After Two Weeks
Gibbs was resting in his room. His injuries were started healing including his left thigh. McGee informed him about Wayne's trial. He has to spend 6 months in jail. Gibbs was pretty upset about it. He promised Wayne he will help him but he knows Vance was right. He had been working with Wynn for years so he has to go to prison. He didn't want to talk about it with anyone, not even with Sloane. He heard his room door was open and closed. He didn't even open his eyes to check who was that person.
"McGee... did you bring my coffee?" He asked McGee. He was very happy because Dr. Stephen allow him to drink coffee.
"Hey.. Boss. You are awake good. Yeah, here you go. Black and strong just the way you want." McGee gave him a cup of coffee. Gibbs take it and first he smell its aroma and then take a first sip of the coffee.
"It's a good coffee. Thanks McGee."
"No problem, Boss. Anything else do you want?" McGee was smiling when he saw Gibbs drinking coffee like little kid.
"Mmm.. yeah. Please sit down. Want to talk with you about... about something." Gibbs replied and tell him to sit down. McGee take a seat next to his bed on the chair.
"What happened Boss? Are you okay? Should I call Doctor? You two are fighting again! Aren'tyou? " McGee was worried because Gibbs never asked him before to sit down and chat with him.
"Who two?" Gibbs asked McGee with big question mark on his face.
"You and Jack. You two are fighting again right?"
"NO. We are good. Why would you even think that were fighting?" Gibbs ask him.
"Because you are not talking with each other. You are avoiding her Boss. You know she was so worried about you and keep asking Ducky and team about you, that we find you or had any update on you. C'mon Boss, she cares for you. Where is she by the way?" McGee informed Gibbs that how much Sloane care about him.
"Don't you think I already know that McGee. I know she cares about me and I send her to have some breakfast in canteen. It's.. it's Grace. She wants me to talk to her about what happened. About what we have been through. You know me, I'm not that kind of person who can open up with someone easily." Gibbs trying to explain McGee.
"But you were opened up with me Boss, about your Ex fiancee, then why not with Sloane. You two are very close to each other. You both understand each other very well. You should try it Boss. You know she needs it too. You have to do this for yourself and for Jack." McGee try to encourage him to open up and talk with Sloane. Gibbs was feeling proud how McGee was handling everything. His team, the case, his family and now him. Gibbs nodded and tell him to sit for a while with him.
"Are you sure you don't need Doctor Boss?"
"I'm.. I'm good. Just need to talk with you about what Wynn told me." Gibbs cleared his throat and take a deep breath and start talking.
"You know when he moved me to the other place.. he keep telling me that he was going to arrest you, all of you. He makes me believe that you all are under custody of DOD. He told me that SecNev was going to fired Vance so nobody was going to help you..." Gibbs clear his throat and drink some coffee.
"I was scared first time in my career as a NCIS agent. Not for myself but for all of you. You, Bishop and Torres. I never tell you all of you that YOU ARE THE ONLY KIDS I'VE LEFT. I can do anything for you. But at that time I was feeling helpless because I was stuck in that warehouse.
I wanted to save you from that bastard. He makes me believe that I failed all of you. Just because of me you all are going to prison. He forced me to watch that press conference and when I didn't saw any of you he started taunting me that they got you and team. I AM SORRY McGee. I was not there when you needed me. I'm sorry, I let the team down. I... "
"C'mon Gibbs. It's not your fault and we're right here in front of you. SecNev helps us and she took care of him. And WE ARE SORRY Gibbs. We didn't find you in time. When we saw you tied up and being beaten by Wynn Crawford ... you have no idea how much we all are scared." Bishop cut his sentence before she apologized again.
"Ellie is right Gibbs... we all are scared when we didn't find you at George's warehouse. We failed you TWICE. If we have been reached there in time you won't be here lying on this hospital bed. If we got that bastard before he could hurt you. WE ARE SORRY GIBBS. I'm glad that you killed that bastard other wise I make him suffer for what he did to you and Jack." Nick join them and shares his feelings.
"Boss we all are glad that we got you back. Just want to know one thing if you are okay with it?" McGee asked him.
"And I am glad that you guys are okay. What you want to know McGee?" Gibbs voice choked after what his team tell him.
"Well it's for report that SecNev want. I want to ask you before but Doctor didn't allow us to ask any questions about case. I know it's hard for you Boss but I want to know what happened before we arrived at the warehouse? I mean how..."
"Did I kill Wynn Crawford?" Gibbs complete his sentence.
"Yeah, it's okay if you don't want to talk about it right now we can talk about it later." McGee knows for Gibbs it would be hard to explain it.
"If you are not comfortable then I and Nick can wait outside. C'mon Nick. " Bishop took Nick hand in her and start walking toward the door.
"No. There's no need. You can stay." Gibbs ordered them to sit down and started telling him what happened before they found him.
"He was pissed after watching that live footage. He looses his mind and started beating Wayne and broke his camera and then he walked toward me but Wayne kicked him and stopped him then he hit one of the guard and shot him with his own gun and shot the other guard who was going to shoot me. Then he came toward me and was going to help me but Crawford knocked him down. I tackled him and slammed him against the railing and his back hits hard and he slide down on the floor. He kicked me and grabbed me by my right hand and encircled my arm around the railing and started choking me with his other hand. I managed to swing my left hand and punched him in his face he fell down. I walked toward Wayne and tried to wake him up but Wynn kicked me on my back between my shoulders blade and then grabbed me by collar and dragged me to the railing and tied my hands to the railing." Gibbs was trying to tell them everything in detail. Nick clenched his teeth when Gibbs was telling them about what happened.
"I was weak and exhausted. Hell I don't even strength to lift my head and can watch what he was doing. Pain in my right hand was killing me. I couldn't concentrate on loosing my restraints. When I heard shot and saw Wayne took that bullet for me. I was struggling against the ropes. I heard Wynn's gun was jammed and I managed to free my left hand and got Wayne's gun and fired three shots right into his chest.
God that was really painful because my right hand was still tied up with that damn railing and have to stretch my whole body to get the gun. Then I turned to my right side and freed my right arm. Then I checked on Wayne and I only remember that you arrived and I don't remember what happened after that. When I regain consciousness I found myself in here." Gibbs tell them everything without any hesitation and fill them with all details. Gibbs can see anger on his team's face.
"Hey... it's okay. I'm fine now. You got me in the time." Gibbs said with smile on his face.
"No, Boss. You fight with Crawford on your own. You and Wayne both saved each others life. We should have to work hard and found you in time. We are sorry Boss. Just because of us you have to had been through all of these." McGee was feeling guilty about they didn't get Gibbs in time.
"C'mon McGee. It's okay. I know next time you will find me in time." Gibbs tried to cheer him up.
"We won't let this happen to you again Gibbs. What if something happened to you? We never forgive ourselves. NEVER. " Bishop said as she wiped her tear.
"Bish.. is right Gibbs. What if Wayne was not there to help you? What if you were not able to cut loose your bindings. Thanks to Wayne you are here with us. Because if he wasn't there we losts you man." Nick voice almost chocked.
"Yeah Boss, we owed Wayne big time." McGee said.
"Yeah, McGee. I owe him with my life. Now go back to your work and give me an update about anything you got."
"But we don't have any case Gibbs." Bishop said with confusion.
"Paper work Bishop. Now go.." before Gibbs complete his sentence Bishop hugged him like she hugged him when she's playing baseball, before joining NCIS after that Parsa case. Gibbs smile and patted her back and kissed her on her forehead.
McGee gave him hugged and Gibbs whispered in his ear "Atta boy..."
"Hey, Boss. Don't try to trick Sloane for another cup of coffee. One cup is enough for one day. And you are going to talk with her. Or I will call Grace." McGee tell Gibbs.
"Okay, I will talk with her.. Dad" Gibbs said with childish expressions. Then they both laugh. McGee leaves with Bishop and Torres.
After talking with his team Gibbs was feeling lighter and he decides he will talk with Sloane about what happened back there. And she entered in the room with his breakfast.
"C'mon Gibbs, it's time for breakfast. I see your team came to meet you. So how it goes?" Sloane asked him.
"Good. They were blaming theirselves for what happened with me. But now all is good." Gibbs tell her with his full mouth. After having his breakfast Sloane gives Gibbs his meds.
"Hey, Jack." After taking his meds he grabbed her hand and stop her.
"Yeah, Gibbs. You need something?" Jack turned around and asked him with concern.
"Hmm.. yes. WE need to talk. Please sit down."
"Don't you think talking with your team was enough for today. I mean we can talk later you should have to take rest Gibbs." Sloane was trying to avoid him.
"No. We are going to talk and we are going to talk NOW. So please sit down." Gibbs said firmly because they both were avoiding to talk with each others on this matter. After talking with his team he was feeling better that is why he wants to talk with Sloane so she can feel better.
"Fine.. what you want to talk about.?" Sloane really hate stubborn Gibbs.
"We both know what we want need to talk about. Our assignment, Wynn Crawford, Victor.." Gibbs started to push her buttons. When she heard Victor's name she's feeling uncomfortable.
"Look Gibbs, I know that was tough time for both of us and I know that they used me to get you Gibbs. Ì am ..."
"Don't."
"What I didn't say anything! "
"But I can read it in your eyes, Jack. There's no need to be sorry. What happened was nobody's fault. There's only one man was responsible for it. And now he's dead. You are safe and so I am, Jack. So don't feel guilty about what happened. IT WAS NOT YOUR FAULT. YOU HEAR ME." Gibbs tell her. She just nodded in answer and started crying. She took his hand in her and kissed his hand.
"But they used me against you Gibbs. I know you are tough nut to crack Gibbs. But they get you. And I know you were playing hero and tried to get their attention from me. They beat you badly but still you always try to protect me instead of protecting yourself.
They leave me in that warehouse to make you suffer. You had been through a lot more than me. I'm sorry Gibbs, I know somehow I let you down. I have to be strong there for you. But..."
"Who told you that you are not strong? You are the strongest woman I ever met. There's nothing we could do. They were holding all cards. They know already how much you mean to me. I would do anything to protect you. And I ALWAYS WILL." Gibbs replied as he lean closer to Jack and kissed her on her face.
"I'm glad that you killed those bastards. Victor and Wynn. But I really feel bad for Wayne. He helped us a lot and that guy saved your life. But he still had to go to prison. It's a really shameful." Sloane said as she shifts herself closer to Gibbs.
"Yeah, but we will figure it out once I get out of here. I want to eat something sweet can you please arrange..." before Gibbs complete his sentence Sloane kissed him and Gibbs kissed her back. They heard knock on the door and they broke their kiss and try to be normal.
"Good morning agent Gibbs. Agent Sloane how are you? You didn't came for coffee last night. Would like to have some coffee with me.?" Dr. Stephen started flirting with Sloane.
"Good morning doc and I'm fine too." Gibbs said in sarcasm.
"Oh.. I am sorry agent Gibbs. How are you doing?" Dr. Stephen asked.
"I'm good. Just tell me when I can go home. And please give me some proper clothes to wear. I hate these gowns. Or I will tell McGee to bring some clothes from my house." Gibbs asked him with very impatient voice.
"You can go home after few tests. If it comes with good results then you can go home by next week. And yes, I can provide you some better clothes." Stephen replied. And few moments later one male nurse came with hospital's staff's blue tshirts and blue pajamas. He helps Gibbs to change his clothes. Gibbs's right hand was still in sling so he was having little trouble.
"So.. feeling comfortable agent Gibbs?" Stephen came back when Gibbs was done with clothes.
"Yeah, I am."
"Where's agent Sloane?"
"To get some coffee. Not for me, for herself." Gibbs replied when he saw strictness on Stephen's face.
"Good. Well tell me something about her Agent Gibbs."
"Why?" Gibbs snaps
"I want to know about her. She's a great woman. Isn't she?" Stephen replied
"Yeah, she is. But she is not your type doc." Gibbs said
"Why?"
"She has a boyfriend." Gibbs replied with smile.
"What? Do you know him?" Stephen asked in shock.
"Yeah, and yes I know him. They both work together." Gibbs was enjoying.
"You ever met him?"
"Every day at my workplace."
"How does he look?"
"Tall, handsome, smart, brave, charming, women's around at our work place says he has very beautiful blue eyes. But he's not very talkative."
"Okay, I can't take this anymore. What's his name?" Stephen asked impatiently, as he started being jealous.
"Special Agent Leroy Jethro Gibbs." Gibbs gave him smile.
"It sounds familiar. Wait a minute... you are her boyfriend. Then why didn't you just said it. What's with gusse the name game.." Stephen asked him with flat face. He was sounds little disappointed.
"I am just answering your questions doc. Why didn't you ask me direct the name?" Gibbs was still enjoying.
"Lucky you. She's a nice woman, Gibbs." He sounds jealous.
"Don't you think I know that.." Gibbs was laughing.
"Would you mind if I ask her for date?"
"Yes, I do mind. She's MY girl, Doc. Go
find yours." Gibbs replied.
"I was just trying anyway." Stephen said.
"Better luck next time Doc.." Gibbs smile at him.
"Hey, Gibbs. Aah.. I can see finally you convince Doctor Stephen about your clothes. By the way you were looking cute in that hospital gown." Sloane was teasing him and Stephen laugh when she called Gibbs cute. Gibbs just give him his famous Gibbs glare.
"Hey.. sorry doc, I can't come with you today for coffee. I have little stubborn kid to babysit. Right Gibbs." Sloane said and kissed him on his forehead. Gibbs smirking at Stephen and wink. He stood there with puppy face.
"It's okay Jack. Doc just informed me he had some work to do. So he wants me to tell you that he is not going to come with you for coffee. Right doc?" Gibbs tell Sloane and asked Stephen with firm voice.
"Yes, he is right AGENT Sloane. I was feeling bad so I asked Gibbs to tell you. Okay, so agent Gibbs tomorrow we are going to ran X-ray test on your shoulder injury, so we can remove this sling." Stephen said in his Doctor mode.
"Aah.. finally. Okay, doc.." Gibbs was happy to hear it.
"Now take some rest. Good day Ja.. Agent Sloane." Stephen said and smiled at Gibbs.
"Hey, Steve.. how about having dinner tomorrow night? If you are okay with that?" Jack asked him. Before answering her question Stephen looks at Gibbs, who shook his head and Stephen got that.
"Sorry, but I have lots of work to do and tomorrow we have to ran some tests on Gibbs and have to work on his report. Maybe next time." Stephen replied and leave.
Sloane turned to Gibbs and folds her hand and staring at him with narrow eyes. Gibbs noticed her but didn't say anything.
"Steve, REALLY! Wow..." Gibbs whispered.
"What did you tell him?" She asked him.
"What are you talking about, Jack?"
"He called me agent Sloane. He never called me agent Sloane. I'm damn sure you tell him something. You threatened him?"
"WHAT! No.. it's his choice if he called you agent Sloane and not Jack."
"C'mon Gibbs, he was looking at you before answering my question. Just say it what you tell him."
"I just tell him that you are my Girlfriend. That's it. Are you happy now." Gibbs replied.
"You really said that to him!"
"Yeah, I can't let someone else dating my girl." Gibbs was talking like jealous husband.
"You are feeling insecure Gibbs. You're jealous. Look at your face.. Gibbs."Sloane was laughing at him.
"C'mon, I am not jealous. If you want to go with him for dinner then go. I don't mind." Gibbs tried to hide his jealousy but even strange person can tell that he's jealous.
"Okay, if you say so.. what should I wear? " Sloane knows he's trying to hide his insecurity. And she started walking toward the door.
"Hey.. I am not feeling good Jack. I'm in pain." Jack ran toward him and asked him what he was feeling.
"Where does it hurt Gibbs ? Are you okay? " Sloane was scared.
"Here.." Gibbs dramatically pointed at his heart and started laughing.
"YOU... BASTARD. You scared the hell out of me." Sloane yelled at him and punched Gibbs in his left shoulder.
"C'mon give me something for pain, Jack." Gibbs said with childish face. Jack kissed him on his chest.
"Here.." he pointed at his right temple. She kissed him on his right temple.
"Here.." Gibbs said and pointing at his left cheek. She kissed him on his cheek.
"And here.." Gibbs pointed on his lips. She kissed him on his lips. They both are kissing each other and they both started laughing.
"Aah... this reminds me a very good movie Indiana Jones The Raiders of the Lost Ark. It was released in 1981 starring with Harrison Ford and very gorgeous actress Karen Allen. I can see that both of you recreating that iconic movie scene..." Ducky said in his British accent.
"How long you have been standing there Duck?" Gibbs asked him.
"Long enough my boy. Just don't want to spoil your moment. I can see that you are recovering fast Jethro. It's a good sign. I talk with our Doctor Stephen he told me that you would be discharge soon. But after your tests results. Now Jack you can go home and take some rest. I will be here with Gibbs, hope you don't mind Jethro." Ducky walked in the room and replied Gibbs question as he sitting down on the couch.
"No. I don't mind Ducky. Go home Jack and take some rest. I will be fine." Gibbs said to Jack.
"Okay then. I just have to grab my things.. Thank you for releasing me Ducky. See you later Cowboy." Sloane grabs her coat and handbag and kissed Gibbs on his cheek. Then she leaves. Gibbs looked at Ducky who was smiling at him. Gibbs lay down and try to sleep.
At Doctor Grace clinic
McGee, Bishop and Torres are sitting in her cabin. They all are looking nervous still feeling guilty. Dr. Grace was waiting for who's going to start talking first. She was done waiting and stand up and get some water for them.
"Okay. Looks like I have to start conversation. What happened? Leon called me." Grace said as she sit down in her chair.
"Well, we interviewed Gibbs about what happened before we reached the warehouse." Bishop said she was tapping her finger on table.
"And..."
"He tell us everything." McGee replied.
"So what's happened with all of you? Jack called Leon, Leon called me. What did Gibbs say?" Grace asked them.
"He just tell us what happened. But we are feeling like we let him down. If we work hard on the case he might not be in the hospital." Nick finally tell her what they are feeling.
"C'mon, you did good. And there's nothing to feel guilty about what happened with him. Now stop blaming yourselves."
"It's not like other case doc, its Gibbs we are talking about. He's like father to us. What did we do if we losts him? We could never forgive ourselves." McGee replied and stood up and tried to hide his tears.
"Wow.. Did Gibbs knows about how all of you feel for him?" Grace was stunted by McGee's reaction.
"He already knows. He open up about how he feel about us. He said 'We're the only kids he had left. " McGee tell her.
"Gibbs told you that! Without any force?" Grace was surprised. Gibbs who barely said a single word, he open up in front of his team and shared his feelings for them. She took a bottle that she brought for them opened that bottle and take a sip of water.
"He's improving very well. And you guys stop thinking that you failed him. You did one hell of a job. You didn't give up on him. You fought against Secretary of Defense to bring Gibbs back. You didn't care about your carrier and you keep fighting for Gibbs. C'mon people what is wrong with you?
McGee you know him well if you made mistake in this case you all won't be here. You all were finding new jobs right now."
"We know that doc. But we all were scared. We don't want to loose him." Nick said in heavy voice.
"We all are scared. I know it's tough for you because you all are too close to Gibbs now. Gibbs is very special person in your life. And for him you all are special to Gibbs. So if Gibbs is saying that it wasn't your fault, that means he respects your efforts and he knows you all are doing your best.
So for Gibbs's sake stop blaming your self. Just remember what he said today was very precious thing. Because person like Gibbs hardly shares their feelings for people who are important in their lives. So now be a good kids and stop feeling guilty. Or you all have to come this whole week for therapy sessions..."
"Oh.. no, no.. we are good. Right Bishop?" McGee replied and opened the office door.
"Yeah, I am agree with McGee. We are good. Thanks Doc.."
"Yo.. wait for me. I am okay too. Gracias doc.." Nick ran after them. Grace cell rings as they leave.
"Yes.. Leon they're fine. Just don't be harsh on them until Gibbs get discharge from hospital. Your welcome. How's Sloane doing? That's great. Call me if need my help. Bye."
Now Gibbs is doing fine and he was having fun with Sloane. He open up in front of his team and Sloane. His team is also having hard time but Grace took care of it.
Let's see what Gibbs's reports say. And will Vance approve him for field work or even desk work?
Stay tuned for next chapter.
Thank you.