A/N: Here's another chapter folks! To my recent followers/favourites, welcome! I'm so glad to have you with us! To my reviewers, you rock! I love hearing your thoughts, keep 'em coming!

Now, how exactly is Gibbs doing?

Gibbs was getting frustrated "how many more?" how many scans & pictures do they want to take? He had to get back to his family!

"As many as it takes Agent Gibbs" Dr Bailey retorted "you're a walking disaster! I've got your records from Portsmouth, add that to the wounds you've just sustained, along with that dive into the ice cold water that Doctor Mallard told me about & I'm really flabbergasted as to how you're able to walk around & knowing you drove here from DC, that is just concerning!" what was this man made out of?

"I'm a marine!" Gibbs stated matter-of-factly.

"Yes & like all marines, you think you're invincible!" Dr Bailey sighed "well you're not!... But seeing as how you're marine, you should be able to follow orders! So zip it & just wait here until we decide what we need next!" she huffed as she headed away.

Gibbs let a small smile play on his lips as he saw her depart, he spotted Ducky though & motioned him close "what's taking them so long Duck?"

Ducky was expecting this "Jethro, they're trying to juggle your scans, along with the others & quite frankly, over the last week your body has been through a fair amount of trauma. As such, they need to check everything before deciding on what needs to be looked at further"

"Nothing needs looking at further!" Gibbs insisted "get them to stitch me up & let me get back to my family!" he'd been gone from them for well over an hour & was getting very antsy.

"Nothing is wrong?" Dr Bailey asked "so this x-ray showing 2 slightly cracked ribs & 3 others that are bruised is nothing? Is it?" she challenged.

Gibbs had to admit surprise at that, he wasn't expecting his ribs to be cracked, well crap! "Guess it's something, but there's nothing you can do to fix it" he knew ribs just needed time to heal.

"That's true, but I still have some concerns, these shoulder wounds while not requiring surgical treatment thankfully will probably require at least 20 stitches to close & the gash on your forehead has re-opened, so that will need taking care of" Dr Bailey explained, she took a breath & decided to share some news "I will admit though, you are a very lucky man, very lucky that Lt Dayle was between you & the shot, he took the full force from what I hear"

Gibbs' eyes widened "what are you saying?" he stomach was dropping with dread.

"He's in theatre as we speak, the bullet nicked a main artery & he's lost a lot of blood" Dr Bailey explained.

"Shit!" Gibbs groaned "chances?" he was now feeling utterly horrible.

"We won't know anything until he's come out, I assure you though, my colleagues are first rate, they'll do all they can." Dr Bailey answered, she saw the man was now feeling bad about it.

"As soon as you hear anything" Gibbs said more reserved, the man had basically then saved his life, he couldn't image the man losing his life & worse, the guy was his son's teacher's brother!

"I will let you know" Dr Bailey agreed "now lie back so I can get you stitched up please"

"Duck, check on my family please?" Gibbs asked.

"They're all fine Jethro, Lt Taylor & Lt Robertson are watching over them & Banks and Lyons have gone with your father to collect some breakfast" Ducky replied.

Gibbs sat back up instantly "what do you mean he's gone to get breakfast!? Gone where?!" he all but demanded, he should have vetoed anyone from going anywhere!

"To get breakfast for your family & everyone" Ducky answered "and did you the miss the part where I said Officer Lyons & Agent Banks were with him?" while Jack probably needed someone to drive him, he was keenly aware as to why Ted had sent 2 men with him, for protection detail "I assure you, he'll be fine, just get yourself stitched up, that way you can get back out there"

Gibbs laid back down in agreement "how's the team?"

"Timothy is fine, a few scratches from his tumble out of the car, Ziva likewise, just a few bumps & bruises" Ducky reported.

"What about DiNozzo?" Gibbs asked, why'd Ducky leave him out?

"Numerous cuts & bruises and like you, but that tumble out of his car caused damage to his rip cage, he's got 4 severely bruised ribs, and I believe again like you would have some form of concussion, they're still finishing their examination with him" Ducky answered, he could see he was going to get retorted "and don't say you don't have a concussion, you were knocked out in the middle of the street, and he was knocked out as he came of the car"

Gibbs just huffed "any broken bones?" his charge had had many bumps & bruises, and yes suffered numerous concussion's, but he didn't like the news about his rib cage.

"Unsure, last I saw he was getting his wrist x-rayed, I'm thinking it's sprained or maybe fractured" Ducky answered, he saw though Gibbs recoil slightly as the doctor started stitching him up "are you in pain Jethro?"

"Fine" Gibbs brushed off "check on DiNozzo, I want a full report"

Dr Bailey waited until the man had left "I think some more pain med's are in order" she'd already worked out that he wasn't one to show pain to others.

Gibbs just nodded "thank you"

"No problem" Dr Bailey offered "I'll finish the stitches on your shoulder wounds, your head gash will need re-stitching too & I know you wont like it, but I want to bandage it up, it's qui…."

"No!" Gibbs interrupted her quite forcefully "I wont have my head wrapped up" he didn't want that, it would freak his family out entirely.

"It's a very nasty gash, you're lucky you didn't do more damage than you did. I want to make sure that the stitches stay in place & wound stays clean, you can't afford to have complications with infection" Dr Bailey replied, she'd expected this reaction.

"Can't you just put a covering bandage over the wound?" Gibbs asked "I'll keep it clean & secure" he really didn't want to be wrapped up like a mummy.

Dr Bailey considered it "ok, I will place a thick bandage over it, but this is the only concession I am giving you. After I've stitched you up a nurse will clean all your cuts & then we will secure your arm in a tight sling to prevent the stitches in your shoulder from getting pulled & give the region a chance to hear properly" she finished eyeing him.

"Ok, thank you" Gibbs replied, he'd have to live with that.

Dr Bailey was glad there were no more arguments, she finished stitching him up & once the nurse had cleaned his numerous cuts, they secured his shoulder & arm into the tight sling "there, that wasn't so difficult now was it?"

"Great" Gibbs retorted "can I go now?"

"Yes, you can go to your assigned room, I will send someone to tell your family where you are" Dr Bailey replied.

"Room?" Gibbs paled

"Yes, I'm keeping you for 72 hours observation" Dr Bailey answered.

Gibbs stared at her "No way!" he exclaimed

"What's more, you're confined to either your bed, or a wheelchair" Dr Bailey added.

"Perhaps you didn't hear me, I said NO!" Gibbs exclaimed

Jenn had been in the nearby hallway checking on some of the others when she heard Gibbs yell, she knew his family was outside, so she cautiously headed into the room "Everything ok Jethro?"

"This….. this… doctor" Gibbs exclaimed waving his good hand at Dr Bailey "thinks she's keeping me for 72 hours"

Jenn couldn't help herself she smiled, he was always so stubborn "she is the Doctor here, she knows whats best"

Gibbs looked her dead in the eye "I. AM. NOT. STAYING. HERE." He stated fiercely, there wasn't a chance in hell he'd stay & leave his family.

"Jethro" Ducky called walking into the room, he was mildly chuffed! Anthony could be so stubborn!

"What?" Gibbs demanded.

Ducky suddenly realised the mood in the room "ahhh, well, it seems Anthony is refusing to be admitted, seems his wrist has a slight fracture, and his ankle is sprained as well"

Jenn let out a breath "I am not surprised, Jethro is refusing that as well!" she took a breath & looked at Gibbs "it will take at least a day to clean everything up & organise transport back to DC for everyone, until then, we can make accommodation arrangements nearby…"

"I wont have my family in accommodation elsewhere" Gibbs interrupted her "I wont have them away from me!" Gibbs asserted standing up.

"If you'd had let me finish, you would have heard that I was going to ask Dr Bailey if they had a small team that could accompany us to where we eventually set ourselves up for the time being, as I know it wouldn't be appropriate or appreciated if we all camped out here" Jenn explained, she knew he wouldn't allow his family to be elsewhere.

"Well, I suppose I can arrange something, so long as there are no more emergencies, but I have to insist that you at least remain in a wheelchair" Dr Bailey replied, she could see he was going to scoff at her "your chest, your shoulder, your head! Do I really need to spell it out?"

Tony was so annoyed "boss!" he called walking into the room.

"What DiNozzo?" Gibbs huffed, sitting back down.

"Tell them I don't have to stay here!" Tony huffed, there wasn't a chance he would allow himself to be admitted.

"Got my own problems DiNozzo" Gibbs sighed.

"Agent DiNozzo!" Nurse Bruce exclaimed walking into the room "you shouldn't be walking!"

Jenn shared a look with Ducky, these two were so alike sometimes "DiNozzo, sit!" she ordered to the spot right next to Gibbs, she turned to the doctor & nurse "please, don't let us keep you from seeing to other patients, if you'd just leave the wheelchairs & see to what I asked for we will take care of these men now"

"I should send for your wife!" Dr Bailey eyed Gibbs before she turned to Jenn "of course, I'll have Nurse Bruce put a small team together"

Gibbs eyes widened as she walked out, but they narrowed on Jenn very quickly.

Shannon was still buried into her kids when she felt & heard something, she lifted her head to see Buster nuzzling into her side, she wondered what he wanted when she saw Ted approach with one of his men, Evans was it? They were carrying trays of drinks. She caressed her kids head "drinks are here my darlings" she said softly.

Ted could see the trio were still fairly emotional but were trying to compose themselves again, he was glad his son was back & that he was ok. He quietly sat down across from Shannon with his son next to him "so, who wants hot chocolate & who wants coffee?"

"Hot chocolate please" Nix asked quietly from his mum's lap.

Shannon had been wanting a coffee, but actually "you know, I think I'll have a hot chocolate too" she finished with a smile to her son, hot chocolate was a very comforting drink & that was what she wanted right now.

Kelly had to admit "me too, do we have enough?"

"I got more than plenty of both coffees & hot chocolates for everyone" Evans answered "annndd, I've got some water for Buster & I've even got…" but instead of saying it he passed a bag to Kelly "have a look, there was a butcher next door to the coffee shop"

Kelly looked in the bag & her eyes widened, there was a massive bone in there, with some meat on it still "you didn't have to, this wouldn't have been cheap"

Evans smiled "I know a pup when I see one, I've raised numerous and currently have one around his age & given he probably hasn't eaten the best over the last few days, getting some nourishment through a bone with some raw meat is probably a good idea. He can chew on that for a while & that will help get him back in sync to his routine of eating.. you know that he needs"

"One meal a day which is at night, mainly raw foods along with his vitamins, the dry food he gets in the mornings" Kelly said "and lots of water".

"He eats more vegetables than I do!" Nix added "he likes brussel sprouts! Yuck!"

Evans smiled as he poured the water into the bowl "dogs love vegetables, the fresher the better, especially for a pup"

Shannon smiled "I think we can improve the vegetable intake, but thank you Sargent, it's very considerate"

"Not a problem ma'am, I have to say from what we've heard, this dog is one special fella" Evans replied before turning to Kelly "where'd you get him?"

"A breeder in Marylands" Kelly answered.

"Duffy's Breeding Centre?" Evans prodded

"Yea" Kelly answered.

"That's where we get ours, do you know what litter he came from?" Evans asked.

"From Mia" Nix answered, this guy had dogs from the same place too? Cool!

Evans smiled "well then, I think we'll have to arrange a play date for Buster to play with his brother, we've got Starr, from the same litter"

Nix's eyes widened in glee "can we mum?" that would be so awesome!

"Of course darling, sounds like fun" Shannon replied, how could she give any other answer?

Nix grinned, he turned his attention to Buster who'd just finished drinking "you hear that boy, you'll get to play with your brother!"

"Woof!" Buster barked.

"Give me the bone" Nix waved at his sister.

"please" Shannon whispered into him.

Nix leaned towards his sister "pplllleeeeaaasseeeee!" he grinned.

Kelly couldn't contain her laugh, her brother could be so funny with the simplest things, she saw that her mum had even laughed, and on inspection around the table, the others had smiled too "there you go, you ….." she started to say passing him the bag, but in doing so she spied her dad coming back out & freaked "mum! Why's dad in a wheelchair?" she more or less demanded, totally forgetting about the bone.

Shannon, along with everyone else spun instantly to see Gibbs being wheeled out by Timothy & Tony was being wheeled out by Ziva. She was now very concerned about her husband, had they found something more serious? Was he ok? As they got closer she could see he was clearly annoyed, she just took a deep breath "I'm sure he's fine, it's probably just procedure" she answered quietly, hoping she was right.

Gibbs couldn't believe that Jenn had ordered them to remain in these damn chairs, he knew his family would be concerned at seeing him in it & he was right he could see his whole family now pale at the sight of him. He needed to get to them quick smart "hurry up McGee!" he huffed.

Tony was pretty grumpy just like Gibbs, he couldn't believe he'd been ordered to stay in this damn chair. He'd had ankle sprains before & managed fine. He had to hide his grin when he heard Gibbs huffing "push" he muttered.

Ziva & Tim shared a look, they knew that neither Gibbs or Tony were taking this order nicely, so they just kept pushing the pair.

Nix was really worried about his dad & just watched as he approached, his forehead had a great big patch on it, his arm was still in a sling & he was now in a wheelchair!

"Jethro?" Shannon whispered as he got to them.

"I'm ok, stupid hospital rules about staying in this thing, I'm ok, promise you" Gibbs answered as he got settled at the end of the table & next to his wife, he gave her a kiss, gave his son a kiss to his head & managed to get Kelly to lean forward so he could give her a kiss too, looking at them all "I'm ok, alright? Be good as new before we know it"

"What did the scans show?" Shannon asked, now feeling a little better about his condition.

"Kelly, Phoenix, look at me" Gibbs said, he'd answer his wife s question, but only when he'd convinced his kids he was ok & they were still looking really worried, once they were looking at him he continued "I'm ok, don t need any more scans or anything, I'm here now, not going anywhere, ok?"

Kelly was sitting nestled into the side of her mum & was just staring at her dad, he looked… not good! and to see him in a wheelchair, not exactly comforting "ok, but why are you in the wheelchair?"

Gibbs wanted to answer the question but he could see his son was still just sitting in his mum's lap staring at him with a very worried look, he had a hunch "come 'ere bud" he said softly, stroking his head, perhaps he needed that physical contact for reassurance.

Shannon watched as her son almost threw himself across to his dad, she helped him get settled given her husband only had one arm available.

"Better?" Gibbs asked his son softly.

Nix just nodded into his dad, seeing him like he was had really affected him.

"It's ok bud, shhh" Gibbs soothed gently stroking his back, he could see though that his girls, along with the Taylor's & others were all waiting to hear what was wrong "I'm going to be fine, my shoulder just needed some stitches, no surgery or anything required & my ribs are little bruised, will take a little while to fully heal, but I'm ok"

Ted breathed a sigh relief, given their reactions now, he'd hate to imagine what would have happened had he required surgery! He'd noticed that Ziva & Tim had gone to the other end of the table & sat on either side of Tony, whom they'd placed at the end of the table. He noticed though a surprised look come across Tony s face, it was aimed squarely at Gibbs & wondered why, was his friend leaving something out?

Shannon was relieved beyond anything! She was still worried though, the wheelchair?

"The doctor doesn't want me on my feet for the next little while is all, so guess I'm stuck in this thing" Gibbs continued, but he ruffled his son s hair as he continued "you can ride with me bud, we'll race Buster" he finished with a grin into his son s hair.

Nix let out a smile into his dad, that sounded like fun, maybe his dad was ok?

Shannon just eyed her husband, if he was joking around, he probably was ok, just one thing "and tell me, how are you planning on steering the chair? Or are you expecting someone to push you in that race?"

Ted just couldn't help himself "sounds like fun, I reckon you could even squeeze Kell on there too" he just couldn't help stoking this kind of fire with his friends!

Gibbs grinned at his wife.

"And how long does the doctor want you off your feet for?" Shannon asked, trying to ignore the pair of them, they were as bad as each other!

"Not long babe" Gibbs answered, he'd get around the 72 hour business one way or the other. He adjusted his son slightly as he was pushing on his ribs & it was kind of hurting "she just doesn't want me getting too excited given my head gash"

Shannon could understand that, he'd hit his head quite badly, she took a closer look at it & his other injuries "you are a mess" she said quietly, as she ran a hand over his many cuts & bruises.

Gibbs took hold of her hand "I'm fine Shan, promise you, cuts & bruises I can live with" he said gently.

Shannon gave a small smile, but she noticed something, one of his cuts looked older than the rest, it was down the left side his face. She turned his head to get a closer look "what's this? It looks older Jethro" she then noticed a few more cuts & bruises that weren't exactly fresh down his arms.

Gibbs gave a sheepish smile "just got into some trouble a week ago, I'm fine babe" he really didn't want to get into it, especially here & now.

Shannon considered his remark but her attention soon turned to her daughter who was now having a coughing fit "Angel?"

Kelly composed herself "sorry, went down the wrong way" she motioned to her drink, but she flashed her dad a grin, a memory had hit her & it was a good one!

Gibbs eyes momentarily widened at his daughter's grin, had she connected the dots? He gave her a 'shush' look.

"You ok now?" Shannon asked her.

"I'm good" Kelly smiled, she again gave her dad a quick grin.

Shannon was suddenly caught by Ted muffled coughing attack, what was going on?

"Dad? You ok?" Harry asked, his dad hadn't even had anything to drink!

"Fine" Ted got out, he'd watched the exchange between father & daughter & it had clicked at what their silent conversation was about, especially as it start right when Shannon was asking his older wounds.

Gibbs flashed his friend a look as if to stay 'quiet!', the man had obviously recalled the memory.

Shannon watched the trio share a round of silent looks "ok, what is going on?" she asked.

"My lips are sealed" Ted replied, he knew better than to reveal this.

Shannon looked between her husband & daughter "well?"

Gibbs just smiled at her, but eventually asked "you know I'm fine right?"

Shannon raised an eyebrow at him "and how long are you going to be fine for?" she knew that smile, what had he done?

Tony, Ziva & Tim were all watching the conversation unfold not quite knowing what was going on, they were clearly on the outer & none knew how to get themselves into any of it. Tony couldn't help wonder at Shannon's latest question though, was she implying that he wasn't going to be ok? Was she planning on doing something? He was a little weirded out.

"I ahh…" Gibbs started, he couldn't help recall a feeling he had only 48 hours earlier, he'd wished beyond anything for this exact scenario. He wished he'd have to explain it to his family, more than that, he wished for the outcome. Now he was wondering just what her reaction would be, he smiled & decided on a different way to tell her "you're gonna have to invoke F11"

Shannon stared at her husband, she was not expecting that answer, at all! "I beg your pardon?!" she demanded.

Nix let out a smile into his dad, he hadn't realised that what had happened meant F11, but he should have!

Ziva's eyes widened, Shannon was looking utterly shocked, but what on earth was F11? She could see her fellow agents were also bewildered.

Gibbs could see his wife just eyeing him but he spotted Jenn & Ducky approaching with 2 hospital staff, it wasn't exactly the best timing.

Jenn wasn't quite sure how to introduce herself, but she'd get the business out of the way first. Approaching Gibbs she took a deep breath "Excuse me Agent Gibbs"

Tony was more than surprised at how polite Jenn had introduced herself, but then he was intrigued as to how the introduction would go, he was also still seriously wondering what F11 was? Shannon wasn't looking happy! Not one little bit!

Gibbs flashed a surprised look at her "yes?" he asked back, that was way too polite, she was obviously trying to play very nice after her little rant in the hospital.

"This is Adam Jeffrey & Lisa Epstein, they are going to be the first pair on shift as your & DiNozzo's, not to mention everyone else's, medical supervision team, so play nice please" Jenn introduced.

"Sir" Adam & Lisa greeted.

Gibbs nodded at the pair "We don't need you at the moment, you can go see what help you can render inside. Someone will grab you before we head off" he knew they'd be here for a short time more, some of the teams were still being checked. They'd only leave once everyone had been checked.

Jenn wanted to say something like, they're here to monitor you, but she refrained, she was however a little surprised that Shannon spoke.

"I'm sorry, but no, they aren't going inside. I believe they're here to monitor you, so I think they should stay" Shannon retorted.

"I'm…" Gibbs tried to say.

"Leroy Jethro Gibbs, if you even consider saying you're fine I will not be pleased! You're already on house arrest, like to add to that sentence?" Shannon stated eyeing him.

Gibbs just eyed his wife but let out a small smirk.

Tony, Ziva & Tim all shared looks, house arrest? Huh? Even Ducky had to admit he was intrigued as to why Jethro was on house arrest?

Shannon turned to Jenn "thank you for organising the staff, I will ensure my husband plays nice, thank you Doctor?" she finished presuming the lady was a senior doctor on staff.

Tim's eyes widened, Shannon thought the Director was a Doctor?

Jenn looked at Shannon, gosh this was difficult "I'm Jennifer Sheppard, the Director of NCIS, it's a pleasure to meet you Mrs Gibbs" she had to admit curiosity as to why Gibbs was on house arrest.

Shannon was surprised, this woman was the Director of NCIS? She guessed that meant she was in charge & therefore her husband's boss, she worked closely with him then. She now took this woman in in a lot greater detail, and got a very uneasy feeling "Sorry about the Doctor comment, nice to meet you Director, thank you for everything"

Kelly was still nestled into mum's side & had one hand intertwined with her mum, the other was on the table intertwined with her dad. She casually moved the hand that was holding onto her mum to the table & brought her parents hands together. She wanted them to be connected physically right now, especially in front of this woman.

"Not a problem" Jenn waved "I'm just glad to have been able to help" she noticed the subtle movement that Kelly had made to lock her parents hands together, clearly this girl was trying to make a point.

Gibbs wasn't oblivious to what his daughter was doing, but he just locked his fingers around his wife's & smiled.

Shannon didn't think a lot about what her daughter had done, she just smiled & leaned into her "think I could take him in a thumb war?"

Kelly grinned & nodded, very much wanting her parents to interact in front of her.

Gibbs heard his wife's remark & saw the grin on his girl's face, his son though was still pretty silent "what do ya think bud? Can I beat mum?"

Nix grinned & looked up "uh huh"

"I win & you stop saying 'I'm fine' and you accept F11 without a single complaint" Shannon smirked.

"Ok" Gibbs conceded, truth of the matter was he wasn't going to not accept it "I win annnddd… " he considered what he wanted, he grinned "annndd…. We have Mac 'n cheese for dinner & watch Home Alone"

Tony's eyes widened, his boss wanted Mac 'n cheese & to watch Home Alone? Huh? He knew he wasn't the only one confused.

Ted let out a laugh "now doesn't that sound like fun, but we can't forget the ice cream Sunday's, extra sauce"

Shannon looked between the pair "I'm so glad neither of you matured!"

Ducky had to admit that he was learning a great deal about his friend, but if he was honest, he'd never known him to be immature, so this side of him was very, no completely unexpected! He could see the team were all trying to process their boss before him.

"Two's better than one" Nix said quietly.

Gibbs wasn't sure what his son meant "what you mean two's better than one?"

Nix looked at his dad "Home Alone 2, Lost in New York, it's way better than Home Alone"

Gibbs smiled "Home Alone 2 it is then, that kid in New York? I can't wait to see the trouble he gets up to!"

"Yes & like the first movie, the end result was still the same" Shannon added, she smiled her husband "he still got grounded!" she really needed to know just what had happened to her husband, but thought now wasn't the right time for that conversation. He was obviously ok so it couldn't have been that bad, she knew they had a lot to discuss, actually that was a very big understatement, they had a mountain of things that they needed to talk about, but it could wait. She didn't want to discuss it all here & now, her family was back together & that's all that mattered. They could have some fun before the serious stuff, bring on the thumb war!

A/N: Well, I think Gibbs has certainly met his stubborn match, yea? Just how will Shannon go keeping him in that chair? What about Tony? At least the pair of them are going to be ok, but what about Lt Dayle?

The team are all a little confused at Gibbs demenour, but its fun isn't it? Jenn's feeling a little awkward though & Kelly is doing her best to make a sublte hint or two.. I know that intro was fairly low key, but there will be more of those two later, I assure you! ...but what exactly is F11? (if you're a MTHDO reader, please don't spoil!)

You know I love to hear your thoughts, so review away! More up soon! Bring on the thumb war :)