Tony always hated the feeling of coming around from aesthetic. His vision swan and they had never got the pain medication quite right, so you either felt entirely numb or it still hurt like a bitch. Summoning the iron determination that had once allowed him to chase down a perp on a twisted ankle, he shook his head to try and clear it and looked up at Dr Walters.

"How did it go?"

Dr Walters looked nervously at his barely conscious patient as he checked his notes. "Er, Special Agent Gibbs specifically asked to be notified the moment you came around from the surgery. He made it very clear that he wanted to be present when we discussed the results."

"Sorry, Doc," Tony did feel a little guilty. But even Gibbs wouldn't shoot an unarmed civilian. "But I'd rather keep this just between us. If its all the same to you."

"Are you quite sure? Most people find it quite comforting to have friends and family around them at a time like this."

Tony sighed. "You haven't had much experience at breaking bad news, have you Doc?"

Before he had even started, Walters had clearly telegraphed that the surgery had not gone well. Why else would he need his friends around him?

"To be honest, I usually try to leave this sort of thing to my colleague." Walter's admitted ruefully.

DiNozzo could sympathise with that. In Baltimore he had always delegated someone else to go and talk to the victim's Mother. He knew that seeing their grief would cloud his judgment and he preferred to show his respects to the family by catching the bastard who had killed their loved one.

"Just spit it out." He suggested.

"Right, well. ..."

He stopped as the door opened and Dr Mallard and Special Agent Gibbs strode into the room.

"Starting without us, Doc?" Gibbs asked in a pleasant tone that never boded well.

"Well, you see, Mr DiNozzo .."

"Special Agent DiNozzo .." Gibbs corrected.

"Excuse me, Special Agent DiNozzo said he wanted to discuss the results of the surgery in private."

"That right, DiNozzo?" Gibbs leant against the wall, looking for all the world like a man who had no intention of going anywhere. "You want us to go?"

Tony wished his head didn't still feel like it was stuffed with cotton balls. He really wasn't up to dealing with this right now. And knowing Gibbs he would just find out the information anyway.

"Would it make any difference if I said yes?"

Even he was a little surprised at howresentful his tone sounded, as was Ducky, if the astonished expression was anything to go by. Gibbs' face and body language remained impassive, but after years of watching him so closely Tony knew that his reaction had wounded.

"Just say the word." Gibbs said stiffly. "And we'll go."

Tony knew he should be strong enough. He should stop this now before it became too painful. He hadn't needed anyone to hold his hand in a long time. But that didn't mean he hadn't wanted it and over the last couple of years he had got used to not having to do these things alone.

"Anthony, dear boy," Somehow, Ducky had moved to stand beside him. "Things are rarely as bad as they seem at first and they are always infinitely better when you have people who care for you, hmm?"

He couldn't look at Gibbs, but he nodded his assent at Dr Walters.

"We won't be absolutely sure until the swelling goes down and things start to knit," Walters explained. "But I'm afraid the damage along the nerves and tendons was rather extensive. It does look likely that there will be some permanent impairment, possibly even limited paralysis of the fingers."

Paralysis.

Tony couldn't speak. Couldn't breath. Was only dimly aware of Ducky's hand on his good shoulder. He could hear Gibbs asking something and Dr Walters replying. But he couldn't make out the words. He was dammed if he was going to lose his career because he couldn't move his fingers. Gritting his teeth he put every ounce of determination into making those digits move.

"Anthony, no!"

Ducky's warning came too late as the pain hit him in an overwhelming wave, blood pounding in his ears and forcing his eyes tight shut as he lost all equilibrium and began to topple off the bed, pulling out his IV and tangling lines in his wake. He wasn't entirely surprised when he was caught before he hit the floor.

"You try that again DiNozzo and I'll handcuff you to bed. Do you hear me?" Gibbs growled close by his ear.

"Already, .. learnt my lesson." Tony managed

Even in his disorientated state he registered surprise as Gibbs kept his arms around him in a loose hold whilst Ducky re-fixed his IV. When he shifted slightly, indicating his readiness to be released, the hold tightened somewhat and he was pulled back to settle against Gibbs chest.

"Take it easy." Gibbs murmured.

Tony closed his eyes at Gibbs using the same voice to soothe him as he reserved for little kids. What better indication could he have that the man no longer thought of him as his Senior Field Agent? Next thing he knew, instead of the glares and the head slaps, Gibbs would be treating him with the same meticulous politeness he reserved for total strangers. Tony didn't really listen to the rest of the conversation as Dr Walters outlined the necessary programme of physical therapy and the estimated timescale for recovery. If he couldn't discharge his weapon then he couldn't be an NCIS field Agent, which meant he was off Gibbs' team.

Might as well start getting used to it.

Kate looked at the clock. The surgery was probably over by now. In Gibbs current mood it was probably best to stay put until they knew what was going on. Ducky had promised to come and find them as soon as there was any news. Across the table from her Abby and McGee were still bickering.

"I was listening," McGee defended himself. "I just didn't hear what you said."

"That is so not a defence."

"You said I was in shock. Kate said I was in shock. Have you ever considered that just possibly I was in shock?" McGee sniped.

"You said you were fine."

"Tony says he's fine all the time when he gets hurt. It doesn't mean he actually is," McGee countered. As Abby's eyes widened and her face softened he suddenly realised that he had made a dreadful mistake. "Um, what I meant to say was .."

"Timmy, that's so cute. You were trying to be like Tony. He's your role model." Abby beamed.

"Please don't tell him." McGee almost begged.

Abby opened her mouth to answer him, only to close it slowly, all colour draining from her expression. Twisting around Kate saw Ducky was coming towards then across the cafeteria. The expression on his face spoke volumes.

"Ducky?" Abby questioned fearfully.

"The good news is, young Anthony has come through the surgery without mishap and is safely back in is room," Ducky regarded them gravely. "Although he's going to be a little groggy for a while, the effects of anaesthetic in the bloodstream can take a while to wear off. I remember one case, poor fellow came around from his surgery and .."

"Ducky," Kate stopped him. "What's the bad news?"

"Ah," Ducky paused. "I'm afraid that the damage was more extensive than we'd hoped. It does seem that there will be some loss of movement in some of his fingers."

"Oh God," Kate blanched. "How's Tony taking it?"

"Jethro is with him." Ducky gave with comfort he could.

"Can we see him?" Abby pleaded. "I want to give him his birthday present."

"Of course, but perhaps we should delay the celebrations for a short time? Until he's feeling a little stronger."

"How bad is it?" McGee croaked, past caring about how pathetic he sounded. Tony had been stabbed and it was his fault. And now he was going to have some permanent disability? It was too much for him to process.

"Don't concern yourself over much, Timothy," Ducky attempted to reassure. "Its early days yet. Early days."

"I'm sure Tony won't blame you." Kate tried to encourage.

"I don't think I can face him."

"Yes you can," Abby declared stoutly, poking him in the chest. "Tony is going to need all his friends around him. And that means you too, buster. You hear me?" She demanded in her best, 'Gibbs' voice.

"Yes ma'am." McGee nodded fervently.

They put their cups in the trash and made their way out of the cafeteria to get the elevator back up to Tony's floor. As they waited for the car to arrive Kate couldn't contain her curiosity.

"Abby, what did you get Tony for his birthday?"

"Two tickets to Six Flags," Abby bounced so hard her pigtails twirled. "We're going to ride the coasters and eat ourselves sick, it'll be great."

Kate wrinkled her nose at the very idea. "I know we're talking about Tony here but isn't that a little .."

"Childish?" Abby gave her an impish grin. "You ever go to theme parks as a kid, Kate?"

"Sometimes," She made a face. "I preferred museums."

"Tony never got to do these kinds of things when he was a kid. His parents were all country club and social climbing. If it didn't wear the right clothes or go to the good schools it didn't happen. He'll still be able to go, right, Ducky?"

"Of course, my dear, just as soon as he's healed. You may need to exercise a little patience. As will I."

"What did you buy him, Ducky? Kate asked.

"Oh, I'm afraid I'm not very original in these matters. I always buy Tony travel books. Although, it will be a while before he can make use of this one."

"Tony? Books?"

"Oh yes," Ducky didn't appear to notice her surprise. "You should ask him about his travels sometime. Whenever he has more than a few days vacation he always takes off on another of his 'road trips'. A habit I believe he picked up as a young man during hisholidays from boarding school. I imagine that after his father remarried things were sometimes rather difficult at home."

"His father remarried?"

"Oh, several times I understand. That man could give Jethro a run for his money in the divorce courts. And from what I can tell, none of them were the mothering type."

"Gibbs always gives Tony the best presents," Abby grinned. "It's so cool. Last year, for his birthday, he spent a whole weekend with him out in the firing range, teaching him all that awesome sniper stuff."

"And Tony liked that?"

"Its spending time with Gibbs," Abby shrugged. "What's not to like?"

"Maybe, I'll just go with a gift card." Kate decided.

"Oh no, you can't," Abby was aghast "That's what Vivian bought him last Christmas. She never really got Tony. He doesn't care squat what you spend. With him it really is the thought that counts."

McGee paled, wondering if this day could possibly get any worse. He had absolutely no idea what to buy. "Do you think he'd like a sweater?" He wondered aloud.