THE DISTANCE BETWEEN-CHAPTER EIGHT
I DO NOT OWN NCIS OR ANY CHARACTERS ON THE SHOW
Palmer had been stopping by every other morning before he went to work to bring Tim his beloved coffee from his favorite coffee shop. It was a kind gesture on Jimmy's part that had meant a great deal to Tim. It was funny how small things taken for granted can mean so much to a person. The visits they had were short but always seem to give Tim that extra push to start his day off calm and happy. It had embarrassed Palmer that Tim made such a big deal out of the visits and the coffee but the accident had opened a lot of eyes and Tim was no different. If Ziva and Abby could talk feelings then Tim could do the same. So it was with a little discomfort on both sides that Tim thanked Jimmy for his time, thoughtfulness and care. In return Jimmy had thanked Tim for his support and kindness when he had been involved in a case a while back. It felt good if a little odd to talk things out but neither of them regretted it.
On the mornings that Palmer didn't come see him, Tim could always plan on Ducky stopping by. He assumed it was a system the two men had come up with to make sure Tim always had his morning coffee especially after seeing the pleasure it brought him. Tim loved Ducky's visits. He didn't remember much about either of his grandfathers but he would have liked to think they would have been like Ducky. The amazing stories and the vast knowledge that the older gentleman could share brought smiles to Tim and usually a nurse or two that happened to be around. A couple of mornings Director Vance had to call and track him down so caught up in his storytelling he became. Without the rush of work to distract Tim he was able to relax and enjoy each story. Ducky seemed pleasantly surprised to see how interested Tim found their time together. One morning Gibbs had stopped by and found the two of them with their heads together lost in conversation; after that Vance stopped calling to hurry the ME along.
Tim rarely saw Gibbs but he knew that he had been to the hospital several times. Work had kept him busy and Gibbs had wanted to make sure the rest of the team had time with Tim. Therapy and the visits with his friends and family had tired him out so Tim slept deeply each night but each morning he would wake with the sense that Gibbs had visited during the night. After several mornings he began to think he was dreaming the visits and had asked a nurse who admitted the quiet man had been to Tim's room nightly. Gibbs had not spoken to the nurses but had spent his time watching his young agent sleep, always leaving early with a look of peace about him. Tim missed being able to talk to him but understood it was Gibbs way of keeping an eye on him until he was ready to talk.
It was Ducky that showed up that afternoon to pick Tim up and take him home. Tim was already dressed and waiting causing the older man to chuckle. McGee was sure the doctor being to one to pick him up was tactical; Ducky would make sure all doctor's orders were followed. Dr. Maylone and the many nurses that had cared for Tim waved or talked to him for a moment as he was wheeled out to the waiting car. Many of them had teased Tim during his stay and admitted to his teammates they were quite taken with the sweet man appreciating his quiet, friendly manner and how easy it was to like him. Before long Ducky and Tim were loaded in an NCIS sedan to make Tim's ride more comfortable and headed home.
They were a few miles away when Tim noticed Ducky was not driving towards his own home but instead towards Gibbs.
"Ducky, where are you going? I live the other way." Tim stated brows creased in confusion.
"Well, my dear lad, Jethro had decided you should stay with him for a couple of weeks to heal a bit longer," Ducky replied.
"But I'll be fine, I should….."Tim started
"Timothy, you should know by now not to argue with Jethro. He says you are to stay with him and he will not accept anything else. You do realize he will not let you stay alone, don't you?" Ducky said.
With a resigned sigh, Tim agreed. Tim was stubborn but Gibbs could wear him down like no one else ever could.
The remainder of the trip was quiet but comfortable and Tim was lulled to sleep before they arrived at their destination. The car coming to a stop woke Tim from his rest; glancing around he looked at Gibbs home. Tim felt a feeling of warmth wash over him as he watched the front door open and Gibbs walk out towards the car. Tim had only been here a handful of times and each time had been picking Gibbs up when he couldn't drive or for work. For just a moment he felt like a child coming home after being gone for so long.
Tim had barely gotten his door open when Gibbs was there placing a hand on his elbow to help him out of the car. Ducky grabbed Tim's bag from the trunk and the three of them walked slowly to the house. Gibbs never let go of his arm; Tim never tried to remove it. Walking in the front door Tim was nearly knocked over when his beloved dog, Jethro came running to greet him. Gibbs grip on his arm and his other arm thrown across Tim's shoulders all that kept him on his feet; the dog was so excited to see Tim.
Gibbs helped Tim to the couch while Jethro ran in circles around their legs, barking excitedly. As soon as Tim was seated he patted his lap and Gibbs watched in amazement as this large, fully-trained dog became like a pup; rolling around on the couch beside McGee, licking his face while Tim laughed. Gibbs and Ducky stood watching and smiling at the sight.
"Sorry Boss, I shouldn't let him on your couch," Tim started, a smile still gracing his face.
Gibbs was shaking his head before he finished. "Its okay, McGee. I think it's a good assumption he missed you." Gibbs was smiling and Tim couldn't stop the answering smile that slid across his face.
It was in that moment Gibbs could see what Tim would have been like as a child and he knew he would never understand how the Admiral could walk away from his only son.
It was at that moment Tim could see what kind of father Gibbs would have been to Kelly and for an instant he felt sorrow for that loss. It was obvious being a father was something Gibbs was very good at.
For the first time in a long time Tim felt the comfort of home. He wanted to be a man that would have made a father proud and Gibbs was a man that was made to give a father's love. Tim felt like he was finally where he belonged.