DISCLAIMER: I don't own NCIS. I do own the happiness that comes with knowing it starts back up on Tuesday!!!!!

***

And it kept going for weeks, McGee wanted to laugh at the continuous loop that had formed in their lives. Oh how he wanted to but it was just too hard to force some sort of happy emotion on his face, even if it was ironic. Every Monday and Thursday Gibbs would take Tony to therapy. Every Tuesday and Friday Tony would be in a relatively good mood. Sunday and Wednesday, the days before therapy, the team would have to ignore how irritable he got as the day went on.

Saturdays, by far, were the best ones. And this Saturday the theater by Tony's apartment was showing a marathon, Jack Ryan this time. Not as well known as Indiana Jones, but Harrison Ford was still kickass in those films. So McGee, in a fit of brilliance that made him smile for fifteen minutes straight, decided that Tony was going to see it with him.

"McGoo! You came! I'm ready to be sprung from this, er, home," Tony ended lamely as Gibbs could be heard from the basement.

Grinning widely at the use of a nickname, McGee answered, "Yeah, let's go! We'll be late."

"Where exactly are we going?"

"You'll see."

McGee gestured for Tony to pass him. Then looking back, McGee nodded to Gibbs who had stood at the head of the stairway. A small nod from Gibbs propelled McGee into leaving Gibbs' home and driving Tony to the theater.

"Jack Ryan? Really," Tony's voice had risen in surprise. "You read Tom Clancy McAuthor?"

McGee raised an eyebrow, "It may surprise you but when I learned to write, I also learned how to read."

Tony cracked a partial smile as they joined the line to buy tickets. He looked around him and bounced on the balls of his feet slightly. McGee personally felt that being around other people without needing to talk to any of them would be good for Tony. Abby was disinclined to agree. And Ziva… McGee couldn't really figure out what Ziva thought.

It all came to fruition as they walked to the Italian shop nearby to pick up some food.

"Thanks Probie. I, it was nice."

McGee made sure he hid the smile that was threatening to blossom. Instead he responded to keep Tony from feeling exposed,

"I think so."

It felt inadequate so McGee spoke again,

"We should just decide that whenever there is a Harrison Ford marathon we go watch it together."

Tony nodded as he pulled open the shop door.

"Mio Tonio! You come! Ah, look at you- you are too thin! Let me cook for you!"

The grandmotherly lady behind the counter smiled hugely at them as McGee inwardly cringed.

"Sorry nonna, but- just take-out for five. Or seven. Let's go with seven," Tony smiled. "Spent the day at the theater, it's time to fill up on your delicious heaven on a fork!"

McGee stood back and let Tony work his magic. Sometimes, these times especially, he was amazed by Tony. The ability to move forward. In the back of his mind, he hoped that in some small way he is part of the solution, that he helped his friend move forward.

And when Tony grinned at him as the grandmotherly proprietor packed some food into containers, McGee had a rush of accomplishment. He, Timothy McGee, managed to make Tony DiNozzo smile on his own for the first time since he was abducted.

"Ready, Probie," Tony asked from the door.

"That smells amazing!"

Tony nodded seriously, "Oh, you have no idea. Soon enough, soon enough Probie, you'll get to taste the loveliness that is authentic Italian food!'

"Let's go Tony."

And as the team ate together that evening, McGee felt the shift. From worry over the unsmiling man to glee over a poorly made joke made by said man. Ducky patted McGee's shoulder after Tony made the joke like he was the one who made the table erupt into laughter. And in retrospect, McGee felt he did. That night, when he got home, he sat down at his typewriter and began a new novel.

***

"I understand that was hard Tony," the doctor said.

Tony took a deep breath and sat down on his chair again. Then calming his shaking hands, Tony began to speak again,

"He terrified me."

"I know."

"It was the silence and rage. Not that physical abuse…"

The older man nodded, "Usually physical altercations are easier to deal with than those you can't figure out. Should I cringe or will that set him off?"

Tony nodded vigorously, "Exactly."

They sat in silence for another few minutes before the older man started,

"You're making great progress. I'm going to let you get back to desk work."

Grinning hugely, Tony turned his head to look at the doctor.

"Really?"

"Really."

"Thank you! Does this mean that we're almost done?"

The hesitance in Tony's voice and face as he asked his question brought out a grin from the psychiatrist, who shrugged.

"I think a few more weeks, but ultimately, it's up to you. And before you say it, no. The reason I feel I can say this to you is that you know how much help you want and I'm able and willing to give it to you."

Tony contemplated this for a moment before nodding at the man next to him. It was time to face the nightmares and come out victorious. That night as Gibbs cooked in the kitchen for the two of them, Tony told his boss he was cleared for deskwork. The spasm in Gibbs hand and the grin that commanded his face spoke levels to Tony.

And since Tony had stayed away from alcohol since his return to DC, they splurged and bought colas from the nearby food mart. As they twisted the caps off their carbonated drinks, Tony couldn't feel foolish about two grown men celebrating with soda, he was too proud of himself.

***

A/N: Okay so I was re-reading the last chapter- I realize that Tony's mother most likely didn't do that stuff (not that we have yet to learn) so I want to let you know I took some liberties. Last chapter is what I call the low point of the story where everything after it only goes upward! More updates soon!