In the Presence of Mine Enemies Chapter 25

Gibbs allowed the people around him to help him to his feet. He felt very strange; like he was empty and just going through the motions of standing, breathing, blinking. He did at least possess the mental capabilities to know what was happening was very weird.

He heard people speaking to him but the sounds seemed far away and he really wasn't sure what they were saying.

He allowed Ducky to take his arm and guide him. He was conscious of getting on an elevator and then getting into a car. He felt himself being buckled into the seat. He would not remember getting to his home. He would have vague memories of a hot shower, some type of food and drink and then seeing Ducky's kind face looking over him as he lay in his bed. He felt a small stab of pain in his right arm but was too tired to react to it. He closed his eyes and welcomed the blackness like a long lost friend.

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"He should be out for quite some time, Caitlyn" Ducky said as he pulled the needle from Gibbs arm. He patted Gibbs shoulder and added "Sleep well my friend."

"Do you think he'll be ok Ducky?" Kate asked looking at Gibbs. She had never seen Gibbs look so vulnerable and it scared her.

"Director Morrow says Jethro has been sleep deprived for many, many days. He also disclosed a bit of what they faced in MTAC. I am not surprised Jethro succumbed to the stress of it all."

"But Tony took the brunt of it Ducky!"

Ducky nodded a sad look on his face.

"Jethro is very lucky he has Anthony at his side. Anthony is not so lucky at times. Jethro demands a lot from him and you and Tim as well."

"He has been a real bastard towards Tony all week Ducky! I don't know how Tony can take it half the time."

"I would say their relationship is complicated Catilyn. Believe it or not they are very much alike. If you could have met Jethro many years ago you would be able to see what I mean."

Kate shook her head and said "I'll take your word for it Ducky. I just can't picture a frat boy, skirt chasing, movie referencing, Gibbs."

Ducky laughed and said "Those traits are all Anthony, Kate!" He looked deep in thought and added

"What makes them so much alike is their sense of justice. They both have a strong sense of right and wrong. They are both driven to help those who cannot help themselves. They are both honorable and have a mutual respect and a fierce sense of loyalty. And although you have not seen it, Jethro really does have a wicked sense of humor."

Kate laughed "I would like to see him laugh. He seems too serious and unhappy most of the time."

"I know. Jethro takes on the pain of the world in ways that do not suit his well-being. I have always felt Tony has been his saving grace."

"Are you saying Tony is Gibbs plucky comic relief?"

They shared a laugh at that statement.

"I hope what happened between them can be resolved Ducky."

"They will get past this Kate." He said with more confidence then he actually felt. "Now, I will leave Jethro in your capable hands. Call me if you need me."

"Thanks Ducky" Kate said "Abby will be here in a few hours so we should be ok."

Ducky looked down at Gibbs one last time and headed out. He had one more errand to do before heading home to Mother.

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Tony was almost asleep when there was a knock on his door.

He had made it home and had gone immediately to take a hot shower. He stayed under the invigorating spray until the water started to get cold. He put on some sweats and a tank top and grabbed a beer from the fridge.

He didn't feel like watching a movie so he put on some music and plopped down on his couch. He tried to clear his mind and not re-play the day's events over and over. He chugged his beer and placed the empty bottle on the table. He knew he should take some pain killers but he was now so relaxed on the couch he didn't want to get up. He closed his eyes and controlled his breathing. Almost asleep, the unwanted visitor knocked.

Tony got off the couch feeling pissy. If this was McGee or Palmer he didn't know if he could hold it in. He would tell them to leave him the fuck alone. He knew he shouldn't take this out on anyone but he was feeling sorry for himself and wanted to lash out.

He didn't bother looking through the peephole in the door just pulled it open and yelled "What!"

Ducky stood there smiling up at him. He was holding a six pack of beer and a pizza box. Tony was momentarily speechless his mouth agape. He then laughed and stepped back to let Ducky in.

"Is this a new type of house call Duck?"

Ducky laughed as he walked to Tony's kitchen. Tony took the beer from him and put it in the fridge as Ducky placed the pizza box on the kitchen counter.

He then turned towards Tony and looked at him assessing his injuries.

Tony, feeling uncomfortable under Ducky's scrutiny, opened the pizza box to grab a slice.

The pizza smelled fantastic and looked great but Tony frowned and looked at Ducky saying

"Vegetarian Pizza, Duck? Really?"

"I have told you in the past Anthony sausage, pepperoni and extra cheese will be the death of you."

"Hmmmm" Tony said taking a bite of what was a really great pizza after all

"I always figured death would come to me from the wrong end of a gun."

Ducky was not amused so Tony said "Thanks for the beer and pizza Duck…want to join me for dinner?"

Ducky shook his head no and said "I can only stay a few minutes Anthony. I must get home to Mother. I wanted to make sure you are alright and had some food. Will you allow me to examine you before I leave?"

Tony agreed and Ducky moved close to look at Tony's face. Tony watched as Ducky pursed his lips and made a tsk sound as he examined the bruised flesh and split lips. Ducky stood back and said "I understand you took a blow to the abdomen."

Tony lifted his shirt and pointed towards the place Gibbs punched him. Ducky pressed his hand against the spot and Tony sucked in his breath.

Standing back, Ducky said "The split in your lips do not require stitches. It does not appear you have sustained any internal injuries. Of course, you will inform me if the pain in your jaw or abdomen area continues to hurt or you experience any vomiting, dizziness or nausea."

"Of course" Tony agreed. He appreciated Ducky's concern but was glad he would be leaving soon.

"Well then, I will take my leave dear boy." Ducky headed towards the front door. He had not mentioned Gibbs and Tony couldn't contain his curiosity. He had to ask. "Is Gibbs okay Duck?"

Ducky smiled to himself and turning back to Tony said "He is resting Anthony. Which is what you need to do as well."

Tony looked so lost at the moment Ducky couldn't help himself. He hugged Tony. Tony didn't react at first but he slowly brought his arms up and around Ducky and hugged him back. They stood there for a moment then broke away as if the moment never happened.

"Don't give up on him, Anthony. You may not believe this, especially in what transpired today but he loves you, very much."

Tony fought down an emotional response and said "He has a very funny way of showing it Duck."

Ducky sighed and said "I know. Rest now and things will be better tomorrow. Have you spoken to the Director?"

"Not yet, why?"

"He said he would be contacting you."

"I shut off my cell and haven't checked my home messages yet. Was he pissed I just left?"

"He was actually very understanding. Seems he was witness to your conversation with Timothy and Mr. Palmer. Jethro had a rough go in MTAC, Anthony, some of it we will never know."

Tony started to protest but Ducky cut him off.

"Just keep an open mind, Anthony, things can get out of hand and are not always what they appear."

Tony knew Ducky was right. He was almost always right. Tony smiled as he opened the door so Ducky could leave.

"Thank you, Ducky, for everything."

"My pleasure Anthony" Ducky responded "See you tomorrow night at O'Malley's!"

"See you there, Duck."

Tony returned to the couch. Ducky's visit had actually relieved some stress for Tony. He lay down and allowed the music to lull him to sleep.