A/N: Sorry for the wait, folks... RL has kept me busy.
Two weeks later...
Ducky was waiting for Gibbs as the Dr. Theimke filled out the discharge paperwork. He grumbled as he sat down in the wheelchair the Doctor made him use, and was quiet as he and Ducky rode down to the lobby. A nurse took the wheelchair at the hospital entrance, and Gibbs followed Ducky across the parking lot to the car.
"How are you feeling, Jethro? You haven't said a word since I arrived," Ducky said as he turned on the car.
"I'm fine, Duck."
"Right. Any more nightmares?"
Gibbs didn't respond, and Ducky had his answer.
"Do you want to talk about it?"
"No, I don't. I just want to go home."
"Very well."
The drive to Gibbs' house was silent. Ducky knew his friend needed some time to think, and let him have it during the long drive. When they finally arrived, Gibbs got out of the car and headed toward the front door without a word. Ducky followed him.
"I'm fine, Ducky," Gibbs said, searching for his house key. Tim had driven Gibbs' Father back to Stillwater while he was in the hospital, and Jackson had locked the door behind him, as he always had. Ducky tapped him on the shoulder, and held up Gibbs' keys. He snatched them and unlocked the door. Ducky followed him inside.
"You may keep telling me you're fine, Jethro, but the fact is that you had a heart attack two weeks ago, and you've just had an operation only one week ago. Your cardiologist gave you instructions to stay home and recover, and avoid strenuous activities."
"I can sit at my desk, Duck... that isn't strenuous."
Ducky put his hands on his friend's shoulders and looked into his eyes.
"When I had my heart attack, you were the first person to tell me to go home. You were there for me when I needed someone to knock sense into me. This is my way of repaying you. Please, accept the medical leave and stay home, and rest."
Gibbs took in his friend's words. Ducky was absolutely right. The situation had been reversed, but the same thing was happening right now.
"Okay."
Ducky let go of his shoulders and smiled.
"Can I ask you a favor?" Gibbs said suddenly.
"Absolutely, Jethro."
"Would you stay here with me? Just for a little while."
"Of course I will," Ducky said with a smile.
"Thanks, Duck."
"You're most welcome."
While Ducky retreated to make a few phone calls, Gibbs made up the couch for himself and lay down. He was tired and wanted to take a nap, but thoughts of Vivian kept him from falling asleep. He shook them and pulled the blanket over his shoulder. He had to at least try to sleep.
When Ducky came back out into the living room, he smiled when he found his friend asleep on the couch. He smiled and sat down to read the newspaper while his friend slept.
The smell of dinner cooking awakened Gibbs from his nap. He sat up on the couch and scrubbed a hand across his face. At least he hadn't had a nightmare that time.
He reached for his cell and hit the speed dial for his Father's store.
"Jethro... how are you, son?"
"Came home from the hospital today."
"I'm glad... Ducky has been keeping me updated on your progress. I'm sorry I couldn't stay longer, son. I couldn't leave Frankie Grossman in charge of my store for too long."
"I understand, Dad." Gibbs suddenly heard a familiar voice in the background. "Is McGee there with you?"
"Yeah. He's been here for two days, looking into your sister's case."
"Let me talk to him."
Gibbs heard the phone exchanging hands.
"Hey Boss! How are you feeling?"
"Fine. Tell me what you've found so far."
"Well, I couldn't get back into the warehouse, but I went out into the woods beyond it, to see if I could find anything, but there was nothing there. I also tried talking to some of the townspeople, but no one really wants to talk to me."
"That sounds about right. Listen, I want you to try talking to Francine Smythe . She lives near where Viv and I used to get on the bus. I remember seeing her outside that day."
"I tried every house on that block, Boss. No one wants to talk."
"Take the Sheriff with you. They'll talk if he's there."
"Okay, I'll go call him. Shouldn't you be resting?"
"Get on it, McGee."
"Yes, Boss."
The phone changed hands again.
"Cut him some slack, Leroy. He's doing his best."
"Okay, Dad."
Gibbs sensed movement and looked up. Ducky was standing in the doorway between the kitchen and living room.
"I have to go, Dad. I'll call you later." He hung up the phone and set it down.
"Dinner is ready."
"Great, I'm starving." Gibbs got up and made his way into the kitchen. Ducky had the table set for two. A piece of grilled chicken was placed on each plate, and a bowl of steamed vegetables sat in between the two place settings. Ducky noticed his friend's gawking.
"There's nothing wrong with a healthy meal, Jethro."
"Can't I just make a steak?" he practically whined as he sat down at the table.
"You've just had surgery after a heart attack! A steak is not what you should be eating right now."
Gibbs sighed and picked up his fork.
"This is going to take some getting used to."
"I think you'll enjoy what I've prepared."
Gibbs did indeed enjoy the delicious dinner, and thanked Ducky after he'd eaten three helpings of vegetables.
"You've got to show me how you made those," Gibbs said as he helped Ducky clear the table.
"Before I leave, you will have a full arsenal of heart healthy recipes," Ducky said, smiling. They finished the dishes and chatted in the living room over coffee.
After a while, Ducky started to yawn.
"I think it's time I turn in. Dr. Cranston will be coming tomorrow morning for her first visit."
Gibbs rolled his eyes, and said nothing in reply. He knew Ducky meant well, and he was frankly tired of fighting Viv's memory any longer.
"Feel free to use the downstairs guest room, Duck. Sheets are clean."
Ducky smiled as Gibbs tucked himself in on the couch and immediately dozed. He silently wished his friend a peaceful night's sleep and made his way to the guest room, hoping tomorrow went just as smoothly.
TBC...