They were driving out of the store's parking lot when Tony turned to Gibbs, "Why don't I come home with you and then I can drive to Abby's so that way you don't have to put the groceries away alone?"
"You don't have to," Gibbs replied not wanting to force Tony into anything. "I'm sure Abby's dying having to wait."
"I don't mind," Tony insisted. "I can call Abby and tell her."
To emphasize his sincerity Tony held up his cell phone and gave it a wave. Gibbs had to give a smile. He could tell that Tony was offering, not because he wanted to, but because he wasn't ready to leave his dad's side.
"Call her," Gibbs agreed.
It only took Tony a few minutes and few 'whispers' to get Abby to agree that it would be best if he helped Gibbs unload and then came over.
Back at the house the two men went back and forth unloading the groceries they'd brought. As they put them away they talked about nothing particular until they were done.
"Can I have a donut?" Tony eyed the donuts with a gleam in his eyes.
Gibbs handed one over, "You don't have to ask son."
"Riiiight," Tony looked skeptical, "That way when Ducky asks you can blame me; I don't think so."
Gibbs swatted at his head playfully, "Go get in the car."
"That's ok dad, I can drive myself," Tony replied, though his eyes showed that he liked the idea of Gibbs driving him.
"I know you can, but I don't mind," Seeing Tony about to protest again he added, "Besides, I told Ducky I'd stop and pick up Mrs. Mallards medicine today."
"If you're sure," Tony agreed hesitantly.
"Let's go," Gibbs ushered his son out the door and to the car.
On the road Tony fiddled with the radio until Gibbs slapped his hand away, "Driver picks the station."
"Aw dad," Tony groaned, letting his head fall back against the headrest as oldies rock started to come out of the speakers.
Gibbs shook his head at his son's antics and then chuckled as Tony started to softly sing along.
It only took about ten minutes for them to pull up to Abby's apartment. Tony grabbed his bag from the back and with a quick hug jumped out of the car.
Abby who was waiting by the window, threw open the door and walked over to the drivers side of the car.
"How's it going boss man?"
"Hi Abs," Gibbs gave the Goth girl a kiss on the forehead.
"How are you two doing?" She asked looking between the two.
"Fine," Gibbs answered in his usual manner.
Abby grinned mischievously, "That's alright boss man, Tony will tell me all the good stuff."
With that she bounded over to Tony, grabbed his arm, and started to walk with him down the walk. Gibbs shook his head as he drove away. He knew that though happy with the situation, Tony needed someone to talk to…someone who could help him calm the fears that he still had.
OoOoOoOo
"Let's hear it," Abby ordered as she sat next to Tony on the couch.
"Hear what Abs?" Tony asked his eyes wide and innocent.
"You know what mister!" Abby scolded.
"Alright, alright," Tony laughed holding up his hands in surrender. "What do you want to know?"
"How's it going?" Abby asked, "How are you feeling? I want to know everything."
"It's going great. I'm doing fine." Tony answered the two questions before taking a deep breath and continuing. "We're getting along great. I got him to watch the Magnum PI marathon with me."
"He did!" Abby was shocked knowing her boss's feeling on television and other 'nonsense'.
Tony nodded with a wide grin to his friend's reaction, "Yeah and he watched all my James Bond movies."
Abby grinned wider then Tony (if one can imagine that) at Tony's words. She could see the delight in her friends face. She could also see the one emotion that he was trying so hard to hide.
"So then what are you afraid of?" Abby was blunt in her question.
"Who said I was scared?" Tony shot back, a slight blush to his face as he recognized the truth in the female's face.
"I know you Tony," Abby cuddled against the older man. "Want to watch a movie?"
Abby could tell Tony was close to shutting himself off so she quickly changed the topic. At his nod she flashed a smile and put on a James Bond (with Sean Connery playing the man) on.
Together, they made some popcorn, got out pop and candy, before pressing play. They munched and watched the movie. Abby kept stealing glancing at her friend, the fury she felt for DiNozzo SR. the fury she'd buried upon Tony regaining his memory, came back.
The insecurities radiating off of the older man was powerful. Abby could guess half of the worries and knew she'd be right.
She worried a little more when, by the end of the movie, Tony was lying on his back, his head in her lap, and the bowl of popcorn on his stomach.
"Hey Abs," Tony's tone was quiet as the ending credits rolled.
"Yeah," Abby knew better then to answer with more then that one word.
"Am I being a nuisance?" Tony was hesitant.
"What!?" Abby demanded. "What are you talking about? Of course you're not a nuisance! Why would you ask that?"
Tony shrugged, "I just…I don't know. I made a fool of myself today and..."
"And what Tony?" Abby kept her voice soft; scared she'd spoke him into not talking.
"And what if he doesn't want me!" Tony got up and started to pace.
"Tony…Tony, stop," Abby's heart went out to the man who was like her brother. "Tony! Come here and sit down."
Knowing better then to cross the Goth Tony sat down by her.
"Tell me what happened." Abby ordered in her no nonsense tone.
Tony began to tell her about how he'd almost ridden the cart while in the store and how later Gibbs let him do so in the parking lot. By the time he was done his head was in his hands. "I acted like a stupid little kid."
Abby rolled her eyes, "No you didn't. Tony, you never had someone to answer to, never had someone to care about you. Gibbs does and he won't stop. You acted like a son; nothing more. Besides…riding the carts is fun."
Tony chuckled into his hands and looked over at the girl beside him. "You think he'll take me to the store again?"
"So long as he wants help loading the car I think you're safe." Abby laughed.
Tony sat up straighter suddenly feeling better, "Wanna go for a walk?"
Abby nodded and put on some shoes.
OoOoOoOo
As the two walked they didn't do much talking. It was in silent agreement that they walked to the park just outside of Abby's neighborhood. There was a group of men playing some basketball so Abby shooed Tony towards them and sat and watched.
An hour later, a now sweaty Tony fall on the ground beside her, "It's been awhile since I've done that."
"You guys are always busy," Abby agreed.
After Tony caught his breath they started to walk around the park, ending up at a ice cream stand. Neither noticed the green car that had pulled up just a few yards from them or the man who got out and now watched them with intent interest.
Before they could decide what to get Tony's phone rang.
"Hey dad," Tony greeted, "You're on speaker."
"How are you two doing; staying out trouble?" Gibbs greeted his only child.
Tony rolled his eyes playfully as he answered, "We're fine."
Abby added with a small giggle, "And staying out of trouble boss man; we're at the park."
"Good, I forgot to ask, do you want me to pick you up or is Abby dropping you off." Gibbs voice was that of a parent causing Abby to smile.
She looked up at Tony and shrugged, "Can we play it by ear?"
The two waited for the 'no' to come from the older man but were surprised when Gibbs answered, "That's fine. Just make sure to call me either way."
"Will do," Tony agreed.
"I'll leave you two alone," Gibbs started to say goodbye but stopped, "Oh yeah, Tony. Ducky's coming over for supper so I suggest you don't pig out to much."
"Me?" Tony asked in his most innocent voice.
"Yes you," Gibbs answered, "So step away from the ice cream stand."
'How does he do that' Abby mouthed to Tony who shrugged.
"What ice cream stand?" Again Tony put on his most innocent voice.
"The one right in front of you wise guy," Gibbs replied, "The only reason to go to the park. Assuming, of course, you've already played basketball."
"Ok," Tony couldn't stop himself. "Are you watching us or something?"
"I think I know my own son, son." Gibbs chuckled.
"Got me there dad," Tony beamed with his dad's comment.
"Behave," Gibbs hung up the phone in his trade mark way.
"He scares me," Tony told Abby as he shut his phone. "You won't tell on me…would you?"
"Come on, I want the chocolate peanut butter," Abby laughed.
"Fine, you go get us a seat and I'll get the ice cream."
Abby nodded her agreement and bounded away. Tony stepped up to the counter and waited his turn.
"Can I help you sir?" the girl behind the counter asked with a smile.
"Yeah, I need one mint chocolate chip and one chocolate peanut butter please," Tony smiled back.
"One scoop or two," She asked.
"Two scoops and in waffle cones if you got them," Tony answered, grabbing his billfold out from his pant pocket.
"Yes sir, that'll be…" she paused to add up the order, "4.25 please."
As Tony grabbed the money from his wallet, a hand came from behind and placed a five dollar bill.
"Allow me," an all too familiar voice spoke.
Tony froze in his spot. The girl looked between the two briefly before stepping back and getting the ice cream ready, leaving the two men to come to a decision.
Tony spun around and looked right into the eyes of…
"F-f-father…"
TBC…