A/N: We thank each of you for staying with us through this difficult journey.
Tissue Warnning: just in case.
When Tim asked Ducky and Gibbs to invite Abby over so he could talk to her; the two older men were practically beaming with pride at how far their young patient had come. They did have a brief conversation about it though and soon came to the same conclusion; Abby could come by after dinner because they wanted Tim to have the time during the evening meal for peace and quiet, especially after the day he'd just had. That decision hadn't taken long seeing as they both had Tim's best interests at heart and right now, it was best that the young man have time to breathe and gain his strength by eating his meals in a relaxed atmosphere. Ducky simply smiled at Gibbs and pulled out his cell phone to make the call.
"Abigail, it's Ducky. Timothy has asked me to call and would like to see you."
"Hey Ducky. Everything alright?" Abby was only halfheartedly listening and it was obvious to the M.E. that she was working hard on something in her lab.
"Everything is fine, Abigail. Better than fine, actually." He could almost see Abby's confused face in his mind and couldn't help but smile.
"Okay…..ooh ooh Ducky! Did you say Tim wants to see me? Our Tim?"
"Of course, who else would I be talking about? He would like to know whether or not you could come round." Ducky chuckled at Abby's innocent questioning when she realized what he said.
"Really? Does he blame me for anything? What if I mess up?..."
"Abigail! Honestly! Timothy wants to talk to you about what has happened and to rebuild the bridges that have been broken throughout this ordeal. There is nothing you can do to hurt him unless you have no interest in getting your friendship back; something which I doubt very much. Now, I do need you to stay calm and hear him out my dear because he is still quite fragile right about now."
"Of course I want him as my friend. I miss him! Ducky, I'll be there. Is there anything you want to me bring?"
"I don't think so my dear…Actually, would you mind bringing Timothy something sweet. I think he deserves a little treat." Gibbs grinned at Ducky's words and shook his head in disbelief. Sometimes his friend was a shrewd man who always knew what to do; by all rights, Abby would bring Tim his favorite treats and the two of them would chat whilst sharing them….in theory anyway.
"Ooh Ooh, I know just the thing. Is 6 a good time?" Ducky could almost feel Abby's excited energy bouncing down the phone. It was something that he hadn't heard in a while and it lifted his heart to hear it once again.
"Perfect. I shall see you then Abigail."
"You sure will Ducky. Speak to you later." Abby hung up.
Ducky was just about to talk to Gibbs when his friend's cell phone rung; disturbing the senior agent from his reverie.
"Yeah. Gibbs." He answered distractedly.
"Were you gonna tell me about it?" Vance demanded. There was no explanation but Gibbs just knew that the director was talking about the debacle in the restaurant.
"When the time was right, Leon. Figured the minute we told you, you'd be demanding a blow-by-blow from McGee and he's not up to that. It took a lot of work to bring him back from what those two carelessly did to him. Didn't you get that memo out?"
"No. I was waiting until McGee had more time to consider whether or not he was coming back."
"Well, I'm pretty sure this wouldn't have happened if you'd just gone ahead and sent it out, Leon." Gibbs struggled to keep the fury out of his tone.
"I realize that and apologize. It shouldn't have happened. Gibbs. How is he now?"
"Working through it. How'd you hear about it?" His voice was more neutral at the director's apology but still remained slightly cold.
"Doctor Michaels called me. The man is livid, Gibbs. Said he would not sit by and watch McGee be destroyed by this when he was trying so hard to come back from it. Told me in no uncertain terms that if I couldn't guarantee that this wouldn't happen again and that my staff would be the professionals they're supposed to be; then he would not only recommend that McGee transfer out of D.C.; but he'd be tryin' his damnedest to convince him to find a new line of work away from this b.s. "
"Can't let that happen, Leon." Gibbs said earnestly and with a passion that made Ducky look up from what he was doing.
"I'm well aware of that, Gibbs. Trust me, I've got this. You may not like the way I handle it. Hell, McGee might not like the way I handle it; but I will handle it. This will NOT happen again!"
"Don't suppose you're gonna share with me how it is you're gonna 'handle it'?"
"No, I'm not. You'll find out soon enough. You just take care of our Agent and I'll take care of things this end." Vance abruptly ended the call leaving Gibbs with a feeling of deep foreboding. He closed his phone with a snap and Ducky noticed that his friend's face was a vision of worry and contemplation.
"Jethro?" Ducky inquired with concern that ran deep.
"Vance." Gibbs was trying to rationalize everything in his own mind still and didn't think about the fact that Ducky would want more than that.
"Oh?"
"Apparently, Michaels called him; gave him hell for what happened."
"Oh, my!" Understanding dawned on the M.E.
"Yeah. He's so pissed about it, he told Vance to find a way to make sure it never happens again or he'll push McGee to transfer out of D.C for his own good."
"Oh, dear! Well, Jethro. The good Doctor may very well have a valid point. This kind of thing is almost unstoppable and despite everyone's efforts, I don't think we'll be able to stop everyone from harboring some bad feelings. That I'm afraid, is damn near impossible to change."
"Apparently, Michaels doesn't think so. He told Vance if he had to, he'd strongly encourage Tim to find a new line of work for his own good." Gibbs revealed painfully. He'd only just got Tim back and the thought of losing him again made him feel as though his heart had been ripped out and trampled on.
"I take it the Director has a plan?"
"He says he does. Says I may not like it and McGee may not like it but he promises it'll insure that this doesn't happen again. Duck, I can't lose another son. I nearly tossed him away and we're only just starting to make progress. But, more importantly, Tim wants to be here."
"Oh. Oh, dear." Ducky was thinking about ways in which the director could handle this and didn't hear the rest of Gibbs' heartfelt words.
Gibbs glared at him momentarily before recognizing the look on his old friend's face. "Ducky? You know something?"
"Jethro, there are not very many ways in which to insure that kind of results."
"Well, yeah, Duck. I kinda figured that. Leon's just grasping at straws to fix something he knows isn't completely fixable. We're just gonna have to find a way to build McGee's resistance to this kind of crap."
"Oh Jethro. Unfortunately, it may just be that the better thing for Timothy would be a new job or at least in a new location. We may just have to accept that."
"No. Not unless we absolutely have to, Duck. You remember what he told his mother? He needs the connection he feels with us." Gibbs was resolute that Tim stay on the team if that's what he wanted to do. At the very least, he'd already admitted to wanting to stay near them. "You have an idea of what Vance's gonna do, don't you?"
"Yes, and I must say, he's absolutely correct. We won't like it; not one bit."
"C'mon, Ducky, just tell me."
"Jethro, the only way to stop people from speaking in such a manner toward Timothy or about him; would be to change their thinking. And the only way to do that; is to change their perception of the truth." Ducky's logic was always sound and Gibbs wondered how this kindly medical examiner managed to realize certain situations quicker than everyone else.
And in this case, Gibbs had to wonder at the fact that somehow, he'd caught on to where this was headed. "And the only way to do that is for them to see what really happened for themselves." Gibbs finished the reasoning Ducky was progressing towards.
"Exactly."
Gibbs sat back with a sigh of resignation. He had already been silently toying with the idea of the entire agency viewing that surveillance tap but then the entire agency would be watching Tony get shot down. They'd be watching Tim get shot twice before fighting to save Tony with no thought of his own injuries. Everyone would hear Tim repeatedly scream at Tony not to leave him and ultimately, they'd see Gibbs rush to Tony and literally ignore Tim until he was forced to attend to him by the paramedic. Well he already had the reputation of being a bastard; this would certainly support that. But, more than that, it would exonerate Tim in the eyes of everyone who saw that tape. Yeah, it sounded like a damn good idea and it didn't matter if Gibbs' reputation was knocked in the process; there were more important things than that at stake.
"Good." Gibbs finally said out loud
"Jethro?" Ducky answered in shock.
As Gibbs laid out his reasoning, Ducky couldn't help but agree with it; although he felt strongly that they keep the solution and all mention of it from Tim. Somehow, he just knew that the young man would not want everyone seeing exactly what happened in the warehouse and would see it as Anthony's name being sullied. But more than that, Timothy wouldn't want Anthony's last moments remembered that way and he knew Anthony wouldn't want it either. Then again, Ducky was positive that if this is what it took to clear Timothy's name then Anthony would run the video for them, himself.
"I agree." Gibbs said as he whipped his phone back out.
"Leon, if you're gonna show everyone in the agency that tape; you make damn sure you lay down the stipulation that what you're doing doesn't get back to McGee!" he ordered, uncaring that he was talking to his boss. After all this wasn't just his agent but his surrogate son and Tim needed to be protected from knowing everyone in the agency had seen the most horrible moment of his life in vivid color. "And don't forget, Leon, this is gonna cast you and I in really bad color. And Leon, you make damn sure you don't include Abby in that audience either! She's trying to move on from this. Seeing that will only hurt her."
"I'm aware of that Gibbs. I can handle it. And, yes, I will make sure that this doesn't get back to McGee. And I'll make sure Ms. Scuito doesn't see it either. I didn't let her see it when we first got it in, did I? How'd you figure it out, anyway."
"Cause we're smart like that, Leon, It's why we're good at our jobs!" Gibbs cheekily answered as he ended the call and put his phone away, smiling at Ducky.
When Tim finally made his way down stairs in time for dinner, he was feeling ravenous. It did wonders for both Gibbs and Ducky to see Tim finally eat what was close to a normal meal for him. They'd been relieved to see that after his nap because he seemed not only recharged, but refreshed as well and it seemed as though he was almost ready to take on the world. Ducky mentally compared the Timothy he was seeing now to the one he was privileged to see after he'd talked to Dr. Michaels for two hours; and found they almost seemed to be one in the same. This more battle scarred version before him now had a guarded look to him; as though he was expecting the next hurdle to be thrown down before him at any given moment in time. Apparently the incident at lunch would bear it's consequences for a while to come.
When Tim had asked Gibbs and Ducky to call Abby for him, he'd filled them in on what had happened the last time she had come to see him and was a big shock to both Gibbs and Ducky. They had both thought that the two of them had actually spoken to each other and to hear that these two hadn't even seen each let alone discussed anything since Tony's death made them worry. They were hoping to ease Tim into seeing the people that he so desperately needed to make amends and this tidbit of information made them worry slightly. They were still both relieved this reunion was taking place though and started to hope and pray that it would go well; for everyone's sake.
6pm soon came around and Abby found herself standing outside Ducky's front door feeling excited but incredibly nervous. She had no idea what to expect and hoped that Tim would be able to forgive her for everything that she had done. She reached out and paused before knocking on the front door. She was practically bouncing with nervous energy when the door opened to reveal a casual looking Gibbs.
"Hey Abbs. How're you doing?" Gibbs leaned forward and kissed Abby on the cheek before leading her in.
"I'm good. Well nervous, but good. I bought Timmy some of those Danishes he likes. Do you think he'll like them?" Abby's diatribe overwhelmed Gibbs and he couldn't help but laugh as he pulled her into a loose hug."Calm down! He'll love em'. Listen Abbs, I need to know you're not going to upset him. He's had enough setbacks recently."
"What kind of setbacks? Gibbs, you are not telling me everything!." Abby started to panic slightly.
"Nothing to worry about and McGee's doing fine. Just remember, whatever you do, don't push him. Let him lead all right?"
"Gotcha bossman. Now where is he?" Abby winked at her boss and waited expectantly for him to tell her where Tim was.
"Living room. Don't wear him out. You want coffee?"
"Yes, please."
She walked towards the living room and glanced around the door to quietly peek at what Tim was doing. She didn't see him at first but as she walked in further, she saw him sitting in the chair by the window. He was gazing out over the peaceful garden and didn't notice her standing in the doorway.
"Timmy?"
Abby's small voice drew him out of his reverie and he turned to see her standing in the doorway with tears in her eyes. He could almost see her bouncing with anticipation of hugging him and he just knew that the only thing she wanted right now, was to hug his heartache away. A small smile graced Tim's face as he held out his arms.
"Come here Abbs. We need to talk."
Abby bounded over and wrapped her arms around her friend. Tim practically melted into the familiar embrace.
"Abbs?"
"Yeah Timmy?"
"Can you stop calling me Timmy please?"
Abby huffed out an affronted 'hmph' and stepped back out of the hug. Tim almost missed the warmth that she provided and leaned back in the chair. "Why? No, no don't answer that. Sorry it's just high stress situations. Sorry Ti...McGee."
"Aww come on Abbs. McGee? What about a compromise and we go with Tim." He smiled at Abby warmly and watched her relax.
"Okay. Tim it is. Oooh I bought cinnamon rolls. You want one?"
Tim chuckled and took the proffered Danish gratefully.
"You mean Ducky's letting me have a treat?"
"Sure, he suggested them...not that I wouldn't have bought them because I would. He just thou..."
"Abbs! Woah! slow down. It's a nice thought, thank you." He took a bite out of the treat and sighed with contentment at the sweetness. Gibbs walked into the room carrying two mugs and handed one to each of his surrogate children.
"You enjoyin' that McGee?" He grinned at the look of joy on Tim's face. It had been a long time since he had seen the young man looking so happy.
"Yeah." Tim looked down at the floor suddenly looking guilty at having enjoying the pastry so much and reached over to put it on the small napkin that sat on the table. Gibbs frowned heavily and put his hand on Tim's shoulder.
"There's nothing wrong with that. You got me?"
"Yeah, Boss." Tim's voice was flat and disbelieving leaving Gibbs with nothing to do but sigh and leave the room. He gave Abby a small smile on his way out.
"Hey Tim, I um...I just want to..." Abby choked on her words and fought back the tears that threatened to fall "Oh God. Tim I'm so sorry. I did come to see you but you were asleep."
"You came to shout at me. You left because you were pissed off." Tim seemed to visibly shrink in front of her as he admitted what he thought.
"No! No Tim, I came to see you. I needed you to know how sorry I was that I'd left it for so long and that I didn't blame you."
"I thought..."
"You thought I'd come to shout? That I didn't care and had pushed you out like all the others." Abby felt a tear streak down her face when she realized exactly where Tim's thoughts had taken him.
"Why not? Wouldn't be any different to the way everyone else acted." Tim sounded completely defeated and the thought of her friend being left alone in that much pain pulled at her heart.
"I didn't think that. How could I? Ziva's been in pieces and needed me. I stayed with her so I could help her, Tim."
"What about me Abbs? You know, there was a time when we'd all be there for each other and I was pretty much pushed out because of this...because I protected Tony." There were old wounds that would take more time to heal and it was clear to Abby that this was one of them. Abby fiddled with the Danish in her hand.
"I'm sorry. I'm so, so sorry Tim. What can I do to fix this? I miss you; I miss our friendship."
"Just be here now Abbs. There's nothing you can say or do that is going to change what happened and it's gonna take time. The boss has been there for me now but I still can't believe that he's completely forgiven me."
"What? Tim, Gibbs knows it's not your fault. What could he possibly have to forgive you for? You can't keep doing this to yourself."
"Doing what? Blaming myself? Kicking myself about the fact that i'm here and Tony's not? I can't help it. It should never have been Tony; he shouldn't have died in that warehouse." Tim looked down and breathed heavily to try to stem the torrent of tears that threatened.
"No." Abby whispered more to herself when it dawned on her what Tim meant "No, you think it would be any better if you had died? It wouldn't and I can't believe you are still thinking that way. Ideally, no one would have gone and you would both be here, but it didn't happen like that. Tim. We're all glad you are here. I'm glad you are here." She stood up and made her way back over to Tim.
"Thanks Abbs. Oh God is it ever going to end?" Tim let go of the tears that threatened and felt himself being pulled into a tight hug. He wasn't sure how long they sat there but felt safe and loved as he sobbed uncontrollably in Abby's arms.
"It will, Tim. I promise." She felt the tears streak down her face and between them they sobbed; not only for their lost friend, but for the friendship they had re-built the bridge to.
"I'm not so sure. I just feel so empty now. I can't seem to pull myself out of...It's hard, Abbs." Abby pulled away and cupped Tim's face in her hands. The sobbing had subsided now and in its place silent, slow tears streaked down Tim's cheeks.
"You can Timmy. You can do it and we're here to help. I know it's hard but you've got to fight...for me, for Gibbs but most of all for Tony. He won't want this."
"I know and i'm trying, I really am! It's just hard. Some days i'm fine and others I feel like this and there's nothing that can pull me out of it." Tim had no idea why he was telling Abby this. Maybe it was because she was always the one he could speak to; whatever the reason he didn't know but he could feel the heavy burden lighten on his shoulders. "I'm sorry Abbs, I shouldn't be putting this one you, it's just that I can'...Hey, you promised not to call me Timmy anymore."
Abby chuckled and kissed Tim tenderly on the cheek.
"I really am sorry I didn't come to see you. I..There's no excuse and I'm sorry. You have no idea how sorry I am and how much I regret that decision."
"I know why you didn't. You were looking after everyone else. I'm not going to lie to you; it's going to take time and that is one thing I do have right about now." Tim stood up stiffly and moved over to the couch; he sat down with a groan and gently lay down on the thick soft cushions. The deep sobbing had left him feeling drained, exhausted and sore as his healing wounds protested slightly against the physical strain.
"You okay?" Abby's worried tone carried over to him and he soon felt her hand resting on his forehead. "Lift up a minute."
Tim lifted his body slightly and she sat down. He soon felt a hand pulling him down and sighed when his head rested on her thigh.
"If you're tired, sleep. I'll be here when you wake up." She watched Tim's eyes slowly close as his body gave in to the exhaustion that loomed.
"He okay, Abbs?" Turning slightly, Abby smiled at Gibb's standing in the doorway.
"I'm good. We're good, we talked and I think everything's going to be all right." Gibbs smiled at Abby's whispered words and could feel the relief wash over him as he watched her gently card her fingers through Tim's hair. Walking over to her, he bent down and kissed her on the cheek.
"Attagirl Abbs, Attagirl."
Gibbs walked back into the kitchen and started a pot of coffee percolating. It wasn't long before he was joined by Ducky and the two of them waited patiently for the drinks to be ready.
"Is everything all right in there, Jethro? I don't want that young man over exerting himself."
"I don't think he's at risk of doing that." Gibbs huffed out a light laugh "He's fallen asleep with his head in Abby's lap."
That piece of news made Ducky smile and he accepted the mug of coffee that Jethro offered.
"I take it everything went well then. We should rescue Abigail soon though before she becomes uncomfortable."
"We will, just leave them a while longer." Gibbs inhaled the aroma of his favourite coffee and sighed heavily.
"Jethro?"
"He gets tired easily Duck. Is it ever gonna get easier for him?"
"Of course it will my friend. You need to learn patience." Ducky rested his hand on his friends shoulder and sat down in one of the kitchen chairs. The two friends looked comfortable and totally at ease as they talked; so much so that they didn't hear Abby walk in.
"Hey guys."
"Abigail. You managed to disentangle yourself from young Timothy I see."
"Sure did, Ducky." She looked almost regretful at having lost that closeness "I was thirsty and needed a drink though. I threw the afghan over him, is that ok?"
"Of course it is, my dear." Ducky stood up and hugged Abby. "Sit down and join us, Abby. It's been a while since we have talked properly."
Abby sat down and accepted the coffee and the bottle of water that Gibbs handed to her.
"Thanks, Gibbs. Oh hey, There's something I've been meaning to ask." She paused and took a long drink of the water. "Where's Jethro?"
"The dog? Damn, I never thought about the mutt. Duck?" Gibbs kicked himself again at forgetting about Tim's faithful friend. He couldn't help but think about the first time Tim had met the dog that had soon become his faithful friend.
"Ahh, yes. I'm surprised Timothy hasn't asked before now. When her parents went home shortly after Timothy was released from the hospital, Sarah though it prudent for them to take Jethro home with them until her brother was feeling better. Don't worry, Jethro is well taken care of."
"I don't doubt that Duck. I think we should get him back." Gibbs looked thoughtful; why in the world hadn't he thought about the mutt?
"Gibbs, that's a brilliant idea. Tim would love to see Jethro again." Abby looked ready to vibrate off the chair with excitement.
"I agree Jethro. I believe it is time for Timothy to resume some semblance of normality in his life and this will be the one thing that would lift his spirits no end." Ducky looked over at Gibbs and noticed the slightly sullen, guilty look that graced his friend's face. "Listen to me now, Jethro. Forgetting something whilst in the throes of grief isn't unusual and I'm sure the dog wasn't high on your list of priorities, especially with the severity of Timothy's problems being first on your list. Now, Timothy's parents have enjoyed having him and he is safe, and loved and Sarah has graciously offered to bring him back when her brother is ready for him, .so you can stop worrying."
"Yeah Duck. I know you're right but..."
"We're all guilty of forgetting Gibbs, but until we can move on, Tim won't let himself so we need to get over this now!" Abby moved her hand so it rested on top of Gibbs'; she sighed with relief when his fingers curled slightly around her fingertips.
"So then, what do we do now?"
"I'll call Sarah in the morning and will ask her how soon we can collect Jethro." Ducky grinned broadly at his two friends "but until then, it's 9pm and Timothy would be much more comfortable in his own bed."
"I'll go wake him up, Duck." Gibbs stood from the table and glanced down at Abby "What are you doin' Abbs? You staying for another coffee?"
Abby beamed at Gibbs' expectant tone.
"Well actually... that is if it's all right...well..."
"Abby!"
"Can I stay here tonight? I want to be with Tim when he wakes up and we've got loads more that we need to talk about." Gibbs looked at Ducky and shrugged once.
"I don't have a problem with it but what about work, Abbs?"
"Vance has already agreed to give me tomorrow off. I figured that whichever way this goes would mean I couldn't concentrate." Abby looked like an innocent little child as she sat there and addressed the two father figures in her life.
"Well, I certainly don't have a problem, my dear. The guest bedroom next to Timothy's is made up already and you are more than welcome to stay there, though I will ask that you don't disturb him. He still needs his rest."
"Actually, I wanted to stay with Tim." Abby blushed slightly and looked sheepish as she requested the one thing she wanted. "In his bed... Not to do anything, just to, you know, cuddle and sleep and stuff."
"I don't think that's a good idea..."
"Why not?" They all jumped at Tim's voice as it travelled across the kitchen from the door "it's not like we're gonna be disrespectful in your home, Ducky. It'll be good for Abby and I to talk some more."
"Timothy, You really should sle..."
"Please Ducky. I'll be good." Abby's pleas and Tim's consent melted is resolve and he soon gave in.
"Very well, but you must sleep Timothy." Ducky lightly admonished.
"I will. I'm going to head up, Abbs, you coming or do you want to stay down here a bit longer?" Tim clung to the door frame and yawned loudly behind his hand as it hid his face for a minute.
"I'm coming now. Oh Tim, can I borrow one of your t-shirts?" Tim chuckled and nodded his head before turning toward Ducky and Gibbs and thanking them both for everything and then slowly making his way up the stairs.
"Night guys, i'll see you in the morning." Abby kissed Ducky and Gibbs on the cheek and left the two of them sitting there looking slightly bemused.
"Wel''d say that went well, Jethro."
"Yeah, I just hope they are all as easy as that, Duck."
Tim settled back in bed with a sigh He felt Abby crawl in beside him and turned his head to look at her. She had chosen Tim's old MIT t-shirt to sleep in and Tim couldn't help but smile at the familiarity of the situation.
"You all right Tim?"
"I'm good. Just really tired."
"Lie down." Abby waited for him to settle into a comfortable position before wrapping her arm round his waist.
"I am sorr,y Tim."
"I know, Abbs. We'll talk some more in the morning," Tim felt his eyes start to close again and settled into sleep feeling warmer and more comfortable than he had in weeks. He let his arm travel down to rest over Abby's and twined his fingers through hers.
"Okay. Are we really all right?"
"We really are, Abbs." With that last thought, Tim succumbed to slumber as it pulled him down into the first dreamless sleep he'd had in while. Abby followed soon after knowing, that no matter what, she had finally started to mend her relationship with Tim.. They would be all right now.