GONE
CHAPTER 16
BY SARAH
A/n So sorry about the delay with the chapter. I know that I promised that it would be up much sooner. Well life has majorly kicked be in the butt again but I wanted to get this super long chapter up to make up for the delay. And as always thanks so much to crokettsgirl for her help and helping me write this chapter. She has just been so amazing with her willingness to help me and make an okay story into the fabulous one you see now. And thanks a million to everyone who has stuck by me and has read and reviewed my story. So here is chapter 16!
The next day Ziva and McGee left early so they could check out one last lead before they had to meet Gibbs at the hospital. Intel had come in last night. There was a report that someone fitting Reynolds description along with two men who were believed American, but were El-Qaeda had been spotted close by.
McGee and Ziva set out with three other FBI agents at 0500 to check out the location they were given about an hour away from the base camp. They knew that the chance that Reynolds and the two men with him were probably not there. They were on the run and wouldn't stay in one place long until they got to where they were going and found a safe place. All the agents saw what they expected, the men were gone. All that was left was to collect evidence and see if Reynolds or the other men had gotten careless enough to leave anything behind that would help the agencies find them. They came up with nothing that would implicate these men being in the spot. Frustrated, they all took a break while McGee phoned Agent Jensen to give him a sitrep on the situation. They decided to canvas the area for a radius of thirty miles. They ended up with nothing.
Three hours later they packed their gear up and drove back to the base. By 0900 they all were back at the base. Tim and Ziva helped to bring in and unload the evidence. They then went to leave so that they could clean up, eat and load their bags on to the jeep. They walked outside to head for their quarter when they heard a voice call them from behind.
"Ziva, McGee." A cheerful voice called from behind one of the rows of shelves. Before McGee even knew what was going on, he was caught off guard by a mass of pigtails along with clomping of heavy boots. The young Goth made her appearance and quickly hopped into McGee's arms giving him a bone crushing hug. McGee was used to the hugs but he didn't think any of them would ever get used to the loss of oxygen that accompanied them.
"Abs" McGee gasped when true to his thought he couldn't breathe due to the hug that was forced on him. He knew it was out of love, but a person had to breathe to survive, "I can't breathe."
"Sorry Tim" Abby said as she quickly released him from the embrace. She then walked over to Ziva and pulled the woman into a gentle embrace. Ziva returned the embrace with an unusual show of affection and a genuine smile.
From behind the cubicle Agent Jensen watched with amusement as he observed the reunion between the three young people. He held back a laugh so he could try and remain unnoticed.
Flashback
Four hours earlier
He was deep in thought when he heard a car pull up to the door. He walked outside to see a young woman with elbow length lace black gloves and a black laced parasol standing by several bat shaped bags and smiling brightly at him. She reached down to pick up all of her things when Jensen rushed over to help her. He managed to grab her before she fell to the ground and grabbed all her bags
"I'm Agent Jensen" he said as he straightened her up and sat everything back on the ground, "And you must be Abby Scuito. Agent Gibbs said that you'd be arriving this morning." He smiled kindly at her as he stepped away to give her room.
"That's right" Abby said as she smiled back at the older man that stood beside her, "I'm here to stay with Tony until he's ready to go home. Director Vance sent me because Ducky wasn't able to get away. But then you know that already, don't you." She stated with a smile that she knew Gibbs had told the other agent.
"I'll let Agent Gibbs know that you're here," Jensen informed her. "Agent McGee and Officer David just left to check out a lead and should be back in about three or four hours." He explained.
Abby bent down to pick up her bags and what looked like a large heavy thermos when Jensen brushed her hand away so he could collect her belongings. He took the bags and opened the door, the young woman followed with her parasol and thermos. Agent Jensen showed her into a large room and placed her bags against one of the walls. He knew the flight had been long and the time difference was hard to get used to. He looked at the young Goth who was as he expected worn out despite what he assumed was her normal cheerful demeanor. He decided to show her to the sleeping quarters. He again picked up her things and had her follow him so she could get a few hours rest before the two agents were due to arrive.
"Ms. Scuito?" Jensen asked, "Since your friends aren't due to be back for a few hours why don't you get some rest. You look worn out, it's a long flight and the time chances can get to a person." He told her as they walked down the hall of quarter to find hers
Abby rubbed her eyes and hoped she could rub the tiredness and worry she had felt the past several months away. All she really wanted to do was go straight to the hospital and check on the two people who meant more than the world to her. She knew that she couldn't right now, the last caf-pow's affect had worn off. Now she could feel the affect of everything that Agent Jensen had said and some things he hadn't said or known. She decided the rest would do her good and she'd only sleep for awhile. After all she had to be her best for Gibbs and especially for Tony.
"Agent Jensen?" Abby asked as she stopped and put her thermos down, "That would be nice to rest and freshen up. I take it that one room will be mine for now?" She asked while her eyes wondered the corridor.
"Yes, there is one bed you can pick for your own. Then you can put your bags in the locker. Just follow me and you can rest for awhile." Jensen replied.
Abby picked up her parasol, thermos of Caf Pow and followed the agent to the back of the building. When they got there they went through a door that led outside and into another room that was actually a bunker. Abby had seen a bunker from when she had spoken to Tony on the computer and this looked the same. Actually she figured they all were the same. She looked at the rows of beds and found on next to the few that were in use. Agent Jensen placed her bags next to the locker by the bed. He then handed the key for the locker to her.
"I know this isn't a hotel but the ranks aren't bad," He smiled at her, "I'll wake you up when they get back." Jensen said "Then you three can freshen up and collect your things for the trip to the hospital."
"Thank you" Abby said as she put her things away and proceeded to lie down on the bed.
"They'll be back in a few hours, so get some rest." Jensen said as he walked out the door and into the hot sunlight.
End Flashback
"So tell me" Abby asked the curiosity driving her crazy, "How are Tony and Gibbs doing? And how are you guys? I've missed you so much."
"We're fine Abby" McGee answered as he gave his friend a hug. "Gibbs is with Tony now. We'll go and see them after we finish up with things here. There's a jeep that we'll take along with our things to the hospital." McGee explained.
McGee decided to tease Abby after he gave her another hug. "Oh and Abby, you really need to lay off the Caf-Pows. You look like you're ready to have a caffeine fit." McGee had to hide the smile.
Before he knew it the young Goth was standing right in front of him with her hands on her hips glaring at him.
"I'll have you know Timmy" Abby said in a stern voice "That I haven't had a Caf-Pow in hours. And secondly I've missed my best friends in the world, you were all so far away from me. I have the right to be happy now that I'm here. But I really need to see Tony. I have to make sure he is alright and if he isn't I need to be there for him. I just can't believe this happened to Tony. Poor Tony, it's like he can't get away from being hurt both physically and emotionally. Oh poor Tony." Abby pouted.
"We will Abby and I know you can make Tony feel better." McGee answered as he watched Ziva start to pack up the office "Ziva and I have to get the rest of our things packed up. We'll be on our way in about an hour so calm down."
"Calm down! Calm down? How can you say that Tim? Tony is hurt and he is feeling so many horrible things. He needs love, to be held and feel safe,"Abby told her friend and then squinted her eyes in a warning look, "And if you tell him I said that I will kill you and leave no forensic evidence, got that?" Abby warned. She knew that Tony needed all the things she said but he always kept that private between Abby and him. She knew that Gibbs had figured Tony out a long time ago and kept his secrets, but Tony couldn't live with anyone else knowing these insecure flaws. She started at Tim to make sure he understood.
"Of course I won't say a word of this to Tony or anyone. You know you can trust me, Abby." Tim assured her.
"Good now get to work so we can get there as fast as possible."
Abby sulked around for a few minutes before she found a chair to sit down on. After she got tired of waiting which only took a few minutes, she decided to pitch in to speed up the process. A half an hour later all the equipment was loaded into the jeep that would be carrying that and the luggage to the airport. Another jeep would carry the agents to the airport after Agent Jensen's team drove them and Abby to the hospital. A while later everything was ready. Ziva and McGee went back inside to say their good-byes while Abby waited in the jeep for them.
"Everything is all ready to go. I have two of my team to drive the two jeeps," Agent Jensen told them as he started back to his files. "If I don't talk to you or Agent Gibbs later today I hope that I'll see you soon. Have a safe flight and I'll be sure to keep an eye on Agent DiNozzo for you."
McGee and Jensen shook hands while Agent Jensen gave Ziva a quick hug before opening the door to walk to the jeep. The walk outside to the jeep found Abby sitting in the back seat talking on her cell phone. Abby hung up when she saw that her two friends were back.
"Gibbs just called me" Abby told them excitedly while she made herself more comfortable and adjusted her parasol, "He wants us up at the hospital as soon as we can. Apparently they moved your flight up so we need to hurry back so you two can say your goodbyes." Her words ran out quickly as patted the seat with urgency.
McGee and Ziva jumped into the jeep and then McGee started the engine for the long drive to the hospital. Forty minutes later and they were finally at the hospital. Abby started to follow them down the long hallway. She stopped and turned down another. Ziva and Tim talked about the flight home when they realized Abby was no long with them.
"Where'd Abby go?" McGee asked as they turned towards Tony's room.
"I do not know" Ziva answered as she turned around to see if there was any sign of their friend.
Now that they knew Abby was gone they used the few minutes that they had left to look for her. They made their way down a different hallway which led to the cafeteria. There they saw Abby at a table with food and a drink. When Ziva and Tim go closer they spotted the laptop and saw that she was intensely listening to something or someone. The two snuck up behind her, a mischievous look was shared between them for her sudden disappearance without telling them. McGee placed his hand on her shoulder. Scared, Abby jumped up with a gasp and turned to see the two as they laughed. Abby calmed down as she clean off the front of her t-shirt from the food that had fallen on it. She then put her hands on her hips as she turned angrily to face them.
"That was so mean Timmy." Abby said and pointed her finger at him. She then looked at both, there was no smile, her eyes squinted in displeasure of what they had just done, "You guys should know by now that it's not nice to scare someone like that. You are so lucky that I can't think about this right now. Gibbs wanted me to tell you both that he doesn't want Tony to know that I'm here. It's supposed to be a surprise. You two have to promise that you won't say a word to him. I want to be able to surprise him later after you guys leave." She stared at both of them, her arms askew while she waited for an answer.
"Sorry Abby" Ziva apologized "We did not mean to scare you. And yes we will not say a word to Tony. We must however get upstairs to Gibbs and say good-bye to Tony before Gibbs leaves without us." She assured her friend.
"He would never leave without you guys, Gibbs isn't like that." Abby guaranteed Ziva, "You know I'll miss you guys" Abby said with a sad smile, "I wish you could stay longer. I haven't seen you guys in what seems almost like months and then you guys have to leave again. It's bad enough I haven't seen Tony in months though I did talk to him and see him on my laptop but that doesn't count." Abby stopped and hurried over to give them both a tight hug. She knew Ziva saw her wipe the tears away but that didn't matter as she sat back down.
"Abby" McGee said comfortingly "We'll see you just as soon as Tony is released. And we're only a call away." He reminded the Goth and then reached down and gave her a huge hug before he walked away.
Ziva leaned down and also gave Abby a hug. "Shalom, Abby." She then quickly caught up to Tim.
"Bye! "Abby said sadly as she waved goodbye.
Once they returned her wave she settled back to her lunch and computer, even though she had an uneasy feeling. She knew they would all be back together soon. Then her mind turned to Tony. After the last time she had spoken with Tony she was almost afraid to see and talk to him. God, how could she be afraid to talk to him? She couldn't abandon her best friend over this uneasy fear. She would just see how things went, push aside the fear and give him a big hug. Yeah, that was always good with Tony, he relaxed when she hugged him and if they were alone he'd allow her to hold him and stroke his hair. Yup, that was a major relaxant for Tony. That's what she'd do since they would be alone and he would feel so much better and safer once she had him in that position. With a plan she felt better, but that nagging uneasy feeling was still there. She sighed and again pushed it away. Determined, she made herself smile and concentrate on the evidence she had up on her lap top.
NCIS
Tony's Room
Tony had been dozing on and off all morning. Since his talk with Gibbs the atmosphere felt lighter than it had been. Although he knew there were still issues that needed to be resolved he felt like some of the weight he'd been carrying over the passed few months had lessened some.
When Tony woke up earlier it was to Gibbs telling him that Ziva and McGee would stop by later to say good-bye. He wasn't sure how he felt yet about them going thousands of miles and leaving him alone. Sure he like the felt better since there talk about being left alone, yet he still like he was again being abandoned. Whether it was right or wrong it didn't matter, the feeling still hung on him.
Gibbs had tried to ease his mind and told him that Agent Jensen would stop by daily and two F.B.I. agents would be at the door around the clock. Being an agent and a police officer for years had taught him something could always go wrong. He kept the thoughts of what could happen swirling though his mind. Gibbs told him to stop, told him that he would have to trust his boss. He didn't know if he could trust Gibbs yet, but decided he'd have to at this point.
Gibbs had just finished the last of his coffee, he'd been careful with it since over half of it was finished last night. He dozed on and off a bit as he thought about how he'd actually had gotten a semblance of a good nights sleep the night before. He also thought about how he felt better with Tony not going with them since he'd be in the care of Abby and knew Jensen would do as he said with the guards on Tony's door and checking in on him. Now he did felt a little bad about not telling Tony he wouldn't be alone. Abby would stay and he along with his team would be a nice surprise for the Senior Field Agent and would cheer him up. He hoped this would help start the healing process that was so long over due, this and the talk that they had with one another. Of course Gibbs didn't delude himself that everything was fine, he knew that they'd both have more to talk about when Tony got back.
He opened his eyes and noticed that Tony was awake. Gibbs also noticed that his Senior Agent looked like he was deep in thought. He figured he'd leave Tony to it and continued the silence.
Gibbs was just about to get up when he heard two familiar voices in the hall. He decided to step outside and have a word with his two agents before they came into the room. He glanced back at his agent who was still lying on the bed in silent contemplation. He then immediately motioned them over to an empty room so that they could talk.
"Is everything taken care of back at the base?" Gibbs asked of his two agents.
"Yes Boss" McGee answered "Everything is on its way to the airport. In fact everything should be loaded and ready to go by the time we get there."
"Good." Gibbs said as he glanced back toward Tony's room. "The flight doesn't leave for quite a while so you can go ahead and say your good-byes. One at a time for now. DiNozzo is dealing with a lot and doesn't need bombarded with too many people." He explained his reasons which the two agents. He normally didn't do that very often, but with the way he felt he tried to keep the explanations short.
The two younger agents looked at each other, both felt apprehensive about the visit and good-byes after what had happened. McGee was especially worried about how things would be with Tony after what had happened between them. He was afraid to upset the other man and hoped Tony wouldn't yell or be in even more pain, emotionally as well as physically. They both stood and hesitated, waiting for the other to go in first. That was when Gibbs stepped in and made the choice.)
"Ziva" Gibbs stated "Why don't you go in first." Gibbs brow raised with that all knowing look on his face and waited.
Ziva turned to look at the others and then quickly knocked on the door and walked in.
Tony lay in the bed, deep in thought, when he heard a soft knock on the door and waited for one of them to enter the room. He recognized the footsteps, but waited for her to walk further into the room before he said a word.
"Hey Ziva" Tony said quietly "You can come and sit down if you want. The Boss said that you packed up my things and brought a bag for me?" He asked his other team mate.
"It was no problem Tony." Ziva answered him as she tried) to fill the uncomfortable silence in the (room, "I was happy to help." She said with a firmer yet lighter tone to her voice.
"Thank you" Tony answered "I can't tell you how much I appreciate what you did for me."
They sat for several minutes in an uncomfortable silence each working up the courage to talk first. So much had gone on over the last few months. There had been so much said that neither of them knew where to begin. Tony decided he needed to set in motion the conversation after everything that had happened. He had said and did so many terrible things to his friends, how could he make it right? He didn't know, but he had to try. He took in a few deep breaths to help with his nerves and to give him the strength to speak.
"Ziva" Tony said hesitantly, "Thank you for coming to rescue me. I don't know what I would have done if you guys hadn't come when you did. Agent Carlson wouldn't have been the only one dead." His voice lowered with sincerity. He skipped only a beat before he spoke, "Thank you." His head dropped a little after he finished this first part.
"That was no problem, Tony" Ziva answered "I am just glad that you are okay." Ziva came around to the bed and gave Tony a hug. She then found the chair close by and moved it over. She sat down with a smile and gave him a quick pat on the shoulder.
"Ziva" Tony quietly said her name again, "I need to apologize for everything that I've done or said before I left for Iraq. I treated you all terribly. I feel badly for all I put you guys through. I hope you and McGee can forgive me. I also hope that Abby will forgive me for the stunt I pulled. You know, slamming the door in her face along with laughing at her and loud enough for her to hear." Tony confided in his team mate with shame. He then felt more disgusted with him self,"Damn it Ziva, what on earth can I do to fix this."
He started to rub his temples to ease the headache that was there as it built up force. He wished that he was home and could go to Abby or that she'd come to him. He thought about how things used to be and hoped that the whole thing could be straightened out so that everything would be alright, once again. But could it be alright with Abby again? They seemed to be when he spoke to her on the computer, he just didn't know. He thought maybe with Ziva and McGee, things could work out. Sure, he may have to take a bit of slack from them once he was alright and home, but he'd settle for it and take his lumps, just so things would be normal again. His life hadn't been normal for so long it seemed.
Tony was deep in sad thoughts of how much he wanted to feel normal again; to stop hurting and stop hurting other's he cared about. He didn't realize what Ziva saw deeper into his reactions and strange behavior. What she saw helped her to put more of the puzzle pieces that she had been slowly picking up and putting together over the months.
"I know that you are hurting, Tony" Ziva answered as she put a hand on his trembling shoulder. "We all knew and know you are hurting. You get a bad mission you do not throw your self into another. You must heal first. This may take a little while, but you need to heal. You are finally doing this by no longer running away. Now as far as Abby is concerned I do believe that you have been talking to one another fine while you have been here, yes? I know that Abby was hurt at first but she realized that you were not in the best frame of mind and what you had said was not meant. All she wants is for you to come back home. She is very concerned about you, she forgave you, so do not worry, Tony. As for McGee, my self, and Gibbs, all we want is for you to get well. So please do not worry. I think if Abby knew how upset you are she would worry even more. Yes?" Ziva raised her eyebrow at Tony and waited for an answer.
Tony let out a long sigh and hoped that Ziva was right. He knew that there had been many talks between him self and Abby over the last few months. He knew how forgiving Abby was and she would have forgiven him a long time ago. What Ziva said was the truth, the only problem with that was that once he came home he'd have to face Abby and that was what had him so worried. He would never ever hurt Abby if it were possible. Yet he had and he would have to face what he'd done, with her and that scared him. He just wanted her to hug him, he felt so safe when she did and he wanted to do the same for her. Almost as if Ziva could read his mind she stood up and sat next to him on the bed.
"Tony you must stop blaming yourself right now. There is no reason for it any longer. I believe you've been doing this far to long" Ziva consoled with a smile "I do not think it is healthy to blame yourself. I believe you have already added that to the turn and made you self sicker. I am not sure I got that right." She cocked her head to see if she had gotten the term right and if what she said got through to Tony.
Tony looked up and answered her question with out the teasing sarcasm he usually used, "It's 'added that to the mix', Ziva."
Ziva reached down and planted a long kiss on Tony's lips. When she pulled back away she noticed a big smile on her friend's face, "What? You have fixed what I said so what did I do?" Ziva gave a confused look to her team mate and friend. She was caught off guard by how he was suddenly acting after so long.
"Wow, Zee-va" Tony teased "I didn't know how much you cared, you love me. Maybe another kiss is in order, you know to make me feel better, or to make you feel better," Tony saw the confused look on her face as she realization was setting in. He then continued on "Well then, maybe it was just an act kissing me like that. Maybe it was just like when we were undercover in the motel four years ago. But then maybe it wasn't an act. I may have to tell Gibbs and the others that you are in love with me. Another kiss would really help to figure this out, oh and Gibbs like I said. Oh but there is rule number 12, Zeeva. Then a chick like you wouldn't worry about that if we did do it," he whispered the rest to her, "Unndder. The. Covers."
A smile broke out on Tony's face. This was fun as he watched her expression change from a smile to one of her looks that meant almost certain death. But he didn't care it was fun to tease her, fun was something he hadn't had in a long time.
"Do not say a word to anyone about that kiss, Tony. That was innocent I can assure you and if you say other wise I will find out. Then I will grab a paperclip and kill you without leaving a trace." Ziva said with a glare. Secretly Ziva enjoyed Tony's reaction, it was the reaction she had been hoping for. She needed to get him to laugh and smile before McGee came in. She could not let him revert back and hide under all the guilt and anger he'd been feeling.
Ziva then continued and answered with a genuine smile. "Okay, you can tell Gibbs and McGee but no one else. You have to promise me or I will carry out what I had promised, earlier. And remember it will be done and no one will find you." She smiled and then gave him an appraising look as her eyes moved up and down him, like a tiger that waited for the kill.
Tony laughed and gave her one of his megawatt smiles. He knew she was teasing him back.
"I won't, Ziva. Well maybe I will but at least I won't say anything today." He reached over and gave Ziva a hug before talking again. "Thank you!"
Ziva reached back down into her jeans pocket and felt something hard in it. All of a sudden she jumped up and remembered what it was.
"Tony" Ziva exclaimed "I almost forgot to tell you that I found your watch in with your things. I think it was the one Abby sent you for your birthday before you left. I thought that you might want it back. It is good luck for you or so I have been told." Ziva looked at her friend and noticed that his face had lit up at the thought of his special watch that Abby gave him.
Tony reached over and took the watch out of her hands. He slipped it on as his emotions over powered him, he wiped the few tears that he tried to keep back but couldn't."Thank you" Tony choked out, "Thank you so much. Are the others here? I should talk to McGee. I just hope he is still talking to me."
"You are welcome, I am glad that having this watch seems to help. As for McGee I am sure that he is still talking to you," Ziva answered, "Do not worry." She patted him as she got up from the bed.
There was a knock on the door. Gibbs looked inside to tell them it was late and McGee needed to come in and see Tony.
"Tony" Gibbs said noting the tears in his eyes, though Gibbs made sure Tony didn't know what he saw, "McGee wants to talk to you. Then I'll be back in as soon as you're done."
"Sounds good." Tony answered. He lied back down on the pillow and immediately fell back asleep. He had been dozing for about fifteen minutes before he woke to someone clearing his throat.
"Tony" McGee said after taking a sip of coffee. "I thought that you weren't going to wake up in time."
"I'm sorry Tim." Tony said very sadly "I'm just tired right now and I can't wait to get back home. We need to talk about what happened the other day. I wasn't myself and I didn't mean to take out my anger and frustration out on you. You just ended up being the victim of all of it. I hope that you can forgive me." Tony looked at the younger man next to him and hoped that man would forgive him.
"Tony" McGee said and stopped for a moment to choose the right words to say. He wasn't sure how to answer him. He hadn't felt afraid of DiNozzo in several years, not since he was a new probie. But even then he'd never seen him actually loose complete control of his emotions the way he had at the hospital. He could feel all the pain emanating from the older agent. Maybe if he just put his feelings aside it would be best for both of them, plus it would ease DiNozzo's guilt and his own.
"Honestly Tony, don't worry. I was a little hurt at first but then I realized you were hurt and angry because of what had happened to Agent Carlson. Also the other undercover case changed you a lot. I know that you went through a terrible ordeal, and then having to testify against him? Well that was just as appalling." Tim explained the way he saw the whole mess that Tony had gone through.
"I'm just still trying to come to terms with everything." Tony answered "I talked to Gibbs yesterday. He explained a lot of what happened. I think I feel better now that I know it wasn't me. I really just need some time and, for you guys to catch Reynolds and put him away forever. I just want my life back, to be able to get on with it. I need to put the last five months behind me. I just don't know how to do that, Tim." Tony usually wasn't this open with his team mates. He was with Gibbs, Abby and Ducky yes, but not with Tim and Ziva. This felt so foreign to him yet he couldn't help but let Tim know this about how he felt.
"Just remember that nothing was your fault."McGee reminded his friend, "We are all here for you and want to help. Tony you also have to remember that I could have treated you better than I did. So I'm as much to blame as anyone." Tim admitted in a general, his part in what happened to his team mate.
"Damn it Tim" Tony said quietly. He understood too much of what his friend felt and was doing, "I know what you are saying, but that doesn't change the fact. I really didn't make things easy for you guys either. You reacted the only way you knew how to when I pulled my shit," Tony took a shuttering breath before he once again said what he wasn't used to saying very often. To him it seemed he was saying it a lot or expecting it said to him a lot lately, but not from Ziva or Tim. Both of his team mates didn't deserve what he dished out to them over the months, he just couldn't stop lashing out at the world. He lashed out, the most, at the people close to him. He remembered the saying as he sat there ready to apologize. 'You always hurt the people closest to you.' That's what he did alright.
He let out a sigh and continued. It was better to just get it over with, "Listen, I'm sorry about how I acted. I needed to get a reaction from you and not a good one either. So, will you just accept my apology and we can get on with things? Then maybe I might be able to get home some time soon." Tony sat up in his bed, his eyebrow raised as he waited for his answer.
McGee just sat in silence he didn't know which way to turn. He figured he'd have to work his guilt out on his own and give his friend the answer he wanted. Tony needed to feel better and it wasn't very often that Tony apologized. Tim decided to take advantage of that fact, but he also knew that what Tony had said was true. The Senior Field Agent did lash out in different ways to get reactions from his team mates, but team mates that should have known why this was happening. He still felt that guilt eat at him. He again reminded himself that he'd have to work on that guilt when he could at a later time. Right now what was important was to finish this part of the problem, get it out of the way in order to free not just Tony, but himself too.
"I agree with you, Tony. I just need you to promise me something," McGee stared at Tony for a moment before he finished his thought, "When you get back to the States you need to purge your self of everything that's happened from both Ops. The only way you can do that is to talk to someone. Talk to Gibbs, Ducky, Abby, anyone," he slowed to a stop and couldn't believe he was going to say this. But he remembered how Tony had tried to help him when he was accused of killing that undercover police officer. Tony had even told an embarrassing story about what had happened to him when he first killed someone. Tim smiled to him self as he remembered that story, it had helped him though he never told Tony that or he would have never heard the end of it, "You could even talk to me. I've been told I'm a good listener." Tim finished and waited for Tony to balk at the promise but he was surprised at Tony's somber answer.
"I will" Tony simply answered as he put both hands behind his head and then laid back against his pillows. "And I might just take you up on that offer." Tony found Tim's eyes and gave him a smile and a wink. He had to keep some of his image intact.
They both sat in silence for a while until Tony quickly pulled himself up.
"You know, McGee." Tony thoughtfully said while he let out a long sigh, "I'm really glad you guys are here. I don't believe I said that but it's true. Contrary to what some people think, I can tell whole truths. Anyway, I know you have to leave soon but I wanted you to know that it means a lot to me that you guys are here. I mean I wasn't sure for a while if you'd even come and look for me never mind come and get me." He finished. He needed to tell McGee the truth about how he felt, he needed to tell them all how he felt and he had already started with Gibbs.
"I'm just glad that we got to you in time." McGee answered. "But you're safe now and will be home soon. Just don't flirt too much with all of the nurses." McGee said to try and lighten things up a bit.
"Oh I can't promise anything, McGoo" Tony answered with a malicious grin. "But there is one that I was going to ask out. But then I remembered I wasn't in the States. I guess I could always get to know her and take her out when we both get home. And don't worry I did think of you. I thought if I did ask her out I would find an orderly for you." DiNozzo's grin widened as he saw the tell tale sign of McGee falling for the trap. God it felt good to do something normal like mess with McGee's head.
McGee jumped up ready to start an argument over what DiNozzo had just said. He was so glad to see this part of Tony back. He usually hated this part of his friend, yet being so close to losing him; Tim decided to play the game.
"Tony don't." McGee said after he thought of what Tony would really find for him. He was fearful of meeting some burly fifty year old woman weighing over two hundred pounds or a man for that matter.
"Oh come on, Ma—Geeee," Tony laughed as he exaggerated and held out the name like he sometimes did, "I really think you'll like her. And, she's not an orderly. I swear, or a man even. She's in her early twenties and really nice." He gave a lecherous smile
"I don't believe you, Ton ey." Tim in playing along found himself emphasizing the last part of the name as well as holding it longer.
"Well then let me show you a picture of her." Tony told him, enjoying how uncomfortable Tim had gotten, "At least let me send her a picture of you."
Tony didn't wait for an answer from Tim. He reached down to grab his phone in order to take a picture of Tim. Tony knew that she was just perfect for him and maybe something could happen when she got back to the States in two months. While waiting they could get to know one another by talking. He didn't tell his friend this it was just too much fun to see him squirm.
Tony had stood up to get to the table. He had his back to Tim and didn't realize that he stood in between his friend and that table. He quickly went to open the drawer and almost hit Tim in a not very pleasant place. Tim jumped out of the way and caught his foot in the phone wire making him fall backwards and on to the floor. Tony took advantage of the situation and quickly snapped a photo as Tim fought to untangle his foot and stand up and then a video. Tony realized that Tim didn't know right away that he had taken that photo or the video. Tim had been too engrossed in getting himself out of the mess and back up on his feet. Tony swiftly sent that photo and one that looked good from an office picnic a few months earlier to the girl. That taken care of he turned and smiled at his friend. Hey, he'd be thanked later on once the relationship had started
"Tony!" McGee yelled "You didn't just take a picture of me on the ground, did you?" He huffed with frustration.
"As a matter of fact I did McClumsy" Tony laughed. "And I just sent it to the beautiful nurse, Joyce. I also took a video of your clumsy attempt to get up," Tony laughed, "I think that I'll put it up on You Tube for the whole world to see." Tony teased. He giggled at the though of the video he took of Tim's fight to stand up from the vicious phone cord.
"Don't you dare, Ton- ey!" McGee yelled as he reached over to grab at the phone.
Tony had anticipated his friend's reaction and quickly pressed the send button that posted the video to You Tube before McGee could stop him.
Outside the room
/
Gibbs and Ziva had just come back from checking on Abby. Gibbs wanted to make sure that Abby's arrival was a surprise. He told her not to come up to Tony's room until he was asleep. He knew of their special bond it was different than his and Abby's was, but it was still a tight bond. That bond Gibbs hoped would help with Tony's healing process. He had thought about that as he and Ziva arrived on the floor of Tony's room were they were all going to meet with Agent Jensen.
When they stepped off the elevator and into the hallway they heard a load crash followed by two people yelling. Not sure what was going on and knowing the dangers, Gibbs eyed Ziva as he drew out his gun as she followed suit. They crouched their bodies and moved down the hall with guns pointed towards the floor. They quickly came to Tony's room ready to use their pent up adrenalin on a suspect, but instead came across both Tony and Tim wrestling over Tony's cell phone.
"What the hell are you two doing?" Gibbs loudly barked out "I thought you were supposed to be resting, DiNozzo!" Gibbs scowled at both men, "DiNozzo, bed, now!" He snapped as his agent quickly climbed into bed. He then noticed, Ziva out of the corner of his eye relax and put her weapon away. Gibbs then turned his glare onto McGee, "McGee, what in the hell is going on in here?" He stood straight, re-holstered his gun in wait of his demanded answer.
"Boss" McGee whined "Tony just sent an embarrassing picture of me to some strange woman. Then he posted it on You Tube. Ahhh You Tube is a site where you can put any type of video you want on there, but you don't want to know that. Ummm, I just didn't want the world to see the video, um , boss." McGee told Gibbs while the whole time red had been creeping up his face. Now he was in full blush as he stood in front of his boss.
"McGee!" Gibbs snapped with a slight smile "I would have thought you'd had learned by now."
Gibbs walked over and slapped Tony on the back of the head with more of a smile. He then grabbed the phone out of his senior agent's hand.
"Aa, Boss?" Tony asked with an innocent look "Why'd you hit me? Remember I'm still injured and in the line of duty I might add." He whined in hope of some sympathy along with getting out of trouble.
"For messing with, McGee." Gibbs said sternly "How many times have I told you to lie off of him?" He shook his head like he would with children who wouldn't stop messing with one another.
"I'll behave, boss" Tony placated his boss while he smiled at the junior agent. The whole thing was worth it; at least McGee would have a date with a nice girl for a change when she returned to Bethesda. Tony did really care about Tim and was looking out for him in this. Yet it wasn't in either of their makeup to show how they looked out for one another all the time. To them the banter was better and as the scuttlebutt had spread, they where all like a family. So Tony would still have his fun, being an only child he never was able to do things like this to a little brother and as much as McGee might not like it he was the little brother. Tony decided he wouldn't tell McGee about You Tube and let him keep thinking that Tony had put the video up. The yelling Gibbs had done was worth it to see the look on the junior agents face. Tony also knew that with the computer smarts that his so called little brother had that he'd soon realize that the video was never put up. Then Tony would have more fun when he'd come in angry about Tony not telling him that the video was never put up. Both ways DiNozzo won and he smiled happily.
The next twenty minutes was spent talking about the case and how little they had learned about the whereabouts of Reynolds and his associates. Gibbs decided to ask Tony if new knew anything about Reynolds while he was still in a good frame of mind. He listened as Tony was joking around with his young teammates, but he could see the lines of fatigue in his eyes and face.
"I need to have a quick word with Tony." Gibbs asked "Agent Jensen should be here in a few minutes. Go outside and bring him in." Gibbs ordered.
"Tony." Gibbs asked as the younger man laid his head back down on the bed. " Do you have anything on Captain Reynolds? Do you remember anything more about the time you spent with you or where you put the evidence you collected on the case against him? We need to get that evidence or something to build more of a case." Gibbs didn't want to pressure DiNozzo but at this point he had little choice although he tried to do it lightly in his own way.
"I don't think so, Boss" Tony said as he rubbed his eyes wearily. "I know that I had evidence in a file on Reynolds somewhere," Tony gave an unsure look. This bothered him not remembering the undercover op enough to help after the amount of time he spent with Reynolds. He was also bothered because he knew in the back of his mind that he DID have evidence on Reynolds that would put him away. Only with his head injury he no longer remembered where this file was. He thought for a moment longer, "I thought that you or Ziva and McGee had found the evidence file I had built on Reynolds in my things, unless Reynolds found the file and took it," Tony looked at his boss with defeat in his eyes, shook his head and looked down as he spoke more, "Sorry boss, I had to have screwed up, somehow. " Tony let out a long sigh. He'd done it once again. His father was right he was a screw up. He turned away from Gibbs, to ashamed to look at his mentor.
"Hey DiNozzo" Gibbs consoled "I'm sure with the head injury you just don't remember where you put it. You may have hide it good so that Reynolds wouldn't find it or mailed it home to the agency or yourself, you don't know. Don't say this was your fault you're a damn good agent and I don't wanna hear that again, do you understand?" Gibbs said the last part sternly in order for his agent not to lose faith in himself.
DiNozzo nodded, not quite sure but willing to believe what his boss was saying. Anything was better than what was going on in his head right now, "Sure boss. Who knows maybe Reynolds found it in my stuff." Tony stated and as he thought about it that wasn't so far fetched
"Exactly, that's what I mean, we just don't know. So don't blame yourself. Now, do you understand what I said about it not being your fault?" Gibbs pushed his agent once again.
"I think so and I'll try not to blame myself." Tony answered still unsure, but feeling better with what Gibbs had said to him, "Are you sure there's no way I can go home with you guys today. I'm sure that the cute nurse I had earlier would be more than willing to sign me out." Tony looked to his boss with hopeful eyes.
"No DiNozzo" Gibbs answered "You need to stay here until the doctors release you. You'll be okay. Jensen will be here to see you a couple time a day and there will be guards posted outside your hallway. And remember that I am just a phone call away." He tried to reassure his agent.
"I understand Boss." Tony answered feeling insecure again. "I'm just not sure that I'm ready to be alone yet. I believe you only I hate to admit this to you, boss, "Tony's voice grew quiet he was an agent and wasn't supposed to be afraid. He was reluctant to tell Gibbs his fears but in that quiet voice that brought him back for a moment to when he was a boy he let them out, "I guess being so far away and all that's happened over the past several months I'm a bit afraid to be alone right now. I'm sorry, boss. I don't want to let you down but I sure wish Ducky or Abby could be with me." Tony hung his head.
Gibbs came and put his hand on Tony's shoulder. He decided ease Tony's mind without spilling the news that Abby was already there.
"Tony, it's alright to be afraid now and then it's only human. Let me see what I can do."Gibbs answered with a smile. He eased himself back into the uncomfortable chair. Once he shifted to get as comfortable as he could he hear familiar voices as they came down the hall.
"Thanks Boss" Tony said hopefully "I really would appreciate it. I just hope that Vance will let you. I guess this will be a good- bye for now." Tony used some bravado as he told his boss.
McGee, Ziva and Agent Jensen walked into the room. They stood by the door so they wouldn't interrupt the conversation. Jensen checked his watch and realized that they really had to get going so they wouldn't miss the flight.
"Agent Gibbs" Jensen said as he walked over to stand next to the bed. "It's time for us to go."
"I guess it is." Gibbs answered "And I'll do whatever I can to send Abby or Ducky here for a few days. I'll check back with you as soon as we land and I know something. Call Jensen if you need anything." Gibbs gripped Tony's shoulder and squeezed before he moved away
"I won't keep you guys, but it's great to see all of you. Thanks Boss, I can't tell you how much it meant to have all of you here. And Ziva thanks for returning the watch. Tell Abby that I have it so she won't worry about it." Tony rambled on not wanting them to leave.
Everyone gathered at the door so that they could head out. Tony waved good-bye and reached for the I Pod that was sitting on the bedside table. He closed his eyes and let out a long sigh. When he opened his eyes they had all left. Tony turned the I Pod on and put his ear buds in and tried to let the music take him away from the thought of being alone, once again. He hated being alone in this way it was too much like when he was a kid and that was what he couldn't explain to Gibbs. He thought he saw something in Gibbs eyes that said after all this time that Gibbs knew how he felt and why.
He turned his head and reached over to the night table and picked up the watch. He laughed as he thought about the day it came in the mail. He knew that Abby understood him so well and would be the only person that would send him a Mickey Mouse watch. When he received it he had immediately ran back to his bunk and placed a call to her. She was thrilled that the watch had gotten there and that her best friend had been so pleased with it, but then she knew Tony well, knew it was a gift he would love, knew that with the extras it would be more than a watch. Tony called a week later for their morning video call to say that the watch saved his life. Yes it had proved to be more than just a watch.
Tony laid his head back down. There was something about what he had just thought about. The watch was much more. Try as he might to remember what it was, he couldn't. He thought that it might have something to do with the evidence against Reynolds. The pain medicine was slowly kicking in again. He couldn't think anymore. He closed his eyes and fell asleep and dreamt about Mickey Mouse and flash drives.