A/N: The Anthony DiNozzo Sr in this story is from the universe my story Prodigal Son was written. In that story, Tony's father isn't a monster, but an emotionally distant man who didn't know how to deal with his son.

Chapter Three

The next day, the team was back at the hospital. Gibbs was in the hallway, finishing up a phone call.

"Special Agent Gibbs."

Gibbs looked up to see Anthony DiNozzo, Sr. standing there, looking less composed and tailored than he had at their last meeting.

"Mr. DiNozzo," Gibbs said, rising out of his seat.

"It's Anthony, remember?" DiNozzo Sr. said, shaking Gibbs' hand firmly.

"Right," Gibbs said, nodding, "and it's Jethro."

"How's my son, Jethro?"

"He's tough," Gibbs replied, smiling slightly, "and damn lucky. If the rebar had been an inch to the right it would have gone right through his heart. Both his legs were broken, but they were clean breaks; the doctors don't anticipate any permanent effects. With some intense physical therapy he should be back to normal in a few months."

DiNozzo Sr. sighed in relief. "When I got the call I thought you might be holding something back. I needed to see Anthony and talk to you, face-to-face."

"I wouldn't keep anything from you, not about your son," Gibbs said.

"I know; I just thought you might be saving the bad news to tell me in person," DiNozzo Sr. said, waving a hand. "Where is he?"

"His room is down here." Gibbs led him to his son's room. Abby, Ziva and McGee were there, trying to cheer up Tony, who was having difficulty keeping up with the conversation.

"Anthony," DiNozzo Sr. said, going to the bedside, "how are you feeling, son?" His concerned gaze swept over his son, taking in the tubes and wires hooked up to the younger man.

"Dad," Tony said, slurring slightly, "what are you doing here?"

"You were seriously injured, Anthony," DiNozzo Sr. said sternly. "Did you think I'd just ask to be updated on your condition and leave it at that?"

"No, sir," Tony said, chastised. "I'm sorry."

His father smiled. "That's okay, son. Your being hurt so soon after we lost your grandmother makes me think that someone is trying to tell me to spend more time with you. But you didn't answer my question, how are you feeling?"

"Right now, I feel kind of numb," Tony said, his dilated pupils proof of his drugged state. "And woozy. I have no idea what these guys have been talking about for the last ten minutes, but I think it had something to do with fuzzy bears and purple toads."

"Ziva was talking about terrorist lairs and then McGee and I started talking about network nodes and tracking communications," Abby corrected, smiling as she patted Tony's hand comfortingly. She stuck out her free hand to the elder DiNozzo. "Hi, I'm Abby Sciuto," she said with a dazzling smile. "It's so good to finally get to meet you, Mr. DiNozzo. Tony's such a great guy, you must be proud of him. I can see where he gets his good looks."

"You've already met Special Agent McGee and Officer David," Gibbs said, indicating the two other people.

"Yes, it's good to see you again," Anthony said, and smiled at Abby. "I've heard a great deal about you, Miss Sciuto; it's a pleasure to finally get to meet the remarkable young woman my son talks about."

"I can see where Tony gets his charm too," Abby said, grinning as she looked at the two DiNozzos.

"I'd like to talk to your doctors," DiNozzo Sr. said. "I'd like to know what course of treatment they're planning for you. I imagine you'll need to stay in the hospital for a while, then maybe a private facility."

Gibbs said, "Doctor Mallard talked to his doctors. You're right, they'll keep Tony here until he's strong enough to be moved to a rehabilitation facility nearby."

DiNozzo Sr. shook his head. "That's unacceptable," he said. "Anthony, when you're strong enough I'm going to have you moved to a center in New York, near me. I'll have my private physicians put on your case, you'll get the best possible care."

"New York?" Abby said in dismay, clutching Tony's hand more tightly. "You'll take him away?"

"I don't think I want to go to New York, Dad," Tony said, struggling to keep his eyes open. "I think it'll be best if I stay around here. We're in the middle of a case and…"

"You can't possibly believe you're going to work while you recuperate," his father said in amazement.

"Well, I can't actually go out in the field," Tony said stubbornly, his eyelids drooping.

"Tony will put all his energy and concentration into his physical therapy," Gibbs said firmly. "Visitors will not discuss any cases with him."

"If you take him to New York, we won't be able to visit him," Abby said sadly. "At least not as often as we could if he were here."

"Tony deserves the best care possible, Abs," Gibbs said, pulling Abby to him and looking into her eyes. "You believe that, don't you? He'll have family in New York."

"Tony's got great doctors here," she said, looking down at Tony with tears in her eyes. She reached out and stroked his hair. "And we're family."

Tony stirred, having fallen asleep. He looked up at Abby. "Hey, don't cry, Abs. The doc said I was going to be okay, remember?" he said, taking her hand and patting it clumsily. He lost his struggle to keep his eyes open and drifted off again.

Tony's father watched the senior agent comfort the young woman then looked at the other two agents.

Clearing his throat, he said, "I can see that my son means a great deal to all of you, and that you're all very important to him. I suppose it would be easier for me to make trips to DC than for all of you to travel to New York to visit him."

Abby squealed, and Mr. DiNozzo continued, firmly, "However, I insist that my orthopedic surgeon consult in his treatment, and I want regular updates on his condition."

Abby ran around the bed and hugged Anthony. "Thank you, Mr. DiNozzo," she said. "We'll make sure he's happy and keeps up with his therapy."

oOoOoOo

Tony was transferred to the Renaissance Convalescent Center after spending six days in the hospital. The team members tried to make regular visits to keep his spirits up, but the case kept them busy and he was getting depressed and restless. The physical therapy was draining and painful. He was frustrated that he couldn't exercise his legs; the lightweight casts still encased the lower portion of his legs, past the knees.

One rare afternoon, Abby found herself with time on her hands. She decided to surprise Tony by decorating his room to make him feel more at home. She enlisted Ziva's help, who picked the lock on Tony's apartment door. The two of them went through the place, picking items they thought would make Tony feel as if he was in his apartment. While Tony was down in therapy the two quickly decorated his room. They replaced the bland blue blanket on his bed with the afghan he had thrown at the foot of his bed. They put up old movie posters and set up a TV/DVD player on the counter. They had chosen a wide selection of Tony's DVDs and CDs, with plans to bring whatever else he wanted from the apartment.

"Surprise!" Abby yelled, when Tony was wheeled in from his therapy. The look on his face was priceless. It was a combination of shock and delight. He wheeled over to the bed and ran his hand over the afghan, his eyes misting over.

"Wow," he said, softly.

"Do you like it?" Abby asked, bouncing in excitement.

Tony looked up at the two women, his eyes bright. "I love it," he said, his voice cracking slightly. He cleared his throat. "I don't know what to say," he said.

Ziva ruffled his hair playfully. "You don't have to say anything, Tony," she said. "The look on your face says it all."

"We wanted to make you feel more comfortable," Abby explained. "You've got to be here for a while, you might as well make yourself at home."

"You guys are the best," he said, grinning up at the two. "This is fantastic."

"We love you too, Tony," Abby said, hugging the agent fiercely.