A/N: Standard disclaimers apply (see profile for full disclaimer)
Chapter 7
Abby was in her lab running some tests for Balboa's team when Ducky came in. Seeing him wince, she immediately turned her music off. "Hey, Ducky. How's Tony? I'll bet he's on the way home by now."
Shaking his head, Ducky answered, "No, Abigail, Anthony is not on his way home. In fact, he will be spending at least the next two days in hospital."
'Wow! Tony must be a pretty good actor if he convinced the doctors that he needs to stay in the hospital,' Abby thought. Aloud she said, "Two days? For black eyes and a headache? That seems a little extreme."
"If it were only 'black eyes and a headache' as you put it, then, yes, it would be extreme." Ducky's tone hardened. "However, when someone has a bleed on the brain, the doctors tend to err on the side of caution and keep them under observation. Really, Abigail, I must say that I am shocked at your lack of concern."
Abby sighed. "C'mon, Ducky. It's Tony. Again. And Gibbs has to run to his rescue. Again. You would think that the bossman would be tired of it by now."
A frown creased Ducky's brow as he began to realize just what Abby's problem really was. "Do you honestly think that Jethro does anything that he doesn't want to do? And right now, he wants to be with Anthony. In fact, I will probably have a devil of a time trying to get him to eat or sleep until Anthony goes home."
"That's just what I mean! All of the attention – it's always on Tony and poor Gibbs wears himself out worrying about him. Tony shouldn't expect Gibbs to stay there – the man does have other responsibilities. Tony has a dad – he doesn't need Gibbs to be his father-figure!"
And there it was. Ducky smiled, but it wasn't pleasant. "I can guarantee, dear girl, that Anthony does not look at Gibbs as a father figure, nor does Jethro view Anthony as a son." He paused, trying to decide just how to phrase his next question. "Abigail, are you jealous of Anthony, of the relationship that he has with Gibbs?"
"Jealous? Of Tony! That's ridiculous! Everybody knows that I'm the favorite, not Tony!"
"I am afraid that I must disagree, my dear. You are acting like an only child who suddenly has to contend with a new sibling! Really, Abigail, even if Jethro did see Tony as a son, do you think he would care less about you?"
"You don't understand, Ducky!" Abby wailed. "Gibbs is different lately! He doesn't seem to have time for me anymore – every time I go to his house, Tony is there! And Tony doesn't go clubbing with me anymore 'cause he's always with Gibbs! God, you'd think they were dating or something!"
Suddenly Abby froze, mouth open in shock. "Oh my God! How did I not see that! Gibbs and Tony! Why didn't they tell me? Did you know? Of course you did – why didn't you say something?"
"The relationship between Anthony and Jethro is no one's business but their own. And it is certainly not germane to our discussion at hand. You have treated Anthony abominably! I came here hoping for an explanation but I now realize that there is no excuse for your behavior."
"But you don't understand! I . . . " Ducky cut her off before she could continue.
"No. I do not want to hear any attempt to justify your actions. If I were you I would be trying to figure out how to repair your relationship not only with Anthony, but with Jethro as well. It will not be easy; in fact, it may be impossible. Anthony was hurt by your words – and we are all aware of how protective Gibbs gets when Anthony is hurt, be it emotional or physical."
Tears filled Abby's eyes but she could tell that Ducky would not be swayed. And she knew that he was right. She had been awful, and as much as she tried to say that her actions were on Tim's behalf, she knew that deep down she was jealous of Tony. "What do I do?" she asked quietly. "How can I fix this?"
Ducky sighed. "I cannot answer that question. My suggestion would be to wait until Anthony is out of the hospital and Gibbs has time to calm down. I am sure that Anthony will be quick to forgive you, probably too quick, but Gibbs will be quite a different matter."
Abby was about to reply when Ducky's phone rang. "Speak of the devil," he muttered. "Hello, Jethro. What can I . . ." Ducky stopped talking, apparently interrupted by Gibbs. He listened for a moment and started to reply only to realize that Gibbs had disconnected the call.
Looking at Abby, Ducky said gently, "I have to go back to the hospital. Anthony has suffered another seizure and they are taking him for tests. They may have to take him into surgery to relieve the pressure on his brain. Could you please tell the others for me – I must be on my way,"
Abby watched silently as Ducky hurried from her lab, tears now streaming down her cheeks. 'Oh, God – what have I done?'
TBC