted to say that I truly appreciate your kind words about my situation. It makes me feel better that people are so understanding and keep patiently waiting for the next chapter!
This chapter is a bit longer then normal. Mostly because I didn't really know where to cut it off. Hope you don't mind. upside to that is that I already have a part written for the next chapter! :D
I won't hold you up any longer! Hope you enjoy!
Tony woke up slowly. He could definitely feel his body ache all over. But it was just that. A dull ache. The painkillers were still in his body, that was for sure. He hated hospitals, but in this moment he was glad that he was alone. It gave him time to think over everything they had found out this morning.
Danni. His beautiful, broken daughter. He couldn't stop thinking of her as beautiful, even with all the ugly scars that marred her arms and, what the doctor said, legs. He felt anger swell in his chest, thinking about the battle that Danni was convinced she had to fight alone. Than it changed in brief relief as he thought about the break-through they had that he knew that she heard that she wasn't alone at all.
But even as she knew, would it be enough for her to actually let them in? Would she trust? Tony sighed. Would they be enough to patch up all that was broken, and change her scars into battle wounds? He had to believe that they were. If he didn't, than there was no hope to even try, was there?
And next to that, he realized how close he himself had gotten to be seriously hurt. Well... more so as he was now. He could've died, for God's sake! The image of Danni's horrified face and the sound of screeching tires were not the last things he wanted to see and hear right before his death. No if he had to die, it would have to be peaceful, when he was old and his life complete. Still he had come so fucking close. The thought of leaving them behind like this hurt more than his injuries without any pain-killers.
Tony shifted and groaned as his body was stiff.
''Tony?''
Tony jumped just slightly, ''Kelly?''
''Yeah, its me''
Tony then realized that Danni, had talked to Kelly just before they left her. She had talked to Kelly while looking into the room, meaning that Kelly was no longer in Danni. ''You're back''
''Uhu. Danni didn't need me anymore''
''Is that... good?'' Tony asked, uncertain.
''It's a step in the right direction. I just hope that she will keep going forward''
Tony had to agree with her on that one. ''Thank you for looking out for her, Kells. I can't imagine where she would be if we hadn't had you and your mom and mine to watch over us''
''I'm not sure if I'm allowed to tell you this...'' Kelly began hesitantly. ''But the Great Spirit says that there's something special about 'our family' and that we have to protect it otherwise the circle will fall apart''
Tony frowned at that.
''Kelly Grace Gibbs!'' It was Shannon, and she sounded scolded. ''You're right. You're not supposed to be telling him that!''
''But mom! He has a right to know, doesn't he?''
''No! We didn't know until we became what we are now, remember?'' Shannon argued.
''I do, but—''
''No buts, young lady! Go! Tell Him what you did and see what he tells you to do''
Tony heard Kelly sigh.
''Yes, mom''
There was silence, and Tony wasn't sure of Shannon had disappeared too.
''Hello, Tony'' Shannon finally greeted. ''I'm glad you're doing better''
Tony was not quite started and replied, ''Me, too. Is Kelly really in trouble?''
Shannon chuckled. ''No. She does need to learn what to tell you and what not. But I send her away mostly because she used her energy with Danni for more then is well... healthy for us''
''That's dangerous?''
Shannon smiled as she saw the worry in Tony's eyes. ''Not really dangerous, as we can't actually die twice, but if we use our energy for too long, we get 'tired' and can't shift over 'Here' for some time. Kelly's a young spirit. She has to remind herself often that her energy level will never be the same as older ones''
Tony frowned at that. ''Why is there a difference. I mean I guess because she is still a kid, but what does that matter if the time of you going... There is the same. You're technically the same age if you think about years being a Spirit right?''
Shannon chuckled at that. ''Not everything is logical, Tony. It's just the way it is and we have to accept that'' She sighed. ''But than again, Kelly is Jethro's daughter and sometimes doesn't accept things just because they are what they are''
Tony smiled at that. There fell a silence over them, but Tony knew she was still there. ''Is my mom also over there, because she's exhausted?''
''Yes. Though much less so as Kelly. Kelly just really wanted to talk to you for a minute. See that you're okay'' Shannon saw the look on Tony's face. ''They'll be okay in a day or two''
''Okay'' Tony accepted that.
''So... not a fun thought, is it. Almost leaving them behind'' Shannon asked, knowingly.
Tony's eyes widened. ''How did you know what I was thinking about?''
''Where as Jethro felt guilty for not being here to protect Kelly and myself; For years I felt guilty for the time he went through. How much it hurt him... almost killed him too. I'm just talking from experience''
Tony nodded at that and sighed. ''Yeah''
''You can't know when somethings going to happen. You can't always prevent things from happening. The only thing you can do is to make sure, that ifsomething should happen, that you have no regrets in your life. Do what you want and follow your heart''
Tony frowned. ''Where, exactly, are you going with this?''
Shannon laughed. ''Ask her''
''What?!'' Tony exclaimed and winched as he made the wrong move.
Her laugh became a little louder. ''You heard me, young man. Use that thing that has been hiding in your room for months now and ask her!''
Tony grinned sheepishly. ''You saw it?'' He could picture her rolling her eyes.
''I am going now. You have visitors coming! Do say hi for for me to Olivia and Jethro. Ask her, Tony!''
Tony full out grinned now. ''I will, to all of that. Bye''
''Bye''
…
''Daddy!'' Mia exclaimed as soon as she saw that her father was awake. She ran up to him and almost jumped on the bed to hug him. Instead she skidded to a halt and climbed onto the bed to do that, careful not to put pressure on his left side at all. She hugged him on his right side and arms wrapping around his good arm.
''Daddy!'' To their surprised also Mason called, doing the same. He climbed clumsily onto the bed and hugged him. He was a little less careful and bumped in on some sore places before settling on hugging him around his right leg.
''Hey-hey!'' Tony grinned at the two kids and then at Olivia, who calmly walked up to him with a small smile on her face.
''Looks like some kids missed you'' Olivia stated the obvious.
''And you didn't?'' Tony raised one eyebrow at her. She pretended to consider the fact and he pretended to be affronted. She grinned at him and leaned down to kiss him quickly.
''Daddy!'' Mason interrupted. ''You sleeped for WAY too long!'' He stated, almost sounding angry.
Tony felt a incredible warmth when Mason kept on calling him 'Daddy' without even thinking about it. ''Sorry, Bug. But I was really tired''
''Is Danni also awake now?'' He asked.
''She was'' Tony told him. ''But she is still very hurt'' In more ways then one. ''And she is again sleeping now, just for a little bit longer''
''Nuts'' Mason said pouting.
''I love you, daddy'' Mia said, her voice rough with suppressed tears, as she gently clung onto him. She finally allowed the emotion to come out.
''Oh, sweetheart, I love you too'' Tony replied ''Everything's gonna be fine. Both Danni and I are going to be fine. You'll see''
''Promise?''
''Pinky promise''
As the two kids were just content to soak in Tony's warmth, Olivia moved a chair to the other side of Tony's bed and sat down. He reached out his hand and she grabbed it, entwining their fingers together.
''Hi'' He said again.
Olivia chuckled, ''Hi''
''Where's Gibbs?''
Olivia went to explain, but Mia interrupted.
''Grandpa's got a date!''
Tony looked down, his eyes wide, before turning back to Olivia. ''A date?!''
Olivia laughed and nodded. ''Yes!'' She confirmed. ''With your nurse, Audrey?''
''Really?'' He drew the word out, intrigued. ''Tell me what you know!''
So Olivia went on to explain the short conversation she had with Gibbs on the phone. Sometimes Mia jumped in for commentary.
Tony was grinning from ear to ear. ''Sneaky Bastard!''
''That's what I said!'' Olivia laughed.
They turned as there was a knock on the door and it opened right after and Gibbs walked in with a tray with cups and a paper bag.
''Gibbs!'' Olivia greeted.
''Hey'' Gibbs said back. He saw Tony still grinning, but it was now aimed at him. ''What?''
''How was your date'' Tony asked him.
Gibbs groaned and send a halfhearted glare Olivia's way ''Why did you tell him?''
''Oh, I'm sorry! Was it supposed to be a secret?'' She shot back innocently.
Gibbs sighed and rubbed his forehead, clearly not comfortable with this.
''Come on, dad! Tell us?''
Gibbs looked irritated, but answered anyway. ''It went fine''
''And... are you gonna ask her out again?''
''Tony'' Gibbs sighed again.
''What? It's a normal question''
''Just leave it?'' Gibbs asked, and he met Tony's eyes.
Tony frowned at the look on Gibbs face. It was almost as he was pleading for him to stop talking about it. Also there was a sense of sad confusion in his eyes. ''Okay... That will be a conversation for later'' He thought.
''Here'' Gibbs interrupted his thought. He held up the bag. ''I brought you lunch. Thought you would appreciate it more than the baby food they give you here''
Tony's face lit up, as he was the label on the paper bag... Bagels! ''Have I told you that I love you, lately?''
Gibbs snorted and set them down on Tony's lap.
''Here, let me help you sit up'' Olivia offered. Standing up to help him ''Come on, kids. Let Tony be able to eat''
Mia slowly let go and slid off the bed.
''I don't wanna'' Mason said, tightening his grip on Tony's leg.
''Come on, kiddo'' Gibbs chuckled. ''You're not going home. You just have to give him the room to eat''
Mason reluctantly let go of Tony and also slid of the bed. He went over to the chair his mother sat in and waited for her to help Tony sit up, before sitting in her lap as she went to sit down on the chair again.
''When can we go to Danni?'' Mia asked.
''Soon'' Gibbs said. ''I get the heads up when Danni shows signs of waking up. That way we'll be there before she actually does''
Tony groaned as he saw the bagels and picked one out of the bag. ''I really do love you, dad!'' He said, taking a huge bite and groaning in pleasure again. Gibbs rolled his eyes at his son.
''How about we take Mia and Mason the shop downstairs'' Gibbs suggested. ''What do you think, kiddo's? Wanna buy Danni a present?''
''Yeah!'' Both kids said.
''I'll stay with Tony for a few minutes. Keep him company while he eats, okay?'' Olivia asked. ''We'll be there as soon as he's finished''
Gibbs nodded. ''Sure'' He stood up and grabbed Mason's denim jacket from the chair he said on. ''Here, Kid''
Mason grabbed his jacket and slipped it on. ''Thank you, Grampa!''
Mia walked up to her dad and smiled at him. ''I'm glad you're okay''
Tony swallowed his bite and leaned forward just enough to not hurt and being able to kiss her on the cheek. ''Me too, Bambina. Me too. Now go, I'll see you soon''
Mia got up and followed Mason out of the door. Gibbs gave the couple a small smile before closing the door quietly behind him.
A moment of silence fell over them as Tony ate his bagels. Once he was done he wiped his mouth clean as he watched her rubbing her forehead and sighing. He put the napkin down. ''You okay?'' He asked.
''Hmm?'' She replied absently. She looked up. ''I'm fine. Just haven't really slept well these last couple of days'' She gave him a smile. He returned the smile and it got wider as the time passed. Olivia looked at him weirdly. ''What?''
''Nothing'' Tony said, not losing his smile. ''I just love you very much'' He said sincerely.
Olivia looked surprised, letting the words register. She leaned grabbing the back of his head to help him a little, then pressed her lips to his. Tony thought it would be just a quick kiss, but as he went to pull away, her fingers tightened in his hair, holding him in place, as she deepened the kiss. He made a appreciating sound and met her passion. His hand gripping her arm for stability.
After a few moments Olivia pulled away. Only far enough to place her forehead against his, their eyes still closed. ''Don't do something like this again, Tony''
''You know I can't promise that'' He replied. ''For one, this wasn't my fault and second my job is dangerous''
She sighed, opening her eyes, meeting his. ''I know. I just hate seeing you like this''
''I would hate it too, if it was you'' Tony agreed and paused. ''Why not begin now?'' He thought. ''But I can promise you something else though''
Olivia pulled away completely to look him in the eyes. ''What?''
''I promise that if something happens, you will not lose anything. You'll be taken care of. The kids will be with you. All three of them.
''What are you saying?'' Olivia asked hesitantly.
''What if we adopt each other's kids?'' Her eyes widened and opened her mouth, but he didn't give her the chance to interrupt. ''I'll adopt Mason and you adopt Danni and Mia. That way, should something happen to either of us, there will no nonsense about anything regarding any legal issues with them. Plus they will be real siblings...'' He trailed off as he saw the look on her face. ''I-if you want that is? You don't have to I just thought—''
She cut him off. ''Will Mason be a DiNozzo?''
''Wh- yeah! Yes he would. If you agree with it of course?''
''Why would you want to do this?''
''I just told yo—''
''No. I mean the real reason'' Olivia narrowed her eyes at him.
He just looked at her for a moment, then took a deep breath. ''Because I love you and Mason. And I like to think you love Danni and Mia just as much as I do. Because they deserve to have a father and a mother, and for Mason the other way around. So that they don't grow up the same as we did''
''They already don't Tony. Danni and Mia are already with you'' Olivia told him. She smiled though. ''But I get what you mean''
''I just want to be a whole family'' He finally stated. ''And I think it's time for a next step and that this is a good beginning''
Olivia nodded ''Okay'' She said. ''I would love to''
Tony's eyes brightened and he grinned. ''Really?''
''Yes! Really!'' Olivia laughed. ''I love you and all of... our kids''
''Our kids, huh? I like the sound of that'' Tony said. Olivia smiled again and gave him a chased kiss. ''Let's wait and keep this between us first until the situation with Danni is a little more stable?'' When Olivia nodded, agreeingly, he got a serious expression on his face and added, ''Plus I want to have a little talk with Mr. Covelli too or at least let Gibbs have a talk with him''
''You want to keep him in prison for a little bit longer'' Olivia said knowingly.
''A long while longer, more like it'' He growled angrily. ''He set his own daughter to killing an innocent man. Once I get out of here, I want to look into that cold case'' Tony explained. ''It's not as if I will be allowed to go back to field work any time soon anyway and for the moment I got no problem with that''
''You'll get justice for Danni and that man, Tony. I am sure of that'' Olivia said confidently. She finally stood up and pulled the sheets from Tony's lap. ''Come, let's go to Danni, before she wakes up. We can talk more about we just agreed upon later''
''Yeah'' Tony smiled. Smiling happily, hoping he could hold the feeling, while he was with Danni and make her smile too.
…
Stepping out of the elevator on the ground floor. Mia looked up at Gibbs. He looked thoughtful as they walked over to the store. She didn't speak up though until they were actual in the store and let Mason walk ahead. Just far enough to be out of hearing distance, but still close enough to keep an eye on him. ''Grandpa?''
''Yes, sweetie'' Gibbs replied, absently as he looked at the objects on the displays.
''Don't you like nurse Audrey?'' She asked innocently.
Gibbs frowned and looked down at her. ''Why?''
''Well... you went on a date with her, but you didn't look happy when you came back. So...'' She dragged out. ''Don't you like her, anyway?''
''It's complicated'' Gibbs answered.
Mia groaned. ''Why is everything always complicated with adults. You either like her or you don't. Which is it?''
Gibbs didn't answer immediately. She was a child, why would he explain it to her. How would he explain it to her. ''I guess it's that I actually do like her, that is the problem''
''How is it a problem?'' Mia asked seriously interested. ''Is it because you've been divorced three times?''
''Partly, yes'' Gibbs said, and without thinking about it, began to talk. ''I tried to give them what they wanted. What I thought I wanted. I loved them all. There was just one thing I couldn't give them though... and I'm not sure I can give that to Audrey either, if things go further and it comes to that moment''
''What couldn't you give?''
Gibbs paused, frowning as he looked towards the end of the pathway where Mason had settled down with a toy car. ''One of them just was angry because I hadn't told her about Shannon. And once she discovered it, I couldn't share her. She felt like I kept comparing her to Shannon even though I never told her about her, which most likely, I did. With my second and third ex-wife I tried the opposite, which they couldn't handle, thinking I kept talking about her because I still wasn't over her. Which again, was true'' He told. ''Why am I saying this to a 10year old?''
''But you don't still do that'' Mia said knowingly. ''I mean. Daddy and Olivia are you children, but they don't replace your daughter Kelly right? They just add to the family. Maybe Audrey can do the same. Shannon is still in your heart and always be, but maybe nurse Audrey can add a little bit as well. Or someone else if it doesn't work out''
Gibbs smiled and picked up the girl that sounded like an old soul to him. ''You are one smart cookie, you know that?''
Mia giggled. ''Yes, I do'' She nodded. ''Daddy always says I'm smart'' she said matter-of-factly.
''And he's right!'' Gibbs stated, kissing her on the cheek. ''Love you kiddo'' He whispered as she hugged him around his neck. ''Now let's find those presents for Danni''
''Grampa, look!'' At that moment Mason came running towards them with three big balloons in his hand. A big Kissy-lips one, A heart one and a Nemo one. Where he got them from so quickly, no one knew.
...
The first thing reaching Danni's ears, were hushed voices. Mumblings and she could hear things and people moving around.
''When is she waking up?'' Was the first sentence she could hear clearly hear. It was Mason's voice and from the sound of it, it wasn't the first time he had asked.
''Anytime now, Bug'' Tony's voice answered.
''She needs all the rest she can get, Mason. The more she rests the faster her wounds will heal'' Olivia explained to her son.
''I know, but she needs to see the presents too!'' He said, as if that was the most obvious reason. He frowned looking at Danni. ''She does have a lot of boo-boo's'' He stated.
''Yeah'' Mia replied to that sadly.
''She's gonna be fine, Mia'' Gibbs said to her reassuringly.
''If you say so'' Mia said, uncertainly.
''I am'' Danni spoke up, hoarsely. Opening her eyes tiredly. Once her eyes focused she could see the people that she called family, all sitting around her bed. Tony and Gibbs hadn't lied. They were there when she woke up, just like they said they would.
Silence fell over them, even Mason was still, noticing the weird tension. No one made a real move or spoke up.
Danni looked at all of them, taking in their expressions that varied from sad smiled to concerned, yet relieved. Finally her eyes settled on Mia, who sat closest to her on the right, on Gibbs' lap. Danni's heart, that she thought was already broken too badly, broke all over again, as she looked her little sister in the eyes and could see her being unable to keep tears from forming in them. ''Oh, sorellina. Mi dispiace molto'' She said (Oh, little sister. I am so sorry''
The dam in Mia broke, as she let out a sob and wanted to shoot forward to hug her. She suddenly stopped not knowing where Danni was hurt and where not. She let out a frustrated sound. ''Danni!'' She cried.
Danni reached out to grab Mia's hand and Mia took it, grabbing onto as if never wanting to let go again. ''Ti voglio bene, Mia'' Her voice cracked, as she too began crying. ''Ti voglio bene tanto! Mi dispiace molto'' ( I love you, Mia. I love you so much. I'm sorry!)
''Ti voglio bene anche, Danni'' Mia said. (I love you too).
''Tutti noi fare'' Tony spoke up. (All of us do). ''We all love you, Danni. And we will always be here with you. For you. Please believe that''
Danni wiped her face with her other hand, nodding. She wanted to believe that. She really did. ''It's just really really hard'' She cried. ''What I did—''
Tony cut her off with a shake of his head. ''Wasn't your fault. And I am going to proof that. You just focus on getting better and out of here, then on getting better in a whole. I know it's hard right now. I really do. But you're not alone. Look at us alone. And there are so many others that love you and are dying to see you soon''
Danni seemed to pull away slightly and want to hide under the covers. ''I don't want them to see me like this''
''They won't. They will come visit when you're ready. I'm proud of you that you are doing so fine with all of us now. We'll take it slow. Sweetie'' Olivia smiled reassuringly at her.
''We are doing this as a team. A family'' Gibbs said, also smiling at her. ''What do you say?'' He held his hand out in reach of everyone. He raised an expecting eyebrow toward Tony.
Tony looked at him appreciatively and put his hand on top of Gibbs'. He was soon followed by Olivia. Danni looked at their hands and then to Mia. Her sister interlaced their fingers and gave it a squeeze. ''Come on Danni... trying this can't hurt right?'' She asked.
Danni bit the inside of her lip, unsure. ''Okay'' She whispered and let Mia move their hands to the stack of other ones. Gibbs settled his other hand on top of the Girls's and squeezed them. ''Rule 5''
''We don't waste good'' Tony said. He then added. ''Rule 15''
''Always work as a team'' Gibbs returned.
Danni swallowed hard. Maybe just maybe, this could work. Just... maybe.
Mason was looking at them fascinated, not sure what was going on though. The moment was suddenly broken though, by Gibbs' phone going off.
Not really sure what to think of this chapter. I mean I like it, otherwise I wouldn't have uploaded it. But I feel there's a lack of process in it. Maybe that's because I had to end it here! xD Next chapter will have some more action and a little less conversations, I promise. It's hard to have one story line and a couple of sub- storylines all at once. Especially with a story that tackles something close to me...
Also for those who are confused as to why I used, ''Ti voglio bene'' instead of, ''Ti Amo''. it's because Ti Amo didn't seem right for some reason. So I looked it up and it turns out I was right. ''Ti Amo'' is mostly used between lovers or romantic couples in general, like Tony and Olivia. And sometimes between a parent and their child. But between (best)friends or siblings or even cousin, the words ''Ti voglio bene'' are more common and they felt better to me. So yeah! that's why! xD
Anyway. Tell me what you think of this chapter? what are your thoughts about the things mentioned and what do you think will happen next and/or hope you will happen in future chapters! Tell me! I really do want to know! :D
Update soon!
Leonie