Forging Ahead
When Abby and Tony exited from the hospital room, the group decided to return to the McGee house. The night was almost spent, and they figured that they might as well finish it off by spending it together, as a team.
When they had taken their turns in the shower, Tim made a fresh pot of coffee, and he and Tony moved out on to the patio, built on to the back of the house.
"I'm worried, Tim," Tony said, candidly. Tim looked around, staring absently at the lawn, overdue now for a mowing. "Me too," he said simply, sipping at his coffee. Tony yawned, and stared off at a squirrel scampering across one of the power lines criss-crossing the yard.
"What if his recovery takes too long? How the hell are we going to deal with that? If he starts getting all gloomy-gus on us…" Tony trailed off.
"There has to be a way to help him," Tim said. "Gibbs might like to look all hard-ass, but he's still human. He just hides his fear behind attitude." Tony snorted, saying, "And let's not forget, by being a self-proclaimed bastard."
The two men grew quiet for a moment, then Tony's eyes lit up. "I think I know what to do," he said, hope seeping into his voice.
Tim smiled curiously, and was about to ask him to elaborate, when Tony's cell phone rang.
Tim went in to grab the coffeepot, while Tony answered and took the call. When he returned, it was to a very apprehensive looking DiNozzo.
"That was Morrow," Tony explained. "He said that until Gibbs returns to duty, I'm promoted to acting team leader."
Tim levelled a look at him. "I'm not calling you "Boss," Tony," he said flatly. Tony raised an eyebrow at him, and his younger colleague grinned, suddenly. "You'll make Gibbs proud, I know it. Just don't get too comfortable. He'll be back, drifting you upside the head in no time."
Tony smiled slightly. "I hope so, McGee." They turned as Abby and Kate appeared. "Ducky left already, said he had to get an early start in autopsy. Palmer is in the shower, then he'll be taking off too," Kate filled them in. Tim grinned evilly. "Timothy, you are NOT turning on the hot water," Abby said sternly, as she saw her other half move to get up and go into the house. Tim sighed heavily, frowning. "Awwwwww… c'mon, Abs, you never let me have any fun," he pouted, his lips turning down into his trademark frown, but with a betraying sparkle in his eyes. Abby looked at him sweetly. "McGee, all you ever HAVE is fun." She smiled at him cheekily. Tony cleared his throat. "Okay, this is WAY too much information…!" he said as he hastily arose. "You've got a half-bath, right? I've gotta see a man about a horse."
"Tony, don't you DARE…" Abby warned, as Kate giggled furiously.