Chapter Ten
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Gibbs entered isolation on Thursday to hear DiNozzo pleading with Brad to sign his release papers. He smirked, knowing DiNozzo would've already signed himself out AMA if Gibbs hadn't extracted his second's word that he'd do no such thing. Little did DiNozzo know, Gibbs was actually here to spring him.
"C'mon, Brad, I'm going crazy in here. You don't even a have a tv. You took me off the oxygen this morning, and I'm fine. All I'm doing is sleeping, and I'll do that more comfortably in my own apartment," Tony said, frustration bleeding through his words.
"You know, I never thought I'd meet anyone who whined more than my little brother, but I stand corrected. You're a pain in the ass, DiNozzo," Brad said, even-toned and without even looking up from his chart.
"I've been telling him that for years," Gibbs said, causing Tony to start. Gibbs could tell just by the fact he'd been able to startle him that Tony wasn't yet back to full health – not that he'd expected it. There was still a raspy wheeze in the younger man's breathing if you listened close enough.
"Boss!" Tony said, a wide grin blooming across his face. "What are you doing here?"
Gibbs had to admit, it was nice getting such a warm greeting. Most people tried to duck and run when they saw him coming.
"Here to pick you up," he said, fighting to keep his expression neutral.
Tony's expression turned rapidly from pleasure to confusion to a wary hopefulness.
"Boss?" he asked.
Brad didn't have as good a poker face as Gibbs did, and he grinned at his patient. "Weren't you just saying how much you wanted out of here?" he asked.
"I'm really going home?" Tony asked, looking rather stunned. His pale face and the dark circles beneath his eyes added to the overall pitifulness of the situation.
While Gibbs wanted to torment DiNozzo a bit longer, his agent obviously wasn't up to his usual 'giving as good as he got' nature. "Not your home. You're coming to my house this time. Someone needs to keep an eye on you. I've already asked McGee to set up my new tv and bring over your movie thingamacallit. I told him to bring some of your movies, too – and yes, I asked for Magnum and James Bond specifically," Gibbs said.
Tony's eyes widened before he looked down, shifting uncomfortably on the bed. "You don't have to do that, Boss."
"Never said I had to," Gibbs replied, wondering what was bothering him. Tony had stayed with Gibbs a few times in the past for a variety of reasons, and there was no reason for him to avoid coming back. Perhaps he just really wanted to go home, but knowing Tony would sleep most of the time, anyway, Gibbs would be happier with his boat to work on.
"Well, I said it. I'm signing off on you leaving, Tony, but not if you're going to be alone. It's either with Gibbs, or I can arrange a transfer to a rehabilitation facility," Brad said.
Nora walked over to them, beaming, and carrying a stack of familiar clothing. "Do you want to leave in those pajamas, or would you prefer to get dressed?" she asked.
Tony quickly rose from the bed but he faltered, and Nora had to grab his arm, steadying him. "Slow down there, cowboy. Until your appetite returns, you'll find yourself feeling lightheaded if you move too fast."
"I'm okay," Tony said, straightening. He wrapped his fingers around his street clothes and walked slowly toward the bathroom. Nora kept her grip on his arm, however, and matched his slow and steady pace.
"He really okay to leave?" Gibbs asked once Tony was out of earshot.
"I wouldn't let him go if he wasn't. The pneumonia took a lot out of him, and he's still really tired and weak, but he bristles if you remind him of it," Brad said.
"That doesn't have anything to do with the pneumonia. He always hates to be told he isn't up to something," Gibbs said, chuckling.
"That doesn't surprise me at all. Still, he's obviously useless at realistically knowing his own limitations, so if he's leaving here with you, you're going to have to watch him carefully. He's on a bunch of antibiotics, they're all labeled along with their doses and time schedule in a bag Vivian will give you. He needs to take them until they're gone. I've also got him on a few vitamin supplements until his appetite comes back," Brad said.
"He lost a lot of weight the first time, and it hadn't come back before he relapsed," Gibbs said, remembering how Tony's clothes had hung on him the day they'd returned to the hospital.
"I know, and he's lost more since he's been here. His appetite will return, but don't be surprised if it takes some time. Try and get healthy food into him whenever possible, but honestly, give him whatever he'll take and tolerate. If he insists that he can't eat, encourage but don't force it. Puking won't help his lungs any," Brad said.
"I suppose a good steak is out of the question?" Gibbs asked.
Brad grinned. "As I said, puking won't help his lungs any."
"Soup it is then," Gibbs said, remembering the huge batch of chicken soup Kate had made for Tony the last time with bittersweet fondness.
"He's still sleeping a lot, but that's good, so let him. There are a few inhalers in the medication bag if he struggles to catch his breath. It's worse during the night, as I'm sure you remember," Brad said.
"Oh, yeah. Anything else?" Gibbs asked, glad he'd arranged for Ducky to meet them at the house to sort out all the medications.
"Since it's summer, it's not as pressing, but keep him from getting chilled. He's not going to be up to anything strenuous for a few weeks, but once he's able to stay awake throughout the day, he can go back to work on desk duty," Brad said. "You have to make sure he doesn't rush it again, Gibbs."
Gibbs shook his head, the familiar guilt roiling in his belly. "I won't let him rush it. Learned my lesson last time."
"Something tells me whatever lesson you're talking about involves me. What did I miss?" Tony asked, returning from the bathroom dressed in the T-shirt and OSU sweatpants he'd worn when Gibbs had brought him here over a week ago. The clothes looked very baggy on him, and he had to sit back on the bed, sweating slightly from the exertion of walking to the bathroom.
"Just giving Gibbs the list of instructions that you need to follow if I'm really going to sign you out of here. Stray from the list, and you're coming right back," Brad warned.
"I'm not coming back here, Brad," Tony said, shaking his head. There was a note of finality in his raspy voice.
"I hope not. You're a pain in the ass, but the best way to ensure that you don't is to follow the instructions," Brad replied.
Tony flipped Brad off, but the doctor just grinned.
"I saw that, Agent DiNozzo," Vivian said, pushing a wheel chair towards them. On the seat was a bag chock full of various medications and a few other supplies. "Do that again, and I'll break your finger."
Tony grinned. "As long as it doesn't keep me here any longer, and I really don't need that," he said, looking at the wheel chair with disgust.
"I'm afraid you do, so I don't have to scoop you up off the floor. It's a long walk out of here, and you're not quite up to that, yet," Vivian replied easily. Nora took Tony's arm and guided him toward the chair.
"Scoop me up off the floor, huh? But will you still respect me in the morning?" Tony asked, waggling his eyebrows.
Vivian giggled, shaking her head. "You're incorrigible."
"Is that a good thing or a bad thing?" Tony asked.
Vivian rolled her eyes. "The jury's still out on that one."
Gibbs had had enough, and he noticed that DiNozzo's energy was waning, despite his best efforts to cover it up. "If you're quite finished trying to get in her pants, Skippy, Ducky's waiting on us."
The others all chuckled as Tony relaxed into the wheel chair, placing his feet upon the footrests.
"Be well, Tony. Although I don't want to see you back, I'm really glad how well you came through it. Again," Brad said, his eyes sparkling warmly.
"You're just glad you can write a few more chapters in that book on Pneumonic Plague treatment you're writing," Tony said, shaking Brad's hand.
Brad nodded, patting Tony on the shoulder as they released hands. "Very true. You're going to be my meal ticket for years to come. Take care of yourself."
"Will do. Maybe we can get together and shoot a few hoops when I'm back on my feet," he said, eyes beginning to droop.
"Sounds good," Brad replied.
"Good-bye, Sunshine. It's been a pleasure. You take care of yourself," Nora said as Gibbs began pushing the wheel chair towards the exit. They all followed, gathered around him.
"Thanks, Nora," Tony said.
"Good-bye, Agent DiNozzo," Vivian said.
"Tony," he replied, making Gibbs roll his eyes.
Vivian smiled, however. "Tony. I'm actually going to miss you."
"You don't have to – my number's on the discharge paperwork," Tony said, smiling his mega-watt smile. Gibbs didn't know if he realized that it didn't have quite the same effect considering how sickly he still looked.
Vivian chuckled non-committedly. "You take care of yourself. You have Nurse Barbie to remember me by. She's in the bag," she said, patting the bag of supplies on this lap.
"Good-bye, Agent Gibbs. You know where to find me if you're in the area and you want to bring me some coffee," Nora said when they'd reached the elevator.
Gibbs grinned, pressing the down button. "Always a pleasure to meet someone who knows how to make a good cup of coffee."
"You take care of your boy," Nora said.
"Will do," Gibbs replied, feeling pleased.
"I know," Nora said softly, looking fondly at both of them. The elevator dinged its arrival.
"I'm right here, you know," Tony said, interrupting. "Where's Dr. Byun? Didn't he want to see me off?"
"He's off today. Believe it or not, you weren't one of his favorite patients," Brad said as Gibbs pushed Tony into the elevator.
"Shocking, I know," Vivian said, trying to hide her grin.
Nora shrugged, waving her hand. "Eh, he doesn't ever have favorite patients. You were my second favorite."
"Who was the first?" Tony asked, pouting.
"Why, Agent Gibbs, of course," she said, winking as the elevator doors closed.
"I think you have a new fan – too bad she's not a red-head," Tony said, sounding exhausted.
Gibbs gently smacked him on the back of his head.
/* /* /* /*
Tony shut his eyes in the car on the way to Gibbs' house but didn't fall asleep, just rested his head against the window while they reached their destination. Gibbs, of course, was perfectly fine with the silence. Tony was happy to be out of the hospital, but he felt really bad about putting his boss through so much trouble – and disruption – in his well-ordered life.
Again.
He pulled his head off the window and sat up, glancing over at his companion. He leaned his head back against the headrest before saying, "I really appreciate this, Boss. You'll see, I'm doing much better, and I really would be fine on my own. You can take me back to my apartment tomorrow."
"Nope."
"I really don't want to put you out," Tony said.
"You're not," Gibbs replied, eyes fixed on the road, which was probably a good thing because he was going a lot faster than the speed limit.
"You've had to do a lot for me, lately, and I really don't know how to make it up to you," Tony said, knowing he was walking a fine line. He wanted to express his appreciation and gratitude, but he didn't want to set Gibbs off before they were trapped together with no other targets.
Gibbs just gave him a look before returning his eyes to the road.
Tony was uncomfortable, knowing he should just shut up, but as what usually happened in situations like this, his mouth just wouldn't stop moving. "I know how tiring it is to have a houseguest underfoot, but you really don't have to go to any extra trouble. I can take care of myself. You've already done more than you should've ever had to do for a co-worker," he said.
Gibbs remained silent for an extra beat before saying, "You're more than a co-worker, Tony."
Tony whipped his head around so fast the entire car spun He wasn't sure if it was from his recent illness, or the way his brain was having trouble keeping up with the words. He knew he'd placed Gibbs in some sort of parental/older brother sort of role in his own mind. He also knew it probably wasn't healthy as his own feelings and interpretations on what that should mean were so impossibly screwed-up, but Gibbs had never outright acknowledged that Tony meant anything to him more than an annoying yet promising protégé.
"What?" he asked, dumbfounded.
Gibbs sighed. "Don't make me tell you I care, DiNozzo. You already know I do. You and I, we've been together nearly four years now, and I think we make a pretty good team. Our strengths and weaknesses balance the other out. Never had a son, but if I did, I'd want him to be like you," Gibbs said, never taking his eyes off road.
It was a lot of words for Gibbs, and it took a moment to process them all. Tony felt stunned but also incredibly warmed, like his entire insides were melting. He knew it – or at least thought he did – but it was beyond special to hear Gibbs actually say it.
"I love you, too, Boss," he said, beaming although his throat felt extremely tight. Even though he hadn't actually said those exact words, Tony could hear the message. It had been a really long time since anyone had cared about him like that – if ever. Gibbs may have never had a son, but he acted more like a father towards Tony than his own ever had.
"Not gonna hug ya," Gibbs said, sounding much more like the boss Tony knew.
Tony laughed. "Well, I hope not. You're still driving. When we get there, I'll take one, though," he said impishly.
Gibbs made a really sharp turn, and Tony's body jerked sideways, knocking his head into the window. Tony looked over at Gibbs, shocked, as he rubbed his head, but Gibbs just grinned and ruffled Tony's hair.
By the time they pulled into Gibbs' driveway, Tony was really struggling to keep his eyes open. He looked warily at the path leading to Gibbs' front steps. It seemed much longer than he remembered – and certainly longer than the steps it took to get to the head at Bethesda.
Gibbs walked around the front of the car and opened Tony's door, helping him to his feet. Ducky's Morgan was already in the drive. Tony swayed slightly, but Gibbs wrapped his arm around Tony's waist, supporting some of his weight. Tony felt embarrassed by how much he was leaning on Gibbs by the time they'd reached the front door, but there was nothing for it. He'd have been on his ass in the driveway if left on his own. It didn't help that he kept having to hitch up his sweatpants since they kept slipping too low on his hips.
The front door was flung open and Abby rushed out, arms outstretched, and shouting, "You're here!"
If Gibbs hadn't shot his arm out, halting her progress, she would've bowled him over. Jimmy Palmer seemed to realize the situation, and he hurried over, supporting Tony on the other side and assisted Gibbs in bringing him over to the sofa. Tony sunk into the familiar comfort, shutting his eyes. His legs were trembling from the strain of walking into the house.
How was he ever going to pass a fitness test?
"Follow the doc's instructions, and you'll get all your strength back," Gibbs said as if reading his mind.
"I'm so sorry, Tony," Abby said, biting her lip and looking as if she'd committed a major felony.
Tony didn't currently have enough air in his lungs to reassure her, but he waved her away, hoping it looked reassuring.
Ducky carried in the bag of medications the hospital had supplied, and he was reading the labels, nodding his approval.
"This all looks in order. I notice they gave you Albuterol both in an inhaler but also for your nebulizer. Is that here or still at your apartment? You'll need a treatment before you turn in tonight," Ducky said.
Tony frowned. He hated the nebulizer treatments and breathing in the foul, medicated air. They'd sent him home with one of the breathing aids when he'd left the hospital the last time, but he honestly didn't know where it was.
"It's here. I had McGee bring it over along with some of Tony's things," Gibbs said.
McGee came out of the kitchen. "Yeah, it's in Tony's room along with some spare clothing. I set up his entertainment system down here," he said, nodding towards the box of movies on the floor by the brand-new TV.
"Thanks, McHelpful," Tony said, breathing heavily. He shut his eyes for a minute, not just to hide the tiredness trying to drag him under. The whole team was here, welcoming him home, offering comfort and support.
And it did. For someone who'd basically spent his whole life keeping people at a distance, it felt new and wonderous, and he wanted to embrace it. But he couldn't quite manage it because there was someone achingly missing. Her absence cast a long shadow over the entire affair. A gaping hole…
… like the one he'd seen opening as her skull concaved, spraying her life force across his face and the ground where she'd fallen. He'd spent that entire weekend after her funeral both grieving her loss and simmering in his anger at Gibbs, but it wasn't until now that he really felt it. She should be here. With them.
But she never would again.
Abby sat down on his other side, leaning into him and filling his cold insides with warmth. Abby always brought the sunshine and the warmth – which was a funny thing to say about a Goth.
"I miss her, too," she whispered, leaning close so no one else could overhear. "I think it all keeps hitting us when we least expect it."
Tony turned startled eyes upon her, not the least bit capable of keeping any of his many masks in place. He felt moisture building behind his eyes, and although he blinked furiously in an attempt to ban it, he was powerless to stop it completely.
Abby gently reached over and wiped away the evidence with the pad of her thumb, somehow instinctively knowing he wouldn't be able to talk about it. Instead, she squeezed his hand tightly with one of her hands while reaching into his bag and pulling out Nurse Barbie with the other.
"You kept her," she said, sounding delighted. "I knew she'd make you feel better. You started improving right after I brought her in," Abby said happily.
Tony smiled, regaining his composure and patting Abby's leg, grateful for the distraction. He was so tired, but he didn't want to be rude. He glanced around the room, noticing the 'Welcome Home' banner strung over the stairway. Technically, it wasn't his home, and he'd be staying in the guest room, but he felt the warmth of the message just the same.
"Palmer, help me bring the food out here to the coffee table," Gibbs said, his eyes regarding Tony closer than made him comfortable.
Had he witnessed his brief lowering of his defenses? Tony hoped not. He knew bringing the food into the living room was for his benefit, because he really didn't think he could get up again, but he wished they wouldn't bother. There was no way he'd be able to eat right now.
Abby placed Nurse Barbie on the coffee table and slipped her hand back into his, squeezing gently. "How are you doing, really? You must be glad to be out of there," she said softly.
"I am. Just tired, and I feel bad putting Gibbs out," Tony said.
Abby's smiled widened. "Don't let him hear you say that. He wasn't having it any other way."
Tony smiled, remembering the ride over. "He's been really patient, actually. You know that can't last long."
Abby rolled her eyes. "Tony, I think right about now you could get away with anything, so don't take advantage of it."
"Anything, huh?" He asked, eyes sparkling mischievously.
Abby giggled. "Just remember, as soon as you start feeling a little better, he'll make you pay for it."
Gibbs, Palmer, and McGee returned with Chinese takeout containers, dishes, utensils, and a six-pack of beer. Ducky and Gibbs sat in the two chairs, while McGee joined Tony and Abby on the couch. Palmer, who appeared even more awkward than he usually did being in a social gathering, dragged a chair in from the kitchen table.
"Can I have a beer?" Tony asked, although he was only joking. He really didn't want anything, but he figured it was expected that he'd ask.
"Only if you eat something," Gibbs said, despite Ducky's scowl of disapproval. He put a can of the beer in front of him, along with some hot and sour soup and Lo Mein noodles. Tony's stomach turned.
"Just do what you can. That's what Brad said," Gibbs told him, filling his own plate.
As they all sat down to eat, Abby asked, "Are you planning on coming in to work tomorrow, Gibbs?"
Gibbs sat back, crossing his feet, and popping the top of a beer. "I'm taking tomorrow off to look after trouble," he said, nodding his head toward Tony. "McGee, you don't need to come in either, but next week, Agent Balboa has a pair of team members taking vacation, so we're going to merge with them to make a full team."
"Merge?" Tony asked, surprised. They often had to cover shifts during summer when so many agents took vacation time, but they'd never merged with another team before.
"With Balboa's team?" McGee asked, obviously still digesting the idea, too.
"Who's taking lead?" both Tony and McGee asked simultaneously.
Gibbs rolled his eyes. "Who do you think?"
Tony and McGee looked at one another, grinning. There was no way Gibbs would've agreed to the plan without being in charge of it.
As the evening wore on, Tony felt the entire team was being a little too attentive and hovering over him too much. Palmer had even shoveled noodles onto his fork a few times. He was both touched and smothered – and he hadn't been able to eat much of the food placed in front of him. Even the beer remained mostly full.
"Come on, Tony. Just a few more bites. You can do it. You're like our own incredible ant," Abby said, pushing the soup toward him and coaxing him to pick up the spoon.
"Ant?" Tony asked, not sure he even really wanted to know.
"Of course! You know the song," Abby said, beaming as she started to sing, "Just what makes that little ole ant, think it can move a rubber tree plant?"
Tony started to laugh, feeling very fond of everyone in that room.
"Everyone knows an ant can't, move a rubber tree plant," Abby continued to sing.
Tony really tried, but he was unable to stop himself from joining in, and he suspected Abby knew it.
"But he's got – high hopes. He's got high hopes. He's got – high apple pie in the sky hopes," they chorused.
Suddenly, Tony ran out of air, and he started coughing, but Ducky and even Gibbs finished the song with Abby while McGee and Palmer looked at them all as if they'd gone insane.
Gibbs had moved across the room and pounded Tony's back until the coughing subsided. Tony had tears streaming from his eyes, but he wasn't sure if they were from coughing or laughing.
"Abby's like our very own Goth Doris Day," he said.
Abby beamed.
"Well, on that note, I think we should all be on our way to allow Tony and Jethro to get a good night's sleep," Ducky said. "We have the entire weekend still ahead of us."
Author's Note:
Melinda NCIS Rule Number 1 – Review! Thanks so much for all the support and feedback.