Tremendous thanks for all the wonderful reviews for the last chapter! Special thanks to DuchessofYork and CNatalieAnn63, as I couldn't respond to your reviews via private message.

Warnings for a small spoiler for the season seven episode Mother's Day, as well as for the fact that there's not a 100% happy ending… but I don't want to give too much away.

35: Repercussions

Director's Office

Director Vance was standing in front of the desk in his office, watching the ZNN feed when the door flew open with such force that it put a dent in the wall. Gibbs strode in, moving into Vance's space, clearly ready for a fight. Vance glanced at him, then picked up the remote from the table and turned off the flat screen.

"Gibbs."

"What the hell, Leon? Why can't we get any reliable intel?"

"Jethro…"

Gibbs turned to see Ducky getting up from one of the armchairs in the corner. "Duck – what are you doing here?"

"Waiting for you, my dear friend."

Vance pulled a toothpick out of his jacket pocket and began chewing on it. "I asked Dr. Mallard to be here so he could run interference if necessary."

Gibbs gritted his teeth. "Damn it, Leon. What's going on back there?"

Vance sighed, then turned the TV back on, muting the sound. Smoky piles of rubble filled the screen. "It's chaos, Gibbs. Four explosions, all within about twenty minutes of each other. People are panicking; some idiot news anchor called it the West Coast 9/11, so besides the bombs they're dealing with hysteria. Car accidents all over the place as people try to leave the city. Phone and internet are overloaded, connections spotty at best. I've been trying, but no one knows who's doing what. Franklin told me where each agent was assigned, but there are multiple injuries at each site, and the hospitals are overloaded with accident victims as well as bombing victims." He paused and removed the toothpick. "I'm sorry, Gibbs. I know you want to find out what happened to DiNozzo, but all we've got at this point is conflicting information."

Gibbs stared at him, then looked to Ducky, whose expression was a combination of sad and bewildered. "We've all been trying to find out where Tony is, Jethro. So far I've heard that he was taken alive to an area hospital, that he's directing clean-up efforts, and that he's – well."

They could see the muscles in Gibbs' jaw clench as he watched the flickering images on the screen. "I need to go back."

Vance shook his head. "Nothing's flying into Seattle right now. Not even military. Not until we have some idea what this guy's next move is. For all we know, he's only part of a larger organization."

Gibbs turned toward Vance, slamming his hand down on the table. "Let me get out there and find out!"

Vance's eyes narrowed, and he straightened a bit, drawing himself up to his full height. "What good do you think you're going to do if you don't know what's happened to DiNozzo? Face it, Gibbs, your relationship with him makes you the last person who can effectively work this case!"

Gibbs moved forward, only to be stopped by Ducky's hand on his arm.

"Jethro."

Gibbs turned to face his friend; Ducky saw the anguish in his eyes and squeezed his arm gently. "I see your pain, dear boy. We all share it, to some extent. And that's what I want you to remember." He raised his hand, palm out, as Gibbs opened his mouth to speak. "Jethro. You have a family here who needs you. And as much as you may not wish to admit it, you need them. I cannot tell you how much I hope that young Tony is safe and sound – but if he is not, Abby, and Tim, and Ziva? They would want to be there for you, and they would need you to be there for them. As would I."

Gibbs stared at Ducky for a moment, then closed his eyes; his shoulders slumped slightly. He took a deep breath, then nodded, sending a questioning look to Vance, who inclined his head. "Your team is continuing to contact all the area hospitals, as well as any NCIS agents in the area who can respond. I'm sure they will work through the night. I'll have food brought in."

Gibbs nodded, turning his gaze back on the screen. Ducky and Vance exchanged glances; Ducky reached out again to take Gibbs' arm. "Come, Jethro – let's go see Abigail. I'm sure she needs you right now."

To Abby

They walked down the stairs and toward the bullpen, Gibbs moving slower than usual to keep pace with Ducky. A quick and automatic survey of his remaining team from the landing above showed them all hard at work. McGee was on his feet, typing into two computers while talking on the phone. Segel was arguing on his phone, running his hand through his hair and gritting his teeth as he listened to the person on the other end of the line. Ziva was also on the phone, speaking Hebrew while scrolling through her monitor. Gibbs felt a surge of pride at how hard his team was working, despite their anxiety. It didn't do much to dispel the empty ache in his gut, but it helped a little.

Ziva met his gaze as he walked past her desk; the corners of her mouth dropped and she shook her head with a little shrug. Gibbs nodded once in acknowledgement. Neither McGee nor Segel looked his way as he passed., both of them completely focused on trying to find answers. Ducky was silent, moving with him into the elevator and pushing the button for the right floor.

Gibbs stared at the doors, conscious of Ducky's eyes on him, but not sure what he could say. He glanced at his friend, and Ducky reached up to squeeze his shoulder in response. Gibbs sighed, steeling himself a bit as the elevator opened opposite Abby's lab. He walked in, Ducky following behind, to see Abby sitting at her desk in the inner room. She was hunched over, resting her chin on one hand, while the other moved the computer mouse, clicking at apparently random intervals.

"Abs."

She looked up, and he was surprised to see her face devoid of makeup.

"He's going to be alright, Abby."

She shook her head. "How can you say that, Gibbs?" Then she was up out of her chair and running into his arms, hugging him tightly. He closed his eyes for a moment, and whispered into her ear.

"Because he has to be."

Abby sniffled quietly, then backed away abruptly. "Why can't we find out what's going on?"

Gibbs sighed and reached out to take her hand. "Too much happening at once. Multiple bombs, the city's in a panic. You know how it goes."

She nodded vehemently. "Yes! Chaos, that's the problem, Gibbs! Sending Tony to Seattle, all that did was encourage disorder. Vance probably increased the rate of entropy. Separating you and Tony was just wrong. It messed with the stability of the universe, and now look what's happened."

Gibbs gave her a small smile. "Does that mean the universe is expanding faster now?"

Abby's eyes widened, and her mouth stretched into an involuntary smile. "You do listen to me!"

"Course I do."

Her smile faded as quickly as it had appeared. "Gibbs… Tony's got to be okay."

"McGee will find out something soon. You ever known him to fail?"

"There was that time he sent you on a panty raid."

"Besides that."

"Not really. Although I never did understand how he could be a boy scout and not recognize poison ivy."

"Ah, bet that was Tony's fault somehow."

Her smile came back, but it was tremulous at best. "Gibbs…"

"I know, Abby." He pulled her back into a hug and stood there, glancing around to see that Ducky had disappeared.

Gibbs stayed with Abby for a little while longer, getting her settled down and reenergized to see what she could find out about what was happening out west. He walked out of the lab and hesitated; without an audience, he wasn't sure what to do next. Sighing, he headed for the men's room.

He walked in and moved to one of the sinks, standing there and looking into the mirror. Images flooded his mind: Tony in the cabin, standing in the moonlight, Tony on the water in a kayak, laughing at his own ineptitude, Tony on the boat during the whale watch, his expression a mix of delight and awe as he watched the orcas move by.

Gibbs abruptly turned on the water, leaning over to splash his face, then grabbing some paper towel to dry off. He experienced a sudden flashback, remembering the case involving Shannon's mother a few months back. He'd been in a similar state then, and when Tony had walked in and asked if Gibbs needed anything, Gibbs had said for him to leave.

He swallowed and clenched his jaw, trying to hold the emotions in check. "Need you to stay this time, Tony," he whispered. "Please… really need you to stay."

It was Ducky who found him some time later, sitting on the bathroom floor, leaning back against the wall, staring at nothing. It only took a little encouragement to coax him to his feet and get him back to Abby's lab, where he was convinced to lie down on her futon and try to get some sleep.

Dream State

Gibbs found himself in a beautiful green meadow, surrounded by butterflies moving gracefully from flower to flower. He was vaguely surprised that he wasn't more surprised… he remembered feeling overwhelmed by the possibility of Tony's death, falling asleep in the lab… and now he was here.

"I've missed you, Jethro."

He turned around, and froze for a moment, staring at Shannon's smiling face. Then he was moving forward, and so was she, and their arms were around each other and they were both holding on tightly.

Eventually he pulled back, bringing his hands up to frame her face. "Is this real?"

Shannon smiled at him, reaching up to trace his lips with her fingers. "Yes and no."

He smiled and shook his head. "You always did love to give me riddles."

"And you loved to solve them."

He leaned forward and kissed her lips lightly. Then he turned his head to look around the meadow. "Is Kelly here?"

"In a way," Shannon said, tilting her head to look down at the grass. He followed her gaze and smiled at the fireflies dancing near his feet.

"Why?"

She gazed at him a moment, then took his hand and led him to a bench that he was pretty sure hadn't been there a moment ago.

"Jethro… I can tell when you feel strongly about something. I know something's got you shaken up pretty badly. Kelly and I didn't want to add to that."

Jethro looked at her. "I miss her, Shan. Miss you."

"I know. We will be together someday, Jethro… the four of us."

"Four?"

She smiled. "You've forgotten Tony already?" The smile disappeared quickly as the color drained from Jethro's face. "Jethro? What is it?"

Jethro's jaw clenched and he swallowed, holding tightly to his emotions. "Is… is Tony here?"

Shannon's brow furrowed. "Why would… oh, Jethro. Is that why you've been so upset?"

Jethro reached out to grab onto her hand, using the other to wipe at his eyes. "There was a bomb… we don't know if Tony's alive or dead."

Shannon's own eyes filled with tears. "I'm sorry, Jethro. I didn't know."

"Can you find out?"

She shook her head. "I'm not connected to him as I am to you… not yet. I have less chance than you."

Jethro shot her a puzzled look. "Yet?"

"I'll explain… when this is more real than not."

Jethro nodded, his mind not really on the question. He squeezed her hand. "It's so good to be with you again… just wish it were for a happier reason."

"It will be, someday. Not before your time." She squeezed back. "Jethro… if the worst has happened, we'll take care of him. Please don't stop living your life."

Jethro sighed. "No promises. Only so much loss I can take, Shan."

"Jethro…" Her voice took on a warning tone, but she looked down at their joined hands, distracted.

He followed suit as he realized that the touch from her hand was fading. "Shannon?" There was a ringing sound; Shannon's hand started to fade from sight.

"Jethro?"

He could barely see her face; only her eyes were clearly visible. "Shannon!"

"Jethro, it's your phone."

He could see her lips moving, but the voice wasn't hers. She'd almost completely disappeared, and the meadow was fading too – the fireflies were gone.

He felt a hand on his shoulder, and turned toward it.

"Your phone, Jethro."

Gibbs woke abruptly, opening his eyes to see Ducky crouched above him, holding the ringing cell phone, while Abby, Ziva, Segel and McGee hovered in the background. He sat up, shaking his head a bit, still able to smell the grass and feel the sun on his face. He reached out and took the phone, flipping it open, his glance taking in the worried and hopeful faces of his friends.

"Yeah, Gibbs."

Waking Up

"Tony? Tony, can you hear me? Come on, open those eyes… "

It was a female voice. It took a lot of effort, but Tony managed to open his eyes, blinking against the light. The woman bending over him was blurry, but he could make out red hair. He suddenly remembered the explosion, and drew in a sharp breath.

No… I can't be dead. Can't leave him.

"Shannon?" His grimaced as his voice quavered a bit.

"No, sweetie, my name is Clarice. I'm your nurse. You're in a hospital. I hear you got blown up just a bit. How do you feel?"

Tony blinked, and Clarice came into focus. Her hair was red, but she looked nothing like the picture of Shannon on the wall in Gibbs' living room. Thank God. "Um… I'm okay, I guess." He tried to sit up a bit, then groaned and stopped moving. "Or not."

Clarice smiled at him and patted his hand. "You hit the pavement pretty hard. Your chart says your back is covered with bruises. You'll be feeling that for a while." She straightened up a bit and handed him the control for the bed. "Here you go… use this and let the bed move for you. I'll go get the doctor… might be a while, we're pretty busy." She moved the wheeled tray closer to the bed. "There's water if you want it. Oh, and there's a friend waiting to see you… shall I send him in?"

Tony hit the button and the head of the bed began to rise. "Please."

She patted his hand again and walked out. Eddie walked in moments later, looking disheveled. "Hey, Tony."

"Eddie… what happened?"

Eddie sighed and pulled a chair close to the bed, then sat down and looked at Tony. "What do you remember?"

"Everything, I think. Burrows and Taylor arguing, Fitzy heading into the building, Julie going around the side, then the bomb went off."

Eddie nodded and his gaze dropped to the floor. Tony's eyes narrowed for a moment, then widened. "Oh, no. Who?"

Eddie looked up, blinking rapidly. "Fitzy didn't make it."

Tony's mouth opened, but no sound came out. He shook his head, looking around the room, gritting his teeth as he tried to compose himself. He glanced back at Eddie as the other man continued to talk.

"M.E. says it was quick… there was a tripwire just inside the door. He never had a chance to feel anything."

"Damn it. His fiancée?"

Eddie nodded. "I went to see her. She's got family in the area; they're with her now."

Tony shook his head. "It's not right. They just got engaged!" His voice rose, and Eddie stood, putting a hand on his shoulder.

"We take that risk every day, you know that."

Tony's hand clenched on the bed sheet, then relaxed. "Yeah… I know. Doesn't make it any easier."

Eddie shook his head. "No, it doesn't." He cleared his throat. "Julie's here too, in better shape than you. She wasn't in the direct line of the blast; they're just keeping her for observation."

"What about the two idiots?"

Eddie shot him a small smile that didn't reach his eyes. "They're helping with the aftermath… everyone's searching for the bomber. We haven't heard anything from him since the bombs went off."

Tony looked around. "How long was I out?"

"It was what, after 10:30 this morning? A little more than twelve hours. You're one of the lucky ones, actually… the city's in chaos, and it's been really difficult to get information in or out."

"Why?"

"Three other bombs went off at three different locations. Besides the damage, there's the hysteria… whole region is convinced it's the next 9/11."

Tony's eyes widened. "Jethro!"

"Who?"

"Damn it, Eddie, where's my cell?"

Eddie looked confused. "Broken in the explosion… what's the matter?"

Tony reached for the phone next to the bed, ignoring the question. "Gotta let him know I'm alive," Tony muttered. He dialed and waited for a minute… then slammed the receiver down. "Fuck! All circuits are busy," he mimicked, then looked at Eddie. "Give me your cell."

Eddie handed it over without comment. Tony punched in the number, than waited with the phone to his ear, biting his lip. "It's ringing."

"Yeah, Gibbs."

"Jethro, it's me. I'm okay."

"Tony?"

"Yeah, Jeth, it's me. Really. I caught the edge of the explosion, but I'm okay. Just woke up a few minutes ago, or I'd have gotten word to you sooner."

There was a moment of silence on the other end, then a long sigh. "Tony, that's the best news I think I've heard in a very long time."

Tony grinned at the relief and the smile he could hear in Jethro's voice. He could also hear some cheering and happy voices in the background. "Guess everyone's there, huh?"

"Yeah."

"Jethro… you alright?"

"I am now."

"Gonna be one hell of a reunion when I get home."

"Oh yeah. Make it quick, Tone. Need you here."

"Soon as possible, trust me. Uh, Jeth… Fitzy's gone."

"Ah, hell." There was a short silence. "How'd it go down?"

"I'll tell you later… long and annoying story. If it were up to me, NCIS would be short a couple of idiots… Jeth? You there?" He heard a clicking noise, then silence. "Dropped call… well, at least I got through."

He looked over at Eddie, who was looking back at him accusingly. Tony shot him a wide smile. Eddie shook his head as he took his phone back. "I take it your 'girl' is named Jethro?" he asked, using air quotes at the appropriate moment.

Tony scratched his head. "I admit that I may have let you draw certain conclusions about some aspects of my relationship."

Eddie rolled his eyes, then glared at Tony. "If he's as great as you and Fitzy said…" He cut himself off abruptly.

Tony sighed. "You ever lost someone in the line of duty like this before?"

Eddie shook his head.

"Want some advice?"

"Please."

"Don't shut it down. Enjoy the memories. He deserves that."

Eddie nodded, then took a deep breath. "Okay. You're right." He narrowed his eyes a bit as he met Tony's gaze. "As I was saying, if Jethro is as great as you and Fitzy said, maybe I'll make a play for him anyway."

Tony laughed. "Good luck with that. You into intensely driven, grey-haired Marines?"

Eddie blinked. "Um. I hope you two will be very happy together."

"We already are. And no offense, but we'll be a lot happier when I finally get to go home."

"Gotta get that bomber first."

"Yeah."

Eddie held out his hand. "For Ethan."

Tony reached out and gave Eddie a firm handshake. "For Ethan."

They talked for a few more minutes, then Eddie decided he'd better get back to the office and see what needed to be done. Tony tried to relax after he left, thinking back over his interactions with Special Agent Ethan Fitzgerald, quietly mourning the loss of a good man and promising young agent.

He eventually grabbed the phone and tried again to reach Jethro through the land line. He got the same annoying, automated voice, so he hung up and switched off the bedside light, lowering the head of the bed a bit and closing his eyes again. "Love you, Jethro," he murmured, smiling a bit as he let his thoughts roam back over the weekend until he fell asleep.

Author's note: For anyone wanting to know a little bit more about the 'reality' behind Gibbs' dream, there's a chapter in my Missing Scenes from the FIOverse that deals with some things from Shannon's point of view (written well before this particular story).