It was early morning by the time Gibbs made it back to the hospital and only Bishop was in the waiting room. She jumped up as soon as he walked closer and he found himself with an arm full of scared woman.

"Gibbs, thank God you're back."

"Is he worse?" Gibbs looked around again. If DiNozzo had taken a turn for the worse, somebody would have called him, case or not, and more people would be here waiting for news.

Ellie shook her head and started to tie her hair back, probably more for something to do with her hands than any need to look neat at the moment. "No, but McGee and Tony's father had a huge fight and Mr. DiNozzo had him kicked out of the hospital."

"Crap. Do you know what it was about?"

"Mr. DiNozzo was meeting with the hospital's transplant coordinator."

Yeah, that would do it. Gibbs squeezed her arms before moving away. "I'll take care of it." As soon as he stepped out of the waiting room, he called Ducky. "Talk to me."

I assume you have heard about the disagreement between Timothy and Mr. DiNozzo?

"Can Senior do that?" Ducky sounded tired when he answered.

Not at the moment because Timothy is listed as his medical proxy but as his father, Senior has the right to challenge that in court. I understand he's already attempting to retain a lawyer.

Gibbs rubbed his hand over his face. Just when he thought things couldn't get any worse. "All right, if Senior and his lawyer show up, call me and then stall them, okay?"

Well, of course, Jethro. The hospital will support Timothy in this and they're ready to file an injunction if it's necessary. May I ask what you will be doing?

Gibbs didn't answer before he closed his phone, mostly because he didn't have a clue. First he'd find McGee, then he'd be winging it from there.

-NCIS-

If Abby had been there, he'd have asked her to track McGee's cell phone. Short of that, he decided to start at the most logical place. Sure enough, the Prius was parked slightly crooked in the driveway. After parking out on the street, Gibbs used his key to quietly let himself in. The lights were off but he heard some noise near the back of the house.

Walking quietly, Gibbs tracked the sounds to McGee's office and carefully opened the door. He looked rough, still in the scrubs they'd made him change into at the hospital right after Tony was admitted. Gibbs kept his voice low, not wanting to spook him.

"What are you doing?"

"Senior thinks he can do whatever he wants to Tony because he's his father."

"Tim..." Gibbs edged closer to see what McGee was doing and saw a marriage certificate on the desk, mostly filled out. He tried to keep a neutral expression, but he could feel his eyebrow climbing.

"Abby already agreed. She helped me find the right paper, she has a friend... that doesn't matter right now. She signed as a witness. You're the most logical other witness. Senior would assume that you'd be there, but if you don't want to..."

Gibbs hooked a chair with his foot and dragged it over to sit across from Tim at his writing desk. He reached out and grasped Tim's arms, making him look up. Face to face, he looked even worse, the ghostly pale skin a marked contrast to the bruises under his eyes and the other marks as he stared at Gibbs in desperation.

"Tim..."

McGee shook his head. "T – Tony is going to pull out of this, I know he will. I just have to buy him enough time, that's all. I... I bought a ring at a pawn shop. I went to one that didn't have security cameras and I paid cash so there's no record. Then I scrubbed all the possible DNA off of it and I slipped it onto Tony's finger before Senior kicked me out."

Tim's hand was shaking as he held up a plastic bag that held a plain gold band. "It's got his DNA all over it now and I even made sure his fingerprints were on it. I think I've thought of everything, Boss. I just need a second witness. I can forge your name, but I won't if you don't want me to."

Gibbs stared at Tim for a long time before finally shaking his head. "No, I don't want you to." Tim looked even more devastated and Gibbs began to suspect just how deeply he was in love with Tony. Instead, Gibbs picked up the pen and signed the forged document himself. "Okay, your wedding day, when was it?"

A broken sob, and then Tim got back on track. "Month before last, on the fourteenth. We weren't on call and none of us did anything that could be tracked that day. Reverend Ellis agreed to have his name on here and he was alone at his family's cabin that day, so that's where we got married."

It took a moment for Gibbs to place the name. Then he realized Reverend and former Colonel Ellis was the father of a murder victim, a Marine murdered by his own brother for the crime of converting to Islam. The faith and strength of the man was something that Gibbs always remembered. "You've talked to Ellis?"

"Yes."

Gibbs had to admit he was impressed. With this much detail, they possibly could pull it off. McGee just needed more confidence for when he was challenged. "Okay, what did you wear, what did Tony wear?"

There was just the slightest hesitation, McGee's voice growing stronger with every word. "I wore my black suit, Tony wore his dark gray Armani."

"Dinner?"

"Stopped at a little family restaurant on the way back into town that Reverend Ellis recommended. You paid cash, the waiter asked you which groom was your son."

"Good. What did I say?" Gibbs waited a fraction of a second before answer, himself. "I told him you both were sons of my heart." Tim teared up and Gibbs pulled him close, letting Tim lean on him for a moment.

Eventually Tim straightened up and wiped his eyes. "With any luck, when we get back to the hospital, Tony will be awake and we'll never need to show this to anyone."

"From your lips to God's ear."

They stepped out into the hallway, preparing to leave, just as Abby came in the front door. As soon as she saw Gibbs, she tried to hide the large bag behind her.

"Tony's stuff?"

She nodded slowly.

"Good. Get it put away in the bedroom. Make sure the condom box is partially empty and the lube looks used, then meet us back at the hospital."

Her eyes widened, but she nodded again before scurrying past them and into the master bedroom.

-NCIS-

Not wanting McGee behind the wheel of a car right now, Gibbs drove them back to the hospital. By the time they pulled into the parking lot, the ring was in Tim's front pocket. A second ring, probably from his marriage to Sam, was on Tim's finger, even though he had to be very careful not to let it slide off. However, most importantly, the carefully folded marriage certificate was in an official envelope and tucked away in McGee inner coat pocket.

Ellie was punching away on her phone as they walked back in. "Oh, there you are. I was just trying to call you. They think Tony's showing signs of waking up."

"Oh, thank God." Tim sagged and would have fallen if Gibbs hadn't been right next to him. "How soon before we know that..."

When his voice trailed off, Ellie gave him a hug. "I don't know, but Ducky is in there with him right now."

Gibbs watched McGee pace for a few minutes before intercepting him and steering him toward a chair. Once he had the younger man sitting down, Gibbs squatted down in front of him. "Breathe, Tim."

That got a nod and Tim closed his eyes and focused on his breathing. Once he looked more in control of himself, Gibbs stood to quietly question Ellie. "Where's Senior?"

"I don't know. I haven't seen him since he left to get a lawyer."

They had no way of knowing if that meant he was still trying to find someone to take the case or if he had and was now standing in front of a judge, claiming to be the only one who truly knows what his son needs. Before Gibbs could figure out the best way to find out, Ducky came down the hall.

"Ah good, you're back, Jethro, and you've got McGee with you. Come, I believe hearing a familiar voice will help Tony find his way back to us."

Abby arrived back just as they were going into the ICU, so it was the four of them that followed Ducky. Neither of the girls argued when McGee took the one chair next to the bed. Instead, they both stood at the other side white Gibbs stood vigil at the foot of the bed.

"Hey, Tony, you gave us all a real good scare, but it's time to wake up now." Tim leaned closer, watching Tony's eyes shifting under the closed lids. "Come on, you've got some really cute nurses on this shift, I know you don't want to sleep through that."

For the next hour, Tim, Abby and Ellie took turns talking to their teammate. There was definitely an increased level of awareness, but it didn't seem to be enough. Finally, Gibbs took matters into his own hands.

"DiNozzo! Sit Rep!"

As commanded, Tony's eyes snapped open.

"Yay, Tony, you're awake."

"Tony, thank goodness."

Instead of responding to either of the women, Tony was looking directly at McGee, frowning when he saw the bruises. "Oo...kay?"

Tim looked close to tears. "I'm not the one in the ICU with a skull fracture."

"Hard... head."

"Yeah." Tim laughed and shook his head. "Yeah, you've got a hard head all right, but let's stop trying to prove it, okay?"

"O...kay."

"What is he doing in my son's room?"

They all turned to look as Anthony DiNozzo, Sr. stood in the doorway, glaring at them.

"Dad? Why... you... here?"

"He's awake? Why didn't somebody tell me?" Senior pushed past the nurse and tried to push past Gibbs, who was braced for him.

"Settle down." Gibbs held on until he stopped struggling and actually looked at his son, who was hanging onto Tim's hand and trying to figure out what was going on.

"Why're you here? Got the team... with me."

"I see." Anthony pulled away from Gibbs and straightened his designer jacket. "It appears that I'm no longer needed. Tony, call me when you're up to it. I was worried about you, son."

Gibbs wasn't sure if it was just exhaustion and the head injury or if Tony was somehow aware of the tension in the room, but his lack of response to his father definitely deflated the older man. Once Senior was gone, the nurses moved to clear the rest of them from the room.

"Agent DiNozzo needs his rest and the doctors will want to examine him. Come back in the morning for visiting hours."

The girls each lightly kissed him on the cheek, then left. Tim bent close, almost touching his forehead against Tony's. "Take it easy, okay? You need anything, you call and I'll sneak it in to you."

"Something good to eat?"

"Yeah, breakfast is on me."

Rubbing his face, Tim quickly left the room, leaving Gibbs to say his goodbyes. Much like Tim, he bent close, but cupped Tony's cheek. "Don't scare us again like that, you hear me?"

"Got it, Boss." Gibbs started to straighten up, but Tony wasn't done. "Boss?"

"Yeah, Tony?"

"Make sure McGee's okay, he doesn't look so good."

That was the understatement of the century, but Gibbs gravely nodded. "I'll take care of him."

Passing the doctors in the hallway, Gibbs caught up with McGee near the elevator. "McGee? Tim?"

When Gibbs physically took his shoulders and turned him around, Tim stared blankly at him. "I don't remember where I parked."

"It's okay, I'll drive you home."

Tim passively let Gibbs take him out to the parking lot and put him in the Challenger. He didn't even react when Gibbs reached over and buckled him like a child. "He's going to be okay, Tim."

"Yeah, he is, isn't he?"

Gibbs had his suspicions and decided to test the waters. "It's not like Sam. Tony's alive and he's going to be okay."

With a muffled sob, Tim seemed to curl in on himself. Gibbs didn't say anything else, just rested his hand on the back of Tim's head until he pulled himself back together. Only then did he pull back and start the car.

It was a silent ride back to McGee's house. Gibbs parked on the street and followed him inside, not wanting him to be alone for the time being. "Go change, I'll see what food I can find."

Tim gave a nod and disappeared into his room. Gibbs rummaged around and found a can of soup. By the time it was hot, Tim had not returned so Gibbs went to go check on him and found him stripped down to his boxers and a clean t-shirt, laying face down and sideways across the bed.

Gibbs studied him for a moment, he remembered Abby telling him that she forced Tim to eat at one point, so the sleep was probably more important. It took a few seconds but Gibbs tugged the blankets out from under him, then got him turned around on the bed and tucked in. Just to be safe, he left one light on and the door open. Suddenly very tired himself, Gibbs stuck the pan of soup in the fridge, locked the front door, and went upstairs to the guest room. Tony was right, it was a very comfortable bed.

-NCIS-

Gibbs had been awake long enough to grab his go bag, shower, get dressed and check in with the hospital before he started making noise in the kitchen. McGee wandered in a few minutes later looking only a little more rested. "We should already be there by now."

"Nope." Gibbs handed McGee a cup of coffee with plenty of sugar added. "I've already called. He had a restful night and right now he's having an MRI and a full neurological work-up. He'll be back in his room about nine and we're welcome to bring him a treat as long as it's not too greasy or heavy on his stomach. So, drink your coffee and take your shower."

It was only a few minutes later when Tim was back. He was dressed and his hair was still wet, but combed. He was practically vibrating, so Gibbs didn't argue about leaving, even though they'd be waiting a while before they could see Tony.

Gibbs led McGee out to the Challenger, not giving him an option to drive himself, not until he looked a little more rested. Tim gave him a funny look, but didn't argue. He did, though, direct Gibbs to a bakery the older man had never seen before. The woman behind the counter knew McGee by name and quickly boxed up their usual order.

Tony was being wheeled into his room when they arrived, laughing and joking with his nurses in typical Tony fashion. "I'd love a sponge bath from you, or you. Oh, I know. How about all three of you? That way I'll be all squeaky clean."

There was giggling from the women and Gibbs didn't have to be in the room to know the expression on Tony's face. He turned to Tim and saw an entirely different expression.

"Tim."

The pained look was covered up with a forced smile. "Sounds like Tony's doing better." He didn't give Gibbs an opportunity to say anything else, as he walked into the hospital room. "Hey, Tony, breakfast delivery as ordered. Got you all your favorites and enough to share."

"McGee! My hero!" Tony grinned at Tim, they looked past him. "Hey, Boss, meet my nurses. They're going to take very good care of me."

"Good to hear, Tony." Gibbs glanced over at McGee. His face was stoic, as long as you didn't look into his eyes. "You gave us all quite a scare."

"Yeah, sorry about that. Even scared my dad, I guess. Look at the flowers that arrived this morning." Tony pointed at the large, extravagant bouquet by the window. "Said he was sorry he couldn't stay."

There was an awkward silence as Gibbs bit back the urge to tell him a few truths about his father. Trouble was, Tony already knew most of them but he still kept trying. Gibbs respected the effort, but right now he hated the results. "I'm sure he's very – busy."

"Yep, busy, that's what he always tells me." Tony eagerly reached for the bakery box and started offering the treats.

While Tony needed to reconfirm that he was among the living and that he was healing, Gibbs could tell that it was killing Tim to watch him flirt. That little reminder his gut was giving him last night was loud and clear now. "Okay, if you're all settled, McGee and I have reports to write."

As he'd suspected, Tim grabbed that lifeline with both hands. "Yeah, lots of paperwork, but we'll try to save some for you."

"Thanks, McGee." For a second, Tony looked like he was going to say something else, then he stuffed a pastry into his mouth.

They were in the car, driving to the Yard. Gibbs kept glancing over at McGee, trying to figure out what to say. He was called a functional mute for a reason, after all, and Gibbs knew it. Talking to one of his boys about a woman was hard enough, but talking to one of them about their feeling for the other was in a whole new level of hard.

"Tim, you know that Tony, well, he... sometimes things that are new, it's hard, you know... to... figure out..."

"Boss, it's okay." Appreciating the returned lifeline, Gibbs immediately shut up. "Tony's straight. He loves me as his best friend and that's enough for me."

"Still hurts, though."

"Yeah, but I just remember that I'm lucky he's alive at all."

It wasn't just luck, though. He'd known that McGee had become a damned good shot over the years, but he'd never expected what happened in that alley. "You saved his life that night."

Tim shrugged. "I just did what I had to do."

Gibbs thought it went a little further than that and he was looking forward to reading McGee's official report on how he dropped three suspects with three head shots from that distance.

a/n - Nano started last night. Yes, I am nuts. Hopefully, having such a major writing commitment will help me deal with the stress of waiting for my son's surgery. (Surgery is on the 12th, I'm writing a secret santa story for Nano, so it has to be done and turned in by the 19th of December. You guys will get it right after the first of the year, when the authors are revealed.

I really appreciate all the positive thoughts and well wishes for his recovery. Thank you.