Disclaimer: Same as always, don't own any of the characters from the show, etc.

A/N: Rating is for language. Sorry I haven't been updating much, it's just I'm busy with school and everything. I'll try to get more chapters out quicker, but no promises. :)

Chapter 4

Tony woke up to the early morning light as it seeped through the blinds. He had to take a moment to look around, remembering where he was and why he was there. The sunlight came through the window, reflecting on some piece of equipment in the corner of the room. He noticed that it formed four bright rings on the ceiling. It's not the sort of thing that Tony would have given much thought to in the past as usually he's too busy doing other things to stare at the ceiling, but there's very little to do in the hospital. Tony's not accustomed to inactivity, so he quickly grew tired of the TV in the corner of the room, and the hoards of magazines that Abby had brought in. Tony found himself lying on the bed and staring at the ceiling because he simply doesn't know what else to do.

There's nothing particularly interesting about the rings, just four concentric circles glowing a pale yellow against the harsh white of a hospital ceiling under fluorescent lights. They're merely a point of focus as his mind wanders, casting about for an interesting topic for a while before it gives up and lets him doze until breakfast, briefly escaping the boredom.

Gibbs had come in one morning, knowing that Tony would probably be awake. Tony reckoned he felt guilty about the accident, not that it was his fault or anything. Gibbs felt guilty over Kate's death, and now, after Tony's accident, it really hit him hard that at any moment any of his team could be gone.

Its not visiting hours, but the nurse who catches Gibbs is nearing the end of her shift so she lets him in. Gibbs smiles gratefully at the young redhead woman as he neared Tony's room. Gibbs walked up to the end of the bed and looked around the room, momentarily pausing as he thinks of something to say. Tony's got his eyes closed, hoping that Gibbs would give up and leave, as he didn't really feel in the mood to talk. And knowing Gibbs, he'd probably want to interrogate him about one thing or another.

He looked at Tony; he had an IV stuck in his arm, looking sorry for himself. "Hey DiNozzo." He said.

"Hey boss," Tony hesitated before he answered, hoping that Gibbs would lay off the questions. Instead Gibbs pulled up a chair next to the bed.

Tony waited for the other man to continue, but when it became apparent that he had no intention of saying any more than he needed to, Tony took the ball and ran with it. "Since you're not going to ask questions," he said and leaned forward, resting his elbows on the bed, "then I'll ask you some."

Gibbs grinned slightly. "Shoot."

Tony cleared his throat, "You give the necklace to Abs?" he asked. Gibbs nodded, but didn't elaborate. "Well?" Tony prompted.

"We got the jeweler, if that's what you're wondering. A guy in Baltimore."

Tony frowned, "Baltimore? That ain't exactly in our backyard boss." Gibbs shook his head, "I decided to save you the work and go myself."

Tony frowned slightly, "Why?" he asked, "I mean, like you said, it's not in our jurisdiction." Gibbs thought he detected a slight sarcasm in his voice, but pushed it aside.

"It was my day off. Thought I'd do you a favor." Gibbs replied. Tony raised an eyebrow, wondering why Gibbs was suddenly helping him out. "You know something else, don't you?"

Gibbs shrugged, "You know damn well that I can't tell you anything DiNozzo."

Tony signed heavily, "Fine. Whatever." He said simply, brushing it aside. He hoped that by looking like he didn't care that Gibbs would tell him more. Gibbs remained silent; he was too smart for that, Tony thought. "Just say something dammit!" he exclaimed furiously. Gibbs raised an eyebrow, but said nothing. Tony sensed that he was worried about him, and not just because of the crash, but there was something else. Maybe he knew something but didn't want to tell Tony in case it hurt him more. Perhaps, Tony thought, but it didn't seem all that likely.

"We're on the same damn side, Tony. You said it yourself." He chuckled. Gripped by a powerful and clearly insane urge to tell all, tell everything, Gibbs ploughed on and didn't stop to consider that anything he said could cost him his job.

"Same side? What do you mean by that?" Tony fired at him angrily. Gibbs hesitated, not expecting a sudden outburst from Tony.

"I mean," Gibbs began, "That you don't have to treat me like the enemy."

Tony scoffed, "Maybe I have good reason to, huh?" Tony winced, immediately regretting that comment. He lowered his voice, "Boss, please, I need to know what you know."

Gibbs looked at Tony, seemingly considering it, "I'll get my ass kicked if I tell you anything."

Tony raised his arms in the air, as if in defeat, "Boss, just TELL ME dammit!"he exclaimed, rather loudly. A passing nurse stopped in the doorway, "What are you doing in here, sir? You know visiting hours don't start for another half hour or so."

Gibbs turned to look at her, "I was just leaving anyway, miss."

"Boss…" Tony began, but Gibbs but him off.

"DiNozzo! You've gotta learn when to let go. Okay?" Gibbs exclaimed furiously as he got up out of the chair. Tony leant forward and scoffed, "Let go? This is coming from you, a former marine? I thought marine's never gave up?"

Gibbs went quiet, then replied in a soft yet fierce voice, "Don't you ever bring that up Tony, there's a difference between letting go and giving up. Think about it."

Gibbs turned to leave the room, giving Tony one last look. Tony wanted to fire back at him, but remained silent. Damn it! Why is everyone keeping secrets?

Tony watched Gibbs leave the room, then leant back and closed his eyes. He had to get out of here, find someone that could help him. It seemed obvious to Tony that Gibbs wasn't going to help him. He opened his eyes and looked down at the IV in his arm. He HAD to get out of here NOW. Tony grabbed the IV cord tightly and braced himself as he ripped it out of his arm. He grabbed his clothes off the end of his bed and threw them on.

He was going to get the answers himself.

A/N: What does Gibbs know? And why is he keeping it a secret from Tony? Ooooh everybody's got secrets here, guys!