AN: I would like to thank you all who reviewed this story. I, as I said at the beginning, was really, really unsure about posting a story so OOC for Gibbs and so emotional. But, surprisingly, it was well received, so thank you all for that. This is the last chapter to a story I really enjoyed writing.
The muse wouldn't let me go on this particular story. I really didn't the mental picture of Tony lying on Gibbs basement floor with blood coming out of the back of his head. I found it really disturbing, but it demanded to be written. Thanks again.
It took two cars, and a truckload of food to carry out their plan. Team Gibbs, and Jenny, showed up at Gibbs new house. Tim and Abby each drove. They pulled up in front of Gibbs' new house and piled out. Abby pulled the trunk release and everyone, except Tony, took a bowl or platter and started for the front door. Abby rang the doorbell, bowl in hand.
Gibbs opened the door and stood dumbfounded for just a moment, looking at his team and Jenny in amazement. They were all standing in such a way as to conceal Tony's presence.
"You can't move into a new house, without a house warming." Abby said, balancing a bowl, a present and her purse precariously in her arms.
"I'm not in the mood for a party." Gibbs stated flatly.
"I think our present will change your mind." Abby said, leading him on.
"There is nothing in that box…" Gibbs said, indicating the present Abby currently carried in her arms. "…that will change my mind."
"That's only part of your gift…." Ducky said smiling as they all moved aside and Gibbs saw Tony standing for the first time since he left Tony's bedside. "…here's your main present." Ducky smiled. "He was a little difficult to wrap."
"You wouldn't come to me…" Tony said, making his way slowly up the stairs with Ducky's help. "…so, I thought I would come to you." Tony said smiling. He looked up at Gibbs new house. "Nice house, no upstairs?"
By the time Tony reached the top of the 4 stairs that comprised his stairway, tears were streaming down Gibbs' face. He made no effort to stop them. Gibbs put his hands on both sides of Tony's face and stared at him for just a second. Gibbs then pulled Tony into his arms and held his tight, resting his head on Tony's shoulder. "I love you, Son." Gibbs paused. "I am so sorry I hurt you."
Tony was speechless for a moment, so what everybody had said was true. He was special in Gibbs eyes. "This was not your fault." Tony said, returning the hug. "I'm OK." Tony winced slightly.
Gibbs pulled back and looked at him, concerned. Gibbs had stopped crying, but his face and his eyes were still red.
"My back is still a little sore." Tony explained. "It's fine." He was still a little overwhelmed by Gibb's reaction.
Gibbs hugged Tony tightly, again. They stood there for a few minutes. Then Gibbs realized Tony was beginning to tire. Gibbs pulled back from Tony. Gibbs was smiling. The first time he had smiled in months. Gibbs slipped his arm around Tony's waist. "Come on, Son. Let's get you inside." Gibbs turned and helped Tony inside. The rest followed.
Tony leaned over and whispered in Gibbs' ear. "Sure, Dad." Tony then said, out loud. "Let's eat. I'm starving." Tony paused. "So, I thought you liked houses with second floors. Getting too old to be climbing stairs?" Tony asked smiling.
"It's comments like that that earn you head-slaps." Gibbs said moving his hand to the back of Tony's head. But instead of a head slap Gibbs just gently squeezed the nape of Tony's neck. He helped Tony to sit down on his couch in the living room. Everyone else headed for the kitchen to get the food ready. Tony and Gibbs could hear the sounds of meal preparation in the kitchen and the sounds of animated, happy talk.
Tony smiled and nodded. He waited for it to happen.
Gibbs placed his hand on Tony's shoulder. "Now that we have a few minutes to talk…. They have all missed you." Gibbs stated, indicating Team Gibbs and Jenny in the kitchen.
Tony looked at Gibbs for a long moment before he said anything. "You didn't hurt me, Gibbs. You would never intentionally hurt me. I know that. I fell against the railing, it broke. That was not your fault. You didn't push me."
Gibbs sat silent studying his hands for a moment. He didn't want Tony to see him cry again.
When Gibbs didn't say anything Tony continued. "I know I disobeyed a direct order. I had tripped when you saw me fall. I landed hard and it knocked the wind out of me." Tony explained. "That is why I had to lay there for an extra second. I needed a little time to recover."
"I was so angry, Tony. I saw you lying here. I thought…." Gibbs started.
"I know. You thought I had done something stupid and had gotten myself shot. I know you were angry." Tony said. "I was angry too. I didn't change the game plan to piss you off, believe it or not. I was trying to do the 'Gibbs thing' and trust my gut."
Gibbs nodded and smiled through tears. "I have kind of beaten that into you. Haven't I?"
Tony sighed. "Just a little, for the past…6 years."
"Six years, huh. Four more than at your other jobs." Gibbs observed.
"Yeah." Tony paused as everyone left the kitchen plates of food and drinks in hand. Jenny gave Gibbs his food and soda and Abby put Tony's plate in his lap as she settled down beside him. "I think it must be something about the job…" Tony paused. "…or the people. You never know. Then again, everybody should have at least one tall, good-looking, smart-ass to put up with."
Abby smiled and leaned against Tony. "I'm glad to have the 'old Tony' back."
Tony smiled and kissed the top of her head. "You may regret those words."
"Never." Abby said, looking at Tony. "Eat!"
"Yes, Ma'am!" Tony said and saluted.
The End
Guilty As Sin
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