It didn't take long for Jimmy to realize that recovery was a long and tricky process. That even though he had a strong desire and a good reason to fight. There was no magic cure. Knowing that Tori needed and wanted him. Was not enough to make it as though Breena had never died. According to the staff at the hospital that was normal and nothing to be concerned about. He would recover in his own time but he would always have his bad days. The main thing they were teaching him were coping techniques. Breena was gone but his story truly was just beginning. He was now suddenly a single father to a toddler. A toddler who asked for him and her mommy every night. She was told that her daddy would come back but mommy never would. Not that any of it mattered. Tori wasn't even two years old yet. It was painfully unlikely that she would remember anything about her mommy. She likely wouldn't notice or understand that she was gone for at least another year. That's when Jimmy would have the daunting task of explaining it to her. He dreaded the day she asked why she didn't have a mom like any of her friends. Most of them anyway, little Tali DiNozzo was also a card carrying member of the dead mom's club. It was painful but at least they had each other to lean on. Just as Jimmy had Tony to lean on in getting through the loss of his wife. He also had Gibbs, Vance, and Fornell. The latter two also had motherless children. The difference was that Tony was also father to a toddler and even if Ziva had of died in the fire. The wound would still be fresh. Jackie and Diane had only been gone a few short years but Leon and Tobias were in a completely different stage of recovery. A stage that seemed so far away and intangible to Jimmy. Then there was Leroy Jethro Gibbs who had lost his child as well and was doing amazing. At least from Jimmy's perspective. Though maybe all four men shared the struggle of forcing themselves out of bed in the morning. Jimmy would have to ask them when he got out. Whenever that may be.
It was visitors day at Jimmy's psychiatric hospital and Gibbs had agreed to mind Tali for a few hours. So that Tony could go to spend some time with his friend. He found himself fretting over what to wear, like a fifteen year old girl going on her first date. He started to put on a suit but that was so formal. If he wore just sweats he may look like he belonged in the hospital or like he was making fun of the patients. He finally decided on jeans but it was harder to select a shirt. He started to grab his "World's Best Dad" shirt but feared Jimmy would see that as a jibe. Finally he selected a plain, blue button down shirt. It was simple and there was no way it would give anyone the wrong idea. He had just fastened the last button when he heard a horn honking. He kissed Tali goodbye and reminded her to be good for grandpa. Before calling to Gibbs that he was leaving and heading out the door. Ducky was waiting out in his Morgan. The older man had chosen a similar outfit to Tony but wore a black sweater in place of the t-shirt.
"Good afternoon, Anthony. You are looking well." Ducky greeted.
"Afternoon Ducky and thank you." Tony replied.
"Timothy was supposed to be join us but he ran into a minor emergency." Ducky replied.
"Oh no, is everything alright?" Tony asked.
"Oh all is just dandy but it seems that the friend who was supposed to decorate Delilah's wheelchair for the wedding has suddenly been transferred. Timothy now has the task of finding somebody else who can take on the job. Hardly a crisis but all brides and grooms go a little crazy in the process." Ducky explained.
"Last week, McGee had me on the phone for three hours debating if he should wear a top had during the ceremony or not. I never thought I would be glad to have Tali poop through her pull-up." Tony laughed.
"That is funny but just remember you will be there one day. I have full faith." Ducky replied.
"Lord, kill me now." Tony groaned.
"Oh Anthony you will feel different when you find your one." Ducky assured.
"The thing is I think I already found her and lost her." Tony sighed.
"It has only been a few weeks since Ziva left us for good. Do not be so hasty to give up on the search for love. I did and it haunts me every day. I wonder if I could have had a family. If I had just opened up my heart." Ducky explained.
"It's never too late." Tony replied.
"While there have been cases of men giving life in their eighties. Given my family's history of dementia. I don't think that would be fair to anybody." Ducky replied.
"Well you have us. I know Jimmy sees himself as your son." Tony commented.
"Well that is very true." Ducky replied.
By the time they reached the hospital's meeting area. Tony's nerves had hit a fever pitch, he glanced through the window and soon spotted Jimmy sitting alone at a table. An orderly had escorted him up and entered a pin to open the door. Taking one last deep breath Tony stepped through and made his way to where Jimmy was sitting. He took a seat across from Jimmy at the table. There was a pregnant pause before either man could find the courage to speak.
"It's good to see you, Tony." Jimmy greeted.
"Great to see you too, how are you holding up?" Tony asked.
"I am doing alright, you?" Jimmy questioned.
"I am doing good." Tony replied.
"I thought Ducky was coming." Jimmy commented.
"He is speaking with a nurse." Tony replied.
"What about McGee?" Jimmy asked.
"Wedding craziness" Tony laughed.
"I remember those days. I was so annoyed with Breena a few times. Now I would give anything to have that back. Just to have her here." Jimmy explained.
"She is here." Tony replied.
"I know but I mean here in person." Jimmy replied.
"Ah well at least you have the memories." Tony offered.
"I know and some days they are all that keep me going." Jimmy confessed.
"You have so many great stories for Tori. All those pictures and her Facebook page." Tony replied.
"You have the same for Ziva." Jimmy added.
"Do you really think we will be OK?" Tony asked.
"I don't know but as long as we have each other, I think we can get through." Jimmy replied.
A/N: Tony and Jimmy definitely have each others sixes. New chapter will be up soon. Please review and thanks for reading.