Devotion Chapter Thirty Four
The vegetable lasagna was ready by 5 pm, as planned, and everyone was at Tony's house with the exception of McGee.
They all agreed to wait for him, Gibbs assuring them Tim was on his way.
Tony, Abby, Kate and Steve gathered in the kitchen setting up for dinner, buffet style, while Gibbs and Ducky took refuge in the living room.
The two old friends each nursed a glass of bourbon as they sat on the couch and watched with amusement the scene in front of them.
The four younger people joked around and laughed together. Abby and Steve chatted enthusiastically as Abby arranged the food on the kitchen counter and Steve pulled out dishes from the cupboard above her. Kate stood next to Tony, who was pouring the extra tomato sauce he had prepared into a serving bowl. She took the bowl from him and set it next to the lasagna and when she turned back towards him he grabbed her by the wrist and pulled her close. She verbally protested but did not resist as he shoved a marinara laden wooden spoon close to her lips.
Gibbs strained to hear what Tony said to her as she threw her head back and laughed, then leaned forward letting Tony spoon feed her the sauce. Gibbs missed the verbal exchange but he smiled as Kate smacked her lips and nodded her approval. He saw Tony smile and toss the wooden spoon into the sink.
When Tony turned back to face Kate, Gibbs watched as she reached up and took Tony's face gingerly in her hands. Tony leaned down as she drew him forward. As she kissed his forehead, just above the cut over his brow, he closed his eyes. She then hugged him tightly and whispered in his ear. Gibbs saw Tony hug her back and when Tony opened his eyes Gibbs could see his eyes were misty.
The intimate moment between them surprised Gibbs. They were usually at each other's throats but Gibbs could see the genuine care and love they had for each other.
"So how is he Duck?" Gibbs asked before taking a sip from his glass.
Ducky had arrived about fifteen minutes early and had done a quick examination of Tony's injuries.
"Hmm…physically he will be fine…" Ducky said "Mentally…well I would ask for your opinion on that."
Before Gibbs could respond, there was a gentle knock on the front door.
He set his glass on the coffee table and rose to answer it.
"Be right back Duck…need to talk to Tim outside for a minute…."
"Very well, Jethro." Ducky said as he too stood and headed towards the kitchen "I will let the others know."
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"Hey boss" McGee said as Gibbs opened the door, stepped out on the porch and closed the door behind him.
Gibbs nodded in greeting and cut to the chase.
"What do you have on Jensen, McGee?"
"Right…" McGee said before he started presenting Gibbs with the facts.
"Mark Jensen has been with Metro for close to fifteen years. His service record is impressive actually… he has a few commendations in his file."
"What kind of commendations?" Gibbs asked
"He was awarded a commendation for his off-duty participation in the arrest of three armed individuals who had robbed a Starbucks in DuPont Circle. The second was for excellence in Law Enforcement service and a third was for bravery under fire. He actually saved his partner, several Asian tourists and the perp during a shootout near the Vietnam Memorial wall….you may remember two years ago when some Vietnam vet went berserk and…."
"Jensen was THAT cop?!" Gibbs interrupted surprise evident in his voice.
"Yep" McGee said
Gibbs wanted to hate Jensen but couldn't. This last bit of information changed everything.
'The guy was a fucking hero'
Gibbs sighed and said "What else did you find Tim?"
"The guy is squeaky clean boss….pays his bills timely, has an excellent credit rating and a fair amount of money in the bank….He volunteers time at the Boys Club of America where he coaches basketball and is a karate instructor…he himself is a sixth level black belt and an expert kick boxer…."
"Family?" Gibbs interjected
"Single, no kids….lives alone."
"Where is he originally from? Parents?"
"Villisca, Iowa….his parents are both deceased. They died when Jensen was fifteen."
"Villisca? That sounds familiar…"
"Small farming town in Iowa known for a brutal axe murder in the summer of 1912….."
"How did the parents die?" Gibbs asked cutting McGee off.
"House fire….smoke inhalation."
"Where was Jensen when it happened? Was he home?"
"Yes….he escaped the fire."
Gibbs processed the information then asked.
"So what happened to Jensen after his parent's death?"
Gibbs waited impatiently for McGee to continue.
"Jensen had no living relatives so he was placed at Boys Town in Nebraska until he was eighteen. He went to college in Lincoln where he double majored in criminology and psychology…he applied to and was accepted by Metro after graduation."
"Any information on him from fifteen to eighteen…before he went to college?"
"Well that is where I hit a road block."
"What kind of roadblock McGee?"
"Well…Jensen has a juvenile record that has been permanently sealed."
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Dinner was delicious and the conversation was light, spontaneous and full of laughter.
For an hour Tony's mind was in the moment.
Things were winding down and it was almost time for Kate and McGee to drive Steve to the airport.
"I want to make a toast" Tony slurred the words a bit as he stood up from the piano bench he shared with Abby and lifted his beer bottle.
He could feel his eyes tearing up but he was beyond caring. He watched as Steve and his team…his friends, his family…stood to join him.
"To Spence!" Tony said looking first up to the heavens and then around to the people he loved most in the world.
"To Spence!" they repeated lifting assorted bottles and glasses into the air before taking a drink.
Tony's smile was melancholy as he continued:
"Thanks to Abby for making the wonderful lasagna….I'm so happy we could enjoy one last meal from Spence's garden….together."
There were smiles all around and a chorus of compliments aimed directly at Abby for the wonderful meal.
"Thanks Abs" Tony finished for them as he leaned over and kissed her cheek.
When Abby looked like she might burst into tears, Steve intervened by stepping forward and hugging her. He looked at Tony over Abby's shoulder and said:
"I need to get ready bro…will you come upstairs with me?"
Tony simply nodded in agreement and turned towards the stairs as Steve released a now smiling Abby.
"Thanks Steve" she whispered softly as together they watched Tony ascend the stairs.
"Keep an eye on Tony for me Abby…call if you think he might need an additional friend." Steve looked from Abby to Ducky, Kate, McGee and Gibbs and added "I know I am leaving him in excellent hands."
Abby nodded as Gibbs said "Thanks Steve for all you have done for Tony."
Steve smiled brightly at the assembled group just before he turned and sprinted up the stairs.
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Tony sat on the bed in the guest room waiting for Steve. He looked around and everything looked like it had before Steve arrived. The only thing out of place was Steve's suitcase which was already packed and waiting by the bedroom door. Tony wondered why Steve wanted to see him alone. He tried his best to fight off the cold feeling of loneliness that began to spread under his skin.
Steve was about to leave….back to Ohio…back to his family. Kate and McGee would be leaving with him. Then Ducky would leave and Abby….he hoped Gibbs wouldn't decide this was the night he needed to get home as well. Tony didn't know if he could make it through the night by himself.
He shook bad thoughts away knowing his brain was still floating in a beer buzz.
He chuckled to himself remembering Ducky's stern glare directed his way every time he opened another bottle and took a swig. Tony knew he was being rebellious and juvenile. He couldn't help himself though. Gibbs had forced him away from the stove and into Ducky's care the minute Ducky arrived. Then he had to endure the "tsk, tsk" of an annoyed Doctor Mallard as he got the speech on how painkillers and alcohol do not mix and that the behavior is dangerous and blah, blah, blah.
He knew he should apologize and decided he would if he could remember to follow through once he sobered up.
"Hey" Steve said, slightly out of breath as he walked into the room.
Tony looked at him questioningly but remained silent.
"I wanted to discuss a few things with you, alone, attorney/client ya know?"
Steve was annoyed he didn't have a chance to talk to Tony earlier due to that creepy cop, Mark Jensen, being present.
Tony nodded his head slowly gazing up at Steve. He was suddenly very tired and was having a hard time comprehending the situation. Steve could see the mental disconnect as he sat down next to Tony and asked seriously:
"Tony...are you still buzzed?"
Steve had stopped drinking when Tony snatched the beer away from him almost two hours ago.
Tony had indulged continuously.
Tony meant to say "Yes" but is came out sounding like "yesh".
Steve laughed and said:
"Can I call Gibbs up to hear this?"
"Sh-ure" Tony agreed as Steve got up and walked to the door.
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Gibbs joined the friends immediately after Steve called down for him.
He sat next to Tony, who listed to his side, bumping into Gibbs.
The light head slap brought Tony around.
"Pay attention DiNozzo!" Gibbs grumbled looking from Tony over to Steve who stood in front of them.
"So Tony you have 30 days unless Linda fights the order….if she interferes she could demand you leave within 2 weeks….but that still gives you some time. I called Walter to advise him of the situation and although he says he is no longer representing her, he agreed to contact her to let her know what is going on."
"Okay…." Tony said sobering a bit "Thanks bro for doing all you have done. I have decided to move. I don't want to stay here without Spence….it would never seem right to me…Abby called a friend of hers earlier today. She is a realtor and will be taking us around on Saturday."
Gibbs turned to look at Tony with surprise.
"You and Abby are going house hunting on Saturday?" he said slightly annoyed that he was just learning of Tony's plans at that moment. He hoped he didn't sound hurt or worse, jealous, but Steve and Tony showed no sign of interpreting it that way.
"Apartment hunting boss…" Tony said sadly "I don't need much now that I am….alone."
Gibbs wanted to grab Tony and shake him. He wanted to scream that he was not alone but he sat stoically knowing Tony was incapacitated at the moment. He wondered when Tony had finalized this decision and when Abby got involved. He realized Abby must have called her friend right after she arrived that evening. Gibbs had observed Abby and Tony having a quiet conversation and then she excused herself, heading back to the office to make a phone call.
Gibbs remembered when she returned she had said to Tony "Saturday ok?" and he had nodded yes. Nothing else was mentioned so Gibbs let it go. He wondered why Tony had not asked him to help.
His thoughts were interrupted as Steve said "Okay Tony…I'll call you in a few days. I made copies of all the documents you had and will continue researching for a loophole. Especially regarding your desire to honor Spence with a proper burial…call me if anything else…."
"WAIT!" Tony shouted standing up suddenly.
Gibbs and Steve were taken aback but quickly recovered.
"Sorry…" Tony said sheepishly "I just remembered that Joe Alvarez gave me the number to a lawyer Spence might have talked to a year ago…the information is in my phone!"
Steve grabbed his suitcase and headed towards the stairs saying:
"Great….let's go get the info and I'll call on your behalf tomorrow morning!"
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Ducky said his goodbyes shortly after Kate and McGee left with Steve in tow.
Abby kissed Ducky on the cheek as he said "Goodnight Abigail…thank you again for the wonderful lasagna."
Tony and Gibbs walked Ducky out to his car. Tony was in the middle of an apology as Gibbs scanned the neighborhood for signs of trouble. Satisfied things seemed safe; Gibbs relaxed a bit and focused back on Tony and Ducky's conversation.
"…so I am really sorry to be such a difficult patient Ducky!" Tony said as Ducky unlocked the door of his Morgan.
Ducky smiled up at Tony and said:
"It is alright Anthony…no need to further apologize dear boy, just DO NOT take any pain medication tonight…."
"Um" Tony stammered looking to his left then back into Ducky's eyes.
The smile faded from Ducky's face as he said "Anthony! When!?"
"About 20 minutes ago….right after Steve left…"
Ducky rolled his eyes and turning to Gibbs said "Keep your eye on him Jethro. He will probably sleep through the night but if there are problems…"
Ducky turned back to Tony glaring at him with furrowed brows and with cold anger in his eyes said:
"Call an ambulance and have him taken directly to Bethesda!"
The lack of any humor in the ME's voice caused Tony to grimace and take a step back. Tony looked over at Gibbs but got no sympathy from him.
The glare still in place, Ducky harrumphed and got behind the wheel of his car.
"Goodnight gentlemen!" he said just before speeding off into the night.
As the two men headed back to the house, Tony looked at Gibbs and with an attempt at humor said:
"Guess it's not a good idea to piss off your Doctor, huh boss?"
Gibbs smirked and said sarcastically "Ya think, DiNozzo?"
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Abby had stayed and was helping Gibbs clean up. Tony had been at their side cleaning as well, but Abby and Gibbs knew he was fading fast. When Gibbs grabbed Tony's arm and marched him over to the couch he did not protest as Gibbs demanded he lay down and sleep.
"Thanks boss" he yawned, getting comfortable.
Tony closed his eyes but before Gibbs could walk away, Tony opened his eyes, panicked.
"Will you be staying again tonight boss?" he asked hopefully.
Gibbs could see fear and pain in Tony's green eyes.
Gibbs sat down on the coffee table so he and Tony were more at eye level.
Gibbs had to fight the urge to simply lean down and kiss him.
Instead he said "I told you I would be staying as long as you need me Tony. Rest…I'll wake you up after Abby heads home."
Tony looked over at Abby and said "Do you want to spend the night too, Abs?"
"McGee's coming back to get me Tony…but thanks…you get some rest….I'll see you on Saturday…bright and early!"
"Okay" Tony said
He was sound asleep in seconds.
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The cleaning finally done, Gibbs poured a cup of coffee for himself and Abby. He carried the steaming beverages with caution as he moved to join her at the kitchen table.
"Thanks boss man!" She said as she picked up the mug he had set in front of her and took a sip.
Few people knew Abby drank coffee…fewer knew she liked it strong and black just like Gibbs.
They enjoyed their coffee in companionable silence.
Abby broke the silence as she whispered "How long are you going to wait?"
"Wait?" He whispered back "Wait for what Abby?"
Abby crossed her arms and sat back in her chair and stared at him.
"Really, Gibbs? Don't play coy…..when are you going to make your move?"
She tipped her head in Tony's direction so there was no misunderstanding what she meant.
Gibbs glared at her but Abby merely smiled back, her pale green eyes twinkling mischievously.
Gibbs knew then he was busted. It figured she knew about his feelings for Tony. Ducky had told him Abby had confided in Ducky that Tony had professed his love for Gibbs to her. It didn't take a rocket scientist to figure out that Gibbs might have feelings for Tony in return.
Gibbs sighed and looked down for a moment.
He smiled to himself thinking '….but a forensic scientist who knew them both really well could...'
He debated getting up and storming off in anger but he knew that action would be a lie. He realized having both Ducky and Abby as allies in his quest for Tony's heart could be very advantages.
Gibbs looked over at Tony's sleeping form and with a nod of his head towards the office he got up from the table and walked away. Abby stood and carrying her coffee, followed him quietly so as not to disturb Tony as he slept.
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"How long have you known?" he asked quietly.
"You just confirmed it actually…."
"Dammit, Abby!" he yelled in a hushed whisper.
"What?!" she replied with a shrug then said:
"I have suspected for a long time but you hide yourself really well Gibbs."
He frowned at her.
"Oh…not with me!" She assured him "You are most "Gibbs like" with me!"
"Gibbs like?" he said in a demanding tone.
"Well yeah….kind, caring, sweet, loving….not the yelling, angry, frowning Gibbs I am currently speaking with!"
Her knowing smile began to infuriate him.
"You are the hidden Gibbs with your team…gruff and demanding with high expectations that they leap through any hoop you present. They jump happily to please you….especially Tony. You play the bastard and your team digs down to be their best because they respect you and they vie for your attention and any scrap of praise they hope you throw their way…."
He crossed his arms and tried to glare at her but the sting of her words hurt him deeply.
She must have seen it in his eyes because her smile faded and she stepped forward to embrace him.
"Your methods make your team exceptional Gibbs….."
Gibbs hugged her tightly and kissed the top of her head.
She pulled back from him and said "Work is not your problem."
He felt confused, wondering where she was going with all of this.
"So what is my problem Abs?" he asked
She placed her right hand over his heart and said:
"Your problem is you love deeply and yet you deny yourself the pleasures that could come from revealing that truth to the person you have loved for years."
Gibbs didn't want to hear anymore.
He shook his head trying not to think about the truth she was sharing.
So he smirked and with a dismissive laugh said:
"You sound like you are quoting a philosopher, Abby. Where did you get that idea anyway?"
She looked him directly in the eyes and said "Riley Spencer".
Before Gibbs had a chance to respond there was a knock at the door and then the door swung open.
Tony stood in the door frame disheveled from just waking up.
"Sorry to interrupt…" Tony yawned out an apology too tired to notice the tension in the room.
He rubbed his hands over his face and yawned again saying "McGee's here Abby."
Tony turned around and shuffled back towards the front room adding:
"He's in the head…"
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"Goodnight boss…..'Night Tony!" McGee said as he stepped out on the porch and surveyed the neighborhood as he walked towards his sedan.
McGee did not hear Tony's muffled response from the couch as Tony had repositioned himself face down and placed a pillow over his head.
"Night McGee…"Gibbs said as he watched Tim walk away making sure Abby would be safe before she left the house.
"We'll talk again soon, Abs." he said
"Okay boss man…..you know I love you right?" she said nervously.
"Of course…and you know I love you too Abby….right?"
She beamed at him and said "I know!"
He kissed her cheek and when he saw that the sedan was safely away he closed the door and locked it.
He looked over at Tony's still form on the couch and he sighed.
Gibbs made the rounds around the house making sure all doors were closed and windows shut and locks latched before he set the alarm.
He then poked at Tony and said "C'mon Tony….time to head upstairs to bed."
When Tony didn't move he yelled "Upstairs to bed…NOW DINOZZO!"
Tony went from sleep to moving in less than 30 seconds. As Tony rushed towards the stairs he tripped and Gibbs caught him before he took a dive face first onto the floor.
"C'mon Tone….one step at a time….."
As Tony staggered he said "Okay Spence…gim' me a chance….will ya?!"
Gibbs didn't correct Tony when he mentioned Spence's name.
He silently helped Tony get onto his side of the bed.
As Tony lay on his back, never opening his eyes, Gibbs pulled the comforter up to cover him.
Gibbs could tell from the pattern of Tony's breathing he was already asleep. He watched Tony for a while thinking about the weird, but enlightening, conversation he had had with Abby.
She had been so brutally honest with him it unnerved him. He had a lot he needed to think about.
As Gibbs headed downstairs to turn off the lights he wondered when Spence had talked to Abby about his "problem".
Lights out, he returned to the master bedroom.
He locked the bedroom door and placed his sig and his phone on the nightstand. He brushed his teeth and climbed into bed.
He lay there staring at the ceiling and wondered if he should read for a while.
Deciding to try to get some sleep he leaned over and turned off the light.
As he lay back down, Tony rolled over from his position and draped himself over Gibbs body; his head lay on Gibbs chest as his right arm lay over Gibbs stomach.
"Night Spence" Tony mumbled as he gave Gibbs an affectionate hug and snuggled down to sleep.
Gibbs froze in place not knowing what to do.
Tony's body was warm against him and after a few minutes Gibbs relaxed enough to lower his arm down and around Tony's body to hold him close.
When he felt it was safe he moved his hand up to Tony's head and stroked his hair.
Gibbs closed his eyes as he caressed the soft strands. He enjoyed the scent of Tony's shampoo and aftershave, inhaling deeply.
Gibbs thought of Spence and wondered if he would be outraged if he could see his best friend and his lover lying together in his home, in his bed.
A smile tugged at the corner of his mouth as a tear slid down his left cheek.
His gut told him Spence would not be mad in the least.
In fact, he imagined Spence would simply say:
"It's about time."