Disclaimer: Not mine.
A/N: First of all, I appreciate everyone who has reviewed. I do try to take what you say and incorporate it into the chapters. I thank you for taking the time to give that input.
Second, I want to apologize to any that I may have offended. That was not my intention. I understand that this is a sensitive topic. I have no tolerance for the abuse of anyone, especially children. But remember, this is a story, something written for fun. That is what FanFiction is. And as I stated before, if you don't want to read about certain topics... don't read this.
Thanks again, Aussiepupluvr.
Just as Ducky was leaving to go back to NCIS, Gibbs' phone rang. "Yeah, Gibbs."
"Hey Probie, how's it going?"
Gibbs sagged against the wall when he heard Franks voice.
"Hey Mike, not so good. Both these boys have been abused, badly. They've both been malnourished for far too long. Timmy's in surgery for a punctured lung. Ducky doesn't know if he'll have the strength to get through the operation."
"Crap."
"Yeah."
"I'll send Stan over to take photo's. We'll need to have documentation of what happened to them. Let me know when would be best."
"I know,and I will. It's just so hard to see that done to someone so small."
There was a minute when neither of them talked, but Franks brought them back on topic. "Have you gotten anything out of Tony? Does he have family anywhere? Mom, dad, anybody?"
"I haven't had the chance to ask him yet. He's off getting x-rays done now. After that they'll settle him into a room. I'll find out then."
"Alright. Find out soon. I want to know if I'm just losing you for this detail or if I need more agents guarding their rooms."
"You'll be the first to know Mike."
"Good. Talk to ya soon Probie."
Closing the phone he put it in his pocket and rested his head against the wall, with his eyes closed.
"Hey Gibbs come on, lets go to the Doctors Lounge and get some real coffee. Tony's almost done with his, 'bone pic's'. After they get him settled I'll take you to his room."
"Alright, that sounds good. Thanks Shawn."
"Ah, what are friends for." Slapping him on the shoulder they went to the lounge.
"Hey Buddy, whoa, wait? Are you my Buddy?" Gibbs had walked into the room Shawn had said Tony was set up in. On the bed was a boy in blue pajama scrubs. He sat cross-legged, arms folded, glaring at Nurse Jenna. Meanwhile Nurse Jenna stood next to the bed, arms also folded, staring right back at the boy.
"Oh yes Agent Gibbs, this is Tony. After getting a bath you can see his hair is a light brown not dark brown."
Stepping further into the room and coming up next to Jenna, Gibbs could see how really cute he was, with all the dirt and grime scrubbed off. "So, what's with the glaring contest?"
"We're still upset that I helped him bathe. Apparently he gives himself and his brother a bath on his own."
"No need 'elp." Tony finally spoke. His glare never leaving Nurse Jenna.
Nurse Jenna completely ignored the look and turned to Gibbs, "After explaining what a 'responsible adult' was, we came to an agreement that I, being a responsible adult, could not in good conscience, let him take a bath alone."
Raising an eyebrow Gibbs looked at Tony, "She's right you know. You can't get bath's by yourself."
"But I alway do." Tony pouted, lower lip hanging out.
"And how long have you, 'always' been doing this?" Gibbs asked.
"Since mama gone." Tony pulled his knees up and wrapped his arms around them.
Gibbs opened his mouth but Jenna beat him to it, "I'll let you boys talk. And Tony your blanket should almost be done in the wash. As soon as it's dry I'll bring it in to you, okay?"
"Timmy's banket." Tony mumbled not looking up from his knees.
"Timmy's blanket. Okay. I'll bring it in soon." After that promise Nurse Jenna left the boys to talk.
"Do you mind if I sit on the bed?" Gibbs didn't want to crowd him, but wanted Tony to know he was safe with him.
"Yeah."
"Tony, I'm going to have to ask you some questions. Alright?"
"Yeah."
"First, when's your birthday?"
That was apparently not the question Tony had expected. His head came up and he looked at Gibbs as he replied, "Ju-y eight."
"July eighth, huh. And if Timmy's going to be eighteen months this Saturday, his birthday is on," Gibbs acted like he was thinking really hard.
"No-ember if-teen."
"Ah, November fifteenth. Wow you guys will be old." Gibbs teased, making Tony giggle.
"Nu-hu." Tony said shaking his head. Gibbs just chuckled.
"What 'ou want to ask Gibbs?" Tony asked looking at Gibbs. 'This is one frighteningly smart little boy' Gibbs thought to himself. Taking a deep breath, he debated what to ask first.
"What's your last name?"
"Don' know. Mama ne'er say."
"Where's your mom?"
"She die. Few 'eeks after Timmy's b-day."
"I'm sorry Buddy." Tony just shrugged his shoulder, in a gesture showing, he'd heard it before. "What about your dad?"
"Mama said he die 'for Timmy born. I don' member him."
"You don't have any other family? Your mama never talked about a grandma or grandpa?"
Tony's forehead scrunched up in thought as he tilted his head to the side. "Mama alway say she 'issed her mama an papa."
Figuring he was going to stick out again Gibbs still asked, "So any aunts or uncles?"
"No!" Tony practically yelled.
'Well okay, not the response I was expecting' Gibbs thought. "Okay. What does that mean?"
"Ben un-ted us to 'all 'im Uncle. We ne'er did." While talking Tony had started to uncurl from his tight grip around his legs. With this last revelation he was curled up even tighter than before.
"Okay, it's alright. Ben won't hurt you here. I promise. I won't let him anywhere near you."
"Or Timmy?" Tony wanted to make sure his brother was safe too.
"Of course Tony. I'll keep Timmy safe too." This seemed to reassure him as Tony slowly loosened his grip. Releasing a breath he didn't know he was holding Gibbs asked, "You ok with a few more questions?" Tony nodded his head as he looked right at Gibbs.
"Okay, now, if we're going to keep you safe I need to know a little about Ben. That way we can put him away where he can never get to you."
"Good. Put 'im away." Tony said with determination.
"Alright, do you know his last name?"
"No. He an Mama ne'er say."
"Your Mama knew him?"
"Dat his house. We l-id with him an Mama. After Mama die, we 'tay dare."
Gibbs could tell, no matter how determined Tony was, he was a little boy who had been through a very trying day. "Hey Buddy, how about you lie down for awhile. Try and get some sleep. We can talk more later. Okay?"
With this suggestion Tony let out his first yawn, and covered his mouth. Nodding his head he scooted down into the covers. Gibbs grabbed the ends and pulled them up to Tony's chin, tucking him in.
"Gibbs?" Tony asked with a tremble in his voice.
"I'm not going anywhere Tony. I'm staying here with you." Gibbs reassured.
"No, well, tanks, but." Tony chewed on his bottom lip as he tried to figure out how to ask his question.
"What is it Buddy?" Gibbs asked as he sat on the bed again, gently rubbing Tony's back.
"Is Timmy die?" Tony asked so quiet Gibbs almost didn't hear. Most likely wouldn't have known what he said, but he was watching his lips.
"Tony." Gibbs stopped to think about what to say. This little boy, barley two and a half, had been through more than most adults. He had a strength to him that most people would envy. So how could Gibbs lie to him. If he said Timmy was fine, was going to be fine, and something happened, it would tear this boy apart.
"He die, din-it he?" Tony looked close to tears.
"No, Tony, he's still alive. But I can't lie to you Buddy. He's hurt really bad. But I promise you the best Doctor is doing everything he can to make him better."
Tony looked into Gibbs eye's again. Gibbs found it slightly unnerving how much Tony seemed to be getting from just a look.
"Kay. I be'ieve 'ou." Tony then curled up with his covers and closed his eye's. It only took a moment for him to fall asleep and soft little snore's were heard.