On Thursday morning, Tony got up and dressed quickly. He had a lot to do that day. First, he needed to get to the post office so he could mail out the invitations for Abby's birthday. Ducky had taken his the previous night with the promise that he would definitely be there the next Wednesday. He had also taken Palmer's invite to give it at work that day. Gibbs had taken his home the previous night as well, since Tony had agreed that he would be alright to be alone overnight. But, he still needed to send out the invites to McGee and Kate, as well as Abby's bowling team and family. He was going to organise the party to be in his apartment, just in case he wasn't able to go out, so he needed to go shopping for decorations too. Gibbs was coming over to take him shopping that morning, and he was excited.
"Tony? You ready to get going?" Gibbs called as he entered the apartment.
"Coming, Gibbs!" Tony called back as he finished writing his decorations list.
"What have you got in your hand?"
"I wrote down what I need to get for Abby's party. Most of it I can get today, but some of it will have to wait until Wednesday afternoon, while you have Abby distracted."
"Good idea. Where do we need to go first?"
"Post office. I need to send out the rest of the invitations."
"Do you want me to take Kate and McGee's ones to them tomorrow?"
"No, I'll just send them out too."
"Okay. There's a post box at the shopping centre. Do you need to get something at the post office?"
"Yeah, stamps."
Gibbs nodded. He followed Tony out to his car, then headed for the shopping centre, where he knew there was a post office that was rarely busy.
After Tony posted the invitations, he excitedly led Gibbs to the nearest party shop. He went straight for the section of shelving containing the black decorations.
"Tony, tell me what you need so I can help," said Gibbs.
"Okay. Can you find some serviettes and plates? I've got the bowls and cups and cutlery."
"Sure." Gibbs disappeared and returned a moment later with a pack black serviettes and two different packs of black plates. "Which plates do you want?"
"The round ones," Tony said after looking.
Gibbs placed the round plates into Tony's cart with the bowls and cups Tony had already picked up. He dropped the serviettes in as he returned the second pack of plates.
"Gibbs? Did you pass the balloons yet?"
"Yes. I'll grab them on my way back."
"Thank you." Tony dropped a pack of mixed cutlery into the cart along with a 'happy birthday' banner and some black streamers.
By the time Gibbs found Tony again, the cart was full of decorations for Abby's party. Tony was beaming as he pointed out what he had decided would be nice.
"Abby is going to love this party, Tony," said Gibbs as he added the balloons to the cart.
"I know! I can't wait to see the surprise and happiness on her face."
A few minutes later, Tony had paid for the shopping, and the two men were on their way to a grocery store for the rest of the items on Tony's list.
"Are you having a party, sir?" the lady at the cash register asked almost an hour later.
"Yes. My best friend's birthday is on Wednesday, and we're giving her a surprise party," said Tony.
"I think that your friend will be very happy. It looks like you've gone out of your way to make it a good party."
"I hope so. I really want to make sure she has fun."
"Oh, believe me, she will." The lady gave Tony a smile. "I wish I had friends like you."
Tony smiled back. "Thank you." He handed over some money as Gibbs put the shopping into the cart.
"Have a nice day."
"I will. You have a lovely day too." Tony sighed happily, definitely back into his groove, as they headed to Gibbs' car.
When they got back to Tony's apartment, Gibbs unloaded the shopping, sending Tony up to his apartment empty-handed. As much as he knew Tony was doing a lot better now, he didn't want to risk making the younger man sick again, in any way.
"Boss..."
"Drop it, Tony. I'm not giving in. You've done quite a lot today."
"I know. And I have more to do."
"Yeah? What would that be?"asked Gibbs as he carried the last of the shopping into Tony's apartment.
"Organising my present to Abby."
"What are you getting her?"
"I ordered a dozen black roses to be delivered to her apartment on Wednesday morning. Did you know those roses are really expensive?"
"They're rare, of course they cost a lot."
"Anyway, I made her a card, and I bought her some chocolates. But I also wanted to get her a bracelet or necklace. I need to find one."
"I know a good jewellery shop. Tomorrow night, after work, I'll take you down there."
"Where is it? Maybe I can go on my own today."
"It's in Silver Spring. The store is called Atlantic Gems, if you want to go looking this afternoon."
"Okay." Tony put the last of the party supplies into a drawer in his bedroom, just in case Abby decided to come over later that day. "I might go out there now. It can't be more than ten minutes away. And this way, I don't have to rush around, and you don't have to hurry to get here or anything."
"You sure you're up for it? It's been a busy morning."
"I'm sure. I may not be a hundred percent, but I'm good to go. Besides, the more I get out and about, the more I build my strength back up. And, I need my strength so I can go to work on Monday."
"You really can't wait for work, can you?"
"No. I think I've waited long enough."
Gibbs smiled softly. "I don't mind having you back on the team- truly, we've missed you, despite what Kate or McGee might tell you. I just don't want you to overdo yourself and end up back on sick leave."
"I'll be alright. I promise to be careful and take things slowly though."
"Okay. I'll believe you until you do something stupid."
Grinning, Tony said, "I never do stupid stuff, I promise."
"Sure you don't," Gibbs said sarcastically.