Found Chap. 2
Gibbs took the pan out of the oven and left it to cool on the stove as he took the bacon, eggs, and gravy to the table. He didn't know if Tony would be able to eat anything yet, but it couldn't hurt to entice him a little. Besides, he was sure Tony hadn't eaten in a least 24 hours, the kid needed something in his stomach. If the rich breakfast was too much for him, there was watermelon and cantaloupe in the refrigerator. Or maybe some toast would be better? Either way, Tony would be fine.
Once the biscuits were cool enough to move, Gibbs plated those up as well. Refilling his coffee, he heard the tell-tell signs of Tony coming down the stairs.
"Right on time, DiNozzo, as usual."
Waiting for Tony to appear in the kitchen, Gibbs leaned up against the counter and sipped his black coffee, thinking about all the times Tony ragged him about his nasty coffee. It was never taken too far though, Tony just like to poke fun.
"Well, you certainly look better this morning."
Tony ran his hand through his still disheveled hair and grinned. He looked a mess, but he was much more alert than last night. Still, he had already called Ducky to come check the kid out. He wanted to be sure Tony was physically fine. The horrible cocktail that been coursing through his veins just hours before could have terrible side effects.
"Want some breakfast?"
"I'm actually starving."
"I'm not surprised. When did you last eat?
"Day before yesterday. I picked up a pizza on the way home from work."
"A pizza? Ducky's hearing about this."
"Great! He already rides me about sleeping."
"He cares, Tony. If he didn't he wouldn't gripe at any of us about how our bad habits affect us."
"I know. It's just odd, having people care about what I do. I've never really had that."
Tony clamped his mouth shut and shook his head.
"I don't know why I keep telling you this stuff. I'm sorry. I guess whatever was in my system is making me wonky."
"It's okay. You can tell me anything and I won't judge you."
"Isn't that what I've been doing since you brought me back here last night?"
"I guess it is. I just don't want you to be uncomfortable telling me anything. I'll listen, Tony, I promise."
"I gotta call Abby. She's gonna wanna to do some tests."
"On what?"
"You. You're acting strange, Boss."
"I'll have Ducky check me out when he gets here."
"Why is Ducky coming over?"
"I want him to check you over again."
"Do I get a say in any of this?"
"Not until I'm completely sure you're alright."
"Ooookay."
"Finish your breakfast. I'll be right back."
Gibbs picked up his coffee cup and headed up the stairs while Tony ate. He really needed to give the team an update on Tony. Now was the perfect time to do that. Sitting on the bed, he reached for the phone and dialed the number that rang through to his desk at NCIS and waited.
After assuring the rest of the "family" that Tony was not fine, but well on his way, he headed back down stairs to find Tony finishing up the dishes.
"Abby's coming over later to see for herself that you're alright."
"She's gonna smother me. I know she means well, but I'm just not used to it."
"I'm starting to get that."
Gibbs started drying the dishes and placing them back in the cabinets. It was probably freaking Tony out, but damn it, he just wanted to be close to the kid. He was still convincing himself that Tony was here and safe.
"Ducky said he'd be over in a few minutes."
"Awesome. More smothering. I'm sorry, that's rude. I'm being an ass."
"I think it's expected somewhat right now. Come on, let's go over what you remember from yesterday."
"Sure. Although, it won't be much."
"That's okay. I just need a statement. Besides, Ducky thinks your memory will come back slowly after all the drugs are out of your system. We can always amend the statement then."
Tony paced the living room as he went over what little he could recall of yesterday. Gibbs watched him become more frantic as he tried to remember the blanks in his day.
"Tony, call down, bud. This doesn't have to be perfect. We'll get there in time. Ducky's here anyway. Let him look you over."
Gibbs watched as Tony plopped down onto the couch and tried to calm down. Gibbs sat beside him and started rubbing his back in soothing motions. The older man doubted if anyone had ever done this for the boy.
Noticing that Ducky didn't bother to knock, Gibbs grinned inwardly.
"Let's have a look at you, dear boy. I must say, you seem much better than the last time I saw you. That's good to see."
"I feel better. Not as detached or unhinged."
"Your pupils are back to normal I see. Any troubling other than the residual effects?"
"Not really. I just hate that I can't remember."
"Well, that should get better in the next few days. You may never recall everything, but most of it should come back to you in time."
"Yeah, well, I don't have that kind of time."
Gibbs stood and headed for the kitchen for a refill of coffee."
"He really should limit his caffeine intake, but that's like telling the stars not to shine. Now, Anthony, don't push yourself and overdo it for a while. I know you, so when your body tells you to rest, do it. If you feel odd, let me know. Other than that, I think you should be just fine in a few days."
"Thanks Duck."
Patting his shoulder, the old M.E. headed to the kitchen.
"Jethro, the boy should be fine given some rest and a little TLC. I know he's not accustomed to such, but you'll just have to deal with that. Everything happens for a reason, Jethro. Remember that conversation we had about him? This is your chance. Don't waste it."
"I don't plan to, Duck."