Hey guys. Sorry this is a tad late. For a while, I didn't feel like writing, but I am coming back into my stride. Thanks for being patient.
Also, thanks for the reviews, alerts, and favs last chapter, too. You guys are awesome.
Oh, and I tried to do Fornell's POV at the beginning of the chapter. Let me know if he's OOC.
So, thanks for reading and I still don't own these characters.
See ya!
Fornell excused himself from McGee and Abby, heading slowly down the hallway, towards the courthouse basements and the holding cells. He hadn't been the one to bring DiNozzo here from the Leavenworth, but from what he heard the kid wasn't exactly in one piece. He had asked the agent what he meant, but he had been vehement about answering, and Tobias had sent him away with in frustration.
"I wasn't expecting a visitor," a familiar voice said the moment the doors closed behind Fornell. Tobias found a figure sitting in the shadows, back against the wall, legs stretched out in front of him. "Though, I guess if it had to be one gray haired ass…"
"Careful DiNozzo," Tobias said with a smirk. "I heard Gibbs gives head slaps for less."
"He does," Tony replied slowly pushing himself to his feet. Fornell noticed the wince, his eyebrows furrowing, only to have them shoot up again when the younger agent stepped into the light.
"Mother of God," Tobias whispered.
"What? It's the bruises right? Damn, I told them to avoid the face," DiNozzo jested half-heartedly, glancing at something over Fornell's shoulder. Tobias was too busy studying the younger man's face to really pay attention to his jokes. The left side of DiNozzo's face was a purplish/black color, his bottom lip was split and swollen, and he seemed to be fighting the urge to wrap his arm around his torso.
"What the holy hell happened to you?" Fornell asked slowly.
"The other inmates needed a moving punching bag," Tony retorted simply, shrugging, crossing the room. "I felt obligated to volunteer." He winced as he lowered himself onto the bench bolted to the wall.
"DiNozzo, I tried…" Fornell started, feeling unwanted guilt roll through his stomach.
"I know," Tony replied softly, leaning his head against the wall and closing his eyes. "Not blaming you." They were quiet for a moment, but DiNozzo finally opened his eyes and asked, "Where's Gibbs?"
The question caught Fornell off guard. Surely Gibbs had been to see his agent already. Jethro Gibbs cared more for his team than his own life, even Tobias could see that, and the fact that he hadn't gone to see his Senior Field Agent didn't set right with the FBI agent.
"Figured he was busy with the case," Tony continued, either choosing to ignore Tobias' hesitation or not really picking up on it. "Abby and Z said he was working on the case, so I guess they weren't exactly lying to me."
"That's probably it," Fornell replied nodding. "I'm sure he'll be here today."
"Maybe," the younger agent relented with a forced smile.
"I should go…"
"Yeah." Tobias turned to leave, but Tony called him back. "If you could…" the agent trailed off, looking down at his hands. "I don't want Tim and Abby to see me like this."
"I'll try to keep them out of the courtroom," Fornell responded slowly, catching on fairly quickly. "But I can't make any promises. Miss Scuito can be very persistent."
"She can be," Tony agreed, this time giving Tobias a real smile, albeit small.
"It'll be okay, DiNozzo," Fornell said quietly, turning to leave again.
"Thanks for keeping the lies optimistic," Tony called back and it took all of Fornell's control not to turn around. He squared his shoulders and kept walking, but he made a silent promise to help track this guy down; he did enough damage for one lifetime.
NCIS
Gibbs ducked into the courtroom a few moments before the proceedings started. He took a seat in the back, very much aware of his team missing. He shot Fornell a questioning look, the man in question sitting a few seats away from him, and Tobias merely nodded his head towards DiNozzo.
Following the gesture, Gibbs felt his gut clench at the sight of his Senior Field Agent. His face was covered in bruises and cuts and he seemed to be stooped a little. Jethro was fairly certain those cuts were recent since neither Abby nor Ziva mentioned them after seeing Tony. It made sense, now, why his younger agents weren't in the room; DiNozzo didn't want them to see his face.
Guilt washed through the older agent, and he ran a hand through his hair. A part of him knew it was irrational, but he couldn't help thinking that if he tried harder, did something more, then Tony wouldn't have those injuries. He wouldn't have to be waiting for a judge to grant him bail. There was also the chance bail wouldn't be granted, but Gibbs knew they'd have to cross that bridge if they came to it.
The court proceedings were quick and bail was set for twenty-five thousand. The judge warned Tony not to leave town, and then banged his gravel onto the wooded surface of his bench. As everyone stood up to leave, Gibbs fought his way to Tony's side.
"Hey boss," DiNozzo greeted quietly, keeping his eyes averted from Gibbs's. "Been wondering when I'd be seeing you." Despite his attempt at being witty, Tony just sounded defeated to Gibbs, and again Jethro felt guilt settle in his stomach.
"I have some money saved up, Gibbs," Tony continued running a hand through his hair. "I guess I should pay…"
"I've got it, DiNozzo," Jethro interrupted softly, trying to meet his agent's eyes.
"Don't worry about it, boss," DiNozzo muttered pushing past Gibbs, heading towards Fornell. "I know you're busy." Jethro would have to be deaf to not hear the bitterness in his agent's voice.
As guilt swept through Gibbs a second time, he thought about the past few days. He really should have gone to see his agent sooner, should have made it a point to make sure he was alright, but he had been so caught up with trying to get Tony free that he hadn't thought about his agent needing him. As strong as Tony was, even the strongest men needed someone to be stronger for them.
NCIS
The moment Tony walked out of the courtroom he was immediately surrounded by his friends. Abby immediately began asking what happened to his face, Ziva threatened to kill every single one of his attackers, and McGee's face just turned a few shades paler as guilt crossed his face.
"I'm fine," Tony stated, his eyes locked on Tim, trying and failing to smile. He winced, bringing a hand to his face, and said, "So, what'd I miss?"
The two younger agents and Abby exchanged quick looks and Ziva took it upon herself to answer, "Director Vance told us you are not allowed to help with the case."
Tony nodded, dropping his hand, attempting a second smile, "That's fine. I understand." The fact that Ziva knew exactly what he was referring to made him glad they were friends, and totally hate it at the same time. She knew him too well.
"Tony, we're barely allowed to work on it," Abby responded gently, trying to explain.
"Hey, I said it's fine," he replied softly, giving her another forced smile.
"Tony, I…" McGee started, but DiNozzo held up his hand, cutting him off.
"Not your fault, Tim-Tim," the older man informed his brother. "At least promise me you'll find this guy."
"We're working on it, DiNozzo," Gibbs' voice said, as the man in question stopped directly behind Tony.
"I know." Tony nodded, but he knew he couldn't just let his team deal with this without him. He had to work this case, even if it he was just nudging them in the right direction. He owed it to himself, to bring this bastard down, but he also owed it to Tim. It was always going to come back to Tim.
Sometimes, Tony wondered if their life would have been easier if they never found out they were brothers.
