I just want to thank everyone for the kind reviews. The feedback has made me re-think my next step and this chapter is the result. I know it's kind of short but I hope you all enjoy it.
Pre-Slash: rating based on future chapters
Disclaimer: I own nothing…..sad but true.
Gibbs lifted his head. After Tony had fallen asleep he came downstairs to his basement sanctuary to work on his new boat. But he could hear whimpering coming from upstairs. Tony! He ran up the stairs and into his living room. Tony was clutching the pillow and tossing and turning.
"No please, don't do this, don't leave me again! You can't go! Please, I love you, please!" Tony started crying and Gibbs heart felt tight in his chest. He understood the anguish he was hearing in the other man's voice. He still felt it every time he thought of the family he lost.
Before he could stop himself he gathered Tony up into his arms and started to rock him.
"Shhh Tony, it's ok I'm here. I've got you."
"Why Gibbs, why do you all leave me?"
Gibbs was confused but he answered, "I'm here DiNozzo, I'm not going anywhere. I'm holding you." He continued to rock the distraught man.
Suddenly Tony started pulling away from Gibbs' embrace. "What, what happened? What's going on?" He was so confused. He had been dreaming. Someone was dying, someone he was trying to hold on to. Where was he? Was Gibbs hugging him? Ouch, did he just fall off the couch?
"Are you ok DiNozzo?" Gibbs asked. Tony could hear the concern in his voice.
"Umm, I think I broke my ass bone."
Gibbs chuckled, "If you can crack a joke, I guess that means you're ok. Do you remember the dream you were having?"
"Not really. I know someone was dying and I was begging them not to. But I can't see who it was or what was happening."
"Is this the way the dream always is?"
"I don't know, this is the first time I remember anything. Was I saying anything?"
"Yeah you were telling the person that you loved them and not to leave you again."
"Again?"
"Yup that's what you said. Then you asked me why we all leave you."
Tony felt his face heat up. He was glad for the darkness in the room because he didn't want Gibbs to see him blushing.
"I said that?" Tony whispered.
"Why do feel like I left you Tony?" Gibbs asked softly.
"I don't, I have no idea why I said that." Tony was desperate for Gibbs not to push this.
Gibbs could sense Tony's discomfort. He didn't want to push him too far. "Ok DiNozzo, I can tell you're holding back but I won't push you right now. You still need to sleep so why don't you get back up on the couch. I'll go back downstairs."
"You were in the basement?" Tony asked.
"Yeah why?" Gibbs asked with a confused look on his face.
"Well, can you not go back right now? I mean, what I'm asking is….."
"DiNozzo spit it out!"
"?"
Gibbs almost laughed, but when he saw how vulnerable the younger man looked, he knew it would be a mistake.
"Yeah DiNozzo, I can stay here. I won't leave you again. I promise."