As Gibbs got home, he went to work on his boat. Sure, he was angry at Tony for being late. But what he said had gone to wide. He just told his senior field agent and friend that he regretted meeting him.
Gibbs ringing cell yanked him out of his thoughts. He answered it.
"Is there a Gibbs?" A man asked.
"Yeah, I'm special agent Gibbs." He answered.
"Good. I have a friend of yours here in my bar. And he's pretty drunk. Can't even walk. You were speed dial one, so I called."
"A friend? Who?" Gibbs asked.
"Hey, boy. What's your name? What was that? He says, his name is Tony."
Time stood still. "Where are you?" Gibbs asked after a short while.
He got the name and the address from the bar and drove there.
He wet in the small bar and was shocked.
Tony sat on one of the barstools with his head one the counter and in his left hand a glass. Tony wanted to take another sip, but Gibbs held his wrist firmly.
"Whaddehell?" Tony slurred.
"Come on, Tony. I'll take you home." Gibbs said and took Tony around the shoulder to support him to the car. "What does he owe you?"
"Nothing. He already paid." The bartender answered.
Gibbs seated Tony in the car and then got in himself. The drive was short and quiet.
As they pulled up in front of Gibbs house, Tony wanted to get out of the car himself and fell to the ground.
Gibbs rounded the car quickly and helped his friend up. He supported him to the couch and laid him down.
'God Tony… Is this my fault?' Gibbs asked himself and seated himself in the armchair next to the couch. He watched Tony for a few more moments and then fell asleep.
"Oh god…" Tonys moan woke Gibbs.
"Take these." Gibbs said and gave Tony aspirin and a glass of water.
Tony mumbled a quiet 'thanks' and swallowed the medicine.
"Why am I here?" Tony asked soft-spoken.
"You got pretty drunk and the bartender called me."
"Aha…" Tony sat up, moaning at the headache. "Anyway… I'm gone now. Thanks." He stood up and walked to the door.
"Tony –" Gibbs winced as the door slammed shut.