Gibbs was helping Tony up off the stool, when another wave of vomiting and dizziness hit Tony like a sucker punch to the gut, "um boss" was the only thing he managed to say before he broke free from Gibbs support and flung himself over the sink, when they heard the doors open to reveal a triumphant looking Kate. What she didn't expect to see was Tony slumped over the sink retching, nor did she expect to see such a comforting side to the bad-ass ex-marine as he supported Tony through his recent bout of vomiting.
Ducky was handing Tony another glass of water and some aspirin, while Abby was standing beside Gibbs and Tony with silent tears rolling down her cheeks looking completely lost.
"Tony, what's wrong, Gibbs what did you do to him!" demanded Kate, she didn't care that he was her boss, she only cared about Tony looking so frail and weak. Abby was impressed "wow" was all she could say before Gibbs cut her off "I didn't do anything Todd!" barked Gibbs, as he felt Tony's weight shift. After a few more minuets retching Tony tried and failed to fix his composer, Gibbs watchful eye never leaving him until Tony signalled he was okay, as he moved back over to the stool. Abby squeaked and bolted right to Tony apologising "It's not your fault Abs, didn't think id react like that" he said as he soothed her.
"What you got Todd" "Erm Tony you okay?", Tony chuckled "if I had a dollar every time I was asked that id be rich, yeah Kate I'm okay" he said smiling to her, Gibbs rolled his eyes, "Kate, now or find another job!" Gibbs' mood had gone from concern to annoyance in thirty seconds flat. "Right boss, our petty officer was the prime suspect in the disappearance of Naval documents relating to arms shipments from Iraq". "That all" came Tony's shaky voice, "No Tony" Kate snapped, Tony was grinning, Kate smiled "He was questioned in 1994 by Baltimore P.D in relation to the 'Numbers' killer, nothing could be proven so he was released.
"Get me those files NOW" bellowed Gibbs, "I already did, rather McGee did, turns out Tony was the lead investigator on the case". Everyone looked at Tony as if he had two heads "what that was ages ago, he must have been lower on the food chain, I don't remember him and I interviewed everyone in connection with that case." Tony said.
"Tony that over ninety suspects, there'd be no way anyone could remember that many names and faces" said Abby sternly. Tony looked at her with sad eyes, "Unfortunally Abs that's one case that I'll always remember until the day I die".
"Enough", Gibbs looked at his watch it was almost 10.30 pm, "everyone go home, Kate after you and McGee talk to petty officer Wilson's family, head down to Baltimore and get those cases files, we need to know everything about that case and the PO's involvement". Tony gapped at Gibbs, Gibbs notice Tony go paler, "um boss, he's not gonna give them files up without a fight, he sees that case as his big success".
Gibbs smirked, "if the captain has a problem tell him to call me" he said with an evil glint in his eye, causing Tony to laugh.
With that his team headed home, "come on Tony, let get you home" Gibbs said as he helped him up. Tony looked uncertain, "I can drive boss", Gibbs smirked as Abby, Ducky and Kate stopped to watch the interaction, "I'll drive" offered Abby knowing full well that Gibbs would reject the idea, Tony was like a son to him, everyone on the team were family, and Gibbs wouldn't rest until he figured out Tony's demons.
"It's not up for debate Abs, I'm driving!" Abby looked at Gibbs "let me now I he needs anything, and take care of him, if you don't you answer to me boss man got it!" she said as she poked Gibbs in the arm causing him to chuckle, "got it Abs", with that the others said their goodnights and headed for the parking garage. "I do hope Anthony will be alright tonight" said Ducky as an after thought, "maybe I should check on him a little later". "Ducky, if he needs you Gibbs' call, there's no way he's leaving Tony on his own tonight" Kate reassured him, "yes I suppose your right Catalin, good night Abigail, Catalin" "goodnight Ducky". "Abs, what you doing tonight?" asked Kate, "well I was gonna go check on Timmy, missed him today, hopes he's feeling better. Why Kate?" "oh nothing, it's just that I had reservations for dinner, and my date cancelled and…" "I'd love to Kate, where?" Kate laughed "my place, I was cooking". Abby laughed, cool, I'll order the pizza, girly night has come early!" they both laughed as they headed to their cars, "see ya in 10" Kate yelled over to Abby, Abby gave her the thumbs up.
Gibbs was watching Tony as they waited on the elevator to the parking garage, Tony seemed more relaxed than he had been all day, he was actually bantering with Kate again and looking slightly better than he had been. They rode the elevator in silence, Tony closing his eyes to fend of the attacking dizziness ' what the hell is wrong with me' thought Tony as the elevator came to a halt and the doors opened allowing a gust of wind to sweep around him. As they headed for Gibbs car Tony faulted a couple of times, but he not have worried as Gibbs had his six no matter what. Gibbs was watching Tony each step becoming more unsteady as they reached the car, he was certain that Tony was gonna pass out, but to his relief they made it with out incident.
Tony knew that Gibbs wanted to know about the cases back in Baltimore, all Tony wanted was a shower and his bed, he would tell Gibbs in the morning.